“Begonia of the Philippines”: Dr. Rubite’s Book Launch
Through the initiatives of the Department of Biology (DB), and in cooperation with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and CAS Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Public Services (OADREPS), last October 10, 2024, Dr. Rubite R. Rosario launched and signed her books, “Begonia of the Philippines”.
The book is a guide to the beautifully patterned endemic begonias from the primary forests of the country. Along with Dr. Rubite, Dr. Mark Hughes of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland and Dr. Kuo-Fang Chung of Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, all worked together on the book. The production of the book became possible due to the team effort of many wonderful botanists, foresters, students, hobbyists and begonia enthusiasts from the Philippines and beyond, who provided species vignettes and lovely photographs. All of the contributors and editors have a fascination with begonia, and hopes this comes across to the reader.
During the event, Dr. Rubite presented an engaging overview of the book’s contents, shedding light on the beauty and diversity of these remarkable plants.
The event was held at the CAS Theater, with colleagues and other guests attending the event to celebrate Dr. Rubite’s work. The event was opened and welcomed by Dr. Maria Constancia O. Carrillo, CAS Dean, and was closed with a message from the DB Chair Dr. John Jasper A. Obico.
Congratulations Dr. Rubite! We are immensely proud of your dedication and hard work, and look forward to more research and published work on Philippine begonia!
