XCE Beijing Shang Hai

Shanghai 

After several weeks in Beijing, the entire XCE Beijing team took an overnight train to Shanghai where we would spend the next couple of days touring around the economic capital of China. The overnight train was a totally unique experience. It was my first time to sleep inside a train. Although quite tight and packed, it was comfortable. It was moving quickly but you can barely feel the rustle and bustle of the train. Smooth... 

The long train ride gave me the chance to hangout and interact with some of my batch mates. I also had a good conversation with Mr. Aragon. We talked about a variety of topics including college. This small conversation could ultimately be the swaying factor in choosing my future alma matter. Nothing really beats having a fruitful conversation with people I respect and admire.

Upon arriving Shanghai, we went to our hotel. We were billeted in the Greenland Jiulong Hotel. Our room was the biggest and the scariest. It had poor lighting and the window is as small as an air vent. Although the view was pretty atrocious, the small window made it seem like we were living inside a haunted mansion.  One consolation though is that the door doesn’t mysteriously open by itself like the room we have in Huawen. 

Our first stop was the Shanghai Urban Planning and Exhibition Hall.  We were given a glimpse of the different systems and plans  implemented in Shanghai and what the future lies for this city. It was an opportunity for us  to learn new and interesting things in a very interactive manner through an assortment of games and cool presentations. 

After that, we walked a couple of meters to visit Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum. There, we had the opportunity to take our pictures with the live-size replicas of some of our favourite well-known celebrities.  Finally, I got to block Yao Ming! I would never have had an opportunity like that in real life.  

 Our next stop is Nanjing Lu, Shanghai’s version of Beijing’s Wangfujing. It was a very wide shopping district which houses a variety of different brands and nothing beats ending the day with a visit  to the biggest Nike Store in Asia. 

Our second day started with us headed to Zhouzhuang village or also known as the Venice of China (Though honestly speaking, I find it  very far from it). We walked around the village and saw the different small settlements. The supposed-highlight of that visit was a Gondola ride.  

After lunch, we headed to the Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower. It was indeed a sight to see. It’s tall, elegant and unique structure towered above the different skyscrapers of Shanghai. Upon reaching  the top, we had a ton of photo opportunities with the brightly-lit Shanghai scenery as our background. Several floors below the top view deck was the glass-enclosed deck where you could actually walk ‘outside’ the structure and see the Shanghai landscape below encapsulated in glass. We had  fun taking pictures and poking fun at the people who were afraid of the height. It was truly fascinating to see and experience Shanghai’s grandest buildings. 

Our third day in Shanghai started off with a visit to the Bund. We took pictures on the paved road beside Shanghai’s most essential and important river with the Shanghai skyscrapers as our background. Afterwards, we headed over to Paul XuGuangQi’s tomb and ancestral home. It was a great chance for us to visit the person to whom our school’s name was taken from. 

After hearing mass, we went to one of Shanghai’s shopping districts.  Aside from shopping, I was able to taste the Da Long Bao, a bigger Xiao Long Bao. The taste is basically the same except that there was a lot more soup. 

Our last day in Shanghai started off with a talk inside the main headquarters of Oishi. We were all looking sharp on that day as we had to wear our business attire consisting of a long-sleeved polo shirt, tie and leather shoes. Ms. Marissa Go of Oishi gave us an insightful talk on how Oishi was doing in China and why it decided to pack its bags and set up their main headquarters there. We were able to learn a lot of new insights on how business is done in Shanghai and how it is to run such a big company as Oishi. Ms. Go also answered a lot of good questions raised by the students. Our host was also very generous  and gave us a loot bag, consisting of a variety of Oishi products, as souvenir. 

Later in the afternoon, we visited one of the top high schools in Shanghai. The students from both schools shared different things about their respective countries and schools. Different games were played, different performances were presented  and what better way to end the interaction than through a basketball game. The game ended in a draw after the Xaverians caught up from a deficit in the first half. (The officiating CLEARLY favored the local Chinese. I even had to remind the referee that we too were Chinese - Overseas Chinese) 

In the evening, we embarked on our journey back home to Beijing. It was a reminder that we had three weeks left in this city. 

TALKS (Atty. Richard Alianan of Baoshutang Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. and Mr. Benjamin Lim Thomson-Reuters Reporter of the Year 2011) 

Experience is the best teacher. 

We were very privileged to be able to listen to great people talk. These people took time out of their busy schedules to accommodate us and shared their stories of success. It’s not everyday that you get to interact with people who are successful and we, the participants of Beijing XCE 2012, looked forward  and made the most out of it. 

Thursday, November 23, we visited the Baoshutang Pharmaceutical Company plant and met  2009 Xavier School Outstanding Alumni Awardee Atty. Richard Alianan. I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to host the event. Atty. Alianan gave us a plant tour and briefly explained to us how their products were formulated, packaged, and sold. We also got  a free sample and some ice cream. He shared to us his story and how he decided to move to China 10+ years ago for a better life and for better opportunities. He also shared to us the different challenges of running a business in China and how he and his company tried to provide their customers with the best products at the lowest cost. 

Saturday, November 25, we had the rare privilege to meet and interact with Mr. Benjamin Lim, Thomson-Reuters’ 2011 Reporter of the Year. Also a Xavier alumnus, he welcomed us with open-arms in the reception area of his office and gave a very interesting talk with insightful and rich answers pertaining to Chinese history, culture, economics and politics. Opportunities like these don’t come very often. We made the most out of it by listening and asking good questions. I hope that I will be able to absorb all the things they shared and apply everything I learned. 

Notes: Hohai challenge tomorrow! Let’s go Team Ello Pakyu! 

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 14: November 11, 2012 - Sunday

Day 14: November 11, 2012 - Sunday

Theme parks have never been my cup of tea. I’ve always been afraid of those loops, those fast rides and just the thought of it makes me nauseous. What I didn’t expect was that there were several people who were just like me. People who I thought were ‘man’ enough, turned out to be the same scaredy cat as I was. I was not alone. 

As a reward for our good performance throughout the first two weeks of this trip, we trooped to Beijing’s Happy Valley. The name of the place in itself suggests a sense of thrill, eagerness and fun. This is the place that a lot of my friends would look forward to. On the contrary, I had mixed feelings. I conditioned myself that I wasn’t going to ride those frightening rides. I would just enjoy the scenery and take a lot of pictures for Instagram. But when I knew that there were people who were as scared as I, or even more afraid than I was, it gave me a sense of belonging. I became a part of this group where we had something in common---fear. No one had the right to make fun of the other because we were all scared. 

We formed a group called Teacups, from the famous Disney ride where you just had to sit on spinning cups and saucers (How exciting can that get!) The name suggests our "weak"  hearts but it never undermines our spirit and enthusiasm. It was a group filled with a bunch of scared teenagers. Some were more eager  while the others continued to hold back. We had the day to ourselves to ‘conquer’ our own fears. I tried a variety of rides that I knew I wouldn't have tried alone. We encouraged each other to do it together. We had each other.

The highlight of the day would have to be the 90-degree spinning wheel ride, very similar to Anchor’s Away. I’ve rode on a bunch of tough rides but nothing compared to this. Never in a million years would I have imagined myself lining up for my death sentence. It is a ride which silences its patrons. I wanted to leave the line. I wanted to turn my back on the waiting obstacle. I just wanted to watch on the sidelines. 

No! 

I couldn’t allow myself to be a coward again. I didn’t want to turn my back on a challenge. It was time to change things! I forced myself to ride it. I had to toughen myself because this is simply just a test of how far I can push myself. How can I challenge my body and do things I only dreamt of doing? As I sat with all the buckles on, I probably did the sign of the cross multiple times. And as the ride started, everything slowed down. The ordeal was beginning---my life was hanging on the balance. 

On top of countless gagos and expletives, the ride was actually fun. It was surreal to be able to soar to those heights and fall down gracefully. It is something I will never forget but at the same time think twice on doing it again! I may still be afraid of theme parks and roller coasters but this is a monumental step. The anticipation is always the worse feeling. Fear of the unknown paralyses the body and uncertainty makes the heart beat doubly hard. But if you try to set your mind to something, your body will submissively follow. 

I am very fortunate to be able to face one of the things I’m most afraid of but what’s better is that I was able to do it with friends that had the same phobias as I did. We did it TOGETHER.

Notes: All the roller coasters and water rides in Happy Valley were closed today probably due to the strong winds. As John So would say: “The scammiest theme park in the world.” 

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 8: November 5, 2012 - Monday

Day 8: November 5, 2012 - Monday

Back to reality...

Classes, here we go!

The Beijing boys went back to class today.  Vacation is up and it’s time to get back to the books.  We are really finally here is Beijing.

Our group, Team Luceat Lux, won the Group of the Week award.  We may not be the best but we make it a point to give 100% in everything we do.  Our team is composed of different personalities and each member contributes significantly. This is what sets us apart from the rest.  The group shines as one cohesive unit and we bring out the best in each other as a family.

There is still a lot of work to be done but that doesn’t stop us from reaching excellence.  There will be a lot of challenges along the way but these will strengthen our bond as a team.  Excellence and growth is what we are after.

“Ohana means family; and family means no one gets left behind.” - Lilo (Lilo & Stitch)

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 7: November 4,2012 - Sunday

Day 7: November 4,2012 - Sunday

Snow.

Words can’t describe the feeling when you’ve realized that snow fell to the ground.  The utter excitement of your childhood dreams to actually experience, see and feel snow.  It’s surreal! It is a childhood dream come true.

Snow angles, snowball fights -- just wait.

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 6: November 3, 2012 - Saturday

Day 6: November 3, 2012 - Saturday

The rain was relentless, unforgiving and oh so cold! 

The wind was violent, pounding and knee buckling!

That’s how it was for Team Luceat Lux for our first ever team exploration. This is a privilege given to Xaverians which allow us to create our own itineraries and roam around the city freely. Today, the Xavier teachers were the ones who decided where we will go but gave us the freedom to go wherever we wanted after.

Commuting through the busy transit lines of Beijing, we arrived at China’s National Museum. This beautifully engineered structure is one gigantic space which houses different artifacts pertaining to Chinese history. The building appears relatively new with tight security features. It is filled with interesting artifacts dating back from the different dynasties of ancient China to the present. It is elegantly presented in pristine clear glass displays which further entice the different on-lookers.

Afterwards, our team decided to go to Quan Men(I think), the old Chinese version of Wangfujing. There, we were able to freely loiter around and have an opportunity to go do some shopping.  I had no choice but to buy a jacket  as I left mine back at the dormitory.   Soaking wet, I can’t help but hear these words in my head: “Always bring your jacket with you.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.”  I know mom but still ... 

The rain kept pouring throughout the day. It never seized in making us shiver to our bones. What’s worse is that this is just the first week of our trip and harsher weather conditions are to be expected.  

We’re all tired and we deserve a break. Tomorrow’s the Lord’s Day and it’s time for us to get some sleep.

Notes: The rain was really cold and unforgiving. No words to describe it. 

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 5: November 2, 2012 - Friday

Day 5: November 2, 2012 - Friday 

Let’s take it outside the classroom. The XCE Boys had a great opportunity today to interact with Mrs. Julie Upton-Wang and the different people from The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu. This local and vibrant community practices a concept called sustainable development. Later in the afternoon, we climbed the Mutianyu side of the Great Wall of China. 

The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu is one of the cleaner and unique communities outside the city of Beijing. After an hour and a half drive, we were greeted by the cold and windy air of the province as well as the beautiful landscaping design of the ‘school’. It isn’t a school anymore but rather a restaurant in the heart and center of the community. There, we were able to hear the stories from the barefoot doctor as well as the accountant of this beautiful village.

The story of the barefoot doctor is one filled with perseverance and great fulfillment. A 64-year old woman introduced herself to us as the doctor of the village. She has been serving this community for 37 years, from the time of Chairman Mao to the present. Her dream was to become a teacher but because of the cultural revolution in China, her dream was shattered. In the year 1964, the Chinese government ordered the smartest and the brightest people from every village to be trained to become a doctor, more specifically a field doctor. It was their job to immediately tend to the needs of the villagers because of the absence of hospitals and good infrastructure. That was where the term barefoot doctor came about because they walked from place to place to tend to the different needs of the villagers. 

On top of being a doctor, she was forced to work in the fields as a farmer. It had no added benefits. She was paid 70 points or less than one kuai. Although she didn’t enjoy her job, this didn’t stop her from performing her duties and she pushed herself to become a great doctor.

She was responsible for everything in the community from first-aid to delivering babies. She was proud to note that she had a 100% success rate and that she was able to deliver 70+ babies successfully. All of them are now doing well. That was one part of the job she enjoyed the most, that she was able to play a big part in the lives of every person in the village. From the time they leave their mothers’ wombs, she was there helping them in every step of the way. Her job took its tolls on her: barely able to eat, sleep, and always on the move. Her life was difficult but she said something that struck me: “It was a job I HAD to do but HARD to do.” 

After a shattered dream, this woman was able to find her purpose in life. She found her niche in society; a way for her to make a difference. She understood the sacrifices she  made and the villagers recognize her efforts and reward her for her selflessness and dedication to the community. She has now been elevated to the rank of Village Clinic Doctor and she has no plans of stopping unless she is told to retire. 

Great Wall 

In scaling the Great Wall, one is given choices on how to do it. You can pay and take the cable car going up or do it the old fashioned way---walking. On the way down, you also have a choice of taking a toboggan, something that is similar to a luge but uses a lever to break and go forward, or again walking. 

I took the “cheap” way up, which is to walk up the countless flights of stairs. Walking up not only tests my physical limits but also my mental toughness. How much farther will I endure? Should I push myself to reach the top?  I thought that walking seven floors to reach my room on a daily basis is enough to prepare me for this.  But more than a thousand steps on a cold afternoon proved to be a real challenge. The journey was difficult but the end result was self-gratifying. 

Upon reaching the top, you are captivated by the scenery. You are intrigued by the architectural prowess of the Chinese but also come to realize the amount of punishment taken to build this magnificent wonder of nature. The Great Wall is the largest cemetery known to man.  Buried here are the millions of Chinese responsible in making it. Their efforts are seen but never credited. 

Taking the toboggan down is one hell of a ride. It is something I highly recommend to every one who visits the wall from the Mutiyanyu side. Exhilarating! The one-word to describe this beautiful invention. 

Scaling the Great Wall is just like how we conquer life and its problems. Going up is difficult and we must push ourselves beyond our limits because that’s the only way we can succeed. Arriving at the top allows us to see the fruits of our labor. Going down is something which humbles us and says, our time is up. 

This too shall pass... :) 

Notes: Getting colder day by day. The same school where we study now is moving to another location by next year. It is a wide property and an architectural masterpiece. There will be a library, indoor swimming pool, indoor basketball court, and an Olympic-size track. 

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 3: October 31, 2012 - Wednesday

Day 3: October 31, 2012 - Wednesday

It’s back to reality for the Beijing boys. The sembreak has abruptly ended and we’re back inside the classroom. This time, not in those plastic blue seats and plastic furnished desks but inside a big auditorium with sofa as a chair. 

It’s hard for us to accept it. Things were bound to return as they were before we left. Waking up early, attending a variety of classes, and dreading about the work we had to accomplish. It isn’t easy but it’s all going to be worth it. 

Our teachers have promised us that the classes we are having are going to be something special. It isn’t going to be a sit down discussion but something rather unique. It is something more out of the box. We are the ones that have to find the answers. We are the ones who are to feed our mind’s curiosity. 

Today was also our first day of Chinese classes though luckily today was just full of introductions and the getting to know you part. Typical first day class orientations; nothing out of the ordinary. 

Nothing happened too much today but that most significant thing we can get out of it is the fact that we are already in Beijing. Gone were the days where things are constantly being given to us. This time, we work for them and it isn’t easy. The freedom given to us is a product of the trust of our teachers. We shall not let them down. 

Beijing has yet to be explored but it’s important that we condition our minds that we are here to learn and not to have a vacation. We should be open to whatever this vibrant city has left in store for us and it is our duty and responsibility to take those and bring it back home. 

Notes: Finally have internet. 

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 2: October 30, 2012 - Tuesday

Day 2: October 30, 2012 - Tuesday

I didn’t get to sleep well last night. Probably because of excitement or I was still scared about the mysterious way our door opened---twice! Waking up early is nothing new. We force ourselves to wake up doubly early to make sure our roommate gets up and that we have enough time to prepare for breakfast. 

After a sumptuous meal, we had a press conference very much NBA-esque. It had backdrops, multiple photographers covering the event, and multiple VIPs who had their own turn in addressing the students. 

Most of them decided to speak in Chinese and it was difficult to understand what they were trying to say. We tried to make the dialogue much more lively by responding with an occasional and resounding Hao! or Ni Hao! 

We were given the opportunity to tour the Huawen neighborhood in the afternoon. There were many different convenient establishments which surrounded the school. Sadly, the nice basketball court on the far end of the school is off-limits as it is for the middle and high school students of the university. 

For me, the highlight of this day would have to be the experience I had in Wang Fu Jing. We had to commute via bus or the subway to one of the busiest and most lavish shopping districts in all of Beijing. Getting there was not the problem but rather trying to find your way around the place. In a place where directions are absolutely hard to come by and in such a wide place, trying to find for a simple Nike store could take a long long time in the freezing evening. 

Each and every one of us was given the opportunity to freely roam around the place  provided that we were with somebody and that we made it back by nine. Everyone stormed off the lace and went their own way and so I decided to go again with my ever reliable roommate, Ted. 

We had more than three hours to goof off and explore the entire place. We ultimately decided to journey towards Nike and it would be one journey that I will never ever forget. Something that we can always look back to. Something worth remembering, reminiscing. 

The main reason we were there is that we were both enticed to buy different products. I was on the lookout to whatever caught my eye’s attention while my buddy was looking for a back pack. We were both greatly disappointed in the first Nike store. On top of its rocket-high prices, the stock availability was horrendous. It had a wide selection of bad things to choose from. Pretty ironic, right? 

Then we decided to go find another one. After asking one of the employees for directions, we followed it word for word. Unfortunately, it brought us to the middle of nowhere in the Makati of China. Skyscrapers surrounded our view along with its very modern design. With the wind blowing hard on our faces, we decided to push through. What did we have to lose? 

With a stroke of luck, I was lucky to be able to get an internet connection and with Ted’s phone, we were able to Google the different locations of the different Nike stores in the Wangfujing district. With a map application, we followed it. Initially, it brought us nowhere. It brought us to places that we’ve been to, places we don’t want to go, and to dead ends in the middle of nowhere. 

We dug deep. In desperate need of divine intervention, we needed the monkey offour backs. 

We went for broke. We had to consult with different maps and the GPS that was guiding us. After a long 30 minute walk, we found it---the promised land. 

Inside the store, Ted apparently found his crowned jewel; the thing he was looking for the most but he had to make a decision: the more expensive and unique one or the cheaper and common one. We took around another fifteen minutes debating on which he should buy and he finally made a decision. He’d settle for that bright yellow backpack, also known as the more expensive one. Later, did he know that both would cost almost the same price. He made the right decision. 

This journey of us was something meaningful because it showed us different facets of life. First, is how we go about our decision making process. We are supposed to be the ones making our decisions and take full responsibility for it. There are a lot of things you have to consider in making a decision because life has its own way of making things difficult. It creates different scenarios where it’s basically a toss-up. But we have to learn to take the good with the good and the bad with the bad. 

Second, the Filipino adage “maraming namamatay sa maling akala” is something which we have to overcome. Like in our story, we presumed that the price of that bag is much much higher than its actual cost. We trusted the incompetent sales lady who didn’t seem to care about her customers---and we paid dearly for it.  Instead of presuming, ask and make sure that what you are doing or about to do is correct. We have to take the initiative and go out of our way and ask whether or not we’re doing the ‘right’ thing. 

Third, experience is always going to be the best teacher. It creates different memories in your mind and your mind saves and records it accordingly like a VCR. It has the capacity to store different events and allows you to re-use what you’ve learned. Something similar to deja vu, when the same situation arises, you would instinctively know what to do. 

Fourth, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Persistence truly pays off. If we set our minds to it, our bodies will follow. It isn’t just going to instinctively follow. You have to will yourself to do these things. It’s those small things that matter. The difference is what sets great people apart from the ordinary. It is because they chose to pay particular attention to these things. 

Lastly, nothing beats true friendship. These are the people who wholeheartedly accept you for who you really are. They are the ones there who will help you get back up once you fall. These are bonds that will not be broken; something that is bound to last forever. 

We were lost but we managed to find our way back. It wasn’t easy but it was indeed fulfilling. Journeys such as this build character and resilience and at the same time, tests our diskarte. As we stumble, we must always stand back up. 

Chinese class begins tomorrow, I hope I survive. 

Notes: Colder weather yesterday... 

XCE Beijing 2012 Day 1: October 19, 2012 - Monday

Day 1: October 19, 2012 - Monday 

This is it... 

The daily countdown on Twitter has come to an end. Instead of placing something like: “(n number of days) ‘till #XCEBeijing with #TeamLuceatLux @tedtiu @muchobuncio @GINOrous @RyanStayceyChua @RIVcage @FANdesal @8marky ++”, it was a resounding message: This is it! It only occurred to me around eight the previous evening that I will be leaving the comforts of my home. For six weeks, I would not be sleeping in my own bed. For six weeks, I wouldn’t be eating my favorite home-cooked meals. The realization that hit me the most was that for the next six weeks, for the first time, I would be without my family. What hurts the most is that it’s in a country that blocks Twitter and Facebook (Really very difficult to connect!). 

It really hit me... HARD! 

I entered this experience with a new found excitement that finally, I got the much deserved “alone time” in isolation.  

I was wrong. 

As we look forward to something, we block ourselves from the daily things we see and what we experience on a daily basis. That’s how our mind works: actions follows our thoughts and images. Instead of saying that for 30 more days I will be enjoying the company of my family, I was more focused with what I would want to do in Beijing. It was very selfish of me to do so because it was because of my parents that I am able to enjoy this experience---this once in a lifetime trip! 

Our day started very early in the Angelo King Multipurpose Center at four in the morning. There were students who chose to interact with their fellow batch mates and some, like me, who stayed with their family. It was our last chance to have a fruitful conversation filled with reminders for the trip. Nevertheless, it was still time well spent. 

As I bid my parents good bye, it really made me understand my purpose for this trip: to really learn as much as I can. If I can say that waking up early in the morning at below zero-degree weather is the toughest part of my day, then I must be living a good life. This is one great opportunity that presented itself and it’s up to us to make the most of it. 

As we arrived in the airport, we spent the time there interacting with our new family. An ohana, where nobody gets left behind. The journey was about to begin... 

And so it has... 

When we arrived at the school, it was roughly around six in the evening. We were all billeted in our own ‘accommodations’ with our own roommates. I’m roomed with Ted Tiu. Yup, you’ve probably heard that name before: The ICA Variety Show Model. (No wonder  to why he was picked.) 

Dinner had a wide selection of different dishes consisting from Chicken Curry (Mom, ours tastes wayyyy better!), Chicken Nuggets, and Fried Rice. Yes Mom, I ate my vegetables. 

After dinner, we were fortunate to be given jacket and T-shirt from Huawen. A generous gesture indeed. It’s enough to suffice for my already broken XCE-jacket. No worries, I fixed it. 

We were given the opportunity to buy our groceries in the shopping mall about a five minute walk from our dorm. Me and my roomie bought a variety of things ranging from air fresheners to hot chocolate. We did make a big mistake thinking that the hot chocolate we bought was similar to that of Swissmiss. We were wrong. What we bought was the cocoa baking powder! A dumb blunder indeed but thank God for Zhou Lao Shi who was able to talk to the cashier, she was able to refund our money. 

The mistakes we’ve made are part of our growth. We commit mistakes because of our aroused curiosity. How we respond to them are what defines us as people. Citizens who could potentially change the way we do things back home. 

Day One was a tiring one but it has only just begun.   

Notes: Beijing weather today is very cold and windy. Temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius. Accommodations look much much better in the pictures. (I learned not to judge through photographs. Very deceiving.)