A Latin American fiesta takes place at the Ateneo de Manila on Sept. 6-8, 2006 as the PACLAS holds a series of lectures and "Noche Latina" to stir public awareness and enthusiasm in the region, with which the Philippines shares a Spanish heritage. On Sept. 6, 2006 at the Social Science audio-visual room, Felipe Diaz, Consul of the Embassy of Chile, will trace "Chile's political history: 1970s to the present." On Sept. 7 at the Faura building audio-visual room, His Excellency Mario Schuff, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, will show a documentary film, "Aspects of Argentina," and comment on the themes. On Sept. 8 at the Faura AVR, Manuel Perez Iturbe, Chargé d' Affaires of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will discuss "Venezuelan oil and geopolitics in Asia and the Pacific." During these three days, students from the different member schools of PACLAS, will exhibit aspects of various Latin American countries at the basement of the new M V Pangilinan Center for Student Leadership. On Sept. 8 at 6-9 p.m., PACLAS, in cooperation with the Ateneo Lingua Ars Cultura (ALAC), a student group promoting appreciation for the humanities, will present "Noche Latina," a mini-fiesta at the roof deck of the M V Pangilinan Center. There will be Latin music, dances, samba and Brazilian martial arts demonstrations, and a food sale. Winners of the essay-writing contest on Latin America and the Philippines will be also announced. The events are open to the public. The PACLAS was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2002 to promote greater awareness of Latin America among Filipinos, especially university students. Members are the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, the University of Sto. Tomas, University of Asia and the Pacific, and the University of the East. For inquiries, call the Office of International Programs, Rm. 213, Bellarmine Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Katipunan Rd., Q.C. Tel. 426-5907, or 426-6001, ext. 4037 or 4038. Posters for Encuentros with Latin America and for Noche Latina may be downloaded here: Encuentros with Latin America Noche Latina PACLAS wishes to thank its partners and sponsors for its celebration of Latin American culture: National Commission for Culture and the Arts Ateneo Lingua Ars Cultura Best World Beverages, Inc.

PACLAS is sponsoring an essay-writing contest with the theme, "Why Friendship Between Filipinos and Latin Americans Matters Today". Submit entries to the Office of International Programs, 2nd Floor Bellarmine Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City between August 22 to 26 (noon), 2006. Entries may be in Filipino, Spanish or English. You may download the contest rules, entry form and essay flier below.

Entry Form
Essay Contest Rules
Contest Flier

You may download the partial list of Latin American Universities [here]

Since 2002, the PACLAS network has fortified the linkages between the Philippines and Latin American countries through its various initiatives. Realizing the valuable role that the Consortium could play in furthering this objective, a working paper was drafted to formalize the ideas of all the members for future programs and projects of PACLAS. The said concept paper titled, Bridges between Latin America and the Philippines: What PACLAS Can Do [English version] [Spanish version] is intended to be presented to the diplomatic corps of Latin American countries in the Philippines to enable them to take part in the activities of PACLAS. A meeting for this purpose will be held on 26 September 2005 from 3 to 5 pm at CTC 201, Manny Pangilinan Room at Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City

This October 2005, FIESTA! Spanish Festival for Culture and the Arts is on its fifth year! Sponsored by Instituto Cervantes, this event is a much anticipated affair providing Filipinos a taste of Spain with an eclectic offering of cultural events. Flamenco music and dance, songs, visual arts exhibits, food, wine, music, theater, movies, painting/photo competitions and treet parties will fill this year's Fiesta! to the brim. Catch the Grand Launch Party at the Greenbelt Fountain area and see what the Spanish are most famous for; their fiestas that sizzle!

Instituto Cervantes brings you the 1st Journalism Award Quijano de Manila with the theme, "Significance of Spanish as an international language as well as its special interest for Filipinos. Relevance of Spanish Culture in Today's World". The contest is a tribute to the writer and journalist, Nick Joaquin, who for several decades used the pseudonym Quijano de Manila in his journalistic works.  

The Department of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Philippine Academic Consortium for Latin American Studies (PACLAS) is organizing a football tournament which will aim to promote the awareness of Latin America, as well as the world’s most popular sport, football, among Manila’s studentry.  more>>

The Department of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) and the Embassy of the United Mexican States in Manila has organized a series of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of RP-Mexico diplomatic relations.  more>>

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United Mexican States, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Proclamation No. 344, declaring April 20-26, 2003 as Philippines-Mexico Friendship Week. more>>