The following Tercentenary Lectures on Science and Art entitled “In the Spirit of Linnaeus” started from January 11th and still on going until February 22nd 2007, so far have been successful with numbers of students attended. The event is to highlight the 60 years diplomatic relation between Philippines and Sweden.
Up to January 31st, a total of 980 students attended the lectures in seven different school and universities. The top three highest numbers of attendees were at a Lyceum of the Philippines University which was held last 26 January with a number of 360 students attended; University of Santo Tomas and International School Manila which was held last 15 and 22 January respectively attended by 220 students in each institution.
An essential part of the lectures is the Linnaeus Essay Competition which aims to stimulate the curiosity and interest among students in the philosophies of Linnaeus and to enhance a deeper understanding about his guiding principles and methods. The winner will receive among others an all-expense paid trip to Sweden and his/her guardian to be able to participate in the celebrations at Uppsala, Sweden on Linnaeus’s birthday, 23 May.
The awarding Ceremony for the Linnaeus Essay Competition will be held on Thursday, 22 February at the Swedish Residence along with the opening of an Art Exhibition by renowned Filipino artist, Manny Baldemor who painted Philippines orchids as a tribute to the botanical advances of Carl Linnaeus.
Another exciting activity in the year-long celebration includes Ingmar Bergman Retrospective and Exhibit which plan to be part of this year’s Cinemanila Film Festival scheduled in July. Moreover, series of lectures by a Nobel Laureate will also be held.
The series of events are hosted by the Swedish Embassy in collaboration with Ericsson Telecommunications, Mandarin Oriental Manila, Sandvik, and Scandinavian Airlines, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications International AB, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Phils.), Inc. and SCA Hygiene Products Corporation.
