By Meljohn R. Tatel; Photos by Ms. Mheanne Lonto

Mr. Gregorio Re Abonal, Principal, joined the other basic education administrators of Jesuit schools in the country in the exposure trip to mainland China on May 16-21, 2010.

Organized by the Chinese government’s Confucius Institute, the exposure trip to the Middle Kingdom was composed of administrators from the Ateneo de Manila High School, Ateneo de Iloilo, Sacred Heart School-Jesuit (Cebu), and Ateneo de Naga.

China’s Confucius Institute is represented in various countries having ties with the People’s Republic of China. The institute has its base in the Philippines in the Ateneo de Manila University.

Confucius Institute aims at enhancing the understanding of Chinese culture and tradition in the world; deepening friendship among countries where it is based; and promoting cultural diversity in the world. Thus, the institute has promoted programs to realize the primary objectives. 

The group of administrators toured the cities of Beijing and Xian. In Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Badaling Great Wall and the Olympic Complex were visited by the group. Then, they proceeded to Xian to explore and see the Terracotta Museum, Giant Pagoda, Hua Qing Springs, and the Hua Shan Peaks.