Wednesday Nostalgia...

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

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

by PAM

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

*** 

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

 

'The best things in life are free...'
Nature's unadulterated colors are simply the most naturally breath-taking.

These days, I feel that I am on my way to striking a balance between life and work... with life gaining a bit more of its lost ground to work in the past years.  This is because I am spending more and more time in my 'second home' - close to my 'new work assignment'.  

Traffic is almost of zero consequence here in my 'second home'.  Although the distance between my 'primary home' and my 'older workplace' (I have two offices) in Metro-Manila is almost the same as the distance between my 'second home' and my 'new work place', the time I spend in traffic these days is nothing compared to the traffic that I endure when I am in Metro-Manila.  I can leave home 15-20 minutes before my call time at my 'new workplace', and make it there on time, unhurriedly.  The same when I go home, I only need about 15 minutes to reach home.  In Metro-Manila, I allot 1 to 1.5 hours for traffic on my way to work, depending on the time of day.  In the afternoon/evening, when I go home, travel time is usually 1.5 to 2 hours even when I leave my workplace at 8:00 in the evening!  It has become so ridiculous and senseless to live in Metro-Manila, especially if there is a better option.   

So, these days, I have time to sit by the patio, take a deep breath, read a little bit (that's leisure reading, mind you!) while JungKook sings in the background, and take notice of and appreciate how beautiful the skies are in this part of the world... well, my entire surrounding actually.  Time affords me this 'luxury', and this new place affords me time without sacrificing the comforts and convenience of an ultra-modern life... and I am, indeed, grateful. 🙏

***

Image credit:  The photo above belongs to me, I took it.

***

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.

***

Saturday photo...

 ...not!

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

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!

*** 

     

Saturday Photo, er...

 ...video, or, videos... and photos!

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

by PAM

Life has been incredibly busy with-a-capital-B over the past few weeks.  My calendar was a chaos with-a-capital-C, too!  But there were so many milestones achieved, too... and I am very happy, indeed! 🙏  However, I will probably need a month to chronicle all the favorable things that has taken place over the past four weeks or so.  One of the 'giddy happy' moments that I've had was two Fridays ago when my Executive Assistant and I paid our new campus in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines a visit. The site is about 45 km south of the City of Manila, and it takes about 45 minutes as well to travel from the main campus to the new campus. 

I was happy to see that the first building to rise in that 44-hectare second campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST, or "USTe" to its alumni) is almost complete now.  As the Sta. Rosa campus will be the Innovation Campus of UST, that first building is the Innovation Center.  It was donated by two of our alumni at the UST Faculty of Engineering through the Jollibee Group Foundation. We hope for it to operate next Academic Year.  By then, we hope that another building (or, maybe two) would begin to rise as well.  

I took a few photos and short videos, and tried to quickly stitch them to an 'amateurish' video just to remember that visit.  Here it is...

This was just a dream...

So, surely, dreams do come true!

The campus is located among beautiful and well-designed communities of Sta. Rosa - away from the signs of environmental neglect of the city.  When one stands at the rooftop of the three-level building, it's all green as far as the eyes can see.  And, from afar, one can see Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw and the Laguna Lake.  It looks like its in the 'middle of nowhere' for now just because it is so vast and the subdivisions around it are just being developed, too.  But is only about 10-minute drive from Nuvali and about five-minute drive from the City Center of Santa Rosa City.  Surely, there's plenty of opportunities for Namjooning for students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders in the future.   

***

BTS:  BIG Winners at the 2022 TMA

That was a very inspiring visit to our new campus.  It reminds me of how dreams can actually come true... and, as BTS keeps reminding us, we must live our lives thinking everyday that the best is 'yet to come'.  Naturally, on our way to Sta. Rosa, we listened to BTS music.  

And today, they just won massively again at the The Fact Music Awards 2022 (TMA 2022), winning the GRAND PRIZE... five years in a row!  Woohoo! 💜🎉 And they won many more! 💜🎊 I hope to talk about this in another post.  For now, here they are at TMA 2022...

 

🎜 "Dream and hope, and go forward!" 🎝

I will admit, they left a small room for improvement per their own sky-high standard, after

These two... 💓

several months of working on separate projects... but still awesome, no doubt!  I have to say though that JK was spot-on, totally right-on-the-money in every note he sang - juuust beautiful! Per usual, his voice was on 'autotune' - so gifted!  He is very reliable in his vocals and stage presence, harmonizing with others so well, helping to bring out the very best in his hyungs' voices - 'born singer', indeed.  In fact, I do think he got better again - the raspy quality of his voice is on another level! This evening he was extremely good looking, too.  And, RM nailed.every.single.point.in.his.verses - that distinct power baritone of his and that crystal clear enunciation... my word, KING!  That pick-up at 1:41 min in the video was fantastic - it can be my meal for a month, and I'd be totally healthy!  And he was looking even more distinguished than ever before with that tall stance, heathy-looking dark hair in no non-sense style, and that confident aura about him that makes you want to invest your life's savings in whatever it is he's building - a worthy leader of the BEST group in the world. 'Fine wine getting better with age', and all that! Ahh, these two... really! 💓 

And, of course, J-Hope was himself - always a reliable and a delightful performer who knows when to adlib to get the performance to a higher level of energy.  He oozes more confidence

Seven icons of this generation -
simply phenomenal! 💜

on stage these days while looking relaxed, more so this evening at the TMA - 'the JITB effect'. The continuity he provided at 1:52 min mark just brought a smile to my lips - too good! Aw, Hobi... how to be you?!  Yoongi took a little while to hit his stride but when he did, it was awesome.  This was evident at 2:05 min mark... and then he just went on to slay the whole performance with his usual coolness!  Genius, and the rampant bias wrecker - that's SUGA for ya!  Jimin struggled a bit... perhaps, from emotions. But he has become very skillful in his singing, he can recover his grip of the tune quickly when it is slipping from his vocal grasp due to emotion (or flirtations!  Hahaha...), covering gaps swiftly - smooth, Jimin-aaah! He had special moments, too, and his singing was touching - full of emotions. I'm sure ARMY can feel that Jimin missed them... I sure did, aaaww!  

Jin was calm and steady. I don't think there's anything in this world that can perturb Jin these days when he's performing - such a professional singer he is, indeed. He connects well with ARMY when he is performing with that perfect balance of beautiful singing, charm and unmasked hints of emotions.  It was just lovely to watch and listen to him - the perfect hyung with his committed and professional approach to singing, performing... and anything BTS!  Goosebumps, Jin! 💜 Tae sounded so well, as usual, of course!  That deep voice of his sounded like it's coming from a reservoir in his chest seemingly made of stainless steel that returns a million 'mini echoes' as the notes collided with the wall of the reservoir - unique sound that only Tae can make.  Is there a scientific explanation to this?  He seemed out of practice with his breathing though... or, perhaps, too excited this evening? He was very busy with so many things that did not require singing the past days.  So, I hope that he can find enough time to practice making those 'mini echoes' take Busan by storm.  We love him, of course... always!

All did their best, and it is MORE THAN enough for ARMY, really!  We are overjoyed... and we cannot wait for Busan!! 

Great job, ARMY!  CONGRATS, Bangtannies!  💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 Woohoo!

***

Video credit:  (1) I own the first video, and (2) the owner of the second video is indicated in the video itself.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

Photo credit:  (1) JK and Namjoon: Grabbed from the IG account bts_daily.news, (2) Collage: (i) screenshot from TMA, and (ii) grabbed IG account bts_daily.news.  Thanks for the loan. 

***

A special holy day...

 ...in honor of our Blessed Mother + some nostalgia.

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

by PAM

My day started at 4:00 a.m. as usual today, but it wasn't an ordinary day because, today, we are celebrating the Feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, in our Roman Catholic faith.  And so, my day started with a Mass, celebrating the blessed Mother's birthday.  I went for the online 5:40 a.m. recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by the Mass at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag where my siblings and I (except one) were baptized.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA MARY!

I was born and raised in Manaoag, Pangasinan.  My family moved to Manila when I started elementary school.  My siblings and I used to go home to Manaoag every summer and stayed with our maternal grandparents.  My grandfather was a farmer.  Growing up, we enjoyed going with him to his farms especially during harvest time where our grandmother and her cousins brought the farms' produce to the different marketplaces in the province, and would bring us goodies of various kinds when they returned.  We used to wake up very early in the morning and ride in our grandfather's cart with our dogs.  The cart was pulled by his cow or carabao, whichever he preferred to accompany him for the day.  After the day's work, he would take us to the river where we swam like there was no tomorrow with the cow/carabao and the dogs!  Haha...  It was especially enjoyable when it was raining, and we raced to the river in the rain.  The water current would be faster than usual, and we rode the current using plastic basins - water tubing style.  Sometimes, our grandfather would take us to his family's orchard, where we picked fruits and have a little picnic under the trees.  During the picnic, he would often tell us about his stay in Guam, USA as an overseas worker, and where a sibling and a number of cousins of his reside.  It was during these picnics that I learned to speak English from him.  The first English word that I learned, I learned from him... and it was "salt".  

Later, our visits became less frequent, especially after our grandparents passed.  These days, we rarely visit but whenever we do, we'd always pass by the Minor Basilica first.  So, I feel very 'at home' in hearing the Mass from the Minor Basilica... it brings back memories of our childhood with our grandparents.

***

Because the Blessed Mother is our Patroness...

Today is extra-special because, for the first time in two years, we finally are able to hear the Rector of our University (University of Santo Tomas or UST) give the "Rector's Report" - a tradition in our University.  Our Rector is a devotee of the Blessed Mother, and so, important events in his Rectorship are usually held during Church Feasts that involve the Blessed Mother.  

The annual Report usually covers all the accomplishments of the University in the previous AY, and it is submitted to Rome - to the Pope, since UST is a Pontifical University.  This particular Rector's Report covers the accomplishments of the University from January 2020 to July 2021 - at the height of the pandemic.  The Rector invited top administrative and academic officials to attend in-person at the Grand Ballroom of the Blessed G. Paredes, O.P. Building - home of our Office for Alumni Relations. I feel honored and very fortunate to have received an invitation to this very special event.  And, it was extremely humbling to have been mentioned by the Fr. Rector in his Report.  

I particularly love what he said in his 'Reflection and Conclusion' (1:21:55 mark in the video): "How did the University get through the first 18 crucial months of the pandemic?  Responding... was essentially love's labor... we accompanied our students in their struggles, both in their academic and personal lives... we learned the value of meaningful connections with fellow members of the Thomasian community... in the process, we experienced what it means to be truly blessed with life, with health, with friends, with family.  The pandemic taught us the value of what it means to be a Thomasian community.  We are a community that looks out for the welfare of each other during a time of great uncertainty... we are a community guided by the virtues of 'Tria Haec' (these three): faith, hope and love... what reverberates are these two messages: be grateful, be open to others.  Gratitude enables our spirits and allows us to see as the direness of our reality, whereas empathy opens our hands and palms to reach out to those who need our time and resources.  Gratitude and empathy are the principles that allow us to redirect our focus on the things that we can change. And, also, together they inspire change from within ourselves driving us to serve with humility and sincerity; and allowing us to touch the lives of those around us in ways we never thought possible. 

The Rector of the University of Santo Tomas,
the Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D.

"The Lord has given me the opportunity to lead the University at a time of great uncertainty and ordeal.  With His unending grace, we have seen the light of this day.  We have gone past the episode of the darkest hours of this pandemic - I hope and pray...  We did not experience complete campus closure during the pandemic... we were made to experience this once-in-a-generation global health crisis for a reason. We were meant to survive... there is truth to the saying, 'the enormity of the tasks that the crisis demanded from us may have been too much for each and everyone, but not enough to break our spirit as one Thomasian Community.' More than a time of hopelessness, the pandemic is a defining moment that brought out the best in us.  It is a time that brought Thomasians closer to one another, and closest to God.... never have I seen this University so united, so strong in the face of adversity.  May God be our beacon and strength in the coming days, all the days of our lives."   

His words were, indeed, relatable.  It was like hearing our own thoughts from the deepest recesses of our hearts.  The whole event was indeed wonderful... but more than anything, it was GREAT to see colleagues and friends in our dear Thomasian community after a long, long time!  Thanks be to God!

After the event, I was able to finally see my new (physical) office... albeit temporary.  It is located in the same building... I just needed to go a few floors up.  It was great!  I went home today with very light spirit... very happy, and ready to start working hard once again for my beloved University and for God's greater glory!

***

Photo credit:  The first photo was grabbed from the online Mass at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.  All other photos featured in this post belong to me.  One was taken by someone else for me.

***

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.

***