The University of Malaga held an emotional tribute today in honor of Professor Rubén F. Balane, commemorating his birth anniversary. The day began at 10:00 AM with the reception of a Filipino delegation at the University of the Philippines Office in the UMA Botanical Garden. The delegation included distinguished academics and officials from the Philippines, led by Solomon Fernando Lumba, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of the Philippines.

The event was inaugurated in the UMA International HUB (International Relations Office) by Juan José Hinojosa Torralva, Dean of the Faculty of Law at UMA, and Sara Robles, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at UMA. During the ceremony, Solomon F. Lumba gave a heartfelt speech remembering Professor Rubén F. Balane, highlighting his influence and legacy in legal education.

The tribute continued with the reading of a collection of poetry selected by poet Antonio J. Quesada, in honor of Professor Balane. Attendees then moved to the Botanical Garden classroom to watch a video tribute to the professor.

At 10:55 AM, the talk titled "Spanish and Philippine Historical Link. History of a Shared Journey and a Lucky Re-encounter. A Tribute to Professor Ruben F. Balane" took place, exploring the historical ties between Spain and the Philippines, emphasizing Professor Balane's role in this context.

The day continued with a transfer to Macharaviaya, where the delegation was welcomed by Mayor Antonio Campos Garin. At 1:30 PM, a guided tour of the Gálvez Museum took place, honoring José Gálvez for his special ties with the Philippines. A twinning proposal with Zamboanga, known as the Latin city of Asia, was presented, recalling Professor Balane's visit to Macharaviaya in 2019 and his proposal to twin the two cities.

The day concluded with a visit to Benaque and a return to Malaga, culminating at 6:30 PM with a tribute to José Rizal in front of his statue at the entrance of the Port of Malaga. These events not only honored the memory of Professor Rubén F. Balane but also reinforced the historical and cultural ties between Spain and the Philippines.

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