2016 Italian Film Festival in Manila

“The glory that was Greece, the grandeur that was Rome”.

I first encountered this adage when my World History teacher and high school principal, Ms. Emolyn Guamil, asked us to write an essay about this statement. Luckily, I was able to write everything what I had read about this Italy’s capital. I was feeling happy to finish the exam in a few minutes, but still feeling empty for writing something I didn’t experience of. 
    

Several years after, I was given the chance to live like an Italian. Last Saturday, November 12, 6:30 pm, I was invited to attend the opening of Italian Film Festival in Cinematheque Centre Manila (the former Instituto Cervantes) on Kalaw Avenue in Ermita. Though I was tired the whole day after looking for my CESE review center, having my CrossFit session, and taking up my Waki treatment, this event was an activity I should not be missed!

Organized by the Embassy of Italy Manila and the Film Development Council of the Philippines and hosted by Tim Yap, the opening gala was attended by diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, students, Italian filmmakers and artists, and local silver screen personalities, like my favorite McCann powerhouse-turned-actress Ms. Tessie Tomas and Mr. Tikoy Aguiluz, director of Segurista (“Dead Sure”), 1996 Philippine entry to the Oscars; Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story; and El Presidente (Emilio Aguinaldo biopic).

Everyone was generously served with Italian cuisine, served by Cibo di M (owned by a fellow meditation groupmate, Asia’s Best Female Chef’s Margarita Fores, was there too) and Ristorante Italiano L’Opera, and made even more flavorful by a variety of wines, sponsored by Ralph’s Wines & Spirits. I was not in the mood for wine, instead, I chilled with glasses of apple and orange juices. Hehe! Italian version of Engelbert Humperdinck’s Il Mundo and a slew of Italian songs accompanied us during the cocktails. Watching the gala movie, Perfetti Sconosciuti (Perfect Strangers), and hearing the Italians talked in vernacular made my night authentically Italian. I can say, indeed, that Italian culture is authentically rich and flavorful, in all aspects! What can you expect from one of the oldest civilizations in the world?!

The festival runs up to November 16 with 7 movies alternately shown in the afternoon and evening for FREE. A bit intriguing… I plan to watch 2Night. A story of two young strangers met at a nightclub, all they wanted to do was go home and have sex, but a kind of intimacy was developed that changed their plan. Check this site for the movie schedule: http://www.fdcp.ph/contents/view?id=cinemathequemanila.   

Godere (‘enjoy’ in Italian)!

Celebration of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey

Today marks the 93rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

Last night at 6:30, October 27, I had a privilege to attend the celebration of Turkey’s anniversary in Fairmont Hotel in Makati. I felt so blessed to meet the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to the Philippines, Her Excellency Ezra Cankorur, as seen in this photo.

I was very happy to know that Turkey was the first country to help us during the Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Turkey is one of our top wheat flour suppliers. Ms. Cankorur added in her speech, "Currently, my homeland accommodates more than 3 million Syrian refugees".

Footages of world-class Turkish tourist spots were shown on the large LED screens, while the guests indulged on palatable cuisine that made this beautiful country truly unique. Known in the ancient world as Anatolia, Turkey is the only country that is both situated in Asia and Europe. So what can you expect from the culture, food, and experience it offers?

          Rumi, a famous Persian poet, lived the latter part of his life in Turkey. I love Rumi for his LOVE quotes and his controversial love life. One of his quotes was, "In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no one sees you, but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art".

I was not feeling well during the whole day yesterday maybe because my body was still adjusting to my CrossFit training, plus the stress of commuting to and from work and doing some errands. But immersing in everything that was Turkey, in the company of some of our previous government leaders (including a former Philippine president and a previous House speaker), ambassadors, and expats had made me feel well and grateful for given the opportunities to attend diplomatic and consular affairs for many years now.

Hence, I will continue devoting “myself to cultural understanding and international understanding because I believe that it is with developing in each of us sensitivity to other cultures that we expand our horizons, tolerate difference, and appreciate diversity”. Pahiram muna Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa ng speech mo ha (Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, I’ll just borrow your speech.)

I’m Venezuelan Pinoy, but in my heart, I’m always a citizen of the world.

Teşekkür ederim ve Yaşasın Türkiye (Thank you and Mabuhay Turkey)!

4 CAS Constituents are 2014 Gawad Chancellor Awardees

Based on the theme, “Marangal at Tapat na Lingkod Bayan Tungo sa Kabutihang Pangkalahatan”, the month-long activities dedicated to the 37th Anniversary of Health Sciences Center Autonomy and 32nd UP Manila Day was significantly highlighted by staging the annual Gawad Chancellor Awarding Ceremony on October 21, 2014 at the UP Manila Social Hall.

The theme of the celebration, according to UP President Alfredo E. Pascual, “reminds us of the significant contribution of UP Manila, the birthplace of UP, as an exemplar of honor and excellence in health education, in science and research, and in public service in the greater UP Community and in the country.”

President Pascual added, “UPM's outstanding professional training in the field of health and medicine; its excellent academic programs in the social sciences, the arts and humanities; and its committed service to the community and the nation prove its incessant pursuit of UP's time-honored values of honor and excellence in serving the Filipino people... These show how UPM commits to the fulfillment of UP's vision of being a great regional and global institution, committed to shaping minds that shape the nation.” 

 

As per the outgoing Chancellor Manuel B. Agulto, “Isa na namang mahalagang okasyon ang magtitipon at magbubunyi sa UP Manila at sa mga guro, kawani, REPS, at mag-aaral nito sa kanilang tapat at mahusay na paglilingkod ng nakaraang taon... Sa ngalan ng aking mga kasamahan sa administrasyon, binabati ko ang lahat ng UP Manila constituents sa sama-sama nating paggunita ng aspeto ito ng kasaysayan ng ating unibersidad. May dagdag kahulugan at sentimentalismo sa inyong lingkod ang paggunita dahil huling taon ko ito bilang inyong pinuno. Sa loob ng panahong ito, isang malaking karangalang nakatrabaho at nakasama ko kayo sa hirap at ligaya ng paglilingkod sa unibersidad.”

This event became more remarkable as four noteworthy College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) personalities received the prestigious Gawad Chancellor medals and trophies.

Professor Jerome A. Ong, this year's Gawad Chancellor Outstanding Teacher awardee, has been serving as Program Head of the Department of Social Sciences – Area Studies Program since 2007 and Coordinator of the CAS Office of Student Services and Gender Program since last year. He was also a member of the Academic Personnel Committee from 2009 to 2011. Consistently been rated by his students as an outstanding faculty in the Student Evaluation of Teachers (SET), Assistant Professor Ong became the recipient of two Gawad Chancellor citations, namely “Pinakamahusay na Guro” and “Pinakamahusay na Mananaliksik” during the centennial celebration of the University. In 2011 and 2012, he was named “CAS Outstanding Teacher”. He is now finishing his PhD in Philippine Studies at UP Diliman. Further, he has been writing in the historical bulletin of Philippine Historical Association of which he had served as the secretary for several years. In 2013, he received the “Young Historian’s Prize” given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). He conducts seminars and workshops to teachers and educators of History and Social Studies both in public and private schools all over the country as well.

Recipient of Gawad Chancellor Outstanding Faculty in Extension Service, Dr. Leonardo R. Estacio, Jr., is an Associate Professor at the Department of Behavioral Sciences and teaches anthropology, social science, and behavioral science courses at the undergraduate level and health policy studies courses at the graduate level. He served as the Chairperson of the Department from late 2010 to July 2014. He was named as CAS Outstanding Teacher in July 2009 and as CAS Outstanding Faculty in Extension Service in July 2013. Armed with PhD in Anthropology from UP Diliman and two masters, he had been a visiting scientist at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010 as a recipient of the International Visiting Scientists and Technical Exchange Program Clinical Trials Network (NIDA-INVEST- CTN) Research Fellowship Program of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, USA. Moreover, he is an internationally recognized expert in drug abuse training, research, and program development; advocate of indigenous knowledge systems and practices; and consultant to various international agencies, notably the International Labor Organization and World Health Organization.

A former child actor of the silver screen, Professor Ryan E. Redillas was given the Gawad Chancellor Outstanding Artist award for promoting Philippine Arts through his participation in the development of the student theater group, “Maralitang Inamorato”. He has been writing, directing, and producing orginal theatrical works, including storylines inspired by the local literary outputs, such as Ibong Adarna. A lecturer at the Department of Arts and Communications, he is pursuing his MA in Art History and Criticism at UP Diliman.

With a cumulative GPA of 1.15 (Summa Cum Laude standing), BS Biology major Shaira Marie P. Tagadan was declared as Gawad Chancellor Outstanding Student. She was among the Outstanding Students in the Department of Biology and has been actively participated in extracurricular volunteer activities through her membership and association with the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, Philippine General Hospital, CAS Registration Volunteer Corps, UP Biology Majors Association, and Biological Sciences Society.

CAS Student is Markprof's Shortlisted Contender

Fourth year Political Science major Maryliz Zubiri, alongside UPM College of Pharmacy student Krishelle Anne Obispo, joins the elite list of 2014 MarkProf Bootcamp's Top 35 contenders.

As per the website of MarkProf Foundation, Inc., shortlisted applicants will undergo additional two screening days to make the final cut of 25. MarkProf's Board of Directors and Board of Trustees go through the feedback about each individual to carefully deliberate who will progress and get the chance to be part of MarkProf's Leadership Network.

Yearly, Markprof Foundation looks for 25 of the most promising graduating college students who want to pursue careers in marketing and sales. After a long and stringent screening process of business simulations, interviews, and case studies, the apprentices are offered an exceptional means for jump starting their career via a prestigious free-of-charge Marketing Leadership Bootcamp where they would get unparalleled training from the country’s most renowned corporate leaders and entrepreneurs.

The boot camp consists of seven weekends of learning from the country's best marketing and sales professionals. Selected trainees will get to listen to practitioners from different local and multinational companies giving lectures on advanced topics that are not taught in schools. They will get the chance to apply what they learned in live business cases in various modules. The performance of each apprentice is closely monitored in the course of seven weekends. Each candidate is expected to perform at the standard MarkProf sets which is measured by a numerical grade. Only those that consistently meet the standard are allowed to finish the entire boot camp leading to MarkProf Leadership Network membership.

Markprof Foundation was put up by internationally renowned marketing guru Josiah L. Go and J&J ASEAN Consumer Group of Companies First Regional President Diosdado Salvador Jr.

Thanksgiving Program for Outgoing Chancellor Manuel B. Agulto

To celebrate his times and life as head of UP Manila and UP-PGH (UP – Philippine General Hospital), as well as his contributions to CAS, in particular, “Pagkilala at Pasasalamat kay Tsanselor Manuel B. Agulto” was staged at CAS Theater on September 23, 2014, 2:00 PM.

Chancellor Manuel B. Agulto was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Arline V. Belarmino-Agulto, and his former Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Dr. Leo Cubillan, who currently serves as the Executive Director of National Institutes of Health.

To start the program, Biorythm rendered “As the Deer Panteth for the Water”, followed by the singing of National Anthem. Event host, Professor Carolina Pulumbarit, introduced Dean Alex Gonzaga for the welcome remarks.

Dean Gonzaga acknowledged the CAS projects Chancellor Agulto supervised since he became the 8th Chancellor of UP Manila on October 26, 2011. Then Biorythm sang “High” by The Speaks followed by the CAS Admin staff's version of The Carpenters' “Top of the World”. The latter was comprised of Mses. Junz Celoy, Luz Emano, Leonie Florendo, Amy Ilagan, and Shirley Nulud.

Dr. Leonardo Estacio, Jr. of Department of Behavioral Sciences delivered his originally penned poem dedicated to Chancellor to the enjoyment of everyone, as follows:

ISANG MATALINHAGANG PAGKILALA KAY

TSANSELOR MANUEL B. AGULTO

mula sa mga miyembro ng fakulti, kawani at estudyante ng CAS

Misyon mo ang magbigay lunas sa nakataratang paningin at pag-iisip

At magbigay tugon sa mga hamon at hinaing ng mga: nanggagalaiting aktibista;

Naghihinagpis na mga silid-aralan at nagreretirong mga lcd at aircon;

Umaalmang mga mag-aaral na nawalan ng kusina sa tanghali at nagtitiis sa paligid na amoy-pusali;

Empleyadong nakaprenda na ang suweldo at ATM sa nakangising usurero;

Lungayngay ng mga propesor na nagtitiis sa patpating suweldo at binuburong overload pay

Baston mo ay sulo ng pag-asa at pag-unlad sa UP Manila:

At amoy- pusaling paligid ng CAS-Rizal Hall ay nagmistulang pook luntian;

Gusaling Student Center at katatayuan nito ay napasinayaan;

Umuusok ang balita na maraming propesor ang nirekomenda mong tataas ang mga rangko;

Lumang Little Theater, mga laboratoryo, silid-aralan at opisina ay binigyan mo ng bagong sigla at anyo;

Tatlong taon ba ay kulang upang ang mga programa at serbisyo ay maipatupad ng ganap?

O ito’y sapat upang ang dunong at dangal ng mga iskolar ng bayan ay maisulong ng wagas?

Masugid mong ginampanan ang iyong tungkulin bilang tsanselor at iskolar para sa bayan

Di mo tinalikdan ang mga hamon at pagsubok na sa iyo nakaatang…

Mabuhay ka Tsanselor Manuel B. Agulto!!!

Chancellor Agulto responded, “this is the last time that I am talking to all of you as Father of UP Manila. I do not know if I will cry, be happy, or be a philosopher. I am here to do a thing as recommended by my advisers and my good-natured wife, who is always busy in greening the College and was occupied in the restoration of Oble's (Oblation's) hand.”

“I am so thankful to the greatness of CAS. You produced three summa cum laude's in three years. It only proves that challenges are not a hindrance... I will plant in your hearts the beautiful and sweet-smelling flowers to wake up your hearts and consciousness. Let's stop digging the unpleasant memories,” Chancellor added. He reasurred, “give facilities to CAS for the brightest students and teachers in the land.”

Chancellor Agulto beamed with pride as he talked about his two of three children who were products of CAS. His second child is a BA Organizational Communication alumna. He shared, “she was a straight A student in her master's abroad, completing the degree in 1.5 years, and whose thesis merited the admiration of her adviser.” On the other hand, his youngest daughter studied BS Biology. She is a certified ophthalmologist in the Philippine General Hospital and currently taking up post residency in the US. She was an intern in the White House and her thesis dealt about the soldiers traumatized by Vietnam war.

Towards the end of his speech, Chancellor discoursed, “at the end of our earthly life journey, we will be judged by the Good Lord. Let's take the narrowed and straight path that will lead to eternal life. Between eternal life of hardship or eternal life of joy, choice is easy. A no brainer.” He also looked back to the time when he was still contemplating to run for chancellorship. He mentioned, “According to my wife, 20 years was more than enough of serving UP. I became a director, department chair, and professor. But because of the nudge of my fellows in PGH and UP Manila, even to the last minute of passing the requirments, I submitted the nomination forms to NIH (National Institutes of Health)... Let's give CAS a warm round of applause. May God bless us and give us a brighter future. Good afternoon.”

Chancellor Agulto received the certificate of appreciation and signature frame from Dean Gonzaga. Meanwhile, Mrs. Agulto was presented with bouquet of flowers each by Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rosario Rubite, and Associate Dean for Planning and Development, Professor Luciana Ilao. Photo ops with the faculty and administrative staff ended the occasion.

CAS Flag Raising Ceremony with Chancellor Agulto

Before his term ends in October, Chancellor Manuel B. Agulto, together with Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Dr. Charlotte Chiong and Special Assistant to the Chancellor Dr. Jubert Benedicto, joined the CAS faculty members, administrative employees, and students in the monthly CAS Flag Raising Ceremony at the CAS Oblation Garden on September 1, 2014, 8:00 AM.

After Biorhythm presiding the doxology and the singing of the national anthem, Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas was recited by the CAS Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs staff Diana Sabilao. CAS Department of Physical Education Administrative Assistant John Paul Iringan, on the contrary, led the Panunumpa ng Kawani ng Gobyerno.

CAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Rosario Rubite introduced Chancellor Agulto for an inspirational message.

Chancellor Agulto delighted the audience when he proudly mentioned that two of his children were products of CAS. He gushed, “CAS occupies a special place in my heart. Two of my beautiful kids graduated from here. My wife likewise loves CAS. As a matter of fact, the plants you see here are hers. She donated them to CAS, not only for beautification purposes, but for health reasons. We all know that plants produce oxygen and oxygen is very vital to our well-being.” He also delighted the students when he uttered that the CAS Student Center is already undergoing construction. “Rest assured that clean, delicious, and nutritious meals at very affordable rates will be served soon,” he added. He encouraged the CAS Management Team to rename the CAS Little Theater to CAS Theater. He reiterated to drop the word “Little”. In relation to this change, he mentioned about the Filipino fondness for small things as essayed by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin. “We, Filipinos, always love sizes less than the average. We should stop this way of thinking. Let's dream bigger, better, and bolder as we tread the straight path,” he concluded.

UP Naming Mahal was sung by the CAS community thereafter.

Search for the Next UP Manila Chancellor

The sectoral forum with the nominees for the next University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Chancellor was held at the recently renovated CAS Little Theater on August 12, 2014. Though the event was intended to cater to the concerns and questions of the students and the alumni, a strong pool of faculty members; administrative staff; and Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) attended.

The nominees were Dr. Vicente Belizario, Jr., Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Dr. Godofreda Dalmacion, and Dr. Carmencita Padilla. For a copy of their curriculum vitae and vision papers for UP Manila, kindly visit http://www.upm.edu.ph/announcement/chancellorship_nomination_2014/. The appointed Chancellor must be willing to render his/her service for a three-year term on a full-time basis.

The UPM Search Committee was chaired by Dr. Irma Makalinao. Dr. Michael Tee and Prof. Erna Arollado served as senior and junior faculty representatives respectively. Administrative staff Ms. Belinda Jubilo-Santos, student Ms. Marianne Montiel, and UP President's representative Prof. Lourdes M. Portus completed the list of committee members.

The interview of nominees by the Search Committee was scheduled on August 15, while the submission of the Committee's report to the University of the Philippines President was slated on September 1, 2014.