The UP Asian Center will host a special discussion, "Rethinking Rarity: Intellectual Resonance and the MCM Book Collection," on 9 October 2025, 2 PM to 4 PM (GMT+8), at the Seminar Room, Second Floor of the Hall of Wisdom, Asian Center, UP Diliman. The event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
ABOUT THE BOOK COLLECTION
Last June 2025, the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman formally introduced and turned over the Matthew Constancio Santamaria (MCM) book collection to the Asian Center Library. It featured a special mini-exhibition of selected books from the collection.
In its second installment, the Asian Center will look further into the MCM Book Collection and explore the concept of rarity in books, aiming to broaden the audience’s understanding. It will show that rarity is not only about the scarcity of surviving copies, but also about a book’s unique ability to provoke deeper thought compared to others.
Researchers and visitors have the opportunity to view these rare materials at the Asian Center Library. All books from the MCM collection will be strictly designated for "Room Use Only" and cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library.
This event is part of the celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the UP Asian Center.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
MATTHEW M. SANTAMARIA, Doctor of Law
Professor, Asian Center, UP Diliman
Dr. Matthew Santamaria is a Professor at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman, where he shares his expertise in Japanese politics, culture, and society. He earned his Doctor of Law and Master of Law in Political Science from the Graduate School of Law at Kyoto University, Japan, and holds a Master in International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Dr. Santamaria's academic journey reflects a profound commitment to understanding the political and cultural dynamics of Japan and Southeast Asia.
Specializing in politics, performance studies, and the cultures of Japan and Southeast Asia, Dr. Santamaria has made significant contributions to these fields through both scholarship research and creative pursuits. His research interests include Sama-Bajau studies and Philippine culture, with notable publications such as "Pag-jamu Boheh Deya: Interrogating 'Property' in the Sama Tabawan Music and Dance Ritual of the Sacred Well." Beyond academia, he co-directed and choreographed Tanghalang Ateneo's "Sintang Dalisay," showcasing his dedication to integrating performance art with cultural studies. In recognition of his artistic achievements, Dr. Santamaria was appointed as a UP Artist, underscoring his dual impact as a scholar and artist.
CHADWICK CO SY SU
Associate Professor, Department of Midwifery and Nursing, UP Manila
Chadwick C. Sy Su is an Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines Manila. Concerned with questions about the humanities and philosophy, he remains pragmatically grounded with his interest in pilgrimage studies and the intersections of politics, finance, and rhetoric. He was, for 16 years, with the Department of Arts and Communication at the College of Arts and Sciences before requesting to be reassigned to the countryside at the School of Health Science campuses in Palo, Leyte; Baler, Aurora; and Tarlac City, Tarlac. In this state of eremition, he as such has bought and brought back time for the things that truly matter, among them the simple joys of creation and recreation.
