Annual Report 2008 Philippines Studies Centre

La Trobe University 3086 Australia /pasc

Melbourne (Bundoora) Bendigo Albury-Wodonga (City) Shepparton Mildura Beechworth ABN 64 804 735 113 CG 88104

88104 PASC AR08 cvr1.indd 1-2 11/3/09 4:52:07 PM development, justice, poverty eradication, ABOUT US health, trade, and good governance; The Philippines Australia Studies Centre 8. To promote the teaching and research (PASC) at La Trobe was formally established activities of members of staff of Ateneo at a meeting on 8 October, 2003. PASC is de Manila University and the University a joint venture between La Trobe University through the development of projects that and Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) require collaborative team research; in the Philippines, and stems from the 9. To improve and deepen relations, Memorandum of Understanding signed networks and mutual understanding between the two universities in March 2000 between the Philippines and Australia and renewed for a further 5 years in June, through education, exchanges, research 2005. We have had four bilateral meetings: collaboration, and bilateral meetings. three in Manila (January, 2000; February, 2005; June, 2007); and one in Melbourne (April, 2001) with meetings set for and MEMBERSHIP Melbourne in July, 2009. Office bearers: Dr Trevor Hogan (director), Prof. Charles Mott (deputy director), and Ms OBJECTIVES Tomomi Kawate (project offcer). The Centre has 9 main aims, as set out in its General Members: Anthony Rodriguez- Constitution: Jiminez, Barry Carr, Beryl Langer, Cliff Picton, Dennis Altman, Edwin Wise, George 1. To encourage the development and Myconos, Harry Aveling, Joe Camilleri, Joel application of Filipino and Australian Kahn, Larry Marshall, Margarita Frederico, research through publishing and Maria Cameron, Michalis Michael, Neil presenting material in printed and Fettling, Peter Beilharz, Randy LaPolla, Simon electronic form and through delivering Barraclough, Skilty Labastilla, Vince Alessi, educational workshops, forums and Vivian Lin, Wendy Mee. conferences; Associate Members: Maridel Anandar, Raul 2. To facilitate exchanges between Philippines Hernandez, Giovan Kotsakis, Malou Logan, and Australia of Filipino and Australian Lilac Limpangog, Revyi Marinas, Deirdre scholars; McKay, Al Noveloso, Peter Murphy, Robert 3. To encourage Filipino students to enrol in Nery, Vienna Parreno, Max Richter. Australian postgraduate programs and vice Informal membership of PASC is open to all versa; interested parties. 4. To promote studies of the Philippines and Australia in regional and global settings; 5. To co-operate and collaborate with the Philippines-Australia Studies Centre at Ateneo de Manila University; 6. To encourage student exchange programs between the two nations through the University and Ateneo de Manila University; 7. To significantly expand the opportunities for research in the region especially in facilitating the socio-economic goals of 1

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 1 31/3/09 12:01:37 PM (see map). remain one of the fastest ADMINISTRATION growing immigrant communities in Australia. PASC La Trobe was established through a At the 2006 Census, members of the Filipino seeding grant from La Trobe International. community in Australia numbered 120,500. The Centre relies on the goodwill and initiative of interested parties across the University. II. EDUCATION, POVERTY AND MALARIA SUPPORT FOR THE PHILIPPINES Ms Tracy Lee was employed as the project Foreign Minister Stephen Smith reaffrmed offcer by the School of Social Sciences to Australia’s support for the Philippines when work one day a week on this project. Ms Lee he and Trade Minister Simon Crean attended retired as Project Offcer at end of 2007. Ms the Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting Tomomi Kawate, has been an International in Manila from October 8-9 2008. During the Relations Student Intern in Semester Two, Ministerial meeting, Mr Smith and Mr Crean, 2008. along with their Philippine counterparts, Semester One, 2008 saw Charles Mott as reaffrmed a shared commitment to their Acting Director, PASC, while Trevor Hogan bilateral relationship. They also agreed that was on Long Service Leave. efforts to address poverty and promote The Philippines Australia Studies Network greater economic and social development (PASN) office is established at Ateneo de in the Philippines were essential. Australia Manila University with matching resources. is particularly committed to improving education in the Philippines. During the Ministerial meeting Australia also committed DID YOU KNOW? to improving economic opportunities for the poor and access to basic health services in I. AUSTRALIA-PHILIPPINES RELATIONS the Philippines. Australia’s support includes As a country with a long exposure to $100 million contribution over fve years Western culture and a comparatively well- to improve roads in Mindanao and the educated English-speaking population, Visayas, $5 million to combat malaria and the Philippines has much in common with $1.8 million to reduce maternal and child Australia. Australia and the Philippines are mortality. Australia is the second largest geographically proximate and share common development assistance donor to the perspectives on many regional, economic Philippines, providing nearly $110 million and security issues. As a result, Australia and in 2008-09. Australian support is focussed the Philippines have a long history of bilateral on providing basic education, inclusive cooperation. Diplomatic relations were economic growth and human security. The established when Australia opened its frst 3rd Philippines-Australia Ministerial meeting Consulate-General in Manila on 22 May 1946. will be held in Australia in 2010. An Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Key Resource: Australian Agency for International Development was appointed in 1957. The Philippines (AUSAID website) opened an Embassy in in 1962. The relationship consists of development assistance, defence and law enforcement cooperation, and we have increasing people to people links through trade, investment, cultural exchange, tourism and migration. Signifcant numbers of Filipinos immigrated to Australia between the 1960s and the 1990s 2

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 2 31/3/09 12:01:37 PM country’s highest circulating daily. She edits EVENTS the paper’s three Business Features Sections – Business Monday, Business Friday and 5 February SundayBiz. Honorary visiting Post-Doctoral Research visiting fellowship – Dr Rommel Curaming VISITS 26 May Seminar by Rommel A. Curaming, PhD, Visiting Research Fellows 2007 – 2008 ‘Transnationalism, Diaspora and Long- Dr Kathleen Weekley (previously Research Distance Nationalism: The Analytics/Politics Fellow, Centre for Asia-Pacifc Transformation of Conceptualising Migrancy’. Studies (CAPTRANS), University of ), Honorary Research Fellow for 19 September two years. Media visitors from Philippines – Mr. Ricky Carandang and Ms Margie Quimpo-Espino Weekley wrote an article entitled “Marxism, Nationalism, Globalization and the Left” to be Mr Ricky Carandang, News Anchor/ published in the University of the Philippines’ Presenter; feld reporter, ABS-CBN Third World Studies Center’s Revisiting Broadcasting Corporation television. He Marxism in the Philippines. This is the second is one of the most respected broadcast in a series that revives the highly successful journalists in the Philippines. He hosts series Marxism in the Philippines published Morning at ANC, Dateline Philippines and in the 1980s, before the fall of Marcos. national affairs talk show The Big Picture on She also met with colleagues in Japan, to ABS-CBN New Channel (ANC) the country’s discuss current research projects, catch up only cable news channel. Mr Carandang also on the latest news from the Philippines and reports for Filipino-language news programs exchange publications. and presents an award-winning current affairs program. Dr Rommel Curaming, a Postdoctoral Fellow under Endeavour Programme, was Ms Margie Quimpo-Espino, Business affliated with the Philippines Australia Studies features editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer, the

From left: Charles Mott (PASC Deputy Director), Ricky Carandang (Filipino journalist), Margie Quimpo-Espino (Filipino journalist) and Edwin Wise (PhD student) 3

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 3 31/3/09 12:01:37 PM Centre (PASC) from January to July 2008. He undertook research on “long distance nationalism” and transnational identity formation among frst and second-generation Filipino- and Indonesian- Australians in Melbourne. While with the Centre, he delivered a seminar entitled “Transnationalism: The Analytics and Politics of Conceptualising Migrant Experience.” A paper of the same title will be published in a refereed journal. In addition to his research on transnationalism, he also wrote an article Trevor Hogan with Dr Rommel Curaming and Mr Carlos O’Campo. entitled “The Rhetorical is Political? The Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Making of Cold War Culture”. This article will be PROJECTS published as a chapter in a book on Cold War in Asia that is being worked out by ARTS LINKAGE PROJECT the Asian Research Institute (ARI). Finally, The La Trobe University Art Museum and the he revised a chapter in his PhD thesis for Ateneo Art Gallery continued to build on the publication. past work undertaken under the umbrella of the Arts Linkage Project. In 2008 the La Trobe University Art Museum continued to be a partner in the Ateneo Art Awards (this award is recognised as the most important contemporary art award in the Philippines for artists under the age of 35). As a partner, La Trobe University provides a residency for one of the winning artists. In 2008 this was Marina Cruz-Garcia. Marina visited Melbourne, Bendigo and Mildura throughout her residency. In addition, the La Trobe University Visual Centre, Bendigo, presented an exhibition of Marina’s work, Embroidered Landscapes, Paul Northam (Curator, View St Gallery) with Richie Lerma from 16 October – 9 November. This (Director,Ateneo Fine Arts Museum) and Marina Cruz exhibition presented works which explored (visiting artist). the imagery and realms of memory, history and family through paintings and installations. During her visit, Marina worked on a series of images of dresses and other clothes that were embroidered with patterns and images that related to the life of the owner of said garments. These works were shown throughout the exhibition, creating an evolving and dynamic space. The exhibition was opened by Richie Lerma, Director, 4

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 4 31/3/09 12:01:37 PM Ateneo Art Gallery and was followed by an Malaysia, and Australia have responded artist’s floor talk. to tensions that have emerged in recent In September Vincent Alessi (Artistic Director, years. The study then assesses the nature La Trobe University Art Museum) and Richie and adequacy of these responses. Lerma (Director, Ateneo Art Gallery) met to 2. Drawing on insights drawn from the discuss and begin planning for the 2009 dialogical approach – including the visiting exhibition from Ateneo. In principal expertise of civil society organisations as agreement was reached to present Social well as international relations research and Realist works from the Ateneo Art Collection intercultural education studies – the project at La Trobe University in July 2009. This will will design dialogue-based programmes, be part of a wider academic program as initiatives and projects tailored to the presented in Manila in 2007. circumstances of each of the four countries and regionally. This ambitious project – extending over 2-3 years - has the potential to lay the foundations of a network of scholars, community and religious leaders and policy-makers committed to developing stronger a dialogical approach to the handling of intercultural and geopolitical tensions. Collaborating institutions: Vince Alessi Centre for Dialogue, La Trobe University, Managing Curator Bundoora, Australia, State Islamic La Trobe University Art Museum University, Jakarta, Indonesia, Ateneo de Email: [email protected] Manila University, Manila, the Philippines, www.latrobe.edu.au/artmuseum International Movement for a Just World (JUST), Selangor, Malaysia. CENTRE FOR Workshops: Ateneo de Manilla University, Manila, the Philippines, 25 August-2 DIALOGUE September 2007, Jakarta, 20 – 22 October 2008.International Workshop and Visit to CONFLICT, RELIGION AND CULTURE: Manila (25 August-1 September 2007). DOMETIC AND INTERNATINAL For more detail contact: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA AND AUSTRALIA Michalis Michael Centre for Dialogue The project has two main components: La Trobe University 1. It examines how ethnically and religiously Phone: 9479 2140 diverse countries in Southeast Asia and Email: [email protected] Australia have handled the tensions associated with the events of September 11 and their aftermath. At issue is the relationship between Islam and the West. Particular attention focuses on how key sectors – namely government, civil society and the media – in Indonesia, the Philippines, Centre For Dialogue Symposium at Ateneo 5

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 5 31/3/09 12:01:38 PM PhD RESEARCH of his thesis is ‘Manila: Place, Space and Sociology and Anthropology Program: People’. Edwin’s research looks into the processes and politics of place making and Supervision by Trevor Hogan, Peter Beilharz, urban experience in Metropolitan Manila. This and Barry Carr: has involved undertaking qualitative research Ricardo Manapat: ‘The Ideology of Spanish in an urban poor neighbourhood, researching Colonization of the Philippines’ (July, 2006) the development of ‘private cities’ and tracing Ric is in Manila for 12 months archival the transformation of the city as a whole into research. its current state. Recent research has concentrated on two Supervision by Sandy Gifford, Peter Beilharz interrelated foci. The frst focuses on the and Trevor Hogan: idea of empire and the different justifcations Anthony Rodriguez-Jiminez: ‘Violence and for its existence. The Roman concept of the Social Order in Manila’ (July, 2007) empire, its justifcation, and the reasons for territorial expansion are studied, tracing its Supervision by Helen Lee and Trevor Hogan: roots in the Greek polis and its ideological Skilty Labastilla: transformation throughout the history of “Becoming a Man Christendom, showing how the ancient in the Settlements: notion was appropriated and transformed by Male Youth Christianity into the idea of the evangelization Transitions in Davao of the world. These ideas are then related to City, Philippines” how not only Spain, but also other colonizing (Commenced powers such as England and France, have February 2008) tried to justify classical colonialism. The The working title second main area of research centers on of the research is historical and archival research into the “Becoming a Man specifcs of how Spanish thinkers, starting in the Settlements: with the religious chronicles of the friars in the Male Youth 16th and 17th centuries through the political Transitions in Davao pamphlets of colonial administrators until the City, Philippines”. He is interested in how late 19th century, have applied these ideas young men (aged 15-30) in low-income of colonialism and its justifcation to colonial communities experience the transition to Philippine society. adulthood. What are their lives like now, how Supervision by Trevor Hogan and Peter do they envision their future, and what are Beilharz: the steps they take in attaining their dreams? Edwin Wise: ‘A Study of Manila’ (February, Aside from looking at their experiences, 2007) Ed is updating feld work in Manila he will also examine the social, economic, from January, 2008 for 18 months under the and political contexts that shape these external supervision of Professor Zialcita experiences. The research takes off from (Sociology, Ateneo). discourses on Men in Development, as well as from studies on Youth, Masculinity, and In collaboration with the Philippine Australia Urban Poverty. Ethnographic feldwork will Studies Centre and the Institute of Philippine be undertaken in a low-income community Culture based at the Ateneo de Manila in Davao City, Philippines in 2009. He will University, Edwin is currently undertaking conduct participant observation and in-depth the feldwork component of his dissertation interviews with young men in the community, in Manila, the Philippines. The working title 6

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 6 31/3/09 12:01:38 PM as well as their families and community leaders. In 2010, he will come back to NETWORKS La Trobe University to write up his research. AUSTRALIAN YOUTH AMBASSADOR FOR Public Health Program: DEVELOPMENT ATENEO CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Supervision by Vivian Lin Since March 2008, Maria Cameron has Susan Chong Chong: “Challenges been working at the Ateneo Center for of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) Educational Development (ACED) under programming to HIV&AIDS civil society AusAID’s Australian Youth Ambassadors for organisations (CSOs) in Southeast Asia: Development program with the joint support Meeting the requirements of donors versus of the Philippine Australia Studies Centre. developing localised frameworks”. Two case Based at Ateneo de Manila University, studies: Malaysia and Philippines. Susan ACED is a non-proft organisation geared to traveled to Manila in February, 2008 to supporting the public education system in the commence her feld work Philippines. ACED provides public schools with assistance ranging from strategic Education planning, instructional materials development Iris E Dumenden: For her PhD, she and research to teacher and principal training investigates the plight of refugee youth and empowerment. Before providing schools who have minimal or severely-interrupted with assistance, however, ACED conducts schooling before coming to Australia and are ‘school profling’ to assess each school’s now struggling in mainstream high schools. unique needs. For each school, this involves (July, 2007). gathering both quantitative and qualitative Economics baseline data on the school’s situation, taking into account the perspectives of all Supervisors: Sisira Jayasuriya and Gary members of the school community. Findings Magee are synthesised into a report per school with Rosemarie G Edilon: analysis and recommendations regarding Towards an Understanding of Social Capital areas for improvement and possible targeted Social capital consists of an individual’s interventions. interaction with other individuals from which In her role as coordinator for a project for he can derive utility at some time in the future. the development of all public schools in This simple defnition belies the controversy, Quezon City, Maria has led a team of proflers even debates, that have transpired in the initial rounds of school profling of concerning social capital. It is a concept Quezon City schools. In the process, she has long discussed in the feld of Sociology reviewed, expanded upon and streamlined although it is said to have an economic ACED’s existing school profling instruments function. This thesis seeks to develop a and systems for collecting, analysing and construct of social capital, beginning with presenting data. Before her assignment a defnition and measure that lends itself to concludes in February 2009, Maria hopes to economic analysis. Empirical relevance will also design and implement a research project be demonstrated using data on KALAHI- to explore the factors contributing to the CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig laban sa Kahirapan) dramatic improvement in student performance which is the flagship anti-poverty project of in three of the schools ACED has been the Arroyo administration with support from working closely with for over a decade. the World Bank. 7

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 7 31/3/09 12:01:38 PM STUDENT EXCHANGES footpaths in a cityscapes resembling scenes PASC supported the negotiation of a student from the darkest cyberpunk novels (Aurora exchange agreement between La Trobe and Ave.) or rushing home to scrape off the black Ateneo de Manila universities, which provides layer of flth the jeepneys had cast over my for two semesters of fee-waiver exchange skin during the course of the day. However, both ways each year. This year two Filipino I had the opportunity to meet so many students Vic Inting and Nikko Antonio are fascinating people dedicated to addressing studying Business and Computer Sciences an array of issues both in the Philippines and for a semester. Unlike 2007, when two internationally of whom there is no shortage La Trobe students did Arts subjects (Timothy of at Ateneo, UP or among the many NGOs Andrews and Rory Shepherd), no La Trobe present in Manila. This, combined with the students have taken the exchange places insights I gained from the many artists and for 2008. PASC continues to urge La Trobe musicians left me, although maybe not an students to take advantage of this facility to understanding, with a sense of what the study at this prestigious Filipino university, Philippines is.” and will be happy to provide advice on request. Financial support is available for students going on exchange.

RORY SHEPHERD “Living and studying in Manila was one of TIMOTHY ANDREWS the best decisions I’ve made. There were of “I had little knowledge of the Philippines upon course moments that seemed diffcult and my arrival to Manila last year. A few months challenging however things always seemed after commencing my fnal semester of my to right themselves without a great deal of undergraduate at Ateneo de Manila University stress. Not only did I view things differently, I I realized that although my knowledge of ended up thinking about things differently. My the Philippines had grown, the prospects of study at Ateneo De Manila was wonderful; my having an understanding of the country were subjects included Philippine Culture and Our rapidly being lost in the complexity of this Senses; Sex and Society; Social Inequality; knowledge. Eight months in Manila offered and Filipino Migrants. Before my travel to broad ranging experiences, from researching Manila my enthusiasm for study had always remote autonomous villages in Kalinga to remained low, I found it hard to motivate and discussing the politics of land reform with therefore harder to learn. My relationships farmers protesting in Manila. At times, living in at Ateneo with some of my lecturers was Manila presented me with some challenges: at a level I have never experienced thus navigating through the rumble of nonexistent far at university, I was able to establish personal relationships with teachers and 8

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 8 31/3/09 12:01:38 PM other classmates, this is seldom for me here across the State of Victoria. It animates the in Australia. My studies at Ateneo helped community spirit of bayanihan (heroic duties) me both socially and academically. I did and pakikipagkapwa (fellowship) commonly occasionally feel guilty about the fortunate found in the barangay (village) combined with surroundings I was placed in Ateneo in learning and fun. While “Barangay Australia” contrast to the poverty of the lives of many was only coined in 2005 in conjunction Filipinos. I was also able to live in an area with its frst general assembly, it traces its that made me feel completely comfortable, beginnings with scholars from the Philippines but also learn about the Philippines as a who would exchange tips about life in whole. This was both in a cozy (occasionally Australia and offer their support. cramped) bedspacer, and a house with fellow Today, Barangay Australia aspires be Australian student Tim Andrews. I was able a cultural bridge between local Filipino to learn about the Philipines not only through students and their international counterparts study at Ateneo and living in Manila but also and a unifying force across the state of in travel both throughout the Philippines and Victoria. It operates through volunteer internationally to destinations close by such members acting as university-based as Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and managed coordinators and project coordinators at the to gain a lot of knowledge and have a great network level. time. Destinations in the Philippines I visited Community and Family Services International included Bohol, Vigan, Tagaytay, Batangas, (CFSI) Borocay. Palawan, and many others. Although www.cfsi.ph/profle.htm I seem to prefer the experience of big cities, I learned a great deal in these places. The School of Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe and Community and Family It seemed as though something was always Services International continue to have a happening and it was hard not to be involved, mutually productive working relationship. something new would either shock or amaze Now in its 12th year the Memorandum of you every day. The word enriching is often Agreement has the University sending overused to describe travel, however, it goes social work students to Manila for their 14 some way to describe my experience. I would week professional placement. This year two highly recommend it to La Trobe students.” La Trobe students and two from Monash Philippines Australia Studies Network (PASN) University will be on placement. All students www.ateneo.edu/offces/pasn/index.html will enjoy the chance to work face to face PASN is chaired by Professor Antonette with local people on social development type Palma-Angeles (Vice-President of Academic projects. and International Programs). The project Cliff Picton the University Ombudsman offcer is Fe Dayap. The director is Dr continues in his role as a Trustee of CFSI and Filomeno V. Aguilar. attends Board meetings on a regular basis in Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) Manila. www.apbc.org.au/ Philippine Studies Association of Australasia Inc PASC became a formal member of APBC in www.pilipinas.com.au/ September 2004. The Philippine Studies Association of Barangay Australia Australasia Inc (PSAA) continues to work www.latrobe.edu.au/pasc/barangay.html in maintaining links with individuals and Barangay Australia is a network of Filipino organizations world wide, facilitating (Pinoy) students as well as alumni and friends information-sharing and collegial discussion 9

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 9 31/3/09 12:01:38 PM among Filipinists. PSAA is over 30 years researchers, educators, policy makers, old and in conjunction with its joint USA practitioners, and professionals, with a strong publication, Pilipinas, connects and informs commitment to the teaching and research scholars. The Journal, Pilipinas, always of Asian literatures in the broadest possible welcomes paper submissions. Its 50th Issue perspective. This commitment is particularly in 2008 was on Filipino Sexuality. The Journal manifested in the holding of an biennial has a website (www.pilipinas.com.au), and international Conference, usually during is currently archiving back Issues to 1980. the month of February. The Conference is Membership of PSAA automatically links to sponsored by one of the member institutions. Pilipinas subscription. The Consortium was established at the First Dr Paul Mathews, Secretary, RAFIL Conference in 2007 by members of Managing Editor, Pilipinas. various universities in the Asia-Pacifc region Philippine Studies Association of Australasia – Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines), Inc. (PSAA) Universitas Sanata Dharma (Indonesia), PO Box 827, Jamison 2614, ACT, Australia The National University of Singapore, and Sophia University (Japan). La Trobe LINGUISTICS RESEARCH AND NEW MOU University became a member later that WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, DILIMAN same year. Membership is open to other interested institutions, with the possibility In the last few years Professor Randy that an expression of interest will shortly LaPolla, Chair of Linguistics and member be received from Dr Nguyen Thi Kieu Thu, of PASC, has been making visits to the Head of the Dept of English Linguistics and Philippines and giving talks at Ateneo de Literature, University of Social Sciences and Manila, the Presidential Commission for the Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Philippine Languages, and the University of the Philippines (UP). He was invited to be a RAFIL 2 was held at Universitas Sanata keynote speaker for the Philippine Linguistics Dharma in Yogyakarta, in February 2008. Society Congress in December 2008, and The theme of RAFIL 2 was “East-West at that time Prof. LaPolla and responsible Encounters”. The Conference explored the members of the UP administration talked reception and interpretation of Western and about establishing links between UP and Asian literary works written or translated La Trobe. Dr Trevor Hogan followed this up into English and the new possibilities for on a recent trip the Philippines and the two signifcantly different interpretations arising universities are now fnalising an Agreement from these changing cultural contexts. of Cooperation. Initially the contact will be in The Conference aimed to promote a Linguistics, but it is hoped other areas can be better understanding of these legitimate developed as well. but sometimes conflicting rich literary communications. RAFIL RAFIL 3 will be held in February, 2011 and RAFIL stands for “The Reading Asia, hosted by the Department of Malay Studies, Forging Identities in Literature Conference National University of Singapore, under the Consortium”. The RAFIL Conference leadership of its Head, Associate Professor Consortium is the product of collaboration Syed Farid Alatas. among a number of universities in the Asia- Pacifc region with programs and projects in Ateneo’s representative to the governing the feld of Asian literatures. committee is Dr Isabel Pefanco Martin, who was also the Director of the frst RAFIL The Consortium brings together literature 10

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 10 31/3/09 12:01:38 PM Conference. La Trobe’s representative is Prof Harry Aveling, PhD DCA, Professor Harry Aveling, Asian Studies Adjunct Professor, Asian Studies, Program. Harry Aveling and Dr Ma. Luisa La Trobe University, Torres (Chair of the English Dept., ADMU) Victoria 3086, AUSTRALIA were among the four Keynote Speakers for Email: [email protected] RAFIL 2.

STOP PRESS It is with great sadness that we report that Jose Ricardo Manapat (24 May, 1953) died suddenly and unexpectedly on Christmas Eve, 2008 at his home in Antipolo, Manila, Philippines. Ric was fluent in over 11 languages, a renowned concert pianist, a mathematician, philosopher and historian, and a political activist of great courage. He was also the National Archives Director, on leave to do his doctorate at La Trobe University. During his time as Director he had modernized the colonial manuscripts collection storage techniques, and was overseeing the restoration of the Spanish customs house in Intramuros (1803) for use as the archives headquarters. At La Trobe he was a DM Myers Medal winner. He was well on the way to completing his PhD and was due back at Bundoora in March, 2009. We shall provide a full obituary and eulogy in the next annual report but record here our condolences to family and friends from all at La Trobe University, the wider circle of Philippines- Australia networks and in particular from Ric’s colleagues in the graduate and staff of the School of Social Sciences. He is greatly missed. 11

88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 11 31/3/09 12:01:39 PM contacts

Trevor Hogan Director e m a i l : [email protected]

Charles Mott Deputy Director e m a i l : [email protected]

Tomomi Kawate Project Officer July–December 2008

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88104 PASC AR08 txt3.indd 12 31/3/09 12:01:39 PM Annual Report 2008 Philippines Australia Studies Centre

La Trobe University Victoria 3086 Australia /pasc

Melbourne (Bundoora) Bendigo Albury-Wodonga Melbourne (City) Shepparton Mildura Beechworth ABN 64 804 735 113 CG 88104

88104 PASC AR08 cvr1.indd 1-2 11/3/09 4:52:07 PM