Distinguished Literature Department Alumnus Jose Javier Reyes Champions Narrative Appreciation in Lit, Camera, Action!
As part of the week-long celebration of its Diamond Anniversary, DLSU’s Department of Literature invited one of its most successful alumni to return to the university to engage and inspire its current batch of undergraduate students. In particular, Lit, Camera, Action! honored Distinguished Literature Alumnus and filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes (AB Honors Literature, 1976; MA English Education, 1977), whose literary training and passion for storytelling have been foundational to his significant contributions to Philippine cinema. This alumni lecture was held last June 5, 2026 at the Philippe Jones Lhuillier Learning Resource Center, 14th Floor, Henry Sy Sr. Hall.
In the morning session, Direk Joey delivered the lecture “The Importance of the Appreciation of Narrative in the Evolution of Digital Forms,” emphasizing the urgency of restoring reading not as a mere capsule of information or vehicle for misinformation, but as a deeper mode of understanding that grounds all evolving narrative forms in critical literacy and reflective engagement.
In the afternoon, Dr. Shirley Lua (associate professor and board member of both the Manila Critics Circle and the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino), presented “Bakit Ka Naghihisterya: The Romantic Comedy Films of Jose Javier Reyes,” which examined how the humor in Direk Joey’s films create space for transgressive commentary on the social structures shaping contemporary life.
The event was hosted by Ms. Cris Barbra Pe, while Dr. Carlos Piocos III, Chair of the Department of Literature, delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Anne Frances Sangil, Chair of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, introduced the lecturers and facilitated the open forum. Among those in attendance were University Fellows Dr. Clodualdo del Mundo Jr. and Dr. Dinah Roma, as well as faculty members and students of the Department of Literature.
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