More than 20 Xavier Ateneo AB International Studies students visited the Alliance française de Manille in Makati last May 5, 2023 and was featured in the May 2023 magazine of the Embassy of France in the Philippines and in Micronesia. They were welcomed by representatives of the French Embassy as they engaged in a dialogue about diplomatic practices and France-Philippines’ relations. They also had the opportunity to explore Alliance française de Manille's art gallery. A notable display in the gallery is one of the oldest maps of the Philippine Islands that served as an important factual support for the historical narrative that made the Philippines win the case on the South China Sea Dispute in the International Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Representatives of Alliance française de Manille and the French Embassy discussed the scientific cooperation between France and the Philippines and some cultural aspects of France.

The visit was headed by IS 61 Consular and Diplomatic Practices Instructor Ms Laarni Pacamalan and the class chief head Ms Angelica Mika Reyes. Faculty members Ms Ruby Jane Rivera and Ms Catalina Gaite were also in attendance to represent Xavier Ateneo’s History and International Studies departments during the visit.

The May 2023 magazine is downloadable through this link: https://ph.ambafrance.org/France-in-the-Philippines-and-Micronesia-Download-the-May-2023-Magazine

Photos by: Lakbay Pinoy Travel and Tour Services