For me, a senior journalist of the Mindanao Times in Davao City, it was more than just a professional development opportunity; it was a profound immersion into a world of shared aspirations and newfound connections.
This “working vacation” to Mainland China, my second after a memorable trip to Fujian and Xiamen in 2019, became a tapestry woven with insightful lectures, captivating cultural explorations in Beijing and Nanchang, and the forging of bonds that transcended geographical boundaries.
The seminar itself was a revelation. Our esteemed teachers illuminated China’s remarkable technological advancements, offering glimpses into a future brimming with possibilities.
Beyond the impressive innovations, I gained an invaluable understanding of the media’s pivotal role in fostering international understanding. The evolving landscape of global journalism demands collaboration, and this seminar underscored the critical need for journalists from BRI partner countries to build bridges of empathy and cultivate shared progress through our narratives.
Our first field visit in Beijing took us to the All-China Journalists Association. Stepping into that space, surrounded by colleagues from 23 different nations, was a powerful reminder that despite our diverse backgrounds and cultures, the pursuit of truth is the unwavering thread that unites us.
The inspiring exchange that day left me with a richer, more nuanced perspective on the complexities and vital importance of global journalism.
Later in Beijing, we had the privilege of visiting China’s Xinhua News Agency. Exploring their cutting-edge Big Data Center offered a glimpse into the future of news dissemination, while a tour of their Historical Hall grounded us in the agency’s rich legacy. While some newsrooms are still debating whether or not AI will replace journalists’ jobs, the Chinese media are embracing the technology to change how to deliver news and engage their audiences.
Engaging with their technology experts highlighted the importance of staying at the forefront of news innovation and fostering global collaboration in this digital age.
For a fleeting moment, I even had the exhilarating experience of posing in their TV newsroom, a Filipino journalist feeling like a news anchor in the heart of China.
A snapshot captured that unique moment – me, a journalist from Davao City, alongside Samandar Iskandarzoda, the insightful TV news director of Tojikiston from Tajikistan, at the Tongzhou News Agency. It was a tangible representation of bridging cultures through the power of news.
What thrilled me most was the chance to finally climb a portion of the Great Wall of China. It was an experience I’d only encountered in my high school history books.
The Great Wall had always been on my bucket list, so I was incredibly grateful to this seminar for making it possible.
A walk through time
A visit to the Communist Party Museum in Beijing offered a different, yet equally crucial, perspective. More than just a historical account of a political entity, the museum provided a profound understanding of China’s national evolution – its struggles, its triumphs, and its continuous journey of transformation.
The experience prompted deep reflection on the potent influence of ideological conviction in shaping not only China’s present but also its future trajectory.
The museum itself, opened in 2021 to commemorate the CCP’s centennial, is a powerful monument in Beijing’s Chaoyang district. Its architecture, a blend of modern design and traditional symbolism, invites visitors into a space dedicated to the nation’s formative leaders and pivotal moments.
Amidst the structured learning, there were moments of personal discovery. In Beijing, my Editor-in-Chief, Kuya Joel Escovilla, and I found ourselves wandering through the awe-inspiring Forbidden City.
Visiting the Forbidden City, where emperors once lived amidst China’s rich history, was another unforgettable highlight.
To walk through this imperial palace complex, a place previously confined to the pages of my high school history books, was surreal. The sheer scale of it – over 9,000 rooms spread across 72 hectares – was humbling. Though my feet ached, the breathtaking grandeur of this historical marvel made every step a worthwhile journey through time.
Key hub of the BRI
Our journey then took us south, via airplane, from the bustling metropolis of Beijing to the historical city of Nanchang.
Our first encounter in Nanchang was at the Relic Museum, where a palpable sense of awe filled the air. We, a hodgepodge of journalists, stepped into the opulent world of the Haihun Principality of the Han Dynasty.
The exhibition hall, aptly named “The Golden Haihun Principality,” unveiled the exquisite lifestyle and rich cultural tapestry of this ancient kingdom.
The sheer abundance of gold artifacts unearthed from the tomb of Liu He, the Marquis of Haihun, was breathtaking, a testament to the advanced craftsmanship and refined tastes of Western Han Dynasty royalty.
One journalist quipped, “Oh, we could take some of this gold back home with us!” The lighthearted remark underscored the sheer opulence on display.
I could understand. The level of detail and the sheer quantity of these artifacts speak volumes about the wealth and sophistication of this kingdom.
The exhibition doesn’t merely showcase individual treasures; it weaves them together to narrate a broader historical narrative. Through informative panels and carefully arranged displays, visitors gain a profound understanding of the Haihunhou Kingdom’s place within the mighty Han Dynasty.
The exhibits illuminate the dynasty’s prosperity, its cultural dynamism, and the significant role the Haihun Principality played in the development of southern China.
Furthermore, the exhibition sheds light on the fascinating cultural exchanges that occurred during this period. Artifacts hinting at connections with the West offer a compelling reminder of the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations, sparking curiosity and prompting further inquiry among the visiting journalists.
For us, it wasn’t merely a museum visit. It was an immersive journey into a golden age, fostering a deeper appreciation for the enduring significance of preserving our past. I even picked up two delicate paper fans as tangible mementos of this extraordinary experience.
A perfect marriage
Continuing our exploration of Nanchang’s modern landscape, we visited the Jiangzhong Pharmaceutical Group, a pioneering company seamlessly integrating traditional Chinese medicine with contemporary medical science.
Witnessing the high level of automation in their production lines and their rigorous quality control was impressive. Their research and development center, focused on innovative formulas for health and well-being, highlighted their commitment to both technological advancement and social responsibility.
Our next stop in Nanchang was the Jiangling Motor Corporation (JMC) factory, a fascinating glimpse into China’s automotive prowess.
Touring the automated assembly lines and witnessing their focus on sustainability provided a tangible sense of the nation’s industrial might and its vision for the future of transportation.
In our free moments in Nanchang, Kuya Joel, our colleague Gustavo, and I also had the chance to visit the People’s Liberation Monument, a significant landmark reflecting the city’s history.
Forging new bonds
As our time in Nanchang drew to a close, we journeyed back to Beijing, the final days of our enriching educational training drawing near.
The joint closing ceremony provided a platform for reflection, as colleagues shared their key takeaways and experiences before the awarding of certificates.
For me, the seminar sessions expanded my understanding of how journalistic organizations can navigate the rapid technological shifts, champion the crucial cause of balanced reporting, and cultivate more inclusive and impactful communication strategies.
The diverse perspectives and rich experiences shared by my fellow participants were invaluable, and I felt deeply privileged to be part of such a relevant and insightful program.
I leave China with the firm conviction that the bonds we forged and the knowledge I gained will be instrumental in enabling me, through the Mindanao Times, to contribute to stronger dialogue and cooperation between the media of our nations.
Connecting with journalists from around the world has been a true highlight of this, my first international seminar specifically for journalists.
My heart is full of gratitude for the connections made and the genuine warmth of the exceptional individuals I had the pleasure of meeting.
To each of them, I extend an open invitation: consider the Philippines your home, and know that you will always have a friend in me.
Despite our diverse backgrounds, we are united by our shared responsibility as journalists to deliver the truth in our respective countries. Thank you for your camaraderie and the enriching experiences we shared – you have been truly exceptional colleagues to mention some Camille of Bahamas, Akramkhoja, Akbarov, Samandar, Beizhan, all from Tajikistan, Alboelhussein of Egypt, Gustavo of Panama, Loreta from Solomon Islands, James from Ghana, Yasmin and Nivin from Bahrain, Alex of Greece, Malebo of South Africa, South Sudan, and more, and most especially pleased to have made a new friend, Yenping, a senior journalist from Malaysia. I extend my warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations to you all, and I sincerely hope our paths will cross again in the future.
This journey, this “work vacation,” has been a powerful reminder that stepping outside our familiar routines opens us to profound learning and unexpected connections.
Meeting new people, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and experiencing life beyond our comfort zones enriches not only our professional lives but also our understanding of the world and our place within it.
As the timeless quote reminds us, “Time flows onward, people come and go, and familiar places may fade, yet the imprint of memories lasts eternally.”
The memories forged during this seminar, the knowledge gained, and the friendships nurtured will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on my journey as a journalist and as a global citizen.
This is Grace Saron, senior journalist of the Mindanao Times, proud to have represented the Philippines.
