The year-long celebration of the Manila Observatory’s 160th Anniversary finally kicked off last 25 April 2025. The festivities began with a Mass presided by Fr Jose Ramon T Villarin SJ, concelebrated by Fr Daniel J McNamara SJ and Fr Antonio M Basilio SJ. In his homily, Fr Villarin spoke of how our humanity keeps us humble and related this to the anniversary theme, “light from Light: Manila Observatory Beyond 2025”. He reminded us that as human beings, we do not make our own light. Instead, we reflect light that God creates.
The anniversary exhibit entitled “Seeking Light since 1865” was also officially opened with a tour of the Heritage Room which showcases the history of the Manila Observatory as well as the Solar Building where posters of MO’s current research are on display. With this, the Heritage Room is now open to the public, from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. Meanwhile, guided tours can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM to 12 PM or 3 PM to 5 PM. To sign up for tours, you may send an email to mo160@observatory.ph.
Lastly, the first AmBag lecture was held with EnP Alex Czar R Masiglat of Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation as resource speaker. He discussed the role of the private sector in climate resilience.
This event was attended by the MO community as well as MO’s mission partners and stakeholders including Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr Nathaniel T Servando, Executive Director Mr Silvestre Z. Barrameda Jr and Vice Admiral Alexander P Pama of the National Resilience Council, Ms Debbie N Tan of MVP Group of Companies, and Engr Liza B Silerio of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.
Stay tuned for more updates on the AmBag recap and other upcoming anniversary events!