Ball point...

...is a good point!
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by PAM


Yeah, last week was a difficult week.  The bulk of work was tremendous... and my family lost one important member. :(  But, amid all that, I had to stay smiling, attentive to those who need our help in the Office, and focused on the many important activities, such as the Baccalaureate Mass.  Such is life in this profession... "smile though your heart is breaking...", or so they say.

The incredible amount of work continues to flow in this week... but, today, I finished one big chunk of it darn heavy workload!  I believe I deserve to celebrate a little... so, I rummaged through my "virtual drawer" of missed football matches.  Of course, the biggest of them all is this:

"Messi is in the box... and he slides it in!  This is intense football!

...and Pepe's extra-curricular is gonna put him in the book."  :)

"(Ronaldo is) Emphatic, accurate, beautifully deadly with his dispatch...

Iniesta spanks it over.... 

...you don't need to love these players, people, but you should marvel at them!  :)

...another emphatic detonation (from Lionel Messi) from the spot... 

...Barcelona invades the Bernabeu!"

I know, how could I, right?  How could I have missed such an important event in the awesome world of football when I'm supposed to be a big football fan, huh?  It's El Clasico, dude, I know!  If you must know, I feel helpless... and hopeless... hopelessly sinking into that quicksand of an extremely boring 'existence'... having missed an FC Barcelona match against Real Madrid CF - that's extreme indeed!  I feel like I'm losing it... sinking deeper, and deeper still, in the 'dark tunnel of unrelenting serious work'!  Surely, there is light at the end of the tunnel, eh?  Oh, boy, there's gotta be, or else, life'll lose its meaning!  'Cause life, or, at least the one I live, is quite 'pointless' if it isn't written with a 'ball-point'. It's difficult to find sense in serving well when you can't even deserve to find a minute from your life of service to mourn your loss. As the old adage goes, "all work and no (ball) play... requires the doctor to be on call?" =) I guess, it's still one's decision... and choice, in fact, to live a healthy balance of serving well and enjoying all the beautiful things that life has to offer.

Therefore, back to this latest edition of El Clasico.  It's one big-scoring match right there... with both the biggest stars of football scoring beautifully.  As usual, Sergio Ramos was thrown out after 'seeing red'.  No big brawl this time, in spite of Pepe's tremendous effort to spark a bloody one, and Dani Alves's willingness to pitch in. :)  But, yeah, I agree with the commentator, this Clasico may have just decided the La Liga title.  With Leo Messi looking like he's getting into the habit of scoring hat-tricks again after his resurrection from his hamstring injury, the nine matches remaining will be big... huge!  And, vacation time is getting closer and closer, too.  Yep, life makes sense again!  :)

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

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Saturday photo

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Baccalaureate Mass 2014

and the UST Faculty of Engineering Parents' Day

As I said before, one of my favorite age-old traditions of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), the Catholic University of the Philippines and the Pontifical University of Asia, is the Baccalaureate Mass.  It's one of the things that makes UST very unique in that before it celebrates the success of its latest Batch of Graduates, it first gathers them to thank God... to celebrate their success by giving glory to God.

The celebration of the Baccalaureate Mass is even more unique for the UST Faculty of Engineering, because on the same day, the Faculty invites all the parents and guardians of the candidates for graduation to give tribute to them, to salute them for their success in guiding, supporting and nurturing their sons and daughters to become Thomasian Engineers and Technologists.  More importantly, the Faculty invites the parents so that, together with the faculty members, support staff and the graduates, they can thank God for the blessing of having a new batch of full-pledged Thomasians in their family. 

Yes, this is what being Thomasian is all about: putting God first of all, most of all... above all!

Of course, the Baccalaureate Mass celebration is incomplete without the yearly pyromusical at the end of the celebration... except that, this year, the fireworks was "extra-special"... because it's the best UST fireworks ever!

"Let it go, let it go...."

The best UST fireworks - ever!

***

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

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QOTD

QOTD #22:  The 'truth' about boys and girls.
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by PAM

Just as “bossy” might be said to undermine female leadership, “nerd” might be said to have undermined male intellectualism.

         - Margaret Talbot
           in the article, "Don't ban "bossy"
           published on The New Yorker


:) The article on The New Yorker from where I lifted this QOTD made me smile... actually, it made my day!  Considering that today we had our Students Recognition Day in the University where our very best students who excelled in various areas were recognized, this article getting to be the one that made my day is big. :)  My excuse: aw, c'mon, I deal with high-achieving students all day - every single day - in the Faculty of Engineering, it's routine for me! :)  Anyway, back to the article... so, is this how we view "gender equality" now... alright, whatever, call me bossy, just quit wailing if I call you nerd, OK, dude? ;)

Incidentally, the student who gave the acceptance speech, on behalf of all the high achiever of students who received awards this evening, was a girl! :)  She received various awards in at least three areas: academic excellence, leadership, and service leading to community development.  And no, she didn't sound "bossy" at all!

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Wednesday nostalgia

Pondering a rich and enriching experience.
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by PAM

Yesterday I was working on an 'assignment', which had me 'unlocking the door' that leads down memory lane.  My 'assignment' required that I dig for photos and memorabilia from my days in Cornell University as  a Fulbright scholar.  My Cornell 'vault' is so massive that the little time I had to work on my 'assignment' only afforded enough to allow me to merely skim the surface, and this came up first...

AY 2002-2003 Fulbright Scholars Seminar in Washington D.C.
sponsored by the US Department of State and organized
by the Institute of International Education.

I remember, it was my first time to share a hotel room with a 'stranger', a fellow scholar, as we were paired by our hosts from the Institute of International Education (IIE) for our accommodation.  My roommate was a Greek girl, and I learned a lot from her... uhm, ahem, I don't think I'd like to discuss that part of my experience here though. ;)  Suffice it to say

Meeting Mrs. Harriet Anna M. Fulbright, the widow of
Senator J. William Fulbright, in Washington D. C. 

that, yeah, I think I'd like to live in Greece for a year or so someday... and see whether my former roommate's promises of Greece can actually be realized. :)  Having known another Greek... a guy, a classmate in Cornell, and now I consider as one of the most intelligent people I've ever met in my life, I think that, indeed, living in Greece for a year or so should be worth it! :)

More than  anything else, my experience in Washington D. C. with my fellow Fulbright scholars from about 50 countries, conversing with them, analyzing international issues with them in friendly but challenging debate, going on community development activities with them in the US capital, storming the World Bank with them, and even partying with them like there was no tomorrow was absolutely personally enriching!  I never felt so alive and so exhilarated in my whole life before that!  

And, Cornell, too, played a big role in my life-changing experience between 2002 and 2007... Cornell was the paradise that I imagined an Academic environment was supposed to be.  The campus was an absolute beauty... especially in autumn, and totally vibrant on summer days.  It was the reality of my idealism as an academic before I set foot on its beautiful

Reaching my 2002 destination after 28 years of life in
the academic world - as a student and as an educator.

campus on that fateful day in August 2002.  I had a pilot plant for a 'playground' for my graduate studies at the Institute of Food Science and Technology to begin with!  And I've met and sat in the classes of world-renowned scientists and educators.  Of course, my experience there was far from 'perfect'... although I'm not sure what 'perfect' meant as far as Academic experience is concerned.  And yet, it stimulated my whole being, irreversibly changed me in ways that are beautiful. I learned to be wholly independent and self-reliant, and discovered many strengths in me everytime I was challenged to respond to an interesting question.  As I formulated my answers, with the help of my mentors, and tried them out to fit the question, more than ever before, I was convinced that there's no such thing as stupid answers... only stupid questions! :)  And, answering even the most stupid of questions still makes you learn many invaluable things about the subject matter... and about yourself.

After my stint in Cornell under the auspices of the US Department of State via Fulbright, I was a completely different person.  My values were the same, but I felt I had a different outlook on many matters, and I am able to view things from different perspectives.  I felt like a shy turtle that poked its head out of its thick shell for the first time, and loved what it saw.  All of a sudden, it wants to spread its wings and soar like an eagle, or growl and sprint like a graceful tiger!  All of a sudden, it was a turtle no more!

Indeed, the only way to know more about your own strengths and God-given attributes is to dream big, and then take courage to go out there and fulfill your dreams.

***

Saturday photo

Loyalty?  'Just' loyalty?

Loyalty... it all boils down to loyalty, doesn't it?  

But, is it really just about loyalty... staying in the University amid all the attractive options?  Nah, it isn't just about loyalty... it's more of commitment, passion for teaching, and service to the Thomasian Community.  You can be loyal to the University even when you are physically away from it.  Conversely, you may be in the University, and yet your heart and thoughts are elsewhere... and your desire is to serve someone else, and that the University is just a "safe and practical" option - economically.  In that case, it is the University that is loyal to the faculty.

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Saturday photo

My "other family".... well, at least a fraction of it.

It's been a long time since I had a "family picture" with my Chemical Engineering Department "family" in the University.  This is  a good time to have one because it is the diamond year of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE).  So, for a "diamond remembrance" we took to the stage during the PIChE National Convention, and smiled to the cameras like there was no tomorrow! :)  It was good.

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Word of the Day: Festschrift

A celebration!
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by PAM


This morning, I joined a 'celebration'... a celebration of the life and achievements of an educator, a brilliant scientist and a formidable scholar who is beloved and respected by a multitude of current and former students, colleagues, and friends.

A celebration of a Scholar's life and achievements... 

...a celebration of the joy of being an educator.

  
Indeed, if you commit to pursuing excellence in what you love most in this life, enjoying the journey, spreading love as you travel... appreciating the people you meet, offering them your sincere friendship, and appreciating the 'scenic views' along the way, keeping a snapshot of each in your mind, and in your heart... indeed, life would reward you with the same appreciation and love you spread as you go through life.  I consider myself to be truly fortunate to have worked with the one person whom I have always admired from afar.  I thought I will never be worthy to be a part of his circle, and yet, somehow, fate put me within his circle of influence... and it changed my life and the way I view things forever - for the better.

This morning, as part of the 75th Year celebration of the Graduate School of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), a Festschrift, in honor of the most accomplished scientist and educator in UST, Prof. Fortunato B. Sevilla III, Ph. D., was launched. The 'Festschrift' launched was a volume of Acta Manilana, the official publication of UST in Science and Technology, containing 71 papers, 40 of which are contributed by Prof. Sevilla's colleagues and collaborators abroad.  The Festschrift was a tribute to Prof. Sevilla's work as a scientist and his contributions to the advancement of Chemistry education and S&T research in UST... and in the Philippines.

Congratulations, Sir Fortune!  We love you!

*** 

One Voice...

...singing their hearts out!
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by PAM

Engineering music? Music Engineering?  Whatever it is, it sounds awesome!

They work hard at school... they have no choice, they are Engineering or Information and Computer Studies students!  Their courses are tough, tough... tough!  And yet, they find time to pursue their other passion:  music.  And, everytime, they get together, they sing their hearts out - and they sound so great, it kills me!  :)  Yep, they are the "One Voice", the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Engineering Chorale.

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Saturday photo

Contributing to national growth...
...through the advancement of high-quality education in the country.

It's been a looooong week, physically and mentally (emotionally, too) taxing... but it ended on a high note - exhilarating!  

This evening, the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School held its culminating event related to the celebration of its 75th Foundation Anniversary.  Watching the recipients of awards, specifically, the "Distinguished Professor" award, it made me appreciate once again how beautiful it really is to be investing time and committing one's life to educating the youth, and guiding those with scholarly minds who wish to pursue advanced studies.  None of it is about money or fame... it's all about knowing in the twilight of your life that, yes, you have spent your 'borrowed time' very well.  And when you go, to return your 'borrowed time' to the Greatest Teacher who ever walked the earth, you bring with it, many happy memories, wonderful thoughts, and the confidence that the fruits of The Teacher's investments, through you, will continue to flourish on earth... as you watch from afar.

Yes, I do love this profession.

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About the Image:  A collage of photos taken from the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School at the Centennial Hall of the historical Manila Hotel.  The attire is Filipiniana - the traditional national costume in its many variants, depending on period.

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QOTD

QOTD #21: It's 'mathematically correct'!
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by PAM

"Mathematical knowledge is unlike any other knowledge. Its truths are objective, necessary and timeless."

         - Prof. Edward Frenkel (UC Berkeley)
           In the article, "Is the universe a simulation?"
           The NY Times Sunday Review

What an interesting article. I still subscribe to Brian May's personal rule as a Scientist though, that we can only hope to understand what is in front of us. Beyond it, is a Truth that our abilities and logic as human beings and the capacity of the highly sophisticated tools that we have developed to enhance our abilities, such as Science and Technology, can never match for absolute understanding. Therefore, scientists must stop at a certain boundary, and dare not cross it. And yet, as Christians, we embrace that Truth with all our being, that Truth that is God, that is of God.

But going back to Math... just a few days back, I sat to listen to a lecture by one of our Math professors in the UST Faculty of Engineering, one of the activities in the celebration of our "Engineering Week". He lectured about Quaternions, which are a number system that extends complex numbers so they can be analyzed the same way we do matrices in linear algebra. Even when our colleague tried to make the lecture sound "light" and not too "stressful" for the applied science audience (myself included), somehow the questions that he extracted were leaning towards application rather than the theoretical aspects of Quaternions. And, we gathered that Quaternions have vast applications in animation and game development... to the delight of our Computer Science comrades, quite naturally! :)

Apparently, the application of Quaternions is in 3D computer images, and make possible the quick transition of a thousand frames, one after another, that makes animation, specifically in computer games, more realistic in simulating real movement. I know, very cool. And yet, that is still a very small thing compared with simulating the Universe... at least, from the context of limited human understanding. At the end of the series of a variety of lectures was a lecture on Liturgy by our Regent... the best way, I think, to put all our wonderful S&T stuff in their right places.

Yeah, it was a great (geeky) day - the Catholic University way!

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