Mark Joseph Calano

BY DEANA P. PAGTALUNAN

Discernment is a hallmark of Ignatian spirituality. In a Jesuit institution like Ateneo, it’s no surprise that this concept is heavily integrated into its academics, particularly in the humanities. Making choices has even become the main topic of a newly piloted class called DLQ 10: Discerning Life Questions, which incorporates both philosophy and theology.

Thankfully, for Philosophy Department Assistant Professor Mark Joseph Calano, PhD, these subjects are right up his alley. After more than 12 years of teaching philosophy and theology in Ateneo, Calano’s extensive experience in both disciplines allows him to do the new course justice and help college students make sense of their decisions. But to arrive at this point, he had to face a number of crossroads at different parts of his life.

Finding the right fit

Having been raised as a devout Catholic, Calano knew he wanted to pursue theology. How he planned to do so was another question altogether. He thus embarked on a winding journey in search of the best way to live out this vocation.

For starters, Calano became a Franciscan seminarian, which required him to study both philosophy and theology. But after much reflection, he realized that the religious life wasn’t for him and left the order.

He then decided to study at Baguio’s St. Louis University under a scholarship. “Most of the liberal theologians were in Baguio at the time. It was really a good opportunity for me to be mentored by them,” he says. In 2007, he graduated with flying colors with a degree in philosophy, a master’s degrees in philosophy and religious studies, and a doctorate in applied linguistics. Life after college opened even more doors for Calano. He initially planned on studying at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, but living abroad was too expensive. He also considered accepting an offer to be a research executive in Pangasinan. Although the job in Pangasinan would lead him to a secure future, he still wanted to challenge himself. In the end, he chose Ateneo—where he could both teach and complete a doctorate in philosophy. Given the legendary professors to learn from and the research opportunities in his field, Calano’s choice was a no-brainer. “It was the prospect of growth [that made me choose Ateneo],” he says. “I saw a home where I could become the person God wanted me to be considering my potential.”

The better choice

Ever since working at Ateneo in 2008, Calano has committed himself to instilling a growth mindset in his students. He believes that incorporating both philosophy and theology is crucial in doing so. This is where DLQ, a hybrid theology-philosophy course that aims to foster a reflective approach to decision-making, comes in. “I always think that philosophy and theology are complementary sciences,” Calano explains. “There are things that you can learn philosophically, but not theologically, [and] vice versa,” Calano explains. philosophy—allowing students to better see how DLQ concepts apply to real-world scenarios. Ivan Cruz (BS ME ‘20), one of Calano’s DLQ students in A.Y. 2019-2020, found this approach to be effective. “I’ve always tried to grow by comparing myself to my peers and working hard to bridge our gaps,” he admits. “[Calano] helped me understand that I’ve been given my own unique set of strengths and context wherein I can thrive in my own way and find happiness.” Like any teacher, Calano simply wants what is best for his students. DLQ may not dictate which decisions to make, but it definitely shows how to make them. “Weigh your cards because the best option is not always the better option,” he says. “Learn to take risks—especially when what you’re risking for is your heart’s desires. You will never know if you are correct until you are there.” Calano

He also makes sure to draw lectures from his own experiences. He talks about the choices he has made throughout his life and the thought processes that went into them. After discussing these experiences, Calano then connects them to theology and