Pan Xenia, a century old

Pan Xenia, a very old fraternity of the University of the Philippines (UP), turns 100 years old today. This Greek-worded, rather than Greek-lettered, name means “all-embracing goodwill.” The first word “Pan” is not a type of bread; it means “throughout.” The second word “Xenia” (pronounced “zeenya”), derived from “xenos” meaning “stranger,” is the practice of dealing well with other people, including strangers.

One practices Xenia with a strange visitor by offering a seat, refreshment, and friendly words, even before learning who the visitor is. A visitor practices Xenia in a strange setting by accepting hospitality graciously and reciprocating if possible, even before learning who the host is. Each party wisely expresses goodwill, just in case the other party might be a god in disguise, which was an amusement for the Greek gods. Aren’t we likewise taught, “What you do for the least of my brethren … ?”

Let me disclose that I am a Pan Xenian, since 1963. The Inquirer’s president, Rudyard Arbolado, is my frat “brod,” from a younger generation. Among the few surviving Pan Xenians senior to me are: Cesar E.A. Virata, whose name now graces the Virata School of Business; Francisco A. Nemenzo Jr., former UP president; and Gerardo P. Sicat and Niceto S. Poblador, my economics teachers. Among my younger “brods” are: Manuel B. Villar, “the brown taipan”; Almarim Tillah, former Tawi-Tawi governor; Antonio Velasquez, ABS-CBN newsman: and Fidel Nemenzo, former UP Diliman chancellor.

Notable Pan Xenians have been: President Elpidio Quirino, Senate President Gil J. Puyat, Chief Justice Claudio Teehankee. The first five Central Bank governors, in 1949-1984 (one survives), starting with Miguel Cuaderno. The first 11 UP business administration deans, in 1929-1988 (four survive), starting with Conrado S. Benitez. Former UP presidents Carlos P. Romulo, Onofre D. Corpuz, and Emanuel V. Soriano. The first UP School of Economics dean Amado A. Castro. Former UP public administration dean Raul V. de Guzman. Former UP small-scale industries director Melito Salazar Jr.

Since 1923, the fraternity has contributed considerably to the country in general and to UP in particular. The present community of resident- or student-members is small, but quality is high and recruitment is vigorous, as Pan Xenia looks toward renewing its impact over another century.

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When did Marcos’ martial law “really” begin? It was also on a Saturday, exactly 51 years ago today, that martial law actually dawned on the Filipino people. The date when Ferdinand E. Marcos claimed he signed the martial law proclamation was merely a multiple of his lucky number seven. The practice of using Sept. 21 to mark martial law teaches false history to the people (see my “Remember Sept. 23” and “Forget Sept. 21,” of 9/23/17 and 9/27/14 respectively).

The 2017 piece said: “Opinion pollsters cannot be neutral on the issue of democracy versus authoritarianism. Opinion polling is an instrument for promoting and enhancing democracy. It thrives in a democratic ambience, and wilts otherwise (see ‘Surveys suppressed by martial law,’ Opinion, 10/6/12). It is out of fundamental self-interest that Social Weather Stations, a politically nonpartisan institute, opposes authoritarianism.”

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Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, Kapihan sa SWS: “They never left: popular impressions of Ferdinand E. Marcos as President after February 1986,” by SWS fellows Jorge V. Tigno, Geoffrey M. Ducanes, Steven Rood and Vladymir Joseph A. Licudine (+).The authors are all veterans of survey research.

This kapihan will review the evidence on how many Filipinos have felt that Marcos was: (a) “a defender of the poor and oppressed,” (b) “caring for friends who enriched themselves by pocketing government funds,” (c) “a thief of the nation’s wealth, (d) “true to the duties of a patriotic president,” (e) “a humble president,” and (f) “a severe, brutal or oppressive president,” according to SWS national surveys in 1986, 1995, 2016, and 2022.

The kapihan will be in hybrid form, starting at 2:30 pm, at the SWS Knowledge Center, 52 Malingap Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Register at www.sws.org.ph, under News and Events, to signify attendance in person or by Zoom. Space at the venue is limited; register early to reserve a seat.

Contact: [email protected].