Testimonials

2007
2006

"As a Filipino-American concerned with social justice, attending the Philippine Studies program at UP Diliman was the best thing I could do. Studying the historical perspective of how Philippine society has evolved, coupled with the stories told to us first-hand by various communities, has really opened my eyes to the daily struggles of poverty & hardship experienced by an overwhelming majority of the population.

I learned that Filipino-Americans hold enormous power to affect change among our community both here and in the Philippines. And that even the smallest action can make a huge difference."

CHERYL BAUN
MA, New York University
New York New York

"Participating in the Philippines Studies Program has been one of the most life altering, enhancing & fulfilling things I have ever done. I learned & grew from lectures in the classroom, on fieldtrips & from just living in the Philippines. The experience changed my perspective on myself & the Philippines. It has given me a greater resolve to not just appreciate the land of my ancestors but also to participate in the issues of its present state & the shaping of its future."

RUSSELLIE BONGOLAN
University of California, Irvine

"I think this program is great for anyone who wants to learn more about Filipino culture & history. It brings you directly in touch with the people & the Filipino way of life. The educational & social experience is perfect for those who want to know their roots & advocate the importance of Filipino studies."

JUNNIE VERCELES
Masters Student
University of Phoenix

"Every Filipino-American should experience the Philippine Studies Program. It is a revolution of the mind & a transformation of the soul. "

CHRISTINA PICARDAL
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington

"I know my life is here but I left my heart there. The trip gave me a greater sense of self identity. I learned everything the Philippines was about, everything that I was about. I’ve decided to write a book of short stories about my experiences there & the things that I learned. "

PAUL DELA CRUZ
University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign
Chicago, Illinois

"This program increased my Filipino pride.  I had so much fun meeting new people & making close friends whom I will never forget.  The Philippines Studies Program enriched my mind to the struggles people face daily."

DEMARIE DIZON
University of California, Santa Cruz

"The knowledge I have gained from the program surpassed my expectations. I am truly grateful, because my perceptions of myself changed. Although I was familiar with the social conditions prevalent in Philippine society, I felt immobilized because I did not know where to begin to help & disheartened because I thought I was alone in my quest. I think about the Filipinos & Filipino- Americans who feel the disconnection from the homeland & disillusionment with the government, who say that the Philippines is corrupt, poor, & dirty. But never initiate change & further allow things to continue by not going to the Philippines & not participating in any organizations or social movements that will eradicate the horrid conditions the Filipinos suffer.

I learned from the program that one person can & must, make a difference, a change for the better. We owe it to ourselves & to the Filipinos to create an ideal society of equality & opportunity. A program like the Philippine Studies reinforces my hope that such premise can be an attainable goal."

ROXANNE ALCALDE
Hunter College
New York, New York

"As a 5 year old adoptee from the Philippines, it has been the driving force for me to learn about my heritage as a Filipina in America. Participating in the study abroad program, was nothing like I expected & would do it a million times over.

I visited Olongapo City, Zambales, my place of birth, thanks in part to the efforts of the women from the Inter Country Adoption Board of the DSWCD. They were able to track down a lady who was the executive director of the orphanage where I spent my first five years. The conversation, although in Tagalog, was very heartfelt & emotional as the woman described me when I was just three days old & recounting other memories she could recall about me.

It was, for lack of a better word, refreshing to find someone who may have the only link to my past.

LORIAL CROWDER
Masteral Student, Hunter College
New York, New York

"The summer allowed me to witness firsthand issues that are happening in the Philippines that otherwise would have only been exposed to me through books or lectures. More importantly, I have realized that I am a product of Philippine history. The way that I see the world & relate to the people around me is directly connected to Philippine culture & its history. An unforgettable summer with incredible people. "

MICHAEL VIOLA
Masters Student
University of Oregon