Archives

  • Reclaiming Roots, Reimagining Futures: Integrating Cultural Heritage and Practical Knowledge in Education and Community Development
    Vol. 7 No. SI2 (2025)

    This special issue explores the dynamic interplay between tradition and transformation in Philippine society by highlighting research that integrates cultural heritage, historical consciousness, and local knowledge with contemporary practices in education, food safety, language development, and technical-vocational training. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the imperative to preserve cultural identity while fostering innovation has never been more urgent. The papers in this issue underscore the need for an educational framework that is not only globally competitive but also deeply rooted in local contexts.

    The featured studies span a wide range of disciplines yet converge on a common purpose: empowering communities through culturally responsive pedagogy, sustainable food practices, the revitalization of native languages, and the contextualization of technical and livelihood education. By foregrounding Filipino values, historical narratives, indigenous knowledge systems, and grassroots innovations, the contributors advocate for an inclusive and transformative approach to education and development.

    This issue is particularly relevant in the context of current efforts to decolonize curricula and to promote heritage-based learning that bridges generational knowledge with 21st-century skills. It reflects a collective scholarly endeavor to integrate theory and praxis, bridging the academy and the community, and affirming the role of education as a vehicle for cultural sustainability, economic resilience, and national progress.

    Dr. Alma B. Manera
    Editor-in-Chief

  • Special Issue 1: From Tradition to Transmission: The Transformation of Culture and Social Life in the Digital Age
    Vol. 7 No. SI1 (2025)

    The digital revolution has profoundly reshaped the foundations of culture, communication, and social life. This special issue aims to explore how rapid technological development has influenced the philosophical and existential dimensions of human existence, altered patterns of cultural expression, and redefined concepts of identity and community. From ancient rituals to modern algorithms, culture has moved from being primarily inherited and embodied to being circulated, mediated, and reimagined through digital platforms. This issue invites contributions that critically examine the impact of digitalization on education, language, literature, the arts, and persons' identity. It seeks to create a space for interdisciplinary reflection on how digital culture reconfigures access to cultural heritage, transforms interpersonal communication, and generates new modes of meaning-making. Particular attention will be paid to the tensions between globalizing forces and local traditions, and to the ethical and philosophical questions emerging in a hyperconnected world. The aim is to foster a nuanced, global dialogue on the continuity and rupture of culture in the digital age.

  • International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion
    Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025)

    Foreword

    This issue of the International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion (IJCHR) brings together a rich tapestry of scholarship that reflects the intricate and often overlapping themes of cultural identity, spirituality, tradition, postcolonial critique, and innovation in the contemporary world. The articles in this volume examine how societies negotiate the preservation of heritage while adapting to modern challenges, particularly in education, healthcare, language, gender, governance, and the arts.

    One central theme that emerges is the vital role of tradition as a living force, from the use of the Indonesian game Dakon as a pedagogical tool for foreign learners, to the Blaan tribe’s culturally grounded response to the COVID-19 crisis in Southern Mindanao. These studies showcase how traditional knowledge systems and practices continue to shape collective well-being, resilience, and identity.

    Language and religious expression are other recurring threads, especially in Southeast Asia. In the context of the sacred, articles on Javanese sociopragmatics and Filipino personalism interrogate how cultural and religious values are encoded and transmitted through speech, rituals, and everyday communication. Similarly, the testimonial literature and postmodern metafiction analysis reveal how narratives become acts of memory and resistance, particularly in postcolonial and diasporic contexts.

    In response to globalization, contributors examine the transformation of cultural institutions and identities, from Indian diaspora diplomacy in Indonesia to the urbanization of Ukrainian culture, highlighting both opportunities and tensions in preserving cultural integrity amid rapid societal change. The issue also engages with digital innovation, exploring how art and cultural management must evolve in an increasingly interconnected and data-driven world.

    The theme of education as a site of cultural negotiation is powerfully present. Several articles call for decolonizing curricula, integrating indigenous perspectives, and reevaluating the role of cultural storytelling in higher education and heritage promotion. These contributions collectively argue for education that honors context, diversity and lived experience.

    Finally, through explorations of health, gender, and climate consciousness, this volume reminds us that cultural research is not confined to the abstract. It has deep implications for policy, social equity, and sustainability, revealing how culture is a foundation for justice, care, and community.

    Taken together, the articles in this issue represent a growing movement toward scholarly inquiry that is grounded, inclusive, and critically engaged. We hope readers find in these pages both a mirror of our complex realities and a window into meaningful possibilities for cultural dialogue and transformation.

    Renniel Jayson Jacinto Rosales, MATh, PhD Cand.
    Managing Editor

     

    Message from the Editor

    It is with great honor that I present the June 2025 issue of the International Journal of Culture, History, and Religion (IJCHR), a scholarly platform devoted to critically exploring and disseminating knowledge across the intersecting fields of cultural studies, historical inquiry, and religious thought.

    In an age marked by both cultural convergence and fragmentation, the role of research in understanding the intricacies of identity, heritage, belief systems, and historical processes has never been more essential. IJCHR remains committed to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research that advances theoretical knowledge and contributes to practical insights applicable to policy, education, interfaith dialogue, and cross-cultural collaboration.

    Our journal invites scholars, historians, cultural analysts, religious practitioners, educators, and policymakers to engage with our platform. We encourage submissions that examine lived traditions, indigenous epistemologies, historiographical debates, cultural transitions, faith-based practices, and the ethical intersections between the sacred and the secular. Whether rooted in empirical research, philosophical critique, or comparative analysis, every article we publish seeks to challenge, inform, and expand the global discourse.

    This issue features diverse contributions, from analyses of ritual symbolism and contested histories to studies on the resilience of cultural identities in the face of globalization. Each piece reflects our journal’s vision to foster meaningful, inclusive, interdisciplinary dialogues.

    As an Editor-in-Chief, I deeply appreciate our contributors, reviewers, and editorial team’s scholarly rigor and dedication. We remain steadfast in our goal to provide an open intellectual space where past and present, tradition and innovation, belief and critique may all meet in critical conversation.

    We welcome your continued engagement, and we look forward to future contributions that shape and deepen our understanding of culture, history, and religion in the 21st century.

    Dr. Alma B. Manera
    Editor-in-Chief

  • International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion
    Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024)

    Welcome to Volume 6, Issue No. 2 of the International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion (IJCHR). We are excited to present our new journal logo and front cover design. Our editors and editorial board members look forward to your engagement with this issue. We believe it will inspire us to explore different perspectives, critically evaluate ideas, encourage meaningful discourses/dialogue, and present emerging trends and issues related to our better understanding of the interaction between culture, history, and religion in the context of the post-COVID-19 world and ecological sustainability. This will be achieved through the following topical themes:
    The Archdiocese of Lipa should consider integrating climate sensitivity into the senior high school religious education curriculum in response to Laudato Si’s message (Rosales). In addition, there is a need to assess the distance learning experiences of university students regarding the support provided by the administration (Aguilar et al.) and to consider the moral standards of faculty and students within Higher Education Institutions (Kong). Encouraging individuals living in religiously diverse societies to engage in meaningful dialogue is crucial for promoting the holistic development of community members (Kachappilly). This includes recognizing the daily challenges automotive mechanics face in the Philippines as they strive to provide affordable transportation for the general public while supporting their families (Ignacio).
    It is also important to explore the ways of incorporating Christ into the lives of urban street dwellers due to pastoral necessity (Rosales et al.). Additionally, it is imperative to assess the performance of Information Technology interns at Bulacan State University - Bustos Campus (Boton), the historical, socio-political, and catechetical implications of the tradition of performing Sinakulo in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines (Eballo & Eballo), and the SOGIE Bill from the Framework of the UN Legal Identity Agenda (Vargas).
    Happy reading!

  • International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion
    Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024)

    As members of the Philippine Association for the Study of Culture, History, and Religion, we are privileged to contribute to the vibrant discourse surrounding the diverse tapestry of Philippine culture, history, and religious traditions. Our association stands as a beacon of scholarly excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of our rich heritage and its contemporary significance.

    In these transformative times, our role as scholars and educators is more crucial than ever. The complexities of globalization, rapid technological advancements, and evolving socio-political landscapes necessitate nuanced perspectives and critical insights. Through our research, publications, and engagements, we strive to illuminate the interconnectedness of cultural, historical, and religious dynamics, offering valuable perspectives that contribute to informed dialogue and decision-making.

    Our association is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity, and ethical scholarship. We recognize the importance of engaging with various stakeholders, including indigenous communities, marginalized groups, and policymakers, in meaningful and respectful ways. By upholding rigorous academic standards and ethical guidelines, we uphold the integrity and credibility of our work, advancing knowledge and understanding in our fields of study.

    As we look ahead, we envision continued collaboration, innovation, and impact. Our collective efforts in research, teaching, and advocacy empower us to address pressing societal challenges, promote cultural heritage preservation, and foster intercultural dialogue and mutual respect. Together, we can harness the power of knowledge and scholarship to create positive change and contribute to a more just and harmonious society.

    We extend our appreciation to all members, partners, and supporters who contribute to the success and vitality of our association. Let us continue to inspire, learn, and collaborate as we navigate the complexities and possibilities of our interconnected world.

  • The PASCHR Journal
    Vol. 5 No. 1 (2023)

    The relevance of the 8th PASCHR National Conference with the theme “Collective Memory: Explorations in Culture, History and Religion”, organized by the Philippine Association for the Study of Culture, History and Religion (PASCHR) and the Philippine Association for the Sociology of Religion (PASR, hosted by the Guimaras State University (GSU) last October 20-22, 2022 is of such magnitude, taken in the context of the disturbing cacophony of the Post Truth Era that exacerbated the world wide scourge of Covid 19.

    “We’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a conference on the COVID-19 outbreak, who lamented: “We’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic. Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus, and is just as dangerous” (WHO, 2020).

    This “infodemic” it seems, is inevitable as in recent years, the so-called “post-truth” phenomena—including massive spread and acceptance of misinformation, denial of scientific claims, and more—have been a focus of growing public discussion and concern (McIntyre, 2018; Oxford English Dictionary, n.d.; Prado, 2018).

    While social media has paved the way for the democratization of news, it has also facilitated the proliferation of fake content: Facebook, You Tube, are notorious fertile platforms of stories with no factual basis. It is uncanny that the British dystopian novelist George Orwell predicted this phenomenon of Post Truth in the first half of the 20th century when he said: “In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act”.

    One anti-dote to the malaise of the Post Truth Era is the resurgence in academic circles of Memory Studies. One sphere of this crucial field is Collective memory—a community’s shared renderings of the past that help shape its collective identity (Halbwachs, 1950). From this perspective, they are the collective variant of autobiographical memories, which are individually held memories that help shape personal identity.

    The English phrase “collective memory” and the equivalent French phrase “la mémoire collective” appeared in the second half of the nineteenth century. The philosopher and sociologist Maurice Halbwachs analyzed and advanced the concept of the collective memory in the book Les cadres sociaux de la mémoire (1925). According to Halbwachs, Collective Memory can be constructed, shared, and passed on by large and small social groups. Examples of these groups can include nations, generations, communities, among others. Collective memory has been a topic of interest and research across a number of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, and anthropology.

    The 8thPASCHR conference aimed: 1) to narrate the significant events and rituals of barangays, communities, towns, and cities that bind them together or promote group identity; 2) to depict the monuments, memorials, and symbols that are meaningful and historical, leading the people to appreciate, respect, and love their domicile or place of origin; and 3) to celebrate the significant events that will enhance their appreciation, gratitude, and love for their communities, barangays, towns, cities, provinces and regions.

    Current researches on collective memory have taken the direction of comparing how different social groups form their own representations of history and how such collective memories can impact ideals, values, behaviors and vice versa. Scholars agree that developing social identity and evaluating the past in order to prevent old patterns of conflict and errors are the desired functions of Collective Memory as social representations of history.

  • The PASCHR Journal
    Vol. 4 No. 1 (2021)

    It is our honor to present to you the fourth volume of the Philippine Association for the Study of Culture, History and Religion (PASCHR) Journal. Highlights of this volume are papers from prestigious universities and colleges, revolving on the theme: “Healing and Hope in Religious Traditions and Beliefs in the time of Pandemic,” yielded by the 7th PASCHR International Virtual Conference held on 21-22 October 2021.

    Alternative healing practices in this time of pandemic provide scholars a chance to collaborate for investigative research. Sustaining healing practices will require motivation, education, and passion for innovation and drive for rigorous documentation and field research.

    PASCHR intends to offer an intellectual channel for academicians, practitioners, and the community to share their ideas about alternative healing practices and how they are viewed as a phenomenon by different people. The publication of this volume is a collaborative effort by the host, the editorial board, and foreign presenters from Europe.

    We thank the authors for their contribution with the hope that PASCHR will provide another forum for enlightened discourse during this crucial period of the pandemic.

    May God bless us all.

  • The PASCHR Journal
    Vol. 3 No. 1 (2020)

    The Covid-19 pandemic made us rethink, redesign, and repurpose the Virtual 6th PASCHR International Conference so that PASCHR could continue to host paper presentations and take publication initiatives for research in Culture, History, and Religion despite the global health crisis. On July 27-30, 2020, we organized an international virtual conference via a platform that linked our international speakers based in the US, Denmark, India, and our local participants from the Philippines’ different parts. We also featured renowned researchers and academicians from premier Philippine universities who delivered keynote and plenary lectures for PASCHR’s primary inquiry areas: History, Culture, and Religion. The PASCHR Journal editorial board collated these lectures and researches, which comprised this fourth issue. The writers’ and editors’ contributions are a pledge of an indefatigable effort despite the unprecedented challenges."

  • The PASCHR Journal
    Vol. 2 No. 1 (2019)

    The Divine Word College of San Jose, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, in cooperation with Occidental Mindoro State College sponsored the 5th PASCHR International Conference with the theme “Revisiting Culture through History and Religion.” We deemed that the conference is relevant in the spirit of our times. The confusion due to much fake news and partly to our Filipino culture’s disvaluing led many to social and political discontent. Hence, the association invited distinguished speakers who could facilitate the revisiting of our culture. We also asked researchers nationwide to share their research output concerning the conference theme.

    Volume 2 is already online. We are delighted to inform you that our Volume 1 last year received significant attention from scholars worldwide. Gradually, we are increasing the number of articles, and this time we have ten peer-reviewed papers. We, therefore, look forward to the broader participation of more Filipino scholars. We would also come with new additions and features in the future issues of the Journal.

  • The PASCHR Journal
    Vol. 1 No. 1 (2018)

    We are glad to launch the first issue of the PASCHR Journal, a dream of the last four years. The Journal would promote academic research interests and writings on the subjects related to Philippine culture and religions. It encourages the exchange of scholarly ideas among young scholars on the main themes of the PASCHR’s academic interest areas.

    Consequently, PASCHR ‘s long-time goal to have a journal publication, both online and traditional platforms, is now a reality. We also plan to get the SCOPUS accreditation with our members of the Board at the soonest possible time.

  • Special Issue
    Vol. 7 (2025)