Saturday photo

A remnant from last Thursday's energy surge...


From the 'seat with a view'... with sincere gratitude. :)


Yeah, I was in an unfamiliar seat, viewing the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Engineering Commencement 2013 proceedings from another perspective last Thursday.  I can't say that it was better than my 'usual seat', but I must say that I enjoyed an interesting perspective from where I was seated... which deserves some appreciation, too, actually.  So, yeah, I do appreciate.  However, I believe that whichever seat one occupied in that arena, the incredible feeling of knowing that somehow you helped make someone's dream become reality was exactly the same... and that mattered more than anything last Thursday.

I guess I'm just one of them lucky bunch who have found out how it felt like to be viewing the same proceedings from both perspectives.  What it takes to deserve such 'privilege' is not at all easy, of course.  In fact, it's monstrously difficult!  Well... again, that's a matter of perspective... a matter of how one puts premium on the amount of work and the opportunity to serve, and serve well, that go with that tiny bit of microscopic 'privilege'. Of course, others might view it as the highlight of being the occupant of the 'strange seat' (well, 'strange' for me, at least)... once again, 'a matter of perspective'?  

I hope that God would continue breathing wisdom around me, making me see clearly the big responsibility amidst the hazy air of fame that goes with that little 'privilege'.  I hope that He would continuously shower me with the inspiration to value the responsibility more than the privilege... because the positive impact of fulfilling the responsibility well cascades to many people, while the 'privilege' can only be enjoyed by one person - the one seated in the 'seat with a view'... and one person's memory does not last very long. 

However one views this, the most important view is that God is in all this, and that all of this is for God. 

Grateful (for this opportunity to serve)... that's what I am now - and always. 

***
     

Adrenaline rush...

...rush, rush, rush!
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by PAM


It's been a loooong day... tiring, but totally, totally satisfying.  I love today!  I really do!  :)  But, there's just too much excess energy floating around.  The electricity sparks the air around me... and I can't sleep.  So, I might as well utilize the excess energy with this...

"She checks out Mozart while she does tae-bo, reminds me that there's room to grow."

Awesome!  "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" by Train.  Very creative, isn't it?  I love all the symbolism, all the irony, and humor in the lyrics.. very nice sound, tempo and singing style, too... and the video is so cool. :)  "Soul vacation"... aw, man, I think I need that... whatever that is! :) 

This gets me everytime:

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken,
Your best friend always sticking up for you... even when I know you're wrong?
Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance, five-hour phone conversation,
The best soy latte that you ever had... and me?

To be honest, I didn't think it was even imaginable three years ago.  It's still hard now, but it has become doable... at least, the "me" part. :)  

Is it time to sleep yet?  It's been time to sleep two hours ago... but the adrenaline is still a-pumpin'.  Alright, let's rewind then... again... and again....

***

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

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Happy Easter!

 by PAM

Celebrating the Risen Lord... as we all live in God's Love.

As always Holy Week, especially Maundy Thursday where the Visita Iglesia is observed by Roman Catholics, is a family event for us.  It is a valuable 'bonding time', a time when we pray together... to continue embracing the mysteries of our faith by

Visita Iglesia... a joyful and meaningful family tradition.

recognizing the greatest love of all - God's love - and love itself, God. 

Personally, the observance of the Catholic traditions during Holy Week is a way of finding 'my center', making sure that my world still revolves around the center that matters - God's love... and God Himself.  In this highly materialistic 'real world', it is easy to get lost in the glitter of fame, the allure of excessive wealth, and the seduction of unchecked power.  The world spins in a dizzying fast rate, and as we grope for support to steady ourselves, we sometimes lose grip of the reason of our existence - to serve and glorify God... and we are thrown in a world that revolves around selfishness, where fame, wealth and power are the ultimate goal.  But the risen Lord on Easter Morning - the fulfilment of God's love - keeps us from falling prey to selfishness and materialism.  It brings us back to a world where the center is God... the world where joyful life is within everyone's reach - our reach.  And it feels wonderful!

Holy Week reflections this year reminded me of a song from Mr. Mister's "Welcome to the Real World" album in the '80s....   

"When I was young, I thought of growing old, of what my life would mean to me....
Kyrie Eleison, down the road that I must travel...."

...yep, I did think of growing old when I was young.  I wondered about what life had in store for me then.  I wordered about what the years would bring.  I ventured on a number of things... I was disppointed by many things in the process.  And, because I realized then that what this 'borrowed life' had in store for me wasn't for me to decide, I just followed fate - God's plan... with faith, hope and hardwork... always believing that God has a plan for me, and it is a mere little part of a bigger Plan.  And because it was His plan, it will be a good one... it made me hopeful.

Now, as I sit here contemplating on how the pieces are falling in their places, and that each piece is exquisite, joyful and lovely, I am absolutely awestruck!  They are not perfect, of course, just because I am not perfect... but they are perfect praises to God, and that's all that matters.   

Thankful... that's what I am now. I hope we all are... we should be. 

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!



***
            

Saturday photo




Long weekend... therefore, looooong (cat)nap.


Yep, we have two "spoiled" furry companions at home. One is a "legal and official" member of the family, the other "forced himself" on us... sneaking in and out of our laundry area and the garage to look for something to eat. He looked like a very sorry heap of mess that time.  Our legit furry family member - the 'white one' -  took pity, and would sneak out to share his breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Now, they are the best of friends... but the "illegitimate family member" has become as "spoiled" as the 'white one'... and even exceeded the white one's ultra diva-ish ways. :)  Incredible, I tell ya! 

Anyway, here's to a good night...

"If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me...

...time after time."

It's for my niece who just graduated from High School.  Wow, milestone!  Congrats, bebeh!  We are very proud of you, we love you very much...  we wish you nothing but great things in the next Chapter of your young life: College life!  Mwaaah....  :)  

Good night, world.  See you tomorrow... on Easter morning!  God bless....

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

***

Corny-ness + Footie beauty...

...is in order.
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by PAM


Yep, I'm convinced, life is indeed like a Petri plate of chocolate... full of mysteries, full of surprises - delicious ones, too... well, most of the time, anyway. :)  

Just when you were about to declare that the last seven 'working days' sucked like no other last seven 'working days' ever did, a breath of fresh air came through some, uhm, 'un-repaired hole' on the wall, of all things, and it 'extended life'.  It made survival all of a sudden possible.  And before you know it, you're breathing good and easy... well, until the next wave of suffocating stench anyway. :) 

Seriously, I'm really thankful.  To pay tribute to the 'breath of fresh air', I'm going to have to put away my rockin' taste (aaww, yawzah!  *wink*) and go absolutely 'cheesy' - with this....

"I never realized how happy you made me, oh, Mandy...."

I know, I know, ang baduy naman!  But, ya know, most good people are a bit baduy, actually.  And because I got to know one really good person who helped me survived a 'sure-death (of motivation) experience', I'm going to go extremely baduy now.  Uh, yeah, that's a warning.... Alright, go and run for cover... now!

"...and you brought out the colors, what a gentle surprise."

:)  Whew!  Oh, boy!  Trust me, I barely survived that one, too - 'solid cheese' right there!  =)  I'm pretty sure Kurt Cobain is stirring in his grave right now.  Sorry, dude... what can I say... "I do have weakenesses, too?!"  =)  Well, I do. 

But wait... 'cheese' is good, I know, but I'm gagging a bit here (haha...), sorry.  I think I need a little 'detox therapy' (hahaha....).  Let me get back to... well, at least the 'middle' of cheese and coolness with this...

"Don't it make you sad to know that life is more than who we are?

...it's lonely where you are, come back down... and I won't tell 'em your name."

"Name" by Goo Goo Dolls - one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands.  If Mozart would have written a contemporary rock song, it would've been this... with all the dramatic shifts in tempo, mood, and musical texture spread throughout the length of the song... a roller coaster ride of emotions coupled with the talented John Rzeznik's deep throaty voice - too good, it's awesome!  

Sorry, 'di ko kinaya si Barry at Kenny, eh... mais na mais - binatog, actually. :)  Anyway, I just want to say "thanks"... so, thanks! :)

***
P.S. Footie, bebeh!

CONGRATULATIONS to La Roja for winning the 'Clash of the (European) Titans' in the 

'La Furia Roja' strikes again!  Oy, ole, ole! 

(Photo credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Europe)

much-anticipated FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against France, 1-0, last Monday in Paris!  After that heartbreaking draw with Finland last week, the 'Men in Red' moved back up to the top of Group I through a Pedro Rodriguez goal that couldn't be stopped by France's #1, Hugo Lloris, even when he attempted to do so - twice.

It was an exciting match, fast-paced, excellent playmaking and teamwork from both sides, many heart-stopping runs, awesome attempts for the goal and incredible counter-attacks... very fun to watch - good stuff!  Victor Valdes came up with some good saves, making people not to miss Spain's #1, Iker Casillas, too much. I'd really love to write more about this... I hope to find the time soon. I miss writing about football... I miss watching football at least thrice a week. :(

Anyway, so the beautiful Spanish 'Men in Red' (I'm really lovin' their 'red kung red' kit) moved closer to defending their crown next year in Brazil.  I'm savin' all my vacation leaves for that.  Man, can't wait!     

***

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

***

"Super(man/woman)"...

...not easy.

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by PAM



It's almost been five months now... five months since I was badly hit by idealism... idealism of the the 'most ideal' kind... the kind that brings you down on your knees, the kind that makes you realize that you are nothing but Someone's servant - and that you're being called to serve... to shed off any sort of pride you possess, so you can serve with all humility and with the purest of good intentions - intentions that are worthy of the One you have the great luck to serve - and a pocketful of a faithful's prayer to help fuel the climb... up and down this rough terrain of challenges.  Yep, I was hit - big time! 



Back in the days when serving was as simple as

making things work from the 'backstage'.

I thought I knew what I was doing.  I tried to make sure I knew what I was getting myself into.  In all diligence I prepared for the tasks ahead - and that's a lot, and oh, so difficult, too!  I thought I understood what service entailed... except that time wouldn't reveal the depth of the hole that I was required to climb down to to fulfill the mission I was called to serve for.  Time has its way of playing a trick on servants like myself... it reveals its secret when climbing up - to surrender - is no longer an option.  In a way it is good... 'cause it helps you, no matter how brutal the conditions are, to stay committed to the task in front of you.  It makes you cling to your faith - the same faith that made you commit to this mission, the faith that made you realize that your idealism - no matter how absurd others think of it - makes sense.  It makes you feel hopeful... it gives reason to be hopeful that things will just get better from now on.     

And yet, others merely see the prestige of the 'red cape' that you need to wear in fulfilling your mission to serve.  They don't see - or refuse to see? - the tears, sweat and blood that stain your 'red cape'.  From a distance, all they see is the attractive shining gleam of the cape... they imagine themselves wearing it instead of you... and they feel it would suit them better than you, and so they obssess over it.  And so they keep pulling it from your back... preventing you from fulfilling your task... not knowing that they, too, get stuck with you when they do that... and the mission remains unfulfilled... and the hole gets deeper still as time flies... time flies, and you don't... because you can't, because they won't let you.   

"I'm only a man in a funny red sheet looking for special things inside of me... 
Even heroes have the right to dream... and it's not easy to be me."

Yep, "it's not easy."   But I hope that they see that, I, too, is just one of them.  In fact, "I can't stand to fly" and that I'd rather sit in one corner, doing 'simple' stuff - but stuff that helps others to fly, that enables others to fly - away from people's attention.  I am uncomfortable being in the middle of all that attention, that flood of blinding spotlight... and I don't like being fussed about, I don't enjoy it.  I want to maintain independence and the low-profile life... no flying with everyone watching.  I just want to walk around, enjoy the view unnoticed.  However, I know, too, that it's too late for that now... I'm halfway in the hole - already.  I'm going to have to "man-up" and get the job done!  It doesn't matter that it ain't easy... to be me - for now.  I need to get to the bottom of this hole... put away and destroy that kryptonite that disables excellence to float to the surface of this place where I serve... and allow its inherent beauty to captivate the world once again - in a way that takes everyone's breath away!     

And to those who want the "red cape" for themselves... get in line, and wait for your turn, dammit!

***

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

***

Saturday photo



Life is like a Petri plate of chocolate...
...delicious but mysterious, puzzling, mind boggling!

*sigh*

Yeah, I did it again... violating my own right to take a rest on a weekend, pushing myself to overwork!  I didn't realize I've been sitting here in front of this computer since 7:30 AM, only giving myself two 30-minute breaks - to eat brunch and to take a shower.  Dinner was a sad cup of yogurt, eaten in front of this enslaving machine.  No wonder I feel like the world is spinning around me now, and that I need to hold on to these keys and this mouse or I might float in this humid tropical air.  Oh, boy!   

How I miss those days when all I rushed to work for was the excitement of finding out which between the two chocolate samples my 'minions' and I 'played around with' the day before will give the more luscious taste and richer mouthfeel.  I'd open the lab door with a 'bang', my heart felt like beating against my ears, trying to contain all the incredible excitement.  Of course, the result always exceeded expectations - good or bad - and the feeling it stirred was always awesome!  Ah, 'good old days' in my food lab... come back to me, please!

Had I known that I'd lose those wonderful and glorious days for these brutal work demands, I would've stayed as far away as possible from the mouth of this savage work monster.  Why, oh, why did I 'flirt' with 'death' itself... letting myself 'suffer' like this?  What have I done to deserve this???  Insane! What is out there at the end of this loooong and dark tunnel?  Mystery... not the same as the 'chocolate mystery', but a mystery just the same.  Hmmm...  I take it that this mind boggling 'suffering' would end, too, at some point?  And that this 'work monster' would get tired and hide away in its hole, never to be seen again - ever?!  I'm sure!  I can't wait for that time to come....

In the meantime, let me comfort myself with this...

"If you can't work this equation then I guess I'll have to show you the door...

...giving you everything... all I want from you is a promise that you'll be there."

...girl power! :)  Yep, it's girl power indeed!  Nothing like it... ask David Beckham if you want.  He said he'll be there... uhm, for Posh, not me.  Victoria Beckham, of course... Becks said he'll be there for her - for better or for... best! :) 

Alright... a-hem, excuse me, work, I've got some serious business to attend to now... I need to find out how many more dudes out there can "Bend it like Beckham"! ;)  Footie, bebeh!      

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

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Saturday photo



Making TEAMWORK work... the Engineering way.

Yep, I belong to a Faculty where TEAMWORK actually works! 

Our "Pautakan" Team won the tough campus-wide General Information yearly competition... CHAMPION - for the third time in a row - three peat!  And that was the second time that the Engineering Team accomplished that... nine wins totally, making the Faculty of Engineering Team the 'winningest' team in the 36-year history of Pautakan, and establishing the Faculty of Engineering as the home of the 'brainiest' students in the campus.  Most importantly, our team was the coolest team... humble and low profile (in fact, almost shy),  and gracious in victory.

One Voice, the Faculty of Engineering Chorale, succesfully defended their crown in the "Himig Tomasino" Championship this year, making them back-to-back Champion!  They are awesome... I mean, really awesome!  They embody the Engineering community's oneness in spirit... we have different opinions and perspectives on things, but when we do stand up for our Faculty, we sound the same, and we speak with one voice.  It is by having 'one voice' that every single note they sing come out so awesomely, in sparkling beauty and clarity.

Our Engineering Football Club (EFC) men's division brought home the most prestigious silverware this year - the Championship Cup!  And they did so in good spirit, just having fun, enjoying the excitement of playing together... and winning together - for the Faculty of Engineering.  I am lucky to have enjoyed their fun company in a simple lunch treat... the closest thing to eating lunch with the FC Barcelona guys. :) 

So, yep, our students are not only brainy and talented, they excel in the 'beautiful game', too!  I know, I know, they are too awesome!  Aaaww!  Who says that education in the University happens in a one-way street, teacher-to-students?  Nope, we can learn from the lessons taught by our students, too.  They excel in teamwork, they excel because of teamwork... they make teamwork work, and we're awed by them.

***

Whoa, March!

In a hurry much, March?  Slow down, will ya? 
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by PAM

It's either time really flies or I've allowed myself to be completely swallowed by that 'monster' called 'workaholicism'.  Hmmm... nah, it's more like work has become impossibly too much, waaay too much!  Regardless, I'm declaring tonight as "no work night"... that's why I'm here - blogging away.

Yep, March 2013, you're no easier than February 2013... but, for some reason, I like you. :)  You make me feel like singing this...

"It feels good to be alive.  I waited for this...

...Right here, right now, there is no other place that I'd want to be...

...right here, right now, watching the world wake up from history."

I guess it's true what many wise people say: the tougher things are, the greater the sense of fulfillment one feels as hurdles are cleared, one after another... for as long as we keep things light and simple, nothing personal.  It feels great to see history unfolding right before your very eye... and you're a part of it all, in your own little, but not all that insignificant, way - dreaming about it one day, living the dream the next.  And all this because you allow teamwork to work... because teamwork does work, and working is fun when you do it with a team that shares your vision and passion!  All of a sudden, you are a part of a great force that can move mountains, rather than being a single arrow that pierce through the air but a-wanting of force to break through history.  Hmmm.... come to think of it, February did bring many of this, too.  Yes it did... the 2013 UST Engineering Week, for instance. 

Ah, life is indeed beautiful... it is!

***

Don't cry for me, Argentina....

Alright, it's official... I luuuv Argentina. :)  First of all, the new Pope, Pope Francis, is from Argentina, and his evident charisma and humility is refreshing.  So, okay, he is not a Dominican but, hey, he has a degree in Chemical Technology and a Master's degree in Chemistry... that's close enough to Chemical Engineering, so he's cool, alright!  ;)  I can't wait for his reign in the Vatican to get in motion... a compassionate Pope who is a technologist and a scientist = awesomeness!  Second of all, the incredible Lionel Messi is from Argentina... and, third of all, both Pope Francis and Leo are associated with the 'beautiful game' - football, of course!  Oy, coolness!

Indeed, "right here, right now, there is no other place that I'd rather be... watching the world wake up from history."

'Blessed'... more than ever before, that's how I feel right now, just living this life that I have, and I thank God with all my heart.

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the videolink.

***

Oh, hi, March!

Nice to see ya!  Be nice, okay?  :)
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by PAM

Taking a little break just to say...

Welcome, March 2013!  I am so happy to see ya.  Ah, you have no idea.  Promise me you bring good cheers... and hopefully a lot of football... please!  Goodness knows I need to see some beauty... with spirited men kicking some round leather on a velvety green surface in blinding speed and heart-stopping excitement, half of them focused on getting that 'round thing' inside that netted goal, the other half focused on stopping 'that thing' from crossing the mouth of the goal.  Hopefully half of them were wearing blue and red striped jersey with a few yellow streaks.  Oy, Barça!  Then, I could happily sing...

"Back to you, it always comes around, back to you... over you, I'm never over, over you.

...it's just the way you move, the way you move me."

Yep, I could rant about work and all that but, in the end, I'm back to it... I'd always be back to it. *sigh*  I guess that's how it is when it involves love.  I freakin'  love what I do... no matter how ridiculously hard it is!  Crazy?  Yeah, it surely is.  Oh, well....  And I love the 'beautiful game', too... footie, bebeh!

Oh, and yeah, John Mayer is fa-ab-bu-lous!  :)

Alright, one more time then, with Norah Jones this time...

"And if you want love, we'll make it... this is bound to be awhile."

Aaaaww!  Okay, that'll do it.  We have enough energy now... and inspiration, too.  Stay like that, March, will ya... please?  Thank you. :)

***

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

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