Wilkinson GONZALES

Founder; Director

I'm Wil Gonzales, and I am a linguist specializing in language variation and change in multilingual contexts, language contact, and applied linguistics. I am currently affiliated with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I am an Assistant Professor of Applied English Linguistics.

Steffi Anne CHONG

Creatives Director; Technology Coordinator; Junior Research Assistant

I am a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Grace Christian College. Designer for an accounting firm by day, and a night-owl gang homie by night. I have always taken interest in things that are related to my bicultural identity. It's an honor to be able to take part in contributing and supporting the organization's advocacy in conserving the Lannang heritage.

Lance SIBI

Project Head: Lannang Orthography to Lannangdi input method for Rime

I am a Management Information Systems graduate from Ateneo de Manila University and currently a part-time Mandarin tutor for Chinese school students in the Philippines. As someone who is of half-Lannang heritage wanting to learn Lannang-ue, I found it disheartening not to find an abundance of resources for learning the Philippine variant of Hokkien or the Philippine Hybrid Hokkien (Lannang-ue) language. As my interest grew for Chinese culture and being of Chinese descent, I wanted to learn not only the worldwide standard Mandarin but also the largest Chinese variety used in the Philippines, which are Philippine Hokkien and Lannang-ue. I am glad to be part of preserving our language and heritage.

Dave Ryan Mikhail GO

Contributor; Project Head

I graduated from Ateneo de Manila with History and Diplomacy and International Relations. I have minors in Asian and European Studies, Literature and Cultural Heritage. Due to my passion for languages and history, I am currently taking my Master's in Linguistics in UP Diliman. I also work as a teacher and will be in Japan. Being in the Lannang Archives, I believe in advocating for and preserving this unique heritage and language.

Misha Ysabel HWANG

Project Head - Automated Transcription/#AskALannang

I am an aspiring Data Scientist on the weekdays and an advocate for Tsinoy culture and language on the weekends. During my childhood, I used to wonder how I may contribute to preserving the Hokkien dialect one day. And 15 years later, I am volunteering and supporting the initiatives of The Lannang Archives, hoping to apply Data Science to aid in the preservation of the language.

Rauha Huigiok LIM

Project Head - Philippine Hokkien Dictionary

I'm a Physics major in Ateneo De Manila with no formal linguistic background, but growing up speaking English, Tagalog, Philippine Hokkien, and Mandarin introduced me to the world of languages early on. When a friend wanted to learn Hokkien from me in high school, I realized the lack of research in this field, and that I may witness language death if nothing was done. I'm glad to have discovered The Lannang Archives in May 2020 as a place to contribute with like-minded people. Many languages have gotten my interest, but I just couldn't leave Hokkien on the side.

Merwin Leon CHAN

Trainee Research Assistant

I graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), Specialization in Enterprise Systems, but I have a passion and interest for history and ethnolinguistics, so I have been an active contributor too in such domains like, Wiktionary, Quora, Wikipedia and other such apps. With my background as part of growing up immersed in the Chinese Filipino culture and all such languages heard or used through the years, I aid in supporting the initiatives for this heritage.

Giana Mae NUNCIO

Trainee Research Assistant

A graduate from Ateneo de Manila University with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with Materials Science and Engineering, I am innately curious about the workings of the world. Aside from being an advocate of science and health, I am also interested in various languages and cultures, particularly in East Asia and Southeast Asia. I deeply appreciate my Chinese-Filipino heritage and am enthusiastic in preserving and documenting the use of Hokkien in the Philippines in hopes of preventing its loss in the future generations. Growing up, learning Chinese meant learning only Mandarin and I found it such a pity that Hokkien, the language integral to the Chinese-Filipino community, was not taught as well. Since Philippine Hokkien was passed on from generation to generation verbally, the lack of published resources and standardization make it difficult to learn for a non-native speaker. I work to overcome this challenge and make the language more accessible for those interested to reconnect to their roots or to learn a new language.

Victoria ANG

Trainee Research Assistant; Member

I am a graduate of University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Architecture. The importance of Chinese culture and language has always been impressed upon me from an early age. Despite that, conversing with my fellow Chinese has always been hard. With our generation, you can tell that it is difficult for many to use Hokkien or any of the Sino-Philippine languages for everyday use. It shows how our Chinese culture here in the Philippines is disappearing. Living in the Philippines, a lot of us forget that we are Chinese or of Chinese descent. I believe that Lannang Archives can change this. I believe that this organization can bring back the Chinese culture in the Philippines. I want to take this opportunity as a research assistant to expand my knowledge and experience, and also to enhance my knowledge of Hokkien and our Filipino-Chinese culture.

Nelson CHONG

Trainee Research Assistant

I am currently a student at the University of Hong Kong, taking up a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and majoring in both Accounting and Finance. Living in Hong Kong, I discovered how well-developed other Chinese dialects are and how this development helps them become preservable. It is then I realize the importance of my identity as a user of the Hokkien dialect and the need to preserve the beauty of it for future generations. Through volunteering in the Lannang Archives, I am given an ample opportunity to contribute to the development of PHH in our community. I look forward to working with you all in preserving our beautiful language.

Aya Sophia GAN

Junior Research Assistant

I am a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate from De La Salle University of Manila. I am interested to practice honing my Hokkien language and to know more about the cultural impact that the Hokkien language had in the Philippines. In my spare time, I volunteer in The Lannang Archives.

Norlene CHUA

Junior Research Assistant

I am a pharmacist by profession but I am also interested in linguistics. I am enthusiastic to be involved in activities that preserve different cultures and traditions such as this initiative. I also want to improve my Hokkien and to share this with people who are also interested to learn the language. Thus, I volunteer for The Lannang Archives on my own time.

Wilkinson GONZALES

Founder; Director

I'm Wil Gonzales, and I am a linguist specializing in language variation and change in multilingual contexts, language contact, and applied linguistics. I am currently affiliated with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I am an Assistant Professor of Applied English Linguistics.

Yixuan WU

Editor

I am currently a student at International School Manila in Taguig City and wish to pursue my goal of going to the US for college. Although a full Chinese in blood, I have lived in the Philippines for most of my life and have interacted and befriended many people of the Lannang heritage. I have been entrenched with creative writing exploring topics such as culture, identity and heritage. I believe that these things are truly unique, which is also why they must be preserved no matter the cost. I would like to help increase the awareness and interest in the preservation of the Lannang heritage by helping with the online publications, and also through creating content for videos that helps to inspire other people. Being a member of the Lannang Archives also just gives me the opportunity to dive deeply into exploring the Chinese-Filipino heritage myself, allowing me to interact and learn from many other people who have the same interests as me. When I am neither writing nor rushing school work, I would either exploring different genres of music or just chatting with friends.

Jennifer SUN

Co-Host, #LannangTalks

I graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas, and worked in the corporate world as a Supply Chain planner. After three years, I pursued my first love, and started teaching preschool children in MGC New Life Christian Academy, took up education units and licensure exam for teachers. I am on my 9th year as an educator, and currently teaching in a progressive preschool, and doing online Mandarin and Hokkien classes for kids and adults alike. Aside from being a teacher, I am also a contributing writer for Church Strengthening Ministry’s Take Heart: Letters of Faith, Hope and Love, Scripture Union’s Light to My Path, and Keys for Kids Ministries’ Unlocked Devotional. In my free time, I write blog posts in whenateacherwrites.wordpress.com. Hokkien is my first language, and I am proud to say that even until now, I think in Hokkien! It’s my desire and passion to teach this rich language to the next generation.

Dave Ryan Mikhail GO

Contributor; Project Head

I graduated from Ateneo de Manila with History and Diplomacy and International Relations. I have minors in Asian and European Studies, Literature and Cultural Heritage. Due to my passion for languages and history, I am currently taking my Master's in Linguistics in UP Diliman. I also work as a teacher and will be in Japan. Being in the Lannang Archives, I believe in advocating for and preserving this unique heritage and language.

Mikhaela CAO

Contributor

I am a writer and author interested in Lannang culture and heritage.

Sigmund Ban SIY

Contributor

Sigmund Ban Siy is an Engineering student currently in Mapua University. He developed his love and passion in Chinese culture through his Xavier Chinese Experience (XCE) trips back in Yunnan and Beijing in the year¬ 2014 and 2016, respectively. From then on, he started engaging himself in learning more about Mandarin and Min Nan.

Through his experience as an exchange student in Taiwan during the Fall Semester of the year 2019, his eyes were opened more to learning about different cultures, especially the different Minnan Dialects (Taiwanese, Xiamen, Penang, Manila, etc.) he was exposed to.

In joining The Lannang Archives, he aims to help preserve the Minnan language by sharing his experiences through his passion in writing poems, essays, articles, and the like.

Louward Allen ZUBIRI

Contributor

Louward Allen Zubiri is a Ph.D. student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a student affiliate at East-West Center. He finished his BA and MA in Linguistics at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

His research interests are in the areas of description, documentation, and revitalization of non-dominant and/or underdescribed Philippine languages and scripts. He is interested in how description, documentation, and revitalization are informative of and interdependent with policymaking, education, community development, and heritage awareness.

As a long term ally of cultural and educational rights movement particularly on the use of the mother tongue, he has undertaken community engagements with a focus on advocacy, training, and research on, for, and with indigenous cultural communities in the Philippines.

Sharmaine IBARRA

Contributor

I am currently a Korean government scholar pursuing Master's degree in Film at Dongseo University - Busan, South Korea. For 4 years, I worked as a Program Researcher and News Script Producer for several newscast in GMA Network, including 24 Oras, Unang Hirit and Saksi. I always fascinated about world culture. But being part of The Lannang Archives doesn't only made me interested about the unique Lannang heritage in the Philippines but also to conserve and share it.

Jennifer SUN

Co-Host, #LannangTalks

I graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas, and worked in the corporate world as a Supply Chain planner. After three years, I pursued my first love, and started teaching preschool children in MGC New Life Christian Academy, took up education units and licensure exam for teachers. I am on my 9th year as an educator, and currently teaching in a progressive preschool, and doing online Mandarin and Hokkien classes for kids and adults alike. Aside from being a teacher, I am also a contributing writer for Church Strengthening Ministry’s Take Heart: Letters of Faith, Hope and Love, Scripture Union’s Light to My Path, and Keys for Kids Ministries’ Unlocked Devotional. In my free time, I write blog posts in whenateacherwrites.wordpress.com. Hokkien is my first language, and I am proud to say that even until now, I think in Hokkien! It’s my desire and passion to teach this rich language to the next generation.

Sharmaine IBARRA

Contributor

I am currently a Korean government scholar pursuing Master's degree in Film at Dongseo University - Busan, South Korea. For 4 years, I worked as a Program Researcher and News Script Producer for several newscast in GMA Network, including 24 Oras, Unang Hirit and Saksi. I always fascinated about world culture. But being part of The Lannang Archives doesn't only made me interested about the unique Lannang heritage in the Philippines but also to conserve and share it.

Steffi Anne CHONG

Creatives Director; Technology Coordinator; Junior Research Assistant

I am a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Grace Christian College. Designer for an accounting firm by day, and a night-owl gang homie by night. I have always taken interest in things that are related to my bicultural identity. It's an honor to be able to take part in contributing and supporting the organization's advocacy in conserving the Lannang heritage.

Clifford DE JESUS

Ad-hoc Video Editor

I am a Literary and Cultural Studies sophomore at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila. The idea of how literature resonates the beauty of a specific culture fascinates me endlessly. I use my major in creating stories for my digital arts projects, digital content and videos, for various companies and individuals. I have also been part of professional media-related projects that involve the creation of original outputs such as MTVs and photography. Capturing moments of human experiences is my ode to literature and culture wherein I pour all my hard work and dedication in creating my very own "opus".

Robyn LIM

Member

Robyn is an incoming freshman at UC Berkeley interested in the intersection of art, technology, and social studies. She has worked for multiple organizations in High School, having spearheaded a mentorship program, pioneered an interscholastic conference, and mobilized fundraisers for families in Manila and Zambales. These experiences have allowed her to grow both as a communicator and as an artist, expanding her graphic design skills from platforms like Canva to more complex softwares like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Often playing with words, colors and shapes, she hopes to continue to use her voice and craft in bridging disparities through The Lannang Archives. Indeed, Robyn likes to spruce up visuals and rave about Chinese culture, though other times, she can be found watching historical dramas, singing ‘80s karaoke, or listening to some nice, soothing music.

Chelsea CUE

Member

I am a Multimedia Arts graduate from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and I’m currently working as a freelance photographer.

My favorite photography subjects have always been the people around me as well as the stories they share. With the help of language, I find that I am better able to understand and connect with everything more deeply. I think it’s fascinating how we use communication to find meaning in our identities, bridge gaps between cultures and histories, in order for us to have a more profound view of the world.

When I’m not working, I am a film aficionado, a culinary enthusiast, and an aspiring barista with a tendency to overwater plants.

Micchaela KING

Content Producer

I’m currently taking my Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman and doing freelance projects involving illustration and design on the side.

However, I always have a big interest in language learning. As a person who grew up in a hybrid culture with Filipino and Chinese roots, language is a defining factor of cultures and I’m glad to be taking part in something that helps preserve my own culture heritage and at the same time connect with the Lannang language even more.

On my spare time, I look out for new baking recipes and juggle between 5 different Japanese mobages everyday.

Victoria ANG

Trainee Research Assistant; Member

I am a graduate of University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Architecture. The importance of Chinese culture and language has always been impressed upon me from an early age. Despite that, conversing with my fellow Chinese has always been hard. With our generation, you can tell that it is difficult for many to use Hokkien or any of the Sino-Philippine languages for everyday use. It shows how our Chinese culture here in the Philippines is disappearing. Living in the Philippines, a lot of us forget that we are Chinese or of Chinese descent. I believe that Lannang Archives can change this. I believe that this organization can bring back the Chinese culture in the Philippines. I want to take this opportunity as a research assistant to expand my knowledge and experience, and also to enhance my knowledge of Hokkien and our Filipino-Chinese culture.

Joshe TIU

Member

I graduated BS Management and AB Chinese Studies with Minors in Southeast Asian Studies and International Business from Ateneo de Manila University. I have deep interest in language and culture as I believe that each and every one of us have our own unique cultures. As a member of the Chinese community in the Philippines, I would like to take part in not only preserving the Lannang heritage, but also to promote it as we move forward with our lives. My passion in life is to do international business. As I travel and go to different places in the future, I would like to bring with me my identity; my identity as a Southeast Asian, my identity as a Filipino, and my identity as a Chinese-Filipino.

Gretch GABRAL

Member

I'm an advocate of Philippine Hokkien and its language variants. In TLA, I found an inclusive community that communicates the rich culture & history of a part of my roots. A little background of me: an engineer by profession, draws digital arts in my spare time and loves asian cuisines. As a member of TLA, i get to spark interests and discourses among audience via our platforms.

Jianne Nicole UY

Co-coordinator

I finished my bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (magna cum laude) at the University of Santo Tomas. I currently work as a full-time teacher during the day, and a visual artist at night. I also help out as a volunteer at the Lannang Archives.

My interest in languages and my heritage is the primary reason why I joined The Lannang Archives. Aside from learning and meeting new people who share the same interests as me, I also hope that through my abilities, I could contribute in the betterment of Lannang-ue for our future generations.

In my leisure time, I love to get myself updated with the latest trends in the art scene, slurping some ramen, and gulping milk teas.

Jan Keanu PLANTILLA

Co-coordinator

Keanu likes to ride the waves and just go with the flow making sure that things sail smoothly even in rough waters. He is occasionally a poet and writes pieces that drive positive social impact. When he's not writing, you can find him binge-watching random series on Netflix. He is currently a marketing specialist for The Lannang Archives.

Elsie OR

UP-TLA Liaison Officer

I teach linguistics and Chinese Mandarin at the University of the Philippines Diliman. I am currently engaged in different Philippine language documentation projects, and presently working with the Buhid Mangyan community in Oriental Mindoro in building a dictionary for their language. My research is mostly on the morphosyntactic structures of Philippine languages. However, I am also interested in studying second/foreign language learning, as well as language contact. In my spare time, I volunteer in The Chinoy Archives.

Belinda TAN

HR Coordinator

I am currently pursuing my M.A. in Psychology (concentration on Social Psychology) at the University of the Philippines. My research interests involve close relationships, arts, culture, and technology. I am also an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working for public and private sectors that mainly involves learning and development. One significant insight I've learned from my discipline is to know, accept, and embrace yourself - despite your flaws and imperfections - to experience genuine and lasting growth as a person. Working and contributing to the advocacy of The Lannang Archives is putting that theory into practice. I am now embracing my Lannang heritage that had been mostly ignored and under-appreciated most of my life. And, on my way to understand and value our language and culture - that part of myself. Yes, I am all that plus being a couch potato and a cat mom.

Steffi Anne CHONG

Creatives Director; Technology Coordinator; Junior Research Assistant

I am a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Grace Christian College. Designer for an accounting firm by day, and a night-owl gang homie by night. I have always taken interest in things that are related to my bicultural identity. It's an honor to be able to take part in contributing and supporting the organization's advocacy in conserving the Lannang heritage.

Sannie GO HO

Website Manager

I am a registered pharmacist who has work experience in insurance underwriting and web content publishing. Currently, I am on a new chapter of my career where I am exploring the field of experience design. My hobbies include reading manhua and light novels.

Dennis ERESTAIN

Website Manager

I am a Computer Engineer and have been in the web content management field for almost 10 years, managing a wide array of digital portfolios and leading a diverse and high performing web team. I am currently exploring the field of experience design and UX/UI. I am a movie goer, coffee lover, and addicted to Manga/Manhwa/Manhua.

Paola Ciarra VALENCIA

Coordinator

I am a Bachelor of Laws graduate from San Beda University.
I have always been interested in learning about other cultures. Being a part of this organization will help me gain a deeper level of understanding of the culture. It will be an honor for me to be a part of a reputable organization that is actively advocating for the preservation of the Lannang heritage.

Wilkinson GONZALES

Founder; Director

I'm Wil Gonzales, and I am a linguist specializing in language variation and change in multilingual contexts, language contact, and applied linguistics. I am currently affiliated with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I am an Assistant Professor of Applied English Linguistics.

Yixuan WU

Editor

I am currently a student at International School Manila in Taguig City and wish to pursue my goal of going to the US for college. Although a full Chinese in blood, I have lived in the Philippines for most of my life and have interacted and befriended many people of the Lannang heritage. I have been entrenched with creative writing exploring topics such as culture, identity and heritage. I believe that these things are truly unique, which is also why they must be preserved no matter the cost. I would like to help increase the awareness and interest in the preservation of the Lannang heritage by helping with the online publications, and also through creating content for videos that helps to inspire other people. Being a member of the Lannang Archives also just gives me the opportunity to dive deeply into exploring the Chinese-Filipino heritage myself, allowing me to interact and learn from many other people who have the same interests as me. When I am neither writing nor rushing school work, I would either exploring different genres of music or just chatting with friends.

Belinda TAN

HR Coordinator

I am currently pursuing my M.A. in Psychology (concentration on Social Psychology) at the University of the Philippines. My research interests involve close relationships, arts, culture, and technology. I am also an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working for public and private sectors that mainly involves learning and development. One significant insight I've learned from my discipline is to know, accept, and embrace yourself - despite your flaws and imperfections - to experience genuine and lasting growth as a person. Working and contributing to the advocacy of The Lannang Archives is putting that theory into practice. I am now embracing my Lannang heritage that had been mostly ignored and under-appreciated most of my life. And, on my way to understand and value our language and culture - that part of myself. Yes, I am all that plus being a couch potato and a cat mom.

Steffi Anne CHONG

Creatives Director; Technology Coordinator; Junior Research Assistant

I am a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Grace Christian College. Designer for an accounting firm by day, and a night-owl gang homie by night. I have always taken interest in things that are related to my bicultural identity. It's an honor to be able to take part in contributing and supporting the organization's advocacy in conserving the Lannang heritage.

Clifford DE JESUS

Ad-hoc Video Editor

I am a Literary and Cultural Studies sophomore at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila. The idea of how literature resonates the beauty of a specific culture fascinates me endlessly. I use my major in creating stories for my digital arts projects, digital content and videos, for various companies and individuals. I have also been part of professional media-related projects that involve the creation of original outputs such as MTVs and photography. Capturing moments of human experiences is my ode to literature and culture wherein I pour all my hard work and dedication in creating my very own "opus".

Jennifer SUN

Co-Host, #LannangTalks

I graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas, and worked in the corporate world as a Supply Chain planner. After three years, I pursued my first love, and started teaching preschool children in MGC New Life Christian Academy, took up education units and licensure exam for teachers. I am on my 9th year as an educator, and currently teaching in a progressive preschool, and doing online Mandarin and Hokkien classes for kids and adults alike. Aside from being a teacher, I am also a contributing writer for Church Strengthening Ministry’s Take Heart: Letters of Faith, Hope and Love, Scripture Union’s Light to My Path, and Keys for Kids Ministries’ Unlocked Devotional. In my free time, I write blog posts in whenateacherwrites.wordpress.com. Hokkien is my first language, and I am proud to say that even until now, I think in Hokkien! It’s my desire and passion to teach this rich language to the next generation.

Lance SIBI

Project Head: Lannang Orthography to Lannangdi input method for Rime

I am a Management Information Systems graduate from Ateneo de Manila University and currently a part-time Mandarin tutor for Chinese school students in the Philippines. As someone who is of half-Lannang heritage wanting to learn Lannang-ue, I found it disheartening not to find an abundance of resources for learning the Philippine variant of Hokkien or the Philippine Hybrid Hokkien (Lannang-ue) language. As my interest grew for Chinese culture and being of Chinese descent, I wanted to learn not only the worldwide standard Mandarin but also the largest Chinese variety used in the Philippines, which are Philippine Hokkien and Lannang-ue. I am glad to be part of preserving our language and heritage.

Sannie GO HO

Website Manager

I am a registered pharmacist who has work experience in insurance underwriting and web content publishing. Currently, I am on a new chapter of my career where I am exploring the field of experience design. My hobbies include reading manhua and light novels.

Dennis ERESTAIN

Website Manager

I am a Computer Engineer and have been in the web content management field for almost 10 years, managing a wide array of digital portfolios and leading a diverse and high performing web team. I am currently exploring the field of experience design and UX/UI. I am a movie goer, coffee lover, and addicted to Manga/Manhwa/Manhua.

Dave Ryan Mikhail GO

Contributor; Project Head

I graduated from Ateneo de Manila with History and Diplomacy and International Relations. I have minors in Asian and European Studies, Literature and Cultural Heritage. Due to my passion for languages and history, I am currently taking my Master's in Linguistics in UP Diliman. I also work as a teacher and will be in Japan. Being in the Lannang Archives, I believe in advocating for and preserving this unique heritage and language.

Misha Ysabel HWANG

Project Head - Automated Transcription/#AskALannang

I am an aspiring Data Scientist on the weekdays and an advocate for Tsinoy culture and language on the weekends. During my childhood, I used to wonder how I may contribute to preserving the Hokkien dialect one day. And 15 years later, I am volunteering and supporting the initiatives of The Lannang Archives, hoping to apply Data Science to aid in the preservation of the language.

Rauha Huigiok LIM

Project Head - Philippine Hokkien Dictionary

I'm a Physics major in Ateneo De Manila with no formal linguistic background, but growing up speaking English, Tagalog, Philippine Hokkien, and Mandarin introduced me to the world of languages early on. When a friend wanted to learn Hokkien from me in high school, I realized the lack of research in this field, and that I may witness language death if nothing was done. I'm glad to have discovered The Lannang Archives in May 2020 as a place to contribute with like-minded people. Many languages have gotten my interest, but I just couldn't leave Hokkien on the side.

Mikhaela CAO

Contributor

I am a writer and author interested in Lannang culture and heritage.

Robyn LIM

Member

Robyn is an incoming freshman at UC Berkeley interested in the intersection of art, technology, and social studies. She has worked for multiple organizations in High School, having spearheaded a mentorship program, pioneered an interscholastic conference, and mobilized fundraisers for families in Manila and Zambales. These experiences have allowed her to grow both as a communicator and as an artist, expanding her graphic design skills from platforms like Canva to more complex softwares like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Often playing with words, colors and shapes, she hopes to continue to use her voice and craft in bridging disparities through The Lannang Archives. Indeed, Robyn likes to spruce up visuals and rave about Chinese culture, though other times, she can be found watching historical dramas, singing ‘80s karaoke, or listening to some nice, soothing music.

Sigmund Ban SIY

Contributor

Sigmund Ban Siy is an Engineering student currently in Mapua University. He developed his love and passion in Chinese culture through his Xavier Chinese Experience (XCE) trips back in Yunnan and Beijing in the year¬ 2014 and 2016, respectively. From then on, he started engaging himself in learning more about Mandarin and Min Nan.

Through his experience as an exchange student in Taiwan during the Fall Semester of the year 2019, his eyes were opened more to learning about different cultures, especially the different Minnan Dialects (Taiwanese, Xiamen, Penang, Manila, etc.) he was exposed to.

In joining The Lannang Archives, he aims to help preserve the Minnan language by sharing his experiences through his passion in writing poems, essays, articles, and the like.

Joshe TIU

Member

I graduated BS Management and AB Chinese Studies with Minors in Southeast Asian Studies and International Business from Ateneo de Manila University. I have deep interest in language and culture as I believe that each and every one of us have our own unique cultures. As a member of the Chinese community in the Philippines, I would like to take part in not only preserving the Lannang heritage, but also to promote it as we move forward with our lives. My passion in life is to do international business. As I travel and go to different places in the future, I would like to bring with me my identity; my identity as a Southeast Asian, my identity as a Filipino, and my identity as a Chinese-Filipino.

Gretch GABRAL

Member

I'm an advocate of Philippine Hokkien and its language variants. In TLA, I found an inclusive community that communicates the rich culture & history of a part of my roots. A little background of me: an engineer by profession, draws digital arts in my spare time and loves asian cuisines. As a member of TLA, i get to spark interests and discourses among audience via our platforms.

Paola Ciarra VALENCIA

Coordinator

I am a Bachelor of Laws graduate from San Beda University.
I have always been interested in learning about other cultures. Being a part of this organization will help me gain a deeper level of understanding of the culture. It will be an honor for me to be a part of a reputable organization that is actively advocating for the preservation of the Lannang heritage.

Chelsea CUE

Member

I am a Multimedia Arts graduate from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and I’m currently working as a freelance photographer.

My favorite photography subjects have always been the people around me as well as the stories they share. With the help of language, I find that I am better able to understand and connect with everything more deeply. I think it’s fascinating how we use communication to find meaning in our identities, bridge gaps between cultures and histories, in order for us to have a more profound view of the world.

When I’m not working, I am a film aficionado, a culinary enthusiast, and an aspiring barista with a tendency to overwater plants.

Jianne Nicole UY

Co-coordinator

I finished my bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (magna cum laude) at the University of Santo Tomas. I currently work as a full-time teacher during the day, and a visual artist at night. I also help out as a volunteer at the Lannang Archives.

My interest in languages and my heritage is the primary reason why I joined The Lannang Archives. Aside from learning and meeting new people who share the same interests as me, I also hope that through my abilities, I could contribute in the betterment of Lannang-ue for our future generations.

In my leisure time, I love to get myself updated with the latest trends in the art scene, slurping some ramen, and gulping milk teas.

Jan Keanu PLANTILLA

Co-coordinator

Keanu likes to ride the waves and just go with the flow making sure that things sail smoothly even in rough waters. He is occasionally a poet and writes pieces that drive positive social impact. When he's not writing, you can find him binge-watching random series on Netflix. He is currently a marketing specialist for The Lannang Archives.

Louward Allen ZUBIRI

Contributor

Louward Allen Zubiri is a Ph.D. student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a student affiliate at East-West Center. He finished his BA and MA in Linguistics at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

His research interests are in the areas of description, documentation, and revitalization of non-dominant and/or underdescribed Philippine languages and scripts. He is interested in how description, documentation, and revitalization are informative of and interdependent with policymaking, education, community development, and heritage awareness.

As a long term ally of cultural and educational rights movement particularly on the use of the mother tongue, he has undertaken community engagements with a focus on advocacy, training, and research on, for, and with indigenous cultural communities in the Philippines.

Sharmaine IBARRA

Contributor

I am currently a Korean government scholar pursuing Master's degree in Film at Dongseo University - Busan, South Korea. For 4 years, I worked as a Program Researcher and News Script Producer for several newscast in GMA Network, including 24 Oras, Unang Hirit and Saksi. I always fascinated about world culture. But being part of The Lannang Archives doesn't only made me interested about the unique Lannang heritage in the Philippines but also to conserve and share it.

Micchaela KING

Content Producer

I’m currently taking my Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman and doing freelance projects involving illustration and design on the side.

However, I always have a big interest in language learning. As a person who grew up in a hybrid culture with Filipino and Chinese roots, language is a defining factor of cultures and I’m glad to be taking part in something that helps preserve my own culture heritage and at the same time connect with the Lannang language even more.

On my spare time, I look out for new baking recipes and juggle between 5 different Japanese mobages everyday.

Merwin Leon CHAN

Trainee Research Assistant

I graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), Specialization in Enterprise Systems, but I have a passion and interest for history and ethnolinguistics, so I have been an active contributor too in such domains like, Wiktionary, Quora, Wikipedia and other such apps. With my background as part of growing up immersed in the Chinese Filipino culture and all such languages heard or used through the years, I aid in supporting the initiatives for this heritage.

Giana Mae NUNCIO

Trainee Research Assistant

A graduate from Ateneo de Manila University with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with Materials Science and Engineering, I am innately curious about the workings of the world. Aside from being an advocate of science and health, I am also interested in various languages and cultures, particularly in East Asia and Southeast Asia. I deeply appreciate my Chinese-Filipino heritage and am enthusiastic in preserving and documenting the use of Hokkien in the Philippines in hopes of preventing its loss in the future generations. Growing up, learning Chinese meant learning only Mandarin and I found it such a pity that Hokkien, the language integral to the Chinese-Filipino community, was not taught as well. Since Philippine Hokkien was passed on from generation to generation verbally, the lack of published resources and standardization make it difficult to learn for a non-native speaker. I work to overcome this challenge and make the language more accessible for those interested to reconnect to their roots or to learn a new language.

Victoria ANG

Trainee Research Assistant; Member

I am a graduate of University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Architecture. The importance of Chinese culture and language has always been impressed upon me from an early age. Despite that, conversing with my fellow Chinese has always been hard. With our generation, you can tell that it is difficult for many to use Hokkien or any of the Sino-Philippine languages for everyday use. It shows how our Chinese culture here in the Philippines is disappearing. Living in the Philippines, a lot of us forget that we are Chinese or of Chinese descent. I believe that Lannang Archives can change this. I believe that this organization can bring back the Chinese culture in the Philippines. I want to take this opportunity as a research assistant to expand my knowledge and experience, and also to enhance my knowledge of Hokkien and our Filipino-Chinese culture.

Nelson CHONG

Trainee Research Assistant

I am currently a student at the University of Hong Kong, taking up a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and majoring in both Accounting and Finance. Living in Hong Kong, I discovered how well-developed other Chinese dialects are and how this development helps them become preservable. It is then I realize the importance of my identity as a user of the Hokkien dialect and the need to preserve the beauty of it for future generations. Through volunteering in the Lannang Archives, I am given an ample opportunity to contribute to the development of PHH in our community. I look forward to working with you all in preserving our beautiful language.

Aya Sophia GAN

Junior Research Assistant

I am a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology graduate from De La Salle University of Manila. I am interested to practice honing my Hokkien language and to know more about the cultural impact that the Hokkien language had in the Philippines. In my spare time, I volunteer in The Lannang Archives.

Norlene CHUA

Junior Research Assistant

I am a pharmacist by profession but I am also interested in linguistics. I am enthusiastic to be involved in activities that preserve different cultures and traditions such as this initiative. I also want to improve my Hokkien and to share this with people who are also interested to learn the language. Thus, I volunteer for The Lannang Archives on my own time.

Elsie OR

UP-TLA Liaison Officer

I teach linguistics and Chinese Mandarin at the University of the Philippines Diliman. I am currently engaged in different Philippine language documentation projects, and presently working with the Buhid Mangyan community in Oriental Mindoro in building a dictionary for their language. My research is mostly on the morphosyntactic structures of Philippine languages. However, I am also interested in studying second/foreign language learning, as well as language contact. In my spare time, I volunteer in The Chinoy Archives.