by Xinhua Writers Zhang Yisheng, Dario Agnote
MANILA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Marianne Lourdes Leonor, having been working in central China's Hubei Province as an English teacher for 13 years, said she feels "fulfilled" in forging cultural bonds between the Philippines and China through education.
Leonor came back home during the Chinese New Year holidays, a time for family reunion and bonding. She shared her "rewarding" experience at a forum held in the Philippine capital on Friday, expressing her love for teaching in China and her hope for closer Philippines-China relations.
CHALLENGING YET REWARDING
Since 2012, Leonor, nicknamed "Mary" by her Chinese students and friends, has been working at Suizhou Foreign Language School in Suizhou City, about two hours' drive from the provincial capital city of Wuhan, a major transport hub.
"This month is my 13th year in China. And I didn't even realize it's already been 13 years. It's really fast," she told the Pandesal Forum in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Leonor decided to dedicate herself to teaching.
"Teaching English as a foreign language in China has been both challenging and rewarding," Leonor beamed.
Situated in south-central China, Hubei Province features a subtropical monsoon climate, with scorching hot summer and freezing cold winter.
"Winter is, for me, the most challenging season," Leonor recalled shivering in almost-zero temperatures first time.
However, chilly winter days did not freeze her passion for teaching in China.
"My students are incredibly smart and hardworking," she said. "When I ask them what they want to be when they grow up, eight out of 10 say they want to become engineers or scientists. It's a testament to the strength of China's STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and their focus on innovation."
Over the years, Leonor said she has made many Chinese friends and adjusted to life in Hubei, a place with profound cultural heritage and rich tourism resources. She often travels with her friends during festival breaks to explore nearby wonders and beyond.
At the forum, she praised the high-tech, cashless lifestyle in China, mouthwatering delicacies, and efficient public transportation, especially the high-speed railways.
"I'm happy with my work in China," she said. "The people, the local community, especially my employer, make me feel very welcome. They take care of me."
"FRIENDS AND BROTHERS"
Leonor described her role in China as a "bridge-builder," expressing her friendship with the Chinese people and letting them know more about the Philippines.
She said at the forum that she is grateful for the warm hospitality she has received from the Chinese people.
"Throughout my stay, I've felt nothing but kindness and friendship. When I tell people I'm from the Philippines, they always respond warmly, saying our two nations are traditional friends and brothers," she said.
Historical records and artifacts show the exchange of ships and merchants between the two sides began more than a thousand years ago.
Leonor said her students are getting more and more familiar with Filipino culture. "They know about talented Filipino entertainers like SB19 and other singers, as well as TV actors and actresses. It's heartwarming to see how connected our cultures are."
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, Leonor expressed her hope that the two countries could become closer.
"I believe in the strength of our traditional friendship. I hope it continues to flourish for generations to come," she said.
Leonor said she encourages more Filipino teachers to explore opportunities in China.
"Teaching is my passion, and I believe good teachers can find fulfilling opportunities here. I know other Filipina teachers thriving in different Chinese cities, and I hope more will follow," she said. ■