Aletheia

04/05/2025

𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻-𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆

The Day 1 of the 2nd Mayon Undergraduate Philosophical Conference - International officially commenced at Bulwagang BUeño on April 28, 2025, with participants from various institutions assembled to further critical thinking, indigenous thoughts, and cultural dialogues.

The program kicked-off with invocation and opening remarks from university administrators—highlighting indigenous philosophy.

The keynote speakers included Dr. Daniel Mishori from Tel Aviv University, critiqued the hyper-specialization of modern science and advocated for pluralistic, indigenous-driven ethics, and Dr. Victor John M. Loquias from Ateneo de Naga University, underscored the dynamic nature of philosophy—warning against cultural exoticism and advocating for selective engagement with Western ideas to reclaim indigenous narratives.

The afternoon featured parallel sessions where students presented abstracts simultaneously on Bulwagang BUeño and Sili Deli mainly revolving around indigenous education, political philosophy, aesthetics, and identity—showcasing the critical role of young scholars in advancing postcolonial and indigenous discourses.

The event concludes with awarding of certificates for abstract presenters and best presenter award. Followed by closing remarks, photo opportunities, and further announcements.

The 2nd MUPC Intl. emphasizes on promoting indigenous thoughts through analyzing Filipino Philosophy by empowering young philosophers in furthering philosophical writing and study.

via Marianne Lacsa
photos by Kyla Nicole Azur, Joriel Alecks Calleja, Darold Jim Chavez, Angelle Alexis Barroga, Angel De Lumen, Krizette Albia, Queenie Salinas, Trisha Mae Ariola, and Sandara Larce

04/05/2025

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

Five Philosophy students successfully presented their philosophical papers at the 2025 BINTANA International Conference held at Far Eastern University - Manila last April 22-24, 2025.

Upon being included on the list of accepted abstracts, among the students who presented are Renalyn Bibanco and Winona Venice Barias through their paper titled “Rethinking Arendt’s In-Between Space through Marcuse’s Great Refusal.”

Likewise, Jed Barreda and Mary Gay Siapno presented their paper titled “(In)authenticity in the Digital Society: A Hanian and Sartrean Analysis of Digital Connectivity.”

Additionally, Joel Ceasar Luces presented the paper co-authored with Karl Axel Abinion titled “Is ‘AI Art an Art?: Analysis of Generative Artificial Intelligence Images through Platonic-Aristotelian Mimesis and Deleuzian Creativity.”

In an interview, Renalyn Bibanco, one of the presenters, described the experience as a 'real deal’ of an opportunity. “What made the experience even more meaningful was the chance to meet and engage with professionals and students from various disciplines. The conversations outside the presentation sessions were just as powerful as those inside—moments of intellectual exchange, camaraderie, and inspiration,” she added.

Dubbed as “Humanities at the second advent of the Age of AI: Adoption, Integration, and Collaboration,” the 3-day conference has wide scope of topics and fields of disciplines, tackling Language Studies, Literature, Philosophy, Humanities and AI Interface, and Social Media aligning with its core theme on Studies, Analysis, and Research Initiatives on the Humanities (SARIH).

The students were personally assisted by their research adviser, Prof. Mark Gatus, to ensure their safety and travel of the presenters as well as to show support to the students all throughout the said event.

via Dio Emmanuel Sadang
photo credits to Mark Gatus

29/03/2025

𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡┃𝟰𝟬𝟰: 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱

A world without the free flow of information is a world in chains.

In addition to being known as Women’s Month, March also has an important date when it comes to freedom of expression and democratization of the Internet. March 12 has marked the World Day Against Cyber Censorship with the goal to support an open internet where everyone can express themselves freely. Also known as the International Day for Online Freedom of Expression, this observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against internet censorship and the need to protect digital freedoms for all.

The first commemoration of World Day Against Cyber Censorship took place in 2008 when Larry Cox (Executive Director of Amnesty International) and Jean-François Julliard (Secretary-General of Reporters Without Borders) wrote to the CEOs of Google and Yahoo! as well as Microsoft, asking that the day be recognized. Since then, Reporters Without Borders has awarded a Netizen Prize on the day to recognize an individual or organization that has helped to defend online freedom of speech and expression.

Cyber censorship manifests in many ways. It restricts or prevents access to the internet as well as some types of communication and information available on the internet. This has become a global problem, affecting many countries. China’s Great Firewall, Myanmar’s internet blackouts, and North Korea’s near total digital isolation are chilling examples of how censorship is used to breed ignorance, submission, and fear. They restrict access to information when, in fact, the internet is supposed to amplify voices, not erase them. When governments decide what people can and cannot see, they are not protecting society. They are controlling it.

Some argue that online restrictions are necessary to curb misinformation and maintain social order. But we must remember that regulation must not become a tool for oppression. Education is the real solution to misinformation, not suppression. We must teach people how to think critically, verify sources, and engage responsibly in the digital world. Instead of restricting access, governments should empower citizens and ensure that the internet remains a place for truth, debate, and progress. Now, above all, we must secure digital tools like VPNs, encryption, and decentralized platforms to resist the rising tide of cyber oppression.

The fight for online freedom of expression is more essential than ever. When we lose our freedom of expression, we also lose our ability to challenge, to question, and to change the world. With that, we must safeguard the internet as the open, democratic space it was meant to be. We must advocate for stronger digital rights, resist unjust censorship, and educate ourselves on privacy and security. The internet, when free, is a force for change. We must not let it be shackled.

via Kyla Nicole Azur, Associate Editor
Layout by Dio Emmanuel Sadang, Managing Editor

24/03/2025

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗱; 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝘆𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘆

Bilang pakikibahagi sa buwan ng kababaihan, unang bahagi ng PhiloTalks Webinar Series umarangkada na sa pangunguna ng mga mag-aaral ng Pilosopiya katuwang ang Young Philosophers' Society na ginanap sa Zoom Conference at Facebook Live, ika-22 ng Marso 2025.

Sa pangunguna ng mga mag-aaral sa ikatlong taon, umangkla ang unang talakayan ng PhiloTalks Webinar Series sa interseksyonal na relasyon ng politika, kasarian, at pagbubuo ng kamalayan sa panahon ng social media.

Sa unang talakayan, pinag-usapan ni Prof. Amr Solon Sison, panauhing tagapagsalita mula Far Eastern University, ang paksang pinamagatang, "Filter Bubbles and Echo Chambering of Philippine Politics."

Aniya, "Information are being defined by algorithm, and algorithm define how you think; algorithm define what is truth." Dagdag pa niya, ang Filter Bubbles ang pumipigil sa aktibong pagtanggap sa mga bagay lagpas sa nakasanayang interes, habang ang Echo Chambers naman ang humihila sa social media users papasok sa isang network o group na minamanipula kung paano mag-isip ang isang user dahilan upang makulong sa disinformation at fake news lalo sa usapin ng politika at mga isyung pangkasarian sa social media.

Samantala, para sa panghapong talakayan, naging sentro ng usapan ang paksaing, "Gender and Digital Politics: Contours and Contestations", sa pangunguna ni Prof. Gladys Esteve, panauhing tagapagsalita mula Ateneo de Naga University.

"Digital technologies can both promote or inhibit women's equal participation" ani Prof. Esteve.

Kasabay nito, sa open forum hinimay ang naging pahayag ni Prof. Esteve na "women in power does not equate to women empowerment". Aniya, hindi naga-garantiya ang kapakanan ng mga kababaihan sa pamumuno ng isang babae. Sinambit niya rin na ang babae sa politika ay minsan nagiging "woman proxy" na pansamantalang inilalagay para maihalal ang susunod na kapamilya.

Samantala, sinang-ayunan naman ito ni Prof. Marck Zaldy Camba na nagsilbing moderator sa Open Forum, aniya "having a female politician or leader does not automatically mean that gender inequality has been addressed." Dagdag pa niya, ang totoong "empowerment" ay nangyayari kapag ang lahat ng kababaihan, anuman ang katayuang panlipunan, pagkakakilanlan, o pinanggalingan, ay nabibigyan ng opurtunidad at access sa kanilang pangangailangan, at kakayahang makapag-desisyon para sa kanilang sarili.

Bilang panapos, binigyang-diin ni Renalyn Bibanco, punong-tagapangasiwa ng nasabing webinar, na responsibilidad nating himukin ang lahat na kumawala sa mga pwersang kumukundisyon sa pag-iisip ng mga tao nang masiguro na ang ating demokratikong partisipasyon ay nagmumula sa katotohanan at hindi sa mga mapanglinlang na naratibo.

Ulat ni Joel Luces

23/03/2025

𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗠𝗖𝗔 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Khryssdale S. Jacob, a 1st year AB Philosophy student, displayed his intellect and creativity at the YMCA National Academic Olympics 2025; held on March 22-23 at the YMCA of Manila in Ermita, Manila. Themed "Igniting Minds, Inspiring Change, and Empowering Excellence through Vision 2025", the event gathered the great minds of the country's youths to celebrate academic excellence and innovation.

Jacob was hailed Champion in Essay Writing Contest - College Category, demonstrating his remarkable writing prowess, critical thinking, and insights.

The YMCA National Academic Olympics continues to serve as a platform for young scholars to foster their skills and contribute to meaningful and insightful discussions that shape the identity of our generation and equip the future. With Khryssdale S. Jacob's victory, the essay writing champion not only brings pride to the Philosophy Department but brings inspiration to his fellow students to strive for academic excellence and social influence.

Via Marianne Lacsa
Photo credit to Khryssdale Jacob

23/03/2025

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴 𝘀𝗮 (𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵)𝘁𝘀𝗮, 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗲!
Isinulat ni Krizette Albia

Sa mga yapak na iniwan ng kasaysayan,
Sa mga sugat na hindi kailanman hinilom ng panahon,
Ang tinig ng mga babaeng nauna sa atin,
Ang mga hinaing na binalewala, mga pangarap na tinanggalan ng saysay.

“Hindi ba dapat sa bahay ka lang?”
“Dapat mong malaman ang iyong lugar”
Mga salita na lumuray sa mga himaymay ng mga kababaihan,
Tila gapos na pilit na humihila pabalik sa kadiliman.

Ngunit sa bawat buntong-hininga, sa bawat pagtitig sa kawalan,
Nawa’y damdamin mo ang init na pilit sumisibol,
Ang init na nagpapaalala,
Na ang pag-tindig ay hindi kapintasan,
Ang pag-martsa ay hindi paghihimagsik kundi pag-angkin sa karapatan.

Matagal nang panahon ang nakaraan, sinimulan nila ang laban,
Hindi para sa papuri, kundi para sa pagkakapantay-pantay.
Ang kanilang mga hakbang sa lansangan ay mga alingawngaw
ng gutom na hindi mabusog ng katahimikan.
Karapatang bumoto, karapatang pumili, karapatang mabuhay ng may kalayaan.

Ngunit hanggang ngayon, naririnig ko pa rin ang mga tanong,
“Sigurado ka bang kaya mo?”
“Hindi ba masiyado kang nag-aambisyon?”
Para sa kanila, ang paglaban ay kahihiyan,
Ang pagtindig ay isang katatawanan.

Pero hindi. Hindi ito dapat ikaila.
Hindi pagiging ambisosya ang maghangad ng respeto,
Hindi mali ang ipaglaban ang iyong sarili,
Hindi mababaw ang makaramdam ng sakit,
Hindi kasalanan ang humiling ng hustisya.

Kaya’t tumindig ka, babae.
Ipagpatuloy mo ang martsa ng iyong mga ninuno.
Ang iyong mga yapak ay marka sa mundo.
Ito ang patunay na ang laban ng kababaihan ay patuloy na tumitibok, nabubuhay, at umaatikabo.

Tindig sa (March)tsa, Babae!
Dahil sa bawat pagtindig mo, may tinig na nagigising,
At sa bawat martsa mo, may kalayaang isinilang.

Maligayang Pandaigdigang Buwan ng Kababaihan! Kakampi mo kami.

Disenyong Grapiko ni Mary Lourdes Ranera

02/03/2025

01/03/2025

𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟴
via Marianne Lacsa

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia called all Muslims to sight the Ramadan Crescent Moon that is set on February 28. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM) is also set for this moon sighting as a launching for Ramadan.

“The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sees it (the moon) with the naked eye or through binoculars informs the nearest court and registers their testimony, or contacts the nearest center to assist them in reaching the nearest court,” as stated by the authority.

It is said that if the crescent moon is spotted this February 28, then the Ramadan will commence the day after the sighting. However, if it is not spotted, Ramadan will officially start on the 2nd day of March.

On the Islamic Lunar Calendar, Ramadan is celebrated on its ninth month as it is considered to be the holiest month of the lunar calendar. When the first quarter of the new moon will be visible to the naked eye, which will be the basis in determining the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy event for Muslims, and part of its celebration is fasting at the time of Adhan (call to prayer) of the Maghrib Prayer. The fast is broken at sunset with Iftar which means fast-breaking.

Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18hDooNgL5/
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2025/02/27/ramadan-2025-saudi-arabia-calls-on-muslims-to-sight-crescent-moon-on-feb-28

26/02/2025

Finally, IT'S XP DAY!

We're Xtremely Xcited to see you all later. But before that, here are some notes that you need to know before Xperiencing XP!

XP: OBJECTS
An XP Performance by Sining Banwa PH

February 26-28, every 6pm.
Venue: Pasakalye Black Box Art Studio
Admission: Pay-What-You-Can

Seats are still available, secure yours by messaging to our page.

Takits!