Saturday photo

The Miag-ao Church of St. Thomas of Villanueva in Iloilo, Philippines,
a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Blending work with play, my colleagues and I at the Philippine Association of Engineering Schools (PAES), Inc. (formerly, Philippine Association for Technological Education, Inc. or PATE, Inc.) held our monthly Board meeting in Iloilo City in the Visayas.  While in Iloilo, we also held information dissemination and forum with colleagues in various Universities

"Work + play" is a winning formula for a balanced life.

in the region on the implementation of K-12, and how this will affect the operations of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly Engineering Schools, in 2016 when the first cohort of K-12 students attend Senior High School rather than the University.  

The weekend - well, this weekend - was spent educating ourselves on Iloilo.  Among many others, what caught my attention was the Miag-ao Church of St. Thomas of Villanueva.  The Church with Baroque-Romanesque architecture was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.  The massive structure earned it the "alias" of "church fortress" in the old days when there was still war between Christians and Muslims in the region, and the church was used to protect the region from Muslims/Moros who attacked it.

Sometimes, we go out and search for impressive stuff... and yet, right at our "backyard", we have "treasures", like the Miag-ao church.  Overall, it was a weekend well-spent.

***

ChemE Education in the ASEAN region...

...linking up and about to consolidate progress.
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by PAM


Eversince the Heads of State of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) linked arms to vow to open one another's doors to accommodate and cater to one another's needs in a collaborative manner via "One ASEAN 2015", also known as "ASEAN Intergration 2015", or "ASEAN Economic Zone 2015", to achieve regional progress, citizens of ASEAN countries have started to view things differently.  They started opening their "windows" and begin to pay attention to what is going on

2014 AUChEEdS... first, historic, relevant.

outside their own "four walls", and begin to imagine themselves as a true member of a community - the ASEAN community.

The Higher Education sector of the Philippines is not an exception to this "look-out-the-window-and-observe" paradigm shift.  Over the past how many years, members of this sector are not just merely looking out the window and observing, they have been adopting good practices by their close and distant neighbors.  And now, Filipino educators have opened their doors as they reached out to invite their ASEAN counterparts to the Philippines in dialogues and shared experiences to forge a strong relationship, partnership, cooperation that they hope would help usher in "One ASEAN" in 2015 on positive note.    

The Chemical Engineering Education sector of the Philippines, represented partly by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) College of Fellows and the PIChE- Metro Manila Academe Chapter (MMAC) have been doing the 'observing', 'sharing' and the 'adopting' for years now.  This year, they (or, should I say "we"?) went on to organize the 2014 ASEAN Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Education Summit (2014 AUChEEdS) dubbed, "Educating the new generation of ASEAN Chemical Engineers".  In the first AUChEEdS, Chemical Engineering students and faculty members from ASEAN countries met to learn together, to establish camaraderie as they learn from each other, and just to get to know one another.  Colleagues from non-ASEAN countries (the United States of America, Australia and Japan) also participated by sharing their own experiences and good practices, some via webinar. And, it was a wonderful event!

I believe that now, more than  ever before, members of the Chemical Engineering Education Sector of ASEAN realize that, indeed, they have many things in common, and share many values.  Therefore, it is easy to collaborate in a way that will consolidate the thrusts and achievements of the Chemical Engineering Education sector in the region for greater, more lasting, and more meaningful progress.  

***
   

Glendarriffic!

Our "unwelcome visitor".

I hope Typhoon Glenda does not have a twin sister, or cousin, or something.

I hope that she's an orphan... but no, we're not open for adoption!

While the world worried about the Philippines, we surprisingly endured Glenda's passage with relatively little casualty, thank God!  I think we are learning to respect lives by being more prepared during typhoons, and the vulnerable ones have become more cooperative in heeding safety advisories from concerned government agencies, too.  Good.

***

Picture of the day...

2014 Discurso de Apertura

University of Santo Tomas, AY 2014 - 2015 Opening Day

...I guess because I just want a little something to remember this day by.  So, before I collapse from exhaustion - from lack of sleep for the past three days - let me post this here.

After delivering the Discurso de Apertura today, and after the adrenaline rush subsided, I felt like crawling under the table during lunch with the VIPs of the University, and doze off there for the next, uhm, 24 hours!  Noticing my silence and the signs of exhaustion showing around my eyes, one person, who obviously wanted to cheer me up, said, "oh, wow!  So now you are already in the history books of the University... so young, and already in the history books!  How does it feel?"  I stared at him, not fully comprehending, to be honest... and I said, "I'm really sleepy... seriously!  Where can I get coffee?"

I had to stay awake for another five hours or so, and had to survive the General Faculty Meeting, which is traditionally held in the UST Faculty of Engineering after the Misa de Apertura, after which the Academic Year (AY) is officially opened, and followed by the Discurso de Apertura.  Considering the huge endeavors that we need to pursue this AY, I didn't just have to stay awake during the Meeting... I needed to pay close attention to details... and preside the Meeting!  Oh, dear.  Anyway, I think I survived... but, I'm collapsing soon.  So, let me stop here.

I'm not sure what the relevance of this event is in my life (and I'm not sure I'll ever have the luxury of time to ponder it)... 'cause I did it not for myself but for the Faculty of Engineering.  But, I thank God sincerely just the same... 'cause my friends in the Faculty didn't gag at the Discurso. :)  If only for that, I say this day is one of the very best days of my life! :)  And yet, I claim none of the glory.  

To God be the glory!

***
Image credit:  Thanks, Varsitarian, for the photo.

***
   

Hi, July...

...you're back.  And, I see that you're better than ever - good!
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by PAM


Yep, July is my favorite month... and for a very good reason, too: it's my birth month! :)  As many of my close friends would know, I dislike 'celebrating' my birthday with all that

They call me by a different name these days, so weird.

stressful fun fare, me being a 'mild anti-social' who prefer a quiet gathering with family and very close friends... just being ourselves, enjoying a quiet meal, laughing at our really shallow jokes.  This year, I spent the day... uhm, working - from home!  Nevertheless, a few people insisted on making sure that I felt how special the day was... they sent very nice text messages, e-mails... and some left little mementos on my desk in the Office.  But I had a tough mission on my birthday, that I had to work very hard not to be distracted (translation: emotional) by all the very warm greetings, and go all sappy and sentimental about the whole birthday 'celebration' thing, and how my current circumstance was not allowing me to have a celebration... and I wasn't fighting to have one either!  

Nah, I'm not training to be a heartless hermit or something.  I just feel like I am in that situation where I feel there is so much blessings coming my way that I honestly feel I don't

Now, that's a nice wish that I appreciate.

deserve... just because I didn't pray for any of them!  Therefore, while I try very hard to make the most of all the blessings, turning them to an offering to God, I can't help but feel all paranoid, and asking, "dear Lord, what's the catch?" :)  And then, I remember, it's God... there's no catch.  There never is a catch when He is concerned.  And so, I decided to spend some hours on my birthday... just enjoying the beauty of never having to worry about 'the catch' in quiet contemplation. And, as always, it feels indescribably great... I won't trade it for fancy gifts - ever!

Anyway, on my birthday, in my quiet contemplation, I can't help but think about "Too much Happiness", a compilation of short stories by the great Alice Munro - the latest recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature.  There was a passage in one of the short stories there that would usually fill my head when I close my eyes to contemplate on something these days:

"Be quiet, be quiet, she wanted to tell them.  It seemed to her that silence was necessary, that everything in  the world outside the boy's body had to concentrate, help it not to lose of its duty to breathe.
"Shy but steady whiffs now, a sweet obedience in the chest.  Keep on, keep on."

It was one of those short stories, where the protagonist, Doree, while on her way to perform a 'routine self-imposed obligation' that effectively rendering her life on unfair stand-still, saw a vehicular accident.  She tried to help the boy in the accident to survive by administering first-aid while they waited for the ambulance.  She didn't realize that

Now, that's a shape and color I prefer. Soon....

the 'distraction' actually took her away from the acceptance of an empty existence - her routine... suddenly realizing the precious gift of life she had all the right to enjoy rather than throw away in favor of an empty routine. 

Sometimes, I feel that way... that I am taking care of "someone" who met an "accident", while we wait for the "real" help, and get the victim regain his health, be back on his feet... and run again.  The only difference is that, in my case, the victim, the accident and the help is one and the same.  The happy thing is it's breathing now, it's helping itself, and it looks as though it will progress steadily to get on its feet soon... and then, I'd be free to disentangle myself from my 'distraction'... and run a 'different race'.  It's only a matter of time now.  :)

***
   

World Cup 2014, Day 7: Heartbreak...

...I prefer surprises, actually.  :(
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by PAM


And so, the current World Cup holders, the Spanish La Roja, were shown the exit by the Chileans in another humbling defeat, 2-0.  Just when you thought that, after that 5-1 defeat from Oranje, there was no other way but up for the defending champs! 

It was heartbreaking... awfully so. :( I wish I could say that I was horribly surprised to see Spain getting eliminated by Chile... but that would be being unrealistic.  They performed so badly in their first Group Stage Game against the Dutch, losing in a humiliating manner

Self-doubt:  what's goin' on? (Getty Images)

.  Naturally, they were a bit broken, and filled with self-doubt.  On the other hand, Chile was victorious over Australia, in spite of a spirited challenge from the Socceroos. So, naturally, they are all fired up by a strong belief that they can beat the mighty Spanish side. 

The current champions' game plan and players combination were suspect... and so was their defense, and especially their goalkeeping (dang, Iker, sorry I have to say that). Okay, let's just say that their quality now was definitely way below theirs in the last six years when they were winning left and right.  Well, yeah, the grande Spanish coach, Vicente del Bosque, tweaked a few things here and there from their match with Oranje, to face Chile... and yet, he didn't address the biggest weakness: there was no chemistry among his players on the pitch.  The big guy, Diego Costa, was sticking out like a sore finger in the Spanish system. He was unable to finish... period.  And, Iker obviously have not regained his self-confidence after failing to stop five Dutch balls from hurting his side.  And without the natural defensive leadership of Carles Puyol in front of him, he had no one reliable enough to hold on to.   

I am not sure whether the decision to drop Xavi was a good idea... the man's movements have become slower, I give del Bosque that, but without Xavi, the Spanish side were running around without clear purpose, without clear form and shape, without clear game plan... 

The chilling grip of defeat. (Getty Images)

and, naturally, without the possibility of winning against a ferocious side like Chile.  Of course, Andrés Iniesta  and Xabi Alonso were there... but those two, for all their strengths and talents, do not have Xavi's sense of the game, its spontaneity, its dynamic transitions.  Xavi has the whole system running in his head, and he can see each one as a gear, and he can click something to snap them to connect and run like one piece.

To be fair, it wasn't just the coaching that was flawed... the guys didn't seem to be having fun, the way Chile were.  This was their biggest strength in their previous three outings, when they took home the prize: they were having so much fun on the pitch!  Their joy was so incredible, lady luck was absolutely mesmerized by them, like all of us!  I think it was this joy that made Xavi more receptive of each one on the pitch... he can feel them.  And with him conducting the play, everyone is connected to him and they played with a single mind. Tremendous teamwork that was absolutely beautiful to watch... and that's how they showed the world how beautiful a game football truly is. I hope that, in spite of this tragic result of them getting debarred from the Round of 16, the world does not forget this.

Whatever, they're out!  Nevertheless, I will always be a big La Roja fan.  Now though, I only have four in my list of faves in this World Cup... and I won't say which sides are these lest I jinx them, too! ;)  

***

World Cup 2014, Day 6: Pass...

...due to work.  What else?
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by PAM


Surprise?  I think you shouldn't be... 'something's gotta give', ya know.  First of all, work

Relentless:  Equal in purpose... 0-0.  (Getty Images)

demands 'full concentration' today... second, the time difference between Brazil and the Philippines is starting to be a big factor now, my sleep hours are getting messed up.  Therefore, we slow down.  

Anyway, based on the replays I managed to have a peek at, I missed out on the Brazil-Mexico match. That looked tough.  The two sides really brought their game to each other... and they ended up with tightly locked horns, scoreless, at the final whistle, 0-0.  No matter what though, replays are simply not good enough.  No fun in them at all... except, perhaps, if one is not aware of the results yet.  But then, we watch sports for the excitement... and nothing beats watching a match live - preferably on site... which is mostly a remote possibility when we have some 'serious' work to do.

Oy, retirement... what is taking you so long??? ;)

***

World Cup 2014, Day 5: Surprises again...

...and again!
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by PAM

Just when you thought nothing as catastrophic as Spain's loss to The Netherlands in their first Group Stage game, with a scoreline as staggering as 5-1, Cristiano Ronaldo and the

The spot kick that started Germany's rout of
Portugal (Reuters).

rest of the Portugal national team went down on their knees as the mighty 'guns' of Germany sprayed them with 'bullets' of awesomeness in their first Group Stage game, 4-0!  Crissy did not get to flaunt his bullet headers, and booming kicks that send the ball so powerfully to the net, weakening it to near ripping.  In fact, Crissy did not get to do anything substantial and worth-remembering at all!  Except, of course, those camera-conscious look-at-me, look-at-me poses of thorough concentration as he prepared for a free kick... only to be blocked by a German defender with equal power, sending the ball right back at him with a comically sounding, dug! :)  To think that Crissy came out of the dressing room like a diva, shaking hands with everyone like a real superstar, Ballon d'Or 2013 winner style, it must have been really embarrassing... but then, it's CR7... and drama is his thing.      

Okay, I'm being mean.  Sorry.  It must have been really hard for him and his teammates. First of all, Thomas Muller connected a beautiful spot kick, putting the Germans in the

Without-batting-an-eyelash headbutt!

lead, barely twelve minutes or so into the first-half.  And then, just a few minutes later, the incredibly moronic (Sorry for the term.  Trust me, he deserves it.) Pepe, shoved Muller on the face, pushing the German aside with his big hand.  Muller went down on the turf clasping his face - in pain.  The referee did not see the act, and so he was uncertain what to do for a few seconds, asking his assistant if he saw the act.  Pepe then 'brilliantly' helped the referee decide what to do by stooping down to headbutt Muller, and then whispering seemingly mean stuff on Muller's face like a real villain.  Muller screamed... the referee, without a moment's hesitation, pulled something from his shirt pocket, ran to Pepe and decisively waved a red card.  Out Pepe went.  Crissy stared in disbelief. Surprised?  Nah, it's Pepe... and mental meltdown is his thing!   What is surprising is that he went on mental meltdown so early in the match... and so early in the World Cup, too.  I'm surprised at how advanced his 'stupidity' has reached... bringing his whole national team down with him on a whim like that! Didn't he realize that his teammates waited for four years, working hard, to represeht their country well in the biggest football contest on the planet? And he just blew their chances to win their first match... just like that, with a sorry headbutt!  Tsk, Pepe, tsk-tsk!

And then, still in the first half, another goal from the Germans came courtesy of Matt Hummels while Muller scored his second goal in the match on short range, 3-0.  The result of the match seemed to have been decided then.  Surprised?  That the Germans were that great?  Nah, they are that great!  That the Portuguese were losing, in spite of Crissy's presence?  Uhm, ye-eah... Crissy usually has some pride... if he can afford it. Well, not this time... no Gareth Bale, Kareem Benzema or Xabi Alonso to work with this time. 

It was easy to predict the second-half.  Muller scored his first hat-trick in World Cup 2014, 4-0.  The Germans then just ran around, winding the clock down, further humiliating Crissy and his comrades as they turned the defenseless Portuguese squad to practice mascots. The Germans completely took away Crissy's and his teammates' pride.  Their Chancellor, Angela Merkel, watched happily from the VIP box.  Can't blame the lady, I watched them with pure delight, too!  

Good job, Oktoberfest boys!

***
The US... yeah, the US!

And so, the Team USA made it not to the bottom of their Group!  Wow!  Awesome! Seriously now.  I'm not being mean... I'm being honest in sharing Team America's joy in victory in their first Group stage match - against Ghanna.  Believe it or not.  I strongly advise that you'd better believe it... 'cause they might just be here to stay awhile - they have a German coach (Jurgen Klinnsman), ya know! ;)

***

World Cup 2014, Day 4: More 'surprises'?

Yep, but very pleasant ones!
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by PAM


And so, the moment of truth has finally arrived... will Diego Maradona's 'heir apparent' finally become who he was born to be?  A hint to the answer came some 65 minutes into the first match of La Albiceleste in the 2014 FIFA World Cup - in the cavernous Maracana no less, the sacred ground of Brazilian football... Brazil's answer to Rome's Colosseum.   

The moment that millions of football fans around the world have been waiting for since 2010 in South Africa has finally came.  Lionel Messi stepped out of the dugout and into the Maracana pitch, donning the sky blue and white strip

The Albiceleste Captain and his 'army': all men
of the 'beautiful game'.

of the Argentina National Football Team.  The crowd of 74,738 erupted in cheers.  He knew what he was up against: the formidable 'giants' of the game, the towering expectations of his countrymen, and the non-believers who continue to doubt his greatness, in spite of four Ballon d'Or and other awards, and countless silverware for FC Barcelona, which he helped to amass.  He knew who were behind him: millions who believe in the 'beautiful game', and in the fact that he and his talents are an exquisite ornament that confirms the beauty of the game.  Wearing the Albiceleste Captain's arm band, the subtle but distinct swagger with which he walked as he led his Team towards the pitch spoke volume:  he felt the daunting challenge, but he felt the support of millions... and perhaps, the soft lips of destiny brushing his brows lightly - there, but not quite... and, that carried his spirit, allowed him to walk tall despite his minute physical stature.  Will destiny favor him and his supporters?  We have four weeks to find out.

In the meantime, there was the Group Stage to take care of.  The World Cup debutante, Bosnia and Herzegovina National Football Team, had a line-up menacing enough to

Own goal: The mistake borne out of inexperience
that put Bosnia on catch-up with Argentina.

make the Argentinian football fans to look up to the skies and pray for their Team to successfully clear this hurdle.  With high-quality players, the likes of Edin Dzeko, who have distinguished themselves to be highly realible in their respective roles on the pitch, say, the English Premier League in the case of Dzeko, it didn't look as easy as most would hope for. True enough, going through the newcomers was a nightmare, no straightforward approach!  Luckily, with a Messi inbound, after Sergio Aguero was brought down bad, an own goal by Sead Kolasinac put the Argentinians in the lead, 1-0, barely five minutes into the match.  This put the newcomers on a catch-up with the more experienced Argentinian squad.  However, with the 5-3-2 strategy employed by the Albiceleste boss, Alejandro Sabella, with Messi and Aguero in front, the Bosnian defense easily crowded La Pulga and El Kun everytime they got a go for the ball, rendering both forwards ineffective in finishing.  This nailed the score to 1-0 until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Sabella changed strategy, adopting a more tactically plausible format, given the tough Bosnian defense.  He brought out Gonzalo Higuain on the right wing to

The Maracana... cavernous, intimidating, exciting!

effect a 4-3-3, with more options for finishing.  It allowed Angel Di Maria to go deeper behind Aguero, using his speed and dribbling prowess more effectively to give Messi time to find his position, augmenting attack.  That sliced the Bosnian defense on Argentinian attack, giving Messi more space and better opportunity to finish more successfully.  Fernando Gago came on, too, putting cushion and creativity in the defense line as Di Maria went deeper. It seemed to be working as a few opportunities were made... but wasted, as El Kun cannot seem to control his touch on the ball.  At one point, Messi pooped a free kick... and the Argentinian fans made a disapproving sound... something that would suffocate the

The 'little magician' at work... goooooaaal!

spirit of someone made of less sturdier stuff.  Surprise?  Nah... it's the story of Messi's life, actually, having to wear the Blaugrana shirt and the Albiceleste shirt.  Luckily, he is made of stuff that All-Time Greats are made of.

And then, around the 65th minute into the match, there came an opening on the Bosnian defense, which Messi spotted quickly.  He sped forward on the left of the goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, passing the ball to Higuain so he could lose his markers who now chased Higuain, slicing the defense further, and then changed course and sped to the left, not giving enough time to Begovic to change position and the defense to change direction.  Higuain, in a perfectly timed move, passed the ball to Messi as the 'little magician' zigzagged the defense.  La Pulga charged to the slight opening, jumping over the disconcerted defense who fell tangled as they chased him, and fired with his left foot.  GOAL!  Awesomeness!  

Maracana erupted with sheer glee!  I was on my feet, too, despite my sickness, which

Messi goal-related pandemonium: 74,738-glee!

required that I lie down for a few days. :)

More similar opportunities were created by the Albiceleste, but lady luck seemed to say that two goals should be enough, and winning does not have to mean "slicing" your opponent to pieces.  Winning  must also be a humbling experience.  In fact, just to point out that the Argentina defense is suspect, a late goal from Vedad Ibisevic, which was fired on close range went through the legs of the Albiceleste goalie, Sergio Romero.  None of Sabella's defense crew were anywhere close enough to help out Romero effectively.  To be fair, Federico Fernandez, I believe did a great job, putting away many Bosnian attempts in a decisive and 'mean defending' manner... actually, some of his moves were in the vicinity of awesomeness.  Yep, the man is quite reliable.  Perhaps, Javier Mascherano must emulate his example... and, with Fernando Gago allowed more playing time, they should be fine. 

And, to be fair to the Bosnian squad and their boss, Safet Susic, they played like old timers out there... fearless, determined, focused, composed... they showed hunger, but they also showed elegance and grace.  Good job, gentlemen!  You are one of World Cup 2014's pleasant surprises.  Carry on.   

Alright, good first game, Albiceleste.  Moving on... Nigeria and Iran must be tamed, too.  Can you whip it? :)  You'd better! 

***

World Cup 2014, Day 3: Surprises, surprises...

...the really 'surprising kind'!
=====================================================================
by PAM


Were we really surprised by this:  As if Spain's painful loss to The Netherlands is not a huge enough shock, England went down on their knees to let Italy come through.  The Three Lions squad gave a whimper as World Cup newcomer Mario Balotelli no less headed a late goal to put the Azzuri on top, and their World Cup bid looking better than the men from the most 'successful' (read: moneyed) European Football League... the English Premier League, of course.  Oh, well... at least, in the 90s, David Beckham's good looks more than made up to the squad's being such underachiever.  Their time will come... but 2014 is not it, I think.  I did put them on my Top 5 choice to win the World Cup last month!  What can I say, I still feel strong 'affinity' with the man who 'bends it' like no one else does.  And, the Premier League must go on... and on.  Therefore, let's go on. Yawn.

Next surprise:  The Uruguay National Team took off with a zing via a 1-0 lead over the come backing Costa Rica courtesy of the now grown-up, Edinson Cavani. He used to look like an 'oversize boy' who played good football back in 2010. Now, he comes back all grown-up, complete with beautiful cheekbones and abs that would have more than made up for it if he were a so-so, and he's not a so-so either.  So, bravo!

 After the first-half, I was ready to go to bed, confident that Oscar Tabarez, one of my fave coaches, I must admit, have prepared his team enough to crush the Costa Rica challenge, in spite of the absence of his "main man", Luis Suarez, who underwent knee surgery last May, and elected to sit out the match.  Plus, judging from their performance in South Africa in 2010, when they were in the last four, and their successful finish in the Copa America in 2011, they should be fine in the Group Stage.  I have to admit though that I had to take a second look everytime Diego Forlan hesitated or steadied his footing before firing/passing the ball, giving the Costa Rica defense time to react, and how he walked around the pitch, not looking like there is urgency in the need for his strikes.  Anyway, Cavani looked fired up, so I thought they'd be fine... plus they have one goal advantage.  So, imagine my surprise in the morning when I learned that they were beaten... and beaten good, too - by Costa Rica, 1-3!  

Alright, Luis, be well and come back to Papa Oscar.  He needs you - now!

Pleasant surprise:  Colombia, of course! :)  Man, that was a beautiful match right there, as they made the Greeks suffer on Brazilian grass from not being able to match their enthusiasm, fearlessness, and their desire to have fun.  Their joy was so infectious!  And, they were even missing the injured Radamel Falcao!  Imagine that?  What a pleasant surprise! :)  Luv these guys!

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

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