Theme: Convergence, Divergence

Dumaguete is a perpetual balancing act - between the rural and the urban, the local and the foreign. Dumaguete and Silliman have jointly become a place where ideas are not only created and shared, but also challenged and reinvented. There are stories of brave souls who defied the norms, of dreamers who sought the world beyond their borders and the inner workings of everyday life, molded by the portals of Silliman. There is no overarching monologue that defines this identity, rather a diverse spectrum of experiences.

There are tipping points that bring us together or takes us on our singular journeys. Whether you are conventional, a misfit, or creatively maladjusted - join us!

Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium
Silliman University Main Campus, 1 Hibbard Avenue
Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, 6200
Philippines

Ian Casocot

Novelist + lecturer

Ian Rosales Casocot is a novelist and teaches film, literature, and creative writing in Silliman University in Dumaguete City. He has won the Palanca Award several times, and has also won the NVM Gonzalez Prize, a PBBY Salanga Writers Prize, and the FullyBooked/Neil Gaiman Philippine Graphic/Fiction Prize for his fiction. His books include Heartbreak & Magic: Stories of Fantasy and Horror, Don't Tell Anyone (co-authored by Shakira Sison) and Bamboo Girls. He was a writer-in-residence for the International Writers Program of the University of Iowa in the United States in 2010. When he's not fighting for media literacy, LGBTQI rights, and cultural heritage, he's watching movies and writing his next book. He is the founding coordinator of the Edilberto and Edith Tiempo Creative Writing Center. He shares his apartment with a coffee maker and his cat, Pusheen.

Michele Joan Valbuena

Teacher + sport psychologist + activist for humanity

Michele Joan D. Valbuena is a full-time associate professor at the Department of Psychology in Silliman University. She finished Bachelor of Science major in Psychology and Master of Arts in Psychology major in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Silliman University. She later pursued Master of Humanities major in Women Studies at St. Scholastica’s College. She took Doctor of Philosophy in Research in Sport Psychology in Australia as a recipient of the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship Award. For over 15 years, she has conducted researches on women studies and sport psychology, trainer of various workshops on crisis intervention for victims of abuse, peacebuilding, conflict transformation, body movement through playback theatre and sports. She is a registered psychologist and a certified industrial/organizational psychologist in the Philippines. She comes from a family of athletes, and she is often found training her team of dragon boat paddlers, Team Hilera.

Oliver Victor Amoroso

TV executive + corporate trailblazer

Oliver Victor Amoroso is a TV executive whose vision and leadership helped bring the country's leading broadcast network closer to the regions. He is GMA Network's youngest Vice President who heads one of its key departments, GMA Regional TV, steering the direction of regional stations located in key cities across the Philippines. For someone who takes pride in growing up in the province, he has led relentless programming efforts that are more attuned to stories, voices and viewership outside Metro Manila. These include the launch of GMA's groundbreaking weekday, Mindanao-wide news program 'One Mindanao.' He is also the executive-in-charge of production of the network's top-rating and award-winning regional news programs: 'Balitang Amianan' in Luzon and 'Balitang Bisdak' in the Visayas. He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Silliman University in 2001 and is a recipient of various awards for academic excellence and leadership in campus and community activities.

Razcel Jan Salvarita

Eco-artivist

Razcel Jan Salvarita is founder of Gugma Gaia, a non-profit focusing on holistic and creative approach in environmental education. He is a multi-disciplinary artist and eco-artivist who is best remembered as the white-painted performance artist helping lead a successful campaign to save Balinsasayao Twin Lakes; and also, someone who personified John Lennon in a climate campaign at a UN conference in Canada. Raz is advocating the understanding of the interconnection of creative awakening, sacred ecology, and spiritual vitality in his vision of an intentional, sustainable community. He graduated with a degree in Environmental Journalism at Silliman University.

Regal Oliva

Lawyer + LGBTQI advocate + tax collector

Regal Oliva is foremost an LGBTQI advocate, a lawyer, a highly esteemed public figure, and “tax collector” – for being the current City Treasurer of Mandaue City. He has paved a remarkable path that magnified the quality essence of LGBTQI as dignified human rights through his advocacy and exemplary endeavors in good governance. Regal has served in various LGUs for several years and was recently sworn-in as the newest Career Executive Service Eligible (being the only representative from his region); and was Executive Assistant for the City of Tacloban. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Silliman University and Bachelor of Laws from University of San Carlos. In his university days, he was president of the Silliman University Student Government and spearheaded the pioneer gay rights group Bakla ng Silliman Lumalaban. His alternative life would have been in theater because of his fanatic devotion for Broadway and a fashion designer with his elegant, glamorous lifestyle.

Silliman University Campus Choristers

Ambassador of Goodwill

The Silliman University Campus Choristers is a performing group directly under the Silliman University College of Performing and Visual Arts. It has been designated by both Silliman University and the Philippines as their Ambassador of Goodwill. The choir, as a frequent regional champion, is always a part of the annual National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA). During the NAMCYA Festival in Iloilo in 1991, musicologists from all over Asia commended it for its good tone, articulation, and professionalism on stage.

Stacy Danika Alcantara

Career diplomat

Stacy Danika Alcantara is a career diplomat from the Office of Public Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs. She is passionate about telling the story of the Philippines to the world and has spearheaded and developed innovative projects in the public and media affairs division. Prior to joining the DFA, Stacy worked for major multinational corporations such as Unilever and Mondelez. She holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Silliman University (graduating Summa cum Laude) and has earned graduate credits in Social Psychology from the University of San Carlos and negotiation, world politics, and trade from the Geneva School of Diplomacy. In the last 2013 and 2014 Foreign Service Officer's Exam, she ranked first in her batch. In 2009, she was one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. Stacy is passionate about travel, photography, fashion, and politics--in that order.