Saturday photo

A good "harvest"... and yet, we ache for more.

I know that this blog is "(almost) never about work", but I just have to post this one... and, hopefully, my colleagues and our students in the University would be able to read it.

***

I have a dream...

It has been a good year, it has been kind to us... and we are nothing but, oh, so thankful!  To God be the glory!  

Indeed, the Academic Year has been rewarding our hard work for the past three years with "sweet fruits"... and yet, our mouth waters from the definitely sweeter "fruits from our dreams".  While we savor the sweetness of our harvest, and we murmur a sincere prayer as we take a bite with real gusto...  I cannot deny the fact that, yes, we are hungry for more!  At least, I am.

Recently, all six of our Programs in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas were granted either Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD) by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED).  Our Chemical Engineering Program was recognized as COE while our Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Industrial Engineering were granted COD.  As much as I personally wished for all the Programs to be granted COE, I would have to make do of COD status, considering the long-distance run that we had to make over the last three years to cover miles and miles of slack.  I commend my Team for braving the torturous three-year 'marathon', and for keeping up with the metric I laid on the ground as we all dashed to the "finish line" - as a Team.  Of course, a few of them could have done better for us to have obtained better results... but that's not mine to lament - it's theirs.

Many of our counterparts who have long started to run the marathon while we "slumbered" in the comfort of our old and withered laurel crossed the finish line ahead of us, therefore, picking up the COE accolade for most of their Programs.  It was good for them! I sincerely commend them for their great efforts and their success... knowing what kind of effort was necessary to merely cross the finish line, if at all.

The glory is good... but that's not why I prefer that all our Programs be granted COE.  My objective is bigger than mere glory!  I wish for our University to continue catering to students from a wide range of income bracket, especially extending to the low-income bracket.  But, in this day and age, high-quality engineering education entails high cost.  A COE receives PhP 2M per year from CHED on a project per project basis in the areas of teaching-learning, research and extension service.  This is to achieve high-quality delivery of curriculum.  Rather than letting the students bear the cost of high-quality education through high tuition fees, the COE grant could help alleviate, and even prevent, tuition fees increase.  While the PhP 1M per year that CODs receive, also on per project basis, is substantial, 2M would undeniably go a long, long way!  Therefore, getting the COE recognition helps a private University to make high-quality education accessible to students from low-income families.  In a way, working to get the COE status is one way for us in the private education sector to make the income tax paid by citizens to work for them.  And, that's one way for us to become an effective partner of the government in nation-building and sustained progress.

Six Programs: one COE, five CODs.  Things are good for now... but they should get better next time around.  In fact, they should constantly keep getting better and better!  

So help us God.  Amen.

*** 

Saturday photo

Getting to know the aunt... of my "friends".

Aaah, I finally found it in the bookstore!  And, just before the national elections in the Philippines, too.  

I thought I'd need something to get my mind off the 'craziness' after the elections, so I thought of re-reading "The Viscount Who Loved Me" from the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn.  I thought I could use some quick wit and a good laugh to distract me away from the TV screen with a bunch of local "journalists" and their "opinion cronies" whose views are blatantly and shamelessly biased anyway.  Anthony and Kate's banter might prove more useful, and far more entertaining.  But I needed to visit the bookstore to pick up a few things and some magazines... and then something pulled me towards the "fiction" shelves, and true enough, Anthony's aunt 'smiled' at me!  JQ's promise of bringing back some Bridgerton coolness was fulfilled right before my very eyes: "Because of Miss Bridgerton".  

The much awaited book came out in the shelves and on-line last March... but, for some reason, it wasn't available in the Philippines. The whole month of April saw me getting frustrated as I can't download it on my iPad nor can I find it in the local bookstore either.  I 'busied' myself with JQ's The Bevelstoke Series to assuage some of my frustration.  Uhm, yeah, these things are this important to me! Haha...  The Bevelstokes books were okay, but I absolutely loved "What happens in London"!  The main characters, Olivia Bevelstoke and Sir Harry Valentine, were great; and so was Sebastian Grey, Harry's cousin.  I should love to write about it at some point.  

But I digress... anyway, just when I've finally given up and just resigned to reading "Because of Miss Bridgerton" (BoMB) during the break from the University in June-July, there it was dominating the historical romance section.  There were only four left... I was tempted to buy all four copies, but I looked back to my 'miserable existence' in my search of the coveted book, and I took pity on those who were also in search.  I took one copy and raced to the cashier to pay and read it pronto... in case the world ends in a few hours, at least, I've already read the book! 😂

***
Anthony's aunt is fiery

Sybilla Bridgerton, or 'Billie', was one fiery tomboy.  She was the eldest in the Bridgerton brood, with eight years between her and the heir to the Viscountcy, her brother Edmund, Anthony's father.  In the book, Billie was a 23-year-old ball of live-wire energy.  Edmund was still in Eton for his schooling, and Billie was home in (the now famous) Aubrey Hall in Kent with her 14-year-old sister, Georgiana or 'Georgie'.  Billie was one practical young lady with deep interest in running his father's estate, and she's adept at it, too.  She was intelligent and dependable.  For all the awkwardness of her unladylike ways, she was respected by everyone in the estate for her knowledge of agriculture, which she worked hard for by reading relentlessly, and her wisdom in deciding the best possible solution when a problem occurred in the estate.  She just knew how to fix things.    

Three miles away from Aubrey Hall was Crake House where their nearest neighbors, the Rokesby family, with the Earl of Manston as head of the family, lived.  The two families were of such strong alliance in friendship for centuries that they were almost a single family.  The Bridgerton and Rokesby parents were wishing that such alliance be formalized in a marriage between their children.  

Billie grew up as best of friends with Mary Rokesby, the only girl and the 4th child in a brood of five.  Billie was such a spirited girl that she ran around wildly with the older Rokesby boys, Andrew and Edward - in breeches - in their beautiful surroundings in Kent.  It was easy to imagine where all that love of the country among the older Bridgerton boys in the next generation, Anthony and Benedict, came from... well, aside from the long walks and horseback rides they took with their father, Edmund, of course.  Billie was such a true-to-heart country girl... and Andrew and Edward shared this passion of hers. But she was always at odds with the very proper and stiff heir to the Earldom of Manston, George Rokesby.  As Billie was reckless, daring and frank, George's behavior was often calculated and guarded - too formal for Billie.  On the outside, one of them couldn't be anymore the opposite of the other, and they judged each other harshly.  But the turn of events threw them together.  And, when they had a closer look at each other, it brought to focus the things that they appreciate in each other.  And, love bloomed naturally... and reading about how it did was, indeed, very delightful.

I love how they found so much in common with each other while they played Pall Mall, ganging up against a person they both unexpectedly found 'evil' and, therefore, became their common 'enemy'. Although it was nothing compared with the Pall Mall game in "The Viscount Who Loved Me", it was one of the coolest moments in the book... aside from the opening scene, of course, on top of the roof.

***
The banter is great but the story is pale

As usual, JQ showed how good she is in writing those witty banters - she's just brilliant!  There were a number of unforgettable scenes as Billie and George outdo each other in conversation to undo the tension between them.  As they tried resisting the urge to insult each other, they found out that the cerebral tension turned the corner to emotional tension, and then to an intense attraction that they didn't recognize as they never associated this with one another - given their history.  Needless to say, it was sweet to see the two main characters turning different corners in the plot, surprising themselves each time, and then ultimately finding their 'happy ever after' at the end of the road.

If it was just the characters and the minor characters that mattered in a book, BoMB was great... although I would've loved to learn more about the easy-going Andrew and his uncomplicated view of life.  He reminded me of Seb Grey in "What Happens in London", who lighted up the scene whenever he appeared, and of course, Colin Bridgerton in all the previous Bridgerton books. 😍  But, in my very humble opinion, and recalling the first eight Bridgerton books, the characters had to revolve around a story that challenges the reader's reasoning and imagination - for the book to be a legitimate cerebral entertainment.  I am sad to say that the story was not as compelling as the other works of JQ.  She started many things that roused curiosity as the story proceeded to unfold, and then all just fizzled to nothingness as the story closed 'abruptly'.

I really think that George's 'undercover' activities in London did not necessarily enhance the story as they just made it convoluted.  I wish there were more details on Billie and Mary's friendship, and a little something on Edmund, too.  I guess, JQ was giving his Bridgerton fans something to keep tuned in to the series.  Very clever... because now, I am curious about Edward and his plight in 'the Americas', and what will happen to Andrew as he recuperates in Kent.   It's interesting how Georgie would bloom into a Bridgerton beauty, and if Nicholas, the youngest Rokesby, would notice the way George noticed Billie.  And, I know that JQ said she wouldn't want to write a book on Edmund and Violet... I would love to see if she'd change her mind at all.

So, was all the 'obsessing' on BoMB worth it?  I guess, for a fan of the Bridgertons, it was.  It was an easy read that one can finish in one sitting for a few hours... although, in my case, the great anticipation did not match the overall experience.  Anyway, I am willing to let this issue on a 'pale story' go... but I expect that the second book in the series will be a lot better. 

***

Cooling down...

...with the phenomenal Adele (and a 'bonus').
=======================================================================
by PAM

It's getting 'hot' in here... what with the Vice-Presidential race in the national elections still on - more than 48 hours later... after the polls closed.  

Therefore, let's get Adele and James Corden in Carpool Karaoke...

"Leeeaaave me aloneee!  It's just me and my cats!"

...to pour some 'coolness' in this scorching heat. 

And what do you know... that completely beat the heat, that's what!  

Oooh, my goodness, it's too good... even if I've seen it a handful of times already.  Adele is really awesome, and JC is hilarious... they both are, actually.

Alright, I'm feeling better now.

But because I promised a 'bonus'... I'm throwing in a bonus.  Here goes...

"We could now make a video with choreography... in our matching outfits....
I can bring something to the band, guys!"

Hahaha... 'perfect'!

Alright, that should do it.  Back to... whatever it was that made me drop by here.

***

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

***

Decision 2016...

...and, it will be for six years!

The day has finally come, and we are to make a national decision that will spell the next six years for us.  May we all be guided by the Holy Spirit in choosing our new leaders.  

I hope for the very best for my dear country!  

God bless the Philippines!  

God bless us all!

***

Image credit:  Thanks, Google, for the "2016 Philippine National Elections" doodle.

*** 

2016 Philippine National Elections: Wisdom shall prevail...

...hopefully, because the Filipino can! #RoRo2016, #roxasrobredo
=====================================================================
by PAM


As the national elections approach... within a few hours now, there is "silence" as the "undecided" contemplate their options.  While I have not expressed my preference in writing yet (at least, not here), I have been wearing my choice for President-VP on my wrist - and it's the Roxas-Robredo tandem, the Liberal Party's bet comprised of Sec. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II and Camarines Sur 3rd Distict Rep. Leni Robredo.  And, mind you, my choice has nothing to do with the incumbent President, Benigno C. Aquino III, and his endorsement of the Roxas-Robredo tandem!

As I am in the Education Sector, and I firmly believe that the bright future of any country lies in how the national leaders make use of education to serve as the lifeblood of the country, the education and human resource development program of the candidates for national office is very important to me.  As the nation's 'lifeblood', the education system should be 'healthy' and 'flowing without 'obstruction' to 'deliver oxygen' throughout 'the body', and maintain healthy 'bodily

Sec. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, discussing his education and human
resource platform to the members of the Coordinating Council
of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) in February 2016.

functions' that keep the nation active and vibrant, always receptive of the necessary reforms that will move it towards sustained progress.

So far, the Roxas-Robredo campaign is clear in expressing the candidates' belief that, in ensuring "inclusive growth", the national government must put in place and prioritize a Program that provides "equal opportunities in health, education and other human development outcomes" across the population.  In making sure that all Filipinos have access to these opportunities and that they are actually able to take advantage of these, they are enabled to be productive citizens of the nation and to effectively contribute to nation-building and to sustained progress.  While other President-VP ticket would echo the same, none of them is as clear as the "RoRo2016" tandem in their proposed strategy to achieve this: with the national government as mere enablers and the provincial governments as anchors and implementers of such Program.  

The Presidential-VP campaign of the Davao City Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, and Sen. Peter Allan Cayetano, kept on mentioning their plan that favors "Federalism", but it is not clear how they wish to accomplish this.  Perhaps, they are hoping to propose similar platform as that of #RoRo2016 tandem, but have no clue how to do it, and are more concerned to utter the "soundbites" that voters who prefer to be entertained by catchy phrases rather than be informed want to hear, hence the vague "federalism" utterance... and their supporters cheer like there was no tomorrow!  Mind-boggling, indeed!

***
To be ruled by a strongman?  Never again! 

Speaking of things that boggle the mind, sometimes it exasperates me how we, Filipinos, think.  We always say, we want "change"... and yet, when there is opportunity to actually change, we make a "U-turn" and dash towards our old ways that, in the first place, made us wish for "change"! 

For instance, the www is laden with incredibly horrific things that Mayor Duterte said during the campaign and did as Mayor of Davao City, which show his utter disrespect for democracy and human rights, and were summarized by The Economist here and here. He seems to take pride in his lack of respect for the law, which contradicts his claim of being fierce "law-enforcer". And yet, hundreds cheer him to mind-boggling glee everytime he steps on the stage in his trademark devil-may-care macho swagger that puts the likes of Erap Estrada to utter shame.  Perhaps,what  capture the imagination are: (1) his largely 'comical' way of bashing people in the government and our political system in a manner that is very much in tune with "stand-up comedy" that Filipinos so love, and (2) his use of 'taboo' cuss words, which seems to invigorate the suppressed law-abiding but impoverished members of the masses and the champions of their cause.  And yet, this is the national election where we decide the future of our country for the next six years, not a stand-up comedy that brings temporary relief from the challenges of our daily struggles through the metro traffic, paying sky-high taxes, and putting up with the spoiled brat antics of Pres. Noynoy and his sister, Kris Aquino, among other things.

Obviously, Mayor Duterte does not only have the makings of a "strongman"... he, in principle, admits to being one!  And, while Mar Roxas does not posses a strongly compelling track record for a sterling performance in public office, just some brilliance that is always-up-there, but never the gold standard in leadership, he is the better choice.  Roxas has been very much the gentleman from the perceived "aristocratic class" in the Philippines who walks away from brawl whenever he can and

A new day dawns upon us as we take off to a bright future...
...let's stay on our wings and soar. #roxasrobredo, #RoRo2016

prefers to serve in the quiet and understated vicinity of policy making and playing the architect of a robust developmental framework.  In the national elections of 2010, he gave way to Aquino, who was more popular then.  This is in order to ensure the implementation of a development framework for the country that he architect for his own presidential campaign.  Aquino won that election, Roxas did not make it as VP... the rest is history.

In his six-year term as President, Aquino went on to exact revenge on his political enemies, and left governance to his cabinet, with Roxas always taking the "political bullet" that was meant for Aquino: in crossing swords with the Catholic Church on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 ( or "RH Bill"), on balancing Aquino's political vendetta on the Marcoses and Romualdezes and responding to the needs of Typhoon Yolanda victims, on the plight of the Fallen 44 soldiers in the Mamasapano clash, and on the high irregularities and massive corruption at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), just to name a few.  Aquino used "Cory's yellow EDSA shield" and the public attention demanded by the excruciating noise of his youngest sister, Kris, to protect himself while exposing Roxas to the onslaught of brutal criticisms. And yet, Roxas went on quietly and patiently about his job... eyeing 2016 as his way of finally leading this country to the glory that it so deserves.  

Alongside Roxas in this election is the woman whose husband, the late former Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Jesse Robredo, who also took the "political bullet" meant for Aquino, and went on to serve with integrity and humility:  Rep. Leni Robredo. The late Sec. Robredo had it worse than Roxas because Aquino himself could have stopped that "political bullet" from hitting Sec. Robredo then, but he did not - in favor of his callous friends.  Fortunately, Sec. Jesse Robredo's track record as a public servant was so sterling in quality and unassailable in integrity that the "bullet" went ricocheting on Aquino and his favored friends.  Throughout Sec. Robredo's ordeal, his wife, Leni, silently stood by him, serving the people in the grassroots in Naga City where Sec. Robredo was a beloved six-term mayor before serving in the Aquino cabinet. When Sec. Robredo was killed in an accident, Aquino was stunned by the overwhelming grief of the nation.  It was a great moment for the Filipinos: in silence, they watched the political circus, but when the time called for it, they showed that they favor and value integrity in public service.  It was Roxas who ran and stood side by side with the Robredo family in their grief.

Like Roxas, Rep. Leni Robredo is a quiet worker.  But, unlike Roxas, Rep. Robredo is in touch with and understands fully the sentiments of those in the grassroots.  This makes her the ideal partner for Roxas.  She works on the ground while Roxas works the drawing board and fuel the development think-tanks.  Both are intelligent and honest public servants who serve with unassailable integrity.  If Roxas has yet to demonstrate fierce decisiveness in going after thugs in the government, it is because he has never had the opportunity to be on the helm.  As member of Pres. Aquino's cabinet, he always had to do a balancing act between what needs to be done and what the Aquino core circle desires.  And, he is too much of a gentleman to overstep the bounds of his authority.  His time to demonstrate his leadership has finally come, and Filipinos are contemplating to give him this.  However, he has to make sure that the vengeful Aquinos do not influence him in any way because if he does, he, too, will lose sight of what the nation really needs.

Pres. Aquino leaves a prosperous, thanks mostly to Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's robust economic long-term plan and Roxas's economic platform used by Aquino, but morally disillusioned country; and his endorsement of Roxas and Robredo, especially Roxas, is clearly a "kiss of death".  But this is the time when Filipinos have to wield collective wisdom, and recognize the sincerity in Roxas's

A leadership in bloom... a country moving on to greatness.
#roxasrobredo

desire to serve.  People must see the brilliance in leadership that is quivering to show and illuminate the country to a bright future! The Filipino people must recognize that his time to lead has come.  As for the VP race, the choice is VERY clear:  Rep. Leni Robredo.

Mayor Duterte's campaign has been "entertaining" - that much is true - if not exasperating for the morally upright and ardent believer of democracy and human rights.  However, it's time to make a decision:  do we march on forward under the leadership of the true architect of this economic progress that we are experiencing now, and bring it further to the grassroots for true inclusive growth; or do we make a U-turn and go four decades back to be ruled by a strongman in chaos and fear?  

To be ruled by a strongman?  We've been that road before... NEVER AGAIN!

Therefore, the choice is clear: we move forward!  But we move forward with a leadership that is not colored by the "vindictive yellow"... because, when colored as such, it would be impossible to actually move on.  Cory Aquino's color was yellow... that yellow of defiance with integrity, that yellow of spiritual resilience and hope, that yellow of justice but with healing and reconciliation, that yellow of joy in honest service to the nation, that yellow that meant faith in God. It was NEVER a vindictive yellow!  Otherwise, there could never have been an EDSA revolution in 1986... 'people power' - peaceful and no bloodshed.  It's a pity that Noynoy Aquino, of all people, does not get this... and now, he leaves office, happy for rounding up his enemies... but he lost most of what matters most - the 'borrowed' principle that he could've owned.  Where's the joy in that?

God bless us all!


***

Saturday photo

"Philip, Philipina, Philippe"... for the Philippines.

It's been a hectic week once again!  But, what else is new?  Nah, not complaining... I'm just amazed that I'm still feeling like I can do a 5k run after that "marathon" I ran this week.  Perhaps, the "pit stops" in this week's marathon were truly refreshing and exhilarating... they added to the energy rather than zapping it.  Good, good!

So, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, visited the University of Santo Tomas last Wednesday as Lecturer in the 3rd installment of the University's Diplomats' Lecture Series.  He spoke to the students about his career as a diplomat, hoping that his example might be of use for those who aspire to become diplomat themselves in the future.  He emphasized the importance of being "curious about things around us" especially those that constitute diplomatic affairs such as political, economic and

H. E. Philip S. Goldberg, US envoy to the Philippines, visiting
the University of Santo Tomas for the first time.

public affairs.  "Accumulating knowledge about these diplomatic activities," he said, "will become very useful in your future career as diplomats."  He said that "an innate curiosity of world affairs" can translate to an overseas role as a diplomat, but that it all "begins from understanding your own country." 

For a diplomatic mission to be successful, he emphasized the importance of "strengthening people-to-people relationship through educational programs, cultural programs and youth programs".  This is why he considers Education USA as one of the major programs of the US Embassy in the Philippines that he works hard for to keep moving forward and benefit the Filipinos, especially the youth.

Of his work as an American envoy to the Philippines, he made mention of the long-standing friendship between the United States of America and the Philippines as his basis in conducting his diplomatic mission in the country.  And he came to his post in Manila with a rich background and experience.

With the challenges of climate change to which the Philippines is very vulnerable, the maritime security-related tension with economic and international political implications in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, the very promising economic growth that the Philippines is currently enjoying, the challenge of being at the cusp of political transition as the local and national elections loom, and many other interesting transitions in the ASEAN region where

Crystal Clear: H.E. Goldberg, making a strong point on...
international maritime issues, especially the respect of freedom
of navigation. 

the Philippines play an important role, the Ambassador has got his job cut out for him.  Of his appointment to a diplomatic post in the Philippines at such 'exciting times', he was said to be a perfect fit, being one of the US State Department's "best and brightest".  And, indeed, he hit the ground running when he arrived in November 2013 to assume his post after typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hammered the Visayas, leaving tremendous devastation in the area, and thousands of people needing emergency assistance.  The Ambassador proved equal to the immensity of the task, standing side by side with Filipinos as they combat the daunting challenge.

Having seen first hand how the Filipinos who suffered from Yolanda's rampage bounced back over the last two years, he expressed his admiration for the Filipino's resilience during his Talk.  He also spoke about the "impressive optimism of Filipinos" that is now resulting to a "commendable economic progress" among others, and the "admirable way by which the Philippines is dealing with the South China Sea issue".

As recipient of the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship and having enjoyed the full benefit of the US Department of State's Education USA for five years in Cornell University, located in the beautiful finger lakes region of New York State, I feel duty-bound to support the efforts of the US Embassy in reaching out to Filipinos in friendship.  Not that I don't enjoy it, because I do - tremendously!  And, while I've followed from a distance the Embassy's activities over the years, I think I've never felt this much affinity to the Embassy since Ambassador Goldberg assumed the post at Roxas Boulevard.  I believe in his  sincere and faithful sense of mission to my country, and I'm an admirer of his mind's sharpness... although he can be quite severe in his facial expression - even when he jokes.  Oops!  Hmmm, 'diplomacy'... I need to exercise it some!  :)

Seriously, I'm a fan.   

More power to you, Your Excellency!

***

Photo credit:  The first photo was from Mr. Philippe Jose Hernandez, the Assistant Director of the UST Social Media Bureau (SMB).  I took the other two photos.

***

Saturday photo

Green and... peace.

The last one-and-a-half days were spent in some peace and contemplation in a leisure

camp in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.  The camp is some meters above the noisy Metropolis, surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountain range, and overlooking Laguna de Bay.  It's green everywhere with patches that were drying from the heat, but it's peaceful and beautiful enough for a short spiritual Retreat where contemplation is encouraged.  With on-going constructions, the camp is still work-in-progress but, already, it boasts a mix of nature and man-made structures, complementing each other with some harmony.  The design did feel cohesive, flowing nicely from one activity place to another, maintaining access to the beautiful view.   

Overall, it was a good enough place for some rest and respite from tiring city life... but not from the climate change-related heat, which is inescapable, anyhow.

***

About the photo(s):  The photo/s was/were taken in a leisure camp called Ten Cents to Heaven in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.  It's about one-and-a-half hour drive from the City of Manila.

***

QOTD

QOTD #23: All about leadership.
==========================================================================
by PAM

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm."

         - Publilius Syrus (Latin dramatist and writer of maxims, 1st century A.D.)


It's true, the helm is never as attractive as when the sea is calm... and it is never as a burgeoningly distasteful chore when the sea is at its most tempestuous mood.  I'm really glad and quite proud to say that I took 'the helm' when there was a 'mightily raging storm'. Never mind that the circumstances then merely shoved me into the helm when our ship was being battered by the brutal storm... and I, in fact, hesitated a bit, too, when called to serve.  I thought it was 'suicide' - professionally - to accept the challenge 'cause it can be one's fine moment of triumph or one's brutal unmaking.  I just feel absolutely blessed that, with heaps of

Calm and delightful.

prayers and faith... and a lot of help from my friends, mentors and loved ones, I was able to steer the ship through the monstrous storm to safe waters.  Not that I'm being self-important.  Now, as the ship traverses the calm water under cloudless blue skies and delightful breeze... naturally, there is a horde of 'false captains' on the deck.  Oh, well....

What the 'false captains' are not realizing is... there is a gathering storm again. I let my palm rest on the serene water, and I felt it to my gut.  I hear the menacingly low growl from the water's depth, stirred by a distant wind, made barely inaudible by the sweetly scented air and the melodic sound that the birds above sing.  So, yes, I'm bracing myself.  In the meantime, I'm enjoying the little respite while others try the helm for a size... even when they  know that "you cannot put the same shoe on every foot" (Publilius Syrus).  And, I slowly build my artillery of defense from the storm, drawing the blue print of various plans and defense-offense options as I move about leisurely.  I'll get to 'serious work' when it does come.

I shall be ready then... our ship shall be ready then.  Not sure if the 'false captains' have a clue what's about to hit them though... but then, that's why they are 'false'. ;)  

So, yep, bring it!

***      

Holding my breath....

...until it fell me.
========================================================================
by PAM


Do you know that feeling when you have way too many things in front of you, begging for your attention to fix them, that, rather than sighing, you hold your breath instead and kept picking the things up one by one, trying to fix them as fast as you can?  And then, you didn't realize that you were out of breath and you just collapsed like a broken doll among the broken stuff on the floor, you yourself needing to be fixed?  Well, for a few months now, that's how I've been

Hello, sickness, my old friend.  Thanks for
rescuing me from my own 'foolishness'.

feeling.  I know.  How foolish of me, isn't it?  Why didn't I just 'breathe steadily' as I picked up stuff to 'fix', right?  That should be the wisest thing to do, except that... breathing slows the work down significantly... and work is far too humongous to afford a slow pace!

What has become of me, I wonder.  I've become a 'slave'.  I've become a slave of my own obsession to get things done... to not have anything in front of me, waiting for my attention by addressing all of them - all at the same time.  And so, I kept trying to accomplish the work of 10 people (maybe more) - with the energy of only one - simply because not all of the people around me share my desire to always get as many things done as possible in a timely manner.  Others are just interested in complaining rather than getting things done.  Others are more interested in counting the hours they spent in the workplace doing precisely just that, counting the hours, rather than how much they were actually accomplishing, if at all.  And still, others spend most of their energy in yakking about the little things they've done, showing them off to whoever might pay attention - mostly for their own selfish benefit - to call attention to and obtain glory for themselves... and I, and the very few others who are as 'foolish' as me, always end up picking up their slack!  Terrific!

Therefore, I feel I withdrew too much from my reserved energy and health... the energy and health reserved for my old age.  Now, I wonder how many years have I taken from my own lifetime by doing what I have been doing.  And, was it worth it?  And, what of the people around me?  Well, they are all walking tall, basking in the glory of our

I should get my life back on track to 'normalcy'...
...and never look back!

accomplishments, celebrating, drinking themselves to death... while my battered self lie among the withered leaves in a field that went parched of neglect.  Oh, how very tempting it is to sigh a big sigh now if it could change anything in my current condition!  But it won't make any difference now.
   
This week, my body decided that it cannot take it anymore, it simply announced that it needed air... and then it stopped working, save for breathing - belaboredly, that is.  I had to haul myself to the hospital to see if the miracles of medicine could be instrumental in making my prayers granted.  It made me feel sad that  every part of my body that the doctors 'poked' hurt.  It puzzled them.  Every inch of my body felt sore... and it probably felt sore for the longest time now, I just kept ignoring it - because I had work to do!  I kept holding my breath until the work was done.  I've been so pathetic... what a sad, sad life I'm choosing for myself - one that I do not deserve at all!

Therefore, what to do now?  One thing is clear, I'd be a complete moron to continue this 'foolishness'.  I owe it to myself to stop this foolishness at once... because I feel that, the next time my body protests, it will just shut down.  No amount of 'medical cajoling' from even the very best of doctors in the country could will it to resume work.  No, it will not just decide to stop working, but it will just 'quit' altogether.  And, when that happens, I have no one to blame but my foolish self... because this last 'episode' showed me that none of the sacrifices is truly worth it.  People do forget... many people do not appreciate good work and they only see your flaws... people do not care - except when it concerns their own interests.    

Then again, people's behavior are not my reasons for doing what I do.  So, I'm very happy, indeed.  I believe I have satisfied my idealism to the fullest in my current work.  I have shown

Allowing something new and colorful to bloom.

everyone in my workplace that anything - anything at all - that the imagination can conjure up could become a reality... that is, if one is willing to set aside personal agenda and personal glory; if one is willing to study diligently and learn (and keep learning) about everything related to one's idea with honest curiosity, plan meticulously and painstakingly towards the goal, and work hard with the brute force of heartfelt commitment in implementing the plan to bring the ideals to reality.  And this could be accomplished more thoroughly and in a timely manner through teamwork.  At the risk of sounding self-absorbed and arrogant, I believe that I've shown an example that might be worth emulating in my current workplace.  It's time for the others to show that they, too, learned from our very good experience, and show interest in picking up the mantle - not for the glory of it all, but for turning idealism to reality as well.  Because, really, where is glory in just assuming the mantle?  Taking up the mantle can only be glorious with concrete accomplishments of lasting impact by the one holding it and his/her team.  Therefore, the hard work comes first... glory comes later, if at all.

As for me, it's time to get my life back on track to 'normalcy', allow something new and colorful to bloom... and flourish... and never look back!

So help me God.  Amen.     
      
***

Farewell...

...to the 'Total Football' master.
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by PAM


It does look like I've been ignoring football for quite sometime now, and it's perfectly understandable that people assumed I have 'abandoned' my love for the 'beautiful game'. None of it is true, of course.  I have been paying attention.  I just couldn't find the time to show my appreciation here as I used to.  I do admit that, over the last year or so, I have been usually a step behind.  It's unacceptable, I know... but, under the circumstances, I'm afraid I was left with very little choice.

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The legend of Johan Cruyff

But, I digress... this post is not about me.  It's about the great Oranje who wore the number 14 shirt, Johan Cruyff... the late Johan Cruyff, that is.  He passed on yesterday after losing his bout with lung cancer.  He was 68 years old.  

It does bite some to refer to the great footballer, who had a strong presence in and out of the pitch, in the past tense.  It does make one sadly realize of how huge a void he's left in the face of the 'beautiful game'.  What's even sadder is to realize that, despite the rich pool of talents the game has now, no one will ever be of as grand of character and daring as the master himself to fill that void.

The legend of the fearless knight of the 'beautiful game' who wore the #14 shirt
on the pitch for the Oranje.

Johan Cruyff was not only a brilliant footballer, he was a legendary strategist for the game as a coach/manager, and his leadership was, indeed, worth emulating.  Sure, he can be too daring at times, crossing the fine line between fierceness and arrogance, but it was all a part of the whole 'package'.  It takes even a bolder attempt for brilliance to avoid the rough patches in the Cruyff persona when one emulates him... and that's where the greatness of his 'students' in the game, such as Pep Guardiola, lies.  They recognize the flaws, and avoid them... and Cruyff did not mind as he took pride in the gained wisdom of his 'students'. 

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Brilliance that pulls like gravity    

As I was a mere toddler in the early '70s when Cruyff was 'flying high' as an Oranje, I gotta admit I knew very little about him before.  Football news that reached the Philippines in the '80s and '90s were dominated by Diego Maradona (due to his World Cup fame) and David Beckham (as English Premier League's biggest star), respectively.  And, since Maradona was briefly under the Cruyff coaching days in Barcelona, there were a few mention of the legendary Barça coach.  However, Pep Guardiola adored him like Cruyff was his "football creator"... like a new vampire's "creator", that is.  And because I have humongous respect for Pep, anybody he adored, I believe was worth knowing.  And so, in the early 2000s, when Pep was on his way to his own legendary tenure as Barça's coach, I did my very best to know as much as possible about Cruyff... and I never looked back since then.   I found that his brilliance was like gravity... it just pulls you in - especially, his famous "Cruyff turn".

The Master:  Total Football personified.

  
At some point, while watching a footage of his best runs, so daring as he shunned opponents, darting to the goal in laser precision, with the ball seemingly glued to his foot, long hair flying, I thought it gave one a glimpse of a young Lionel Messi... doing exactly the same as a 17-year-old Barça forward.  And, as I watched his famous "Cruyff turn", which he executed as he eyed an "opening" to the goal while dribbling, getting rid of the defenders that swarmed him as he changed direction towards the opening, I thought it was a preview of a Xavi Hernandez patent move as he creates a play for his team... and even a move by Pep himself.  The surprise attack when it's least expected by the opponents that Andrés Iniesta is famous for, winning Spain their first World Cup in 2010, is a part of the Cruyff arsenal, too.  Wouldn't you believe it?

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His true legacy in the 'beautiful game'   

Indeed, there are a number of Barça players who, while legends in their own right, are 'Cruyff iterations' in a way.  This is partly because of his coaching days in Barça where he nurtured young talents, such as Pep, to find their greatest strengths, polished them, and taught them to use these strengths to make the sum of an arsenal of strengths for their Team.  This is the fundamental of "Total Football" v. Cruyff.  It was all about fluidity of movements, the adaptability to any situation

Legends:  The Master and the Student.
(Photo credit: www.taringa.net.  Thanks.)

in the field by all players.  As such, it requires versatility among players, the ability to take on any role that an unfolding scenario calls for... keeping the integrity of their tactical approach at all times, and successfully executing it to secure a win.


Cruyff, being a versatile player, who had the speed, stamina and eye for goal opportunities was Total Football personified.  He was in possession of a complete arsenal of talents, the utter fearlessness to use all of them, and the sharp feel for the flow of game that gave him the sense to know when to use which talent.  These allowed him to move about a lot in the field, exploiting weaknesses of the opponents, or effectively creating damage in areas of strength of his side's opponent to make opportunities elsewhere.  Indeed, he was a real genius of the beautiful game, and the fluidity of his movement on the pitch made him so awesome to watch, too.  This brought so much success to his Dutch side, Oranje, in the world stage of football, and tremendous glory to his domestic side, Ajax, during his tenure with them in the #14 shirt.

Later, as forward in Barça in the #9 shirt, he helped his side win La Liga in the 1973-1974 season after an epic transfer from Ajax.  The Catalan side won the trophy after more than a decade of drought.  He also helped  Barça win Copa del Rey in the 1977-1978 season, showcasing his unforgettable "phantom goal" - while on a sprint for the ball that was going wide, he broke his speed, shooting up to a jump that doubled his height, going almost horizontal while on air, kicking with fully stretched legs and catching the ball with his right heel to put it in the goal.  All of these happening in a second, too awesome!  As the Catalonia was undergoing a tumultuous political upheaval that time, Barça's good form on the pitch was a source of strength and joy for the region... and Cruyff was in the center of it all, making him Catalonia's favorite 'adopted son'.

During his tenure as Barça Coach/Manager for eight seasons, he formed his "Dream Team", with Pep Guardiola at the center of it all as midfielder.  They won the La Liga four times,

La Masia: A succession plan that works.
(Photo credit: www.fcbarcelona.com.  Thanks.)

the European Cup once, the UEFA Super Cup once, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup once while reaching the final twice.  He also guided Barça to the UEFA Champions League final once.  Overall, he won 11 trophies for Barça, making him the most successful Head Coach/Manager of Barça that time.  More than the wins that he and his "Dream Team" brought to the Catalan side, he was most proud of how much the fans of the beautiful game appreciated the beautiful "Total Football" played by Barça under his leadership.  As Catalonia continued to experience political tremors that time, the Catalan side, was the regions biggest source of pride and joy, making FC Barcelona 'more than a club' to them. 

While his years as player and manager were marked with many milestones, his tenure as manager in Barcelona was, by far, of most lasting impact.  The FC Barcelona Youth Academy, La Masia, was his brain child.  It was this Academy that nurtured to greatness raw talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets... and even Pep Guardiola himself.  The Academy churned fresh addition to the Barça side, with the Total Football philosophy and its many variants and iterations ingrained in their playing styles, while allowing them to develop their own unique strengths to become 'special' players of the beautiful game.

With the Youth Academy in place, there is very little doubt that FC Barcelona may maintain their good form with a "succession plan" that works.

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Moving forward without the Master

With his invaluable contributions to the continuous development of the 'beautiful game', the Total Football Master will be terribly missed.  And yet, his legacy will continue to inspire new generations of players to keep the beauty in the game that is so loved by a multitude of 'devotees' in the world.  

Therefore, the game will move forward without him.  Inspired by his legacy, it will, however, keep turning a new leaf and will continuously flourish to a greater beauty each time.

Rest in peace, Johan Cruyff.

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

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