QOTD

QOTD #20: Agenda 2014: Success... for my students.
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by PAM

"It’s odd to think of people feeling simultaneously superior and insecure. Yet it’s precisely this unstable combination that generates drive: a chip on the shoulder, a goading need to prove oneself. Add impulse control — the ability to resist temptation — and the result is people who systematically sacrifice present gratification in pursuit of future attainment."

         - Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld
           in the article, "What drives success?"
           Opinion Section, NY Times
           January 26, 2014

I agree... that "unstable combination", which crushes the head of complacency, and the willingness to sacrifice for the attainment of an important goal, which breeds perseverance, keep success within reach. I often see this "Triple package of traits" manifested in our

They make us lose sleep... but it's all worth it.

students' conduct. Most of them are highly intellectually capable, and yet, they are humble and obedient enough to be consistently persevering in meeting the demands of their respective Academic Programs. They graduate with a rigid discipline that is engraved in their personalities, and manifested in their practice as professionals.  And it leads to their success. Very impressive indeed. 

It's no wonder why many of our partners in the Industry have, generally, very good words for our graduates. It makes us proud... and very, very insecure, too, at the same time!  'Cause how does one maintain such culture... in this ever-changing world?  Finding the answer to that question is, indeed, a constant challenge that makes us, their mentors, lose sleep at night... especially, with the constantly evolving morphology of this generation's extremely varied interests and desire for overly independent thinking. But, the same challenge makes our lives interesting... and our daily work absolutely engaging! So we carry on....

***

Entertainment...

...by number.
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by PAM


This is what I love about holidays, y'see.  You could actually entertain the mind with the 'good stuff': reading books!  If you have the courage to mute your phone and switch-off your laptop to enjoy the holiday, that is.  I'm trying to do that now... listening to the Beatles, and re-reading....

Four, six, nine... and then you lose five, and 'the files'.  Good stuff!

...Science fiction, of course!  What else??  

I have to admit though that it was the 'beautiful' boy Alex Pettyfer, the ultra-cool Timothy Olyphant and the kick-butt Aussie chick, Teresa Palmer, who got me into "reading by number" last year.  The trio played the role of aliens from the planet Lorien who, along with 16 others, escaped the destruction of their planet by the evil Mogadorians. Unknown to them, a couple more from their planet escaped the Mogadorian invasion.  They came to Earth to re-group and train in order to regain rule of their planet when the right time comes.  By 'right time', they mean that time when the nine 'chosen' gifted children (or Garde) from Lorien (Numbers one to nine) would have developed their 'Legacies' (or superpowers) to full strength with the aid of their respective Guardians (or Cepans), and become strong enough to fight the Mogadorians to victory.  Not yet ready for full battle as their Legacies have not been fully developed, Numbers One to Three, and their guardians, were already murdered by the Mogadorians who pursued them to Earth.  With the protective Loric charm cast upon them by the leader of their Lorien Elders before their escape from the Mogadorians, the Garde could only be killed consecutively according to their numbers... therefore, Number Four was next.

In the film version, Pettyfer played the role of Number Four, Olyphant his guardian, and Palmer as the awesome Number Six - the fierce one.  While the film was "average" in quality... it was interesting enough to spark interest in the book, and in the Lorien Legacies series.  And, it kinda thrilled me, too, that "I am Number Four", the first in the Lorien Legacies series, spent seven consecutive weeks as New York Times' #1 Bestseller in the ...uhm, ahem, Children's books category! :)  Well, it only means one thing:  I'm still a child at heart... and that I haven't outgrown my childlike fascination for the awesomeness of science... entwined with a bit of imagination and love for fantasy.  Who knows, I might just be able to retain that, in spite of the heavy grown-up stuff I have to deal with every single day, and pursue writing science fiction when the right time comes? By 'right time', I mean when my time in the "busy office" comes to a close?  Not such a bad idea, eh?  Ya bet!  We'll see....  :)  

But, nah, I don't have the print version of "The Fall of Five", the fourth book in the series... I have the soft version on my iPad.  And, it's great, because I thought I won't have the patience to resist ripping the pages from the book as I fume in anger over Five's stupidity!  Yep, I am that "engaged". :) 

Alright, I'm gonna have to stop here.  I am supposed to be enjoying the holiday before going back to work... tomorrow.  Yep, on a Saturday.  I do work seven days a week... at least, 70 hours a week!  Yep, I work the hours and the job of a high-flying Engineering firm consultant... and earn like an average Consulting firm staff.  Tragedy?   Nah, I'm quite happy... and very proud of it!  :)  Oh, but, ahh... ask me again next year!   Haha....

Happy Chinese New Year, folks!

***

I need peace and quiet...

...and give way to 'le mindfulness'.
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by PAM



Yeah, I caught the bug... you can say that again.  Uhm, but not the nice make-up, etc.... nah. :)  Do I wish I caught that, too?  Uhm... too much work, thank you very much!  :) But I'm trying it out... this "Mindfulness" thing, that is.  

Uummm.... 

OK, that's it, I need to hear music.  :)

"I feel so uninspired... my head is battling with my heart

My logic has been torn apart... it's all because of you."

Alright, let's try again.  Uummmm....

Wait... was that my phone?  Ugh, what now???  Oh, it's someone else's!  

OK, let's begin again.  Uummm....

Dang, what an awesome goal!  Oooppss... 

OK, seriously now.  Uuummmmmm....

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

Sunday Foodie

Foodie-ing in KL and Ipoh, Malaysia.
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by PAM

Scratching the surface... and craving for more.

It's not my first time to be in Kuala Lumpur, but it was my first time to be in Ipoh.

It's amazing to see KL's progress from the first time I saw it in 1999, and then in 2000, 2007, 2010... and then, this year.  The rate of progress is incredible.  The infrastructures are, without a doubt,

The 'mandatory' pic at KL's 'mother ship'
before satisfying the tummy. :)

 indicators of very good and progressive engineering in the country, and the global business establishments that now saturate the City Center sprouted like bundles of mushrooms, all clustered in an obviously well-thought of Urban Planning.  Man, if only our own government would stop exporting our awesome Filipino engineers and have them re-engineer our country instead... any first-world country will have a run for its money!  

I also enjoyed the three-hour bus ride from KL to Ipoh.  The inter-City hi-ways are amazing... nothing short of a developed/industrialized country's, and yet, the surroundings are so impressively green.  The thick 'bushes' of Palm trees are incredible!  I remember traveling back-and-forth to KL and Putra Jaya back in 2007, the roads were already impressive then... they were obviously very new because there were not enough signs then that my friend and I missed our exit a few times. :)  But now, the drive reminded me of the summer roadtrips my friends and I used to take from Ithaca, NY to NY City, which even my family and I once did, too!  The feel is the same.  

And, Ipoh is a charming city, especially its Old Town, with old structures and houses preserved from ages ago.  I have to admit though that I don't think I'll ever get used to the quiet environment of KL, and especially Ipoh.  I've gotten so used to the City Buzz of lively Manila... I'd always crave it!

But, back to food... I know, a few days is not enough, never enough, to really have an honest-to-goodness feel and appreciation of any city's local cuisine.  But, my sister and I did our best.  

Our verdict:  the street foods of KL are very good (but, dang, I don't even have a photo... I was too busy eating!)... and the incredible burger of Burps & Giggles in Ipoh is a must-try.

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Saturday photo

A love story...

A promise to be true in good times and in bad...
...'til His 'feast in heaven'.

...that spanned two continents, three countries, and at least, eight major cities in the world.  It all came to a solemn promise, a commitment... to be true in good times and in bad, all the days of their lives.

It's been wonderful to have been a part of it, together with other friends from five continents, albeit how tiny that part has been.  It's always good to watch the 'magic' of love binding two people together in a special event that commences a blissful life-long partnership - in love, mutual respect, and enduring friendship... all in God's grace.   

Congratulations, friends!  :)

And, uhm, yeah... the 'after party' was AWESOME!  Haha....

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Photo:  Taken at friends' wedding reception at the beautiful Indulgence Restaurant in Ipoh, Malaysia.

2014 Aussie Open: Yep, I'm paying attention...

...oy, oy, oy!
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by PAM

Yeah, I've been following the matches at the Aussie Open...

Stan attacks... Djoker stretches to a split to respond.
It's cut-throat down there in Melbourne, whew! 

I just can't find the time to sit and write about the matches... but, yeah, I'm paying attention.  I loved the QF match between the defending Champ, Novak Djokovic, and Stanislas Wawrinka (Stan, the man), which finished just a couple of hours ago.  Stan got Djoker stretched to his limit right there... but I had a feeling Djoker was unprepared for the mighty Swiss attack launched by 'The Man'.  If Stan could keep it up... and I think he will with Tomas Berdych, he might just find himself in serious trophy-grasping contest with the world #1, Rafael Nadal... or, maybe, El Maestro himself, Roger Federer.

'The Man' is through... and I don't think Berdych could stop him.

'The Man' is in his elements... awesome!  He'd might just be the 2014 Aussie Open's version of Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open back in 2009... we'll see.  'The Man' is scary... in a totally unscary and, actually, exciting way!

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Saturday photo

Seeing double

I like the way how the Petronas Twin Towers seem to float in my hotel room with this photo through the window... the illusion is amazing. 

And, speaking of 'amazing', Malaysia's progress is going at such an amazing rate... it's almost incredible, and it's very good to see. I can only imagine what 2015 is going to be like, with ASEAN Integration happening late that year.  

Go, ASEAN!

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The "Beautiful Game"...

...will dazzle the world in 2014!  Goooooaaaall!!
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by PAM


Here's why I absolutely believe that 2014 is going to be a spectacular year...

Brasiiiiiilll... let's do it!

...World Cup, baby!

There will be beauty - lots of it!  Oy, absolutely!  There will be brilliance and awesomeness - that's for sure!  There will be drama... tons of it!  And, yes, it will be a big party!  Therefore, let's do this!!!  Brasiiiiiiiiillllll... get ready, we're coming to ya!  :)

My bet... aw, man, I don't want to jinx this, but there is absolutely nothing wrong about wishing for España to make a back-to-back win.  La Roja is still teeming with just about the finest men of the beautiful game... in talent, teamwork that's exhilarating to watch, heart for winning... and yes, 'beauty itself'! :) They smashed Euro two years ago with a back-to-back win, there is no reason why they

The 'weapon', and the prize... for the 'most beautiful'
of 'em all!  (Credit:  Getty Images)

won't be able to do a repeat of that awesome feat in the World Cup - considering WC's importance, and how a victory for them this year would be a Spanish football success of historical magnitude. The only problem is, they are in the "Group of Death".  They have the Dutch squad and Chile in their way to defending their crown. Now, that's a towering hurdle to clear right there!  

An Albiceleste (Argentina) win would mean the sweetest story of all (at least for me)... the four-time 'Best Player' in the world helping his squad to reach the apex of success for his country... Lionel Messi, of course!  That would be a most dramatic finish - for the books... and films, considering how his country favored Juan Martin del Potro as Sportsman of the Year for 2013!  Man, talk about drama!  :)  And, Argentina is teeming with incredible talents of its own as well, what with Sergio "Kun" Aguero, Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria?  Mama España'd better watch her back... but, honestly... uhm, I won't mind too much if Argentina snatches the crown from Spain. *blush*

There is no discounting the host country, too... Brazil will always be a strong contender, especially with Neymar, Jr.'s awesomeness fast-approaching its apex - that could be a game-changer.  Let's see how'd they fair against Mexico and Cameroon in the Group Stage.  I'm also keeping a close watch on that 'football brute force' that is Oranje (The Netherlands), which is in the same Group as Spain and Chile... man, that's going to be a do-or-die Group Stage saga right there, considering how Oranje almost hijacked Spain's 'date with destiny' in Africa four years ago! That championship was almost a karate match on the pitch, with Oranje playing the 'bully' to the elegant Spaniards... good thing La Roja were up to it, and 'beauty' prevailed! ;) 

Italy with its pride and passion, France with its fine players, and Germany will be contenders, too. I love these German brilliant 'young guns' and their well-dressed manager. They came very close in Africa four years ago... defeated in the quarterfinals by the eventual Spanish victors. Their inexperience worked to their disadvantage then.  Now, with more experience and grit, these young men are a force to reckon with!  OK, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo will make their presence felt, too, that's for sure... whatever!  Germany will be fighting it out through the Group stage, with Portugal and Ghana to wrestle a place with to the knockout stage.  And, oh, did I mention England already?  No?  Well, the Three Lions squad is in my shortlist, too. :)

The other thing is, in 2010, Uruguay was a great team... and they can be back with the same intensity and brilliance, the way they did then and in Copa América, too, in 2011.  The only problem is, they are in the same Group as England and Italy... now, that's a tough Group to crack into the knock-out stage through! Talk about exciting!

We'll see how it goes... hopefully on site - in Brazil!  Woohoo!  :)

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Starting the New Year...

...right - health-wise!  And that's New Year's resolution #1.
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by PAM

Sweat it out, run that race - to good health! 

Stretch, walk, brisk-walk, jog... run! :)  

At least two kilometers of run per day makes for healthy lifestyle... or so I heard! :)  That's nothing like an FC Barcelona workout alright, I give you that... but, hey, not all are built for awesome athleticism, ya see!  ;)  Besides, as far as sports, I prefer watching awesomeness rather than performing it. :)  The important thing is... I resolve to stay healthy this year.  And, I resolve to enjoy achieving good health.  

Therefore, 'there and back again'... to running - a health buff's tale!  :)

C'mon, 2014, let's run!  Woohoo!  :)

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Welcome, 2014!

May you bring prosperity, joy, love and peace.  

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by PAM

Happy New Year!  Woohoo!

Nope, that wasn't an alien attack... it was just us and our neighbors welcoming 2014!  Happy New Year to all!  Let's have a great 2014... let's make it happen!

Simple but wholeheartedly fun... let the coolest of blessings in, 2014!

If there's anything that the horrendous challenges of 2013 taught us, it's all about 'keeping things simple and sincere'... honest, wholehearted and true.  The incredible devastation that typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) of 2013 clearly showed us that we could amass wealth, but they all could just disappear in a snap of a finger... and there's nothing we can do about it!  We could 'enjoy power' and 'power-centered fame', but only momentarily... 'cause when God's hand works, we become nothing but just a speck of dust in the unimaginable enormity of all that surrounds us.  However, when our intentions are good and true, and our hearts are in the right place, the simplest act of kindness in our sincerest desire to serve could do enormous wonders, too!  

The New Year, 2014, brings HOPE... hope for us to renew ourselves, an opportunity for us to turn away from materialism, greed, and deranged lust for fame and power, which all pave the road to unhappiness and personal hell.  2014 brings another opportunity to renew and strengthen our relationship with God... the relationship that heals all wounds, brings joy in our lives... the relationship that makes service to others a personal heaven - a source of great happiness that lasts.  Yes, 2014 brings opportunity for us to nurture this relationship... the relationship that matters!

Welcome, 2014!  May you help us renew ourselves - for the best, and our relationship with God - for others.  Amen.

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