Saturday Photo

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

Ah, it's that most glorious time of year again! Every Christian pauses to seek his/her heart for the One true love that resides there... amidst the noise and the dizzying rush. Before we get lost in the tantalizing glitters and the "crazy" merrymaking around us, we say a little prayer to honor Him who is King - our King! May the celebration of His birth lift our spirits in a joyful and meaningful day with loved ones, bring peace in our hearts, and put love in our midst. May these feelings stay with us and our loved ones for the rest of our lives! And may we learn to commit ourselves to Him whose Love for us is eternal.

A blessed Christmas to one and all!

***

Immense joy...

...a feeling "reserved exclusively" for teachers.
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


Just a few months ago, my colleagues and I were savoring the joy of seeing our students finish an important journey... to start a new and more exciting one, with a promise of more meaningful and fulfilling "adventures". While it was wringing our hearts to see them go after (mostly) five years of nurturing them, with inspired commitment, hardwork, and tears (mostly theirs), it excited us to think about the possibilities - their possibilities! It's fantastic to think about the many opportunities in front of them... therefore, despite aching hearts that clung heavily to memories of having them in our midst, we happily let them go - to discover and explore their wonderful possibilities.

The 2011 University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Engineering Solemn Investitute at the Philippine International Convention Center Plenary Hall, March 2011.

After shaking their hands for a job well done, their professional journey commenced. They signed on to pursue professional certification - the Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination. Unlike the hundreds of examinations they took in the University, their first hurdle to full-pledged professional practice was a "test of will and perseverance" rather than technical proficiency... because modesty aside, I believe we have more than sufficiently taken care of that in the University.

And so, like parents of eager toddlers who were learning to walk, we watched them - painfully, too, sometimes - as they languished through the harsh patches along the way. And yet, we secretly smiled to ourselves as they remembered to summon the discipline, strength of character, faith, and intellectual and technical seeds that we planted in them, and that they nurtured to glorious bloom, in the University, as they continued navigating the path to certified professional practice. While we tortured ourselves to useless anxiety sometimes about how they would reach the finish line of their very first "professional race", we were confident that they were fully equipped to finish the race. And finish they did! And it led them to this glorious and storied corridor...

The Historical Manila Hotel - the venue for the 2011 Oathtaking ceremonies for the new licensed Chemical Engineers of the country.

After several months of sleepless nights, preparing for the battle, learning to use the strings after long strings of technical "ammunitions" we packed in their bags as we sent them out to journey - on their own now - they valiantly marched out to confront the "enemy". And, as we so fervently believed in our hearts, they conquered it! They emerged victorious! :) The storied corridor led them to this hallowed four-walls where their certified professional journey begins...

The Rigodon Hall of the Manila Hotel, where the new licensed chemical engineers of the country begin their professional journey.

...and, as they raised their right hands and inducted into the ranks of one of the most elite professional circles known, we felt nothing but pride!

Our dear former students... new certified chemical engineers, all grown-up and full-pledged professionals now!

As they returned their gaze to us... certified licensed chemical engineers now, there was no word to describe the overwhelming joy that filled our hearts, their former teachers! :) And we swam in the glorious sweetness of the moment... like it was exclusively reserved for us!

Ah, a truly joyful occasion! :)

Congratulations to our NEW Thomasian licensed chemical engineers! All the very best in your future endeavors!! We are very proud of you! :)

***

We say a prayer for the victims of floods in Southern Philippines. May the Holy Spirit continue to bring peace and calm in their hearts as they gather strength to pick up the pieces of their fragmented homes and start anew. Amen.

***

Incredible Barça...

...are the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Winners!
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


This one goes out to the Brazilian football legend, Pelé:

"Sir, Lionel Messi weaved his magic on the pitch again. This time he did it at the Yokohama International Stadium in Japan. The
Neymar faded in the shadow of Messi's brilliance.little, uhm, ahem, Argentine genius slotted a brace of goals via a Xavi beautiful assist in the first and through a Dani Alves graceful one in the other against, uhm, ahem, Brazil's Santos FC - the South American champs. Both goals were, uhm, ahem... of undisputed things of beauty and brilliance - both in their making and finishing. But more than that, they helped FC Barcelona win the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup for the second time in three years under Pep Guardiola. Woohoo! Uhm, ahem... pardon me, sir, you've gotta admit, it's quite a feat!

Uh, sir, the Catalans won the final in a lopsided match with a final scoreline of 4-0... and that wasn't because Santos weren't good because they were, it's just that Barça were in their incredible winning form - as always! :) Barça's midfield El Maestro, Xavi, and Cesc Fàbregas contributed a goal each in the first-half of the match to complement Messi's brace in the total tally. The win made official what has long been very obvious to, uhm, ahem, the entire football world that Barça, the current UEFA Champions League holders and champs of uhm,
Dani Alves and El Maestro, Xavi - the architects
of Messi's brace of goals. Alves played Xavi to a
goal of his own, too.ahem, Spanish La Liga are the BEST Football Club in the World! Woohoo!!! Oh, uhm, pardon me, sir... hard to supress excitement after witnessing a fantastic show of football awesomeness... as I'm sure you very well understand, a legend in the beautiful game as you are.

Also, I think it's important that you learn that your boy, Neymar, was rendered, uhm, ahem, "immaterial", he may as well have been invisible on the pitch - shoved in the shadows of Messi's dazzling brilliance, and a no-match to the in-form Carles Puyol's caveman-defensive wisdom, Sergio Busquets's incredible sharpness at the defense-midfield interface, and Andres Iniesta's sumptuous football. You may verify that with your boy, too, sir, if in doubt. But, yes, sir, while the whole Catalan team played an incredibly mesmerizing football (once again), Messi was that Blaugrana-clad figure that needed a lot of figuring out on the pitch for Santos. In fact, the "Little Phenom" received the Golden Ball and the Toyota Award for being the best player in the Club World Cup. But not to worry, your boy
As becoming his "habit" lately, Barça's #4, Cesc
Fàbregas, was at the right place and kicked at the
right time for a goal. Not that we're complaining.might just find consolation in the fact that he is in the company of Cristiano Ronaldo - in Messi's shadow. Good news is, he's young... he has plenty of time to learn Messi's and Barça's trade - and I understand, by his own insinuations, that he is keen to do so as well. But yeah, Messi's magic in Japan won him, uhm, ahem, much deserved praises in the four corners of the planet once again, hailing him as usual as the BEST player of this generation, and probably, uhm, ahem, the greatest of all time! Woohoo!!! Ooops, do pardon me again, sir... too hard to contain gleeful emotions... uhm, especially if they're based on incredible show of, uhm, ahem, never-before-seen brilliance. Uhm... in your case, sir, I think I should emphasize that when all means of "bishy" denial fail, uhm, crying is okay, too... I guess, you know what I mean, sir. Trust that that wouldn't diminish our respect for you... well, especially, not from the level where you have managed to reduce it to after those really petulant insistence against Messi's greatness and the Spanish La Liga's respectability as the strongest football league on the planet... albeit not as organized as the English Premier League.

Uhm, in the spirit of fair assessment, may I invite you, sir, to please check out the video below... yes, it is, uhm, ahem, alright to be awed, too - I'd understand completely! And, no, not to worry - I won't tell either! Shhhh.... Enjoy! :)

Thank you for your attention, sir. And, because I understand totally that you might need "someOne Special" to commiserate with, please feel free to share this with Jose Mourinho - and for his own enlightenment as well. Please be assured that I don't mind at all, sir."

(Ahh-hahaha... just having a little fun here. Sorry if I sounded mean. ;))

***

And now, for the real post... CONGRATULATIONS to you, Pep Guardiola and your brilliant men!! VISCA, EL BARÇA!!! Woohoo!!! :)

Get well soon, David Villa! We missed your awesome world-class form on the pitch today. :(

***

As we enjoy the beautiful game, we pause and offer prayers for the victims of flash floods in Southern Philippines. May the families and loved ones of those who perished find peace and be comforted by the gentle embrace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Those who would like to send support, donations could be sent through the following:
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. "Sagip Kapamilya"
GMA7 Kapuso Foundation
Gawad Kalinga

***
Photo credits: All photos were grabbed at the Zimbio website - thanks.
Video credits: Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Putting God first...

... this Christmas season, and always.
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


As in the previous years, Christmas festivities at USTe or "Paskuhan" commenced with the celebration of the Holy Mass,
Day 1 of "Misa de Gallo" or "Simbang Gabi" puts
God first, and in the center, of a Thomasian's
Christmas celebration.officiated by the Rector of the University himself, on the evening of the 15th of December. The Mass marked the beginning of the nine-day preparation, or Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass or "Simbang Gabi"), for the Christian world's celebration of the birth of its King on Christmas Day. The whole University then shared a sumptuous meal in a feast amidst the pretty glitters of colorful lights that befit the cheers of celebrating the glorious birth of the King of Kings! The celebration continued on the next day with a Christmas concert, gift-giving to Thomasian beneficiaries, alumni Christmas reunions, and fun raffle draws... and it culminated
Christmas merrymaking with
Thomasian family and friends.through one of the most anticipated events that every year brought the Thomasian community together... and with the multitude of Thomasian friends and family, too. The merrymaking skyrocketed to a great climax via the awe-inducing fireworks that sent Thomasian cheers to the heavens above! It was a truly joyful way of sharing the message of Christmas - togetherness... one in faith and in love - as the University sends off its students and employees to a Christmas break, and be together with their loved ones on Christmas day.

Ah, all the truly joyous traditions in our beloved Royal and Pontifical University... our one and only USTe - incredibly heartwarming!

***
Thomasian Christmas Message

To my Thomasian family and friends, please allow me to share with you this Christmas message from the Rector of the University of Santo Tomas:

"Años de Gracia" by Dante V. Lerma, M.D.

Four hundred years ago,
Miguel de Benavides
Looked at everything he had:
a few books, worn-out
clothes, and a few hundred pesos -
his savings of a lifetime.

Benavides scooped everything he had
And laid it at the feet of his fellow Dominicans.
"Here is everything I have,
I give them all up."

He would never have thought that his little act of generosity
Would have given birth to the University of Santo Tomas.
He would never have thought that for the first time in his life,
He would experience real Christmas.
He saw the reason why God chose to be born poor,
To remain poor, and die poor.

Christmas is God's way of telling us:
A poor person is not the one who has nothing,
But the one who is not afraid to lose everything.
and
Real strength is not measured by our ability
To cling to something or to someone;
But by our ability to cling no more.

May we, like Benavides,
Learn to say: "Dear Lord, gently snip
The ropes that bind me
to possessiveness, fear, and anxiety.
Free me, cut me loose, and let me break through
To experience for the first time, real freedom."

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES!

Fr. Rolando V. dela Rosa, O.P.
Rector
University of Santo Tomas

***

We offer prayers for the victims of flash floods in Southern Philippines. Our thoughts are with the suffering families. Those who would like to send support, donations could be sent through the following:
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
GMA7 Kapuso Foundation
Gawad Kalinga

***

Saturday photo

A surprise...that pleasantly surprises.
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by Philipina A. Marcelo

Thoughtfulness that deserves no less than the most heartfelt gratitude... and a blog post, too! :)

:) Ah, yeah... there's just so much to smile about.

Just when you've thrown in the towel and accepted the fate of one who's missed out on some of life's special gifts - like a thoughtful son, for instance - all of a sudden, you realized that that couldn't be any farther away from the truth! That you've actually got an extremely thoughtful son... a gift that's wrapped in an unconventional package... but a gift just the same - only, truly special!

But, like a gift that arrived on Christmas morning, when you're being too much of a grown-up blindly preoccupied, dreaming of how the items in your wishlist, wrapped in the fanciest of packages, would end up in your stocking, you missed the moment... and your special gift completely. And just when you're about to declare that jolly Old St. Nick was a "flop" for you this year, a gift, in a rather discrete package stands like a pot of gold under your christmas tree. The unconventionally glitter-free package reveals the most special of gifts, an answer to a fervent prayer - and it is a truly thoughtful son who, like a kindred spirit, understands his Mom's simple wishes of peace of mind and "lightheartedness". :) Naturally, you feel like you're the luckiest person in the Universe - thoroughly loved and cherished... and you know better now than to associate "flop" with St. Nick - ever again! :)

Ah, indeed... life is so full of pleasant surprises, and the most special of them are those that do not bear price tags, too. You just have to stay hopeful and excited about uncovering them here and there - in the most unlikely places... with the innocence and faithful enthusiasm of a little child on Christmas morning rather than with the cynicism of a grown-up on a "life's dead-end"! :)

"It's not about the money, money, money... forget about the price tag."

***

Wednesday nostalgia...

Someone to watch over me...

"I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood... I know I could always be good to one who'll watch over me...." Oy!

Whew! Too good!

The only thing I do not appreciate about Sting's version of this classic is how he had to sing the line, "Although I may not be the man some girls think of as handsome, to her heart I'll carry the key..." Aw, c'mon! He is Sting, for cryin' out loud! It's hard to imagine that some girls would actually think of him as not handsome. Certainly not a Nat Geo nuts, that's for sure... and ya can bet on it, too! :)

So, how is this a break from all that weekend hyperventilation-inducing football awesomeness? I'm not sure... 'cause, while the music is uber romantic, there is nothing about this video that doesn't involve palpitation - the sweet kind! :) Oh, well...

***

And while we're at it, let's just all drown in this genius's lovely music... taking a firm stand against the "philosophy of violence" this time.

"Perhaps, this final act was meant to clinch a lifetime's argument that nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could."

Definitely a perfection - genius! I know... life isn't fair! ;) And hey, don't you dare play a Gaga-sounding Lady (and the like) within my hearing distance right this moment... unless you'd want to know what "fragile" actually meant! ;)

***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube and Nat Geo, for the video links.

Visca, El Barça!!!

A classic win in an El Clásico.
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


And so, after all the nerve-wracking anticipation that almost induced a nervous breakdown in me, the first El Clásico of the current Spanish La Liga season finally unfolded at Estadio de Santiago Bernebéu. Real Madrid CF went into the Clásico with a 15-match winning streak and was the slight favorite over the seemingly out-of-form and winning-fatigued FC Barcelona... then again, most of those opinions came from Madridistas and those who are "bored" of the Catalans genius on the pitch. The two giants in the beautiful world of football marched to the center of the Madrid pitch... and, as the referee blew his whistle to get the highly-anticipated duel underway, millions of hearts went racing as adrenalin surged and rest at the summit of excitement! I'm still recovering from the heap of football awesomeness... so let me just post this as I savor the moment:

I join the cules all around the globe in rejoicing over this sweetest of victories, Real Madrid CF 1 - 3 FC Barcelona. Oy! Groovy, oy!

***
A fast goal and playing catch-up...

It was a classic "come-from-behind" away victory as the Blaugranes saw Karim Benzema slot the fastest goal in the history of Spanish La
Karim Benzema, slotting the fastest goal in
La Liga history.Liga on the 23rd second via a say-what??? mistake by Victor Valdes. VV kicked the ball to Angel Di Maria (huh??? I know, right?!), who attempted a cross to Karim Benzema, but it was foiled by Sergio Busquets with a kick. The ball was effectively deflected to Mesut Ozil's direction. MO took a shot that got deflected once again by the incredible Busquets - bless him - but, only for the ball to find Benzema, who was a few feet away from the Barça goal. The Frenchman quickly slotted the ball in while Gerard Piqué was still positioning himself in front of the goal and VV still processing what he just did in his head, putting Los Blancos in front. Stunning I must say! Needless to say, the fast moves and the resulting goal thrilled the Madridistas (and most football fans) to the ceiling of enjoyment. Barça's captain, Carles Puyol, called his team to settle down and signaled them to stay focused on the game amidst the Madrid excitement.

Lionel Messi, phenomenal as always no matter the situation, was the first to heed the Catalan captain... and he was not about to be silenced by a stunning goal, history-setting it was notwithstanding. The little genius, in his usual unstoppable form, stole the ball from Sergio Ramos and then flew past Ramos and Xabi Alonso, avoided a blocking Pepe, as he sped and rallied Barça into a response with a kick-on-a-run... only, the tip of Iker Casillas's fingers sent it spinning away to thread-thin safety from the Madrid goal. The wasted chance was matched by
Alexis Sanchez, a classic El Clásico
debut - with an equalizing goal.Cristiano Ronaldo with a lousy miss on the other end of the pitch. :) CR7 decided to finish the cross from Benzema instead of passing to Angel Di Maria who was wide open to make the shot - typical of Ronaldo though. Little did everyone realize that that would define the outcome of the match.

Relentless in his search for an equalizing goal, Messi negotiated a busy Madrid thoroughfare that was intimidatingly lined with four towering defenders. He got through with the ball at his feet, which was not a surprise for any football enthusiast... it's Lionel Messi, hello! The little genius then played Alexis Sanchez, who impressively remained unpurturbed by the mighty task of finishing a Messi assist - not such an easy thing to do, especially on his El Clásico debut. And, clean finish, the Chilean did despite the formidable Iker Casillas of a wall in front of the Madrid goal and two Los Blancos defenders building a fence around him closely as he moved towards the goal! EQUALIZER! Game on!

***
Tactical duel - an El Clásico, indeed!

Level in points now, the guests and the hosts, recalibrated their shot
El Maestro, Xavi, a classic 600th appearance in
Blaugrana shirt - punctuated by a goal.and defense artilleries as they get ready to get deeper into the duel... why not, afterall, it's an El Clásico! In the second half, the men returned on the pitch with renewed vigor. Xavi, who was on his 600th appearance in the Blaugrana shirt, with some sheer determination and a little bit of luck, blasted an off-balanced kick from 30 yards out. Marcelo's toes deflected the ball, an occurence that distracted Casillas into clearing the shot, diving in the wrong side, failing to clear the shot as it happened... therefore, 1-2, in favor of Barça! Ah, classic!

A few exchanges of chance por chance between the giants, great defensive plays by Puyol, some shows of dazzling brilliance in the second-half from Don Andres Iniesta... and some CR7 for-crying-out-loud misses later, Barça "volted in". They took tiki-taka to high gear... and then, in one of those vintage
Cesc Fàbregas, debuting in La Liga El Clásico
with a goal... and a nice haircut - finally. :)Barça moments, Dani Alves, Messi and, the now-well-groomed Cesc Fàbregas sped to the front in a wide triangle, with Alves carrying the ball on the right wing from a Messi pass while Messi and Fàbregas sped in front of the Madrid goal to position themselves for a finish - a perfect puzzle for Casillas to figure out! Both Messi and Fàbregas appeared ready to receive an Alves cross, and drive a cushion goal in to finish Madrid for good. In a decisive stroke, Alves flicked a pretty cross to the farther away Fàbregas who had lesser challenge from the Los Blancos defense, at Casillas's far post. Fàbregas then resurrected himself from silence in the first-half and surged purposely forward for a diving header that sent the ball home before Casillas could take his eyes completely off the speeding Messi in front of him and concentrate on the attacking Cesc! GOAL!!! What an absolutely brilliant play! 1-3 - Barça surged farther up, and Madrid could only stare upward defeatedly!

Los Blancos, the "Special One" and the Madridistas were effectively silenced by that piece of brilliance... just because the Bernabéu Club didn't have an answer to that - even in their best form... and in their own backyard, too. And so, the Catalans went home - classic victory in tow! :)

5 + 6 + 10 (+ 8)... Barça Stalwarts = classic awesomeness!

***
Victory comes to those who respect the power of teamwork...


Pep Guardiola, come on!Congratulations to you, Pep Guardiola and your valiant men, for giving the world yet another brilliant football - a remarkable testament to the beauty of teamwork, focus, hardwork, consistency, and unwavering faith in one's team principles! Once again, you and your men have proven that tactical and technical brilliance can only translate to victory when it is anchored on teamwork - a lesson, not just for footballers and football fans, but for everyone! Thank you for that wonderful victory and the classic display of football beauty - we loved it! All the very best in your next matches.

Visca, El Barça!!!

***
Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
Photo credits: All photos were grabbed from the Zimbio website - thanks!

***

Saturday photo

The "Man-Made" Forest of Bohol...
...an amazing "collaboration" between man and nature.

I joined our graduating students' fieldtrip during the last five days in Cebu and Bohol. While I've visited Cebu three times during the last 15 years, it was my first time to visit one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines that is known to lure many tourists - Bohol. I know, I know, that sounds too pathetic that I'm almost ashamed to admit it! But hey, I worked on it... and, oh, boy, I'm so glad I did!

I got myself sufficiently ready to be awed by the beauty of the Chocolate Hills, enjoy the fun-filled Loboc River cruise
Green ceiling and walls....con terrific Boholano lunch and entertainment, be amazed by that nocturnal little primate - the Philippine Tarsier, and be fascinated by those architectural treasures that abound in the little island paradise in the Central Visayas region. Needless to say, they didn't disappoint. What I didn't expect was to be awed to speechlessness by the man-made forest between the towns of Bilar and Loboc via a 2-km winding road en route to Carmen from Tagbilaran to view the Chocolate Hills. As our bus negotiated the road lined by a dense wall of an almost perfectly uniform-in-height mahogany trees to serve as an inviting allure to go deeper into the mountains on one side and hide the intimidating ravine on the other, I looked up and was greeted by a canopy of green leaves gently swinging with the wind in a playful block-and-unblock game with the sunrays. I was so helplessly awed that a "sweet profanity" slipped out of my lips before I could catch myself... and then the forest completely knocked the breath out of me as we moved deeper into the 2-km "green tunnel" - too beautiful!

I fell in love... with Bohol! Oy!

***

Some good things do last...

...through faith and love. I just know it!
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


Today, my family celebrated a special occasion. Two special and truly beloved family members, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. With us and their dearest friends, they held hands once again in front of the altar and, with solemn prayer, they renewed their wedding vows.

Love can conquer all... it's true!

Ah, love was indeed in the air, as it always is when they are around... and we wish them more joyful years of togetherness.

Best wishes, Kuya and Ate! We love you! :)

***

Every rose has its thorn...

...including this one. However, it is open to having its thorn clipped.
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


I'm really pressed for time right now (whew!), but I just have to do this...

Happy birthday, you-hoo!
Ho, ho, ho! :)

And Happy 1st of December to all! :)

There, done! OK then, back to this bed of thorns (a.k.a. work)!

***