Aguhon of the Organization of Area Studies Majors

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Aguhon of the Organization of Area Studies Majors The official newsletter of the Organization of Area Studies Majors, UP Manila.

AGUHON is the official newsletter of the Organization of Area Studies Majors (Or**SM). “Aguhon” is the Filipino translation of ‘compass.’ The compass does not only symbolize the inclination to the study of places, regions, cultures, or areas, it also signifies the multidisciplinary nature of area studies, which gains from all directions, all disciplines, and all perspectives. Just like the actual

thing, Aguhon aims to ‘guide’ every Or**SM member to the in’s and out’s of the organization by keeping them informed of the latest activities and undertakings of the organization in which they belong to.

There will always be a good and a bad side to everything. It just boils down to how one can maximize the positive gains ...
07/11/2025

There will always be a good and a bad side to everything. It just boils down to how one can maximize the positive gains while minimizing possible losses.

Offering another perspective on liberalism and democracy, the 7th installment of the Area Studies Lecture Series was conducted last November 4 at the UP Manila Theater.

In the lecture, Dr. Rommel A. Curaming from Universiti Brunei Darussalam shared his expertise on the topic “Liberal Assumptions in the Analysis of Democracy in Indonesia.” His talk delved into the positive and negative sides of liberalism, and how the latter is manifested in how democracy is defined in various cultures, particularly Indonesia.

Dr. Curaming also highlighted the importance of calling out liberal assumptions in raising awareness of the dangers of liberalism that most have seemed to overlook and, more importantly, in keeping the power of this ideology neutralizable. Finally, Dr. Curaming offered a critique of the analysis that attributed the decline of democracy in Indonesia to it not being liberal enough.

On the other hand, Dr. Wensley M. Reyes offered a brief background on the development of democracy in Indonesia. In his reaction, Dr. Reyes noted Indonesia’s young history as a democratic country in comparison with its time under colonial rule. Ultimately, Dr. Reyes emphasized the importance of Indonesia as an area of study in the analysis of how Southeast Asia defines specific concepts, especially in comparison with Westerners who once colonized the region.

This lecture is the first installment of the Area Studies Lecture Series conducted for Academic Year 2025-2026.

**SM22nd

Photos by: Or**SM’s Publicity and Documentation Committee

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦In the wee hours of the night rests my heart worn down from the heavy...
31/10/2025

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦

In the wee hours of the night rests my heart worn down from the heavy facade I chose to uphold. I take off my armor and look at what’s reflected in the mirror—my battle scars make for the best Halloween costume. I wear my tear stains as an accessory, my battered mind as a crown, and my weary soul as the grandest robe. All set for this year’s party, I walk towards a stage that no one really sees.

𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥.

There are two kinds of silence—one brings comfort, and the other one feels like a raging noise. I’m not particularly fond of the latter, so when the silence continued to scream at me from the other end of the line, I dropped the call. Even with the 2018 Mental Health Act and various programs and initiatives in place, the mental health crisis in the country continues to worsen. According to Sapien Lab’s Mental State of the World Report, the Philippines’ mental health quotient deteriorated from 78.44 in 2023 to 68.76 in 2024, with young adults bearing “starkly diminished mind health.”

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 “𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘦” 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩.

When they said “you are not alone,” I don’t know how much of it is true because I found no one on the other side when I tried extending a hand. In the Philippines, mental health professionals dwindle significantly in number, with data from the Philippine Psychiatric Association revealing that there are only 1,300 mental health professionals nationwide in 2024. Services remain concentrated on the metro, and mental health facilities remain insufficient.

As several groups and organizations facilitate the destigmatization of mental health, the movement remains more symbolic than substantive as the country remains crippled by a lack of capacity to support its citizens’ mental health needs.

𝘔𝘺 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴, 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴—𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘴.

People, especially on social media, tend to forget the fact that words carry significant weight. So when I step on that stage, I brace myself for whatever anyone may say because, for whatever it’s worth, this costume is me at my most vulnerable form.

In a country riddled with constant issues and challenges that directly impact livelihood, it can admittedly be a struggle to remain positive. But when something as basic as survival becomes a privilege rather than a right, may we find it within ourselves to stand on the same side instead of the opposite; that instead of forcing people to hide their struggles, we encourage each other to reach out and speak; and that instead of looking past, we learn to understand each other genuinely devoid of prejudice.

Because after all, to be seen when I’m bare and vulnerable is indeed my worst nightmare, but it still is my greatest dream.

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Maging bahagi ng isang pahayagang naglalayong maghatid ng liwanag at katotohanan sa gitna ng ingay ng mundo! 𝐈𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐚: 𝐮𝐩𝐦.𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭.𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐡𝐨𝐧@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦

𝘉𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 — 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳, 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘯𝘪.

Sa paggunita ng Buwan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan, muli nating ipinapaalala ang kahalagahan ng pagkilala sa mga katutubo...
30/10/2025

Sa paggunita ng Buwan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan, muli nating ipinapaalala ang kahalagahan ng pagkilala sa mga katutubong pamayanan bilang puso ng ating pambansang pagkakakilanlan. Sa kanilang mga kamay nakatanim ang mga kwento ng ating pinagmulan, at sa kanilang kaalaman nakaugat ang karunungang matagal nang nagbibigay-buhay sa ating bayan. Subalit sa likod ng kanilang di-matatawarang ambag, patuloy pa rin silang nakararanas ng pang-aagaw ng lupa, pandarahas, at kawalan ng tunay na representasyon sa lipunan.

Habang patuloy ang pag-unlad na pumapabor sa iilan, lalo namang naisasantabi ang tinig ng mga katutubo. Sa bawat kalsadang ipinatatayo sa kabundukan, may tahanang nawawasak; sa bawat kagubatang ginagapas, may pamayanang pinatitigil sa paghinga. Ang kanilang mga lupain—pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan, paniniwala, at identidad—ay patuloy na binabawi sa ngalan ng “kaunlaran.” Ngunit anong klaseng pag-unlad ang nagtataboy sa mga tunay na tagapangalaga ng kalikasan? Ang kanilang panawagan para sa karapatan sa lupang ninuno, sariling pagpapasya, at pagpapanatili ng kultura ay panawagan din para sa kinabukasan ng lahat. Sa kanilang paninindigan, nakikita natin ang mukha ng paglaban—ang tapang na magtanggol sa buhay at dangal sa kabila ng kawalan ng kapangyarihan.

Habang nagtatapos ang buwan ng paggunita, hindi dito nagtatapos ang ating pakikipagkaisa sa kanila. Ang pagkilala sa mga katutubo ay hindi dapat limitado sa isang buwan ng selebrasyon, kundi maging patuloy na paninindigan para sa karapatan, hustisya, at pagkakapantay-pantay. Kaakibat ng bawat kwento ng pakikibaka ang panawagang gisingin ang ating kamalayan—na ang laban nila ay laban din ng bayan. Sa mga paaralan, lansangan, at komunidad, dalhin natin ang kanilang tinig at ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa isang lipunang tunay na makatao.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗸𝗮, 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗴, 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗸𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗸𝗮𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗱! 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼 𝘀𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻, 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶 𝘀𝗮 𝗶𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻!




Written by: Adi Lagradilla
Pub by: Althea Habulan

𝐊𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌 | 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧?Sa harap ng mga pagsubok at sakuna, may isang bagay na hindi kayang durugin ng mga k...
22/10/2025

𝐊𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌 | 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧?

Sa harap ng mga pagsubok at sakuna, may isang bagay na hindi kayang durugin ng mga kalamidad — ang katatagan ng isang Pilipino. Kilala tayo sa ating lakas at sa kakayahang bumangon mula sa bawat pagkatalo. Ngunit sa mga oras ng tunay na pangangailangan, ang tanong na hindi maiwasan ay: hanggang kailan natin kayang magtiis at maghintay?

Sa kabila ng ating tapang at pag-asa, hindi ba’t responsibilidad ng gobyerno na magbigay ng nararapat na aksyon?

Ilang linggo matapos ang lindol na may magnitude na 6.9 sa Cebu noong Setyembre 30, patuloy na lumalaban ang mga komunidad na tinamaan ng kalamidad, ngunit nananatiling walang malinis na tubig at matibay na silungan. Ang mga inaasam na evacuation centers ay hindi pa natutugunan, at ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan tulad ng malinis na tubig ay patuloy na hindi naaabot ng marami. Isang nakakalungkot na larawan ng mga taga-Medellin, Cebu, na natutulog sa mga plastik na bag habang binabayo ng ulan at lamig, ang nagsilbing matinding paalala na sa kabila ng lahat ng sakripisyo ng mamamayan, ang gobyerno ay tila nagiging mahina sa pagganap ng kanyang mga tungkulin.

Muling sinusuri ng panahon kung handa nga ba tayo. Ngunit ang sagot ay malinaw, hindi pa. Sunod-sunod na ang mga lindol nitong buwan, gaya ng magnitude 7.4 sa Davao Oriental noong Oktubre 10 at magnitude 6.0 sa Surigao del Norte noong Oktubre 17. Sa bawat pagyanig, paulit-ulit nating nakikita ang kakulangan sa kahandaan. May ilang lungsod gaya ng Pasig City, Quezon City, at Taguig na nagsagawa ng distribusyon ng go bags, ngunit marami pa ring pamilya sa mga probinsya ang walang kahit simpleng emergency kit. Hangga’t walang konkretong aksyon, mananatiling tanong ang kahandaan, at sa bawat segundo ng pagkabigo, buhay ng Pilipino ang nagsisilbing sakripisyo.

Sa bawat go bag na puno ng pag-asa, sa bawat hakbang ng paghahanda bago dumating ang sakuna, nawa'y magising ang gobyerno at magsagawa ng aksyon na may malasakit at katapatan. Hindi na sapat na magtiwala lamang sa tapang ng mamamayan. Ang tunay na lakas ng bayan ay hindi lang nasusukat sa katatagan ng tao, kundi sa tapat at agarang pagkilos ng sariling gobyerno. Isang pagkilos na hindi paurong, hindi makasarili, kundi tapat at naglalayong magbigay ng kaligtasan at pag-asa sa bawat Pilipino.

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Maging bahagi ng isang pahayagang naglalayong maghatid ng liwanag at katotohanan sa gitna ng ingay ng mundo! 𝐈𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐚: 𝐮𝐩𝐦.𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭.𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐡𝐨𝐧@𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥.𝐜𝐨𝐦

𝘉𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴 — 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳, 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘯𝘪.

22/10/2025

𝐖𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓!
𝑩𝒆𝒔𝒕. 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕. 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑶𝑫. 🧡

We’re beyond proud to announce that last October 17, 2025, 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗔𝗦𝗠 has been awarded the 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for A.Y. 2024–2025! 💥

𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵… 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦!
𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗔𝗦𝗠 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔.𝗬. 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 🤭
Keep your eyes peeled 👀 for more exciting 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐒 coming your way!

To everyone who 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒅, 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, this win’s for you. 💫

**SM22nd

Pub and Caption by: Chelsea Solajes

The Organization of Area Studies Majors molds its members to be holistic, action-oriented, and purpose-driven individual...
17/10/2025

The Organization of Area Studies Majors molds its members to be holistic, action-oriented, and purpose-driven individuals who shall be at the forefront of empowering the citizenry towards nation-building. As the home organization of Area Studies Majors in UP Manila, it is the mission of the organization to encourage its members to be involved and to actively take part in matters concerning the university and the community. Hence, with the sincerest belief that his leadership would be of great service to the student body, the Organization of Area Studies Majors formally endorses Jordz Jedrick Malicdem for the position of CAS Representative to the USC.

Jordz’s plan of action emphasizes the importance of a council that places great emphasis on the insights and feedback of its constituents. Through specific initiatives like CAScade and CASagapay, Jordz envisions a CAS student body that actively participates in planning and decision-making processes. Furthermore, as we continue to advance our advocacies and demand a more learning-conducive environment, Jordz commits himself to ensuring that students stay safe and informed throughout the process. Through the provision of avenues where students can freely put forward their opinions, Jordz’s vision underscores that the fight for a fair education system is one that can be won through collective action.

As part of Or**SM’s Executive Committee, Jordz consistently exhibits his passion for service and maximizes his post to alleviate concerns and contribute to the organization’s betterment. His leadership emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding as he represents the interests and amplifies the voices of his constituents in a bigger arena. Coupled with his past roles and experiences in leadership, Jordz rises as a model candidate capable of fulfilling the role of the CAS Representative to the USC.

As the CAS student body takes on a more proactive role, it is imperative that the individuals who lead the movement are guided by the right purpose and are equipped with the necessary skills to advance the calls of the students. Finally, the Organization of Area Studies Majors shares Jordz’s strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and compassionate CAS community whose every action is anchored in the pursuit of progress. Likewise, we encourage the studentry to be one with us as we envision a student body that champions the true essence of being an Iskolar ng Bayan.




𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗚𝗔'𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗧, 𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗢𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔!Sa darating National Youth Day of Action, nakikiisa ang Organization of Ar...
16/10/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗚𝗔'𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗧, 𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗢𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔!

Sa darating National Youth Day of Action, nakikiisa ang Organization of Area Studies Majors sa panawagang panagutin ang mga kurakot at ibalik sa taumbayan ang mga ninakaw na pondo at serbisyo. Gayundin, aming inaanyayahan ang sangkaestudyantehan na humanay at gamitin ang ating boses upang ipaglaban ang kinabukasang pilit na ninanakaw ng mga korap na opisyales sa pamahalaan maging ang kanilang mga katambal sa pribadong sektor!

Sama-sama tayong tumindig laban sa korapsyon at ipakita ang lakas na taglay ng progresibong kabataan!

🗓️ Oktubre 17, 2025
🕣 9:00 AM
📍CAS Parking Lot

Magsuot ng Maroon! Dumalo at magpadalo!

𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗔𝗦𝗠'𝗦 𝗜𝗦𝗞𝗢 𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗪! 😱🧡Masarap ba ang aming mga models? SYEMPRE! Kasing-sarap din nila ang mga 𝙀𝙓𝙋𝙇𝙊𝙎𝙄𝙑𝙀 at ...
16/10/2025

𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗔𝗦𝗠'𝗦 𝗜𝗦𝗞𝗢 𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗪! 😱🧡

Masarap ba ang aming mga models? SYEMPRE! Kasing-sarap din nila ang mga 𝙀𝙓𝙋𝙇𝙊𝙎𝙄𝙑𝙀 at 𝘽𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙂𝘼𝙉𝙂 shirts ng Organization of Area Studies Majors—the 𝙄𝙨𝙠𝙤 𝙏𝙚𝙚𝙨, the official shirt merchandise of Or**SM! 🔥

We are proud to present our newest designs:
👕 𝙋𝘼𝘿𝘼𝙔𝙊𝙉
👕 𝙄𝙎𝙆𝙊𝙇𝘼𝙍
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Wrapping up this year’s Area Studies Week in a scholarly fashion, the Area Studies Program, in coordination with the Con...
11/10/2025

Wrapping up this year’s Area Studies Week in a scholarly fashion, the Area Studies Program, in coordination with the Constantino Foundation, facilitated the book launch of the 50th anniversary edition of Renato and Letizia Constantino’s A Past Revisited. Spearheaded by Professor Bernard Karganilla’s KAS 1 (Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas) classes, the event was held last October 3 as the last of the 10 activities prepared for the Area Studies Week 2025.

The 50th anniversary edition of The Philippines: A Past Revisited features a new introduction that draws connections between the climate crisis and Philippine history, an analysis of the historical political economy of development, and a glimpse into the love story of the authors.

In his discussion, Renato Redentor “Red” Constantino, Managing Director of the Constantino Foundation and grandson of the authors, underscored the idea of usable history and partisan scholarship in the writing of a nationalist history, advocating for the use of the past as a guide for nation-building. Constantino’s writing of the book’s new introduction also emphasizes that history is integrated not just in the social sciences or humanities, but in every aspect of our lives, even intersecting with issues that could appear unrelated at first glance.

Overall, the celebration of this milestone is a constant reminder that our scholarship should be grounded in the primary purpose of growth and development for the Philippines and the Filipino people. As social scientists, may we be guided by the principles of truth and empathy in our pursuit of a critical and just scholarship.

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A glimpse into the past, a look toward the future.On September 30, the UP Manila Area Studies Program celebrated the lau...
10/10/2025

A glimpse into the past, a look toward the future.

On September 30, the UP Manila Area Studies Program celebrated the launch of two groundbreaking books that explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The event, held as part of the 70th anniversary of the Philippine Historical Association, highlighted the scholarly contributions of esteemed authors and academics.

The first book, Jose Rizal sa Timog-Silangang Asya: Mga Salaysay ukol sa Singapura, Saigon, at Sandakan (2025), co-published with the PUP Center for Philippine Studies, takes readers on a journey through the life of the national hero in Southeast Asia. Edited by Asst. Prof. Atoy Navarro and Assoc. Prof. Emmanuel Jeric Albela, PhD, it delves into Rizal’s lesser-known experiences and connections in the region.

The second, Maestra sa Maynila: Kalipunan ng mga Saliksik sa Araling Maynila at Aklat-Parangal kay Dr. Celestina P. Boncan (2025), edited by Asst. Prof. Navarro and Assoc. Prof. Wensley Reyes, PhD, honors the contributions of Dr. Celestina P. Boncan to the study of Manila. This collection of research reflects her significant influence on the field and her lasting legacy in the study of the capital city.

The launch was not just a celebration of books but also a reminder of the importance of documenting and reflecting on our history and culture. With these publications, we continue to enrich our understanding of the Philippines’ past and its evolving identity.

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Photos by: Or**SM's Publicity and Documentation Committee

“The West Philippine Sea is a touchy topic, but it is not the entirety of Philippine-China relations.”This was underscor...
09/10/2025

“The West Philippine Sea is a touchy topic, but it is not the entirety of Philippine-China relations.”

This was underscored by Professor Kiveli Venz Paneda in her discussion during the Area Studies Program Brown Bag Session held last September 30, as part of the Area Studies Week 2025.

Sharing her expertise on “Philippine-China Relations: Implications of the Belt and Road Initiative,” Professor Paneda provided an extensive analysis of how our connection with China has been shaped throughout the course of history, and how our relations affect China’s current role in the global arena. Highlighting projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Prof. Paneda’s lecture allowed for a comprehensive view of how the Philippines endeavors to navigate the international landscape amidst China’s growing sociopolitical and economic influence.

Meanwhile, offering another perspective to the discussion was Professor Michael Franz T. Ang, who recalled that China has also once been a target of an overwhelming superpower. Building up on the complexity of the issue, Prof. Ang’s insights presented a more nuanced understanding of the rise of China.

The Area Studies Program Brown Bag Session is an annual activity of the Area Studies Program conducted to celebrate our distinguished faculty members’ scholarship. Originally scheduled for September 23, the event was moved to September 30 in light of class suspensions.

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Photos by: Or**SM's Publicity and Documentation Committee

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