UST hosts Taiwan Youth Ambassadors in cultural exchange night

The University of Santo Tomas (UST), in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office ( TECO) in the Philippines, hosted youth delegates from Taiwan once again during the “2018 Taiwan Night” at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building in UST.

The Taiwan Youth Ambassadors (TYA), a team of 25 outstanding students from schools across Taiwan, visited UST as part of the annual International Youth Ambassador Exchange Program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This program groups young representatives into teams, with each group traveling to different partner nations to interact with research institutes and engage in volunteer activities. This year, a total of 75 students out of over 800 applicants were selected to become youth ambassadors.

The youth ambassadors are led by the Director General on Home Assignment of the Public Diplomacy Coordination Council of the TECO in Los Angeles Mr. Steve C.C. Hsia. The Deputy Counselor on Home Assignment of the Department of General Af- fairs of the MoFA Mr. Steven Y.M. Lin serves as deputy leader of the delegates.

UST Rector Very. Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., in his welcome remarks, shared his pride in the cultural encounter, saying that, “Tonight’s event is indeed very special because it is a time to showcase the best of [Taiwan’s and the Philippines’] cultures. May this occasion inspire us to continue working together as well as aspire for higher ideals through significant cultural engagements.”

“[Developing] connectivity [between the TYA and students from the schools they visit] can contribute to the understanding between two countries, between two people,” concurred TECO Representative Mr. Michael Peiyung Hsu in his message. He added, “The main purpose of [the youth exchange program] is to help the young leaders in Taiwan to have a broader international vision.”

The UST Symphony Orchestra, which is the only schoolbased orchestra that is part of resident companies of the Cultural Center of the Philippines; the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, which recently celebrated its golden anniversary; and the twotime Choir of the World winner UST Singers treated the guests with songs and dances that highlighted the diverse Filipino culture. Local folk songs, fantasy-interpretations of popular songs such as “Anak” were played by the Orchestra, while the Singers performed the Ifugao rice-harvest song Ahibakle, and “Hibang sa Awit” composed by Ryan Cayabyab, among others. The Salinggawi presented Philippine Dances such as the Bulaklakan, the Karatong, and Sayaw sa Bangko.

In turn, the Taiwan Youth Ambassadors showcased their culture and talents through various musical performances with the theme “Taiwan’s Youth, Citizens of the World.” They were able to highlight their traditional festivals and dances through the Lion Dance and the Hakka TeaPicking Dance, traditional and contemporary entertainment through the Shadowplay Puppetry and Diabolo (Chinese Yoyo), among others.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Taiwan launched its first international exchange program for the youth in 2009 to promote cultural linkages with its neighboring countries. Coordinated by the UST Office of Public Affairs, the 2018 Taiwan Night is the third cultural experience with the Taiwan Youth Ambassadors hosted by UST.

Taipei Economic and Cultural office in the Philippines Representative Mr. Michael Peiyung Hsu (in white dress shirt, holding Philippine flag), UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., (center, in red necktie), and Delegation Leader Mr. Steve C.C. Hsia (in dark green coat, holding Taiwan flag) with the 2018 Taiwan Youth Ambassadors at the University of Santo Tomas during the Taiwan Night.