QOTD

 QOTD #32: On fear, courage... and love.

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

by PAM

"Man, I was... I was terrified. I tried drinking, you know, make it all go away, but... it didn't work. Nothing did.  Then I realized a good Marine doesn't act in the absence of fear.  They act in the face of it.  So, I did."

- Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), 'Virgin River' S6:E3

Yep, it's one of those weekends when there is so much to digest and reflect on because the whole week has been a 'colorful collage' of many important events, many of which were challenging, a handful were stressful and tiring, and some quite sobering.  

So, yep, I had a week of emotional roller coaster filled with intellectual 'adventures' and leadership puzzles, and personal realizations.  Unlike Jack Sheridan - the lead character played by Martin Henderson in the Netflix series, 'Virgin River', though, who was also faced with a colorful barrage of dangerous encounters as a Marine captain and thereafter, I didn't try drinking - I never will.  I do understand the fear - the unsettling awareness of the danger that lies ahead, and how it can strike at any moment.  It doesn't help that I tend to overthink things sometimes...

especially when there is very little known alternative to avoid the expected danger. Such anticipation can lead to panic and decision paralysis, which is the worst effect of fear.

When I was younger, I was usually unafraid to take on 'fearsome matters' just because I believed... no, I knew, I knew then that the more fearsome the challenges were in front of us, the greater the learning - whether the challenge was surmounted or not.  Therefore, 'acting in the face of fear', and acting with the best possible decision under the circumstances, always brought the most satisfying outcome - win or lose.  

These days, after learning so much from previous experiences, I have been losing my appetite for facing danger and all the monstrosity that comes with it.  Not that I am afraid... I remain unafraid.  Let's just say that I am more in touch with my mortality these days... and given all the time I spent in facing danger and the excitement of 'acting in the face of it' in a thankless job, I am now more inclined to the quiet, 'less exciting' life.  I guess the thankless nature of my job is the biggest factor of danger that I usually faced (and still face), and the biggest reason why the 'appetite' dwindles and it inclines somewhere else.  I now enjoy getting home before the sun sets, cooking and savoring freshly cooked meals, watering the plants and almost literally watching them grow... and just enjoying a quiet evening without so many things racing in my head, and keeping me awake all night.  Many people say, I'll get bored and will soon crave the 'dangerous life'.  So far, my interest keeps inclining somewhere else.

These days, spending 'busy' weeks are so unbelievably stressful for me even when such weeks are actually just a 'walk-in-the-park when compared with my pursuits back in the days when I was the equivalent of Jack Sheridan's Marine captain in my Academic Unit in the University.  I guess my passion for dangerous pursuits has dwindled... or, I may need a new scenario to rekindle my appetite for slaying danger and all the monstrosities that come with it.  And just exactly how will I do that?  Okay, now... that might just be the equivalent of 'acting in the face of danger'.  And my pulse quickens.... 💓🙏

***     

Image credit:  The image in this post is from Netflix through Entertainment Weekly - thanks both.

***           

QOTD

 QOTD #31: On the journey of discovery, getting off track... and returning to one's true passion

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

by PAM

"Who you are isn't finite.  You'll be different a year from now, ten minutes from now.  So, embrace who you are in this moment."

- Ronnie Sullivan (Brandon Quinn), 'Sweet Magnolias', S4:E7

Yes, I am one of them worriers in this world.  I sometimes am unable to stay in the moment... I will admit.  Okay, I just did... admit.  By the time people say, "ahhh", "hmmm," with eyes closed and face seemed to be illuminated by a glorious light from up above after taking that perfect bite from a delicious main course of a fabulous dinner, I would already be imagining the dessert... and all the very many possibilities... such as someone choking if the dessert was a rice cake of sorts.  My hyper imaginative mind will then race to far flung places such as 911 and someone being rushed to the Emergency Room due to some nasty tapioca pearl getting caught in someone's throat or something.  So, if someone would ask my opinion about the steak and whether or not it was cooked to my liking, I wouldn't know how to answer.  In fact, I hardly know what were served at dinner at all!  But when someone gasped for air... that's it, I would be on my phone dialing 911 - emergency, someone is choking!!         

As I binge-watched Season 4 of "Sweet Magnolias" to have my favorite young couple, Ty and Annie, keep me company as I work, work, work... into Valentine's Day, Annie's Dad, Ronnie, caught my attention as he set Annie's worried mind at ease.  The gorgeous, kind and naturaly talented budding artist, Annie, was stressing her brains out over College applications.  She was doubting herself whether this or that school would be a good fit for her as she wants to study photography... and what if she chose one school and then realized one day that photography was not her real passion?  What then?  She was imagining a thousand and one scenarios, and it drover her crazy.    

I can relate with Annie... not that I'm a 17-year-old girl deciding about college!  No, not that, of course!  I was fifteen (15) years old when I started college... and I just wanted to study!  I didn't have the crisis that Annie had.  My National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) Test (yes, we had that in the Philippines when I was in High School) score and qualitative analysis indicated that I can pursue anything... and I positively felt that way, too.  I chose chemical engineering in two universities where I took entrance examination, political science and journalism in another.  I passed in all... but I decided to study chemical engineering at the University of Santo Tomas (UST)... not that I knew what I was doing.  I let my faith work, and it led me to teaching chemical engineering in the same University later.  The rest is history as they say.    

These days, I am handling a relatively important assignment at work... and I remain interested and engaged.  However, as I also begin to 'slow down' in preparation for retirement, my original passions that I consciously set aside to give way to what was practical for me and my family decades ago are now 'bubbling back' towards the surface... and it's becoming more and more difficult to ignore. So, my passion for what I do at work started to dwindle a bit... until it's becoming quite impossible to ignore my real passion.  

Decades ago, it was easier to choose between what was practical and needed, and what I was (am) passionate about.  I chose 'practical and needed', hands down... because I love my family and I have always been committed to my family.  I never regretted my choice because, over the years, as I wholeheartedly fulfill my obligations, I discovered myself... and the many gifts that God gave me that enabled me to accomplish many things.  Everyday, I felt excited because of the hope to discover something new.  Without a doubt, who I am and who I can be is finite as only God is infinite.  But putting trust in God as I embarked to the journey of discovery, I felt that the hope in my heart - that is centered in God's love, made me believe that 'anything is possible'. Indeed, 'the possibility is endless' as they say... and if we worked hard, we can realize many of those possibilities. Sometimes, our choices cause us to stray away from the road that leads to the better version of ourselves.  This is when prayers lift the clouds in front of us, fortify our vision... and the road to happiness reveals itself in front of us.  The journey continues.  Perhaps, that's what Ronnie Sullivan meant when he said to Annie, "what you are isn't finite".  One moment, we are plunged in a sea of confusion, but with a small prayer and lots of faith, we are bathed in a light of clarity... a beautiful experience that only God's love can afford us. 

I can say that the journey of discovery has been awesome!  These days though, there are a few remaining reasons to stay practical... but the call to pursue passion gets louder and louder.  I feel that there is more to discover. And, to continue discovering... I have to change course.

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

***

Image credit:  The photo of Ty (Carson Rowland) and Annie (Anneliese Judge) is borrowed from Tudum by Netflix - thank you.

***

Sunday reflection (or rant)...

 ...on the beauty of gratitude (and an 'unsettling disruption').

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

by PAM

In my world of Education 'industry', at least, this small part that is still not fully changed (or corrupted) by artificial intelligence (AI) to an unfeeling (too) data-centered 'industry'... where human connection and relation remains to be the means by which real intelligence is uncovered, nurtured towards natural flourishing, and enabled to help constitute the greater good, it is, indeed, a beautiful experience to be receiving a token of gratitude from those with whom we forged real connections. 

I feel that we achieved a little success today.  I received an email from a former student of ours at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) who just passed the November 2024 Licensure Examination for Civil Engineers.  She started her journey in the Faculty as an Electrical Engineering student but decided that she wanted to pursue Civil Engineering instead.  She then applied to change program.  The Faculty is a student-centered academic unit (AU) that implements programs that support and enable students to grow to mature individuals that are able to discern and identify their strengths as basis of their decisions moving forward.  As such, we guided her through the process of changing her program, and she did so successfully.  When we let her know that her application was approved, she expressed delight and promised that she will become a full-fledged civil engineer.  And she did.

"Ever Grateful, Ever Hopeful"

And what was the first thing (okay, maybe second... or third.  Uhm, I gotta strong feeling that it's really fourth) she did after passing the Licensure Exam?  Well, she sent that email above.

I always consider my profession as an educator and higher education institution (HEI) administrator as one that requires the accomplishment of so many (many, many) tasks... that are mostly 'thankless'.  We do them anyway... well, I do them, anyway, because I do believe they are necessary and that they are worth-doing.  The worth is not immediately realized but when it is realized... it's just the greatest of things... well, at the very least, among the greatest of things.  There have been (many, many) times when I thought that our efforts in doing what we do are in vain.  The 'system' is slowly 'diminishing' educators as mere 'facilitators' of learning whose place is on the 'sidelines' while learners take the center stage with all those blinding beams of light focused on them while the fakest of fake social media expect them to be perfect otherwise they are cancelled, gaslighted or just tossed to the pack of trolls.  Uhm... it's no wonder why learners suffer from so much anxiety.  Learning has become so daunting than ever before for students... that many of them fake learning... and they have a 'great' help in doing this: AI.  All they have to do is take to social media, and post things that flatter many... including themselves.  For some, mostly themselves.  And when they are unable to sustain the flattery, their minds and spirits get gnawed by anxiety... and send them spiraling to depression.  They suffer... and for what?  Exactly - for nothing!  It is because nothing much in that fake platform is ever true or sincere - 'enhanced' this, 'enhanced' that.  And yet 'the system' pushes learners to its claws... and away from learning deeply, thoroughly, and meaningfully... and grow in gratitude, hope and love.      

Educators are no longer regarded as 'partners' in the process of learning... learners' guide and companion in the beautiful journey of discovery... of continuous learning.  After all, with all the fakery out there, all the more that guidance is necessary.  However, we are expected to merely facilitate learning... anticipate learners' needs and be there when they cry for help... like paid nannies, poorly paid nannies, that is.  We are no longer regarded as scholars, as scientists who inspire learners to explore the unknown, uncover the truth - whole truth and nothing but the truth.  And yet, we are expected to 'deliver the goods' in terms of research publications - products of scholarly pursuits, that send the HEI that we serve to the top of global university rankings.  Odd?  No, not just odd... it's ironic!  

So much irony these days, indeed.  We invented AI to make our lives 'easier', and yet, the use of AI usually complicates our lives.  Many of us lose the meaning of life (and good living) altogether.  As we attempt to 'simplify' our lives through AI, our lives tend to become more complicated... and we expose ourselves to so much vulnerability, insecurity.  And, as we load AI with the power to 'read our minds' and 'listen to our thoughts'... we feel more unsafe than ever before.  No, I am not against AI per se.  I believe that 'benign AI' is the product of human being's authentic intelligence and the benevolent desire to elevate the quality of human life.  However, because of greed and the maniacal desire of others for recognition, fame, glory and money (and just the mere ignorance by some - plain and simple), AI has become an 'unsettling disruption' that sets fire to the natural order in human lives.  As such, I am against using AI in ways that allow the decaying of our authentic humanity; and I absolutely oppose the promotion of the 'wonders' of AI that mislead the younger generations, depriving them to experience the authentic beauty of human life and their natural development to the wonderful individuals that they are meant to become.      

🎶 "Most of freedom and of pleasure

Nothing ever lasts forever

Everybody wants to rule the world." 🎶

Despite my frustrations in the overhyping of AI in the most misguided ways these days, I remain hopeful that this product of authentic human intelligence will be used wisely by the next generations.  Not all is lost, and there is much yet to be gained.  

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

***

Image credit:  The content of the screenshot email belongs to my former student.

***

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'.

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

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.

***

TGIF!

 Thanks, thanks, thanks, thaaaaanks! Then again... 

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

by PAM

I have like five (or seven?) intended posts marked as 'drafts' in this little blog of mine since November last year... sounds like two months ago was a distant past.  I have been so inundated by work that I barely find the time to sleep, let alone visit my own blog, so I am losing my sense of time!  Aaarrrgghhhh....

Thank goodness for BTS music (and the individual members' songs these days) that keeps me company every single day from the minute I wake up (if I get any sleep at all, that is) to my last seconds of consciousness (if I get any sleep at all, that is).  It's one of the things that keeps happiness, imperfect as it is, within reach.  It's Friday - a very, very loooong day!  I need a quick shot of happiness now.  So, let's go!

Alright, I know, that wasn't so quick... but it was happiness nevertheless.  Actually, it was happiness... period! 💜

Oh, and speaking of 'happiness'... while watching the compilation of BTS performances above, I opened four 'boxes of happiness' - straight from S. Korea through that 'money-grabbing' global shop called... uhm, see for yourself in the next post.  The freakin' (hahaha...) shop  is an enabler in this BTS 'addiction' that a considerable population of the world is afflicted with... making this 'BTS fever' a real pandemic, too!  Except that it is life-enhancing rather than life-threatening.  Anyway, stay tuned for the next post... if I could keep my energy sufficient to stay upright and type a few things on my laptop for this blog... if I'd get any sleep at all, that is! 😂

***

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

*** 

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

 ...as we begin again.

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

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.

*** 

Wednesday Nostalgia + Namjooning + Fangirling...

 ...because I feel the need to look back before moving forward.

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

by PAM

After work: Enjoying a little portion of Cayuga Lake

in Aurora, Upstate, New York, halfway between Ithaca and Geneva.

About New York State

When people think about New York, perhaps, what comes to mind are the towering buildings in the urban jungle that is New York City... and mostly the sights and sounds of Manhattan... a little bit of Brooklyn, some Bronx and Queens, and just a tiny bit of Staten Island.  In other words, people usually think of Metropolitan New York, and they hardly ever think of Upstate New York.  And yet, most of New York State (NYS) is Upstate New York.  This includes the Capital District, including Albany where the State Capitol is located; the Mohawk Valley Region, Central New York, the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes Region, Western New York, and the North Country.  

The scenic drive between Ithaca and 
Geneva make the 45-minute travel time
like a time for Namjooning!  It leaves me
breathless every time!

The main campus of Cornell University is in Ithaca, NY, which is located in the very lovely Finger Lakes Region.  Other people who are used to living in huge and very busy metropolitan areas might find the Region to be too secluded, "in the middle of nowhere", too quiet... like nothing much is going on except the quaint small town vibes.  If you give it a chance though, it can grow on you.  Well, it did to me. And soon, most days have become perfect days for Namjooning, where you just watch the beautiful day roll towards the evening, leaving a promise of a new day to keep you dreaming peacefully through the night.

***

About Cornell

Cornell has three other campuses in NYS.  One is the Cornell Agritech, located in Geneva, also in the Finger Lakes Region.  The AgriTech is formerly known as the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES), which is under the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) - the College where I did my PhD in the early to mid 2000s.  It is one of the very best in the world, and some of this is due to its huge Extension Programs that cater to the agriculture and food industry of NYS, and their highly internationalized population and engagements.  I am very proud to be an alumna of CALS.  The professors in CALS, and all of Cornell for that matter, are very supportive of their Alumni.  They keep track of our progress, and they support us in the various stages of our career. Case in point, they supported me in my Humphrey Fellowship.  I worked between the Ithaca and Geneva campuses... and the drive between these two campuses is absolutely beautiful - especially during springtime and summer time.  

Visiting Cornell Tech at Roosevelt Island
in NYC with friends.  The campus has
the fascinating view of Manhattan on one side
and Long Island on another.

Cornell has two campuses in NYC: (1) Cornell Tech at Roosevelt Island, which is a partnership with the Israel Institute of Technology, or simply Technion, and the (2) Weill Cornell Medicine, which is only some steps away from the tram station, coming from Roosevelt Island.  It was in 2017 when I first visited Cornell Tech.  It is strategically located where it is to cater to tech-based industry and businesses in NYC.  That time, they were just starting operations.  This year, I visited again to speak with their Chief of Administration, and I was very impressed by their progress and the ensuing expansion.  I usually drop by the Weill Cornell Medicine, too, just to visit and appreciate how advanced the research works are in Medicine.  This time around though, I did not get to visit because of a rather hectic schedule.

This is what I love about studying, or working as a visiting scholar, at Cornell.  The quality of education is, obviously, excellent, and its campuses in the Finger Lakes Region and in NYC are beautiful!  When stressed out from working hard, there is always a way to 'recuperate' and 'recharge'... right inside the campus!  And, when you need to get away from it all, roaming around the immediate vicinity of the campuses give respite, too.  When there is more time, traveling around the Region is physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually rejuvenating.  And, when there are official University break, it is always great to enjoy the City... for as long as one saved up sufficiently, that is, because enjoying the City can be very expensive.  One of these days, I shall write about my most recent visit in the City.

***

A little about me... and BTS

In the meantime, let's enjoy the official music video of BTS's "Life goes on": in the forest, which is set in a place that is quite similar to the Finger Lakes Region of NYS.        

Beautiful song... beautiful young men singing to a multitude of beautiful souls

around the world from such a beautiful place.

Indeed, life is beautiful... and it goes on.

The last nine years that I've been Dean of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas (there, I said it... for the first time, I think, in this Blog) were some of the most remarkable years of my life... not because of the 'prestige' of the position because I don't think I ever enjoyed the 'perks' of being Dean.  In fact, I don't even know what the perks were... and I never cared to find out!  I cared more about something else, the most essential thing in my leadership goals - SERVICE.  The whole time, I was extremely busy trying to cultivate a 'new' culture of excellence in the Faculty.  It was humbling... and I've given up so many things to do this.  Looking back, I do believe that the sacrifices were so worth it. I can say with confidence, and humility, that my Team and I have achieved our goals... and so much more.

In a few days, I will be officially handing down the reins of leadership of the Faculty to my successor.  I am proud to turnover the leadership of a Faculty that is completely transformed from how it was when I took over about a decade ago.  And, I mean that in a very positive way, and many can attest to it, too... including history itself. I do believe that it is also accurate to say that the whole University was positively influenced by the transformations that the Faculty of Engineering has undergone.  I do believe that the bigger impact of my previous service in the University as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering will be continuously felt in the coming more years, including the brilliance that my successor is about to impart.  This is not to demean any of my predecessors though.  In fact, I have so much respect for them... especially knowing what I know now about leadership.  Still, I can proudly say that, when I was called to serve, I responded to the call wholeheartedly. I did my utmost best, leaving nothing and taking nothing for myself.  In the end, I am very proud of what we have accomplished!       

While I am very happy with the fruits of my service, I have been EXTREMELY EXHAUSTED, too!  In the last three years, I was just 'running on empty'. There were too many MAJOR undertakings, transformations, and coping with the pandemic, including the loss of my father and my own bout with COVID-19 that I almost lost.  I did not give up... but, sometimes, when life is moving about too fast and we're out of breath, we just need to get away for a little bit, to breathe fresh air to gain fresh perspective, and renew the fight in our spirits.  I did that recently in Cornell... and I am no longer out of breath now.  In fact, I am now getting ready to take on a bigger challenge in my workplace as I transition from the Office of the Dean to another Office... which, from what I understand is a lot bigger.

The 'new chapter' is not just about cultivating a culture.  It's about cultivating a culture and setting up the 'farm' in which such culture can bloom and flourish.  It will be about maintaining a fertile ground, lots of sunshine and water, the right seeds... and the right 'farmer'.  I know of wonderful beautiful 'farmers' who own an incredibly flourishing 'global farm'.  There are seven of them... and they are called BTS.  I will need their inspiration... and I'm gonna avail it!  Then I know that the best is "yet to come".  And this beautiful life goes on....

Alright, let's start getting inspired now...

Man, goosebumps!  They keep outdoing themselves.  Too good!  

Alright, I'm ready... leggo!  💜

***    

Photo credit:  All photos featured in this post are all mine, and I processed them for the sole purpose of this post.  They may not be used anywhere else.

Video credit:  The first video featured in this post belong to me. The owner of the other two videos is indicated in the videos themselves - Hybe Labels and BangtanTV.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

*** 

Something old, something new...

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

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

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 + 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.

***