Memoir

Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr

I joined De La Salle University in 1975. At that time, it had just been granted university status. Dr. Emerita Quito, my aunt-in-law, recommended me to Br. Andrew Gonzalez who was then the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. I had just finished my M.S. in Radio-Television-Film at University of Kansas, in Lawrence, Kansas, under a Fulbright scholarship. There was a plan in DLSU to develop a program in Communication Arts, so I was hired to join the faculty specifically for that purpose. The program started under the Department of Languages and Literature. There I met Cirilo Bautista and, later, Isagani Cruz. In 1980, the program became a separate Department of Communication Arts. I ran the department until 1985 when I left to pursue a doctoral degree in Film Studies at University of Iowa. It was a difficult, but enjoyable, period in my academic life. And memorable too, because my one and only child, Ida Anita, was born in 1986.

I came back to De La Salle University in 1994 with my Ph.D. diploma. It was at this time that I had heard about Marjorie Evasco as one of the “stars” in the Department of Literature. My dissertation, Native Resistance: Philippine Cinema and Colonialism 1898-1945, was assigned to Dr. Marj for editing. I don’t remember having a meeting with Dr. Marj about the book, but it was published soon enough. I noticed a detail towards the end of the book that was edited out. I just thought that Dr. Marj might have found that detail not quite appropriate for a scholarly book.

I continued teaching – and doing films on the side. I had another memorable encounter with Dr. Marj when I consulted her about the process of an award-giving body. Apparently, I was not too happy with the process; Dr. Marj, upon hearing my opening remarks, immediately gestured agitatedly as if driving out some negative vibes. I smiled and thought that this woman would not have anything negative to destroy her day.

In 2005, my daughter Ida Anita was looking for a school where she could pursue a college degree. She passed the exams at U.P., Ateneo, and De La Salle University. She was considering a program in Literature. I advised her to look at the faculty. She decided on De La Salle University, because of Dr. Marjorie Evasco. Ida made the right choice.

In 2008, I had to officially retire from the university. DLSU had been, and continues to be, supportive of my career. I was given a grant to do a film Paglipad ng Anghel for the centenary celebration of the university. Furthermore, I am able to teach as Professor Emeritus. My connection with Dr. Marj, who is also a University Fellow and Professor Emeritus, continues.