Silang, Cavite – Saint Paul Seminary Foundation (SPSF) vibrated with creative energy last February 19, 2025 as over 100 students from SPSF and San Beda University (SBU), in person and online via Zoom, gathered for “KathâRungan: Mga Malikhaing Kathâ sa Karunungang Pangpilosopiya at Pangkasaysayan” (Exploring Creative Expressions in Philosophy, Literature, and History). The day-long event, organized by the SPSF and SBU students of Dr. James Piscos’ and SPSF students of Bro. Hansel Mapayo featured insightful discussions, dynamic performances, and valuable opportunities for inter-school interaction. Adding a unique and thought-provoking element to the event was the AI-generated KathâRungan theme songs playing throughout the venue. The music, composed in mere seconds by artificial intelligence, sparked conversations about the exciting possibilities and potential concerns surrounding AI’s expanding role in creative expression.
The event began with an exhibit showcasing the literary works of SPSF students. Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, SSP, Dean and Rector of SPSF, officially opened the program, emphasizing the inherent creativity within each individual. Quoting St. Paul, he stated, “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). He connected this to the theme of KathâRungan, saying, “In that hope, we recognize that each of us is a creative work of God, meant to bring hope into the world. We are representatives of God’s love. We hope that our creativity, our use of knowledge, will always be for the benefit of our own human person.”
The morning session featured an engaging “Author’s Conversation” at the Timothy Giaccardo Auditorium, with Dr. Rowena Rivero and Bro. Hansel Mapayo, SSP present onstage. Dr. Larry Ambion joined the conversation remotely, along with a larger group of SBU students via Zoom. The authors shared insights into their writing processes, discussing creative expression, identity, personal struggles, and sources of inspiration. They also expressed mutual admiration for each other’s work, sparking a lively exchange about writing styles and influences. The session concluded with a Q&A, allowing students from both universities—both those physically present and online—to engage directly with the authors.
Lunchtime provided a chance for connection and conversation as all students were randomly assigned to tables, fostering interaction and meaningful discourse among new acquaintances. Many attendees reported forming new friendships during this relaxed social opportunity.
The afternoon session was a dynamic showcase of creative performances. The SPSF Comparative Philosophy class presented a moving stage play exploring the tensions between Western and traditional Filipino values regarding identity, family, individual freedom, and love. The SPSF Life and Works of Rizal class offered a poetic and symbolic interpretation of Rizal’s execution, connecting its themes to contemporary issues. The SPSF Creative Writing class of Br. Hansel each shared their poetic charisms in facing their own vocational challenges and call. SBU students capped off the performances with “Letras y Figuras,” a creative-historical fashion show blending poetry and fashion to represent lessons from Philippine History. Interspersed between these group performances were open mic sessions, providing a platform for individual students to share their own creative writing pieces.
Jan Gilan Canzana, representing the SBU student delegation, delivered a message of gratitude to SPSF for hosting the enriching event. Dr. James Piscos, in his closing remarks, commended the event’s success and expressed his appreciation to all involved. Fr. Norman hinted at the possibility and intent to make KathâRungan an annual event.
KathâRungan, blending “katha” (storytelling) and “katarungan” (justice), aimed to explore how literature, philosophy, and history shape our understanding of truth, justice, and the human experience. The event successfully fostered meaningful conversations, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the vital role of philosophy, literature, and history in our shared search for truth.
By SPSF Staff
A government-recognized private higher education institution, Saint Paul Seminary Foundation integrates faith and communication, offering degrees in Communication and Philosophy and a Certificate in Philosophical Studies in Silang, Cavite.