Saturday photo

Sunday Office (because Office is Monday  to Saturday)...
...to get things done - fast.

Where do we draw the line?  How urgent is urgent at work that personal/family time is traded with additional work time in order to meet an impossible number of deadlines... many of which are 'legitimate', as in asked for by superiors; most of which self-imposed because things need to get better, and we take it upon ourselves to make things better?  Is it possible at all to just work within the 'legal' work period?  But, of course, it is!  The question is, will this make us happy?  Will sitting on our bottom watching movie, or updating our status on our fave social media, or sipping cappuccino in a fashionable coffee shop on our 'legal' me-time make us happy when we know very well that 'our horses' are at the tail of the race... even if we are merely 'running our own race'?  I say no, it won't.  Then again, that's me. :)

See, this is why I am slow to commit to anything (yeah, including marriage! Haha...) because when I do commit to anything, I go absolutely 'crazy' making sure that I give my all to my commitment.  No, it isn't a healthy attitude, I know that... but, how does one avoid being 'obsessive-compulsive', especially when one is fully aware of the cost of being just committed instead of being 'crazy committed'?  What does it take to push aside the bitter taste of the experience of failure in the past, and go on working on a normal schedule, especially when, this time, one becomes the responsible person whether things go well or bad?  More so, when things go bad, actually... 'cause when things go well, the subordinates are responsible... it's never you 'cause you're just one lucky occupant of the corner cubicle leading an army of extremely talented people... who can probably do better without you... or so, they think! :)  I know, I think too much!

Tell ya what, I'll just get back to work.  Who knows, if I stopped ranting here, I might just find enough time to finish my work, and get some 'me-time' in the process, right?  Uhm, right!  It's called optimism. ;)

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Photo credit:  I took the photo. It's a selfie without the self, which probably makes it a 'selfly'.

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Foodie gone hungry

Food, but not foodie-ing.

Too sick to decide which food tastes  worthy of a foodie's 'sophisticated' palate, and which is just good enough to fill an empty stomach that's acting up... if a messed up stomach is possible at all for a foodie, that is!  I guess it is... if the foodie is stressed out because of an "overflowing plate".  

Yeah, I know what you're thinking, how does one with an overflowing plate end up with an empty stomach?  In that case, I tell ya, many "empty stomachs" are empty because their owners have "overflowing plates"!  And, this has nothing to do with greediness as well... it's all about commitment.  To what?  To honest service.  And is it worth it?  I guess only time will tell.  But, what I do know with certainty is that no service is worth anybody's time if it wasn't meant to please Him... He who is the beginning and the end.

Empty stomach... it's better than empty life, empty soul, or no soul at all.  *sip*  Oh, boy... that is good!    

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Photo credit:  I took the photo... and I made it look like the food was not to-die-for good.

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Saturday photo

Finding beauty... beyond ugliness.

Whenever an opportunity comes to enjoy having the luxury of time, I usually spend it just staying in the house to read or listen to music... or traveling.  Traveling re-boots my mind, giving it a fresh start.  And, if I have a choice, I prefer traveling by land.  I like taking long drive a lot.  It gives time to be away from it all... think, reflect... and gain freedom from the 'slavery' of work without feeling entirely disconnected from the world.  Unlike traveling by sea or by air, traveling by land gives you the choice to stop and enjoy the sights more... it allows spontaneity, it gives meaning to randomness, and it allows one to stop and rest as needed.  Yep, it gives one the feeling of truly on vacation.  But what I like most about long driving is having a variety of views on your window that seems to go on and on... forever.   

A few months ago, my sister and I traveled by land to IIocos Norte, which is about 500 km north of Manila, or about eight (8) hours of travel time.  The road gave the feel of the vibrant beach life on the left side of the road, and the serene ambiance of living on the foot of the mountain on the right side.  At some point, I noticed a row of tattered structures on the street amid dry grass, and they seem to go on, mocking the vacationers who are looking to be allured by the beach... but I also noticed a hint of blue through the holes of the tattered structures.  So, we decided to halt, park... and walk through the ugly dried grass.  What we found beyond the 'ugly' view took my breath away!  It was the blue sea, made to look even bluer by the green mountains that line it close to the road.  My sister and I stopped, and sat there for a some minutes, just admiring the view... and I thought, "ah, vacation, this is what you are all about - gorgeous!"

My sister asked me what made me decide to check the place out when it looked scarily ugly from the other side.  I said, "I'm a teacher, remember?  This is what we do... find beauty when there seems to be none, convert a rough stone to a precious gem."     

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Photo credit:  I took the photo.  It was taken between Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte along Manila North Road.

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Visita Iglesia...

...tradition?
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by PAM

Nah, it's faith.

The Way of the Cross... following Jesus.
Visita Iglesia 2015... a commemoration of the greatest love of all.

Jesus carried his cross, bore the burden of our sins through his cross and through his crucifixion and death.  He redeemed us from the bondage of sin through an ultimate act of sacrifice... an ultimate act of love.  And, by rising from death, our sins are forgiven... and we are promised with eternal life... in the loving peacefulness and joyfulness of our Father's heart.  We believe this.  And this is what we have in our hearts as we go from one church to another on Maundy Thursday.  It's to symbolize how we are following Jesus Christ, sharing in his passion... to become worthy of his sacrifice, his love; to celebrate his resurrection from the dead... to testify that he has risen from the dead, to testify of our Father's love by sending his only begotten son, our savior.  To show that, indeed, we believe that Jesus Christ has redeemed us from death that is sin.  

Visita Iglesia is finding Jesus in the Way of the Cross... the way of our Savior, the way of love, the way to redemption, the way to the Father, the way to eternal happiness.  We believe.  It's all about faith!

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Photo credit:  I took all photos except one (where I am pictured).  Taken from seven churches in Quezon City that my family visited for this year's Visita Iglesia. 

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1st of April nostalgia...

...and it's amazin', ain't foolin'!
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by PAM


Yesterday, my morning was spent working with friends at the USAID Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) in the newest posh establishment in Makati City, the Makati Diamond Residences, which is only on its 'soft opening'... therefore, still 'priced for academics'. :)  The USAID STRIDE is the cousin of Fulbright and Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program - my 'home' when it comes to educational support.  Therefore, my morning was spent well - productively, and with much nostalgia.  There were plenty of moments where unrestrained laughter and goofiness were in order... and I seized and savored all of them with gusto.  Talk about feeling 'at home'! :)

The afternoon was spent in my University (of course, my beloved USTe)... connecting with colleagues who are working hard - even when they are supposed to be on a holiday already.  What can I say?  Ever heard of "commitment"?  It's a 'good stuff', and there's plenty of that in USTe's Faculty of Engineering.  With my colleagues, this afternoon was definitely smothered with 

It gets tough... but it gets more fun, too.
So, we carry on.

Engineering's flavor of commitment, and humor-under-pressure.  From the frenzied worries that propel them to work hard like there was no tomorrow to the reassuring feeling of togetherness - the "we're all in this together" sort of feeling - to short but thoughtful conversations peppered with wisdom... I got a pocketful of all that from this afternoon's interaction with my colleagues - my friends... my team!  

But, going back to nostalgia... I just joined the "Cornell University State of the Food Science Department" webinar, 12 midnight to 1:00 a.m.  The Chair of the Department, Dr. Olga Padilla-Zakour, walked us through the way that the Department is paving - to yet another destination of excellence in education. It was an hour spent very well!  Gave me many very good ideas.  There was that familiar feeling of warmth to hear Dr. Olga's voice and distinct accent.  She was the very first person from Cornell I've spoken with albeit via e-mail.  Her positive response to my queries and her naturally inspired way of relating to people made me decide to try my luck in Cornell... the rest is history.  The photographs from Dr. Olga's presentation of the new Stocking Hall, the state-of-the-art new home of Cornell Food Science, were awesome!  But, most of all I am just very proud of how the Department is progressing... so many incredible accomplishments - from research (99 publications in just one year is close to insane!) to teaching, from extension services to relationship with the industry, from cutting edge research and teaching facilities to virtual facilities, and from excellent professors to high-achieving students.  Just the one-year accomplishments leave one gasping, and speechless with awe.  And when I think about all the farmers and entrepreneurs they have helped out through their Extension Programs and research works, making a positive impact on the sustained growth of New York State, and contributing to global food security... I am humbled by the mere thought of it all. I am just very proud to be an alumna! 

Of course, that segment of this journey that brought me to one of the most unforgettable 'stops' would not have been possible if not for the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, and the Philippine Department of Agriculture.  This is why, whenever an opportunity to assist 'the family' presents itself, I always do my best to make time for it.  I had such a good experience, I wish for more people to have the same, if not better, experience.    

Just last Saturday, I was looking for inspiration to keep going... because the demands of my work is getting too much for me to even think about.  Over the last 24 hours, I found many nuggets of inspiration... nostalgic feelings that serve as moral compass, reminding me of the worthy reasons why I am where I am in the first place albeit extremely stressed out.  I felt like 'someone' threw me some 'sweet treats'... and they taste 'heavenly'.  Indeed, God is good!

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Photo credit:  Thanks to Engr. Eisson Marcelo for the loan of the photo.

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Saturday photo

Milestone... and it isn't just years.
It's all about faith, love, passion... mission.

Just five years ago, I had a great fortune to climb up the stage to receive something, which many considered to be a recognition of an exemplary achievement, but which I had mixed feelings for that time (and more so now)... just because I've never had big feelings about recognition and stuff like that.  I always believed that God sent us here with a 'mission' to accomplish... and, as such, He gave us a few 'gifts' that we could use to 'get the job done'... and have great fun, too, in the process.  He continues to give us more 'gifts' if we worked hard enough to improve ourselves to be worthy of more by using well those that we already have. Therefore, only Him who sent us can tell whether we are doing a good job or not.  So, we work very hard, hoping every single day that we are doing enough to accomplish our mission... and helping others accomplish theirs.  We hope that we are doing enough to please Him... and bringing happiness to others, too, in the process.  We sincerely hope, from the bottom of our hearts and from the depth of our souls, that we are helping to make this world a better place for everyone.    

Of course, in some cases, I give in and join the 'recognition' stuff if that would mean inspiring people to stay committed to their own mission given them... and strive to make Him happy with how we are all doing.  Last Thursday (26 March 2015) was such a day... and to be honest, just like five years ago, it wasn't all that bad.  It was a good ceremony... straight-forward, no ego-buttering, just plain show of appreciation for those who the University felt served its stakeholders well.  And, I felt truly a part of it... probably because I knew there were many men and women on that day who went up that stage who sincerely felt the same way I did - reluctant to step into the limelight and receive attention, but wanting to be a part of a 'crusade' that brings humanity closer to Him who is the greatest Teacher of all... and that felt absolutely reassuring.

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Photo credit:  I took it.  It's a medal for the recipients of service award (20 years or longer) given to faculty members of the University of Santo Tomas.

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"One Duration"...

...get out, get out, get out of my head!
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by PAM

A student called me a "One Duration" fan because I am a Duran Duran (the "crushable bunch" of the '80s) fan who went to watch One Direction (or, 1D, the undisputed teenie bopper 'World Crush' of this generation) in the Manila leg of their "On the Road Again" World Tour... just a few hours ago, actually. :)  My student believed that I was 'fan girling' over their generation's crushes, and sounded (jokingly) disgusted by it. =)  The student was (exaggeratedly) perplexed by how the crushing generation cannot afford to pay the hefty concert ticket price of their crushes, while our generation who are too old to stand and dance for one-and-a-half hours to the "best song ever" bought many of the tickets instead! =)  Of course, most of us bought the tickets for our kids/nieces/nephews... and I did spend my one year worth of savings to watch Duran Duran live in Manila, too, back in the '80s - and it was worth every single cent!  

I have to say that attending the 1D concert was fun, too, regardless of the (big) difference in generations! :) 

  

"Everybody wants to steal my girl... she belongs to me."

The euphoric glee and energy of the kids in the audience was absolutely infectious. :)  It can make one feel (very) young again.  And the 1D boys were just adorable... all the while sounding kind and considerate of their fans. Seeing them reminded me again of the fact that, if I got married at a young age, I'd probably have kids their age... and I'd probably be a 'shameless' stage Mum! ;)  Anyway, the 1D boys performed well, obviously trying very hard to please their fans... and, perhaps, trying to work a bit harder to make up for the absence of one of their members, Zayn Malik, who had to go back to the UK after the BKK-HK leg of their Tour to allegedly "recuperate from stress".  Zayn was controversially photographed with a girl, who was not his girlfriend, while in BKK.  Apparently, this hurt many feelings, and it stressed out Zayn, unable to perform in the remaining venues of the Asian leg of their Tour.

So, while Zayn recuperates, I got rejuvenated by 1D's energy - mixed well with their Manila fans' impressive show of support.  

"...everyone else in the room can see it, everyone else but you... 

...that's what makes you beautiful."

Speaking of impressive support, it was fascinating to see so many parents and grandparents accompanying their kids and grandkids, respectively, to the concert. Others went to watch with the young people, others just escorted the kids to the gate, took souvenir photos, and then waited for them after the concert at the gate... with take-out dinner on hand. :)  I went with my nephew.  He is a Script kind of a kid, so I thought he was not really into it and was just being nice to his aunt, but he did appreciate 1D's performance, too, which is good.

"...baby, you light up my world like nobody else...
I can't believe you don't know, you don't know you're beautiful."

So, yeah, it was a nice Saturday.  And, yeah, it was money well-spent.  "One Duration"?  Sure, why not?!

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Video credit:  I took the videos, but thanks, YouTube for the video links.

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Rewind...

"Now that she's back in the atmosphere with drops of Jupiter in her hair..."

"...she listens like spring and she talks like June."

Ugh, dang!  Why can't I write like that... and sing like that?  While life is truly happiness, sometimes when I think about Patrick Monahan, I'm compelled to agree that life ain't fair. ;)  He is too talented... and funny!  Yep, I know... this is my second time to feature this song, "Drops of Jupiter", by Train on this little corner of mine.  Well, can you blame me... especially now that I'm dying for some "soul vacation"? :)  

Anyhow, just listening to this song, marveling at its awesomeness of lyrics (and Pat's funny antics on stage) is some sort of "soul vacation"... so, just wait, I might just start 'talking like June' now - even if I'm missing the "best soy latte that I ever had, and...." :)  Yep, dude, 'I made it to the milky way'... flew, and about to land now.  It's indeed overrated. :)  Hurry up with that real "soul vacation", will ya?  And then, I'm sure there will be more room to grow.  So, we proceed.  It's another week... of growing. :)

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

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"Eco-ing"...

...with the boys.

'Saturday Engineering' = Eco-friendly innovation + fun

It's always great when you see these "kids" - "your kids" - playing big boys' game.  Fresh from high school a few years back, they came to the University with their playfully enthusiastic eyes all lit-up... College boys already, and it's Engineering, baby!  You see them over the last few years, looking awkward at first, trying to be "one of the big boys"... and failing miserably.  And then, they start fitting in... not so awkward anymore.  They start to master "the walk"... the Engineering kind - cool and humble... but, yeah, with some subtle swag.  I know, that's not easy to master... you need to pass through the eye of the needle to learn it... first, some humbling moments - lots of those!  

And then, they begin to understand that they can't survive without giving up the "glamorous" teenage life.  Realizing that affording to walk with the "Engineer's swag" comes with a cost: some sweat and blood!  It's all about spending most of their waking hours doing the most "uncool thing" ever in the history of teenage life: study like there's no tomorrow!  But knowing that the tallest structures and the fastest cars in the world can only be built by them who lost "coolness" in their early years in the University, they know, too, that it's worth it.  And, so, they submit themselves to "the process".

Voila!  A few years later, here they are competing in the "big boys' game"... and winning, too!  I'm very proud of our boys!  They call themselves UST Eco-Tigers. They built the T400H - the prototype, hybrid gas-electric car, which is the entry of the University of Santo Tomas to the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2015 in Manila, Philippines. It won the 7th place in Asia, and first place in the Philippines with a mileage of 137 km/liter of gasoline. 

Not bad, boys!  Let's do even better next year!

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Video credit:  It's my video, but thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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Context

"...if I could, I would... I'd go wherever you will go."

I normally like some rough throaty texture in my music even when I wrap myself in lovely silky musings and contemplate sheer spiritual mysteries.  So, singing the same song, contemplating the same lyrics as Alex Band of The Calling... but on another context.  Right now, I'm thinking, "where my Lord is, I'd like to go there."  I'm sure it won't be easy, but we try.  That's all that we could ever do in our want to see Him face-to-face at the end of it all - keep trying.  While I don't know what the feeling would be like once that day comes, I'm sure it would be incredibly beautiful.  Therefore, we set out... and try!  If we fail now, we pick ourselves up... and do it all over again.  Just keep trying.

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

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