Resos presented his paper titled “Political Culture and the Rise of Partisan Politics: Distortion and Direction of Philippine Democracy (1897-2019)” emphasizing the role of political culture in hampering democracy in the Philippines. Asst. Prof. Janet C. Atutubo, Ph.D., discussed “PEFTOK: An Oral History of the Filipino Soldiers in the Korean War” which pointed out the oral accounts of Filipino expeditionary forces during the Korean War. Asst. Prof. Isabel Annesley S. Abao, Ph.D., presented her paper titled “Historical Awareness of Selected Students of UST: Implications to the Revival of Philippine History in Junior High School,” stressing the significance of restoring the teaching of Philippine History in the High School level.

Assoc. Prof. Arlene D. Calara, Ph.D., presented a paper on the abuses committed by the Americans in its various war undertakings in Asia, while Ms. Irene G. Borras provided the history of Chinese settlement in the Philippines with her research.

The Philippine Historical Association which organizes this annual conference is a professional and honor association of historians, history teachers, and researchers in the Philippines founded in 1955 by Encarnacion Alzona, Gregorio Zaide, Nicolas Zafra, Celeodonio Resurrection, Teodoro Agoncillo, Esteban de Ocampo and Fr. Horacio del a Costa. The primary aim of the conference is to identify the distortions brought by the proliferation of fake news, alternative facts and misrepresentation of reality and face the challenges of the misuse of history.

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However, the modern world is confronted with intricacies that pose challenges to people’s capabilities of forbearance and survival. Thus, there is an imperative to be addressed: the necessity to inform about and elaborate the diverse cultures of peoples of the world for better knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of humanity that goes beyond differences and conflicts. Every person needs to recognize the importance of sharing knowledge for the common good. This was the premise of the Inter-Asian Cultural Studies (IACS) Society Conference 2019.

The IACS Society Conference 2019, with the theme “Fluid Circuits: Cultures of Knowledge after the Digital Turn” was held in Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. It was organized by the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies (IACS) Society in cooperation with Silliman University. It was successful in creating an avenue where scholars and experts converge in meaningful, profound discourses that centered on culture and society. Relevant topics on cultures were brought to light through research works that showed excellent scholarship. Exuding vivacity and anticipation, local and foreign scholars, teachers, and students took active participation in the three-day conference.

The paper presenters from the University of Santo Tomas include: Prof. Maria Alexandra Iñigo-Chua, Ph.D. (Conservatory of Music), Ms. Kristine May D. Martinez (Faculty of Arts and Letters), and Mr. Tito R. Quiling, Jr., (Faculty of Arts and Letters). Chua presented her research work titled “Rethinking and Reimagining the Musical Works of Julio Nakpil (1867-1960) in the Context of Philippine Modernity, Colonial Transculturation, and Cultural Hybridity.” Martinez presented “’Will you ever be cured, Keiko…?’: Being an “Oddball” and a “Foreign Object” in Japan — A Research Paper on Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman,” while “Thin Walls, Thick Skin: Identity–Formation and Spaces of Ephemerality in Peque Gallaga’s Scorpio Nights” was presented by Quiling.

Praiseworthy about this international conference was the participation of the first-rate guest speakers who are luminaries in the field of cultural studies. The speakers exhibited brilliance as they presented themselves before an audience of intellectuals engaged in absorbing and processing information from the lectures. The speakers’ prominence was a testament to their expertise on and stellar achievements in cultural studies. The keynote speakers were Dr. Caroline Hau (Kyoto University), Dr. Patrick Flores (University of the Philippines – Diliman), and Dr. Vicente Rafael (University of Washington). These speakers went into detail in explicating various developments in knowledge related to local and global cultures.

The plenary session speakers were also outstanding in their lectures on cultural studies: Dr. J. Neil Garcia (University of the Philippines – Diliman), Dr. Ding Naifei (National Central University, Taiwan), Dr. Audrey Yue (National University of Singapore), Dr. Ramon Guillermo (University of the Philippines – Diliman), Dr. Hsing-wen Chang (Ambedkar University, India), Dr. Tejaswini Niranjana (Lingnan University, Hong Kong), Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong (UMass Amherst, USA), Dr. Nishant Shah (ARTez, Netherlands), and Dr. Amie Parry (National Central University, Taiwan).

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The symposium was divided into three technical sessions: the plenary session with six local and six foreign speakers, the flash talk with 22 presenters who were given one-minute to present their topic, and the poster presentation from which three best posters were chosen. 

The research, Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) and Colorectal cancer development among Filipinos by Ana Maria D. Cariño, Edrienne Myena M. Magat, Gregg Austine Balanag, Allan Felizar, Teresa Sy Ortin, Leonardo Guevarra, Jr., and Pia Marie SP Albano was declared the best poster. 

The research poster by Katherine Yasmin M. Garcia, Charles David V. Palillo, Chayanard Phukhamsakda, Kevin D. Hyde, Marc Stadler, and Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, titled “Discovery of novel spirodioxynaphthalene derivatives with ant-microbial, nematicidal and cytotoxic properties from Sparticola junci” won second place. Bagging the third place was the research titled External calibration vs standard addition method in the determination of calcium in drinking water by ICP-OES for proficiency testing studies by Clarissa J. Gatchalian, Christian D. Laurio, Elyson Keith P. Encarnacion, and Benilda S. Ebarvia.

This scientific event which brought together scientists from the two universities who presented frontiers of chemistry and allied sciences was made possible through the assistance extended by private companies. Almost 100 attendees come from different academic, government and industry sectors.

These endeavors which serve as venues for opening up possibilities of engaging the participants in meaningful collaborations are but few of the joint activities accomplished in pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement between the two universities, UST and CYCU, which was signed in 2010. 

A number of these collaborative efforts between  UST and student and faculty mobility include sending of students under the Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry programs to CYCU for internships during the special term; CYCU hosting UST alumni and faculty members for postgraduate studies; delivering special lectures or serving as invited speakers of faculty researchers from both universities; and completing the PhP 4M MECO-TECO – a funded two-year joint project of Prof. Jui-Ming Yeh, Ph.D., (CYCU Principal Investigator) and Prof. Karen Santiago (UST Principal Investigator) in 2017 that resulted in a number of international joint publications and theses topics of undergraduate and graduate students. 

The partnership continues as the UST College of Science Dean, Prof. John Donnie A. Ramos, Ph.D., considers benchmarking of UST Psychology Department with the CYCU Psychology Department. Similarly, the UST Office for International Relations and Programs (OIRP) and CYCU College of Science explore the possibility of offering enhancement training to UST Senior High School teachers by 2020. This November 2019, CYCU-College of Science will host the first Asian international conference in science to be participated in by other partners from Japan (Niigata University), Malaysia (University Tungku Abdul Raman), and the Philippines (UST). 

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De Castro’s award is for the 2019 Research Category chosen from 69 research projects nationwide following a three-level selection process. NCCA Research Technical Working Committee Chair Dr. Jazzmin B. Llana referred to the awardees as the “crème de la crème.” ��

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The book, titled “Nuestra Señora de Salvacion: History, Theology, Piety” (Our Lady of Salvation), is an offshoot of Fr. Alaurin’s research of a miraculous 18th century image of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, which is also known as Our Lady of Light. Currently the heavenly patroness of Albay, the image was first venerated in Joroan, now part of Tiwi, Albay in Region V.

The Blessed Mother is known by many different titles, epithets, and other names, as explained by Fr. Alaurin. These titles include Stella Maris (Star of the Sea) and Stella Matutina (Morning Star), which signify Mary’s role as the guiding light toward Christ.

It is these roles of the Blessed Mother that served as inspiration for the pipe sculptures featured in “Lumen Ténebras Vincit.” It seeks to honor through the use of steel and light fixtures. Fr. Alaurin’s pipe sculpture exhibit titled “Lumen Ténebras Vincit!” (Light Conquers Darkness) also mounted at the UST Museum, was opened on the same day.

The pipe sculpture exhibit, which runs until November 15, 2019, consists of 19 sculptures with “Our Lady of Light and Salvation” appearing to greet the exhibition guests because it is the first artwork that they encounter upon entrance. A beautiful interpretation of Our Lady, the pipe sculpture shows a child being carried by the Lady on one hand and another child apparently being lifted as if being saved by the Lady with her other hand.

Most of the assemblage measure 28” x 9” x 10” mounted on a wooden plank. Some of the eye-catching artworks were: Justitia with the scale, Sir Lance-bot with the sword and shield, and movie-inspired Lastik-bot, Roo-bot, Kingkong-bot. There were also those whose creation was inspired by religion such as the Santo Pescador (The Holy Fisherman), Niño Pastor (The Shepherd Boy), and Pastor Bonus (The Good Shepherd).

There was a noticeable recurrence of those that fish or those that deal with water such as the Fisher-bot, Fishing-bot, Santo Pescador, the Pail Boy and the Aqua- bot.

Gracing the event were the Dominican Province of the Philippines Prior Provincial and UST Vice Chancellor Very Rev. Fr. Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., O.P and UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. It was also attended by Dominican priests from UST and Bahay Dominiko, University administrators and academic officials, faculty members, alumni, and the family and friends of the author-artist.

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Gracing the event were the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Philippines Her Excellency Anke Reiffenstuel and Goethe Institut Philippinen Director Dr. Ulrich Nowak. The visitors were welcomed by UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jesús M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., assisted by the Office of Public Affairs Director Assoc. Prof. Giovanna V. Fontanilla, Ph.D.

The concert, aside from featuring Schumann’s works, included German poetry and theatrical performances of important events in her life. German musicians Boris Schönleber (piano), Katharina Padrok (Mezzo-soprano), and Filipino performers Peter L. Porticos (actor) and Mary Patrice Pacis (actress), both from the UST Conservatory of Music, starred in the production.

Clara Schumann was a German musician and composer, considered as one of the most distinguished composers and pianists of the Romantic era. Over a 61-year concert career, she composed a body of work that included various piano concertos, chamber works, and choral pieces. She taught at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt and was one of the primary forces in reintroducing eighteenth-century keyboard music to the public.

Among Clara Schumann’s pieces that were performed during the concert were Mein Stern (My Star), Der Abendstern (The Evening Star), Romanze op. 21, Nr. 1 (Romance), and Der Mond kommt still gegangen op. 13, Nr. 4 (The moon rises silently). 

Songs composed by Clara’s husband Robert Schumann, a distinguished pianist himself, were also played, namely, Er ist’s op. 79, Nr. 23 (Spring is Here), Widmung op. 25, Nr. 1 (Dedication), and �Ѳ�������Է�ü���������� op. 79, Nr. 14 (Ladybird).

Boris Schönleber and Katharina Padrok also performed in the Berlin and Bangkok edition of the same concert earlier this year. Manila is the last stop for this particular tour.

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 Jubilate Deo is a Latin psalm that praises and glorifies the Lord. A choral piece setting for eight voices, the song was performed at the Busan Cinema Center by Ligao National High School Voice Chorale under the baton of Mr. Celger V. Venzon.      Agpasa, a UST graduate student and an alumnus of the UST Conservatory of Music,  concurrently serves as the assistant musical director of the UST Singers and the conductor of the UST Chorus of Arts and Letters.

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The exhibition features 23 oil pastel paintings on sandpaper, 22 of which are 28cm x 23cm portraits of the famed miracle worker Padre Pio capturing his various moods, and one titled “Totus Tuus.”  Lerma, an award-winning painter who comes from a family of physicians, started with his portraits in January of 2019 and completed them in April.  

For its centerpiece, the exhibition has the portrait titled “Totus Tuus” (Totally Yours), which depicts Padre Pio offering his mystical wounds to the Virgin Mary. It was the motto of Pope John Paul II, who visited the University in 1981 and 1995. As a young priest, the Pope, now a Saint, met with Padre Pio, where the Capuchin confided the existence of a shoulder wound, which has never been cured or treated, only to him.

Born Francesco Forgione, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina was an Italian priest known for his charity and piety and was commonly called Padre Pio. He became a priest in 1910 in spite of his poor health, and in 1918, he experienced the wounds of Christ appearing in his hands and feet. Upon manifestation of the stigmata, miracles began being attributed to him.

Previously, the University hosted the incorruptible heart relic of Padre Pio and enshrined it at the Santísimo Rosario Parish Church from October 8 to 9, 2018.

Lerma is an alumnus of the UST College of Science in 1979 and graduated from the Doctor of Medicine program of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1983.  The family medicine specialist currently serves the Thomasian community as a consultant at the UST Health Service.

The exhibition was curated by UST College of Fine Arts and Design Assistant Professor Mary Ann Venturina-Bulanadi and Thomasian artist Wilfredo Offemaria Jr.  

“Pio et Maria” will run until November 15, 2019.

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There were approximately 8,250 Junior High School and graduating Senior High School students from 128 schools in Metro Manila, Region 3, and 4 who attended the exhibit. Aside from UST, the Fair was participated in by top local universities and other international universities and institutions such as Deakin University (Australia), Macquarie University (Australia), Columbia College (USA), and San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (USA). 

The 29th CCGF also showcased Thomasian talents. The Salinggawi Dance Troupe performed one of their best cheer dance routines to the delight of the student participants. Students from the Painting Department of the UST College of Fine Arts and Design participated through their face and skin painting skills. The UST Yellow Jackets hyped up the school spirit with their crowd call “Go Uste!” cheer that reverberated through the halls of the World Trade Center while the Students Tourism Society from the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management assisted the organizers.  

Aside from the Thomasian (student) talents, UST Graduate School Faculty Secretary Assoc. Prof. Alejandro S. Bernardo, Ph.D., who also serves as president of the Linguistics Society of the Philippines, gave a presentation seminar on the importance of the English language in one’s career path. 

Inter-Ed’s objective is to communicate its mission, which is to bring more opportunities for students to connect to different universities and institutions across countries and provide career guidance to high school students on their education and career choices.

According to Inter-Ed, the 30th CCGF is expected to be bigger and bolder for its “special edition” as it celebrates its 40th year in the Philippines. The University of Santo Tomas is expected to partner once again with Inter-Ed in its mission to create career paths for young minds and nurture the new generation of Filipino youth to become globally competitive students. 

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Starting this issue, a new section that features selected collections from the UST Museum will grace the pages of the Academia.

This section is intended to bring closer to the Thomasian community and readers of The Academia the art pieces and other collections that are not only priceless but also highly significant to the history and culture of UST. Descriptions and other information on the collection are courtesy of the UST Museum through its Director Rev. Fr. Isidro D. Abaño, O.P.

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