In Memoriam

Josefina D. Constantino (Sr. Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus & Mary, OCD) (1920-2024)

July 19, 2024



Former UP Professor of English and Comparative Literature Josefina Dionisio (JD) Constantino (28 March 1920-19 July 2024), known to many as Sr. Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus & Mary, OCD, passed away at 4:00 a.m. today, 19 July 2014. She was 104.

Sister Teresa is a UP College of Education and Columbia University (English and Comparative Literature) alumna. She was a student of pioneering fictionist and creative writing teacher Paz Marquez Benitez at UP and Pulitzer-winning poet and critic Mark Van Doren at Columbia. Later, she held grants and fellowships at Edinburgh, MIT, and Michigan.

In UP, she was Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents under President Vidal Arceo Tan (1951-1955). Her students include National Artist Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio, poet Virginia Moreno, Inquirer columnist Belinda Olivarez Cunanan, and former Malacañang Press Secretary and Manila Bulletin Editor-in-Chief Crispulo Icban.

As a critic, she is widely remembered for her critiques on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin: “The Woman Who Had Two Navels” (review), published in Philippine Studies [vol. 9 no. 4 (1961): 639–650], and “Illusion and Reality in Nick Joaquin,” in Philippine fiction: essays from Philippine studies, 1953-1972 [ ed. Joseph A. Galdón S.J., Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1972: 13-24]. Her other works include The Asian religious sensibility and Christian (Carmelite) spirituality, the folly is the glory of the cross (UP Press, 2010), and Five Letters to St. Teresa (2011). Before joining the Carmelites, she became a Development Bank of the Philippines and a Manila Chronicle columnist.

Schedule of Viewing of +Sr Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus and Mary, OCD
July 19 – 1 p.m. until 9 pm
July 20 – The gate will open at 5 am
Funeral Mass at 1 pm to be presided over by the Bishop of Cubao, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D.
Schedule of Viewing of +Sr Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus and Mary, OCD
Today, it will start at 1 p.m. until 9 pm
July 20 – The gate will open at 5 am
Funeral Mass at 1 pm to be presided over by our dear Bishop of Cubao, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D.
Masses for Sister Teresa will be streamed online.

📷 Jesus and Mary of the Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCD), Gilmore, Quezon City https://www.facebook.com/share/v/FKG6iLVN4oDQfmvf/?mibextid=VuxXZ0

Source: Jose Wendell Capili I Facebook post

PH National Scientist Clare Baltazar dies

July 18, 2024

Adrian Parungao

National Scientist Clare Baltazar | PHOTO: National Academy of Science and Technology

MANILA, Philippines — National Scientist Clare Baltazar, one of the pioneers in Philippine entomology, passed away on Saturday, the Philippine Association of Entomologists Incorporated (PAE) said. She was 96.

The PAE on Sunday said Baltazar’s work has benefitted the public’s understanding of science.

“Her pioneering work and dedication to the field have profoundly shaped our understanding of the science impacting our world,” it added.

Baltazar enrolled at the University of the Philippines in 1943 and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree, summa cum laude. She took further studies in entomology at the University of Wisconsin.

She also had numerous publications on Philippine entomology, including “Philippine Insects: An Introduction,” described by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as the “first authoritative text” on the subject.

“Her numerous publications on Philippine insects, especially on Philippine Hymenoptera, were very significant to science as they laid the groundwork for future biological control in the Philippines,” the DOST said.

In 1980, Baltazar received the Jose Rizal Pro Patria award and was subsequently named a national scientist in 2001.

The DOST said it will organize a state necrological service for Baltazar on July 18 at the DOST Compound in Taguig which will be followed by a state funeral at the Manila Memorial Park.

Source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1961535/ph-national-scientist-clare-baltazar-dies

In memoriam: Jose Maria ‘Joey’ Alarilla, a visionary in digital media and technology

July 9, 2024



The digital world has lost a true pioneer and advocate with the passing of Jose Maria “Joey” Alarilla. A beloved husband and father, Joey was known for his storytelling prowess and passion for using technology to create positive change. He was the Head of Content at Playfix.io, where he continued to champion digital innovation.

Joey’s wife, Ellen Alarilla, confirmed his passing in the early hours of 06 July 2024, due to MEITL — a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was 52.

Alarilla’s contributions to the digital landscape were vast and varied. As one of the original pioneers behind INQ7, now known as INQUIRER.net, he played a crucial role in transitioning the Philippine Daily Inquirer into the digital age. His work included managing portals like the hackenslash gaming news site and the Global Nation portal, which catered to Filipinos living abroad. These initiatives not only attracted new audiences but also generated significant revenue streams, demonstrating Joey’s strategic acumen and foresight.

A true innovator, Joey trained the country’s first multimedia journalists, and launched blogs, podcasts, and online video networks, setting new standards for digital journalism in the Philippines. His expertise was also recognized beyond his home country. He was one of the pioneering tech bloggers for Singapore-based CNET Asia and a multimedia critic for the US-based PopMatters.com, where his insights reached a global audience.

Joey’s influence extended to his tenure at Yahoo! as the Southeast Asia Head of Social and Community. Here, he built and implemented a vision that successfully grew and engaged the Yahoo! community across the region, reflecting his exceptional ability to connect with people through digital platforms. He was also instrumental in the growth of online gaming in the Philippines when he was the Multimedia Head at Level Up Inc.

In February 2020, Joey launched Digital Life Asia, a platform dedicated to covering technology, science, gaming, geek culture, and entertainment across the Asian continent. His vision and dedication to this project were a testament to his lifelong commitment to digital media and its potential to inform and entertain.

Most recently, Joey joined the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation as a Tech News Columnist, continuing to share his insights and expertise with a broad audience.

His literary talents were equally impressive. Joey won third prize in the prestigious Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature with his essay “Surviving the Zeroes,” showcasing his eloquence and depth as a writer. He also authored the Philippine Internet Commerce Society’s “E-Business Made Easy” handbook for SMEs and contributed essays to notable publications such as “Tikman Ang Langit: An Anthology on the Eraserheads” and ANI 32, the 32nd edition of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ official literary journal.

Joey Alarilla’s legacy is one of innovation, inspiration, and dedication. He leaves behind a profound impact on the digital and literary worlds, having paved the way for future generations of journalists, writers, and digital champions. His life and work will continue to inspire those who believe in the power of technology for good.

Rest in power, Joey. So long, my friend.

Source: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/7/in-memoriam-jose-maria-joey-alarilla-a-visionary-in-digital-media-and-technology