Ateneo and FFCCCII holds philosophical lecture on Ferriols and Chuang-Tzu

Spearheaded by the Department of Philosophy, School of Humanities of Ateneo de Manila University, in cooperation with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc., (FFCCCII) of the Philippines, a commemorative lecture on Chuang-Tzu and on the philosophy of Fr Roque Ferriols SJ was held in the AVR Faura Bldg at 3 in the afternoon. The three-part philosophical lecture entitled, “The Story of the Wheelwright: The Influence of Chinese Philosophy on the thought of Fr Roque Ferriols SJ,” was delivered by esteemed professors, namely, Prof Manuel Dy Jr, PhD and Prof Wilhelm PJ Strebel PhD, of the Ateneo de Manila University; and Prof Christine Abigail Tan PhD, of the National University of Singapore. Dr. Dy relived the moments from the life of Fr. Ferriols as a simple yet bright professor and philosopher. Afterwards, Dr Tan talked about Chuang-tzu and delivered a philosophical commentary on the story of the wheelwright found in Chuang-tzu’s writings. On the other hand, Dr Strebel talked about Fr Ferriols’ commentary on the story of the wheelwright and how this became a springboard of ideas that brought about much of his Meron philosophy. To top it all off is a question-and-answer portion in which online and onsite participants batted questions to the lecturers in a meaningful dialogue. 

Significant figures in Ateneo and in FFCCCII graced the said event such as Rev. Fr. Roberto “Bobby” Yap, the university president who delivered the Closing Remarks; Dr. Victor Lim, the Executive Vice President of the FFCCCII; Mr. Wilson Lee Flores who distributed coffee table books on the 70^th Anniversary of FFCCCII, joined by his broadcasting staff; Drs. Ricardo and Rosita Leong, director of the Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies; Dr. Sidney Christopher Bata, the director of the Chinese Studies Program of Ateneo; and Dean Patricia Lambino PhD, the dean of the School of Humanities who delivered a closing remark to all the visitors. Towards the end, the project leads, Prof. Jovino Miroy, PhD and Mr. Wilzel Adriatico, MA from the Department of Philosophy of the School of Humanities gave their salutations and launched the Celebration of the 100^th year birth anniversary of Fr. Ferriols, “Meron at Meron Pa,” to be followed by series of events spread across the academic year 2024-2025. The event ended with photo opportunities and snacks for all the participants. 

Truly, the event relived the memory of Fr Ferriols and his philosophy, influenced strongly by Chinese philosophy, in everyone who was present. However, in the end, as Fr Ferriols said quoting Chuang-Tzu, when everything has been said and done, what is left to do can only be done [Kapag nasabi na ang lahat ng masasabi, ang natitira na lamang ay hindi masasabi. Magagawa lamang].