Area Studies National Conference

𝐖𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬!

March 26 and 27, 2026 were two meaningful days dedicated to honoring and amplifying voices that uplift women and gender at the 12th Area Studies National Conference. With the theme “𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗡: 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲,” the conference created a welcoming space for thoughtful dialogue, reflection, and creative exchange. Scholars and participants came together to revisit narratives and explore perspectives in understanding how women and gender are portrayed in popular culture. Each session offered insights that encouraged both learning and appreciation of diverse perspectives and experiences.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our partners who generously shared their time, resources, and trust in this event. They helped create an environment where ideas could be exchanged freely and meaningfully. Through their support, the conference became a space that fostered learning, inspired fresh perspectives, and encouraged continued conversations on representation in Philippine popular culture.

𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝟏𝟐𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆.

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan
Indie Bead
Celestial Enchantress

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid
WhenInManila.com

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila
PNU - Kabataang Urduja
UP Health Sciences and Pre-Medicine Society

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines
National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Macafé & Iesha's Foodhauz

We would also like to thank our alumni sponsor:
Mr. Geejay Cuarteron

Pub by: Chelsea Solajes
Caption by: Shekinah Almeda




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𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝟐 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈? ✨

On this 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑎𝑦 of the 𝟏𝟐𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, we continue to engage in critical conversations that critique, question, and reframe prevailing narratives on women and gender in Philippine popular culture. ⚧💬

As we bring this two-day gathering to a close, we carry with us the insights, dialogues, and possibilities behind that go way beyond today—reminding us that the work of reimagining does not end here.

𝑆𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔! 🤍

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): facebook.com/areastudiesnationalconference
Facebook (CGWS): facebook.com/upmcgws
Facebook (Or**SM): facebook.com/organizationofareastudiesmajors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan
Celestial Enchantress
Indie Bead

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid
WhenInManila.com

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila
PNU - Kabataang Urduja
UP Health Sciences and Pre-Medicine Society

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Chelsea Solajes
Caption by: Van Espino




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𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮, 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 📽️📺

Stories will be told. Narratives will be revisited. Popular Culture will be evaluated.

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, we challenge what has long been accepted, and open new spaces for inclusive, nuanced, and transformative storytelling through insightful discussions and critical perspectives. As media continues to evolve, so must the ways we see, understand, and represent women and gender in society.

𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): Area Studies National Conference
Facebook (CGWS): UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Facebook (Or**SM): Organization of Area Studies Majors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan
Celestial Enchantress
Indie Bead

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid
WhenInManila.com

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila
PNU - Kabataang Urduja
UP Health Sciences and Pre-Medicine Society

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Chelsea Solajes
Caption by: Althea Godito




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📣 𝑻𝑾𝑶 𝑫𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝑻𝑶 𝑮𝑶!

The conversation begins soon.

Are you ready to step into spaces where voices rise louder than silence?
Are you ready to confront the stories, images, and narratives that shape how women and gender are seen—and understood?

In 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀, we gather to examine how representation is constructed, challenged, and reimagined. Together, we listen, question, and reflect—on the images we inherit and the futures we choose to create.

🗓️ March 26 - 27
📍 UP Manila Museum of a Hidtory of Ideas
🕘 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): facebook.com/areastudiesnationalconference
Facebook (CGWS): facebook.com/upmcgws
Facebook (Or**SM): facebook.com/organizationofareastudiesmajors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila
PNU - Kabataang Urduja
UP Health Sciences and Pre-Medicine Society

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Chelsea Solajes
Caption by: Aadrian Regala & Adi Lagradilla




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𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

For generations, women have been unstoppable. From footnotes to headlines, their voices shaped history, revolution, and possibility. This 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, from 𝟵𝗔𝗠 𝘁𝗼 𝟯𝗣𝗠 at the 𝗨𝗣 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀, the 12th Area Studies National Conference gathers under the theme “𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗡: 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.” It is a shared space where stories, experiences, and ideas come together to explore how women and gender are seen, heard, and understood in everyday Filipino life.

Joining us are 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 who bring not only expertise, but also lived experiences that ground these conversations in truth.

𝘈 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦: 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘎𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘳, 𝘉𝘰𝘣 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 28-𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 (1959-1987)
𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗣. 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗶, Professor and Associate Dean for Public Affairs of the College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman.

𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘨𝘺𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴
𝗠𝗮. 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗮 𝗩. 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲, Professor and Dean of the Department of Journalism at the College of Media and Communication, UP Diliman

𝘕𝘈𝘙𝘈𝘛𝘐𝘉Ô𝘕𝘎 𝘏𝘐𝘚𝘛𝘖𝘙𝘐𝘒𝘈𝘓: 𝘒𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘢 𝘗𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘬𝘴𝘪𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘣𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘯
𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗩. 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗶, Associate Professor of the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵: 𝘈𝘯 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘴
𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗔𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗔. 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻, Associate Professor at the College of Media and Communication, UP Diliman

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳: 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲, Assistant Professor and Program Head of the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts, College of Arts and Letters, UP Diliman

𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘱𝘢?: 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮, 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘴 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘳
𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗚. 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮, Assistant Professor and Chair of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman.

We are also introducing a 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 exploring how the lack of representation of women and gender-diverse groups in Philippine popular culture influences society’s views and shared beliefs, led by esteemed speakers.

𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻, transgender advocate and founder of Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Sector

𝗠𝘀. 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗹, visionary Filipino filmmaker, director, and producer

𝗠𝘀. 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗼, director of small press and bookshop Everything’s Fine and a collaborator of the Feminist Journalist Network

With moderator 𝗗𝗿. 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮, an Associate Professor of the UP Manila Area Studies Program and the Editor-in-Chief at TALA: An Online Journal of History.

At the 12th Area Studies National Conference, a historian, educator, and researcher with numerous publications and editorial roles in academic journals will also present a paper analyzing representations of women in OPM.

𝘒𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘪𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢 𝘐𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘪 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘤-9: 𝘐𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘦𝘬𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘸𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘵 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘪 co-authored with 𝗔𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗱 𝗕. 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹
𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗣. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀

At its heart, this conference is about people. It is about the voices that have long been overlooked, the narratives that deserve to be told, and the realities that continue to shape our culture. It invites everyone to reflect, question, and reimagine new ways of representing women and diverse identities with honesty, dignity, and depth.

𝑹𝒆𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): Area Studies National Conference
Facebook (CGWS): UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Facebook (Or**SM): Organization of Area Studies Majors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila
PNU - Kabataang Urduja
UP Health Sciences and Pre-Medicine Society

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Chelsea Solajes & Meinrad Trajano
Caption by: Shekinah Almeda




**SM22nd

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬.

This year’s theme, “𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗡: 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲,” invites us to look closer at how women and gender are represented in Philippine popular culture, and to ask what lies beneath these images.

This year, we proudly introduce our paper presenter, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗣. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀. He completed his BA in History and Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Education at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, a Certificate in Teaching Religion at De La Salle University, and a Master of Divinity at Manila Theological College. A prolific scholar, he is the author or editor of 6 books and has published over 33 articles and book reviews in prestigious journals such as Diliman Review, Katipunan, and Historical Bulletin. He is currently a Lecturer at De La Salle University, serves as the Editor-in-Chief for Saliksik E-Journal, and Managing Editor for Sagwan Journal.

At the 12th Area Studies National Conference, he will be presenting his paper titled, “𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐈𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐢 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐜-𝟗: 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢,” which he co-authored with 𝗔𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗱 𝗕. 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹. Their research dissects the various archetypes of women in Gloc-9’s music—from the Babaeng Api and Babaeng Bayaran to the Babaeng Palaban—exploring how these musical narratives mirror the lived realities of the Filipina.

Through his presentation, we are invited to reflect on how meaning is constructed in the images and narratives we consume, and how these representations continue to shape our understanding of gender, identity, and society.

Join us as we engage in a discourse that challenges conventions, rethinks representation, and opens space for more inclusive narratives.

𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆!

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): Area Studies National Conference
Facebook (CGWS): UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Facebook (Or**SM): Organization of Area Studies Majors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila
PNU - Kabataang Urduja
UP Health Sciences and Pre-Medicine Society

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Khatriz Lim
Caption by: Ericha Rocio




**SM22nd

📢 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝.

We extend our sincerest gratitude for the overwhelming interest in this year’s conference. All available slots have officially been filled.

Happening on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 at the 𝗨𝗣 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀, the conference carries the theme “𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗡: 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.”

To all registered participants, we look forward to welcoming you as we engage in critical conversations on women and gender in Philippine popular culture.

📩 Registered participants may expect a confirmation and further details to be sent via email by the organization in the coming days.

𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆!

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): Area Studies National Conference
Facebook (CGWS): UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Facebook (Or**SM): Organization of Area Studies Majors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila
PNU - Kabataang Urduja
UP Health Sciences and Pre-Medicine Society

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Eowyn Santos & Chelsea Solajes
Caption by: Adi Lagradilla




**SM22nd

𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐀, 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄

As part of its objectives in reimagining the image of the Filipina, the 12th Area Studies National Conference proudly unveils this year’s Roundtable Discussion on the 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. In line with the conference’s theme, this discussion delves into how the invisibility of women and gender-diverse identities in Philippine popular culture shapes public perception, social values, and collective consciousness.

Engaging in this dialogue are our distinguished speakers:

𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻 is a trailblazing transgender advocate and community leader who founded Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Sector, an organization committed to promoting equality and human rights. A trans beauty queen, her journey is marked by both personal and collective triumphs, as she continues to champion the causes of justice, dignity, and representation.

𝗠𝘀. 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗶𝗹 is a visionary Filipino filmmaker, director, and producer widely recognized for her advocacy of socially engaged storytelling. Her film Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus sparked broader national attention, inspiring commemorative resolutions in both the Senate and Congress and contributing to the proposed Lakambini Bill promoting the inclusion of women heroes in education.

𝗠𝘀. 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗼 is an arts and culture critic of over 15 years, and has been writing socio-political commentary since 2008. A book author and a cultural activist, she is the director of small press and bookshop Everything’s Fine and a collaborator of the Feminist Journalist Network, a global network of feminist journalists formed by the Association of Women in Development.

This year’s Roundtable Discussion will be moderated by 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳. 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮, a faculty member of the UP Manila Area Studies Program and the Editor-in-Chief at TALA: An Online Journal of History. Together, they will endeavor to examine the role of media, storytelling, and cultural platforms in either reinforcing exclusion or enabling more inclusive and equitable representations

Be part of the conversation this 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲-𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, as we reimagine the role of women as images of strength, power, and resistance!

𝑹𝒆𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): Area Studies National Conference
Facebook (CGWS): UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Facebook (Or**SM): Organization of Area Studies Majors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal
Gabriela Youth UP Manila

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Althea Habulan
Caption by: Michelle Bruno




**SM22nd

𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐍: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞.

The media actively builds how we see the world and each other. What the media chooses to show becomes reality in the public mind, while what it leaves out often fades into invisibility. For women, whose stories have historically been framed through limiting narratives, every headline and broadcast carries the power to either reinforce inequality or challenge it.

Across newsrooms, television screens, film, and digital platforms, the images and stories of women influence how society understands gender, leadership, and possibility. Media narratives can confine women to stereotypes, but they can also expand the boundaries of how women are seen, heard, and valued in public life.

To guide us in examining how the media frames women’s roles in Philippine society, we are honored to welcome 𝗠𝗮. 𝗗𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗮 𝗩. 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲, Professor and Dean of the Department of Journalism at the College of Media and Communication, University of the Philippines Diliman, here at the 12th Area Studies National Conference.

A former community journalist, Prof. Labiste earned her PhD from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Her research bridges feminist media analysis, gender-sensitive communication, and the study of information disorder in new media technologies. She examines how media production forms both the persistent gaps and emerging possibilities in the representation of women in contemporary Philippine media.

Join us this 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲-𝟮𝟳 at the 𝗨𝗣 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 as we explore how media circulates images of women, reimagine these representations, and consider how students, scholars, and media practitioners can uphold more inclusive and gender-responsive public discourse.

𝑹𝒆𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): Area Studies National Conference
Facebook (CGWS): UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Facebook (Or**SM): Organization of Area Studies Majors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
Commission on Human Rights
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Jeremiah Li
Caption by: Liyah Aubrie Maglalang




**SM22nd

𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐍: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞.

History lives in what we remember, what we forget, and what we dare to reimagine through the stories a society chooses to tell. It flows through the images we consume and the narratives we inherit. In popular culture, some histories shine in the light, celebrated and revered, while others linger in the shadows, waiting to be rediscovered, reclaimed, and reimagined.

In the Philippines, the histories of LGBTQIA+ communities have long been contested, obscured, or simplified within dominant narratives. Yet through research and activism, scholars and advocates continue to reconstruct these histories and challenge heteronormative frameworks.

To help us examine how LGBTQIA+ histories are represented in Philippine society, we are honored to welcome John Andrew G. Evangelista, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology, University of the Philippines Diliman, at the 12th Area Studies National Conference.

Prof. Evangelista earned a BA in Social Sciences from University of the Philippines Baguio, an MA in Sociology from University of the Philippines Diliman, and a PhD in Sociology from The University of Hong Kong. Their research examines q***rness, southern sociology, nationalism, and social movements, with particular focus on the development and dynamics of the Philippine q***r rights movement. Beyond academia, Prof. Evangelista brings sociology into public life through opinion pieces that address pressing LGBTQIA+ issues in contemporary society.

This 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟳 at the 𝗨𝗣 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀, join us as we explore how the reclamation of LGBTQIA+ histories can transform collective memory and challenge prevailing understandings of gender and sexuality.

𝑹𝒆𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆. 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

For more updates about the conference, follow our social media accounts:
Facebook (AS NatCon): Area Studies National Conference
Facebook (CGWS): UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Facebook (Or**SM): Organization of Area Studies Majors
Instagram: instagram.com/upm_orgasm

For more inquiries or partnerships, email us at:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Presented by:
UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies
Organization of Area Studies Majors

Endorsed by:
BA Social Sciences - Area Studies Program, UP Manila
UPM CAS Manila Studies Program

In partnership with:
Likhaan Center for Women's Health, Inc.
UP Political Science Society
Society of Trans Women of the Philippines (STRAP)
UP Lipunang Pangkasaysayan

In media partnership with:
UP The Manila Collegian
Ang Tagamasid

Brought to you by:
Development Studies Society

Special thanks to:
PNU - USC Student Tribunal

We would also like to thank:
National Museum of the Philippines

Pub by: Maxene Asido
Caption by: Liyah Aubrie Maglalang




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