GBF China Scholars Stage Mid-Autumn Festival
Scholars of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) China Scholarship Program celebrated Chinese culture by treating mall-goers to a special presentation of the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall Atrium.
Composed of the country’s most promising young leaders and professionals, the GBF Batch 2 Scholars demonstrated their growing understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and arts through an interpretative performance of the story of the Mid-Autumn Festival, popularly known in the Philippines as the Mooncake Festival. The show centered on the mythical legend of Chang-E, the Chinese goddess who was lifted up to the moon in the quest for immortality.
The showcase of the scholars’ talents highlighted the richness of the Chinese culture. It likewise emphasized the importance of emulating the strengths of progressive China, to foster similar solutions for the improvement of Philippine socio-economic conditions. The event also served as a platform for the GBF scholars to pay tribute to the GBF group headed by Chairman of the Board John Gokongwei Jr. In addition, this was an opportunity to apply the students’ capability to excel not only in academics but in the arts as well.
The Mid Autumn festival was staged in cooperation with the Confucius Institute of the Ateneo de Manila, one of the partner institutions of the GBF China Scholarship Program in preparing scholars for their full immersion in China. The afternoon also saw a unique performance from the famed Sun Yat-Sen University Students’ Art Troupe in display of colorful costumes, dances, and songs accompanied by Chinese musical instruments.
The scholars are set to delve deeper into the culture and growing economy of China as they spend five months at the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai early next year.
The GBF China Scholarship Program is a 10-month course that seeks to empower the country’s most promising young professionals with insights into the successes of China. Now on its second year, the dynamic program aims to yield future Filipino leaders and socially responsible individuals who can lead efforts in uplifting the country.
GBF China Scholars Mid-Autumn Festival
