Ryan Pesigan Reyes

Academic Leader & Expert Linguist in Southeast Asian Studies & Translation
Houston, US.

About

Doctoral-level academic and accomplished linguist with over two decades of experience in Southeast Asian Studies, translation, and language proficiency assessment. Expertly leads graduate programs, develops critical language assessment tools, and provides high-stakes cultural and linguistic consultation for international organizations. Proven ability to drive academic excellence, facilitate cross-cultural communication, and contribute to national and international linguistic standardization efforts.

Work

Centro Escolar University
|

Lecturer

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Summary

Provided specialized graduate-level instruction in Southeast Asian Studies, contributing to interdisciplinary academic discourse.

Highlights

Designed and delivered graduate-level courses within the MA/PhD Southeast Asian Studies program, fostering critical thinking and research skills among students.

Guided advanced students in exploring complex socio-cultural and historical aspects of Southeast Asia, contributing to scholarly development and academic rigor.

Facilitated interdisciplinary discussions and research projects, enhancing students' understanding of regional dynamics and global contexts.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines
|

Associate Professor II

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Summary

Led academic programs and delivered advanced instruction in Filipino and Translation Studies at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Highlights

Developed and delivered advanced curriculum for PhD Filipino and Translation Studies programs, guiding graduate students through complex linguistic and cultural research.

Taught core and elective courses in the College of Arts and Letters and Graduate School, fostering scholarly excellence and program development.

Contributed to the academic leadership within the department, influencing pedagogical strategies and curriculum enhancements for over 100 students annually.

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
|

Tagalog Proficiency Rater

White Plains, New York, US

Summary

Evaluates Tagalog oral proficiency using standardized international scales, contributing to global language assessment.

Highlights

Conducted rigorous oral proficiency assessments for Tagalog candidates, applying the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) and ACTFL scales to ensure consistent and accurate evaluations.

Provided critical feedback on linguistic performance, supporting the development of high-fidelity language assessment standards for a leading international organization.

Maintained certification through continuous training and calibration, ensuring adherence to global best practices in language testing.

Independent Consultant
|

Philippine Cultural Consultant

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Summary

Provided expert cultural insights and guidance, facilitating understanding and collaboration within diverse contexts.

Highlights

Contributed to 'Project 09Lima' by providing critical cultural context and insights, ensuring effective cross-cultural engagement for international initiatives.

Developed and delivered comprehensive cultural orientation slideshows for US soldiers, significantly enhancing their preparedness and understanding prior to deployment to the Philippines.

Advised on Philippine cultural nuances for various projects, ensuring sensitivity and effectiveness in international initiatives and communications.

National Center for State Courts
|

Tagalog Consultant/Translator

Washington, District of Columbia, US

Summary

Served as a key linguistic and cultural expert for court interpretation, developing critical assessment tools and public outreach.

Highlights

Acted as a primary spokesperson for the 'Be a Court Interpreter' campaign, significantly increasing awareness and recruitment for vital legal linguistic roles.

Co-led the development of Tagalog Court Interpreter Examination versions 1 and 2, collaborating with Prometric to establish standardized and robust assessment criteria for legal interpreters.

Provided expert linguistic and cultural consultation to enhance the fairness and accuracy of judicial proceedings for Tagalog-speaking individuals.

Contributed to national initiatives aimed at improving access to justice through effective and culturally sensitive language services.

Information and Communications Technology Academy (iACADEMY)
|

Adjunct Instructor

Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Summary

Instructed college-level courses in general education, enriching students' understanding of social sciences and humanities.

Highlights

Delivered engaging instruction in Social Sciences and Humanities within the General Education Department, enhancing critical thinking and cultural literacy for diverse student cohorts.

Developed and implemented effective pedagogical strategies to convey complex concepts to college students, contributing to their foundational academic development.

Mentored students in academic writing and research, improving their analytical skills and overall academic performance.

Miss Universe Organization
|

Escort Interpreter

Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

Summary

Provided high-stakes linguistic interpretation for a global event, ensuring clear communication for international delegates.

Highlights

Delivered precise, real-time interpretation for the Miss Philippines candidate during the globally televised 65th Miss Universe Pageant, ensuring effective communication in a high-pressure, international environment.

Facilitated seamless cross-cultural communication for a high-profile international event, demonstrating exceptional linguistic agility and diplomatic acumen.

Managed complex communication flows between diverse stakeholders, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality throughout the event.

National Foreign Language Center – University of Maryland
|

Target Language Expert

College Park, Maryland, US

Summary

Developed critical linguistic assessment materials for national defense purposes, leveraging deep expertise in Tagalog.

Highlights

Designed and developed comprehensive linguistic materials for the Tagalog Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) project, directly supporting national security language assessment initiatives.

Applied advanced knowledge of Tagalog linguistics and cultural nuances to create accurate and effective assessment tools for military personnel.

Collaborated with a team of language specialists to ensure the cultural and linguistic validity of test content, enhancing assessment reliability.

Education

Centro Escolar University
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Southeast Asian Studies

Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Filipino

Union County College
Cranford, New Jersey, United States of America

Certificate

Interpreting a Spoken Language

University of the Philippines
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

History

Excelsior College
Albany, New York, United States of America

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Liberal Arts

Ateneo de Manila High School
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

High School Diploma

Claret School of Quezon City
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Grade School Diploma

Publications

“Further Directions in Translation Studies: Experiences from the Front and Applying it to the Philippines"

Published by

International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies 8th International Conference

Summary

Presented on advanced directions in translation studies, integrating practical experiences and their application within the Philippine context.

“Aspects of Decolonization in the Program and Curriculum of Southeast Asian Studies in selected HEIs”

Published by

South East Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program (SEASREP) Foundation, SEASREP 30th Anniversary Conference

Summary

Presented research on decolonization aspects within Southeast Asian Studies curricula across higher education institutions.

“Toward the Standardization of Legal Translation: Establishing Certification for Court Interpreters in the Philippines"

Published by

Annual Philippine Studies Forum in Japan (APSFJ), 30th Annual Philippine Studies Forum in Japan, University of Tokyo - Komaba Campus

Summary

Presented on the critical need for standardization and certification for court interpreters in the Philippines, focusing on legal translation.

“State of Translation Studies in the Philippines: Narrations and Experiences from the Front"

Published by

170+ Talaytayan MLE Inc., Joint International Decade of Indigenous Languages and International Mother Language Day Conference

Summary

Explored the current landscape of translation studies in the Philippines, sharing insights and experiences from practitioners.

“Living in an Alter World:' Pagsusuri sa Pagtatanghal ng Sarili at Pook-Pangkabuhayan ng mga Alter sa Mundo Ng X (Dating Twitter)”

Published by

Social Sciences and Development Review, Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, Planning & Development, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Vol. 16, Issue 1

Summary

Co-authored a scholarly article analyzing self-presentation and socio-economic spaces within online communities, published in a leading university review.

“Translation Strategies and Culture Studies based on International Experiences"

Published by

Aklan Catholic College, 'Salin Kaalaman Tungo sa Saliksikang Bayan: Programang Pang-Ekstensiyon sa Pagpapaunlad Pangkasanayan sa Ethnolingguwistikong Pananaliksik para sa mga Dalubguro’

Summary

Delivered a resource speech on translation strategies and cultural studies, drawing from international experiences to enhance ethnolinguistic research.

“Adaptation of Multilingualism: The Dimantal Elementary School Experience”

Published by

Education Review, Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, Planning & Development, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Vol. 9, Issue 1

Summary

Translated a significant academic work on multilingualism and educational adaptation, published in a university's education review.

“Proud to be an FOB”

Published by

Alyson Publications (in Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology, Edited by Amy Sonnie)

Summary

Contributed an essay to a multicultural queer youth anthology, exploring themes of identity and representation within the queer youth community.

Languages

Tagalog
Filipino
English

Certificates

SDL Trados Studio for Translators

Issued By

SDL – Trados

Superior Tagalog Proficiency

Issued By

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

Career Service Professional

Issued By

Philippines Civil Service Commission

Skills

Teaching & Pedagogy

Curriculum Development, Graduate Instruction, College Instruction, Adult Education, Online Learning, Academic Leadership, Pedagogical Strategies, Mentorship.

Linguistics & Translation

Tagalog Language, Filipino Language, English Language, Translation Studies, Interpretation, Oral Proficiency Testing (ILR, ACTFL), Language Assessment, Legal Translation, Cultural Consulting, Language Preservation, Cross-Cultural Communication, SDL Trados Studio.

Research & Analysis

Southeast Asian Studies, Historical Research, Socio-Cultural Analysis, Academic Writing, Qualitative Research, Interdisciplinary Studies, Linguistic Research.

Project Management

Material Development, Program Development, Project Coordination, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning.

Communication

Public Speaking, Academic Presentation, Diplomatic Communication, Content Creation.