The UP Asian Center in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, is organizing "Tagubilin: The Life Lessons of Gregoria de Jesus," a Traveling Exhibit and Lecture by the NHCP, on 27 March 2026, 10:00 AM (GMT+8), at the Japan Hall, UP Asian Center. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register online.
I WILL ATTEND ONLINE
Meeting ID: 976 2963 4346 | Passcode: 63286859
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
Tagubilin is designed as a traveling exhibit, having been displayed in various institutions such as universities and local government spaces, including the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Manila, and venues in Caloocan and Laguna. The exhibit features the following. Through these elements, the exhibit provides both historical depth and interpretive engagement, making it accessible to diverse audiences.
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- Visual artworks and panels interpreting the ten “tagubilin” of Gregoria de Jesus
- Historical narratives and biographical accounts of her life and role in the revolution
- Contextual materials situating her within the broader framework of the Katipunan and anti-colonial struggle
- Educational components, including lectures and public programs accompanying the exhibit
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As part of the exhibit’s opening program, a special lecture will be delivered by Maria Paz Nakpil Santos-Viola, granddaughter of Gregoria de Jesus. Drawing from family archives and oral histories, her lecture offers an intimate portrayal of Gregoria de Jesus not only as a revolutionary figure but also as a woman navigating the personal and political complexities of her time. This engagement enriches the exhibit by grounding it in both historical scholarship and inherited family narratives, allowing audiences to encounter the legacy of Oriang through a more personal and reflective lens. The lecture further reinforces the exhibit’s aim of making history accessible and meaningful, particularly in connecting past struggles and values with present-day realities.
This exhibit is also organized as part of the back-to-back celebration of Women’s Month and Araw ng Kagitingan, highlighting the remarkable contributions of Filipino women in history and honoring their courage, resilience, and enduring legacy in shaping the nation.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
MARIA PAZ NAKPIL SANTOS-VIOLA
President, Bahay Nakpil-Bautista Foundation, Inc.
Maria Paz Nakpil Santos-Viola is the granddaughter of Gregoria de Jesus and Julio Nakpil, both prominent figures of the Philippine Revolution. She currently serves as the president of the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista Foundation, Inc., where she oversees the management, preservation, and operations of the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista—one of Quiapo’s historic heritage houses that has been transformed into a museum and cultural events space. She previously worked and resided in New York City, including a period of service at the United Nations headquarters. Over a decade ago, she returned to the Philippines, where she has since been actively engaged in the stewardship and promotion of the house as a site of historical memory and cultural engagement.
ABOUT THE REACTORS
GLORIA MELENCIO
Instructor, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Gloria E. Melencio is a history instructor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, a former mainstream media journalist, and a writer and editor for various non-governmental organizations. She primarily writes in Filipino and also publishes in English for international publications when necessary. She was awarded the UP International Publication Award in 2024. Her book, Sa Ngalan ng Tigaman (Santigaman): Saksi ang Mamaratbat at Babaylan, was nominated for the 2025 National Book Award in the History category. She has spent more than half of her professional career working with non-governmental organizations as a researcher, writer, editor, and facilitator of training programs related to journalism, history, and women’s issues. She holds a BA in Philippine Studies (Major in History and Literature) and an MA in History, and is currently a Ph.D. History candidate at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
MARIA KATRINA BACANI-FLORENCIO
Lecturer, UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas
Chay Bacani-Florencio is a lecturer on Philippine language, culture, society, and the Filipino orientation on research methodologies in the Departmento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas of U.P. Diliman. Currently pursuing graduate studies in MA Filipino, Wika; her academic contributions focus on gender and sociolinguistics in the areas of translation and language planning in aid of public policy towards the localization of care and gender justice.
MARIA LUISA CAMAGAY, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, UP Department of History
Ma. Luisa Camagay, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of History, University of the Philippines Diliman. Her research interests are the history of women, urban history, and local history. A multi-awarded author, she is a recipient of the following: National Book Awards (1995 and 2006), Chevalier de Palmes Academiques (2006), Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan (2006), “Natataging Guro” Gawad Chancellor (2013), and Professor Emeritus (2016).
NANCY KIMUELL-GABRIEL, Ph.D.
Professor, UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas
Dr. Nancy “Nak” Kimuell-Gabriel is a historian and a Professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, affiliated with the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature and the Tri-College Ph.D. Philippine Studies Program. Her research engages with social history, oral history, gender studies, and social movements. She previously served as coordinator of the UP Diliman Gender Office and as editor of the Diliman Gender Review, and is widely recognized for her contributions to gender advocacy and critical historical scholarship.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
The lecture and traveling exhibit is organized by the UP Asian Center in collaboration with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). For inquiries, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 891-8500 loc. 3586.