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UP Cebu Fine Arts Faculty Chart Path for 2025-2026 in Year-End Strategic Planning

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

The full-time regular faculty of UP Cebu’s Fine Arts programs, encompassing both Studio Arts and Product Design, successfully conducted their year-end strategic planning seminar in preparation for the second semester of Academic Year 2024-2025 and the upcoming Academic Year 2025-2026.

Among the key academic priorities identified for immediate action were revisions to the program curriculum, the offering of a new graduate program, updated guidelines for students’ working spaces, the establishment of a gallery charter, an external quality assessment (EQA) of the programs, and preparations for the program’s 50th founding anniversary and the Grand Fine Arts Alumni Homecoming in 2025.

The seminar was made possible through the Academic Program Improvement (API) fund of the UP Cebu College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD). The API initiative was facilitated by Program Coordinators Professor Dennis E. Montera, PhD (Studio Arts), and Assistant Professor Jay Nathan T. Jore (Product Design).

The event also saw the participation of OIC Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor Palmy Pe-Tudtud, former CCAD Dean Associate Professor J. Karl P. Roque Jr., and newly appointed junior fine arts faculty members. CCAD Dean and Associate Professor Shane L. Carreon, PhD, welcomed the participants and set the agenda for the two-day seminar, outlining critical points for discussion.

Comm Program Instructor Annie Perez-Gallardo Reports from COP29 in Azerbaijan, Highlights PH Climate Advocacy

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

Annie Perez-Gallardo, a Communication Program instructor and multi-platform journalist, reported from Baku, Azerbaijan, where she covered the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29), a United Nations climate change framework convention held from November 11 to 22.

Perez-Gallardo focused on the Philippine delegation and local Civil Society Organizations, documenting their positions and activities at this international event. Her coverage highlighted the Philippines’ stance on key issues, including loss and damage, just transition, and clean energy.

As a fellow of the Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie, Perez-Gallardo joined educator-journalist Edmar Delos Santos (Don Mariano Marcos State University and Rappler) in representing the Philippines. The DW fellowship supported journalists from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor Leste in reporting on climate change and sustainability.

LINANG Training Series Launches in UP Cebu to Strengthen University and Community Service

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

The LINANG: Mga Serye ng Pagsasanay para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Paglilingkod sa Pamantasan at Bayan training series kicked off at the Performing Arts Hall, inspired by the University’s motto, “Honor and Excellence in the Service of the Nation.” The training was organized and facilitated by the UP Office of the Vice President for Administration.

Held from November 20 to 22, the series aimed to enhance university and community service by equipping employees with skills and knowledge in three areas: relationship operations, workplace behavior, and quality work.

The first series was called Relationship Operations and Sensitivity Enhancement Seminar (ROSES) which aimed to deepen proficiency in interaction and operations of individuals within the organization.

The Work Attitude and Value Enhancement Seminar (WAVES) series taught participants how to cultivate proper behavior and values in the workplace.

The Completed Staff Work (CSW) aimed to promote quality work through strategic decision-making and effective management.

The College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) was represented by faculty members and staff Maurice Jitty Villaester, Dominic Yasay, Marlen Limpag, and Cel Labajo.

Honoring Emerging Talent: Winners of the 48th Joya Awards Unveiled

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

Winners of the 48th Jose Joya Awards 2024 during the awarding ceremony on Nov. 15 at the Jose Joya Gallery, UP Cebu. (From left: Fine Arts Student Organization adviser Gabi Nazareno, Cebuano artist Pierre Famador, UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar, Jose Joya Awards first prize winner Candy Regine Casinillo, second prize winner Roxanne Normandia, UP Cebu Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Palmy Tudtud, Fine Arts Assoc. Prof. Karl Roque, CCAD Dean Shane Carreon, and Office for Initiatives in the Culture and Arts Director Jay Nathan Jore.)

The 48th National Artist Jose T. Joya Awards proudly honors this year’s exceptional artists whose works stood out for their creativity and depth. The entries were screened by Cebuano artists Pierre Famador, Celso Pepito, and Fleur Puao (Peony on Fire).

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Joya Awards:

1st Place: Candy Regine Casinillo – Depth Woven
2nd Place: Roxanne Normandia – Ephemeral Beauty
3rd Place: Dominic Ricardo – PARTYRS

This year’s exhibit also celebrates the enduring legacy of the Joya Gallery, which has supported and encouraged young artists since its founding in 1976.

During the opening program, Fine Arts associate professor Karl Roque emphasized how the gallery continues to nurture creativity and provide a platform for emerging talents, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Joya family to this vision.

The Joya family shared an inspiring message to all artists, encouraging them to create as much and as often as possible. They urged participants to trust their instincts, enjoy every part of the creative process, and embrace the opportunity to discover more about themselves through their work.

Gracing the exhibit opening and the awarding program were UP Cebu chancellor Atty. Leo Malagar, OIC vice chancellor for academic affairs Palmy Marinel Tudtud, CCAD dean Shane Carreon, and CCAD faculty members.

The Joya Awards Exhibit is open to the public for FREE from Nov. 15-30, 2024, at the Joya Gallery, UP Cebu, Lahug, Cebu City. Gallery hours are Mondays to Fridays, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

UP Cebu Hosts “The Art of Nonfiction” Forum, Exploring Storytelling in Journalism and Literature

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

On Nov. 13, UP Cebu’s Lawak Sinehan hosted “The Art of Nonfiction” forum, organized by InnoPub Media and DTI 7 as part of the Fiesta Haraya Bai 2024 celebrations. This event brought together seasoned professionals to discuss the evolution of storytelling in journalism and literature, focusing on digital transformation, AI-driven investigative techniques, and the art of creative nonfiction.

The forum featured Clint Holton Potestas, a recognized features journalist who discussed the shift in fashion journalism from print to digital and its impact on consumer culture and education. Max Limpag, an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow and tech journalist, shared insights on using AI and big data in investigative reporting. Jorisse Gumanay, Assistant Professor at UP Cebu, delved into the development of creative nonfiction in the Philippines and her own contributions to the genre.

The event highlighted storytelling’s power and the ways new media and technology continue to shape nonfiction in Philippine journalism and literature.

Master’s Program in Media and Communication Nears Approval at UP Cebu

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

The UP System’s Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) has endorsed the establishment of the Master of Arts in Communication and Media (MACM) under the Communication Program of the College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) at UP Cebu.

Rooted in cutting-edge theories and practices, the MACM is designed to equip students to address global and regional challenges through professionalized communication and advanced scholarship, with a particular focus on Cebu and the Visayas. The program fosters impactful research and prepares graduates to become scholars, practitioners, and critical thinkers, emphasizing social impact and responsible media. It is closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, offering specialized courses such as Health Communication, Climate Change Narratives, and Nonviolent Communication. As Cebu’s communication sector continues to expand, the MACM underscores the field’s vital role in driving social change and advancing UP’s mission as a research university.

Pending final approval by the University Council of UP Cebu and the UP System’s Board of Regents, the MACM is expected to launch in the first semester of Academic Year 2025-2026.

Upon completing the program, MACM graduates are expected to:

Generate new knowledge through interdisciplinary scholarship and creative endeavors, fostering research innovation and lifelong learning.
Demonstrate communication with a high level of ethics and standards.
Develop advanced research competencies required for further academic studies.
Apply effective communication principles and skills to train entry-level practitioners and students.
Formulate communication policies, designs, projects, and programs.
Integrate innovations into communication practices for communities and industries.
Contribute to public service, inclusive and sustainable development, and nation-building.
Engage with international partners and institutions to promote collaboration.

The MACM is tailored for individuals seeking to address societal challenges through advanced communication practices and scholarship, including:

Aspiring Communication Scholars: Researchers aiming to contribute to the academic field of communication.
Practitioners and Professionals: Those seeking to deepen expertise in areas like health communication, climate change narratives, and responsible media practices.
Educators and Teachers: Professionals dedicated to teaching and mentoring in communication.
Critical Thinkers and Change-Makers: Individuals passionate about leveraging communication for social impact.
Cebu and Visayas Professionals: Residents or professionals looking to contribute to the growing communication sector in the region.

With its interdisciplinary focus and commitment to social responsibility, the MACM at UP Cebu positions graduates to lead meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Highlighting Women’s Voices: Prof. Tabada’s Shares Insights on Cebu Media History at Int’l Conference

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

Asst. Prof. Ma. Theresa Angelina Q. Tabada of UP Cebu’s College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) presented her paper, “Surfacing women writers and advocates in American colonial-era periodicals as resistance to epistemic violence in colonial masculinist constructions of Cebu media histories,” at the international conference “Resisting Intellectual Imperialism and Epistemic Violence: Towards Autonomous Knowledge Production,” held on November 9-10, 2024.

Organized by UP CIDS, the virtual conference brought together over 90 scholars and activists across 28 panels to discuss how the Global South counters intellectual dominance by focusing on indigenous perspectives and empowering communities.

Comm Program Faculty Joins Prestigious ASEAN-Japan Film Programming Initiative

November 28, 2024 November 28, 2024

Asst. Prof. Grace Marie Lopez was among eight individuals from ASEAN countries selected to participate in the Professional Development and Networking Initiative for ASEAN-Japan Film Programmers and Curators, a program jointly organized by the Japan Foundation and the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Held from October 28 to early November 2024, the program provided Lopez with opportunities to deepen her expertise in film programming and curation, explore Japanese cinema, and engage with international programmers and film industry professionals. She also gained firsthand experience of the Tokyo International Film Festival’s inner workings, enriching her understanding of global film dynamics.

Asst. Prof. Lopez is the coordinator of UP Cebu’s Lawak Sinehan. She is a faculty member in the Communication Program where she teaches courses such as Film Language and Production; Text, Images, and Meaning; and Critical Perspectives in the Arts.

Resilience and Excellence Shine at CCAD’s Convocation of Honorific Scholars

October 24, 2024 October 24, 2024

Despite challenging weather conditions brought on by Tropical Storm Kristine, the College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) celebrated the academic achievements of its top-performing students at the Convocation of Honorific Scholars for the academic year 2023-2024.

The event, held on Oct. 23, 2024, at the Performing Arts Hall, recognized students who excelled in their studies. A total of 261 Honorific Scholars for the previous academic year were awarded: 52 scholars from the Fine Arts-Product Design Program, 77 from the Fine Arts-Studio Arts Program, and 132 scholars from the Communication Program. The program also recognized students who won in local, regional, and national competitions.

Faculty members, university officials, and guests were present to applaud the achievements of the honorees, showing their support despite the inclement weather.

For his welcoming remarks, CCAD dean Dr. Shane Carreon highlighted the significance of perseverance and community: “This convocation of scholars being held in spite of the inclement weather tells us something—about being resolute in our purpose and our dreams; about being creative in making solutions to problems; about being open to the ideas of others and of thinking and working together to achieve shared goals.”

Estela Ocampo-Fernandez, this year’s convocation guest speaker (an alumna and former Fine Arts Program faculty), reminded the honorific scholars to use introspection and self-awareness to guide personal and professional development. She encouraged the crowd to draw principles from art and design (visualization, massing, and pattern recognition) in leading a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

“Use [visualization] to go deeper to imagine a better life for yourself and everyone else around you… Look at the patterns in your life. What do you react to? What situations make you feel good about yourself? Connect all those things and a picture will form. Go toward that.”

Dazzling performances by talented CCAD students added to the celebration’s memorable atmosphere. Sayaw Evolution (Sayawe) captivated the audience, energizing the already lively crowd with their dance performance to “Karera” by BINI. Meanwhile, Komma, the Communication Program’s musical ensemble, serenaded everyone with a medley of classic hits, including “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Buttercup,” and “Close to You.”

The program concluded with a lightning rally led by CCAD student activists Athena Romulo and Cy Defunturom. They echoed calls for reform of the UP education system to be more student-centered, accessible, and supportive for communication and fine arts students, challenging the current colonial and bureaucratic limitations that hinder true learning and creativity.

The Convocation of Honorific Scholars highlighted CCAD’s mission to encourage excellence and foster an environment where creativity and intellectual rigor thrive. By recognizing these scholars, the college hopes to inspire all students to pursue their best in the coming academic year.

Comm Students and Instructors Gain Insights at Power 101 Training on PH Energy Sector

October 19, 2024 October 19, 2024

Seven Communication students, along with two instructors, recently participated in the Power 101 Training Program for media, held on October 17-18, 2024, at the Seda Central Bloc, Cebu I.T. Park, Cebu City.

Hosted by Aboitiz Power and Visayan Electric, the two-day training provided a comprehensive overview of the Philippine power sector and energy markets, offering valuable insights into the industry’s structure, key players, and regulatory framework.

The participating students were Veejay Catadman, Christie Mae Sato, Claire Enad, Zhyreen Toledo, Franz Paulene Aberilla, Kyla Niña Espinosa, and Lynda Mecaros. They were joined by Communication Program instructors Annie Fe Perez-Gallardo and Marlen Limpag.

The program covered essential topics, including:

Overview of the Philippine Power Sector: Exploring the structure, major players, and regulatory framework of the industry.
Energy Markets: Understanding the dynamics of various energy markets, including electricity, oil, and gas.
Energy Policy and Regulations: Examining the government’s role in shaping the energy sector through policies and regulations.

The training featured lectures from professors at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, along with insights from representatives of the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Participants gained valuable knowledge, leaving the event with a deeper understanding of the Philippine power sector and its energy markets—insights that will support their academic and professional pursuits in the field.

Reflecting on the experience, instructor Annie Fe Perez-Gallardo said, “I appreciate a utility distributor reaching out to the media and future journalists on how to further tell their energy stories beyond [electricity] rates and power outages. Very in-depth and enlightening.”

For Communication student Franz Paulene Aberilla, the seminar provided her with the tools and knowledge to better engage with the power sector. “[I got to learn] that there should be sufficient electricity supply to meet the demands of the consumers. [The seminar also equipped me with knowledge on improving efficiency, reducing loss, and ensuring fair competition in the power industry [which is] covered in the RA 9136 (also known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001).”

Christie Mae Sato shared that the seminar introduced her to new information, specifically about how the power industry operates and how it is distributed and regulated. “As a communication student, knowing how power distribution works in the country can aid me in relaying such information to the public with adequate context and in a less complex manner. Knowledge on this industry helps us report on the topic better and build factual commentary, which I know is necessary for a topic that concerns the masses.”