Instituto Cervantes opens an exhibit on Nebrija, the grammarian who helped to preserve the Filipino vernacular languages

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Did you know that Tagalog had its first grammar published before many European languages? The linguistic milestone can be greatly credited to the Spanish grammarian Elio Antonio de Nebrija, who played a pivotal role in that development. On March 12, Instituto Cervantes unveiled at its Intramuros branch the exhibition Nebrija en Filipinas, dedicated to celebrating the cultural contributions of Nebrija (1444-1522). Nebrija's impactful legacy extends to languages like Tagalog and Cebuano, which had grammars published ahead of many European languages.

Nebrija en Filipinas, tailored for Filipino audiences, is an adaptation of the Nebrija exhibition organized by the National Library of Spain in 2022, commemorating the 500th anniversary of Nebrija's death. Through informative panels and displays of books, the exhibition will highlight Nebrija’s cultural contributions and seek to contextualize them within the publication of the first grammars of the Philippine vernacular languages. These linguistic endeavours were directly shaped by Nebrija's teachings.

Nebrija was a highly reputed scholar during the Renaissance period in Europe. His book Introductiones Latinae, a groundbreaking manual for teaching Latin, not only earned him recognition in Spain but also garnered international fame. He also wrote bilingual dictionaries in Latin-Spanish and a Gramática de la lengua castellana, published in 1492, which is recognized as the first grammar of modern European languages. It became the model for Spanish friars who attempted analyzing the grammars of the new world, both in America and the Philippines. These missionaries, who had learned Latin from Nebrija’s methods, applied the model, with its theoretical considerations and bilingual translations, in their description of these languages. As a result, Tagalog saw its first grammar book published in 1610 with Francisco Blancas de San José's Arte y reglas de la lengua tagala. It was followed by similar initiatives with other vernacular languages, among them the Arte de la lengua iloca, composed by the Agustinian Francisco López in 1627, and the Arte de la lengua bisaya de la provincia de Leyte, written by the jesuist Domingo Ezguerra in 1663.

Proud, intelligent, and audacious, Nebrija was a stalwart fighter for pure Latin and always wanted to go down in posterity with the nickname grammaticus (grammarian). When he presented a preview of what would later become his Grammar of the Castilian Language to Queen Isabel la Católica, the sovereign was initially surprised, unable to grasp the utility of a treatise teaching the rules of a language acquired naturally. However, Nebrija successfully persuaded her that languages benefit from both descriptive and normative grammars to prevent them from running amok. The paradoxes of fate have made his Castilian grammar his most renowned work today. Nevertheless, Nebrija deserves to be remembered for many other reasons.

For Nebrija, the revival of Latin was an incentive for other scholarly pursuits. The voyages of the discoverers aroused his curiosity, leading to a fascination with cosmography and a desire to learn about developments from across the Atlantic. In these and other scholarly ventures, Nebrija revealed himself as a full-fledged humanist.

Even after his death, Nebrija’s fame did not diminish. His grammars and lexicons were not only published in Spain but also gained recognition in France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. The Latin manual he had written for his students in Salamanca attained exclusive authorization for teaching the discipline, a decree made by King Philip III in 1598. Nebrija's Latin grammar manual continued to be esteemed, annotated, and adapted based on location and circumstances until the 19th century.

The exhibit Nebrija en Filipinas, which will run until 12 June, 2024, is organized by Instituto Cervantes in collaboration with Fundación Antonio Nebrija (Madrid), the Embassy of Spain and AECID, Biblioteca Nacional de España, and the University of Sto. Tomas (Manila). Nebrija en Filipinas is an adaptation of the original exhibit Nebrija, curated by Dr. Teresa Jiménez Calvente, with addition of panels focused on the Philippines composed by Marlon James Sales, of UP Diliman. The exhibit will have a second leg from August to October in the Miguel Benavides Library of UST.

For further information about the cultural program of Instituto Cervantes de Manila, please visit their website (https://manila.cervantes.es), or follow Instituto Cervantes on the following social media pages: (Facebook: InstitutoCervantesManila; Instagram: institutocervantesmanila).

UK Recognizes UP Scientists’ Contributions to Philippine Research and Development

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Photo above shows Students using VISSER, a portable learning device CS Dean Giovanni Tapang helped commercialize (Photo credit: making.technology)

Pamela Louise Tolentino of UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) and CS Dean Giovanni Tapang are among the Filipino scientists highlighted by the UK in their decadal recap of joint scientific achievements with the Philippines.

Since 2014, Filipino scientists have been collaborating with UK scientists through the scientific partnership between the two countries. In 2016, the Newton Agham Fund was launched, aimed at providing £3 million (about ₱180 million) of funds for key research projects in health and life sciences, environmental resilience, and energy security.

Tolentino is one of the lead investigators in their project examining where rivers flow and how they change landscapes. By understanding the geomorphological processes behind river systems, their work provides evidence-based solutions for a more effective flood risk assessment and planning. Tolentino and colleagues’ work is under the “Understanding the Impacts of Hydrometeorological Hazards in Southeast Asia Programme” and is funded through the Newton Agham Fund.

In 2016, Dean Tapang was a Leaders in Innovation Fellow, a program that trains and mentors scientists in bringing their inventions to the market. Last year, he spearheaded the commercialization of the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER), a portable learning device that allows students to conduct 120 experiments in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and physics. At the end of the year, the company distributed 43 VISSER units and generated ₱3.4 million in total revenue. Read the VISSER press release here.

“Every project should have collaboration and inclusion at its core to have impacts that last way beyond its lifetime,” said Tolentino in UK’s Science Snapshot. “I honestly believe that more than the outputs such as methods and data developed from the project, it is truly the conversations where the common goal of providing a better future for everyone that will drive the changes.”

To express interest in continuing the partnership, the UK and the Philippines held the first Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) at The Manila Peninsula Makati City on February 22, 2024. The JCM would now be held every two years to bolster cooperation between both parties.



By Harvey Sapigao

“Bridging Hearts and Hands”: The Pilot and the Scientist Unite for Social Good

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Left: Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas, Middle: Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD; Right: Capt. Stanley Ng




In a heartwarming collaboration, the President of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the UN-acclaimed scientist have come together to create a powerful outreach program called “Bridging Hearts and Hands”. This program aims to make a lasting impact on communities by fostering connections, empathy, and positive change.

Captain Stanley Ng, both a seasoned pilot and astute businessman, imparts invaluable wisdom drawn from his aviation journey and professional life. Recently, he kindled hope and joy during a visit to the Sandiwaan Center for Learning in Tondo, Manila. There, he delivered an inspiring talk, emphasizing hard work and the pursuit of dreams. Reflecting on his challenges as a student in Manila, Capt. Ng urged young listeners to persevere: “Life is an unpredictable adventure, much like climbing a mountain. As you ascend, you’ll encounter steep slopes, rocky paths, and breathtaking vistas. Remember that every step, even the challenging ones, contributes to your growth.”

“When doubt whispers, drown it out with determination. Remember, you’re not alone on this climb. You are capable, and your potential knows no bounds. The world needs your unique light, your unwavering spirit. Surround yourself with fellow adventurers, seek wisdom from those who’ve scaled their own peaks, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The summit awaits—your legacy etched against the sky,” Ng declared.

Science Diplomat Glenn Banaguas, the UN Sasakawa Laureate and multi-awarded scientist, expressed his profound message: “Passion is the fire that ignites our souls, the compass that guides us through life’s labyrinth. It’s not about the accolades, the trophies, or the applause. No, true passion resides in the quiet moments when we lose ourselves in our craft, when time ceases to exist, and the world fades away. It’s the late nights spent perfecting a brushstroke, the melodies composed in solitude, the code written line by line with unwavering dedication.”

“Chase your passion relentlessly. Let it consume you, shape you, and propel you forward. And remember, the greatest reward lies not in the spotlight but in the quiet satisfaction of knowing you’ve poured your heart into something that matters," Banaguas added.

The “Bridging Hearts and Hands” initiative is a powerful reminder of shared humanity and the importance of kindness in every interaction. It’s a call to action that resonates deeply, inspiring every individual to create an atmosphere of compassion in communities. This project is a testament to the power of inspiring courageous deeds and the difference it can make in people’s lives.

Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD, the Sandiwaan Center Administrator, conveyed his appreciation for the contributions made by the two remarkable individuals: “May your kindness reverberate through the ages, a legacy etched in hearts and whispered by the wind. For every peso, every gesture, every act of love, we say: Thank you,” the priest mentioned.

Captain Stanley Ng, currently serving as President and COO at Philippine Airlines, boasts over 15 years of aviation expertise. His leadership has driven transformative initiatives, enhancing PAL’s punctuality and reliability. An alumnus of St. Stephen's High School, he completed the Advance Management Program at Harvard Business School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Major in Computer Applications from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Meanwhile, Banaguas—a distinguished scientist and science diplomat—stands as one of Asia’s foremost authorities on environment, climate change, and disaster risk. He studied Climate Change and Energy from the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University and Sustainability Leadership from Yale University. He took the Applied Remote Sensing Program from the National Aeronautics Space Administration and other postgraduate courses from the different world-class institutions.

The “Bridging Hearts and Hands”, which exemplifies the impact of compassion and understanding, resonates with the message, echoing hope and ambition for the next generation.