Human Library Session 5 on Reducing Prejudices
The Libraries, in cooperation with
Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), and in partnership
with Green Giant FM, ARCHers Network and The La Sallian, held its fifth
non-thematic human library last 30 June 2016 at the Exhibit Area,
The Learning Commons, 6th floor Henry Sy Sr. Hall.
Dr. Elenetia D. Garcia, Full
Professor, Department of Philosophy gave the opening
remarks. On her response, Sr. M. Roselita T. Geronimo expressed her
appreciation of the Human Library session as a venue to discuss prejudices and stereotypes. Dr. Dorothy P. Javier, Assistant Professor from Theology and
Religious Education Department formally closed the program.
In this session, the nine human book volunteers
who are experts in their respective fields, scholars, religious leaders, and
teachers are as follows:
My Not So Imaginary Friends by Mikko
Martel
This young man is the current
director of the university’s ARCHers Network. Enjoying a bachelor’s degree in
information systems, his imagination soars into heights when he works his craft
out in object-oriented design and analysis. His creative vision is embodied in the
production of technical plans with the application of his knowledge of design
techniques.
Of Laces and Runways by Thonie
Sabile
She is a proven social magnet and
loves to play with kids and hangout friends. Her being creative in design, she
makes sure that she struts with style and glamour in her modelling
stints.
Wellness Advocate by Jayme
Timbol
She was reading the “Autobiography of
a Yogi” by Paramhansa Yogananda, the Indian Swami who brought Yoga to the West,
when something very deep in her was awakened - her desire to become a better human being
and be connected with the Divine. She wanted to share this divine romance to the
world so she decided to be a yoga instructor. Jayme has taken extensive teacher
trainings in Yoga and ThetaHealing® where she was trained in hot, prenatal,
post-natal, baby, toddler yoga and intuitive anatomy. Her classes provide
holistic healing using a combination of modalities and nurture a connection of
the body, mind and spirit.
The Dog Nanny by Ofelia
Rempillo
She obtained both her BS and MS in
Physics at DLSU Manila and completed her PhD in Physics and Postdoctoral
Fellowship at the University of Calgary in Canada, where she conducted a research
on atmospheric aerosols in the Arctic region. Having grown up with dogs, she
has experienced taking care of various types of dog breeds from Shih Tzus to
Rottweilers, and Philippine native dogs. She has recently volunteered at the
City of Calgary Animal Services to socialize cats and dogs at the animal
shelter. Ofelia treats her dogs not just as pets, but as a part of her family
and considers taking care of dogs an integral part of her life.
Balik-Islam (Muslim Revert) by Pamela
Zainab M. Javier
As her name in Urdu suggests
fragrance, Maria Pamela Zainab M. Javier appears to be a beautiful and colorful
flower in the Islamic world. This Political Science graduate has worked with
the Cultural Section at the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran and at the
Bangsamoro Transition Commission under the Office of the President. As a
scholar, her interests include women’s rights, peace movements, and Islamic
religiosity.
Returning Filipinos by Ireene
Leoncio
A global citizen back in her home
country, the Philippines, after wandering around in the United States. Ireene is a marketing
and advertising faculty at DLSU Manila. She is also an appointed Education
Adviser for the US Embassy, Manila. Before Ireene pursued a non-profit track
full-time, her most recent stint was with Nestle Philippines, where she was a
Vice President for Marketing of the baby food category. Ireene worked in New
York City for a couple of years as an Accounts Director for an advertising
agency. She also resided in San Francisco Bay Area, where she held a Public
Relations Executive post for The Filipino Channel. She studied for a master's
degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Transformative Benedictine
Stewardship by M. Roselita T. Geronimo, OSB
A registered chemist, an educator,
and a nun who has been obedient to the truest call of her vocation for 43 years
now. After being given assignments as Dean of College, as Superior-Directress,
and as a High School Principal, she is now Department Laboratory Supervisor at
St. Scholastica’s College Manilla College.
The Way of the Green Heart by Roseann
Tan-Mansukhani
She teaches psychology in the
undergraduate and graduate programs at DLSU. She received her M.A. and PhD in
Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University. Her interest in the positive
aspects of human development (agency of self, spirituality,
creativity, narratives and meaning-making) is a running thread in her research
and personal interests (poetry, literature, Buddhism, meditation, art, nature,
dream work), and advocacy (vegetarian philosophy, environmentalism, mental
health). She has been a vegetarian by choice for 24 years, and raised her a
daughter to be a vegetarian from birth.
Garden of Star and Cloud by Miao
Jing, Shih
A Buddhist by heart and by example,
Venerable Miao Jing is a proven perfect epitome of the pleasant marriage of a
profession and religion. She finished graduate courses in Buddhist Studies and
Chemical Engineering both from the eastern and northern sides of this world
over. Currently, she is the dean of the Fo Guang College, the director of
Buddha’s Light International Association–Philippines, and the abbess of the Fo
Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple.