XIAMEN, 28 November 2024 --- Eighty-one (81) Grade VIII students from Xavier School participating at the Xavier China Experience (XCE) visited the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen on 27 November 2024.

They were treated to an afternoon of learning about diplomatic/consular life and of anecdotes about life in China (Xiamen), and snacks of popular street foods in the Philippines.

Consul General Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena welcomed the students and their teachers.  She presented a PowerPoint deck outlining PCG Xiamen’s work.  She also rendered an inspirational message encouraging the students to work hard, and be driven by values, while cherishing friends and family.

Two students, Jayden Gabriel Garlitos and Liam Thomas Silva shared their insights and experiences pertaining to the XCE program.  Both concluded that the program provided them not only education and recreation but gave them “a journey of discovering their roots.”

The students were accompanied by ten (10) teachers led by the Chinese Liaison of XCE-Fujian Team, Ms. Jennifer Say, and this year’s Program Coordinator, Mr. Jean Pierre Mitchell Reniva. 

XCE is an important part of the Xavier School curriculum, designed to provide the students with an awareness of their own heritage while allowing time for the improvement of their proficiency in the Mandarin language. 

PCG Xiamen has been a must-stop destination for participants of XCE since 2014. END