February 5, 2025 marked another Cultural Wednesday experience with the screening of the German film “Cleo: If I Could Turn Back Time” at the UST TARC Auditorium. With over 200 attendees, the event was another cultural exposure for the Thomasian community.
The event was organized by the Department of Modern Languages, in partnership with the UST Office of Public Affairs and in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Philippinen. Through this collaboration, the University was able to screen a film that featured an exciting and whimsical treasure hunt to life, where the main character Cleo encounters iconic personalities from the past, offering sage advice amidst the bustling streets of Berlin.
The morning kicked off with a warm welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, Prof. Melanie D. Turingan, Ph.D., who expressed gratitude to everyone in attendance for supporting the department’s cultural initiative. Following the Dean’s message, the Chair of the Department of Modern Languages, Mr. Royce Randall G. Lim, MPH, MIS, gave the opening remarks, where he highlighted the importance of diverse international films to the Thomasian community and promoting cross-cultural appreciation, as this year’s Cultural Wednesday theme focuses on European cinema.
Ms. Barbara Pauli, the Manager for Educational Cooperation of the Goethe Institut-Philippinen, provided a brief overview of the Goethe-Institut, which has played a crucial role in promoting the German language and culture globally. She also shared an engaging overview of “Cleo”, setting the stage for the film’s screening.
Adding to the overall experience of the event were the talented performers from the student volunteers who delivered entertaining song numbers. Overall, the screening of “Cleo” was met with enthusiasm, leaving the audience captivated by its compelling narrative.
Also present during the event were the Director of the UST Office of Public Affairs, Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, M.A., Rev. Fr. Felix delos Reyes, O.P. PhL., Asst. Prof. John Manuel R. Kliatchko, Ph.D, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, and other academic staff from the Department of Modern Languages.
