Written by Leslie Dayote
Photos courtesy of UB Psychology Students
The PAPJA Annual Convention, short for the Psychological Association of the Philippines – Junior Affiliates, has been a national gathering of undergraduate psychology students since 1987. It provides a space for students from different colleges and universities across the country to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared interest in psychology through plenary talks, competitions, and workshops.
This tradition carried on smoothly each year until the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a halt. After three years, PAPJA returned in a virtual format in 2024. However, it wasn’t until March 29-30, 2025, that the much-anticipated face-to-face convention finally resumed. The result was the biggest turnout yet, with 7,500 students from all over the Philippines registering to attend the 38th Annual Convention.
Among the attendees were 14 students from the University of Baguio, six from the fourth-year batch, and eight from the third-year, accompanied by psychology faculty members Prof. Lora Janis Dangatan and Prof. Christian Bistayan. Thanks to the support from the university, the plan was made possible, easing the financial load for the participants. The team traveled to Manila a day before the event, ensuring enough rest before the exciting schedule ahead.
Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, the first day featured plenary sessions and contests centered on the theme “Celebrating Glocal Milestones and Navigating Trends in Research and Practice.” The theme emphasized valuing community-rooted accomplishments while embracing global innovation. The keynote speaker, Dr. Ma. Regina M. Hechanova Alampay—a 2024 Outstanding Psychologist and Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher—spoke about expanding footprints in health and well-being. A panel discussion followed, with the theme “From Theory to Reality: Leveraging Psychology in the Digital Age,” featuring notable figures in the field, including Lilian Ng Gui, Riyan Portuguez, Rea Celine Villa, Yuri Marshall, Paula Glenda Cheng, and Alyssa Kae Alegre Lavadia. At the same time, UB senior psychology students Leslie Dayote, Mellanie Ferrer, and Jeon Lucero participated in the Inter School Psychology Quiz Bee Elimination Round.
In the afternoon, the final round of the Quiz Bee was held, followed by the awarding of winners in various competitions like best undergraduate thesis, songwriting composition, PSYclips, Quiz Bee champions, and TranscenDANCE. The day ended with a fellowship night where participants from different schools came together to unwind and enjoy a live performance by the NU MOA Dance Hive Band which was an experience that truly brought out the spirit of community and celebration.
The second day of the convention was held at NU MOA, where students attended their choice of workshop—one in the morning or afternoon—from a list of over 110 workshops. UB participants chose sessions that matched their personal interests, including those on Sikolohiyang Pilipino, CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, self-compassion, religion, and neuroscience. Other options also covered areas such as art and creativity, research, photography, personal development, neurodivergence, intersectionality, counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, career development, gender, and various psychological disorders. At the same time, faculty members may attend a special session on creative strategies for classroom management and fostering a positive learning environment.
As the event drew to a close, the UB Psychology students returned to Baguio City with hearts full and minds enriched. The two-day convention may have ended, but the stories and experiences it brought continue to echo in the minds of those who attended. For the UB Psychology students, the PAPJA Convention wasn’t just a trip. It was a spark. It reignited their passion for the field, expanded their perspectives, and reminded them of the value of connecting with others who share the same purpose.
Participating in the 38th PAPJA Annual Convention was more than just an opportunity. It was a transformative experience. After years of limited interaction due to the pandemic, this face-to-face gathering reminded students of the power of community, collaboration, and shared passion for psychology. It wasn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it was about building connections, exploring personal interests, and finding inspiration in the collective enthusiasm of the psychological community.
As one of the speakers shared, “Being in a room filled with thousands of future psychologists and psychometricians made me feel like I’m truly part of something bigger.”
In a field that thrives on understanding people, gatherings like this remind us that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It continues in moments of shared laughter, questions asked boldly, ideas exchanged freely, and connections formed unexpectedly. Psychology is not just studied; it’s lived—and this convention was a testament to that.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
