UMak Center for International & Global Affairs

20/08/2026

🇺🇸🌏 𝗨𝗠𝗮𝗸 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨.𝗦. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮! 🇵🇭📚

The University of Makati proudly welcomes Robert L. Loebe, the University’s incoming English Language Fellow, through the U.S. Embassy Manila – Regional English Language Office. This fellowship marks another FIRST for the University of Makati, opening a new chapter in the University’s continuing journey toward internationalization, global learning, and academic excellence.

On August 17, the Center held a warm and meaningful Welcome Program for the English Language Fellow, featuring a captivating cultural performance by UMak Siglahi that celebrated the richness of Filipino culture and showcased the University’s vibrant artistic heritage. The program also featured Words of Welcome from the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Ederson Tapia, who expressed the University’s warm reception and support for this important international academic engagement. Ms. Josephine Yu, Head of the City-International Relations Department also shared remarks, emphasizing support from the City of Makati. Adding significance to the occasion, University President, Professor Elyxzur Ramos paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Loebe, personally welcoming him to the University of Makati and underscoring the University’s commitment to meaningful international partnerships and academic exchange.

Mr. Loebe brings a wealth of international academic and professional experience, having worked with institutions and organizations in the United States, China, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, among others. He holds a Master’s degree in Foreign Languages and Pedagogy and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, complemented by further training in Spanish and TESOL. During the 10-month fellowship, Mr. Loebe will engage with the community through teaching, academic collaboration, and English language initiatives, creating opportunities for students and faculty to benefit from his extensive international teaching experience and expertise.

More than a fellowship, this is a bridge between the Philippines and the United States—bringing together people, knowledge, cultures, and opportunities for meaningful international engagement. 🇵🇭🤝🇺🇸

19/08/2026

🇹🇼 Days of Learning, Teaching, and Growing at ALV Taiwan Summer Camp 2026! 🌏✨

Assigned as Camp Assistants to six different classes, our interns spent their mornings and afternoons assisting foreign teachers in teaching English to junior high school students. Their first day was all about adapting to the camp environment and understanding their roles as teaching assistants. Alongside the foreign teachers, they helped facilitate classroom activities and engage students in English learning. They also began preparing for the camp's activities by learning a dance routine that they would later teach to their students.

On the second and third day, the student-interns took a more active role in the classroom. They were tasked to prepare lesson plans with interactive activities/games for 50-minute class sessions per section, making sure that each activity was engaging and appropriate for their students. They also assisted in the rehearsals of their play, which will serve as one of the camp’s final outputs.

Behind every successful classroom activity and performance is a lot of preparation. For our interns, this meant staying up late and even pulling an all-nighter to finalize their lesson plans, prepare their activities, and practice the dance routines they would teach their students. Their dedication shows that international teaching experience is not always easy or glamorous—it takes hard work, preparation, patience, and commitment. Yet, through the long nights and busy days, our student-interns continue to rise to the challenge and give their best.

From classrooms to dance practices, from lesson planning to play rehearsals, Heron interns are discovering that teaching goes beyond delivering a lesson. It means connecting with students, adapting to their needs, responding to different student personalities and behaviors, working as a team, and creating experiences that make learning memorable. The ALV Taiwan Summer Camp experience is helping our UMak student-interns become more confident, capable, and globally minded young professionals. 🇵🇭💙💛

18/08/2026

🌧️ 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘀!

What a wonderful and memorable experience for our Taiwanese students! 💙

Despite the rain, six visiting Taiwanese students from American Language Village (ALV) Taiwan continued their cultural immersion journey as they explored the Museo ng Makati and experienced the Poblacion Walk Tour last Wednesday, August 12. ☔️🏛️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

From learning about our local history and heritage at the Museo to discovering the stories, culture, and character of Poblacion, the students experienced a different side of the Philippines.

And of course, no cultural walk is complete without tasting a piece of Filipino food heritage! Their final stop was Insular Bakery, one of the oldest bakeries in the area, where the students enjoyed some beloved Filipino favorites—Kababayan and Spanish Bread! 🇵🇭🥖

The rain may have made the walk a little more challenging, but it certainly did not dampen their enthusiasm! Instead, it made the experience even more memorable, filled with smiles, laughter, discoveries, and meaningful cultural exchanges. 🌧️✨

18/08/2026

✈️ 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗨𝗠𝗮𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆! 🇵🇭🇹🇼

A new international learning adventure has officially begun! 🌏✨

On August 15, together with their adult chaperone from the Center for International and Global Affairs, six (6) students are ready to take on this exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience, engage with Taiwanese students and teachers, develop their communication and teaching skills, and immerse themselves in a new culture.

This experience is more than just a summer camp—it is an opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, build meaningful international connections, and represent the University of Makati on the global stage.

We wish our students a safe, meaningful, and truly memorable one-week immersion experience! May you make wonderful memories, learn from every experience, and bring home new perspectives and friendships.

Have a wonderful ALV Summer Camp Taiwan experience! 🇵🇭🤝🇹🇼
UMak RISE, Shine, Anywhere!

12/08/2026

🇵🇭🤝🇹🇼 A Warm Welcome to Our Taiwanese Student Delegation!

On August 3, the university warmly welcomed six(6) Taiwanese students from American Language Village (ALV) Taiwan for their Academic Exchange Program as part of their Summer Camp.

The delegation will be staying at the University of Makati throughout the whole month of August, taking part in various academic, cultural, and campus activities designed to provide them with a meaningful experience of university life in the Philippines.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Ederson Tapia formally welcomed the Taiwanese delegation and highlighted the University's commitment to internationalization, cultural exchange, and global learning opportunities. It was followed by a special message from the University Secretary (USec), Ms. Juvy Hermosura, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, academic mobility, and strengthening educational partnerships between the Philippines and Taiwan. The delegation also enjoyed a campus tour led by UMak student representatives, followed by refreshments and informal conversations at Tagak Café.

This month-long engagement goes beyond a campus visit and reflects UMak’s ongoing commitment to internationalization, global learning, and meaningful people-to-people connections.

Welcome to the University of Makati, ALV Taiwan students! We are delighted to have you with us throughout August and look forward to a month filled with learning, friendship, cultural exchange, and unforgettable experiences..

Mabuhay and 歡迎來到 UMak! 🇵🇭🇹🇼

07/08/2026

🎬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐢!🌏📜

On August 4, the University of Makati, proudly hosted the special screening of the acclaimed documentary España: La Primera Globalización (Spain: The First Globalization), in collaboration with Torna Idioma and the International Cultural Association – Heroes de Cavite.

The event opened with inspiring Welcome Remarks from the Vice President for Planning and Research, Professor Fay Cariaga, who shared the fascinating history of the trade of medicinal plants during the Manila Galleon era, illustrating how knowledge, culture, and natural resources connected continents long before the modern age. It was followed by a Special Message from Torna Idioma President Mr. Bouffard, who emphasized the importance of preserving historical truth and fostering intercultural understanding through education.

Before the screening, representatives from the International Cultural Association – Heroes de Cavite presented the documentary's synopsis, providing historical context and preparing the audience for a deeper appreciation of the Philippines' role in the first wave of globalization. They also facilitated engaging open forum discussions after each screening, enriching participants' understanding through thoughtful dialogue and historical perspectives.

As part of their visit to the University, the representatives of the International Cultural Association – Heroes de Cavite also paid a courtesy visit to the University President, Professor X Ramos, reaffirming the shared commitment to promoting historical awareness, cultural exchange, and meaningful international collaboration.

Through initiatives like this, the University of Makati continues to strengthen global engagement by creating opportunities for students and the academic community to explore history, culture, and international perspectives beyond the classroom.

06/08/2026

📚🇯🇵 Konnichiwa and Welcome to the First Day of Japanese Language Classes! 🇯🇵📚

July 31 marked the beginning of our students' journey toward acquiring another valuable language, broadening their global perspectives, and fostering a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and intercultural understanding.

This semester, students from Tourism Management and the Human Resource Development Management programs embark on this enriching learning experience, taking their first step toward developing Japanese language proficiency and strengthening their intercultural communication skills. Through this program, students will gain valuable knowledge that will prepare them for future academic, professional, and international opportunities.

May this be the beginning of new friendships, greater opportunities, and a lifelong appreciation for Japan's rich language and culture.

04/08/2026

Congratulations to the six (6) students who will join the 2026 ALV Taiwan Summer Camp Teaching Internship Program!

CTO USMO!

GOODLUCK, ALV DELEGATES! 🫡

LOOK | Six student delegates from the University of Makati (UMak) have been selected to participate in the 2026 ALV Taiwan Camp Teaching Internship Program, happening from August 15–23, in Taiwan.

The international internship aims to enhance participants’ teaching competencies, communication and leadership skills, and cross-cultural understanding through immersive learning and cultural exchange.

As they represent UMak on the international stage, the delegates are set to gain valuable experiences that will contribute to their academic and professional growth.

23/07/2026

🎬🌍 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.

The Center for International and Global Affairs (CIGA), in partnership with Torna Idioma and Heroes de Cavite, invites the community to a special screening of the acclaimed documentary:

𝑬𝒔𝒑𝒂ñ𝒂, 𝒍𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒄𝒊ó𝒏 (𝑺𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏)

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴

📅 Date: 04 August 2026 (Tuesday)
🕙 Program proper: 10:00 A.M.
Screening Time: 10:30 A.M. | 12:30 P.M. | 2:30 P.M. | 4:30 P.M.
📍 Venue: University of Makati Auditorium

Travel through history as the documentary explores the emergence of the world's first global network—from the reign of the Catholic Monarchs and Christopher Columbus's voyage to the historic 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚–𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐜𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞, which connected Asia, the Americas, and Europe for over two centuries.

Discover how Manila became a vital crossroads of cultures and how centuries of exchange shaped the shared history, language, traditions, and heritage of Spain and the Philippines.

🎓 Open to all UMak students, faculty, and staff

📌 Registration is required. Please register your slot through this link - https://forms.gle/BuQrJHSb8ns77iVX8
The academic units are also requested to confirm the number of participating sections or students to facilitate seating arrangements.

Don't miss this enriching cultural and educational experience that brings history to life!

17/07/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀, 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁: 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗨𝗠𝗮𝗸 🇨🇴🤝🇵🇭

On the evening of July 14, the University of Makati became more than a venue—it became a bridge connecting two nations through the universal language of culture.

The Colombia–Philippines Cultural Night: From Cali to Makati, organized by the Embassy of Colombia in the Philippines in partnership with the City Government of Makati and the University of Makati, transformed diplomacy into a celebration of rhythm, artistry, and shared humanity. The event was graced by H.E. Edgar Rodrigo Rojas Garavito, Ambassador of Colombia to the Philippines with his wife Mme. Claudia Esperanza Hernandez Hernandez, Prof. Elyxzur Ramos, University President of the University of Makati, Ms. Josephine Angela Yu, Head of the International Relations Department, Ms. Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco, Head of the Museum and Cultural Affairs Office, alongside members of the diplomatic corps, university officials, faculty, students, and guests. The guests were welcomed by the university's Tunog-Kawayan team.

The evening opened on a meaningful note as the UMAK Chorale rendered the national anthems of both the Philippines and Colombia, setting the tone for a celebration founded on mutual respect, friendship, and cultural solidarity.

It then came alive with the electrifying performance of Ensálsate, the internationally acclaimed salsa ensemble from Cali, Colombia, whose vibrant choreography brought the spirit of Colombian culture to Makati. Sharing the stage were the university's Chorale, SIGLAHI Team, and the DanceSport Team, who shared a closing performance with Ensálsate, proudly showcasing the richness, creativity, and diversity of Filipino artistry.

Together, these performances reminded everyone that culture is more than entertainment—it is a form of dialogue. Every melody, every graceful movement, and every burst of applause became a conversation between two nations separated by oceans, yet united by creativity, resilience, and the desire to understand one another.

As the final curtain fell, the message remained clear: the strongest international partnerships are not built solely through agreements and official meetings—they flourish through meaningful human connections.

From Cali to Makati, the evening celebrated more than two cultures. It celebrated the enduring friendship between Colombia and the Philippines, proving that when people come together through art, the distance between nations becomes just another step in the dance.