On 23 April 2025, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines and the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED), launched Cosmic Journeys: Celebrating Philippines and Italy in Space at the UP NISMED Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City.
The opening ceremony was graced by H.E. Davide Giglio, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of Italy; Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, Chancellor, University of the Philippines Diliman; and Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Director General, Philippine Space Agency. They highlighted the growing partnership and shared milestones between the two countries in advancing the peaceful uses of outer space and cultivating public interest in the significance of space science and technology applications (SSTAs) in addressing real-world challenges.
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| Diplomats, government officials, academic leaders, space advocates and enthusiasts, students, and young professionals come together to celebrate the Cosmic Journeys exhibit launch at the UP NISMED Auditorium. (Photo credit: PhilSA) |
Two exhibits were featured throughout the duration of the event which ran from 24 April to 2 May 2025. #YamangKalawakan: The Philippine Space Ecosystem showcased the Philippines’ growing space capabilities, including Filipino-made satellites, research initiatives, contributions in orbit, and how SSTAs help solve real-world problems such as natural disasters and climate change.
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| Visitors view the #YamangKalawakan: The Philippine Space Ecosystem exhibit. (Photo credit: PhilSA) |
From Moon to Mars: Italy in Space Exploration showcased the story of space exploration, with a particular focus on Italy's significant scientific and technological contributions, from lunar missions to upcoming explorations of Mars.
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| Italian Ambassador Giglio translates Galileo’s notes about the Moon while UP Diliman Chancellor Vistan II and PhilSA Director General Marciano, Jr. listen intently. (Photo credit: Embassy of Italy) |
The successful event culminated on 2 May 2025 through the Cosmic Journeys Stargazers’ Mixer where PhilSA, in partnership with the UP Astronomical Society (UP AstroSoc), gathered various astronomy organizations to celebrate the vibrant Filipino astronomy community. The event was held at the UP NISMED viewdeck where the different groups got the chance to get acquainted with each other while observing the Moon, Jupiter, and Mars through 80-mm telescopes and the giant 40-cm reflector.
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| A total of 14 organizations have attended the Stargazers’ Mixer that was organized by PhilSA, in partnership with the UP AstroSoc and UP NISMED Observatory. (Photo credit: PhilSA) |
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| A participant gets the chance to view different celestial bodies during the telescope viewing activity. (Photo credit: UP NISMED Observatory) |
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