the 20th International Convention of the East Asian Economic Association (EAEA) last November 8-9, 2025 at Makati Shangri-La, Makati, Philippines

Womens Dgroup Meeting last November 1, 2025

 

Key Takeaways from Online Dgroup Meeting

Spiritual Insights

• The assurance of salvation is based on God's promises in the Bible, not on emotions or feelings
• God promises He will never leave or forsake believers (Hebrews 13:5-6)
• The story of the prodigal son illustrates that believers remain God's children even when they sin
• Sin affects fellowship with God but not the permanent relationship with Him
• Fellowship with God can be restored through confession of sins (1 John 1:8-9)
• Grace offers freedom from sin, not freedom to sin
• Believers are not sinless, but they should sin less as they grow in Christ
• Actions have consequences - "you reap what you sow" (Galatians 6:7)
• God disciplines believers for their growth and holiness (Hebrews 12:9-11)
• Jesus is the mediator between God and mankind (1 Timothy 2:5-7)

Next Steps and Commitments

• Loudilee will attend the meeting at 8 o'clock next week
• Jen will lead a session on "The Holy Spirit" at the next meeting
• Jen will travel to Manila for a conference on November 7-9
• Loudilee will celebrate her husband's birthday on Monday with a date/outing
• Loudilee will have her parents get a general checkup and start taking magnesium supplements
• Loudilee will buy ginger and prepare it for health/sickness prevention

Health and Personal Updates

• Discussion about vitamins and nutrition for pregnant women (folic acid, iron, calcium)
• Concerns about influenza outbreak and sickness prevention
• Recommendations for natural remedies like ginger, honey, and vitamin supplements
• Prayer requests for healing for various family members
• Loudilee's father experiencing vertigo issues

Cultural and Personal Exchanges

• Comparison of avocado prices and uses between Philippines and the United States
• Discussion about travel costs between South America and the Philippines
• Sharing of personal stories and updates about family members
• Reminiscing about past church activities and retreats
• Conversation about language learning and bilingual education

Quick recap

The meeting began with a discussion about travel plans and costs between South America and the Philippines, including accommodations and utility expenses. The participants then explored various topics related to Christianity, including the assurance of salvation, the nature of fellowship with God, and the importance of confession and discipline in a believer's life. The session concluded with a prayer for guidance and strength, as well as discussions about healing, protection, and provision for various individuals and families.

Next steps

• Loudilee: Attend meeting at 8 o'clock next week
• Jen: Lead session on "The Holy Spirit"
• Jen: Travel to Manila for conference November 7-9
• Loudilee: Celebrate husband's birthday on Monday with date/outing
• Loudilee: Have parents get general checkup and start taking magnesium supplements
• Loudilee: Buy ginger and prepare it for health/sickness prevention

Summary

Pregnancy Nutrition and Health Updates

Loudilee and Jen discussed vitamins and nutrition for pregnant women, including folic acid, iron, and calcium. They also talked about various food options like yogurt and milk for pregnant women. Loudilee mentioned a Facebook post about a woman who had a serious illness but has since recovered and become more active in church. They briefly discussed a college classmate of Loudilee who had died.

Avocado Pricing and Travel Costs

The participants discussed the high cost of avocados in the Philippines, comparing them to prices in the United States and other countries. They noted that avocados are considered a vegetable in the US, unlike in the Philippines where they are used in desserts. The conversation also touched on the high cost of travel between countries, with a suggestion to consider traveling to South America instead of the Philippines for certain products.

Travel Plans and Budget Discussion

The meeting began with a discussion about travel plans, focusing on South America and the Philippines, including costs and accommodations. Loudilee and Jen talked about potential travel dates in August, September, or October, with a total duration of about 10 months. They also discussed the expenses of staying in the Philippines, which they found to be too high. The conversation then shifted to a brief mention of Airbnb and utility bills, including electricity and internet. Finally, the conversation ended with a prayer led by Loudilee, asking for guidance and strength for the evening's study session.

Assurance of Salvation Meeting Plan

Jen and Loudilee discussed the schedule for their upcoming meeting, which will be held at 8 o'clock next week. They also talked about the focus of their session, which will be on the assurance of salvation. Loudilee shared verses from the Bible that confirm her belief in eternal life through Christ. They briefly touched on the memorization of Bible verses and the study of foreign languages in school.

God's Assurance and Fellowship

The meeting focused on discussing the relationship between God and humans, emphasizing the assurance of salvation and the nature of fellowship with God. Jen and Loudilee explored the concept of sin and its effects on fellowship with God, using the story of the prodigal son as an illustration. They discussed the importance of confession and restoration of fellowship, as well as the consequences of sin and God's discipline as a means of spiritual growth. The session concluded with an anecdote about God's forgiveness, reminding listeners of the permanence of their relationship with God and the possibility of restored fellowship through confession and repentance.

Christian Grace and Freedom Discussion

Jen and Loudilee discussed the concept of freedom in Christianity, emphasizing that grace offers freedom from sin rather than freedom to sin. They explored the importance of confession in restoring fellowship with God, referencing the parable of the prodigal son. Loudilee highlighted that while grace does not condone sin, it provides a path for believers to return to God through confession. They also touched on the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting believers of sin and the need for a transformed life.

Confession and Accountability in Faith

The discussion focused on the importance of confession and accountability in the context of Christian faith. Loudilee and Jen discussed how believers should acknowledge and confess their sins, as outlined in 1 John 1:8-9, which promises forgiveness and purification from unrighteousness when sins are confessed. They emphasized the need for immediate accountability and the restoration of fellowship with God through confession. Loudilee also compared confession to a breathing exercise, highlighting its role in filling one with the Holy Spirit, while acknowledging the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the spirit.

Jesus as Mediator and Redeemer

Loudilee and Jen discussed the implications of Jesus as the mediator between God and mankind, focusing on his role in saving and redeeming humanity from sin. They explored how knowing God influences behavior, emphasizing that those who live with God in their lives tend to sin less and exhibit fruits of the spirit such as love, patience, and kindness. They also touched on the importance of avoiding sin by following God's teachings and developing a Christ-like character.

Biblical Discipline and Personal Growth

Loudilee and Jen discussed the biblical concept of discipline, using Hebrews 12:9-11 as a reference. They explored how discipline from parents and God helps individuals grow and become holy. Loudilee explained that discipline, though painful at times, is necessary for personal growth and preparing for future challenges. They also touched on how experiencing trials and afflictions can help people relate to others and minister to them effectively.

Salvation Assurance and Restoration

The meeting focused on discussing the assurance of salvation and the nature of the relationship with God, emphasizing the story of the prodigal son and the restoration of fellowship through confession. Jen and Loudilee also discussed the consequences of sin, the purpose of discipline, and the importance of transformation in a Christian's life. They prayed for healing, protection, and provision for various individuals and families, including Loudilee's family and Jen's upcoming travel to Manila for a conference.

Launching and Orientation of the Economics Collaborative Online International Learning between University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and Universitas Brawijaya (UB), Indonesia last October 30, 2025

 

Program Overview

The Economics Collaborative Online International Learning (E-COIL) program is a partnership between Universitas Brawijaya (UB), Indonesia, and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), connecting International Trade and International Monetary Economics classes across both institutions.

Purpose and Goals

• To foster cultural exchange and develop students' intercultural competence through virtual collaboration
• To help students understand how theories in international trade and monetary economics are applied in research
• To enhance critical thinking skills through evaluating and critiquing research articles
• To develop teamwork and digital collaboration skills across international boundaries

Project Structure

• Students divided into 8 merged groups with members from both universities
• Two synchronous meetings: launch/orientation and culminating activity
• Asynchronous collaboration through WhatsApp groups and other digital platforms
• Timeline: Approximately 2-3 weeks for completion (culminating activity between November 10-13)

Project Requirements

Main Deliverables

• Literature review paper of a Scopus-indexed journal article related to international trade/monetary economics
• PowerPoint presentation with recorded video (10-15 minutes)
• Documentation of collaboration through screenshots and progress reports
• One-minute testimonial video about the COIL experience

Evaluation Criteria

Review papers will be assessed on:

• Discussion significance (20 points)
• Explanation of methods and results (20 points)
• Summary of conclusions and recommendations (15 points)
• Writing proficiency and coherence (30 points)

Presentations will be assessed on:

• Mastery of research topic (30 points)
• Organization (25 points)
• Delivery (25 points)
• Creativity (20 points)

Research Guidance

Finding High-Impact Journals

Professor Lina Asmara Wati provided guidance on identifying credible research sources:

• Use ranking tools like Scopus Journal Rank (SJR) and Web of Science
• Check journal quartiles (Q1-Q4) and citation metrics
• Verify journal credibility to avoid predatory publications
• Consider journal fit with research topic
• Use tools like "Publish or Perish" to find relevant papers

Literature Review Strategies

Key tasks for effective literature review:

• Summarize the main points of the paper
• Synthesize different areas of the research
• Critique the paper's strengths and weaknesses
• Compare with other literature in the field

Collaboration Process

Group Organization

• Each group to select leaders from both universities
• Create WhatsApp group chats for communication
• Delegate specific tasks among group members
• Document all online collaboration meetings
• Complete progress reports with meeting dates and activities

Special Considerations

• Time zone difference: Philippines is one hour ahead of Indonesia
• Each group must select a unique journal article (to be tracked in a Google Sheet)
• Faculty advisors (Dr. Jennifer Hindlaw and Professor Lina) available for consultation

Recognition and Outcomes

Upon completion of the program:

• Certificates will be awarded for best review paper and best presentation
• All participants will receive certificates of completion
• Potential for future international exchanges between the universities
• Evaluation forms and testimonial videos will help improve future COIL programs

Quick recap

The meeting launched and oriented the Economics Collaborative Online International Learning (E-COIL) program between Universitas BRIJaya, Indonesia, and the University of Southeastern Philippines, with Professor Lina Asmara Wati providing guidance on identifying high-impact journals and credible research articles. The Economics Collaborative Online Learning (COIL) program was introduced by Dr. Jennifer Hindlaw, focusing on fostering cultural exchange and developing students' intercultural competence through virtual collaboration, with participants being assigned to merged groups and instructed on communication protocols. The session concluded with guidelines for conducting literature reviews, emphasizing collaboration between Indonesian and Filipino students, and establishing connections between the two universities for future international exchanges.

Next steps

• Lutfi: Send Professor Lina's PowerPoint file to the international trade coordinator
• Lutfi: Take a picture of the meeting and send to Professor Lina via WhatsApp
• USeP_Jennifer: Create a Google Sheet for groups to type in their selected journal article titles and links to avoid duplication
• USeP_Jennifer: Share the attendance form with Professor Lina for students who haven't answered
• All students: Fill in the attendance form
• All groups: Create WhatsApp group chats with their team members
• All groups: Select a team leader from the USEP side
• All groups: Meet with group members to discuss and select a journal article to review
• All groups: Delegate tasks among group members
• All groups: Find and select a Scopus-indexed journal article related to international trade or monetary economics
• All groups: Type their selected journal title and link in the Google Sheet
• All groups: Write the research literature review paper using the template
• All groups: Create a PowerPoint presentation
• All groups: Record a video presentation
• All groups: Document online collaboration meetings through screenshots
• All groups: Complete the progress report with meeting dates and activities
• All groups: Submit review paper, PowerPoint, and recorded video by November 10-13
• All students: Record a one-minute testimonial video about the COIL experience
• All students: Complete the evaluation form after the culminating activity
• USeP_Jennifer and Professor Lina: Finalize the date and time for the culminating activity
• USeP_Jennifer and Professor Lina: Visit breakout rooms during group meetings to check on progress
• USeP_Jennifer and Professor Lina: Evaluate submitted review papers and presentations using the provided rubrics
• USeP_Jennifer and Professor Lina: Award certificates for best review paper and best presentation
• USeP_Jennifer and Professor Lina: Prepare certificates of completion for all participants

Summary

E-COIL Program Launch and Orientation

The meeting served as the launching and orientation for the Economics Collaborative Online International Learning (E-COIL) program, a first of its kind internationalization activity between Universitas BRIJaya, Indonesia, and the University of Southeastern Philippines. Professor Lina Asmara Wati from Universitas BRIJaya delivered a presentation on finding high-impact journals and good articles, emphasizing the importance of credibility, feasibility, and global recognition. She explained how to identify high-impact journals using tools like Scopus Journal Rank (SGR) and Web of Science, and highlighted the significance of journal fit and avoiding predatory journals. The session concluded with a demonstration on how to use software like Publish or Perish to find relevant papers, and participants were encouraged to ask questions in the chat box.

Economics COIL Program Launch

The meeting launched and oriented the Economics Collaborative Online Learning (COIL) program between the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) and Universitas Bravijaya, Indonesia. Dr. Jennifer Hindlaw, Associate Dean, explained the program's purpose, which includes fostering cultural exchange and developing students' intercultural competence through virtual collaboration. She outlined the project's activities, including reviewing research articles, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and proposing future research topics. The program involves 8 merged groups of students from both universities, with tasks delegated to each member. Participants were instructed to use WhatsApp for communication and document their collaboration efforts. The conversation ended with details on the evaluation process, including a one-minute video testimonial, and the announcement of awards for the best review paper and presentation.

COIL Project Guidelines Overview

The meeting focused on guidelines for a collaborative online international learning (COIL) project between USEP and UB students. Jennifer explained the process for reviewing research papers, assigning tasks to group members, and creating presentations, emphasizing creativity and collaboration. She clarified that each group must select a leader and submit a unique title for their review paper, which will be tracked using a Google Sheet to avoid duplication. Jennifer also outlined the evaluation criteria for both the review paper and presentation, and mentioned that certificates will be awarded for the best review paper and presentation. She addressed questions from Rania about time limits for presentations and duplicate titles, clarifying that slight time variations are acceptable but excessive delays will not be tolerated.

Collaborative Literature Review Process

The meeting focused on the purpose and process of conducting a literature review, emphasizing its role in identifying existing knowledge and gaps in a research area. Participants discussed the importance of collaboration between Indonesian and Filipino students, with each group assigned to review one empirical paper aligned with their course topics in international trade and economics. The session concluded with the announcement of breakout room discussions for each group, with representatives from the USEP side encouraged to lead the discussions to ensure productivity.

International Student Collaboration Program

The meeting focused on the first session of an international collaboration program between Universitas Berugaya and USEP. Students were assigned to groups and instructed to connect via WhatsApp or Telegram to coordinate their activities. The main goal for this session was to establish connections between Indonesian and Philippine students, as most collaboration would occur asynchronously through chat groups. Professor Lina and Jennifer encouraged the students to enjoy the process and form friendships, with the possibility of student exchanges between the two countries in the future.