Divos and Divas: The First DRC Singing Contest
2017-02-06

To deepen our relations with the diplomatic corps, build up DRC brand name and brighten up the cultural life of the foreign diplomats and under the auspices and support of the BDS-HSC leadership, the Public Relations & Sales Department held the first ever DRC Singing Contest for diplomats at the Function Room of Liaomaqiao Diplomatic Office Building (LDOB). Senior diplomats, such as the Ambassadors of Grenada, Tajikistan and Barbados, and Consuls General from Spain and Kazakhstan, as well as some 200 diplomats from more than 40 countries, international organizations, foreign media agencies and representatives of the DRC shop owners took part in the event. Also present at the contest were Mr. Yuan Weimin and Ms. Jiang Qi, Director General and Executive Deputy Director General of the BDS, and senior executives from the HSC as well as BDS departments and affiliates. 

The event was opened with a folk dance performance of the children from the Pakistani School in Beijing and won thunderous applause from the audience for the beautiful melodies and sublime moves.

Moderated by 5 sales assistants in 6 languages including Chinese, English, Japanese, German, French and Danish, the contest was presided over by a group of judges consisting of Mrs. Yamamoto, wife of Minister of Cultural Affairs from the Japanese Embassy, Vice Consul from the US Embassy, Ms. Zhang Baomo, a prominent Chinese soprano, Mr. Li Jian, a well known Chinese ballad singer, Mr. Hou Ge, BDS Trade Union Chairperson, Mr. Ren Jian, HSC Director of Personnel Department, and Ms. Yang Shuqing, HSC Trade Union Chairperson, who were present to offer professional and authoritative comments and opinions. 

In his opening address, Mr. Yuan Weimin welcomed the guests from the diplomatic corps and thanked them for their support. He added, following the motto of “Serving the diplomatic corps and China’s diplomatic cause”, the BDS was dedicated to providing comprehensive and high-quality services to the foreign diplomatic missions in Beijing. He wished the contestants good luck in the competition and hoped that the two sides will establish lasting friendship in the future. 

The contest began with a duet by Mr. Ren Jian and Ms. Yang Shuqing. The rendition of You Make Me Happy and Fidgety by the Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in China, Find Myself, by Michael, Vice Counselor from the US Embassy, Look Across the Street by Attaché from the Columbian Embassy, Tomorrow’s Gonne be Better by First Secretary from the German Embassy, Memories of China by journalist from the Khmer Daily and Great China by the Pakistani Embassy employees left the audience with very memorable moments and passionate response. 

In fluent English, Ms. Jiang Qi commented on the contest and said that the fact that 19 diplomats showcased their vocal and linguistic talents by singing Chinese songs was inspiring. Thanks to their courage, determination and strength, the stories described in the lyrics reminded us of many beautiful memories in various eras in China. Their passion for China served to further boost our confidence in the DRC. 

Based on the decision of the judges, the top honor of Best Divo went to the first secretary from the German Embassy, and diplomats from the US, Columbian Embassies and Director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in China shared the first prizes presented by the BDS and HSC officials as well as the DRC shop owner representatives. The HSC also presented Christmas gifts to all the contestants and audience taking part in the gala with heartfelt greetings. Before the event came to a successful close, the BDS-HSC executives and judges assembled to sing Tomorrow’s Gonne be Better in a chorus. 

Senior diplomats from the Embassies of Grenada, Tajikistan and Spain congratulated the BDS leaders for the success of the contest and expressed regrets that no one from their missions took part in the competition. Nonetheless, they promised that they would be better prepared and sing Chinese songs next time. The Cultural Counselor from the US Embassy jokingly suggested that the next contest be organized at the Beijing Olympic Stadium, a.k.a. the Bird Nest. The Divos/Divas Contest is one more creative effort of the DRC to construct a new talent show platform dedicated to deepening understanding and friendship and enhancing DRC brand loyalty. 

Taking this opportunity, we would like to give our heartfelt thanks for the strong support from the BDS-HSC leadership, the collaboration of the HSC General Office, Liangmaqiao DRC Property Management Department, Fire Prevention and Security Department as well as the cooperation of the Comprehensive Service Company, International Club, Guoyihui and United Family Healthcare. 

Reporters from the China Central TV (CCTV), Beijing TV, Xinhua Net and China Net were present to cover the event which was aired by CCTV 16 and Beijing TV. For more details in Chinese, please search for “外交官跨界歌王” on baidu.com.