News

June 13, 2024—the TUP Manila-College of Liberal Arts hosted a peace advocacy event dubbed as Global Fusion: Celebrating Diversity through Cultural Exchange. This was made possible through close collaboration with the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace-Pilipinas (IAYSP) and the Universal Peace Academy (UPA).
 

Linkage activities commenced with a courtesy visit of IAYSP and UPA officials to TUP officials. The cordial welcome led to an enthusiastic conversation between TUP-CLA Dean Dr. Michael Bhobet Baluyot and IAYSP and UPA delegates. A stimulating exchange of ideas amplified hopes that this would open a door to a multitude of possibilities in the pursuit of a shared goal to hone the youth to be peace-loving global citizens. More socialization and sharing of perspectives ensued as the group of IAYSP and UPA delegates were toured around the campus by TUP-CLA faculty facilitators namely, Prof. Bernadette Alavazo, Prof. Jerson Monsad, Prof. Rhodora Enriquez, Dr. Jeffren Dioquino, Ms. Dasiy Dian Dequina, and Prof. Juvy V. Delmonte, who also served as the event coordinator and the liaison between IAYSP to TUP-CLA.

More than a hundred participants arrived for the afternoon session. Filipino youth delegates included students from the TUP-Manila and Philippine College of Criminology. Meanwhile, the international youth delegates were UPA students who hailed from different countries such as Korea, Japan, Brazil, Italy, etc.

The program commenced with a prayer and singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by the TUP Kalinangan Singers. TUP-CLA Dean Dr. Michael Bhobet B. Baluyot formally welcomed all the IAYSP and UPA officials and youth delegates. TUP VPAA Dr. Ryan C. Reyes delivered an inspiring message of affirmation to the advocacy of empowering youth to be peace builders. The international delegates were formally introduced by UPA Disciplinary Officer Mr. Hideyuki Yamada.

The highlight of the program was the Cultural Exchange Ceremony which featured a series of student-led presentations. TUP Kalingan Singers breathed life to a few Filipino folk songs. Then, Filipino folk and pop dances were staged by the TUP Kalinangan Dance Troupe and TUP Grayhawks Dance Crew, respectively. In a vibrant display of a sense of community, all youth delegates grooved to the beat of P-pop group Bini’s Pantropiko during the Unity Dance. It was amidst this vivacious energy that the ever-zestful TUP President Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos joined the event—blended with youth crowd well and took groupie with them. With much appreciation of his gesture, the delegates fondly listened to his uplifting message.

International youth delegates likewise showcased their performances. Engaging song, dance, and skit performances from Japanese and Korean pop culture were well cheered on by Filipino delegates. Indeed, these performances provided an opportunity to learn about and appreciate each other’s cultures in a fun and engaging way.

Interactive sessions provided ample time for more socialization between and among participants. They exchanged stories, experiences, and tangible souvenirs with their new friends. Perchance, Global Fusion was a vibrant manifestation of the youth yearning for connection. It was a powerful reminder that unity equally thrives well on diversity. And perhaps with this experience, we have just sparked our youth to advance peace as an advocacy.