The Philosophical Association of Northern Luzon (PANL) conducted its 5th Regional Convention last October 26-27, 2007 at the City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The host institution for the convention was the Immaculate Conception School of Theology. This year’s theme for the convention was “Understanding Culture: Towards an Interface between Philosophy and Spirituality.”The first Plenary Lecturer of the convention was Fr. Adalberto Barut, PhD, Rector and Dean of Studies San Pablo Seminary, Baguio City. The lecture was entitled “From Inward Generation to Transcendence through Symbolic Consciousness.” Following the plenary lecture were the simultaneous Concurrent Lectures. Professor Gerardo Palcon, MA, Head Department of Philosophy, Divine Word College, Bangued, Abra presented his paper on the topic “Cultural Spirituality and the Search for Well-being among the Itneg in Abra.” Professor Lawrence Dexter D. Ladia, MA, faculty, Department of Religion, IPR, Saint Louis University, Baguio City articulated his paper entitled “Educational Hospitality: A Form of Integral Spirituality.”
After the series of lectures given, the convention coordinators gave the participants time to tour the scenic spot of city of Vigan via the “Kalesa.” Among others the favorite spots were the Burgos National Museum, Pagburnayan, Chavit Singson’s Baluarte and Mini Zoo, and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Plaza.
In order for the participants to unwind from the activities of the first day, a cocktail party and fellowship was given wherein the delegates were serenaded with Ilocano songs. The local artists of the Ray-ao ti Pangaldaw (a local radio program) gave their beautiful rendition of Ilocano harana and popular Ilocano music to the delight of everyone.
The second day of the conference commenced with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Adalbert Barut and Rev. Fr. John Habawel (Rector of ICST). PANL offered its thanksgiving to the ultimate source of being through the holy sacrifice of the mass.
The second Plenary Lecturer was Professor Narcisa Paredes-Canilao, PhD, Department of History and Philosophy, University of the Philippines, Baguio City. Her lecture was a pioneering one for it was delivered entirely in the Ilocano language. The title of the lecture was “Adda Kadi Kaes-eskan Ti Biag? (Pilosopiya ken Asyano nga Espiritwalidad iti Tractatus ni Wittgenstein).” The Convention culminated with the second Concurrent Lectures. Fr. Julio Rebolledo, MA, Head, Department of Philosophy, University of Baguio, Baguio City discussed his work “Spirituality of Suffering: Reflections of Abraham Heschel’s Path to Philosophy.” The other Concurrent Lecture was a presentation of the paper by Professor Romano Bulatao, MA, Head, Department of Religion, IPR, Saint Louis University, Baguio City. The paper was entitled “Linawa: An Anthropological Exegesis of Malinac Lay Labi (Towards Understanding Pangasinense Spirituality).”
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