...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.
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.
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!
A souvenir from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH
Finally, a little time to slow down... after that critical deadlines galore, big meetings here and there, a long string of speaking engagements, a peppering of 'painful' just-suck-it-all-in-it'll-be-over-soon events that introvert people like me dread, the release and live performance of JK's 'Dreamers', the release of RM's first album, 'Indigo'... and the 2022 FIFA World Cup where the phenomenal Lionel Messi - my idol - emerged victorious with his Albiceleste side. He can finally be crowned now as GOAT of the beautiful game (a long post to come soon! ⚽ðŸ˜ðŸŽ‰) with no plausible objection from anyone, too!! Whew!
It has been a lot of sleepless nights - literally. How did I survive the last 30 days? No clue... perhaps, just the sheer force of determination to make it through to 'the other side'! I took a deep breath, focused... and just sprinted with all my might - real and imagined... and a lot of prayers!!
Anyway, I am putting finishing touches on our Christmas tree just a few minutes ago... in time for the 'big day' and tidying up my room as well. Now, I gotta admit that tidying up my bedroom is a bit of a challenge that I am hoping I'd overcome somehow... especially that I keep pausing to reminisce on things that should already have found their way in the trash bin a long time ago. I'm such a sentimental hoarded! Just a few minutes ago, I found a box of unopened stuffs hidden behind
Up close and personal...
a framed picture on the floor and leaning against the wall... and my heart started to beat faster. As I peeled off the thick wrappers of each little item, my heart kept skipping a beat with my mouth and eyes wide open with surprise! Ahh... I love that feeling - being pleasantly surprised! I found items from my travels to Rome, Florence, Shanghai, Seoul and various parts of the US just before the pandemic. I didn't realize I still have these things unopened. I thought, I have all my travel stuffs unpacked a long time ago!
I will talk about those experiences in another post. I just want to drop by here to make sure that I have something written up about the unexpected finding of this long-forgotten beautiful Christmas tree ornament - a souvenir from my first visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio sometime in July 2019. It was a well-spent 'free time' as I visited my research students who were working on our project on 3D printed food at the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU, or simply 'Case') that time. I did stay for a week in Baltimore, Maryland before that for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) series of meetings and a few networking activities with our alumni in the East Coast.
I remember spending the weekend browsing the
A bagful of souvenirs from the Cleveland Museum of Art, including a set of coasters designed with the work of some of my favorite impressionists.
Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) at the Case campus, which has a superb collection! The lawn was very pretty, too, and the walk from my hotel to the CMA was so interesting. I kept finding mini monuments of guitars in the gardens. I wondered about it... little did I know that I was going to find out in a big way!
Anyway, after a couple of hours at the CMA, I wanted to do more. So, I ventured in the City Center with my students, and visited 'The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum'. I studied for a year at the Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus, OH sometime in the mid-90s, and I visited Cleveland a couple of times. It never occurred to me then that the 'Rock Hall' was located in Cleveland! Apparently, it was established there to honor the man - a disc jockey named Alan Freed - who referred to the music genre that was making waves in the 1950s as 'rock and roll'. I am glad that I finally had a chance to check it out.
We saw an incredible amount of exhibits from the likes of Elvis Presley,TheBeatles and The Rolling Stones to the likes of Michael Jackson and Oasis, and many more in between and beyond! Being a big R&R fan, I had a 'field day'! But after half a day, I was so overwhelmed that I was going dizzy. Surreal! It's a good thing that the 'Rock Hall' is adjacent to the Great Lakes Science Center, too, where famous Ohioan astronauts, John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell and Judith Resnick... among other cool science and engineering stuffs were featured. So, we went to visit that as well... while we waited for a show at the Rock Hall to come on. It was an INCREDIBLE experience!
Anyway... I need to take it all in again. So, I am taking a little break. And, what better way to take a break than to drop by here in this blogsite for a few minutes to reminisce and share the experience?
Until then...
***
Photo credit: The photos featured here belong to me, and were processed for the sole use of this blog. They may not be used elsewhere.
...because it's been a while. ===================================================== by PAM I've been missing taking at least one thousand steps per day. The last time I did that - walk a thousand steps - was almost seven years ago. Those were the years when I was still actively engaged in research while I enjoyed what I love doing the most, at least, professionally - teaching. I miss those days. Those were 'nice', productive, exciting (in a kind of subdued way) and really enjoyable days... not to mention healthy days, given the guaranteed one thousand steps I took everyday as I walked back-and-forth from the Roque Ruaño Building (or Engineering Building), where I teach, to the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) in my university. Except when it was raining cats and dogs, or when we were having a sweltering day, those walks were truly enjoyable. The outdoor air cleared the mind... and the laughter of people around engaged in a myriad of activities made me aware of how I was a part of a world that's alive and happy! I would usually bump into someone... stopped to catch up for a few minutes, 'gossiped' a little and laughed a lot... before walking hurriedly to either rescue my experiment in my lab at RCNAS or try to be less than 10 minutes late to my class. Yesterday, I savored the chance of re-living those days, like walking down memory lane... and it felt good. Nah... it wasn't just good, it was very good!
Ah, that familiar walking route...
...through walkways that are lined with trees and plants so thick and richly green...
...leading to this 'hallowed' hall where ideas become an unforgettable experience!
I am actively engaged in research again! After six long years... I am back to RCNAS, and I love it! *** About the photos: I took these photos as I walked from TARC to the Roque Ruaño Building, after spending hours at the RCNAS. ***
...of the waiting game approaches fever-pitch high! =================================================================== by PAM
One of the most awaited parts, if not the MOST awaited part, of that colorful phase in one's life - College Life - is Graduation Day. It is the culmination of all things great, wonderful and unforgettable in the last four to six years! And yet, the equally abominable
challenges that push one to his/her limit can also be the reason why graduation is a
Simulating the processional...
special occasion. To many, it is the apex of self-discovery and the affirmation of one's many possibilities whether personally or professionally. And so, in an Academic Institution, Graduation Day is given special attention. As the Graduating Class is sent off to embark to a new journey, they are also armed with a degree - a testimony of their achievement and preparedness to take on the "real word". They are given a certificate, a diploma, that declares as much to the world. As such, the occasion is often called "Solemn Investiture Program". The Solemn Investiture calls for all officials, faculty members and all other stakeholders of the Institution to come together to ensure that the occasion is as special as possible to the Graduating Class. One such effort is the conduct of graduation rehearsals so that members of the Graduating Class will not be lost in the ceremony.
...trying to capture the solemnity of the actual ceremony during the rehearsals.
Ah, it's so grand - the feeling is! I felt the silent excitement! I felt the quiet anticipation
The last few days of holding on to the 'goofiness' of youth...
of what lies ahead... and the mixed emotions of having to peek at what is waiting for them beyond the four walls of the University. The indescribable sweetness of seeing one's dearest dream so far become a reality mixed with the anxiety of having to start all over again soon... this time, without the comforting assurance of support that only deep friendship, forged throughout college life, can provide - I felt all that. The mix emotions was so palpable, it thickens the air... until the eyes get blinded by the condensation of all the emotions as the rehearsals progressed. Still, they seemed to resolve to toughen their hearts, they braced their emotions with acquired maturity, and they cloak emotional vulnerability with the resilience borne out of the 'goofiness of youth'.
...but they marched on, propelled by aspirations and hope for great things ahead!
As for me, while we do this every year, and I have been a part of it for the past six years, this year, it is different. Our Class of 2019 is very special to me. There have been many wonderful experiences with them all throughout their stay, in which I benefited from their kindness, humility and love. Therefore, I braced my own sinking heart with the pride of seeing them march out to their success, as I harbored the numbing feeling of loss, and the deep anguish of not knowing when will I be seeing them all again. It is absolutely heartbreaking! And yet, I am comforted by the fact that, indeed, "only love can break a heart". I will live.
***
Image credit: I own all photos, which are all taken at the Quadricentennial Pavilion of the University of Santo Tomas during the Faculty of Engineering Solemn Investiture Rehearsals.
Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park in New Taipei City, Taiwan
I had a chance to see the breathtaking view shown in this Saturday's featured photo, which was taken from the Gold Museum at Jinguashi Eco-Park in Ruifang, New Taipei City. The Eco-Park was a mining site. In front of the Museum, after emerging from the Benshan Fifth Tunnels, one can have a sweeping view of the mountain town with the East China Sea in the background.
A big part of the town used to be a mining site, which was closed after its service years have been reached. Upon the closure of the mining business, the town that used to be a rich community was plunged to poverty, and became a "ghost town". The mining site was
The Gold Eco-Park or Gold Museum could be a place for cozy stroll, not just for tourists but for the locals as well.
then re-opened into a "Gold Ecological Park" in 2004. It was then renamed "Gold Museum" after the renaming of the former Taipei County to "New Taipei City" in 2010.
I was very much interested in visiting the Park as I wanted to see how "abandoned" mines could be converted to Eco-Parks - tourists destination - that could fetch sustained income for the community even after the surge of income when the Mines were still operational dies down. This is because I strongly believe that, if responsible mining is observed, the mine sites could be maintained and kept safe for the community while operational, and then restored to their original beauty after the mine site's service years. If converted to museum, or even laboratory for aspiring mining engineers, they may provide opportunities for education about the interesting science of mining and mineral processing. This could even heighten people's awareness and discipline in how we could use the gifts of nature, and take care of it, give back to it by restoring its former beauty, and even enhancing it, making it resistant to even the harshest parts of the cycle of natural renewal.
Yes, I strongly believe that there is, indeed, such thing as RESPONSIBLE MINING. There are sophisticated technologies that allow for this, that make this possible and achievable. What we need to establish is INSPIRED AND INSPIRING but FIRM LEADERSHIP in making sure that policies are strictly observed... and, in fact, happily observed because of people's love for nature and country, which can be inspired by an inspiring leadership rather than a hysterically threatening one.
...it's about preparing young people to commit to the "art of living in a sustainable world'. ================================================================== by PAM
A month ago, I was reading an article on one of
my favorite news sites entitled, "What to Learn in College to Stay One
Step Ahead of Computers". Yes, I know, that sounds
odd! The article seems to imply that there is a need to prepare our
students for a future that pits them with computers! Anyway, among many
others, my attention was caught by a statement that goes, "a college education needs
to be broad and general, and not defined primarily by the traditional structure
of separate departments staffed by professors who want, most of all, to be at
the forefront of their own narrow disciplines."
These days, just being at the forefront of your
own discipline has seized to be important and "fashionable" in the
field of higher education. Today, it is more important to stand
side-by-side with colleagues in a multi-disciplinary team assembled to craft multi-faceted
projects that integrate theoretical concepts with the "art of living in a
sustainable world". In Engineering, we go one step further... with a
blend of technical and practical lessons that motivate our students to assume
personal responsibility in being the steward of our environment, taking care of the
world we live in. Today, what is more important is
Lush... it would be nice if this beauty is maintained for many generations to enjoy.
making sure that the
kind of education we offer allows our students to function well in the society;
to respond appropriately and sufficiently to issues that ensure a sustainable
future. And this is especially of great importance in countries like
ours, which are not only rich in natural resources, but have been joked about
as also being rich in natural disasters. While the joke can be hilarious,
the real effects of these disasters are absolutely not! Perhaps, disasters would not be as
"natural" if we become more conscious of the impact of our activities
on the environment; the impact of the technologies we develop and use on our
natural environment. Where I teach, an important part of the students' education is
learning how to handle sensibly the issues that may adversely affect a
sustainable future. Part of it is in our core values of competence,
commitment and compassion. In the case of Engineering students, the
competence in developing "green" technologies and structures; the
commitment to the Engineer's oath of being steward of the environment rather
than being disruptors of the ecological processes in our natural environment;
and compassion in putting the interest of a whole generation that thrives on a
healthy environment above wealth and fame.
We hope that with this, we can enjoy a future that is not filled with
hazards and occurrences that do not necessitate constant and resource-intensive
mitigation... keep mother nature happy, so she could continue taking care of all of us sufficiently.
***
Photo credit: I took the photo in the Underground River of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.
'Saturday Engineering' = Eco-friendly innovation + fun
It's always great when you see these "kids" - "your kids" - playing big boys' game. Fresh from high school a few years back, they came to the University with their playfully enthusiastic eyes all lit-up... College boys already, and it's Engineering, baby! You see them over the last few years, looking awkward at first, trying to be "one of the big boys"... and failing miserably. And then, they start fitting in... not so awkward anymore. They start to master "the walk"... the Engineering kind - cool and humble... but, yeah, with some subtle swag. I know, that's not easy to master... you need to pass through the eye of the needle to learn it... first, some humbling moments - lots of those!
And then, they begin to understand that they can't survive without giving up the "glamorous" teenage life. Realizing that affording to walk with the "Engineer's swag" comes with a cost: some sweat and blood! It's all about spending most of their waking hours doing the most "uncool thing" ever in the history of teenage life: study like there's no tomorrow! But knowing that the tallest structures and the fastest cars in the world can only be built by them who lost "coolness" in their early years in the University, they know, too, that it's worth it. And, so, they submit themselves to "the process".
Voila! A few years later, here they are competing in the "big boys' game"... and winning, too! I'm very proud of our boys! They call themselves UST Eco-Tigers. They built the T400H - the prototype, hybrid gas-electric car, which is the entry of the University of Santo Tomas to the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2015 in Manila, Philippines. It won the 7th place in Asia, and first place in the Philippines with a mileage of 137 km/liter of gasoline.
Not bad, boys! Let's do even better next year!
***
Video credit: It's my video, but thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
Last year, around this time, we were celebrating how our Electrical Engineering graduates posted a passing rate of 96.5% (55/57) in the Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). In the process, they also garnered the #2 Spot for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the Top Performing Schools honor roll. This year, our newest Electrical Engineering (EE) graduates maintained UST's grip of the #2 Spot in the honor roll, posting a passing rate of 95.16% (59/62)... and we're absolutely proud! Thanks be to God!
...linking up and about to consolidate progress. ====================================================================== by PAM Eversince the Heads of State of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) linked arms to vow to open one another's doors to accommodate and cater to one another's needs in a collaborative manner via "One ASEAN 2015", also known as "ASEAN Intergration 2015", or "ASEAN Economic Zone 2015", to achieve regional progress, citizens of ASEAN countries have started to view things differently. They started opening their "windows" and begin to pay attention to what is going on
2014 AUChEEdS... first, historic, relevant.
outside their own "four walls", and begin to imagine themselves as a true member of a community - the ASEAN community. The Higher Education sector of the Philippines is not an exception to this "look-out-the-window-and-observe" paradigm shift. Over the past how many years, members of this sector are not just merely looking out the window and observing, they have been adopting good practices by their close and distant neighbors. And now, Filipino educators have opened their doors as they reached out to invite their ASEAN counterparts to the Philippines in dialogues and shared experiences to forge a strong relationship, partnership, cooperation that they hope would help usher in "One ASEAN" in 2015 on positive note. The Chemical Engineering Education sector of the Philippines, represented partly by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) College of Fellows and the PIChE- Metro Manila Academe Chapter (MMAC) have been doing the 'observing', 'sharing' and the 'adopting' for years now. This year, they (or, should I say "we"?) went on to organize the 2014 ASEAN Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Education Summit (2014 AUChEEdS) dubbed, "Educating the new generation of ASEAN Chemical Engineers". In the first AUChEEdS, Chemical Engineering students and faculty members from ASEAN countries met to learn together, to establish camaraderie as they learn from each other, and just to get to know one another. Colleagues from non-ASEAN countries (the United States of America, Australia and Japan) also participated by sharing their own experiences and good practices, some via webinar. And, it was a wonderful event! I believe that now, more than ever before, members of the Chemical Engineering Education Sector of ASEAN realize that, indeed, they have many things in common, and share many values. Therefore, it is easy to collaborate in a way that will consolidate the thrusts and achievements of the Chemical Engineering Education sector in the region for greater, more lasting, and more meaningful progress. ***
My "other family".... well, at least a fraction of it.
It's been a long time since I had a "family picture" with my Chemical Engineering Department "family" in the University. This is a good time to have one because it is the diamond year of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE). So, for a "diamond remembrance" we took to the stage during the PIChE National Convention, and smiled to the cameras like there was no tomorrow! :) It was good.
...singing their hearts out! ================================================================== by PAM
Engineering music? Music Engineering? Whatever it is, it sounds awesome!
They work hard at school... they have no choice, they are Engineering or Information and Computer Studies students! Their courses are tough, tough... tough! And yet, they find time to pursue their other passion: music. And, everytime, they get together, they sing their hearts out - and they sound so great, it kills me! :) Yep, they are the "One Voice", the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Engineering Chorale.
...without a doubt! =========================================================================== by PAM I love writing and reading, listening to music and appreciating art immensely... but there's nothing like seeing a useful idea brought to life and made to work in an innovative way through the Science and Technology platform. This is why I love Engineering... the problem analysis, the design of the most appropriate solution... troubleshooting... breaking things down to their smallest elements, and then putting the elements back together again, this time with added elements (or fewer elements), in order for the thing to function more efficiently, and more appropriately for a given purpose. It's always exhilarating to be taking a deep breath and putting the switch on, and experiencing a mix of nerve-wracking emotions in that split of a second before the switch does its job, and putting the thing to work... or not! Aw, priceless!
A mix of everything, 'cooked' in the pot of S&T = fun time!
This is the reason why I look forward to "Engineering Week" in my University... a week-long exhibition of the best stuff that the Faculty of Engineering came up with in a span of one year... and celebrating the foundation of the FIRST Engineering School in the Philippines. There's an array of electronic innovative gadgets that are useful for biomedical applications, manufacturing automation, risk and disaster control, and smart vehicle operations, just to name a few. There's an array of new products, from personal care products to food, from household products to 'smart materials', you name it, they've got it all! And then, you have a variety of commercial cars with modified features... modifications that were done by the students themselves. Then you have a variety of impressive structural designs - innovative, climate change-resilient, and aesthetically deserving of appreciation. There are incredible array of computer and smart phone apps... digital solution to management problems. Too many to mention... all guaranteeing a week-long fascination! And, in all of the wonderful exhibits, the Thomasian three C's are all on display: Competence, Commitment, and Compassion. The added benefit is I work in that Faculty! :) Therefore, it's doubly special. Ah, I love my job! :) ***
...I had "Thanksgiving Dinner" with wonderful people. ============================================================================= by PAM It's always great to know that whatever sort of challenges life brings, there will always be people you could count on to stand by you to meet those challenges... people who will stand their ground even in the face of the most perilous of challenges. Among family, it's usually called Love. And, among friends/colleagues, I think it's also called "Teamwork"... or both! How ever anyone might want to call it, such an awesome relationship is a blessing from God that deserves to be celebrated and nurtured!
We have so much to thank God for... all the marvelous blessings we received amid the challenges of 2013.
My family and friends/colleagues had our traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for 2013 this evening... and it was a beautiful, beautiful time! Many of my colleagues/friends were not able to make it as they were attending family events that coincided with the Dinner... but, just thinking of them made the celebration complete. :) Here's looking forward to more reasons to give thanks for in 2014... cheers! :) ***
Paul Marion J. Demapelis, a Thomasian - numero uno! University of Santo Tomas - numero dos!
Amid all the gloom that typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) brought comes a ray of hope for rebuilding: the Filipinos' resilience because of strong faith in God... coupled with the commitment and idealism of budding engineers in the country.
Aside from those disturbed sleeps we've had because of typhoon Yolanda, we have had a few more sleepless November nights, just waiting, waiting... waiting for the results of the November 2013 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Civil Engineering. Nope, we weren't doubting our graduates' capabilities, and their commitment to pass the daunting Examination - aw, man, not at all! We were simply excited to see how our graduates would fare compared with their peers from 227 Engineering Schools in the country.
And here's how they did: out of 3,168 passers from 6,584 Exam takers, one of our graduates took the #1 spot (Paul Marion J. Demapelis), and two others shared the #3 (Kristoffer Dave A. Tabong) and the #9 (Randolph C. Camaclang) spots with other passers from other Universities in the Top 10 passers who obtained the highest scores. More importantly, they distinguished our University in that pool of 227 Universities in the country that were represented in the previous Examination. They captured the #2 spot for us in the Top Performing Schools (schools with more than 50 exam takers and 80% or better passing rate) in the country by posting a passing rate of 91.79% (that's an incredible 179 passers out of 195 exam takers) against a national passing of 48.12%. Of course, we are VERY PROUD of them, and VERY PROUD of their mentors in the Civil Engineering Department! :)
And, today, I am proud to see them taking their Solemn Oath as professional Civil Engineers, wearing their Dominican Crosses around their necks... and that renders the oath to be a true vow to practice their profession with honor and integrity, and with firm commitment to excellence - all in the service of those who need their help, and for God's greater glory. May God bless them always!
...a proud moment for a teacher. ====================================================================== by PAM Just a couple of years ago, I was gauging, calibrating my approach in my teaching in order to effectively reach them, how I could effectively mentor them. I was feeling my way through to build a two-way road where I could help them understand and appreciate Momentum Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Membrane Technology. We did manage to find each other where there is enough light for illumination. At some point I believed I saw them transition
Congratulations to the newly licensed Thomasian Chemical Engineers! May you illuminate your work places with your light of Thomasian values. Be good engineers! Serve, and serve well.
from young people aspiring to become engineers to actually blossoming engineers. I believe this was during our "Product Innovation Challenge + Mini Expo"event. Along the way, there were ups and downs, too... man, were there ups and downs! :) There were 'ugly moments'... but there were countless beautiful moments as well. And then, they graduated... and then they have become all-ready to conquer the world with a "Thomasian Engineer passport". And, this afternoon, they just earned themselves a "visa" to practice their profession in the so-called "real world"... and, boy, am I proud! To see them with wide-eyed hopefulness as they savor their first 'success' as professional, which they earned on their own... like toddlers who took their first step unaided... aw, man, it was priceless indeed! I'm glad that, in spite of all the heavy challenges today, lady luck showed me a hint of a smile, and I managed to squeezed in a few minutes to see them take their oath as newly licensed Chemical Engineers. Congratulations to the new batch of newly licensed Thomasian Engineers - all 69 of them! We're very proud of you guys! I wish you great things in all your future endeavors. Godspeed. ***
Earlier this week, a colleague and I had a great opportunity to be a part of an important event for Electronics Engineers in the country. The Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spent the morning with their colleagues in the Industry, Academe and the Government to mark an important milestone: the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC). The Center is to be built in a strategic location: at the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) Compound in Bicutan, Taguig City, right across the DOST Compound. The EPDC project is funded by the DOST through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), which is headed by Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara as its very able Executive Director. Dr. Guevara is former Dean of the College of Engineering of the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The event was attended by the dynamic DOST Secretary, Hon. Mario G. Montejo.
Once operational, the EPDC is expected to help boost the country's electronics export revenue by product development and innovation as well as manpower training in the various sectors of the Electronics Industry. It is expected to lower electronic products cost in the country by boosting local manufacture as product development and innovation is strengthened and manpower skills are further enhanced.
I know, this blog is described as "(almost) never about work", but I can't help it... it was such an exciting event, I had to make sure I mark it somewhere in my "e-diary" (this blog). I, of course, hope and pray that the EPDC becomes operational soon... and my University becomes one of its biggest partners - for national progress.
Talk about concentrating on good things... and blocking negative vibrations radiated towards us. We build a shield using inspiring deeds and pursuits such as the EPDC, and use that shield to protect us from being consumed by negative thoughts around.
