My American mom told me she studied high school at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the oldest extant university charter in the Philippines and Asia, and the largest Catholic university in the world by student population.
Founded on April 28, 1611, by Miguel de Benavides, UST is also known as the Catholic University of the Philippines.
My cousin, foremost Filipino glass sculptor Ramon G. Orlina; my uncle, noted comics writer and Zuma creator Jim M. Fernandez; and my niece Hershelyn David Francisco (daughter of Ernesto and Cecilia David) are proud alumni of UST.
My nephew, Dr. Aldrin Michael Varsovia, is a UST alumnus and currently a faculty member at the university.
UST’s Department of Journalism chair, Dr. Jeremaiah Opiniano, is also a UST alumnus. He is the first faculty member of the department to attain the highest academic rank since its establishment in 1929. He previously served as director of the UST Research Center for Social Sciences and Education and has been part of the university community for over 20 years.
I studied at Aquinas School in San Juan City, named after St. Thomas Aquinas (the namesake of UST). Both institutions belong to the Dominican Order, with UST being the older parent institution.
Today, UST stands as one of the leading private research universities in the Philippines and is consistently ranked among the top 1,000 universities worldwide. With academic degrees and research thrusts in the natural, health, applied, social, and sacred sciences, as well as business and management, UST continues to make a positive impact on society.
A Favorite Restobar: Silya
My favorite restaurant, Silya (named after the Batibot wrought-iron chair), started as a cozy spot on Nakpil Street in Malate, Manila. Over the years, it has become a favorite restobar for yuppies, workers from all walks of life, and even celebrities, particularly indie actors and personalities from the TV and print industries.
When I was with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, many of our editors and writers enjoyed Silya’s Filipino dishes. I often stopped by after teaching at the Philippine Women’s University-Manila.
I cannot forget the kindness of Silya staffers Noel Paderes and Sam Paderes of Nueva Ecija, chef Boral Salvador of Camarines Sur, and Eugene Bobuel of Sampaloc, Manila. I was glad to see them again during a recent visit to Manila. What started with only a handful of staff has now grown to nearly a hundred employees serving an ever-expanding clientele.
Silya restobar opens daily at 4 p.m. and stays open until the early morning hours.
The Rising Filipino Awards
While attending an online Customer Analytics class at Mabalacat City College in Pampanga, I received a call from the organizers of the Rising Filipino Awards, scheduled for November 16, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.
Special thanks to the visionaries behind this event: President and Founder Armand Villanueva, and Vice President and Co-founder Marcelino DG Mallari. Gratitude also goes to the Board of Directors: Alexander John Fong, Vic Del Rosario, Dhevy Sahagun, Jace Perez, Fath Cruz, and Rose Regalado.
The Rising Filipino Awards aim to empower success and celebrate the achievements of Filipinos across the globe.
Belated Birthday Greetings
Belated greetings (August 17) to Atty. Vince M. Tañada, director, writer, actor, and founder of the Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Known simply as PhilStagers, the company has become a national mobile theater troupe, bringing productions to venues across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Their original plays and musicals, often infused with Pinoy music, are designed to educate, challenge, and entertain audiences, especially students, while promoting Filipino history and culture.
Through this unique artistry, PhilStagers continues to inspire and cultivate appreciation for Filipino storytelling and musical traditions.
Travel Gratitude
Many thanks to Ms. Janice So of Cathay Pacific for assisting me during my recent trip from San Francisco to Hong Kong. I am also grateful to fellow Filipino Ms. Rudelia Renojo, who guided me at San Francisco International Airport (from the Cathay Pacific kiosk all the way to the airline’s counter).
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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