Wednesday Nostalgia...

...on the 78th Foundation Anniversary of PAEF.

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by PAM

 

Reconnecting with friends and fellow Fulbright Scholars and Humphrey Fellows under PAEF, Inc.
Among them are: Hon. Shirley Agrupis, Ph.D. (Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education), Tony Lambino, Ph.D. (President, Ayala Foundation, Inc.) and Karol Mark Yee, Ph.D. (Executive Director of EDCOM 2).

I have a feeling that the 24th day of March in the year 2026 will be etched in my mind... and heart, and shall be remembered with much fondness, indeed, for a long time.  I participated in the celebration of the 78th anniversary of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) - the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines.  

It was a joyful and quite emotional occasion for me.  So many memories - very good ones, came rushing in, and it was overwhelming.  I received a Fulbright Scholarship under the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program (FPASP) in 2002 to study for my Ph.D. degree at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, USA.  The FPASP gave me a very generous five-year scholarship, and I am forever grateful.  The experience was, indeed, life-changing - to say the least.  It opened so many doors of opportunities for me... as well as my loved ones, and the Institution that I now serve.  I returned to the Philippines (and to the University of Santo Tomas, or "UST") in 2007 where I became the 2nd woman Dean of the first Engineering School in the Philippines, the UST Faculty of Engineering, in November 2012.  I served in this capacity for nearly one decade, which were some of the best and most productive years of my life.  I will let history account the ups and downs, and the tremendous gains of the Faculty in those years that now became a 'norm' in its daily pursuits.  For these rare opportunities, I am, indeed, grateful to God.

In Academic Year (AY) 2021-2022, I became a recipient of the Hubert H. Humphrey (HHH) Fellowship, also under PAEF.  As a Humphrey Fellow, I spent nearly a year at the Pennsylvania State University ("Penn State") where I held my local Professional Affiliation (PA) at their Innovation Park at Penn State.  It also gave me the opportunity to return to Cornell for my non-local PA and work with former professors and colleagues for six weeks.  I also got to spend another six weeks at the Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, specifically at their Engineering Innovation Studio.  That gave me the opportunity to take a step back after a tremendous ride as Dean of UST Faculty of Engineering... and determine my next 'mission', especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.  In 2022, I returned to UST to lead the newly launched "Office of the Assistant to the Rector for UST Santa Rosa".  Four years later, we have reached milestone after milestone... and I am very grateful to God.

PAEF's March 24, 2026 event has given me the opportunity to take stack of the highlights of my professional and personal journey since the day I became a Fulbright Scholar for the first time in 2002, joining the likes of Tony Lambino that year, who is now the President of the Ayala Foundation, Inc., among others.  And, in 2021, after a grueling screening process, I was chosen by PAEF's Selection Committee to become one of the five nominees of the Philippines for a Humphrey Fellowship.  A few weeks later, in a world competition at the Washington, D.C., I emerged as one of the two Filipinos chosen by Washington, D.C. to finally receive the Humphrey Fellowship for AY 2021-2022. It felt extremely surreal that time.  I don't think I have gotten over the thrill of receiving that good news.

I am not sure if I have done enough to deserve the honor of being a two-time PAEF scholarship recipient.  I am certainly been trying very hard.  Some days I feel that, perhaps, I should spread my wings wider and try a different avenue, and see how else I can serve my country and the world in a way that befits the honor and recognition that I received from PAEF, the Philippine government, and the USA.  These days, I feel that this contemplation is turning the tide... and I cannot wait what awaits me elsewhere.  I give my full trust to the Lord, and I surrender all the days of my life to Him and in service to Him.

***

Image credit:  All photos in this post belong to me.

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Saturday Photo(s)

 

Having so much fun in the thick of preparations at the construction site for the

UST-Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-WiTBIRIn)

in the campus of the University of Santa Tomas in the City of Santa Rosa, Province of Laguna.

 

These past days, one can say that, yes, I am 'in my element'.  Finally, the 'boring' phase of my 'new job' has dissipated, and now, my Team is entering a zone where we all can be 'in the zone', indeed!  Construction of the second building in our new campus is about to go on 'full swing'. And I hope that before we're done constructing it, we would be ready to begin the third... and the fourth after that... and the fifth... and so on - I hope. We have five years to build the 'necessary buildings', and 15 years or so to develop the campus in its 'first iteration'.

I often enjoy the 'planning stage' of any project, or any 'mission', especially when it is a pioneering endeavor.  So, naturally, when our Office was created just two years ago upon my return from my one-year Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at Penn State University, Cornell University and Boise State University, I had a great time thinking, researching and talking to many people, planning, designing, and building the foundation of our Office, which begins from building the Team ... and hoping and dreaming of the best outcomes - dreaming mostly. 

One of the things that I love about this process is meeting like-minded people, and more so, people of very little to zero faith in what our 'mission' is about.  The former reinforce our courage to keep believing and diving into the unknown, and the latter, serve as reminders to persevere and keep the faith if good results have to be had.  In our current construction project, there are a few 'non-believers'.  Unfortunately, they are the most exasperating ones... so, it has been very, very tough, indeed.  It was so mightily boring to spend so much time and effort to make them see things from a different perspective, and to acknowledge that there are other ways of accomplishing things. Just because a method is 'tried and tested' does not mean that it can be applied on all things and in all situations. And that a 'seat of authority' is not always a seat of infallibility.  In many cases, it is a seat that allows one to serve better and to serve more people.  Very fortunately, I do have an incredible Team... they make me feel that not every battle is mine to fight... or fight alone.  So, yep, I am lovin' my Team, and I am lovin' our pace despite the challenges!  And when we do occasionally achieve something significant, we remind ourselves that we can see many wonderful things from our vantage point only because we 'stand on the shoulders of giants'. 

So, this week, our current construction project, the UST-Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-WiTBIRIn), reached a milestone.  And we are, indeed, very happy and absolutely grateful.  Faith, perseverance and teamwork do pay off.   And, I am celebrating here through The Script's music, "Hall of Fame" just like how the namesake of the building that we are constructing (the 'giant' on whose shoulders we stand, in this case) is in our UST Engineering Hall of Fame...

"Yeah, do it for your people, do it for your pride.

Are you ever gonna know if you never even try?"

***

Image credit:  The photos in the collage were borrowed from colleagues and used here with their permission - thanks.

***              

'Throwback Thursday'...

 ...even when it's no longer 'a thing'.

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by PAM

I've just been watching this TV movie where a 'city girl' - a 'senseless one', if I may say so, was 'thrown' in the wilderness by a job-related project.  She was thrown-in in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of outdoorsy people who, like her, were competing for a contract with an app developer who organized the 'wilderness throw-in'. She was doing so badly... and it's annoying how she was always insanely hysterical at every turn in the wilderness, which, by the way, was so breathtakingly beautiful.  There was a good-looking guy in the bunch... and, predictably, he took notice of Ms. Hysterical.  And, predictably, she was annoyed at first by his guts and confidence... but eventually, his charm and consistent good nature won her over.  Not that I am not complaining... because I am.  Uhm, yes, that's right, I am complaining!  She doesn't deserve him!  Uh, yeah, I know... it's just a TV movie!

But what's my point?  I do have a point, see. 😅 In one of those scenes where the story belabored the point of how the 'opposites', Ms. Hysterical and Mr. Cool Outdoorsy, slowly fell for each other, they were crossing a gorge through a hanging bridge.  Mr. CO was guiding Ms. H (whose eyes were shut close... what do you expect? 🙄) along the bridge.  And then, he paused in the middle of the bridge to admire the beautiful view.  Ms. H opened her eyes, and gasped... taken by the beautiful view, too.  But, of course, she had to ruin the moment by her 'hysterically impressed' reaction. 🙄

A little part of the Boise River
viewed from the Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge
at the Boise State University campus.

I know, you must be asking - again, "so, what's your point?" Hang on, 'cause I'm not here just to bash Ms. H.  I do have a point. Hmm... actually, I have a related story to tell.  Back in AY 2021-2022, I was in a Humphrey Fellowship at Pennsylvania State University ('Penn State').  While in the Fellowship, I had a great opportunity to travel around the US again. I chose to go to some of the places that I haven't been before, and joined events that I have not experienced before... and I loved it!  One of my favorites is my prolonged stay in Boise, ID.  I did a part of my Fellowship there, specifically in Boise State University (BSU), where one of my sisters used to work.  I loved it there!  It's the closest thing to a real 'happy marriage' between the preserved beauty of nature and urban living.  My sister's home, where I stayed, in the four trips that I took to Boise while in the Humphrey Fellowship (twice on vacation with my sister and her husband, and twice on official Humphrey Fellowship business) is located just several hundreds of footsteps from the BSU campus.  In the opposite direction from the campus, several hundred steps away, is downtown Boise.  There are several parks and points of interest in between... and that was why I loved walking to and from the campus... and taking a walk downtown during lunch breaks or before walking home.

"Boise is located in the Treasure Valley, along the Boise River.

The word 'boise' is French for 'wooded', and the name likely originates from 

French Canadian travelers who named the area Boise because it was a rare

wooded valley in the context of high desert area."

One of my favorite walking trails from the campus, specifically, from the library, to downtown and back is through the Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge across the Boise River.  There was a long walking trail along the Boise River - the "Boise River Greenbelt", which ran from one region of the Boise City to another.  It is a famous walking, running and biking trail for the locals, including my brother-in-law who is an avid 'walker'.  The first time I walked along the Greenbelt and crossed the River towards downtown using the Bridge, it was between Fall and Winter time: Thanksgiving Break.  And, I was so astounded by the view of the mountains where the river seemed to appear magically, and then disappear again in the opposite direction. I frequented the trail and crossed the river through the Friendship Bridge, and the view took my breath away each time!  Mr. CO's reaction in the TV movie reminded me of my own reaction everytime I crossed the Friendship Bridge.  I took a few dozen photos and videos as well, especially when I was able to catch the sunset.  

In downtown Boise, the Capitol Blvd. where the Capitol is found at its end,
viewed from the Boise Depot on the hill.

When I returned to Boise for Christmas break, I was lucky enough to experience a beautiful white Christmas.  One of the highlights of my vacation was a sunset walk along the Greenbelt, crossing the river towards downtown together with my sister.  And, when I returned in springtime, I got curious, and the Bridge was the first that I visited as soon as I reached Boise... after eating lunch with my sister and brother-in-law, that is.  The view at the river, the surrounding lines of trees so green, and the mountains, was just breathtaking!  But what is most fascinating was that such sceneries can be found right smack in the middle of the City, and they bind the BSU campus with downtown Boise and the residential areas that were made so pretty by a huge variety of flowers.  I enjoyed that very much... along with all those friendly people in Boise that I had the great pleasure to meet, and some became friends. 

My 'I was there' photo, taken at the Boise Depot by my sister.

My longest stay in Boise was for five weeks, and it was towards the end of spring and halfway through summer.  Naturally, I went crazy!  Boise was so beautiful then... and the whole Boise was a-buzz with summer activities.  There are days when the City was quiet as most people would spend a long weekend, camping in the woods located in the outskirts of the City, or up the mountains.  I do think that it's a fascinating lifestyle, observing environmental sustainability and benefiting from it, too... and I loved it!  I wish to be back... and I hope that, next time, it will be for a longer period.

Did I make 'my point'?  Hmmm... I guess, not yet, huh?  Well, stay tuned then... more to follow!

***

Video credit:  The owner of the video is indicated in the video credits.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

Image credit:  All photos belong to me - I took them unless otherwise indicated.

***

Something old, something new...

 ...and how sentiments change over the years... but not the love for music.

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by PAM

Among many activities in the coming week, I am currently preparing for my 'debriefing' tomorrow with the Executive Director of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), which is the Fulbright Commission of the Philippines, or simply, "Fulbright Philippines".  This is the second time that I will be doing this as this is my second time to receive a study grant from one of the Programs administered by PAEF on behalf of the Philippines and the United States of America (USA).  Somehow, it feels different than how I felt 15 years ago when I returned to the country after five years of studies in the US as a Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship grantee.  Although that wasn't my first time to study abroad then, it felt different because of the expectations attached to being a Fulbright scholar and earning a PhD even when the experience was extremely humbling.  It was a life-changing experience though and that was why it was a challenge to be re-integrated to my work's community.  This time around, it is even more different because of the expectations in the workplace, primarily due to my age, experience, and the more challenging work that awaits me.     

The same University, the same person...

two moments in time, twenty years in between.

Everytime I feel like I passed a milestone in my profession, or in my personal life, I offer a 'special' prayer to God... to allow contemplation.  And, just when I thought that I have experienced the best in my current profession already, therefore, I am done, and I am ready to diminish into retirement... a 'new chapter' opens up.  Then I realized that the milestone that I just passed is 'the best' in the previous chapter... while the most beautiful moment in my life is yet to come.  'The best is yet to come', indeed - thanks, BTS for the reminder.  I think that when we adopt this way of thinking, this attitude, then life will always be exciting for us... and it will always be worth living for, and living to the best of our ability, too.

This generation is very lucky because they have BTS to keep reminding them about these things.  When life throws us a curve ball, and we struggle to hit it, missing it most of the time, sending us to the darkest of moods and bleak vision of our future, BTS reminds us in "Mikrokosmos" to just 'shine, dream, smile' because someone else might be finding inspiration in us.  If we keep smiling no matter how much we're hurting, we shine our light upon them... and they glow, and shine their light upon us, too.  And then, through our lights, we create our own constellation, our own cosmos... our very own mikrokosmos where there is nothing else but wonder and beauty.  Through their songs, BTS built 'that door in our hearts' that opened to the "Magic Shop", where all the answers to our questions await us, comforting us, assuring us of our life's significance, our relevance, our place in this world... just waiting for us... there in our hearts.  And, when we pray, the answers become clearer, more meaningful, make so much more sense.  And, when the 'new chapter' feels more intimidating than the previous one, in "Life Goes On", BTS offer their hands so we can 'run away to that future' where all the sufferings and anxieties fade into just an 'echo in the forest'.  

Physically older but wiser (gosh, I hope!),

less stylish but more comfortable (I swear!)...

less years in the future ahead, but happier... 

much happier (it's true!)!

I am no longer young... and I am not complaining either!  I've gone through so much in this life already... thankfully, with very little regrets.  And yet, I, too, bump into seemingly insurmountable challenges once in a while.  And, every once in a while, I need a sweeping inspiration, too, to keep going.  BTS provides some of that needed inspiration... the reason to laugh through their hilarious antics; the reason to get up and move about, shake about, and rid myself of the negative energy by trying to move like them.  Of course, it is impossible to move like them (well, for me!  Hahaha....)... but as I try, the momentary distraction makes my heart swell with glee.  It gives me time to re-think my priorities, what is most important to me... and then, as I settle down to reflect, I hear the door knob to my heart clicking.  And then, I find myself walking into my "Magic Shop" in my very own "Mikrokosmos".  As I watch the stars glow so beautifully, I get convinced that, indeed, "the best is yet to come". In the meantime, "life goes go on"!

If people in my generation doubt about BTS's ability to make sense out of life through music the way our favorite artists in the past did, then I recommend that they listen to this...

2021: BTS ("I'll be missing you")

Isn't it as good as this...?

1983: The Police ("Every breath you take")

I rest my case. 💜

***

Photo credit:  The photos in this post were taken by various individuals for me.  As such, they belong to me and, therefore, I have the freedom to do as I wish.

Video credit:  The owners of the videos featured in this post are indicated in the videos themselves.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Saturday photo, er...

 ...I meant video!  Okay... and some photos, too.

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by PAM

Beyond the backyard...

The horses at the stable located at the 

Baker Institute for Animal Health

of Cornell University

One of the things that I love about living in Ithaca in Upstate New York is how one can be very close to nature.  There is always an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature whatever time of year... although winter can be truly harsh.  

An assortment of blooms in the 
Cornell campus in Ithaca, NY
during spring time.

This is the beauty of studying at Cornell University, too, specifically in its Ithaca campus.  Aside from it being an Ivy League... and, therefore, the quality of education is topnotch, the Ithaca campus is surrounded by nature in its unadulterated beauty.  The campus itself is beautiful:  dramatic in Autumn, surreal in winter time, deliciously pretty in spring, and totally smashing during summer time.  More than anything else though, the company of brilliant and fun students, and awesome mentors, was totally wonderful and unforgettable.  I spent five years in the Ithaca campus of Cornell as a PhD student in the mid 2000s.  I thank the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture scholarship program endlessly for the opportunity... because those were some of the very best years of my life!      

So, in AY 2021-2022, I had the opportunity to return to Cornell.  This time, I return as a Hubert H. Humphrey (HHH) Fellowship grantee.  The HHH Fellowship Program is under the Fulbright Scholarship Program of the US Department of State.  It is a highly competitive program that is usually awarded to professionals in their mid-career or leaders who are ready to move up to more influential leadership roles in their field of work.  In my Humphrey Fellowship, I was primarily hosted by the Penn State University in State College, PA but I chose Cornell as the venue for one of my two six-week non-local Professional Affiliations. The other one is Boise State University in Idaho.  I couldn't be any happier! 

Enjoying a lovely spring time
evening, walking around East Hill
area of Ithaca, NY.

In Ithaca, I stayed at the eastern side of the campus... up a hill, towards downtown. The house where I stayed this time was the same house where I lived on my last year as a PhD student in Cornell.  Its location is adjacent to that of the Baker Institute for Animal Health of the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, which is recognized as one of the very best Vet Schools in the world.  The house has among the most beautiful views of Ithaca sunset, which gets dramatic during spring time because of the usually thick dark rain clouds that contrasted with the burning red-orange color of the sun as it sank in the horizon among the tall trees on the hills. It is absolutely lovely!  

Every single day, I was motivated to start the day well by the cheerful tweets of birds outside my window... and the gentle fingers of the rising sun that knocked on my window with its comforting warmth.  They brought smile to my lips as I prayed for that beautiful day that beckoned.  All day long, the horses at the stable of the Baker Institute grazed around the hills, and they usually wandered at the house's backyard.  I enjoyed watching them, especially the two most active ones who loved to run around.  They are the ones featured in the video above.  

Towards the end of the day, I put all my concentration on my work so I can eat dinner early with the kind family who owns the house... and relax as I watched the beautiful sunset at the backyard.  In the evening, I put on my walking/running shoes, put on my earphones, and pull down my favorite playlist on Spotify - mostly BTS music, of course!  I then joined some of our neighbors as I walked/ran a minimum of 4km, chasing the colors of the sunset fade into the night.  Perfect day for Namjooning, indeed!  

I usually went to bed every single night satisfied with my day... and happy that I got to rest well as I anticipated another lovely day to come my way in the morning.  Looking back, those days that were full of hope reminded me of my favorite line in one of the newest BTS songs, "Yet to come".  The line went, "dream and hope, and go forward - we're so about it!"  Yes, I am so about it, too!

Ahhh... Ithaca!  Take me back!  

***

Video credit:  The video featured in this post belong to me.  I shot it for the sole use of this post.

Photo credit:  All photos used in this post belong to me.  I took and processed them for the sole purpose of this post.

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Saturday Photo + Namjooning

 

"Eternal Wind"

by Nobuyo Okuda

(Bachelor of Fine Arts,

Class of 1984, Boise State University)

Framing the Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge across the Boise River.

The Special Collections and Archives of Boise State University (BSU) keeps a data base of important materials and artifacts that make up BSU's history as well as that of Boise City, and the State of Idaho itself.  Among others, they keep a list of remarkable works of art that abound the campus.  One such remarkable work that catches attention when exploring the campus is the work of sculptor, Nobuyo Okuda, a graduate of the BSU School of Arts (BA Fine Arts, Class of 1984).

The work is composed of two half circles made of stainless steel, joined at a single point and supporting each other where they are joined.  The two half circles then extend gracefully beyond the point of full contact.  As such, it is a remarkably minimalist number that shows how geometry and physics are used in artistic creations but seems insignificant the first time one sees it... at least, by those who prefer things from the perspective of pragmatism and functionality.  However, as one studies the origin of the sculpture, one can fully appreciate its significance.  

The sculpture was donated by Robert Hay to BSU in honor of his wife, Janet Hay, who

"Eternal Wind"
with the Administration Building
of Boise State University.

served for three terms in the State of Idaho Legislature, representing Nampa; championing education as member of the Idaho State Board of Education.  As such, the sculpture is also referred to as "Janet Hay Memorial".  To pay tribute to Janet Hay's advocacy, Okuda created a piece that symbolizes the "student-teacher relationship" in teaching-learning process. Each half circle, which represents either the student or the teacher, stands incomplete and insignificant.  However, as the half-circles are joined fully at one point - in an education institution where learning takes place - they stand beautifully, completing each other... taking flight to extend gracefully to reach the other end... until one can no longer distinguish where the structure begins and where it ends, hence, the "eternal" nature of the relationship that they symbolize.  And, as they seem to move to reach each other in a circular motion, they generate "eternal wind"... in the same way that the effective teaching-learning process in an excellent student-teacher relationship can eternally generate useful information that is cultivated to bear knowledge... and nurtured to shape into wisdom.  Indeed, it is a beautiful symbol of student-teacher relationship and that process of teaching-learning... not just in an academic institution setting, but in life itself!  After all, we all have most beloved mentors in our lives... and in what we do in our vocations and professions... who guide us, inspire us and keep us motivated to do well.

To me, it is an added point that the "Eternal Wind" is located in a place where, at an angle from one side, the circle frames the "Bob Gibb Friendship Bridge", which connects the campus with downtown Boise that are separated by the Boise River.  From the opposite side, the sculpture serves as a circular frame for the Administration Building, which is quite remarkable, too.  The sculpture is also installed in a circular plaza between the Albertsons Library and the College of Arts and the Sciences where students can hangout.  I spent many hours reading in that plaza... or simply, namjooning, waiting for the sunset so I can view it from the Friendship Bridge where the sun's fingers spread across the river one last time in a given day as it sinks into the horizon.  Again, beautiful!

***

Photo credit:  I took all photos in this post and processed them solely for this post. 

References:  Special Collection and Archives of Boise State University (news writer - Rachel Taylor, 2019); The Arbiter, 06 October 1999.

Footnote:  "Namjooning" - per BTS explanation, it is the "act of living as Kim Nam-Joon.  This includes taking walks through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends" (Reference:  Click here.).  Kim Nam-Joon, also known as "RM" (short for, originally, "Rap Monster"), is the leader of the South Korean group, BTS.

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Saturday Photo (dump) + Namjooning...

...because we don't throw away memories.

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by PAM

There are many important occasions today, and it's good that it's Saturday, too.  Although it is a thoroughly busy day for me... as I am traveling from the US to the Philippines as I write this blog post.  In fact, I am currently standing on a loooong queue that is snaking around the Tom Bradley International Terminal of LAX... that is not moving!  There's a huge variety of anxiety-triggers along the queue: "late again?", "when do they start checking us in?", "can we make it to boarding at this rate?", "man, I have a connection in Manila! Will I make it at this rate?"... and what have you!  

After missing a flight the day before... and after walking (thrice! Long story... not worth discussing.) from Terminal 7 of LAX to Tom Bradley with three pieces of huge check-in luggage balanced on a squeaking cart (well, can you blame it, given the weight of my luggage?), a carry-on, and a backpack, and with that heat outside, and the LA smog that made my eyes water, plus I am really hungry... I cannot listen anymore to all the complaints around me.  So, after conversing and commiserating with my fellow frustrated passengers, I decided, I have to do something productive... and happy.  

So, I switched on Spotify, opened my ever-reliable favorite Playlist... put on my wireless earbuds... and voila, here I am... in this safe virtual haven of mine.  Let's go!

***

Everything happens for a reason

Yep, I missed my flight the day before because of that Health Pass online Form that one person insisted I needed to fill out before I can be checked-in and be given a boarding pass.  Apparently, she was misinformed... but, by the time someone made a clarification, my luggage did not have enough time to reach the plane even if I can still sprint to my gate!  So, I returned to my sister's home, and spent most part of the morning getting re-booked for my flights today.  Thankfully, the Department of State's Travel Agency that was assigned to handle the travel plans of Humphrey Fellows like myself was very efficient that everything was taken care of in only a couple of hours.  I then spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon taking delicious catnaps... and listening to music in between.  

The truth is, I wasn't feeling too well yesterday as I had my COVID-19 second booster shot last Wednesday evening.  I wasn't feeling well the following day, Thursday, but I couldn't take a

rest because I had to pack and re-pack my luggage.  Ten months of being in the US had me 'amassing' stuff - mostly books... and shoes - lots of them!  Nope, I do not plan to make excuses... 'cause I have none! Anyway, the extra day of stay gave me time to recuperate... and be ready for the long journey home today - a blessing in disguise.

It was a beautiful day, too!  It was a bit warm, but it was sunny, and the sky was clear and very blue - pretty, and perfect for some Namjooning!  And so, in the late afternoon, as my brother-in-law went to play golf, my sister and I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood so I can admire the place one last time.  I love the old huge trees that lined the streets, almost forming a natural canopy above our heads as we walked.  The shade they provided made the warm air a bit cooler, keeping the heat radiated by the asphalt road in check.  So, it was quite a comfortable walk. 

These last month that I was in my sister's place in Boise City, ID, I walked almost everyday.  First of all, I walked to the Boise State University campus... walked leisurely around the

campus and beyond after work, and then walked home.  I typically complete more than 10,000 steps daily, which is usually equivalent to, at least, 7 km.  The place is nice and safe, so I enjoyed every minute of my walk!  Also, I loved looking at the houses around.  They are most definitely not as HUGE as the houses in, say, Texas!  However, they are dainty and lovely... making the village where my sister lives very pretty, indeed.  People are so friendly, too.  Many of them let me take a photo of their home, and even chatted a bit about the neighborhood, especially when they learned that I am a visiting scholar at Boise State.  Perhaps, that is another thing that I love about this place - people's sense of community, and sense of pride of what their community has to offer.   

My sister and I decided to eat dinner at one of our favorite Asian restaurants in the village.  We took a different route on our way there just to explore the village.  We saw interesting things

around the neighborhood.  My favorite was a mini free library at the front yard of one house. There were a couple of comfortable seats provided, and there were a few more spares in the barn just directly at the back of the free mini library.  Anyone in the neighborhood can come and read, and anyone can donate books as well.  It is a very good idea, really.  In fact, I've seen one like this at the Anne Frank Memorial at downtown Boise.... which I'll write about in the (near) future. 

My sister and I did not have our 'usual' at the Asian resto... we ventured to something different.  We usually ordered ramen or pho but, this time, I ordered their special noodles... which was truly special - lots of veggies, shrimp and beef.  It was delicious... and I finished it all! The long walk gave me appetite, and I loved it!  My sister opted for something with rice, and se loved it, too.

On our way back to my sister's house, we decided to walk some more at a park nearby.  It was, actually, a dog park.  So, there were many people walking and playing with their dogs... and there were some more playing tennis and basketball.  It was quite busy... but not crowded - there was enough space for everyone.  My sister and I decided to take camp at the

picnic area... I was so full and happy that I decided to lie down... and just enjoy the fresh air, and the peace and quiet while I bonded with my sister.  We talked about our immediate and long-term plans... and things that we are not planning just yet.  It was a very good talk, which I did enjoy.  This is another thing that I love about this place... there are many amenities that are found in big cities, like New York City (NYC), for instance... MINUS the huge crowd, the noise, the stench, the security and safety threats, and the lack of privacy.  Ah... perhaps, it's my age.  I used to enjoy the sight and sound of NYC... but, these days, I go there primarily for business.  Then again, times have changed tremendously... and so did NYC!  Given the choice, I'd rather go to Boise or in Upstate New York... and even in rural Pennsylvania - hmmm... uhm, perhaps, I won't go that far!  I do love Pittsburgh though!  It's cosmopolitan and lovely with a fair amount of intellectual vibes about it... but not as chaotic as NYC, or Philadelphia! 

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Oh, and about special occasions...

July is a special month for me because, uhm, its my birth month! CANCER month!  Yes, indeed, I'm a crab!  Proud of it, too!  I can identify with many crabs in this life... such as the late Princess Diana

and his son, Prince William, as well as the brilliant, Tom Hanks, and the eternally youthful and innovative, Tom Cruise.  Let's not talk about Elon Musk though... because we want to talk happy and good, right?  He's a great engineer though... I give him that.

Anyway, speaking of Tom Cruise... I found out on Instagram (IG) a few days ago that he is an ARMY.  Well, in the IG post, he sang the first two lines of "Butter" - and with gusto, too.  Hahaha... and speaking of ARMY, the fandom make July even more special for me because the 9th of July is ARMY's birthday!  Having officially joined the fandom lately, I feel happy that I can celebrate my own birthday with ARMY's birthday.  Yaay!

So, when my sister and I reached home, at the suggestion of my brother-in-law, we went to harvest ripe raspberries at the backyard.  And because, I didn't have cake to commemorate the special ARMY day, and it was too late to bake one, I opted for ice cream - Ben & Jerry's.  Fortunately, I still had one of my favorite flavors, the Americone Dream, which was "vanilla ice cream with fudge-covered waffle cone pieces and a caramel swirl" (credit: description is from B&J's website).  So, I had a proper ARMY birthday celebration commemorated with ice cream topped with fresh raspberries - straight from the backyard garden!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARMY! 💜🎊

And to celebrate this occasion, let's dance to one of my favorite 'old' BTS songs, "Anpanman"... because, heaven knows, I need a hero right now!

 

I chose this because this is one of the first BTS songs that caught my attention four years ago... the rest is history.  Also, the graphics in their background has the most semblance to Hobi's Jack-in-the-box album cover, which we are also celebrating these days!  Hobi is awesome in this video... and in this one, too, which is another live performance of Anpanman.

Alright... the queue is moving - FINALLY!  Outta here... for now.

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IMAGE CREDIT:  All photos in this post are mine - I took them, and processed them, solely for this post.

VIDEO CREDIT:  The owner of the video is indicated in the video credit, BangtanTV.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

Footnote:  "Namjooning" - per BTS explanation, it is the "act of living as Kim Nam-Joon.  This includes taking walks through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends" (Reference:  Click here.).  Kim Nam-Joon, also known as "RM" (short for, originally, "Rap Monster"), is the leader of the South Korean group, BTS.

Wednesday Nostalgia

 Boys in music... 'too many boys, too little time', or is it?

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by PAM

Alright, I am on the last stretch of my Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship (HHH).  The reason why I know this for sure is because I already received my e-ticket for my journey home - back to the Philippines, from the Institute of International Education (IIE).  

I do have mixed feelings.  On one hand, I am excited to go home... nine months of being away from home is simply too long especially when the living condition where you temporarily live is very different from the lifestyle that you're so used to at home.  Too many adjustments to make... most of which are extremely humbling, and sometimes, it's almost demeaning.  Indeed, 'there is no place like home'!  And yet, for the HHH Fellowship, there are so many very positive things - the most important of which are the new people we meet, and the opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues and friends, and, on personal level, get-together with family members, too.  And so, I carry on with HHH Fellow's life as usual, taking things as they come - more rationally than emotionally.         

For a positive distraction, I, of course, rely on my 'go-to' company - music.  There are so many new music to listen to, but I decided to listen to old favorites and the new favorites.  Duran Duran and BTS, respectively, of course.  They have two things in common:  (1) they look good, and (2) they made/make good music, at least, good enough for their respective generations.  Time will tell if their music will stand the test of time.  But one older song by BTS reminds me of a 'counterpart' song by Duran Duran... probably because of the similar appeal of the music videos (MVs) for the songs.  This BTS song is "Run", which was released in 2015 - two years after their debut.

🎜 "Even if I run like crazy, I am still in the same place..." 🎝

I do believe that that the MV is very well done, and the members seem to have a knack for acting, too.  They gave their roles justice.  It might be too 'angsty' for the song, which talked about unreciprocated love, while the video is more of the complicated friendship among boys. Either way, love is involved, indeed... and the boys made that come across the screen. 

The 'counterpart' song from Duran Duran is "New Moon on Monday" (NMM), released in 1983 from their "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" album - their third studio album.  I must add that this was my favorite album of theirs... although the first album of theirs that I ever bought - in cassette tape format, shared with my sister - was "Arena".  It was a compilation of the live versions of their songs from the first three albums: their debut album, Duran Duran; Rio; and Seven and the Ragged Tiger.  Like "Run" by BTS, "NMM" was released two years after Duran Duran's debut in 1981.  

🎜 "New moon on Monday and a fire dance through the night.  I stayed the cold days on a lonely satellite." 🎜

While there is some difference in terms of theme - angsty teenage boys' issues for "Run", and organizing a rebellion for "NMM" - both are effective visual accompaniment for the songs.  It should be pointed out though that the MV of NMM was released almost two decades prior to the launch of YouTube in 2005.  I remember waiting for days and hours just to watch the video on MTv and/or other video channels in the '80s.  And, we can only watch it once each time!  It was a test of patience... and yes, passion for the song, Duran Duran, and music as a whole.  Duran Duran were the early innovators on the use of MVs - they turned MV into a "mini movie".  This made music fans more engaged... it's like making a movie out of a book... book readers are usually excited, or at the very least, curious, to see how the book is interpreted by the movie makers. And part of the success on an MV is how well the singers look and acted in the video... putting pressure on music artists to become 'total performers'... hence, BTS's rigid training in dancing, and acting, too, and their adherence to attractive visuals when performing - whether live on TV or in concert, or on MVs.

These days, it is very common to have a MV viewed more than one million times worldwide within minutes after launch on YouTube.  And one can now watch the videos a hundred times on the first day of release, thanks to YouTube.

It is amazing that people of my age can still have something new to be passionate about in the music scene these days.  In my case, its BTS and their music, more than three decades when I first became a "Durannie".  Not a bad thing at all!

Alright, time to return to my HHH stuff!  

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Video credits:  The owners of the videos are indicated on the video themselves.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

References:  Bighit's and Duran Duran's official websites.

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A short break...

 ...and lots of BTS!

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by PAM

The 'heat is on'!  And the work is starting to shift from 'slow moving' to 'intense' mode.  I am expecting that this week, I will be totally busy, completely immersed in my Humphrey Fellowship non-local Professional Affiliation (PA) at the Cornell Food Venture Center (CFVC), especially that in the past days, I've learned many things about the other Programs of Cornell AgriTech, such as the New York State (NYS) Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture (CEFA).  

This CEFA consolidates and leverages the strength of Cornell that are related to food and agriculture research and innovation in extending assistance to NYS-based start-ups, small-scale enterprises owners and farmers who wish to become entrepreneurs.  As such, it "pushes" the said stakeholders towards suitable assistance that are available in Cornell, and towards success.  With such successes, large and small, the Center hopes to "pull" businesses to the New York State. And, together, the Center hopes to help these stakeholders to "grow" with Cornell AgriTech in a manner that is synergistic and mutually beneficial.

So, in the past week, I endeavored to visit the AgriTech in Geneva, NY.  I met a number of individuals that are directly connected with the CFVC, and saw the facilities that are available to stakeholders who might be interested to avail the myriad of assistance that are available under the CEFA.  It was fascinating... but as my interest is piqued, more questions arise, especially as I imagine this as a possible model for the Innovation Campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), which is currently being built in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.  In a nutshell, this is my Capstone Project for my Humphrey Fellowship, and I am excited to make it happen with my Team soon!   

In the meantime, I wish to dissipate stress with my 'go-to' stress busters: BTS!  Today, I wish to share one of my favorite BTS songs - an old one, but one that never gets old as far as I'm concerned.

"You're in danger... why do you push off expressing your feelings like homework?"

The members are in their most youthful in this video, and the song reflects the usual angst of teenage boys who received mixed signals from the girls of their dreams... of course, they have moved on to more 'mature stuff' such as giving inspiration to their young listeners, especially when the pandemic was at its height.  The official video for this song is also quite formidable.  These young men have grown, and I can't be anymore proud to be their fan!  As I write this, they just won three out of six nominations in the 2022 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs)... putting their total win since 2017 to 12 awards - the most that any group has ever obtained to date aside from Destiny's Child.  And, certainly, the most that any Asian group has ever obtained in the BBMAs' history.

Hmmm... if these young men could do it, a Philippine Innovation Campus that is patterned after the Cornell AgriTech might also doable.  Like them, our Team just need to work hard, too!  That, we are willing to do, too.  So, let's go!

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Photo credit:  All photos in the collage above are mine.

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

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"Moving Day"...

...from State College, PA to Ithaca, NY.

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by PAM

Beginning a new chapter in my Humphrey Fellowship Journey today...

in Ithaca, Upstate NY.

Nope, this isn't a "Saturday Photo" post.  It is a 'regular post' that just needs to begin with a photo to allow speed in posting here as the day is progressing with a tons of demands.  Obviously, I 'owe' this blog TONS of posts from my Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship journey.  It was an incredibly eventful eight months since I got infected, almost did not survive, and miraculously recovered from COVIID-19 in August 2021... and then went on a whirlwind of preparations to commence my Humphrey journey at the Penn State University in September 2021.  It had been unbelievable! 

The Penn State phase of the journey ended on the 30th of April... and I would love to talk about that wealth of unforgettable experience here at some point. Right now, I am excited to begin my new journey at the Food Venture Center of Cornell University in Geneva, NY, and at the Department of Food Science in Ithaca, NY as I leave State College, carrying with me tons of warm and brilliant friendships that are difficult to describe and quantify.  One of the most important of these friendships is that with the Director of the Innovation Park at Penn State, Dan Leri, who served as my local Professional Affiliation host, supervisor and mentor.  

I do love Penn State and the many people who helped me find and open doors of opportunities as a Humphrey Fellow.  I am sure that such opportunities will not only impact positively my own own life - professional and personal, but also those of my colleagues in the University of Santo Tomas and its many other stakeholders. And, I feel very fortunate that such experience will be augmented by a 'homecoming' at Cornell.  I am not sure what this will bring me... but I am hopeful that it will be as unforgettable as my experience in Penn State - in many positive ways.  

I cannot wait!  May God bless my path in this part of the journey as well as the people in it and around it.  

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Photo credit:  All photos in the collage, except the one on the upper left hand corner (belongs to Jane Reese - used with permission), are my property.

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Saturday Photo

 

My last full day as Humphrey Fellow 2021-2022

at Penn State University in State College, PA.

Today, I spent my last full day as Humphrey Fellow 2021-2022 at Penn State University in State College, PA.  Most of the day was spent saying goodbye to colleagues who embarked on the next phase of our Humphrey Fellowship journey today, packing and cleaning up my apartment, all of which are difficult 'business' as they are quite emotionally and physically taxing.

After cleaning and packing, I did spend a few hours just walking around the campus, getting 're-integrated' for the last time in the Penn State community and environment.  The campus was starting to bloom again after a long winter, and it's colorful and beautiful!  It's graduation season in the University, so my colleague and I saw many students in their graduation robe, taking photos in the iconic spots in the campus.  Most people wear a smile on their faces, or just have an air of cheerfulness about them, and it feels wonderful!  I am sad that I have to leave the campus within the next 12 hours... just when it starts to look fresh and cheerful again.  I did enjoy the beautiful autumn, and the pretty winter.  I say 'pretty winter' just because for the most harsh part of winter, I was working elsewhere warm and sunny! Hehe...

Anyway, I leave with a heavy heart because I made a lot of incredible friends in Penn State, but I am so excited to begin anew in the next phase of my Humphrey Journey.  I will commence my first non-local Professional Affiliation at the Cornell Food Venture Center in Geneva, NY while maintaining residence in Ithaca, NY and general affiliation at the Department of Food Science in Cornell University.  In a way, it is a 'homecoming' to my PhD alma mater.  I am excited to be reconnected with my PhD mentors and friends at the Cornell Filipino Association (CFA)!

So, I am keeping the faith and the excitement!

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Photo credit:  All photos in the collage above belongs to yours truly.

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