DFA Conducts First Heritage Talks 2025 Series on the Role of Women in Philippine History

Dr. Michael Charleston “Xiao” Briones Chua outlines some notable heroes in Philippine history as an introduction to his lecture. (Photo credits: DFA-OPD James Ryan M. Artiaga)

MANILA 27 March 2025 – Gregoria de Jesus or Ka Oriang took center stage at the first lecture of the Heritage Talks 2025 series conducted by the Office of Cultural Diplomacy at the Double Dragon Tower on 20 March 2025.  The Talk was titled, “The Role of Women in Philippine History - Featuring Gregoria de Jesus”, and was held in collaboration with Pelikulove, a group that promotes Filipino culture through film and the arts, that produced “Lakambini,” a meta-documentary on Gregoria de Jesus, slated to be shown in public theaters at the last quarter of the year. 

Now in its second year, the Heritage Talks is a series of lectures aimed at promoting greater understanding and deeper appreciation of various aspects of Philippine cultural heritage. The first lecture on the role of women in Philippine History was aptly timed in celebration of National Women’s Month this March.

Acting Head of Office Arlene T. Magno formally welcomed the guests to the event.  In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of shedding light to the often overlooked contributions of women in  the past that helped attain for us an independent Philippines where today’s women are able to thrive and excel.  Ms. Magno’s Welcome Remarks was followed by a message from Ms. Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, the CEO and Creative Director of Pelikulove, which was read by Pelikulove’s Administrator Ma. Pamela Ovejas. Pelikulove shared their efforts in passing resolutions in support of the commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gregoria de Jesus this year. Pelikulove also presented the trailer to the film, “Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus”.

Public historian, Dr. Xiao Chua, was the featured guest speaker for the Heritage Talks lecture.  He enlightened and entertained his audience about Gregoria de Jesus in trademark Xiao Time style. Dr. Xiao noted that Ka Oryang was not just the wife of Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio but also meaningfully contributed in the fight for the country’s independence in the form of safekeeping important documents for the Katipunan and by being trained and actually applying her skills in combat. After the revolution, Ka Oriang was known to have penned her autobiography and written her dekalogo to the Young People reminding the audience that “the project to create our nation is still ongoing”.

Thereafter, Dr. Xiao Chua moderated a powerhouse of women panelists that included Dr. Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, a professor of History and Philippine Studies; Dr. Fe B. Mangahas, a retired professor of Philippine History and Women’s Studies and former Commissioner of Women; Ms. Karen N. Tañada, a descendant of Gregoria de Jesus and advocate of women’s rights and gender equality and consultant on peace process and conflict resolution; and Ms. Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, producer of the film, “Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus” and the CEO and Creative Director of Pelikulove.

The event was attended onsite by the members of the diplomatic corps, the Department’s personnel, guests from cultural agencies and NGOs advocating women and gender equality, representatives from local and national government agencies, descendants of Gregoria de Jesus, and university students, as well as, the Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) who participated virtually. END

DFA Ladies Foundation Chairperson, Madame Pamela Louise H. Manalo, and Dr. Michael Charleston “Xiao” Briones Chua share a light moment with a guest after the Talk. (Photo credits: DFA-OPD James Ryan M. Artiaga)

Acting Head of Office Ms. Arlene T. Magno delivers the Welcome Remarks. (Photo credits: DFA-OPD James Ryan M. Artiaga) 

(From left to right) Panelists are Dr. Fe B. Mangahas, gender studies and history professor, Ms. Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, director and producer, Ms. Karen Tañada, descendant of Gregoria de Jesus, and Dr. Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, Philippine Studies professor. 

(Above) Guests listen attentively to the speakers. (Photo credits: DFA-OPD James Ryan M. Artiaga)

(Below) Descendants of Gregoria de Jesus pose with the resource speakers.