My journey began at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a major in journalism. However, it was my encounter with philosophy that sparked a profound transformation, leading me to pursue advanced studies in the field.
My first philosophy professor, Luciano “Jun” Mariano Jr., introduced me to a world of intellectual rigor that initially felt overwhelming. Instead of the familiar figures of Socrates, Plato, or Aristotle, I encountered unfamiliar topics, movements, and thinkers—Wittgenstein, G.E. Moore, Russell, Mill, and Frege—whose ideas challenged my understanding and expanded my intellectual horizons. That first semester was akin to wandering in a cave, yet it laid the foundation for my philosophical development.
Years later, I would encounter Mariano’s writings, including The Roads and Roars of Relativism, which continued to resonate with me at different stages of my intellectual growth. His work exemplified clarity, rigor, and elegance, leaving a lasting mark on my approach to analytic thought.
The influence of analytic philosophy in UP Diliman traces back to the intellectual currents of Cambridge University before World War II. Professors such as Andresito Acuña, a student of Ricardo Pascual (himself a student of Bertrand Russell and Rudolf Carnap), introduced Anglo-American analytic philosophy into the curriculum. Acuña’s Philosophical Analysis, which I studied as a freshman and later revisited during my master’s studies, deepened my appreciation for analytic introspection and its capacity to refine reasoning, communication, and critical thinking.
Beyond Mariano and Acuña, other mentors shaped my intellectual journey. Professors Leonardo de Castro, Napoleon Mabaquaio, and Ciriaco Sayson guided me through moral philosophy, Hegelian studies, and doctoral research, fostering rigor, perseverance, and analytical precision. Their mentorship allowed me to navigate complex texts, develop original thought, and confront philosophical challenges with confidence.
Philosophy, unlike algebra, does not offer definitive solutions. The pursuit of understanding often involves grappling with elusive questions, testing reasoning, and embracing productive confusion. Yet, this intellectual engagement is profoundly satisfying, cultivating critical thinking, intellectual discipline, and a lifelong curiosity.
Ultimately, my experience at UP Diliman and subsequent advanced studies taught me that philosophy is not a search for monopoly over truth, but a disciplined engagement with reasoned argument, inquiry, and reflection—a pursuit both demanding and deeply rewarding.
