Josefino "Penn" Tulabing Larena Jr. in the field of Arts and Culture ,Heritage & Education

Josefino Tulabing Larena Jr. (born 1979) Nickname Penn is a Historian, travel and lifestyle writer, educator, civic leader,artist, Poet, Knights of Rizal, farmer, tour guide, cultural worker, consumer leader,Red Cross Volunteer and Heritage advocate from Bais City Negros Oriental, Philippines. He is known in Dumaguete City for his community involvement as a member of the Dumaguete City Tourism Council from 2001 to 2018. Consumerism activities with CAI –Consumers Advocate Inc & Vice President with the partnership of the Department of Trade and Industry.Founding member of the Dumaguete City Festival & Arts Society Inc.and Negros Oriental Alliance of Arts  & Culture Advocates 

Biography

Josefino Tulabing Larena Jr. fondly called Penn the youngest son of Josefino Villanueva Larena Sr. a Sugar Planter, Softdrink Sales Man and Punong Barangay of Barangay Sra. Acion ,San Jose Negros Oriental ( 20 years ) and Leonaga Hermoso Tulabing  ,a registered nurse, government school nurse ( 28 years) and after her retirement she was into farming sugar cane, coconut and rental spaces. The mother is a Poet and Reading Advocate , he experienced a diverse religious upbringing came from an Ecumenism family the father is Protestant and the Mother is Roman Catholic.

Family Heritage

David Rubio Larena Sr. his grandfather was a famous Vice Mayor and town councilor of Sibulan Negros Oriental youngest son of the first civil Governor of Negros Oriental and local Hero  Demetrio Larena y de Sandes and Josefina Villacampa Rubio from landed Somoza, Pastrano & Rubio Clan of Bais City, His grandmother Florenda Baena Villanueva is the second daughter of the late Governor Enrique Teves Villanueva and Francisca Gomez Baena of Bais City and member of the biggest Clan of Dumaguete Pinili, Teves and Villamil Clan.

Mother side he is the grandson of Leoncio Buquiran Tulabing a Public school Teacher, School Principal, District Supervisor, and Social Sciences Professor after his retirement, a native of Sta. Cruz “Old Palanas “ Tanjay City .His grandfather is the son of Simplicio Tulabing of Palanas ,Ginatilan Cebu married to Chinese-Spanish mestizo Francisca Torres Buquiran a budbud maker a town popular native delicacy they called it ” budbud de Tanjay” .

His grandmother Agapita Jungoy. Hermoso -Tulabing of Puan in the historic town of Vallehermoso his grandmother is the daughter of  Don Cirilo Geopano Hermoso from the Villegas, Vergara and de la Vina Clan of Northern Negros and descendants of famous Negrense Heroes Don Deigo de la Viña, Pantaleon ” Leon Kilat” Villegas,Pelagio Vergara Villegas  and Don Ciriaco Ollades .

Educational Background

Larena studied Elementary education at Negros Oriental State University former CVPC ( 1986-1992 ), secondary education at Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria ( COSCA) Batch 1996.Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science 2000-2001 in Silliman University (Dumaguete City,Philippines) where he graduated with a Certificate in Philippine Studies.

Masters of Arts in History 30 unites earned from Negros Oriental State University and Master in Public Administration degree in 2011 from St. Paul University in Dumaguete and Certificate in Professional Education 2015 in the same University. Post Graduate studies in Public Administration ongoing

Academic

Larena also does philatelic stamp collecting, and teaching Tourism, Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, History, Entrepreneurship, Humanities, Rizal, Economics, Literature, Ethics, and Social Sciences at St. Paul University Dumaguete , where he was the founding Lecture coordinator of the Prof. Ambrosio Pinili Somoza Lecture Series in Social Sciences since 2015, and a member of the editorial of the Art, History and Heritage Committee for Confluence Journal is the official research publication of faculty researches which cater to all research-based scholarly works and articles of the teaching workforce. It contains a variety of themes and topics such as health, education, humanities, business, information technology, and spirituality. In 2017 he received the Service Award from SPUD. Appointed as External Affairs Director and Head of the Alumni Office School year 2019-2020.

Larena is 2022 Distinguished Service Awardee and  2024 Crystal Service Awardee  from St. Paul University Dumaguete.Elected to the Alumni Board for two years term at the Silliman University Alumni Association Inc ,Dumaguete City Chapter 2024 to 2026 

Larena marked his journey  in 2024 his 18 years in the academic started in 2005 as a part-time teacher with 21 unites subject load from the Social Sciences Negros Oriental State University, Guest Lecturer ,Foundation University and  Full Time St. Paul University  since 2008. 

Research and Publication 

In the Field of Research Larena did studies in the Agricultural technique of farmers in Negros Oriental as college research under the late Dr. Imelda Y. Flores in 1998 and The Political life of Gov. Demetrio Larena “ Man of Faith and Service “ in 2000.In 2006 Culinary traditions in Negros Oriental for the coffee table book “Buglas” ( unpublished),the History of Miss Dumaguete in 2007 with Jessica D. Layumas.St. Paul University Dumaguete gave Larena a landmark in Historical Research such The History of Streets in Dumaguete its development in 2009 a financial grant of 35,000 pesos from Sr.Ma. Nilda Masirag,SPC and the SPUD Research and Publication Office.Serafin Lajato Teves : Old Houses research in 2010 and part of 2017 Confluence Journal Vol. 8.issue. Political History of Vallehermoso a social sciences faculty research 2015-2017.

In 2017 Larena had prevailed to work with Central Azucarera de Bais on its 100 years as their official Historian for the CAB 100years 1917- 2018. Research adviser and winner in the Paper Presentation during the First University Research Fair 2018 paper title THE PERCEPTION OF GRADE TWELVE PIONEERING BATCH OF the ACADEMIC YEAR 2017-2018 OF SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY DUMAGUETE IN HAVING THE K12 CURRICULUM.

In 2010 He met Miss Vilma Bravo the sister of the owner of Dayon Magazine Atty Ediberto Bravo after the time which he has begun to write an article for the magazine.

He also  wrote the history of the Rizal Monument of Bais City, the life of Enrique Teves Villanueva political life ,Gov. Guillermo Zozimo Teves Villanueva and his war story and Post Office and Postal Stamp development of Dumaguete, Political History of Dumaguete it was presented in the Second Conference in the History of Dumaguete

Tourism

Larena is one of the first accredited Tour Guide in Negros Island by the Department of Tourism 2001-2012, because of his busy schedule 2013 to the present he is known as heritage and adventure Tour guide .In 2015 he was one of the national  finalist coming  from Central Visayas for the Tourism Star Philippines (TSP) in Tourism Education & Cultural Heritage.

Tourism Educator for 8 years in St. Paul University Dumaguete and pioneering organizing committee in the First Annual Provincial Tourism Month and Tourism Congress  in 2008

Tourism Organization

Dumaguete City Tourism Council from 2001 to 2016.

Negros Island Tour Guide Association in the Philippines 2001 to 2006

Negros Oriental Tour Guide Association 2007 to the present

Negros Tour Guide Club 2008 to the Present

Tourism Achievement

Miss Dumaguete Committee 2002 to 2009 Reception Committee & Executive Committee

Dumaguete City Santa Cruzan Festival 2002 to 2006 Executive Committee

Kabulakan Festival 2007 to 2011 Executive Committee

Charter Day Celebration Mass, Anniversary  Dinner ,Arts & Crafts Bazaar Committee 2002 to 2015

Beautification Committee of the Jose Rizal Boulevard 2002 to 2015

Wow Philippines Dumaguete & Negros  Oriental in Intramuros Manila Executive Committee member 2003

Liason Officer of the Alameda- Dumaguete Sisterhood  City Visited 2015

Facilitator , 

Bais-Pamilacan Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour for boat operator & fishermen 2004-2005

Resource Person of the Basley Farmer Community tour guiding Seminar June 2018 -DOT 
Central Visayas

Resource Person of the Balanan & Twin Lakes Sibulan Farmer Community tour guiding Seminar 
Sept. 2017 -DOT Central Visayas

Arts and Culture

Larena was part of so many endeavors in the field of Arts and Culture such as the Historical Marker committee with Jessica Layumas and Imelda Jaybee Flores Aquino Campañario ,City Hall and Jose Rizal Boulevard. One of the few delegates to the Instituto Cervantes de Manila in 2005 summer school. As a cultural Worker, he was chairman of the first-ever Handumanan sa Dumaguete photo exhibit to launch the celebration of the National Heritage Month in 2012. According to Penn Larena, chairperson of the Heritage Exhibit Committee, it is hoped that through the photos on exhibit until next week, people will learn to appreciate the glories of the past, as well as emulate the historical figures and personages who have helped develop Dumaguete to become what it is today, making a mark in public service, arts and culture,

good governance, civic involvement, religiosity, academe, tourism and hospitality, entertainment, business, and community endeavors.

Adapted from the Visayan word handumanan which means sweet remembrance, the vintage photos in the exhibit also include a commemoration of 25 years of the Salesian Fathers of Don Bosco who run the St. Louis School-Don Bosco in Dumaguete, the Negros Revolution of 1898, past mayors of Dumaguete, and the centennial anniversary of the History and Political Science Department of Silliman University this year.

Arts and Culture Achievements

Heritage Exhibit LGU Booth Committee  Buglasan Festival 2006 to 2014

Reception Committee 2^nd International Rondalla Festival

Delegate to the 2017 West Visayas Regional Museum Congress

Delegate to the 10th International Conference on Philippine Studies  in 2016

Delegate to the CCP Regional Dance Worshop in 2003 Dumaguete & Bacolod in 2005

Provincial Coordinator for Negros Oriental National Indigenous People Month 2005

Lifetime member of Cebu Stamp Club Inc.

Delegate to the Festival Management Training and Workshop 2011 & 2014

Organizing Committee  and Lecture to the Second History of Dumaguete Seminar 2015

Assistant Treasurer Dumaguete Festival & Arts Festival Inc 2017 to the Present

Organizing Committee National Heritage Month Celebration in Dumaguete in 2011 to 2015

Heritage Clean Up drive  for Monument,Historical sites and Public Plaza a projects with DUFAS, St. Paul University Dumaguete &  History Class Sir Penn Larena since 2014 to the Present.

Cultural Mapping of Bais City in 2017

CAB Centennial Committee 2017-2018

SPUD High School Centennial Celebration in 2017

History & Political Science Department Centennial Executive Committee in 2012

Delegate to the National Heritage Summit 2016

Coordinator for SPUD Lutas X- Binisaya Negros Oriental Film Festival  Aug 16,2018

Delegate to the NCCA Cultural Awareness Oct 2018

Coordinator of the cleanup and beautification of Dumaguete American Cemetery 

Resource Speaker  during the development of Bais City local Heritage Theme Matrix,Sept 30,2021

Coordinator of the Literary Night April 23,2022 partnership Negros Oriental Arts &Culture Office

Resource Speaker  Heritage Forum Negros Oriental State University Nov 17,2023 ,NORSU Audio Video Room

Moderator of the Paulinian Arts Society since 2022 to the present 

Moderator ,SPUD Paulinian Photographers Guild AY 2022-2023

Member of the 100 years Centennial Celebration of the Capitol building May 2024

 Family Heritage Achievement

Secretary of the Pinili Clan & Pinili  Cultural Educational Heritage Society 2014 to the Present

Pinili Clan Family Tree Committee 2009 to the Present

Youth Representative of the Villanueva Clan Bais City from 1999 to 2005

Teves Clan Family Tree Book contributor
Coordinator of the Larena Clan of Bais City & San Jose16th Larena Clan Reunion Negros Oriental 2018.

Boy Scouting Life

Boy Scout History of Mr. Penn T.Larena Jr. started as Kab and Junior Scout @ C.V.P.C now Negros Oriental State University 1987-1992 ,Senior Scout @ Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria 1992-1996, he was awarded a Presidential Merit Award for Scouting and Volunteerism in May 1996 from the COSCA President 

Rover Scout of Silliman University Batch 1999, a full member from 1999 to  2001, and Paul Doltz Service Awardee in 1999. Merit Badge Counsellor in 2018 ,he wrote several articles about Boy Scout events, activities, and first person to write a short History of Boy Scouts in Negros Oriental from 1920s to 2014. BSP member for the fiscal year 2018 to the present. Delegate to 2019 National Scouting Jamboree in Botolan Zambales .Rover Scout Larena also serves on the Board of Review for the BSP.

He is also the guest speaker of the 2020 and 2021  Philippine Independence Day celebration of the BSP Negros Oriental -Siquijor Council . Virtual Speaker of the National Scouting Kick-off of the local council .He is a recipient of the 2020 National Bronze Service Award  and Silver Service Award in 2021 from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. 

He was the former  Outfit Adviser of the St. Paul University Scouting Troop for the School Year 2022-2023

Literature

A Negrosanon  Poet some of his works were influenced by family ,relatives and friends. Some of his works including Everlasting love 2001,Hacienda in 2013,Photograph 2014, Hometown 2015,Rizal 2016, The space between us 2018, Spanish Bread of Jose Rafael  2018,  Pretty Girl  2018 ,The lights 2019,The Room 2020 , Lockdown 2021, Memoir of Calle Tavera 2021 and Stranger of the midnight summer 2022.

2024 -French Kiss ,Passionate Sunset,Fellow Traveler ,Lalimar  

He also wrote a short stories Hacienda de Monteclaro

He is a nephew of  Literary icons in the Philippines like Fr. Rudy Villanueva aka in literature Renato Madrid, Dr. Elsa Martinez – Coscolluela,Atty .David C. Martinez, Lilius Pinili,Dr. Tichie Saycon E. Baena ,Atty Arturo Valencia Umbac, and Simon Anton Niño Diego Galera Baena .

Vice chair Buglas Reading & Writers Club

Literature Review 

Penn Larena's literary journey is a tapestry woven from personal experiences, familial influences, and a deep connection to his community. As a poet and storyteller, his works resonate with themes of love, heritage, introspection, and the rich tapestry of life in Dumaguete and beyond.

Poetic Reflections on Life and Love

Penn's poetry reflects a profound sensitivity to human emotions and relationships. Titles such as "Everlasting Love" (2001), "Hometown" (2015), and "The Space Between Us" (2018) evoke nostalgia and a sense of place, capturing the essence of belonging and longing. These pieces often draw inspiration from his personal experiences and connections with family, friends, and his community, resonating with readers through their heartfelt sincerity and relatable themes.

Cultural and Historical Reverence

In "Rizal" (2016) and "Spanish Bread of Jose Rafael" (2018), Penn pays homage to Philippine history and cultural heritage. These poems celebrate figures and traditions that have shaped Filipino identity, demonstrating his role not only as a poet but also as a custodian of cultural memory. His ability to intertwine personal reflections with broader historical narratives enriches his poetry, making it a poignant commentary on the complexities of Filipino heritage and society.

Literary and Community Engagement

Beyond his poetic endeavors, Penn's influence extends to fostering literary appreciation and community engagement. As Vice Chair of the Buglas Reading & Writers Club and with publications such as "Diamond City" in the Hutik Literary Journal (Bacolod City), he promotes local literary talent and cultural dialogue. His role as a reading advocate underscores his commitment to nurturing a vibrant literary community in Dumaguete and beyond, bridging generations and genres through storytelling and creative expression.

Photo from St. Paul University 

Rizalian Life :A life of a Patriot and A knights of Rizal 

In 2018 he has given a chance by St. Paul University Dumaguete to attend as a Delegate to the National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute ( NRYLI) Date : Dec  8-13,2018 Venue : Teacher’s Camp Baguio City.He  was able to meet the knights of Rizal like Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, Sir Mark Boado, Sir Lutz Garbo, Sir Ed Mesa,Prof. Xiao Chua, Sir Jonathan Balsamo and Alexander Tabor Jordan from  Laguna encouraged me to join the organization of the brotherhood of the Knights of Rizal .

 

It was the Visayas  Regional Commander Farid L. Baena,KCR calls him up to re-organized the knights of Rizal in Negros Oriental to coordinate with Sir Charles Lelis Tuozo a medical student of Silliman University and was an officer of the KOR Cebu City Chapter and Sir Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Crescencio C Tan Jr JAGS (RES) .The rest was History.

 

Another landmark of being a Rizalian educator he was sent to the CHED Faculty Training for the Teaching of the new  General Education (GE) Rizal life ,and Works .from  : Nov. 11,18,2017,Dec 2.9,2017, Jan 13,27,2018,Venue : University of San Jose-Recoletos. Sponsored: by the Commission of Higher Education.

 

As Rizaliana educator he was able to form a lecture series about the Patriotic life of Jose Rizal at St. Paul University Dumaguete,Foundation University, La Consolacion College Bais City, Demolay, and Boy Scouts of the Philippines  .Since 2016 he was the moderator of community activities in his Rizal Class feeding program, Storytelling among the children in the barangay, Tree planting, school supply donations for public schools, coastal clean-up, medical mission, value formation, and Heritage Clean Up Drive.

 

He was elected to the position of the Knights of Rizal as Deputy Chapter Commander of the Negros Oriental Chapter with the rank of Knights Officer of Rizal Medal due to his service and dedication in 2020 he was recommended to exaltation to the rank of Knights Commander of Rizal KCR .In the past two years and more than he has been involved in the said organizations. He was active in the organization activities such as the community pantry during the pandemic, National Heroes Day ,Rizal Day,Rizal birthday Program and speaker during Rizal Forum in both Public & Private Schools. He also supported the KOR Tanjay City Chapter in all their endeavor like the pop art public exhibit ,Book donation, Leon Kilat Day ,Art donation to camp Leon kilat, Freedom Breath program and Road Sign program.

 

He became the Chairperson of the Rizal Essay Writing Contest ( college students) for the past 2 years in Negros Oriental by the Knight of Rizal .He produced two Top Ten Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines Amzelle Diego Laspiñas ( 2021) and Reynalene Ceynas ( 2018).

National Medal of Honor Awardee 

Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR)    2024
Knight Commander of Rizal (KCR)        2022
Knight Officer of Rizal (KOR)                 2021
Knight of Rizal (KR)                               2021

Distinguished Service Medal         2023