Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand why the old poets of China went so far
and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

Collecting Histories: Gems from the Asian Center Art Collection | Online Exhibit Launch

The UP Asian Center held the Online Launching of the Exhibit, Collecting Histories: Gems from the Asian Center Art Collection on 22 November 2021, 3-5 pm, Philippine Standard Time via Zoom.

Discover the Asian Center Art Collection

This exhibit showcases works that originate from, or were inspired by the arts of, Southeast Asia, India, Iran, East Asia, and the Philippines. All exemplify different styles and techniques: from Indonesian leaf art, Mughal-style painting and “temple rubbing” to Chinese ink painting, Okinawan rice-resist dyeing, palette-knife, and Persian calligraphy, nasta’liq style.
The collection includes two works by Leonilo Doloricon (“Mangingisda” and “Continuing Revolution”), a modernist Indian expressionist painting by M. Sivanesan; an oil painting, The Liberation of Manila (February 1945), by Vars Rosal; and a Chinese ink painting by Zeng Houxi.
Many of these works have not been seen for decades; others are unknown, and the Asian Center takes pride in showcasing them anew to the public. Held as part of the Asian Center’s 66th anniversary, the exhibit is a celebration of AC’s history, and represents the first effort to revive the Asian Center Museum, whose webpage is being revamped as part of the online exhibit.

Tribute to the Former Deans of the Asian Center

In celebration of the Asian Center’s History and the role individuals played in its writing, the unit also gave to the following awards to the former deans of the UP Asian Center. On behalf of the former deans, their families received the award and delivered messages.
    • Asian Center Pamana sa Bayan Award
      • Dean Ajit Singh Rye
      • Dean Aurora Roxas-Lim
      • Dean Mario I. Miclat
      • Dean Aileen San Pablo Baviera
    • Asian Center Alab Lingkod Award
      • Dean Josefa M. Saniel
      • Dean Armando Malay Jr.
      • Dean Eduardo T. Gonzalez
      • Dean Carolyn I. Sobritchea

VIEW FULL PROGRAM

Inquiries and Anniversary Activities

To learn more about the exhibit or view the online exhibit, please visit the Asian Center museum page. For inquiries, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
The launch of the online exhibit is one of several activities for the Asian Center's 66th anniversary. The theme for this year's celeration—Continuity and Change: The Asian Center at 66. View full list of activities.
The UP Asian Center offers M.A. degrees in Asian Studies with four fields of specialization: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. The Center also has an M.A. program in Philippine Studies that allows students to major in Philippine society and culture, Philippine foreign relations, or Philippine development studies. The Center offers a Ph.D.  program in Philippine Studies in conjunction with the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. For an overview of these graduate programs, click here. The Asian Center also publishes Asian Studies: Journal of Critical Perspectives on Asia, the latest issue of which can be downloaded at the journal's website. For other news and upcoming events at the Asian Center, click here.