Dr. Gladys P. Mangiduyos, Wesleyan University-Philippines Vice President for Administration and Planning, officially launched her latest book, Finding Clarity, during a book launching ceremony held at the JJDG Auditorium on July 7, 2026.The event was far more than a celebration of literature and academic achievement; it also marked a significant humanitarian initiative. Grounded in her personal advocacy of serving God and country (“naglilingkod sa Diyos, naglilingkod sa bayan”), Dr. Mangiduyos announced that 50 percent of all book sales will be donated to support the relief and rehabilitation of families recovering from the recent Mindanao earthquake.
The Power of Critical Thinking in Times of Crisis
In her author’s address, Dr. Mangiduyos emphasized the necessity of critical thinking in today’s world by drawing from the philosophical teachings of Socrates, who described human beings as uniquely endowed with the capacity for deep analysis and reason.
She then introduced her framework for mental and emotional navigation—the P.A.C. Method, which stands for Pause, Ask, Choose. According to the author, life is inherently filled with unexpected crises and emotional storms. She explained that when individuals learn to pause before reacting, ask thoughtful questions to objectively process information, and choose the right course of action based on truth rather than impulse, they become what she describes as a “GEM”—a resilient, brilliant, and valuable asset to society.
University officials, community leaders, international peers, and other guests gathered to express their support for the book’s release, each offering reflections on its relevance and impact.
University President Dr. Ireneo G. Alvaro Jr., in his message, recalled the words of former Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida, who described attending a book launch as “bearing witness to the birth of a new body of ideas, to the coming into being a new testimony of history.” He described Finding Clarity as a vital shield in today’s “Age of Noise.” He also noted that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies has led many people to overly rely on digital tools at the expense of independent thinking. He warned that surrendering one’s thinking to technology contributes to cognitive decline, weakens creativity, and diminishes sound judgment. For him, seeking clarity by pausing and asking questions before passing judgment remains the antidote to today’s overwhelming and often unfiltered flow of information.
Dr. Carissa Juliana C. Balaria shared that learning about the hardships that motivated the author to persevere rather than give up was “incredibly inspiring.” She highlighted that the book is not merely theoretical but a real-life testimony of how Dr. Mangiduyos applied critical thinking and the P.A.C. Method to navigate childhood traumas and leadership challenges. Dr. Balaria added that choosing to slow down and find peace amid a chaotic world—likened to the disorder of “Jurassic Park”—requires tremendous courage. She described the book as a practical guide for students, educators, and leaders, reminding them not to react impulsively or aggressively to chaos, but to respond with reason, wisdom, and compassion.
Providing a theological reflection on the book, University Chaplain Rev. Francis V. Fajardo emphasized that Finding Clarity is not a conventional self-help book that relies solely on human strength, but rather a “God-Help Book.” Citing 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, he explained that the comfort and clarity God grants during times of suffering are intended to be shared with others who are also facing difficulties. He further remarked that the book contains foundational “keys” capable of unlocking the psychological chains, emotional constraints, and past traumas that have held many people captive since childhood.
Offering a personal perspective, the author’s aunt, Deaconess Consolacion Mangiduyos-Tangunan, delivered a witty yet deeply meaningful testimony. She observed that while the word clarity may appear simple in a dictionary, it carries profound significance in everyday life. She encouraged the audience not to immediately believe or react to the first piece of information they hear or see. Instead, she stressed that true wisdom calls for people to avoid hasty assumptions, take a step back, think carefully, and discern the truth before taking action.
The book’s relevance in today’s increasingly noisy world was further underscored by international speaker and coach Jerry Roisentul, who addressed the audience through a recorded video message from abroad. He explained that people now live in an environment where social media platforms, endless streams of information, and competing opinions constantly vie for their attention, often resulting in confusion. He commended Finding Clarity for offering a practical strategy to “quiet the noise around us,” enabling readers to think independently, ask better questions, and make wiser decisions in life.
Finding Clarity is now officially available to the public. By securing a copy, readers not only gain practical wisdom for bringing order to confusion in their own lives but also become partners in rebuilding homes and restoring hope for families affected by the Mindanao earthquake.
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Article by Jhoanna D. Andres (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo S. Dauz (PIO)
