The Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University, in cooperation with the Cultural Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and the Philippine-Chinese Education Research Center, will host the “9^th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students: Philippine Primary Competition,” the theme of which is “Charming Chinese, Splendid EXPO.”

            Sponsored by Hanban (the executive body of the Chinese Language Council International which aims to promote Chinese language and culture), the “Chinese Bridge” is one of its annual worldwide projects wherein more than 60 countries participate. The competition has three parts: speech, knowledge in China, and cultural performance.

After 8 successful years since 2002, this year’s primary competition will be held in the morning of 31 May 2010 (Monday), 8:30AM, at the Conference Rooms 1 & 2 of the Social Sciences Building, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights campus.

Filipino college and graduate students under the age of 30 whose first language is not Chinese are welcome to join. The judges of this competition will be from the Philippine-Chinese Education Research Center.

             Contestants will get a chance to win cash prizes (Php 10,000 for the 1^st place winner, Php 6,000 for the 2^nd place winner, and Php 4,000 for the 3^rd place winner) and an all-expense paid trip to China to represent the Philippines in the final round of the competition. Winners will also be awarded scholarships to study in China.

            For more information, please contact the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University located at the 2^nd floor Ricardo and Dr. Rosita Leong Hall, Chinese Sttudies Program, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. You may call 4266001 loc. 5208/ 5209 and look for Ms. Niña or Ms. Ritch.

            Registration forms are also available at the Cultural Office of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines located at 1164 Tamarind Road, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City (Phone 867-1762; Fax: 810-8774) and at the Philippine Chineses Education Research Center located at the 3rd floor of 839 G. Masangkay St., Binondo, Manila  (Phone: 241-2906 Fax: 242-7860)