Silang, Cavite—More than a conference, PCC 2025 was a lakbayanihan: an unforgettable voyage through the waves of philosophy, communication, and culture.
Over 150 participants—students, educators, researchers, religious, and young professionals— converged at Saint Paul Seminary Foundation from February 28 to March 1, embarking on a shared exploration of Filipino identity in the digital age. Their journey, echoing the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, resonated with the conference theme, “LAKBAYANIHAN: Nurturing Human Identity with the Culture of Hope.” From places as far as Davao, Kabankalan City, and Puerto Princesa to Bicol, they came seeking knowledge, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it means to hope and to be Filipino in a rapidly changing world.
For two days, the seminary was transformed into a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange. Festive decorations and photo booths set a joyful tone alongside book displays of ST PAULS, Paulines, and Claretian Publications. An infectious, AI-generated theme song, also titled “Lakbayanihan,” pulsed through the venue meant to spark conversations about the ethical dimensions of AI in creative expression.
The opening plenary, hosted by Sem. Rhexelle Abdon and Cheska Bautista, began with a message from Fr. Norman Peña. His keynote, echoing the conference theme, set the stage for the 2-day journey of hope, emphasizing SPSF’s commitment to fostering intellectual and spiritual growth through its programs in philosophy and communication. Dr. James Piscos then led the audience on an unexpected exploration of pre-colonial Visayan culture, revealing the surprising role of communal drinking in forging pakighiusa—a powerful antecedent to the modern concept of bayanihan.
Pola del Monte, a well-respected content creator, shared her journey from journalist to influencer, demonstrating how social media can be a potent tool for advocacy and positive change. She challenged attendees to move beyond passive consumption of content and become active agents of hope in the digital sphere. The ensuing panel discussion crackled with energy as participants engaged the speakers with insightful questions, weaving together religion, philosophy, anthropology, and social media into an enriching dialogue.
Following a delightful lunch hosted by the seminary, the afternoon unfolded with concurrent paper presentations. Senior highschool and college students, graduate students, and seasoned academics shared their research, featuring topics that range from faith and community building to the ethical implications of technology, sparking lively discussions in each session.
The energy continued into the workshops, offering hands-on learning experiences. Hannah Leceña, a Palanca-awardee writer, guided participants in crafting poems that echoed their hopes and dreams. Ben Carlo Atim demonstrated the power of philosophical inquiry as a catalyst for change, while Keneth Gadian shared practical strategies for hope-based communication, empowering participants to become effective advocates for a better world.
Many attendees, experiencing the seminary’s unique atmosphere for the first time, expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality and the sense of community that permeated the event. The group of senior high school students from Jesus Good Shepherd School in Imus, Cavite, caught a glimpse of this PCC spirit during their campus visit.
Day 2 began with a reflective huddle where participants shared what they have learned from the previous day. The morning continued with more thought-provoking paper presentations that explore Filipino values, digital communities, and the complexities of the modern world.
The final workshops provided a diverse range of experiences, from Ryan Pinzon’s digital design for evangelization to Makò Micro-Press’s hands-on zine-making session, empowering participants with creative tools for self-expression. Fr. Norman’s workshop on reclaiming sacred spaces resonated deeply with educators and those working with youth, offering valuable insights for fostering spiritual growth in a digital age.
The conference culminated with two captivating keynote presentations. Dr. Xiao Chua’s exploration of the salya in the Black Nazarene procession highlighted the enduring power of collective action and faith in Filipino culture. Dr. Jean Peracullo’s moving talk wove together stories of environmental activism from Bukidnon, inviting participants to embrace dalamhati—a profound Filipino concept encompassing grief, longing, and ultimately, hope—as a framework for ecological engagement. The final open forum provided a space for reflection and dialogue between the guest speakers and the participants.
The closing ceremonies, punctuated by a vibrant recap video and the resounding chant of “Hope Lives!,” captured the essence of PCC 2025. Participants went home with new knowledge, new connections, and a renewed sense of hope, ready to carry the spirit of lakbayanihan into their communities and schools.
As a testament to this, 100% of those who filled out the feedback form expressed their desire to recommend the conference to others. “This year’s PCC is quite commendable for its insightful and engaging discussions,” shared one participant. “The seminarians and the staff are very approachable and warm…thank you for the memorable experience.”
As participants eagerly anticipate next year’s event, one thing is sure: the journey of hope continues!
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.