Leap, leap... and away!

2012 is leap year!

It's a busy, busy, busy, buuuuuussssy week!  But I think I want a memento of this day... so, I'm taking a five-minute break to do this!  Thanks, Google, for the loan of this cute image! :)

Alright, my five-minute break is up!  Aaaargh....

***

Sunday foodie

Food for the mind... and the heart, too.
I  Chem. E. and, uhm... chocolates! :)

The month of February has been a bit too much for me so far - the stress level at work has been horrendous! :)  But yeah, there are still plenty of reasons to smile about though... for one, didn't I just write about the "UST Neo-Centennial Retreat", and that trip to Surigao City with my fabulous students, for another?  Indeed, being busy is being alive, and being alive is enough reason to be thankful to God.  

Speaking of reasons to smile, a few days ago, one person reminded me that February is love/heart's month... among many others. :)  So, before February 2012 winds down to its final day, here's my tribute to "love and hearts"...

(x² + y² − 1)³ − x²y³ = 0

Here's to love, life, lovely life... and lovelife!  Cheers!  :)

***

To the dream...

...beyond our seeing.

==================================================================

by Philipina A. Marcelo

"As the father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:21) 

February 22-24, 2012 marked another important event in a Thomasian educator's life.  The University held its "Neo-Centennial Retreat" at the newly blessed UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.  The first day of the Retreat was aptly held on Ash Wednesday - the beginning of the Lenten Season in the Catholic
High... on God!calendar... the Season for spiritual renewal and re-affirmation of every Christian's commitment to follow the way of Jesus and live a holy life to become pleasing to God. 

The yearly Thomasian community spiritual renewal event is one of the hallmarks of our Royal and Pontifical University's mission as a Catholic University.  Through this exercise, servants of the Church - mostly Thomasians, too - served as paths through which the charism of the Holy Spirit is imparted to the University's administrators, faculty, and professional support staff so that they would be inspired and be guided by Him who is all Holy to perform their duties... for God's greater glory.  Our Retreat Masters encouraged us to invoke God's help throughout the three-day Retreat to empty our hearts with spiritual trash, because it is only through emptiness that God's grace can come and fill our hearts with His love and grace. 

Each day, the Retreat proceedings was inspired by a theme... and we swam joyfully in the warmth of God's love in our midst.  

***
Day 1: "Remembering and Gratitude"

"We are defined by our memories."

With such a powerful message from our Retreat Masters, we all embarked to yet another spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God.  We, as one community, endeavoured to re-calibrate our spiritual gears as we set out to follow Him who is Holy.  As the hilarious Dominican scholar, Fr. Enrico Gonzales, O. P., said in his spiritual talk, wonderful memories unfold and stay forever when we stop trying to create them with the limitations of the world, but when we instead let the infinity of God
The Thomasian Neo-Centennial Retreat at the
UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.create them through us by opening our souls to Him... and that these memories remain in our hearts and in our souls when they are created together with our community, and not alone.  And so, as one community that is united by our common passion to serve God, we laughed, cried and fell in love deeper with God through the wonderful spiritual steering of Fr. Gonzales. 

When Bishop Teodoro Bacani, D. D. led us to our first Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the Retreat, our spirits have become more receptive to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to become one with Christ in proclaiming the Glory of the Father... the same Glory that floods in our midst through grace and love.  The continuous flow of grace is meaningless, however, unless each drop is appreciated  and celebrated - as one community.  And so, as we worshipped together, we gave thanks to God for our dear University of Santo Tomas (UST)... for the grace that abounds in its womb, where scholars, scientists and technologists, thinkers, doctors, teachers, architects, businessmen, public servants and martyrs are nurtured, and from which, they all emerged as gems of the nation, the world, and the Church.  More importantly, these gems - children of our dear Alma Mater - are the very jewels that make the crown of the Father luster in awesome glory!  And they gave us more meaningful reasons to celebrate God's love! 

Yes, we remember the graces that we receive every single day, through our beloved USTe... and we are eternally grateful!     

***
Day 2:  "Conversion and Healing"

"It is God who heals."

The Most Rev. Pablo David, D. D. stressed that our spiritual growth is diminished by sins, and the guilt that fills our hearts from sinning are our worst penalty.  In order for us to live a "life of grace", we have to endeavor to ungrow the "life of sin" through the Sacrament of Penance...
Spiritual transformation... filling our lives with
memories - of God's Grace.and as we pray, we open ourselves to God, we let His love fill our hearts, and allow ourselves to live a "life of grace".  This is the basis of reconciliation with God... and the very essence of spiritual renewal. 


"Healing" hastens the process of spiritual renewal, according to Fr. Joey Faller.  A new life springs when "wounds" are healed... and it is our faith in God - believing that only God can heal us - that opens the door to spiritual, physical and emotional healing.  We get healed when we rid our hearts and souls with unforgiveness and deep-seated bitterness... when we believe in our hearts that God loves us... and that He has beautiful plans for us.  Our healing is permanent if we endeavored to live a life of transformation, renew our lives by turning from sins, and let the Holy Spirit steer us towards the Father.

In the Healing Eucharist, Fr. Faller stressed that after receiving healing from God, we have the responsibility to spread His message of healing and renewal... because the fruit of healing is evangelization.  It is through evangelization that we can best express our gratefulness to God.  

***
Day 3:  "Renewal and Mission"

"May God grant us a portion of our holy Thomasian martyrs' spirit, their steadfastness and sanctity, that we may emulate them, learn from them, and live like them."

As the Retreat came to its final day, the Archbishop of Manila, the Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D. D., challenged the Thomasians "to mirror to the wider society the picture of renewed humanity".  Renewal, in any form, the Archbishop stressed, will not be successful unless it was hinged on God - on His love and His will.  UST's longevity is a testament of her faithfulness to God's will and her commitment to spreading God's love through the teaching of Christ, under the inspiration of one of God's most faithful servants, the University's Patron Saint, St. Thomas Aquinas.  The faithfulness of Thomasians to God, as remembered in the "Commemoration of the Thomasian Martyrs" on the last day of the Retreat, amidst incredibly tormenting distractions and
"As the Father has sent me, so I send you."temptations these days can be considered unprecedented... and it is on this faithfulness that Archbishop Tagle rests his confidence in the ability of the Thomasian community to bring about a more sustainable societal renewal in our beloved country.


The Rector of UST, Rev. Fr. Rolando V. dela Rosa, O. P., heeded Archbishop Tagle's call... and encouraged us "to strive to be faithful to the (UST Quadricentennial) jubilee's call for renewal and conversion, to ponder in our hearts the countless manifestations of God's unending grace, and to make the journey towards the dream beyond our seeing with faith, hope and love."   And as a symbol of our commitment to Christ's mission of spreading the Good News of the Father's love, we imposed the Thomasian Neo-Centennial Mission Cross on each other with the Fr. Rector encouraging us "to tell the story of Jesus and bear witness to the holiness and sacrifices of our UST martyrs through lives imbued with faith, hope and love."  The Rector pointed out that our daily lives are, in themselves, an offering to God... especially if we viewed each day as an opportunity for spiritual renewal.  Our mission as Thomasians, the Fr. Rector emphasized, was to change and to inspire change - for the better - everyday!

After the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, we all marched through the Arch of the Centuries, as we accompanied our dear USTe traverse a new century, and... into the dream beyond our seeing!

With faith, hope and love... on to the dream beyond our seeing!


GO, USTe!!

***

Saturday photo



Ah, USTe... our beloved University. 
You, indeed, are imbued with unending grace!


The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines - not only a haven for those who seek to become competent, committed and compassionate professionals, but also a venue for constant spiritual renewal to lead a Holy life and become pleasing to God.

***

When it rains, it pours...

...literally and figuratively.
==================================================================
by Philipina A. Marcelo


Last February 15, my undergraduate research students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Department of Chemical Engineering competed in the National Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Research Contest, organized by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) and PIChE-Metro Manila Academe Chapter, in conjunction with the 73rd PIChE National Convention in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.  All three groups that recently finished their research projects in my Food Engineering Research Lab at the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) at the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) qualified in the final round of the contest!  So, we were "3 for 3".  A former colleague of mine, aware of my "addiction" to sports, called it a "Grand Slam".  :)  I believe it was the first time that something like this happened in my Department and at RCNAS... and I am, of course, absolutely proud to have been a part of such a wonderful feat from our undergraduate Thomasian scientists .  The students were joyfully elated and incredibly thrilled that our whole TEAM was going to the prestigious national research competition - no one was left out. Sweet!

***
Turning up the heat...

After the initial celebration for our qualification in the final round, we realized what a HUGE task it was before us... and we cringed at the prospect of  a "make or break" situation for us... there were six national finalists, three came from our group, and three will be chosen as final winners.  Therefore, we had "no right" to lose!  Dang! 

As have always been my Thomasian (con Cornellian) educator philosophy, the chance to represent UST in any competion is an incredible privilege... one that comes with an equally daunting responsibility to keep the pristine name of the University untarnished by poor
The "Amazing Race" - Research edition.showing, and an opportunity that should not be squandered with mediocrity and lack of passion for excellence.  My students knew this... and they expected me to play my usual "relentlessly pushy, bishy mentor" self - and there was no way around it.  =) 

We learned our qualification to the finals a week before the event, which was to be held in another City - more than 1 hour away from Manila... by plane!  And so, the "Amazing Race" marathon preparation began... with my blood pressure shooting up to the ceiling a few times, and the students' terrorized-meter shooting up to the skies - uhm, ahem... the whole time!  Haha...  but we did have enough "buffer" - our research team has become a "family", and the dynamics within our team are similar to family dynamics.  Plus, they know I have nothing but good intentions for them... and our University. :)  Therefore, we are all on the same page.

It was tough to coach three groups who were, in principle, competing with one another.  I had to make sure that there were no obvious differences in the quality of their posters and presentations, and in the depth of the content of their works.  But the fact that all three groups were "my kids" was the sweetest of all tough situations, I'd gladly endure it with all my heart anytime!  :)  There were sharp turns and numerous bumps in the logistic aspects of the preparation that were beyond our control... and I felt we were all deeply frustrated and almost to the point of giving up our slots in the finals... it turned out, I was
Our talented chocolate trio: PJ, Noel and Jho.the only one feeling that way.  All my students had a steel determination to get to Surigao City to compete, hardship notwithstanding!   Hmmm, passion... it was a good sign.  I heard one of them said, "God must have a reason for sending us all to the final round... it's up to us to find out what that is."  Hmmm, faith... I knew then that I had nothing to worry about.  I calmed down, gathered my wits together (including forgetting there's such thing as "UEFA Champions League" for a while.  Hehe...), and tried a, uhm, ahem... Pep Guardiola-ish coaching approach.  Sorry, I just can't help it!  ;)

To make the long story short, we made it to the rain-soaked Surigao City... a miracle on its own, because so many who have booked their flights many months before we did got stranded in various places, and didn't make it to Surigao until the second day (or on the last day, for some) of the Convention because of heavy rains that were blasting the City, and the nearby towns, causing numerous flight delays and cancellations.  Others had to be re-routed to various places, and then traveled by land for eight hours or so, putting their total travel time to 48 hours!  On the other hand, there was no major hitch in our flight going to Butuan City... and traveling by land for more than three hours - in the dark and in the rain, and on a few stretches of roads under construction - from Butuan City to Surigao City was not all that bad.  I think one of my students was right... God must have had a reason for sending the whole research team to the competition's final round because He kept us safe the whole time. 

So, game on!

***
Sailing on their own...

I think that the most amazing thing in a research teacher's life is watching students stand on their own,
Our team's membrane fouling specialists:
Clang, EJ and Jen.and sail on the challenging, and sometimes even treacheous, waters of scientific research. While it is extremely nerve-wracking to train students to approach, dissect, and solve a research "puzzle", knowing that whatever they learn from you would be the ground on which they would stand as they grow their own roots in their chosen scientific field, the joy of watching them all "grown-up" and ready to take on formidable challenges in their field of study is also extremely joyfully fulfilling.  That was the kind of joy I felt as I watched my students calmly and confidently present their research findings in a competition that was meant to be won only by those with hearts brave enough to expose themselves and their work to close scrutiny by "merciless research vultures".  It was almost impossible to think that, just a few months ago, all the things they were talking about in the competition were "Greek" to them... and then, after some gruelling training, there they were, confidently educating their audience, including some seasoned scientists, about their area of study - just amazing... almost a miracle!

While other finalists where put in crucibles after their presentations, my students and I were very happy that the judges did not have tough questions to ask after their presentations, except for a mere curiosity-induced question that was sufficiently answerable by two words.  Apparently, the presentations were clear enough to warrant the highly-priced "I have no question" remarks
Our team's tough mathematical model girls:
Kiki, Joy and Shiela.from the judges - distinguished scientists all.  I have to admit, albeit embarrassing, that I got a bit emotional hearing the very nice comments from the judges after listening to my students' presentations - too flattering... and humbling.  I could only quietly utter short prayer of thanks and praises to God that I could be a part of that glorious transformation of these "kids" from merely curious students to budding scientists of boundless promise.  And, I was extremely proud to see them humbly acknowledging the flattering comments made by the judges with a mere nod of their heads, a simple - almost shy - smile, and with a quiet, "thank you, sir," before calmly walking back to their seats - no swagger, no visible elation.  That confidence and poise in a gruelling battle that could only come from deep understanding of their research topic... the grace and humility amidst flattering praises that they demonstrated in a national stage... it made my heart swell with pride. :)

When the winners were being announced, the initially neutral audience was chanting the name of our University - too sweet to our ears.  That alone made us feel like winners!  :)  When they learned that they won FIRST and SECOND places... my students hugged one another and clapped in their seats happily, still with a lot of humility.  They looked back to where I was sitting, and I forced a smile to try to keep the tears of joy from falling... and I blew them heartfelt kisses.  :) 

My goodness, what did I do to make them such good students - extremely good at what they do, but totally humble and unassuming?  Am I even part of all this?  It's too heartwarming!  It must be the "Thomasian way".  I'm totally, abosolutely proud! :)

GO, USTe!!

***
A very fulfilling journey, indeed!

We figured out our research puzzles as a team at TARC, we tried our luck to get to the PIChE contest final round as a team, we traveled to Surigao as a team, we competed as a team... and we won AS A TEAM!  No one is claiming first place or second place... we captured the first and second places in the competion - AS A TEAM!  Therefore, we celebrated as a team, too!  Woohoo!  :)

My Research Students at the University of Santo Tomas Department of Chemical Engineering and The Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, winning First and Second Places in the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers Undergraduate Research Contest... the third place slipped out of our grasp by a fine thread margin. Ugh!  They are:  Joy Angelique R. Alday, Mark Paolo Julius A. Consignado, Clarisse R. Domingo, Noel C. Ligero, Mary Graciela L. Maragay, Emmanuel John P. Rieza, Ma. Hezekiah Anica B. Singson, Jennifer Cathryn L. Suarez and Joanna Marie N. Yuson.  THANKS and CONGRATULATIONS, guys!  Incredible feat - your Thomasian family is very proud of you! Woohoo!


With the task fulfilled... and we were "mission accomplished" at that, we thanked God with all our hearts.  My students accepted their awards during the Opening Night of the Convention, in front of a national audience, which included distinguished licensed chemical engineers of the country, no less.  They all looked beautiful.  :)

I let my students sleep-in the following morning to regain their energy, and permitted them to "acquaint themselves" with the City as I took care of Convention business.  And then, we all let our hair loose and partied like there was no tomorrow in the Convention Fellowship Night! :)  Like what I hope I usually did in the lab... I was the "teacher" - I showed them how to have a good time - and good students as they all are, they followed my lead, and we all had a great time with all the Convention participants - dancing and singing with a live band 'til the break of dawn!  The formula is simple:  work hard... party hard!  :) 

The final song sang by the band was very apt to our TEAM's journey, "Salamat" by The Dawn.  "Kay tamis ng ating samahan... sa lungkot at kaligayahan - tunay na kaibigan, kasamang maaasahan - SALAMAT!"  Ah, what a journey!  Too sweet... too fulfilling! :)

Of course, I had to give my own technical presentation the next day... but it was alright, my students lent me a bit of their youthful energy and brilliance... and I think I didn't bore my audience too much either.  ;)

***

Saturday photo

Maradjaw Karadjaw Surigao!  Salamat, Karadjaw!

Thank you, Surigao, for the wonderful memories... you have been very kind to us - my students, colleagues and I - even if your weather was a bit 'moody' while we were there. :)  You gave my students great winning moments, the
Almost a clean 'sweep'....exhilaration of adrenalin rush, immeasurable happiness and fits of heartfelt laughter, incredibly warm memories of friendship and teamwork, exciting adventures and youthful fun, and the awesomeness of faith that can put one's heart on fire to believe that, indeed, everything is possible with hardwork... and in God - all invaluable lessons in life.  Thank you for this joyful sense of fulfillment that fills our hearts - now a vast reservoir of determination to keep going and to keep believing that, for as long as we keep our intentions pure and unselfish, God will help us find the way to "Victoryville" - all in His greater glory.

We hope that you would open your arms to us again soon... next time, we hope your weather will let us explore that piece of paradise on your lovely waters - Siargao!  Thank you!! 


***

Saturday photo

Leo Messi... 
making Dolce & Gabbana the fashion for Champions.

Tsk!  Okay, lemme get this straight... 'cause this has gone too far already.  So, ya meanna say, a man can be a genius in what he does, be the best in his business in the whole Universe... and can look this beautiful, too?  *sigh*  Spell "unfair"... S-U-P-E-R-B, unfair!  ;)


***
Photo credit:  Thanks, Kickette, for the loan... even if you're unware of it!  =)

Wednesday nostalgia...

Velada Tomasina... recapturing the beauty of 'Old Manila'.
==========================================================
by Philipina A. Marcelo



Lovely Thomasian ladies, waiting to participate in the reenactment
of the La Naval Procession in Intramuros at the turn of the
19th century.


A couple of weeks ago, my 400-year old University ushered in the new century of its being a frontier of excellent education in the country by looking back to the turn of the 19th century.  The whole campus became a very different world -  a living tableau of 'Old Manila', where the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas was among its most precious and most celebrated centerpieces.

It felt all surreal...

The Benavides Park... encapsulated in a scene of "old" beauty. 

 ...nostalgic...

The "Illustrados" gallivanting in the campus.

...and the surroundings, so incredibly lovely.
  

Students enjoying the allure of the occasion... once in a while
slipping to the 21st century with their iPhones and digital cameras!



I had a trio of very willing 'models' who helped me capture the moment with souvenir photos.

My 19th century model wannabes. :)

They gamely posed in various spots in the campus.  In the park...

They would've looked 19th century "Maria Clara-ish"...
if they weren't smiling so enthusiastically like most
camera-addicts of the 21st century.  Oh well...  :)

...in the old buildings...

Our maria Clara wannabes joining the 'alta de ciudad'
crowd at the Facultad de Derecho Civil.

...and at the Plaza Mayor with some of our students. 

And the smiles persisted!  Oh, well... I guess it was, indeed,
a happy occasion!

Of course, our Chemical Engineering family also posed for a number of souvenir photos, before...


We just can't wipe those smiles off our faces...

...during...


It was an occasion of savoring friendship, too. :)

Reenacting the habit of the "manangs" of the olds days... siesta
under a tree... while being very, very politically incorrect!  Haha...

...and after the event.


Until the very end, smiling, even when "outlawed"...
was simply a hard habit to break!


It was truly a unique way of celebrating four centuries of wonderful traditions and excellence in Philippine education, gloriously entwined with the grandiose and wealth of our cultural heritage... and a fun way of welcoming yet another wonderful century of excellent education, hinged on the rich history of our beloved University.

And so, with 21st century smiles, we welcome the Neo-centennial of the University of Santo Tomas! 

Bring on Neo-centennial!  Go, USTe!


***

Sunday Foodie



Soupy, meaty, veggie-y... umami.  Hmm, delishy!


I don't know what it's called, so please don't ask... I just threw in stuff that I was craving in the pot, and let 'inspiration' do the job. 

It was one of those days when a simple molo soup just won't cut it.  There had got to be some long strings of something in there that would make sipping the soup extra 'fun', but not 'laborious'.  Therefore, I added vermicelli as a last step.  Long like a string, but thin and gel-like enough not to bring on 'insurmountable challenge' and ruin the fun in the soup sipping, and yet it could make the 'application of vacuum' more worth it with the extra texture.  The sweetness of carrots and the beef broth cancelled out the ampalaya bitterness, therefore, making the soup healthy, without the 'bitter suffering'.  And the slight sautéing and slow cooking of the homemade beef siomai in the initial broth squeezed out the wonderful umami magic from the meat, oozing into the soup, and heightened by a breeze of fish sauce and a dash of ground black pepper.  The hot-water softened vermicelli, which was added in the end, then soaked up the broth, holding together and concentrating the flavors in it effectively, enabling the flavors in the soup to collectively 'assault' the taste buds in a mouthwatering and irresistible taste - ah, and whatta taste, too! :)  . 

*** 

Saturday photo

Only 24 years and "King" already?  Yep, it's TIME.

So, yeah, I do have this "precious thing" on top of the heap of unread magazines on my desk at home.  I didn't realize until now that it has been almost a week since this found its way there... and Lionel Messi's face remains "begging" to have his story read.  *sigh*  

I know what you're thinking, lucky are those who have the magazine...  I say, luckier are those who have the time to read. 

Alright then... I choose to be "luckiest"!  ;-)  I have the magazine, I'll make time to read.  Therefore, sorry, work... you just got to wait for your turn - for a change!  Hah!  Uhm, wait... but it's weekend!  Why is work still in the equation?  :-/


***