Introduction

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— Could you tell us about your personal and professional journey?

I am what most people will consider as a “Martial Law baby” having grown up during the Martial Law period in the Philippines. But it was only in high school and then in college that I believed that I could be part of a bigger social movement. Thus, I became part of political organizations and participated in the “People Power” revolution which ended the Marcos dictatorship. I joined Cory Aquino’s government after college, believing in the hope and promise of a new Philippines. But the disillusionment came quickly and this was when I decided to pursue graduate studies in the US. I’ve always believed in the power of history for change and I still do as a History Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and now as a Research Fellow at CSEAS, Kyoto University.

About Research

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— What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your research?

For my first book on the role of women in the Huk rebellion in the Philippines, I conducted oral history interviews with over a hundred women (and also men) who participated in the rebellion. As a historian, I find oral history as both a challenge and a rare gift—to be able to hear and tell the stories of people who experienced what you’re studying is ultimately gratifying. Oral history connects the past with the present. 

Research Inspiration

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— Is there a memorable episode with an impactful person(s), place, or thing that you encountered while doing your research?

For my first book, I met many amazing women who were guerrillas during World War II and participated in a rebellion during the postwar period in the Philippines. But I would consider that meeting and getting to know Celia Mariano-Pomeroy had the most profound impact on my life. Celia was the only woman who was part of the Politburo of the Communist Huk movement who was jailed for 10 years and went into exile in the UK. She was my first interviewee and I still remember encountering this petite, graceful and remarkable woman who lived quietly in a suburb of London, but remained abreast of and very passionate about global political events. She was warm, maternal, and truly inspiring. And very generous with sharing her political and personal life with me. My time with her affirmed my desire to be a historian—so I could record and tell such brave and remarkable lives—of people like Celia.

Societal Impact

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— How does your research contribute to addressing societal challenges or improving current situations?

Through my work on women and gender in Philippine history, I feel that I have contributed somehow in recognizing the important—and often marginalized—role of women in the making of Philippine society. Women were almost always portrayed as victims of World War II but my work challenges that notion to show not only the resilience but the heroism of women in history. I feel that putting women into the historical record ultimately benefits society as it gives us not only a more complete picture of historical events but also an opportunity to give these women the honor and place in history that they deserve.

Life Beyond Research

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— What was the most difficult moment or challenge in your life, and how did you overcome it?

I pursued a Ph.D. and an academic career because I love history, especially telling stories about our past. As a Professor, I love doing research and then imparting my knowledge to students. But I didn’t realize how difficult and challenging it was to gain tenure at an American university. These desires are not enough and you need to constantly prove yourself and also confront certain impressions and prejudices about yourself, especially as a woman of color in American academia. Needless to say, with hard work and the support of many people, I was able to gain tenure and continue to do the things that I love to do.

Advice for the Next Generation

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— What advice or tips would you give to younger scholars or young people interested in pursuing a career in your field or in becoming a researcher?

The best advice I’d like to give to younger scholars is to persevere. Being a researcher or an academic will not always be easy, but the rewards of doing what you love to do are so worth it. There are always challenges as a young scholar, but once you pass those hurdles, then it’s going to be a wonderful life—full of travel and adventure, and meeting kindred spirits. Don’t give up and always ask for and be grateful for the support that you’ll get. And you will always have help and support.

Looking Ahead

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— What is the next step in your research journey, what are the ongoing or upcoming projects that you are especially excited about?

I plan to continue to work on the history of women and gender in the Philippines. Hopefully, my work on the social history of marriage and divorce will contribute to the current debates in the country on these issues. The Philippines is the only country, aside from Vatican City, where divorce is still considered illegal. By showing a history where Filipinos, especially women, were able to petition to divorce, I hope to show another way forward. I also have a lot of other research ideas and I hope to pursue them.

Dr. Vina A. Lanzona is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and former director of the Center for Philippine Studies in the same university. She completed her M.A. at the New School of Social Research in New York and her Ph.D. in Southeast Asian History at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She teaches and does research on various topics on modern Southeast Asia including colonialism and postcolonialism, gender, women and revolution. Her current research is on the social history of marriage and divorce in the colonial Philippines.

To know more about her work and her views on history, please check out this interview

Also, her University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa website