After two years, the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies (PACS) members gathered for its first in-person general assembly on 1 October 2022 at the Angelo King Multi-Purpose Center of Xavier School.
Fr Aristotle Dy, SJ, welcomed the members and gave updates on the programs and projects laid out by the Board of Directors for the last quarter of 2022 until the first quarter of 2023. This included the upcoming issue of the Chinese Studies Journal, PACS’s peer-reviewed journal and commemoration activities in honour of the late Ambassador Chito Sto. Romana. He also introduced the new members of the board who were elected in May this year.
The assembly included a segment where PACS board member Lucio Pitlo III led a discussion session on the prospects of Philippines-China relations. PACS corporate secretary Joahnna Esquivias moderated the session. One of the important discussion points raised during this segment was the new direction of Philippine foreign policy, especially with China, under a new national administration.
After a serious discussion, a surprise song number from PACS vice president Jaime FlorCruz and Mr Albert de Pano entertained the members. The number featured renditions of “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, Don McLean’s “Starry Night”, and FlorCruz’s ‘salinawit’ of Teresa Teng’s《月亮代表我的心》(The Moon Represents My Heart).
Capping the general assembly was the traditional dice game “Pua Tiong Chiu”, played during the Mid-autumn Festival (or Moon Festival). The assembly was split into two teams, and the members took turns rolling their dice until they won the different prizes placed inside angpao or red envelopes. It was an excellent way to reunite with the members after two years of fully online activities.
Held twice a year, the general assembly is a way for the association to update and promote fellowship among its members.
