QOTD

 QOTD #30:  When reality strikes... and it takes you by surprise.

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by PAM

 

"...and since I am currently one of the women sitting home thinking, 'if I could only find a man like Aragorn', he picked me.

- Lorelai Gilmore, "Gilmore Girls" S4:E22 

I wasn't thinking of posting anything here today... or in the next few days, or maybe weeks.  I have planned to spend my 'free time' just getting back to healthy state and just forgetting about work, or anything that requires an effort to not be the introvert that I truly am - regardless whether the reason for getting out of my 'introvert cocoon' is a family matter, friends matter or what have you.  I planned of locking myself inside my own little introverted world and resume

binge-watching "Gilmore Girls" (GG) on Netflix... and ignore the (ignorable) fact that there is a whole wide world out there... a teeny tiny part of which is curious whether I am still alive or have ceased existing altogether.  

And then GG S4:E22 came on - an episode where Lorelai was contemplating dating her long-time dependable and permanent ('cause nothing much in Lorelai's life is permanent, except the love between her and her daughter, Rory) friend, Luke Danes.  In the previous episode, Lorelai and Luke attended Luke's sister's wedding... and they 'oddly' hit it off as they danced at the reception... and after Luke realized in the middle of listening to a self-help audio book that at every important point in his life (good or bad) in the last (almost) two decades, there has always been that one person he would like to share it with - Lorelai.  Hence, the odd feeling of being together at the wedding, and saying goodbye afterwards at Lorelai's doorstep... which did not escape Lorelai. So, in E22, she was dissecting the situation with Rory... trying to determine whether Luke would really like to date her, or just taking pity on her newly single self (again) after her last relationship ended abruptly due to 'family complications', which is almost always the case for Lorelai's lovelife.

Ah... that caught your attention, didn't it?  Lovelife!   You think I'd be talking about my own lovelife here.  Well, I am sorry to disappoint but I do not have a lovelife, at least, not the romantic kind that you might be expecting... and therefore, there is nothing of the sort to talk about here.  That's the reality, my reality.  It's a good reality, too, and I'm happy.  So, deal and move on!

***

Thinking of Aragorn in a universe parallel with Lorelai Gilmore's

What caught my attention in GG S4:E22 is Lorelai's mention of Aragorn from the "Lord of the Rings" (LOTR).  I've seen this scene before... but it still caught me by surprise.  I blame my current (and, perhaps, forever) 'single blessedness' to him, Aragorn.  He is so dashing, brave, intelligent, incredible leader, and just about perfect, especially as portrayed by Viggo Mortensen in the series of films by Peter Jackson. That 'Aragorn speech' at the Black Gate in "LOTR: The Return of the King" (LOTR:TROTK) alone, and the courage he showed to make good his speech all throughout the film series, especially in that monumental Battle of Helm's Deep in "LOTR: Two Towers", and in the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, will forever haunt me, and will always be the standard on which men should be measured... in my book.

"Hold your ground, hold your ground... this day we fight!"

So, if this scene from LOTR:TROTK made many women in this world, including the fictitious Lorelai Gilmore, to expect even the smallest hint of perfection in men, can you blame them?  Can you blame us?  Still speechless in amazement?  Uhm, yeah... that's what I thought!    

Alright, back to GG... and the thoughts of Aragorn. Oy!  

Ciao!

***

Video Credit:  Thanks, Youtube, for the video link.

***

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.

***              

Saturday photo(s)

The dramatic skies and the lush vegetation

in my 'second home' and in my 'other' new workplace.

These days, I am getting used to waking up in the morning with the view of the skies about to let go of of the gray colors of dawn in anticipation of the arrival of sunrise.  It's such a beautiful scene... that sometimes, I stay transfixed on my bed staring at the scene in the window by my bed with nothing but the sound of my own breath and the happy chirping of the birds - so serene... until the sun finally burst in the horizon, slowly makes its way to the sky, brightening and intensifying the hues of the colorful surroundings, slowly spreading its fingers on the green, green grass visible in the opposite window until the last drop of mist disappears into the thinning air.  I cannot help but be filled with awe... and, everytime, it makes me wonder what magnificent luck life is about to reveal to me in the horizon of the day that just began.  Such wonderment puts a spring on my strides... and I go about my day with such excitement amid the serenity around me. 

The sky as it welcomes the sun
at sunrise - viewed from my bed
through my window

The trip from my new (second) home to my workplace is about 6km but I am, usually, able to cover the distance in only 10 minutes or so, regardless of the time of day... usually, it just takes two BTS songs.  From my new workplace, I am getting used to switching off my work gadgets as the air gently sways outside, making the branches of the seemingly countless trees and thick bushes around the building sway rhythmically as the chirping of the birds heightens, and the sound of crickets slowly blend in.  I make my way out of the building where I work while the skies make play of its fast-changing colors... from blue to various shades of orange as the sun makes its way into the depth of the horizon... or red, if the skies are generous enough to promise a beautiful day by the next sunrise.

My new workplace will be the seat of the 'highest' of high-technology to be developed by Thomasian scientists and innovators in the future.  It will be a buzzling place for interdisciplinary research for my University with its partners and stakeholders.  As we have a highly comprehensive University, just thinking about the extent of interdisciplinarity of our research and innovation activities in the future graces my imagination with a bonfire of ideas - very exhilarating!  But, of course, I make effort to rein in the excitement lest I resort to 'counting the chicks before the eggs hatch'.  So, I continue to work hard and persevere with my awesome Team in transforming that vast space that we have into what the future needs.

One day... nature and technology shall come together in a beautiful harmony that attempts to sketch God's generosity and wisdom.  The attempt shall fail, of course, as God's generosity and wisdom are boundless, and our attempt is merely to narrowly estimate... but the attempt shall be our way of expressing gratitude... and commitment to keep trying as we make ourselves worthy of, one day, seeing God's kingdom where the true beautiful harmony can be experienced... and not just estimated.  

Until then, we dream, we persevere... and we bask in the beauty of the experience.

***

Image credit:  All the photos in the collage above and the individual photos belong to me.  I took them all.

'Lighthning in a bottle'...

 ...is 'a thing'.

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by PAM

"'Lightning in a bottle'... it's about you, Class of 2024.  It's your story...

every step is an eloquent sentence in this beautiful narrative that is your story."

Nope, not yet time for 'Saturday Photo'.  It's just that a few days ago, 18 June 2024 to be exact, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the Presiding Official at the Solemn Investiture of the candidates for degrees of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) held at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.  That was my second time to have such an incredible opportunity.  The first time was last year at the Solemn Investiture rites for the UST Faculty of Engineering. 

Just like the first time at the Faculty of Engineering, I had so much fun meeting CTHM's Class of 2024 and their parents - on stage. Although, also just like the first time, I had many sleepless nights days before the event.  I was so nervous, I was unable to eat, sleep, or concentrate at all on even the smallest stuff on my plate.  There were instances when I'd freeze just thinking about what to say in my Address of Concession, and whether I'd be able to say the formula correctly in the Degree Conferment part.  I was so stressed out the whole time.  When the moment came, however, it was heavenly.  

The Class of 2024 is a very special cohort of learners in my University.  They started their freshman year in August 2020 - at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They came in on a fully online mode of teaching and learning.  Even their 'Freshman Walk' - one of our most important traditions in the University, which is part of the Freshman Orientation activities, was held virtually as well.  After that, they had to go through a couple of years of virtual instruction.  Very fortunately, my University has a very robust e-learning system.  We have been using Blackboard as our learning management system (LMS) twenty years prior.  Despite that, it was still challenging as we needed to ensure that everyone had stable internet connection, and that they had gadgets with sufficient features to enable them to participate in the virtual classes. It's a good thing that the community spirit in the University helped us overcome the challenges.  It wasn't perfect, but we know that we did everything possible to make the experience of our Class of 2024 as good as the more conventional teaching and learning mode that is only balanced by the use of technology through our LMS.  

A daunting duty... but so worth it!

To capture the essence of our Class of 2024's remarkable resilience in enduring the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 in a seven-minute Concession Address was such a tall order for me.  So much so that so many times, I felt like I was not equal to the task.  I prayed so hard for the Holy Spirit to lend me wisdom and grant me the inspiration to come up with the right words to say that can sum up the Graduating Class's experience as 'the pandemic Class' so that they (and their loved ones) can all relate, and feel that that was truly their very own special day.  

And then, one night, as I was re-watching the footages of their Baccalaureate Mass in bed, I saw something that sparked inspiration.  It was an image of a group of graduates smiling so happily amid all the lights from their candles and the fireworks above them... their faces seemed to radiate from the light of the candles that they held.  More images later... something 'clicked' in my heart and in my head.  I whispered, "Lord, what are they holding?  It's so radiant... like 'lightning in a bottle'?"  I opened the Notes App on my smart phone... and before I knew it, I had paragraphs after paragraphs of write-up, all revolving around the 'lightning in a bottle' idea.

I started with: "With how your faces shone in the illuminating light from your candles, you appeared like you were holding a 'bottle of lightning'.  Ever heard of that expression, 'catching a lightning in a bottle'?  It's an idiomatic expression that means, 'accomplishing something that is extraordinarily difficult'.  Look it up, it's a thing!  It's a thing because... it's about you.  It's about the Class of 2024.  You all caught lightning and bottled it.  It's your story... and an extraordinary story, indeed!  Because... how does one catch lightning and bottle it, too?  Lightning is a product of electrical discharge between two regions.  It carries a powerful force that strikes in a split of a second with such lethal intensity... much like COVID-19."

And then I proceeded to likening the the light of their candles with 'that Light' that illuminates... the Light that is the Truth, the Light that is God's Love, the Light that is Christ Himself.  The grace they received in their experience as the 'pandemic Class' enabled them to endure that difficult but glorious journey of finding the Truth in all their ordeals.  And in the end, the Truth revealed itself... in the Love that guided them throughout their journey:  The Love from their family, from their teachers and the Thomasian Community as a whole... the Love that is the gift from God... the Love that is Christ Himself.  That Love is the Light that illuminated their faces and hearts in happiness as they celebrated the culmination of their journey at the Baccalaureate Mass.  That illuminating light borne out of that 'lightning' that they caught and bottled, and that they now hold in their hands.  In the future, when they meet challenges in their professional and personal journey, they should not be afraid.  All they have to do is to hold out their hand... open, look down on their palm, and be heartened and inspired by that lightning in a bottle: their own contribution in that beautiful narrative of human courage and the astounding triumph against all odds through love. 

The same is true for us in the University... Class of 2024 is our very own 'lightning in a bottle'.  Their triumph is a reminder that as we did what we did for them - out of love... we, too, caught a lightning in a bottle.  And it shall illuminate our hearts... especially in the darkest of days.

***

Image credit:  All images in the collage above are owned by The Varsitarian - the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines - thank you for the loan.  The other photo is mine.

***

Saturday photo...

 ...not!

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by PAM

Milestone!

 

For the first time, I experienced what it's like to preside over the Solemn Investiture of a Graduating Class as a 'top administrator' of the University that I have been serving since 1989.  I presided over the Solemn Investiture of the Class of 2023 of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) where I teach!  I recited the 'formula' in conferring a Bachelor's degree and shifted the tassel of the candidates' graduation cap.  It was an incredible experience, and I am very grateful! 💛  

As past immediate Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, it was my role to present the candidates for graduation during the Commencement Exercises since 2013.  The last time I did that was for the Class of 2019.  Although I remain Dean of the Faculty until 2022 (but on Sabbatical Leave in AY 2021-2022), because of the pandemic, I did not get to do this for the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021.  When I returned to the University in July 2022, I assumed a new assignment under the Office of the Rector of the University.  Apparently, this qualified me to act on behalf of the University in granting the degrees of our Graduating Class during the Commencement Exercises.

In my 7-minute speech, I spoke about the Class of 2023 being "Bulletproof"... with inspiration from the most popular boy band in the world:  BTS.  💜  It was an incredible opportunity... because how many ARMYs can express their admiration for BTS while passing a major milestone in their professional career?  Perhaps, not so many.  As such, I feel blessed... and I thank God for this incredible opportunity.

***

Image credit:  The photos in the collage belong to me, Tomasinoweb and a colleague at UST - thanks!

*** 

     

The 3Cs towards resiliency and 'bulletproofing'...

 ...as we begin again.

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by PAM

Today, we begin again.
We put yesterday behind us with only its lessons and good memories in our pockets
...and we begin with hope and with the gained wisdom from yesterday.

So, today has been a happy day for me!  The University of Santo Tomas (UST) officially opened the Academic Year (AY) with the traditional Misa de Apertura: Opening Mass, which is also known as "Mass of the Holy Spirit" where we invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit in walking us through to the new AY; and the Discurso de Apertura: the "Inaugural Lecture", where an appointed official (or sometimes, an invited guest) gives a scholarly discourse to set the tone of our pursuits in the new AY. 

My new Team in serving the 411 year-old 
University of Santo Tomas - what an honor!

This year, the Mass was presided over by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D., the Bishop of Pasig.  As UST is the Pontifical University of Asia, Bishop Vergara also officially opened the AY on behalf of the Pope.  The "Maestra" for the Discurso was the Assistant to the Rector for Planning and Quality Management, Prof. Clarita D. Carillo, Ph.D., who is also the former Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs - my former 'boss'... a mentor and a friend.  Now, we are in the same Team at the Office of the Rector.

Prof. Carillo discussed about "3Cs" - the stages of Institutional response to crisis that leads to the attainment of institutional resiliency.  These are: Cope, Control and Construct.  At the initial onslaught of the crisis, we gather our collective strength and use it to deal with the pressing challenges with only our immediate survival in mind.  In other words, we cope.  As we realize the effectiveness of our strengths against the challenges, and gain confidence, we then determine what else can we do and what else can we put together immediately to hold the crisis at our doorsteps, or completely crush it before it reaches our door, and seal our institution from the ravages of the attacking disaster.  In short, we control.  And as we all join hands to continuously defend our institution from the present and future danger, we build our 'artillery' of defense, and expand our forefront to better prepare us from any other danger today and in the future.  In short, we construct.

I do believe that even in our personal lives, this 3Cs approach to resiliency is also applicable.  It is okay to feel frustrated (or, is it "trusfrated", according to JK? Hehe... ) when 'coping' with an unfavorable reality... but we need to keep going.  After all, like love, life is not perfect when it's real.  So, we need to do our best to move forward towards gaining 'control' of our lives... because it is our lives... we are responsible for own lives... and we have the right to enjoy our lives, too. Our goal should not be instant success and instant gratification.  It should be to continue picking ourselves up, no matter how difficult and no matter how slow.  Perseverance and patience are key to realizing our goal... gaining wisdom from lessons learned from our failures, and moving forward with gained wisdom.  We build from our failures and frustrations... construct a future that is less prone to failures, and one that can turn failures to victories.  

***

Bulletproof-ery

While we are talking about constructing, I would go a little farther and say that we should think about 'bulletproofing', too.  Inspired by BTS, of course.  And why not? Doesn't it make sense?  Here, see for yourself....

🎜"We are bulletproof.

They all said 'no' but we made it through.

Bad memories, countless trials, too.

We stopped them all without fear... bulletproof."🎝

It's a victory song... mulling over the trials that could have crushed them if their determination to succeed and their willingness to work hard did not render themselves as 'bulletproof'.  They had a collective dream.  They trudged that trial-laden path towards solid artistry and accomplishments that matter.  As they slowly realize their dream, more and more fans who recognized their determined spirits walked with them.  Their fans kept surrounding them, protecting them from more trials and hate.  The fandom since grew to a mighty ARMY - unnerving in its size, reach, and influence.  They have become the 'proof' of the growing greatness of BTS that was built from 'blood, sweat and tears'... and, therefore, built to last, indeed.  The sheer volume of ARMY's love and admiration rendered BTS to be totally 'bulletproof' - unassailable in the quality of their outputs, impenetrable to hatred, the most beloved seven souls and a constant to this generation... simply inspiring! 

So, you see, even BTS went through the 3Cs.  They stayed the course, they persevered, they kept building and re-building.  And, here they are now... BULLETPROOF! 💜

***

Photo credit:  I took the photos in the collage above and my brother took my photo.  The photos belong to me though, and therefore, I have the right to use them for this post.  They may not be used elsewhere.  The photo with my UST Team was grabbed from Prof. Carillo's FB page - thanks for the loan.

Video credit:  The owner of the video featured in this post is indicated in the video itself, BangtanTV.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

*** 

All is quiet...

...in all fronts. #ElectionNight
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by PAM


It's the proverbial 'calm before the storm'.  Or, is it the 'calm morn after a stormy night'?

In the blue corner, Sec. Hillary Clinton - the 'veteran' of US politics; the potentially first woman President of the United States of America (USA)... and yet, she talks and brawls like a man.  In the red corner, Mr. Donad Trump - the eccentric 'Washington outsider' and business mogul who had no qualms about expressing his racist, sexist and anti-semitic views, among many other vile opinions.

People all around the world - whether they admit it or not - are biting their nails as they stare at the poll figures in the race to the White House.  The world holds its collective breath... not exactly knowing what to hope for.  Not that the White House is anything significant to all, at least, no more than what it represents for the longest time: power, influence, and all sorts of opportunities reserved for the 'most powerful' country in the world.  Yes, 'for the longest time', indeed.  The incumbent US President, Barack Obama, changed that.  

President Obama has been hugely criticized by many Americans for being "weak" and making the USA slump to all-time low since its climb to become a 'superpower', allowing "new powers", such as China and the "new" Russia, to rise and rival USA's global leadership.  They have risen to almost equal footing as the United States of America, economically (for China) and in political influence.  And yet, that

There is light at the end of the dark tunnel of bitter campaign.

seeming 'weakening' of USA brought 'global balance' - a term always used by President Obama... although, admittedly, most of the world was not used to such balance and didn't know what to do with some power being handed over by President Obama to be shared with the world.  And, by sharing that power, I'm sure President Obama also expected that the global community would share the responsibility of taking care of the world and its citizens.  Others are just too thankful to receive this power and take this responsibility with much humility... and yet, others who covet absolute power grabbed the 'gift' like an entitlement without a care of the responsibility that goes with it!  I'm sure President Obama knew what a precarious ledge he walked as he makes these concessions - although, he, with all sorts of good intentions, I expect, believes that there is not a single country that should possess such enormous power that puts it above all others.  And that any sort of huge global influence should be rooted on values... and compassion to humanity, rather than on military and economic might.  And, one's love for one's country does not necessarily mean amassing excessive amount of wealth fro itself in a world where many go to sleep hungry, and lording over the whole population as a hulking power.  

The Obama administration put its money where its mouth is as far as its international commitment is concerned.  In my own country, especially in the education sector where I

Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Alumni Association, making a
difference in the local agriculture sector.

belong, I feel the positive impact of his view of American leadership.  I see how the aid/assistance extended to the education sector by the USA has been making a world of difference to the quality of education in my country... making the road to self-sufficiency visible in the horizon.  It's a wonderful way to forge friendship built on true equality between two sovereign nations.  But, of course, not all of us in my own country view President Obama's action in the same way I do. Obviously, many Americans do not share President Obama's views either... many feel that the concessions have been compromising their own welfare, dropping them behind from the progress caravan.  They could be right.  And yet, President Obama insists that progress does not necessarily mean not working as hard as the Americans' ancestors for privileges that they wish to enjoy.  Then again, he is a "global citizen" who actually experienced first hand the plight of people from countries not as progressive as the USA... and he might be forcing his values to a country so wrapped up in its own greatness - inherited from hardworking immigrants that the man in the red corner seems to despise;  a country that is not ready to embrace the 'flattening' of global power and the interdependencies of nations that render the world upright.

In a few hours, when the election returns stop moving, and freeze to put a stamp on history books, the world will know which parts of the USA, and which fraction of American population, think in the same way, or differently, as President Obama.  That is, assuming that President Obama's still reliable popularity is transferable to the woman in the blue corner. And, yes, in the near future, we shall see which belief is best for the world.  

In the meantime, we narrow our eyes towards the light at the end of the tunnel, and watch as a country in conflict with itself decide how it wishes to lead itself as it pushes through the dark tunnel of bitter and divisive campaign.

***

ATM...

...I am speechless.
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by PAM

Therefore, let me try to find songs to help me express what I am actually feeling right now.  Almost immediately, this comes to mind...

"Out of the darkness and into the sun...

...I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change, and breakaway...

...gotta keep moving on, fly away, breakaway."

...just because it's the closest song to describe what I am feeling 'at the moment'.  I'm very sorry if that sounded like being 'self-important'.   

There are many interesting opportunities (to serve) in front of me right now.  While they make me quite happy, and just a bit flattered, I am utterly blown away by the excitement they entail.  It seems that these opportunities were rolling on different flashy streets when, all of a sudden, they met 'detour' signs somewhere... making them roll down my little alley, and stopped serendipitously at my doorstep.  Ah, what luck, indeed!  

But yes, all said opportunities are, indeed, very attractive - and by 'attractive', I mean every single one is absolutely challenging and exciting;  they have the potential to effect radical' change of lasting and positive impact on areas and advocacies that I care about very much, and it seems that there's plenty of help if one tried to turn them into positive change; and they have the potential to bring personal happiness

Praying to attain depth and grace - in age... through a maze of
opportunities that sprouted and grew from the daily sprinkling of
committed, honest and selfless service.

and incredible sense of fulfillment as well - whichever way the cookie crumbled.  So, I have one very tough decision to make.  So help me God.

I guess it all depends on what is most important and, given my age and my remaining productive years, with which opportunity can I make the biggest positive impact, and make my borrowed time really and truly productive time.  No, money is not a factor 'cause with me, it's never about the money... and never about personal ambition either.  And that is easy because the opportunities that come my way do not bring riches nor fame and glory anyway... but they make the soul sing, they make one glow from inner happiness - even when they usually bring me down to my knees first.  Then again, isn't that wonderful... they bring me down to my knees - and pray?  They make me more aware that, up there, someone way mightier than any of us all is looking down upon us - with loving and merciful eyes, but with the impeccable sense of justice.  And yet, He has an abundance of hope, too, when we are down on our knees - in frustration, and in desperate search of inspiration. Therefore, why bring burnt offering?  This awareness is my inspiration to commit to the tasks in front of me - with diligence, honesty and compassion, and everything else that make the greatest of offerings that I am capable of.  It's not always perfect, but I am always blessed with equally committed co-servants - colleagues, co-workers and bosses.  They make every second in service wonderful and meaningful.  And we are always blessed with a refreshing sprinkling of little gifts that make us proud, joyful, and always spiritually refreshed.

And yet, on some days, this is how it feels...

"I feel like the window closes oh so quick

Hopelessly, I'm taking a a mental picture of you now

'Cause hopelessly... the hope is we have so much to feel good about."

And we hold on to our seats, close our eyes, dream wonderful dreams, and let them calm us down.  And when the panic subsides, hope creeps in - in cottony soft little steps... and settles inside the heart.  Hope makes the heart plump of beautiful things to look forward to, and beat with the rhythm of a calming breeze.  We open our eyes... and then we begin again.  

No, it's never easy... but we do it anyway - always hoping for the very best, always dreaming of a beautiful ending when our borrowed time runs out, and we are reunited with the mighty but gentle One above.

***

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

***

A situation that inspires...

...reflection.
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by PAM

A few years ago, I was rebelling from myself, casting out my appreciation and love for a place that's embedded in my heart.  Just when I was ready to move on from said place, leave it all behind, and see what else is out there, I was inspired by two women - to re-consider my decision, and give our 'good old place' a chance.  They were a bit successful... I actually 'looked back', and I got sucked in - but only temporarily.  

A year later, the restless 'rebellious' streak came back, and I was ready to let go.  One of the inspiring women who cared enough to pay attention at how 'crazy' I was being went one step further than just pay attention.  She 'coaxed' me to dream with her, and it was, indeed, a wonderful dream for the place we both love... and then 'talked' me into taking on the challenge of making that dream come true... through heartfelt service.  It kinda frustrated me 'cause I hate recognizing a challenge... and then not taking it!  I know, I'm such a freak like that.  So, I gotta admit, she's indeed one clever 'rebel whisperer'!

So, I took on the challenge... and the rest is history. 

I really plowed into that 'challenge' stuff like there was no tomorrow... like I didn't know I could actually plow, really! :)  I can just imagine that the 'rebel whisperer' was having fun watching me fight and beat my own rebellious streak... discovering so many things about myself in the process, my formidable edgy self, for instance.  I gotta admit it was truly fun!  I've never felt so blessed... just discovering all the blessings that God so astutely wrapped with self-doubt and shyness.  It was an incredible feeling to discover the blessings, one after another. The 'rebel whisperer' smirked each time I did discover something underneath those layers of self-doubt.  Sometimes, when she thought I wasn't looking, I'd caught her beaming everytime I celebrate with my Team with a little swag after hitting a target - bull's eye. 

So, yeah, it's been a truly exciting ride... and the 'rebel whisperer' never stopped being that - a 'rebel whisperer'.  She kept my 'restless being' in check... with a little arch of the eyebrow, a not-so-discreet clearing of the throat, a roll of the eyes, or a downright disapproval with a shake of the head. It was our little secret... a mentor-mentee natural dynamics.  It's exciting sometimes, it's frustrating other times... but it always felt like a wonderful gift... somehow.

Today, the wind that blows in my face feels strange.  Something is changing, and it did not feel right.  The 'rebel whisperer' began to sing a song of farewell... and it's a truly melancholy song.  I feel that all my edge is slipping away, too, as the song hits its melody.  In its place, the self-doubt is crawling in... and it's scary.  It's the worst time to feel scared.  I feel like I'm in the middle of a fierce battle, and I lost sight of my General... someone took my General away.  And, I feel lost... swinging emptily in thin air, almost making me feel defeated.  

The 'rebel whisperer' was sunshine...

...and the day is darkening as she sang a song of farewell.

I wish for a new day to come... and yet, as far as I'm concerned, there's only one sun for this earth.

***

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

Lyrics credit: Thanks, www.azlyrics.com, for the lyrics of "Sunshine" by Gabrielle.

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Why after eight years...

...we know there's hope.
=====================================================================
by PAM

Eight years ago, I was working on getting 're-integrated' to the Philippine society. I just got back from the United States of America (USA) then, fresh from five years of stay previously in NY State.  I watched the Americans eagerly as one of their major political parties, the Democratic Party, nominated the man to become the first black President of the USA, Barack Obama.  He went on to win the election and took up the Presidency.  It was a defining moment for the USA.  They just broke through the racial discrimination barrier in such a powerful and meaningful manner. 

Now, eight years have passed... amid all the stirring rhetoric, post-slavery discrimination is stronger and more divisive than ever, not just in the USA, but all around the world. The manifestation of meaningless hatred and discrimination these days have been violent and gruesome - an utter disrespect to human life.  Therefore, it was wonderful to listen to the 'quiet force' beside President Obama - the First Lady, Michelle Obama - speaking eloquently in the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to rekindle the message of hope against discrimination... not just racial discrimination, but discrimination in all its many forms, such as gender, age, ethnicity, body size and shape, and religion.  What struck me the most in her speech, however, was how she spoke beautifully on how leaders impact the lives and the future of children through education, health care, safety and security, and just being a good example as leaders.

"...when we go to the polls, that's what we're deciding... this election, and every election, is about who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives."

Indeed, an incredible speech!  Speeches like this one are some of the reasons why I thank God for technology, because now, it's easy to capture and preserve the moment; and in one's very own cyber space, too.  At times when despair looms, our 'cyber repository' helps us too keep rekindling the message of hope... in just a press of a button and a few strokes on the keyboard.  And it helps us to keep going... keep hoping, keep the inspiration to work towards a happy world where there are no discrimination, no inequality, and where children are loved and cared for, where children grow up to become very good people.

***

What it all means to us...

It's incredible how a speech of the First Lady of USA could mean something for someone in another country.  I guess, we all do live in a moral world where certain truths are shared.  Therefore, some messages issued in one place resonate in another.

I just hope that the message lasts... and appreciated, and put to practice and good use - in our daily lives.  Even in our workplace, and especially in the Academia... when we "choose" the people to lead our organizations, our groups, our teams, we should think about how they will be shaping our Institution, and especially our students, for the next

It's all about students' success, and just a little bit about our own.

years.  Are they going to be good examples to our students... are they going to be models worth emulating?  In the first place, would they be able to, at least, communicate effectively with our new generation of learners?  Are they willing to learn 'the language' of our new generation of learners, and reach them in their 'own space' to understand how they thrive, and what makes them thrive in knowledge?  Are they willing to persevere towards this end... learning new things, exploring possibilities?  Are they willing to open their minds to understand the 'new style of learning' that this new generation adhere to and fight for rather than forcing upon them old and outdated methods that should have been long buried six feet below the hallowed ground of innovation in teaching-learning?  Do they have the drive, energy, inspiration and the right motivation to persevere towards this end?  After all, in this profession, isn't effective communication the key to successful teaching-learning; and that effective communication begins from the teacher's knowing and understanding the learner, and vice versa?

We often talk about commitment at work, and I believe that commitment is, indeed, very important to be effective in one's duties and responsibilities.  And yet, in the teaching profession, one need not have a lofty leadership platform to illustrate commitment, in ways that are both effective and positively 'affective' to help our students, and even our colleagues, to discover the very best version of themselves.  In fact, the 'quiet places' where one can concentrate deeply on one's mission as educator can be more conducive in creating avenues for student success in learning.  Often, it is these creations that endure the test of time, more so than those created in the often 'busy and noisy' environment that surrounds the leadership 'perched seats'. 

As an educator, whose mission, first and foremost, is to educate students successfully,

one has to be prepared to commit to the mission be it on "perched seats" or in "quiet

Leadership is an opportunity to serve, not an ascension to unbridled
source of authority that shackles one to its enslaving allure.

places".  And yet, there could be time to be effective in one or the other.  The opportunity to fulfill the educator's mission from a 'perched seat' comes rarely, and it is a "call to serve". Therefore, when an opportunity presents itself to perform one's duty as educator in it, one has to humbly seize the opportunity to serve and work one's heart out to fulfill the mission from there.   However, one has to be very careful not to be too attached to the seat lest it becomes a shackle in its 'imagined allure', and one is unable to extricate one's self from it without a crushing heartbreak in the end.  

Therefore, the 'perched seat' must be treated as a golden opportunity to serve - with humility.  And when serving, one must do so to the best of one's ability and with all of one's heart... but with a heart that's anchored on God.  So that when the heart 'whispers' something, one knows that that is God's voice, and following one's heart is following God's will.  One has to commit fully to accomplishing the task at hand at all times - joyfully and with love, always working like there is no tomorrow... so that when the time is up, when the time comes to pass on the baton to someone else, one moves on happily and freely with no feeling of dejection.  Instead, there will be a joyful feeling of fulfillment and a deep sense of gratitude to God for an accomplished mission... no heartaches, no regrets... only a priceless peace of mind.

***

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

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Saturday photo

A good "harvest"... and yet, we ache for more.

I know that this blog is "(almost) never about work", but I just have to post this one... and, hopefully, my colleagues and our students in the University would be able to read it.

***

I have a dream...

It has been a good year, it has been kind to us... and we are nothing but, oh, so thankful!  To God be the glory!  

Indeed, the Academic Year has been rewarding our hard work for the past three years with "sweet fruits"... and yet, our mouth waters from the definitely sweeter "fruits from our dreams".  While we savor the sweetness of our harvest, and we murmur a sincere prayer as we take a bite with real gusto...  I cannot deny the fact that, yes, we are hungry for more!  At least, I am.

Recently, all six of our Programs in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas were granted either Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD) by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED).  Our Chemical Engineering Program was recognized as COE while our Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Industrial Engineering were granted COD.  As much as I personally wished for all the Programs to be granted COE, I would have to make do of COD status, considering the long-distance run that we had to make over the last three years to cover miles and miles of slack.  I commend my Team for braving the torturous three-year 'marathon', and for keeping up with the metric I laid on the ground as we all dashed to the "finish line" - as a Team.  Of course, a few of them could have done better for us to have obtained better results... but that's not mine to lament - it's theirs.

Many of our counterparts who have long started to run the marathon while we "slumbered" in the comfort of our old and withered laurel crossed the finish line ahead of us, therefore, picking up the COE accolade for most of their Programs.  It was good for them! I sincerely commend them for their great efforts and their success... knowing what kind of effort was necessary to merely cross the finish line, if at all.

The glory is good... but that's not why I prefer that all our Programs be granted COE.  My objective is bigger than mere glory!  I wish for our University to continue catering to students from a wide range of income bracket, especially extending to the low-income bracket.  But, in this day and age, high-quality engineering education entails high cost.  A COE receives PhP 2M per year from CHED on a project per project basis in the areas of teaching-learning, research and extension service.  This is to achieve high-quality delivery of curriculum.  Rather than letting the students bear the cost of high-quality education through high tuition fees, the COE grant could help alleviate, and even prevent, tuition fees increase.  While the PhP 1M per year that CODs receive, also on per project basis, is substantial, 2M would undeniably go a long, long way!  Therefore, getting the COE recognition helps a private University to make high-quality education accessible to students from low-income families.  In a way, working to get the COE status is one way for us in the private education sector to make the income tax paid by citizens to work for them.  And, that's one way for us to become an effective partner of the government in nation-building and sustained progress.

Six Programs: one COE, five CODs.  Things are good for now... but they should get better next time around.  In fact, they should constantly keep getting better and better!  

So help us God.  Amen.

*** 

Saturday photo

"Philip, Philipina, Philippe"... for the Philippines.

It's been a hectic week once again!  But, what else is new?  Nah, not complaining... I'm just amazed that I'm still feeling like I can do a 5k run after that "marathon" I ran this week.  Perhaps, the "pit stops" in this week's marathon were truly refreshing and exhilarating... they added to the energy rather than zapping it.  Good, good!

So, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, visited the University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday as Lecturer in the 3rd installment of the University's Diplomats' Lecture Series.  He spoke to the students about his career as a diplomat, hoping that his example might be of use for those who aspire to become diplomat themselves in the future.  He emphasized the importance of being "curious about things around us" especially those that constitute diplomatic affairs such as political, economic and

H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, US envoy to the Philippines, visiting
the University of Santo Tomas for the first time.

public affairs.  "Accumulating knowledge about these diplomatic activities," he said, "will become very useful in your future career as diplomats."  He said that "an innate curiosity of world affairs" can translate to an overseas role as a diplomat, but that it all "begins from understanding your own country." 

For a diplomatic mission to be successful, he emphasized the importance of "strengthening people-to-people relationship through educational programs, cultural programs and youth programs".  This is why he considers Education USA as one of the major programs of the US Embassy in the Philippines that he works hard for to keep moving forward and benefit the Filipinos, especially the youth.

Of his work as an American envoy to the Philippines, he made mention of the long-standing friendship between the United States of America and the Philippines as his basis in conducting his diplomatic mission in the country.  And he came to his post in Manila with a rich background and experience.

With the challenges of climate change to which the Philippines is very vulnerable, the maritime security-related tension with economic and international political implications in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, the very promising economic growth that the Philippines is currently enjoying, the challenge of being at the cusp of political transition as the local and national elections loom, and many other interesting transitions in the ASEAN region where

Crystal Clear: H.E. Goldberg, making a strong point on...
international maritime issues, especially the respect of freedom
of navigation. 

the Philippines play an important role, the Ambassador has got his job cut out for him.  Of his appointment to a diplomatic post in the Philippines at such 'exciting times', he was said to be a perfect fit, being one of the US State Department's "best and brightest".  And, indeed, he hit the ground running when he arrived in November 2013 to assume his post after typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hammered the Visayas, leaving tremendous devastation in the area, and thousands of people needing emergency assistance.  The Ambassador proved equal to the immensity of the task, standing side by side with Filipinos as they combat the daunting challenge.

Having seen first hand how the Filipinos who suffered from Yolanda's rampage bounced back over the last two years, he expressed his admiration for the Filipino's resilience during his Talk.  He also spoke about the "impressive optimism of Filipinos" that is now resulting to a "commendable economic progress" among others, and the "admirable way by which the Philippines is dealing with the South China Sea issue".

As recipient of the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship and having enjoyed the full benefit of the US Department of State's Education USA for five years in Cornell University, located in the beautiful finger lakes region of New York State, I feel duty-bound to support the efforts of the US Embassy in reaching out to Filipinos in friendship.  Not that I don't enjoy it, because I do - tremendously!  And, while I've followed from a distance the Embassy's activities over the years, I think I've never felt this much affinity to the Embassy since Ambassador Goldberg assumed the post at Roxas Boulevard.  I believe in his  sincere and faithful sense of mission to my country, and I'm an admirer of his mind's sharpness... although he can be quite severe in his facial expression - even when he jokes.  Oops!  Hmmm, 'diplomacy'... I need to exercise it some!  :)

Seriously, I'm a fan.   

More power to you, Your Excellency!

***

Photo credit:  The first photo was from Mr. Philippe Jose Hernandez, the Assistant Director of the UST Social Media Bureau (SMB).  I took the other two photos.

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