philomath defined

I was 10 steps away from death and 10 feet below ecstasy.

Whatever is in between now and the future; I know I can succeed…

[excerpt, from my own narrative]

Ok, I learned the Dan Brown-Manila issue last night. What did it do to me? It didn’t diminish my being as a Filipino. Yes, it could counteract the success of the battlecry of the campaign, “it’s more fun in the Philippines”; but primarily, it only made me more eager to read the book, Inferno, at soonest possible time.

What, I don’t think that’s it’s the first material that describe Manila as such though I’m not sure if it can be aligned with that of the locals. Sure it’s not the first “trash talk” we got, it really just have more impact coming from foreigners.

But really, just give me the book!

will be brewing something before next month fall to not to rot this blog.. 

Time and again I guess I will be saying this to you, I’m back! That’s still better I guess when really, I can’t maintain this whole blogging. With such demanding academic schedule mixed with train of unfortunate events, I just can’t.

Again, I’m doing this not more likely for my readers (if there are) but for myself. Or I would just like to pretend that there were at least people who happened to pass by my page and care. And when they saw it for almost two months now without any update, ask what happened.

What a shit it would be if after with such drama I had with the first part of this post I’ll just say nothing much transpired with me during those idle time.

Again, I have all my right to pretend that you care.

THE GREAT FLOODS: Well, aside from the Habagat downpour that took Manila by storm (by flood actually), any heavy rain is now seen to affect UST and nearby places regularly. Darn the government, it’s been our problem for epochs now! I got stranded again, classes were suspended, schedules were ruined.

THE UAAP CHEERDANCE COMPETITION: Before the competition proper, we first watched the Tiger Pep Rally. Judging their performance, our spirit for grabbing back the title went down but nevertheless hoped and prayed for the best until the very last minute. As everyone knows by now, UST-SDT placed fourth for second straight year.  Needless to say, we are still proud of UST. We did not watch it live though, the ticket selling of MOA Arena was such an epic failure! Congrats UP!

THE UAAP BASKETBALL FINALS: Even before Season 75 started, sports analysts have counted out the Growling Tigers AGAIN! And yet, we (i always use the pronoun) did not only made it to the Final 4, we made it to the FINALS! Did I mention we queue for more than three hours just to buy tix for Game 2? And another 2 hours to get inside the Araneta! haha, small sacrifice as support to the team! As I’ve said before call it “tsamba” or whatever, we left everyone in awe and proved, yet again, the doubters wrong! We may not be able to snatch the title but the whole Thomasian community has shown tremendous support and the whole team feels like the same! Congrats Ateneo, I already moved on! :)

THE FINAL EXAMINATIONS WEEK: Alongside the UAAP Basketball Finals, we had our own fight academically. Mine went well, I’d like to believe. Grades will be out soon and I’m hoping that I’ll get what I worked for.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM GETAWAY: This trip was planned long time ago but turned out to be unplanned. I wasn’t prepared at all! It’s always good to unwind after the tiring week of Final Exams let alone to be with friends I haven’t gone out with for a long time. Endline, we had fun.

Of course, behind the curtains are the drama I opt not to mention. I want this entry to feel just right.

I got happy and sad. That makes me normal. Epiphany, but consequently still leaving me confused. Doubts, despite the proof presented. Longing, after seeing you everyday. T’was roller coaster.

Lastly, I just finished reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which really made me sad. The good sad.

I always have fun reading the incoming college freshmen’s predicament, issues, etc., especially those who will be future Thomasians. This wasn’t the same during 2008 yknow! haha

Well guys, I will be happy to answer your questions if you have one especially regarding the Faculty of Engineering and Chemical Engineering Department. Don’t worry, I won’t crush your idealism, that’s just so soon! hahaha

Companies to go to for my OJT? Not my problem! Modesty aside, I had a handful for myself to choose from, and that I would have to turn down the others. It wasn’t just fed to me, I worked for them all: Nestle, Coca-Cola, and finally, Unilever! I deserved the damn opportunities because, boy, I know how to chase them! But life never forgets to give me my share of problems. Need not be told, they’re finances, yet again! I always asked why don’t it give me a break?! You know, I feel like I don’t deserve such and that those people who didn’t believe in me, I also feel that they are still dragging me down. But I shall not falter, He always backed me up, and always will! I can prove them wrong and slap their faces with my success. One step at a time, I will hurdle this off, and I can pay those who people whom I owe.

Carry on, Chal, you will do great! You know you will go places!

(This post is long overdue and for a long time I can’t figure out how I should present it but what the heck, I don’t have an editor! I may just emphasize that the accounts of the events could be subjective to my observation and I do not claim them to be complete.)

After 40 [insert adjective here] years, they have gathered to celebrate. The class of 1973 of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Santo Tomas shared the night of 11^th of February with joy, cheers, and memories. They are the ruby jubilarians!

Thanks to technology that they have restored their connections, though some, still, were not able to make it because some were abroad and for some personal reasons just didn’t make it; maybe some due to old age, and some were already one with the Creator. Nevertheless, everyone’s been celebrated for!

Professor Alberto Laurito, former Dean of the faculty, our Reaction Kinetics and Separation Processes instructor asked us to assist their batch organizing committee with the event. The deed mostly includes documentation and material preparation, plus a medley number. Having seen their pictures in the Thomasian 1973 (the yearbook of UST), the eight of us were excited to see the attendees even before the event started. How those faces evolved with time, if you may. :)

I cannot recount all the happenings during that night anymore. No one would want to read that, this ain’t news.

The whole event was an experience for us, witnessing the priceless moments of them seeing each other after a long time, hugging and catching up with each other. Some of them didn’t even see each other after their graduation, as they said. These were all not caught by cameras, we regret, because it was all spontaneous. The joy in their spirit exudes in their action and smiles. Many of them are already retirees; some are travelling and seeing the world and some are just active with organizations or overseeing their own business. Almost, if not all, of them were actively participating with the prepared activities.

The photobooth where they have to strike a wacky pose is just a statement how game they still are and which, by the way, is my favorite. Some of which are shown below.

The theme of the occasion was “Still Smart and Gorgeous @ 40” and justice, I think, was given; intimidated as she said was the current Dean Dr. Marcelo who graced the event. With her is Asst. Dean Balog, Faculty Regent Fr. Luanzon, and USTEAAI President. Also present were their living professors who were just but right given honors.

My classmates and I can’t help but putting ourselves in their shoes. Thinking of how are we gonna end up after 40 years. To whom of the attendees are our fates most likely to be similar? The thought that they were also once students like us that just made us think of what future holds for us. But then, only time will tell.

All in all, the night has been long, tiring and stressful but fun!

I’ve never been drunk, never partied hard! Have I lived a life?

I’m always taken aback when I always have a chance. I see, then, drinking differently. Though I know it’s not as bad as it seems, I really don’t think it was unnecessary but I never tried it. I didn’t think it was super cool either. Just right. I blame it to my high school friends who are conservative by definition! haha Family setup didn’t help either, there are drinkers but not my age and they never asked me to take even just a swig, so I didn’t take any.

Don’t get it wrong, I’m drinking alcohol but not tonnes of it. Damn I’ve studied brewing and fermentation processes back in our Industrial and Organic Chemistry classes, respectively, but never had I taken the chance to fully appreciate its products.

So I want to take out calculus one day and test my limits. HAHA

After deciding not to pursue Nestle Philippines - Cabuyao factory, we’ll be heading to Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. - Canlubang plant on Monday!

May the universe conspire with us!

I’ve been pondering about it for days. Am I a bad leader? Like how bad? This is rhetorical. (I will opt not to expound on it.)

Fourth year UST Chemical Engineering students are looking for additional members to complete their teams for the RCNAS-organized “NeoVation”. Extension of submission of entries was given to us in effect of coinciding our department’s event, Product Innovation Expo. Consequently, they allowed us to expand our group from three to the allowable number of members for the Neovation which is 5-8.

Only bona fide students of UST are eligible to join the competition.

Anyway, I can only speak for our class and I can tell that they have different preferences. Some would want a CFAD student for presentation aspects, others would want it from CBA for marketing strategies, others would want a Food Tech student because their product is food, etc.

Contact me as soon as possible so that I can coordinate with my classmates right away. Deadlines are getting close! Thanks!

Contact me here:

https://twitter.com/ryuchaL

http://www.facebook.com/ryuchaL

+639263072876

Fourth year UST Chemical Engineering students are looking for additional members to complete their teams for the RCNAS-organized “NeoVation”. Extension of submission of entries was given to us in effect of coinciding our department’s event, Product Innovation Expo. Consequently, they allowed us to expand our group from three to the allowable number of members for the Neovation which is 5-8.

Only bona fide students of UST are eligible to join the competition.

Anyway, I can only speak for our class and I can tell that they have different preferences. Some would want a CFAD student for presentation aspects, others would want it from CBA for marketing strategies, others would want a Food Tech student because their product is food, etc.

Contact me as soon as possible so that I can coordinate with my classmates right away. Deadlines are getting close! Thanks!

Contact me here:

https://twitter.com/ryuchaL

http://www.facebook.com/ryuchaL

+639263072876

I feel the need to give a head’s up for everyone. It is 2013 yknow! I mean, TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN!!! If you know what I mean. Happy new year yo! :))

This year is sending some promise in every vein in my body.

I know not everyone doesn’t have a good year’s start just as all other day of the year. We can’t all be happy all at the same time, universal. So please, I don’t want to be toxic and send the wrong energy.

I want to accomplish so many things this year. Academics is given, I need to excel beyond my own standards. That will not be easy. Materially, I know it’ll just be the same; rubbery hard. Better relationships; with God, family, and friends. For bonus, love maybe?

Another thing is that on January 3 our classes will resume and that’s just like a blink away! We have quizzes, deadlines to meet as soon as we come back! Screw it, I haven’t had a good feel of this (a little over than a week) vacation, I’m going out with a date with my friends! I will be one with all other Thomasians on cramming tomorrow! wohoo!! NEW YEAR WITH A BANG, SURE WILL!

Yesterday’s so last year, we’re on a new ride! Enjoy folks!

My first quizzes for my subjects this semester are garbage! I have said. The results are not yet out but I surely know how to gauge. The streak continued until the first quiz of two today. I sometimes do not know what’s happening to me during quiz, I am just doing it all wrong. Realizing it once I passed my paper. However, I was able to pull myself together for my second quiz. I badly needed that to gain back my confidence!

Having recently discovered my new drive to strive harder, if not for perfection, I am up for redemption.

CARRY ON.

I haven’t had a chance to squeeze my creative juices lately. Yes, I design for a small number of times for UST Chemical Engineering Society but that wasn’t it. I mean, more of my artistic expression, i.e. creative writing.

Not that I do much in the past but I had a handful compared nowadays. Today, mainly, it wasn’t called for.

You know, I used to dance. (Even to chip in some choreography.) My friends in college might be surprised to know that because I haven’t showcased it. :) I love to dance more for the sake of its art than for others to enjoy it watching. I’m afraid that I don’t have the groove anymore for the current trend though. I MISS PRACTICING ROUTINES TO SWEAT.

Also back in high school, I directed a play for our drama club. I WANT TO DO IT AGAIN. I also did some small roles.

There were also times when I almost everyday play volleyball, even trained for it back in elementary and high school but always ended up picking badminton to officially play for school. I MISS THE BADMINTON TRAINING.

These, together with all other stuffs make up my frustrations in life. HAHA

Sure there are enough grounds to expose these while I am in college but I opted not to for some checkered reasons. :)

The worst feeling could be this. When things are not in your hands to take. All you can do is to wait and keep your hopes high backed up with prayers. If I can pray in every single breath I take, I would. I am in this very familiar position. Sorry if I still can’t open it fully, but heck I can not be more worried in my entire life.

I need this, an outlet, as usual.

It is very saddening to learn the news about the death of Jonah Ortiz, a fellow Thomasian student, after falling from the fourth floor of the school’s Main Building. To think, I was there earlier. The root cause was still unknown as of tonight. Whatever that was, it will be sadder if it was intentional and was driven by depression.

A tweet from a friend said that her mom, a College of Science (resides at the Main Bldg.) alumna, told her that there were already a number of cases of suicides during her time on the same passion.

This whole incident, even not yet confirmed as suicide, made me self-asses of what share of problems of the world I have. Sure we all have problems, I am just glad that what I have is manageable and will always be even how hard it could be.

I hope you can also find reason to continue to live your life, if not for you at least for others who care about you.

Suicide or not, I can’t blame Jonah Ortiz. It’s another Thomasian passing away after Cyrish Magalang who was brutally murdered. How ironic it could be if the fall was intentional.

Not to mention that the mother of a good friend, who was my classmate from grade to high school, also died due to breast cancer. I think this is enough call for me to live and love life.

I pray for John Ortiz’, Cyrish Magalang’s, and Theresa Arda’s eternal repose.

(Forgive the errors here, if there are any, my mind is kinda mixed up, plus I’m using a phone, but I really want to post this. I believe, I made my point though.)

I waited, you didn’t come. You apologized, I melted.

You still do not know. You can’t call me coward, I know what’s on top of my olympus.

And we’re back at one.

I have all the bad things to say about the subject and our professor but I better not continue on that part.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

You know, I know how it works for topics like.
“Factors to influence the decisions to keep at home an adult family member who is dependent because of disabilities, rather than “placing” or “institutionalizing” the adult child.”;

or, “The events and influences leading to the widespread use of “brother” terms in Blackfeet society by the late 1800s.”.

[source: http://www.engin.umich.edu/teaching/crltengin/engineering-education-research-resources/maxwell-conceptual-framework.pdf]

I just can’t get it if it already comes with, say, applied sciences like the following topics:

“Prediction of enthalpy of fusion of pure compounds using an Artificial Neural Network-Group Contribution method”

“Prediction of upper flammability limit percent of pure compounds from their molecular structures.”

[source: sciencedirect.com]

“Laboratory studies on performance of porous concrete.”

“Comparison of mechanical and hydraulic properties of porous concrete with conventional concrete and its application as drainage layer of pavement to decrease floodwater surface runoff.” <—- OUR TOPIC

See the difference? My question is, DO WE REALLY HAVE TO MAKE ONE?
One thing is that, we’re not taught how to make one and a whole lot more of reasons!

And that, my folks, has been the preliminary exams for this semester this school year. That’s why I’ve been away from tumblr! :) Generally  I could say that I did well in most of the subjects but I don’t want to sound conclusive, I might jinx it! haha Well that’s just most of the subjects, for the rest I did just good! Thing is, I don’t want to settle just for good anymore but there’ll be enough time for me to make up for those. I hate it yesterday, the last day of the exams, when I totally forgot how to get the temperature drop in each effect in evaporation! I reviewed well on that, darn it, that’s a 25-point problem! Maybe I could only hijack about 10 points of it! Sad, I know! Nevertheless, what’s done is done. After all the stresses, our department has our General Assembly in Excess Superclub in Timog but I opted not to attend since the whole class did not push through due to changes in the event. My friends, though, in other year were convincing me to attend but could only do so much! And so, I just went home and on the way had my food trip! haha When I reached home, I just fix myself and fall to my bed and just woke up just almost now! That sleep, my friend who’s been missed because of the exams. So, today is Sunday and we’ll be back to school on Wednesday because Monday is the end of Ramadan for our Muslim friends and on Tuesday is Ninoy Aquino Day, I might as well unwind to reward myself! I should head to church today first!

20 July 2012, 20:15

                 I can’t help but to express my disappointment regarding the suspension of classes at UST earlier. It was about 5 minutes before 12nn that the Dean’s Office announced the suspension. For a fraction of a second I thought I heard the announcement wrongly but the cheers and screams of joy inside the building assured that the classes 12nn onwards was indeed suspended!

                 According to CHED Memorandum No. 15 Series of 2012, that states the clarificatory guidelines for the suspension of classes in HEIs due to bad weather;

                 “4. Local chief executives and/or HEI heads or their duly authorized representatives shall make the announcement for the cancellation or suspension of classes not later than 4:30AM of the day when cancellation or suspension shall take effect, using all available media outlets (radio, TV, SMS, website and other forms of social media). For midday suspensions, the announcement shall be made not later than 11:00AM. School heads are advised to use proper discretion since there are times it is safer to keep the students in school rather than expose them to greater danger.”

                 My class was to start by 12nn but I intended to go to UST earlier and so I was there by around 10AM since a classmate of mine asked for my help in our assignment and for a little tutoring about our lessons. I usually left our home for school 3 hours before my class, plus I always make sure to be informed before leaving our house of any suspension and/or traffic update for I will be coming from a long way that I don’t want it to be wasted. And so this day was not an exception, I already knew that there were suspension of classes in Antipolo, Las Pinas, Paranaque and other places. Needed to mention that I will be coming from Cavite where there was more rain earlier (at least that’s what my classmate who lives in Manila told me). I have not learned of any suspension from Manila before I left and so I thought the warning being posted by PAGASA will not be affecting Manila too much. Since I am always mobile in Facebook and Twitter, I kept on checking for suspension while on the road, but none came.

                 And so I was upset when they announced the suspension. Probably my situation could have been better if I didn’t go to UST earlier, but I wouldn’t mind at all if they only announced it at 11AM (as per memo) regardless of whether I was already in school or not. Furthermore, the sentiment I had, apparently, was also that of the many, especially those who are also coming/came from far places. I am not sure if the administration had announced it on other platforms (TV, radio, social media, and alike) but what I know is that many were pissed off when they arrived at school just to realize that classes are suspended. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t love suspensions as many of the students do but it’s the question of consideration of the students’ situation. Also, I don’t earn a fortune that a little money that I should’ve saved and used for other purposes would mean a lot.

                 Just like other times, the day went well. The rain was tolerable, I believe.

                 In UST’s defense, it may be better be late than never, but it’s still the best if it was early. I just don’t know if they’re afraid of having students stranded inside the campus again but that’s how it seems to me.  I really believe, before this had happened; that UST already improved, if not perfected, announcing class suspensions at best. I just hope it will be better next time. :D

Most part of it has long been written but unpublished until now. Since my professor demanded us to introduce ourselves, I might as well post it.

     Numerous times I tried to describe myself, about 90% of them I failed. I realized that either I should be taking an expectator’s seat to see who and what I am or I should just be taking you in my ride. My e-life should do well in introducing me.

      Yes, the typical guy with facebook, twitter, google+, foursquare, and tumblr; but no, I don’t usually get along with what the flow of pop culture which dictates how the society would behave. Sometimes, I even tend to be selfish with the things I like; I don’t want the mass of people to know the things (i.e. songs) that I am into. I even refer to it as “mass-ified” or “corrupted”. I only want few people to know it. This is, perhaps, because I like to be one of the few in certain things; the prestige and honor that it may encompass.

      I like to talk (which is why this post is getting long by the minute) but could be taciturn at first. I had a hard time sharing my thoughts but I eventually learned to, thanks to social media (blogging). I love music; pop, alternative, country, rock, ballad… pretty much any genre, I know how to appreciate good music. I am sports-minded. I play volleyball, badminton, do fun runs; but not apparent with my physique. I like to be good at other sports as well, lawn and table tennis, triathlon, hockey, polo, archery, softball, mountaineering, and so many more. And I also used to dance.

      I love to read (at times). I have read quite a number of books. Some popular titles are Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons, The Lost Symbol; the Harry Potter Series; some of The Series of Unfortunate Events series; The Hunger Games Trilogy; Eleven Minutes, By the River Piedra ; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; The Secret Garden; Shutter Island; The Greatest Salesman in the World;  McArthur, Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas, Stainless Longganisa, Kapitan Sino, Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan ; Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me; Titser;  Gapo; Bata Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa. And as of posting time, there are a lot of other books in my shelf (and in my phone, ebooks), waiting to be read! I also love to watch movies and American TV series; Chuck is my favourite. Among others are The Big Bang Theory, Fringe, and The Walking Dead. I also want to watch Anime series but I haven’t, Death Note is the last one I was able to finish.

      I also like to take random photos and to learn photography. I also cook simple Filipino dishes. I love to get involved in intellectual conversations; to discuss social issues and take part/side and take action if needed.

      I want to explore the world. Go to Japan and see Mt. Fuji, experience the bullet trains. Go see the royal Great Britain. To see the rich art and history of France, Italy, Germany, Greece, and other European countries. Go to US to see the majestic Grand Canyon. To Africa and see the wild.

      And ultimately, I want to be a great chemical engineer. To contribute to different fields of science; biotechnology, nanotechnology, materials science, even in pharmaceuticals. I want to study in Stanford University and Cambridge University for my post-graduate degrees. I also want to experience the educational system of other countries as well.

      I know, this is such a big dream to fulfil but… no, no but’s! These are mine, and I know how to dream!