THE OFFICE of the Chinese Consulate General in Davao recently announced the winners of their “Real China Through My Eyes” multimedia competition through their official Facebook page. The contest encouraged participants to share their personal experiences and perspectives of China, highlighting its diverse people, vibrant arts and culture, historical significance, technological advancements, and captivating tourist destinations.
A total of 79 entries were received from across Mindanao, showcasing the creativity and talent of participants who expressed their thoughts through various media, such as vlogs, documentaries, performance art (singing, dancing, poetry), visual art (painting, Chinese calligraphy), and other unique forms of expression. Entries were submitted in Chinese, English, or Bisaya, with corresponding subtitles.
A panel of judges, including Republic of Austria Honorary Consul Dr. Peter Faistauer, Chinese Dean of the Confucius Institute of Ateneo de Davao University Shenglin Zhang, Davao City Investment Promotions Center Economist III Christian Cambaya, Al Qalam Institute head of Ateneo de Davao University Professor Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, Federation of Association of Davao Fil-Chinese Community Secretary General Peng Kiet W Tan, Deputy Consul General Liu Qian, and this writer, meticulously reviewed each entry. The entries were judged based on image and sound quality and expressive force, quality of narrative, originality, and overall impression.
“It was a challenging task to judge such diverse forms of art,” shared Professor Lidasan. “But we all witnessed the students’ genuine desire to present a different, more positive perspective on China, defying the biases often portrayed.”
DCIPC’s Cambaya echoed this sentiment, expressing his appreciation for the students’ efforts in “enlightening their audience with fresh, unbiased perspectives of China, and showcasing the Chinese people as friends of the Filipino people.”
The winners of the competition are: First place – Lanao Chung Hua School of Iligan City (dance: The Smoke); Charlie de Lumen of Cor Jesu College of Digos City (video: Real China Through My Eyes); and Lanao Chung Hua School of Iligan City (graphic: Bamboo).
Second place – Zamboanga Chong Hua High School of Zamboanga City (vlog: Real China in my Eyes), Zamboanga Chong Hua High School (video: China through my Eyes), Zamboanga Chong Hua High School (graphic: Legend of China: Interweaving Ancient Charm and New Brilliance), Lanao Chung Hua School of Iligan City (video: Real China in my Eyes), Glen Tiondo (video: China:Our Torch of Hope), Kael Alonzo Rafael of Philippine Academy of Sakya of Davao City (video: Real China Through My Eyes), Marjorie Joy Olea (vlog: My CHINAdventures!), Timber City Academy of Butuan City (graphic:China Through my Eyes), Timber City Academy (graphic: Dragon Guarding Pagoda), Timber City Academy (graphic: Dragon and Avalokitesvara).
Third place – Aljan Skye Fernandez of Oro Christian Grace School of Cagayan de Oro City (video: I Love China), Prince Lloyd Besorio (video: Friendship of a Lifetime), Zamboanga Chong Hua High School (video: A Look on China’s New Outlook), Zamboanga Chong Hua High School (graphic: China in My Eyes), Timber City Academy (song: Friend), Timber City Academy (video: Real China Through My Eyes), Timber City Academy (video: Convenient Mobile Payment in China), Timber City Academy (video: China in my Heart), Timber City Academy (video: China in my Eyes), Timber City Academy (video: My Trip to China), Lanao Chung Hua School (dance: The Snake).