20th Anniversary Special Edition

DRAGON BULLETIN SPECIAL EDITIONYEARS OF CISMImagine stepping into a classroom where elementary students converse comfortably in both English and Mandarin, middle schoolers solve realworld problems with cross-cultural empathy, and high school seniors earn acceptances to the world’s most prestigious universities. For two decades, families seeking elite global education in Metro Manila have found in Chinese International School Manila an education that balances Eastern discipline with Western inquiry. As we celebrate the Chinese International School Manila 20th anniversary, we look back at how a bold educational vision nearly two decades ago transformed into a thriving international school and why CISM remains as one of the top educational destinations for forwardthinking parents in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and beyond. YEARS OF CISMEvery great legacy begins somewhere. In 2007, educational pioneers Felicia Hung-Atienza and Maria Louisa Sian recognized a gap in the Philippine educational landscape. While Metro Manila boasted several private academies, few institutions prepared students for a rapidly shifting global economy where East Asian influence and Western innovation intersect. CISM opened its doors with just 20 students and 11 dedicated teachers. The founding mission was clear yet ambitious: build a premier international school in BGC that combines American academic standards with rigorous Mandarin language immersion across all grade levels. Fast forward to today: that small cohort has expanded into a vibrant community of up to 400 students representing more than 25 nationalities. From humble beginnings on Upper McKinley Road, CISM has grown into a fully accredited, world-class institution that continues to set the benchmark for global schooling. THE STORY BEHIND CISM: HOW A VISIONARY DREAM REDEFINED EDUCATION IN BGCCISM operates on four foundational values that guide every lesson, interaction, and extracurricular activity: Charity: Fostering empathy and active service toward local and global communities. Integrity: Building personal honor, truthfulness, and ethical decisionmaking. Unlike massive mega-campuses where students can feel like numbers, CISM maintains intentional, small class sizes. This guarantees that every child receives personalized attention from dedicated international educators who know their unique learning style, strengths, and aspirations. BUILT ON FOUR CORE PILLARS SMALL CLASS SIZES, BIG IMPACT Service: Encouraging students to use their talents to uplift others. Modesty: Cultivating humility, respect for diverse viewpoints, and self-awareness. When parents look for an elite IB Diploma Programme in Manila, academic reputation and individual student support are paramount. Authorized as an IB World School in 2011, CISM delivers an enriched high school curriculum that opens doors worldwide.As Chinese International School Manila celebrates its 20th anniversary milestone, its mission remains as urgent and inspiring as ever. In an increasingly complex world, the market needs leaders who possess technical competence, linguistic fluency, and emotional intelligence. By combining the academic depth of the IB Diploma Programme, Mandarin immersion, and a warm community, CISM continues to shape confident young men and women ready to leave an indelible mark on the world. LOOKING AHEAD: THE NEXT 20 YEARS OF NURTURING COMPASSIONATE LEADERSCongratulations, CISM, on 20 wonderful years! I’ve been here from the beginning and have had the honor of watching our school grow. CISM has given me so many meaningful experiences and countless people who have become part of my life. When I retire, I know I’ll miss everyone who has walked through these doors. I love CISM forever. Ate Lita CISM Pioneer What is your fondest memory at CISM? One of my fondest memories from our early days was seeing everyone work hand in hand to give our students the best education. I’m proud of how CISM has grown from just a few students to a larger community of families. Twenty years from now, I hope our young Dragons will continue to carry the torch and keep the CISM spirit alive. Gef Selmo CISM Pioneer VOICE P S ART 1