The “Century of Humiliation” and why China Wants to Rise Once More: A Theory

The People’s Republic of China, now the second largest economy by nominal GDP in the world is aiming for greatness once more.

This vying for international and economic dominance became noticeable starting in 2013, when the East Asian giant became to assert its “undisputed” sovereignty over swaths of sea islets way beyond its coastal borders. Not content with simply occupying small islets and reefs, it started reclamation projects in order to build artificial island where construction of lighthouses and other similar outposts can be built. Strategically speaking, one viable rationale for doing such an effort is that the Spratly Archipelago and the surrounding reefs are lying on top of vast oil and gas deposits.

Spheres of influence in the Chinese Empire, two years before
the last Emperor of China abdicated.
(Source:
http://www.slideshare.net/Elsa2010/effect-of-imperialism-to-china)

The desire of the socialist state stems back centuries ago. One hundred and fifty years ago, generations of Chinese have pursued one nationalistic goal: to restore China’s greatness – Fu Qiang, or “wealth and power” (or sometimes translated as “prosperity and strength”). The book “Weath and Power” by Orville Schell’s and John Delury’s explains in detail about this valiant determination catalyzing the desire of Chinese leaders to embark on projects aiming to make China a superpower. The authors argue that such undertakings were partly driven by a sense of shame and humiliation. In the book “A History of the World” by Marvin Perry illustrates how the Manchu-Era Chinese Empire viewed themselves as the only civilized country in the world, a prideful view that didn’t go well with militarily-superior western imperialist nations who wanted to establish regular trade with China (starting in the 1700s). In the early nineteenth century, China was shaken by the western imperialist nation. Conflict sparked in the form of the First and Second Opium Wars with the British, and coupled with devastating wars with “barbarians” - the French, Portuguese, and even the Japanese, the defeat of imperial China signaled the start of the “century of humiliation”, a term they referred to these events.

The Psychology of "Victimhood"

Victimhood is a powerful unifying emotion that fueled the determination of the Chinese people, as I have observed. Sometimes, it is said that the Chinese authorities see it as a tactic to deflect criticism or bolster public opinion against “western imperialism”.

This feeling of victimhood is also being used as a tactic by some powerful Filipino politicians facing serious corruption issues, as the masses’ “mapalad ang inaapi” mentality is strong.

In China, “making our nation strong so that nobody can mistreat us anymore” overrides all other agendas. This vindictive psyche, however, makes it appear aggressive among its geographically smaller Asian neighbors, the latter labeling China as a “bully”. Its disputes with Southeast Asian neighbors are still thankfully benign.

However, one must be careful especially when a nation’s pride is sensitive. In a Forbes article, it was reported that “the sense of humiliation is so deeply entrenched in the Chinese psyche, that even today while the rest of the world considers China a strong and powerful nation, many Chinese still behave as the ones being bullied and mistreated, with a watchful eye for “hostile foreign forces.””

It is no wonder that the People’s Republic of China is still hell-bent on “expanding” its control towards it claims to be under their “undisputable” sovereignty (which is loosely-based on historical records). Indeed, I can only marvel how a feeling of victimhood can drive one nation (or one person) to prosperity – all in the name of restoring past glory.

Design Expert

One of the software we used in our undergraduate research (thesis) was Design Expert.

Link to download (may be removed if deemed violating copyright rules): https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0_hGPxb2nRBdjJ0QjhZSGdGVms

“Kampihan natin ang Inaapi” Mentality and How Binay Uses it as Leverage in his Presidential Bid

*adapted

Remember when Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay brazenly attended on 15 September a general open forum portion of an event titled “Forum on Governance, Transparency and Social Transformation” at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, a branch campus of the premier University of the Philippines.

Due to the fact that Vice President Binay has been hounded by corruption allegations on all sides, it is no wonder that the university students (UPLB) pressed Binay in answering their queries concerning the allegations against him. The open forum, however, became heated as the questions and subsequent reactions of the students “pinned down” Binay, the latter forced to utter somehow contradictory statements. The Vice President was openly jeered by the unsatisfied students as a result.

One example on how Binay got “roasted” is when he was forced to admit that there are indeed informal settlers in Makati City, despite brandishing in his propaganda that Makati City is a “highly developed ‘rich’ city”. When the student pointed out the existence of informal settlers in Makati, a seemingly surprised Binay initially challenged the student to point out where the informal settlers are, but in the end a piqued Binay said that “The informal settlers in Makati are just 3% or 5%”, a subtle contradiction to his earlier statement that there are no informal settlers in the highly-urbanized city. This was just an example of the many heated exchanges he encountered with socially-aware students of UPLB.

Why would Binay, who cunningly evaded the questioning press and even turned down a live debate in which corruption issues would be discussed, allow himself to be “roasted” in a forum turned “inquisition”?

The most probable answer is simple - he wanted to get taunted and jeered.

I remember an essay by Nicanor Tiangson titled “Four Values in Filipino Drama and Film”. Basically the essay not only touched upon the Filipino taste for entertainment but also ultimately linked it to the socio-cultural phenomenon behind it. One of the principal values usually encountered in stereotypical Filipino dramas is “Mabuti ang Inaapi” or “Hurrah for the Underdog”. It is usually the bida (main protagonist) who is initially maltreated and abused in Filipino dramas, and this ingrained the value that we should automatically side with the oppressed. There is nothing wrong with persecution, Tiangson pointed out in the essay, but the idea that the oppressed are always the good guys is something we both disapprove.

You see, the students of UPLB who roasted him in the forum, the upper-middle class users of Twitter who continuously bash Binay (even ad hominem attacks), and the people who are celebrating his public roasting are portrayed as “Binay’s oppressors”, the “kontrabidas” (antagonists) of a seemingly honorable Vice President (or so it appears). His attendance was not about convincing the UPLB students - it was about gaining publicity and ultimately, drawing a sharp contrast between people who oppose him and people who support him. His attendance and subsequent public "humiliation" at the hands of the perceived middle-class and upper-middle class lends momentum to the idea of a class struggle. He wanted to show people how he would be brutalized by university students even after graciously accepting an invitation to a college forum. He is a Machiavellian genius when it comes to politics, as he keeps a superficial down-to-earth image in order to convince the majority of voters, lower class citizens, that he is one with them.

  The worse part is that his plan appears to be working, and the main contributor to his success does not lie in his already-villified allies but in his detractors. Many of his detractors, like the netizens he ired, contributed to this image of a “class struggle”. Slogans like "No To Nognog" and memes making fun of his skin color and his looks placed emphasis on the distinction between his supporters and his detractors. The majority of voters – especially those unaware about the allegations about him, would automatically sympathize with the man they believe is like them – a man oppressed by the elitist rich people. (Even presidential candidate Mar Roxas is criticized as an elitist by die-hard Binay loyalists.) Notice how the 670 sister cities of Makati are usually underdeveloped municipalities in far-away provinces,

Either way, his maltreatment at the hands of UPLB students still brought more publicity for him. (As the saying goes, “bad publicity is still publicity.”) Let us not underestimate the Machiavellian prowess of Binay and his underlings. What his cam did was an intelligent and calculated decision based on the simple fact that the uneducated voters outnumber the educated voters.

*This is an adapted work and the blog owner will not be responsible for the accuracy of the data in this article.

Credits to the Following:

Mr. David Yap

Netizen Denzel

On the Reason for Existence (Raison d'être)

Foreword: I’ve decided to write in an “open letter” format to make it more “connecting” to people.

My friends and loyal followers,

Pondering on the fragility of our lives, I stumbled upon a classical question, "What is the reason for our existence?" The term raison d'être (French for “reason for existence”) is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as the thing that is most important to someone or something; the reason for which a person or organization exists.

I have seen many humans spend their time on lasciviousness and other wasteful activities. (Kanilang ginugol ang kanilang buhay sa kalayawan.) They are focused on materialistic wants and goals. I, being somehow a non-conformist, have other plans and goals. I exhort you all not to be overly attached to material things and consumerist trends. For Christian believers, if you really believe in the Bible, you should that we were created for good works. It is written: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)  To do good works to all men is a prime mission we need to fulfill. It is written: So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10 RSV) It is the main reason I try to help people if they need me. I was delighted when someone mentioned that people say that I'm an approachable nice person, always willing to lend a hand in need. However, I am not saying this for personal glory, but I, a servant, am saying this as a testament to declare that Christian teachings can be an effective teacher of morality for people. (Suck it, militant atheists! You pride yourselves to be good without god but you constantly deny even the tiniest contribution of Christian teachings to a person's moral compass.) To be honest, I was inspired to write this partially because of my desire to clear any misunderstanding some people may have about me.

So basically, I really want to help people in need. I have the tendency to befriend the lower ends of the socio-political ladder because I tend to be more emphatic to the cause of the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized. In high school, my friends did not come from affluent families. Even the Judeo-Christian God, despite being the Highest above all, chose the ones perceived by the world as weak. It is written: ²⁷ but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, ²⁸ God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹ so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1: 27 – 29 [RSV]). In my college days, I would usually befriend the irregular students, the unpopular ones, the seemingly out-of-place students, and even the student laboratory assistants. Even my thesis partner once quipped, "Ang dami mong kakilala ah.” ("You're acquainted with so many people"). He said that while we walking around the campus and around ten people either greeted me or I greeted them first.

Having plenty of acquaintances is fine, but true friends are real treasures to keep. The preacher in Ecclesiastes said: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up. (Ecclesiastes 4: 9 – 10 RSV) Having loyal friends is indeed a treasure more valuable than gold.

We exist to help each other, and I believe being helpful and leaving behind at least some positive contributions as your legacy is a life well spent. It is true that as individuals we can never do enough to stop corruption, to preserve the environment, and to maintain peace and goodwill among mankind. Our individual contributions to the betterment of society, despite appearing to be insufficient, will help you feel that you've fulfilled your reason for existence. Remember the case of famed German industrialist Oscar Schindler, who virtually used all his resources and riches in saving the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. Reports claim that he felt that he could have done better, only to be reassured that he should be thankful to have been able to save more than a thousand lives from the infamous concentration camps. You may claim that what we’re doing will not have a significant bearing for the improvement of the world, which may be true. However, this should inspire us further to work hard to help one another, despite the fact that it will never be enough in a large-scale view.

If you’ll ask me, the best way to be immortalized is to do or at least, idealize something that has the potential to help mankind. Rise above the ordinary but do not be arrogant! Be humble. Lift up the poor and the oppressed and let us carry the burden of one another. One example of contributing is by doing our part in saving the environment. Being immortalized in history may be an awesome feat, but we should not solely focus on it. “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.’[1]” said Mother Theresa.

Skeptics and atheists are usually the ones who emphasize in "living life to its fullest", obviously due to the fact that they reject the idea of the afterlife. Some have a tendency to emphasize worldly concerns because of this, which can be good sometimes. Imagine their efforts trying to eradicate disease because they value life. They even mock fanatical theists who emphasize faith healing. This is a misrepresentation of Christianity because this is not how educated Christians should act, since the Bible also emphasizes on exerting efforts to take care of yourself. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (2 John 1:8 KJV)

However, some skeptics tend to be slow to forgive and prideful, since they do not believe in divine retribution in the afterlife. (Unlike Christians - who are commended to forgive even enemies.) I am actually playing safe even though I believe in the afterlife. This drives me to strive further to be helpful to all men, since it is one way to be remembered and "immortalized". By doing good deeds, we please God, and if such deeds allow a person to be mentioned at least once in the annals of history, then we are also, in a perspective, immortalized. A win-win situation, I think.

You might ask? Why? Unlike most people who desire the snaring pleasures of riches and fame, my desire to be a contributor for the slightest improvement (if there is still hope) of the world is fueled by my desire to atone my past mistakes. Being remembered in a positive way is also helpful in covering my rough past, the humiliations, and even my failures. It is hoped that by succeeding in this ultimate mission, I have served my Designer, helped mankind, and fulfilled my raison d'être. This is my driving force that keeps me going despite the obstacles I face in this life. Strive hard, my friends, to achieve your goals. Do not forget your humble beginnings so as to not allow pride to consume you.

Thank you.

---

[1] Matthew 25:35–36 

Kalikasan: Papag-isahin Tayo?

Tulad ng pagsasalubong ng dalawang linya

Tungo sa mga katulad na interes

Isang punto ng pagkakaisa, isang pananaw

Wala masyadong pagkakaiba, ikaw at ako.

Sa sandaling panahon ng ating pagsasama

Natunghayan ko ang iyong bukas na isip

Seryosong datíng ng iyong pakilos

Pinagkakaisa tayo ng hilig sa kalikasan.

Nakita ko ang iyong malayang pagiisip
iyong personalidad na tila laging nakakalasag
tila tagamasid sa samu’t-saring opinyon
ng mga tao ukol sa politika’t relihiyon.

Tuwing may pagkakataong mag-uusap
tulad sa mga pulong na may talakayan
Mga litrato’t bidyo ng mga kinapal na gumagapang
na iyong ikinalulugod at hindi sinusupil.

Marami kang katangiang tumutugma
sa aking interes na dating hinulma
sa pagkahumaling sa agham at naturalismo
na bihira kong mahanap sa mga babae.

Mga kagamitang panlaboratoryong iyong ipinamana
wala nang pakialam pagkatapos magtapós
Umaapaw na paggiliw sa iyong hitsura
at iyong kyut o marikit na mukha.

Social Teachings of the Church: A Short Reaction Paper about Injustice

Foreword: This short article was originally written as a requirement for the course Social Teachings of the Church. It was originally written in 2013.

Injustice, or should we say, rampant injustice usually associated with abuse of authority or power, is a contemporary moral issue we are currently facing. It is also tied to corruption; since corrupt minds have the tendency to misjudge between what is right or wrong. Here I shall also tackle a severe form of injustice, human rights violations. As I have observed, injustice was already rampant since ancient times. Even in Biblical times, particularly in the Old Testament, injustice was present even in the Israelite society. In Ecclesiastes 3:16 (Douay-Rheims Version), it says, “I saw under the sun in the place of judgment wickedness, and in the place of justice iniquity.” I have observed that the Israelites, who are the chosen people, were also sometimes harbingers of injustice. Some Kings of Israel and Kings of Judah were corrupt and disobedient to the Mosaic Law. In around the 8^th century BC, Naboth, an Israelite vineyard owner, was falsely accused and executed after Jezebel the Queen of Israel conspired with King Ahab of Israel to take the vineyard belonging to Naboth. Daniel, the post-exilic prophet who lived in Babylon, was placed in the lion’s den despite being innocent, as his opponents manipulated a loophole in the king’s edict to have him imprisoned. Even Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion despite being innocent (and even sinless). This shows that even godly pious people experienced injustice here on earth. This is a continuous process, as despite having intricate justice systems, it is still far from perfect. The United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, admits that statistically 8 to 12 percent of all state prisoners are either actually or factually innocent. In the Philippines, it is fairly common to hear innocent prisoners suffering in prison due to an extremely sluggish justice system. In 2004, the Supreme Court of the Philippines released information claiming that a 71.77 percent judicial error rate in serious cases was recorded from 1993 to 2004. Due to the lack of confidence in the Philippine justice system, some Filipino resort to vigilante justice as even those who commit petty crimes are viciously tortured to death. This is a clear violation of human rights because everybody has the right to due process. Even if there is injustice in the world, personal vendetta and vengeful tactics should be avoided by Christians. They should look up to God for justice, as it is written: Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. [Romans 12:19 NIV] Justice should be served in the correct way, in this time or in the day of judgment.

Although raising awareness against the dangers of being falsely convicted will not guarantee that our justice system will improve, I believe the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church can inspire its devotees to be more impartial towards humans. We have an inherent susceptibility to sin but we should try to use our abilities to stay away from temptation. We should continue to strive and take action, if we can help, against anything that would take away the dignity of the human persons. In 1965, Pope Paul VI’s Pastoral Constitution titled Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World) tackled many things. In Chapter IV, it reads: With integrity and wisdom, they must take action against any form of injustice and tyranny, against arbitrary domination by an individual or a political party and any intolerance. They should dedicate themselves to the service of all with sincerity and fairness, indeed, with the charity and fortitude demanded by political life. Another encyclical discussed the irony of the failure of advanced civilization to eradicate basic problems plaguing humanity. Often, underneath the intricacies of economic, financial and political interconnections, there remain misunderstandings, hardships and injustice. Therefore, it is wise to resound the appeal made by Pope Paul VI in his encyclical Populorum Progressio (The Development of Peoples): In the developing nations and in other countries lay people must consider it their task to improve the temporal order. While the hierarchy has the role of teaching and authoritatively interpreting the moral laws and precepts that apply in this matter, the laity have the duty of using their own initiative and taking action in this area—without waiting passively for directives and precepts from others.

It is clear that many Roman Catholics, lay or clergy alike, has a role in being part of a social transformer to help eradicate any form of injustice that degrades the dignity of the human person.

Wala Namang Masama sa Intellectual Discussions

Sinasabi ng ilan kong kritiko (mga taong hindi naman ako lubos na kilala) na masama raw ang puro nalang usapan nang wala namang ginagawa. Totoo ito. Pero may ginagawa naman kami hanggang sa kakayahan namin (may limitasyon naman kami dahil hindi pa kami makapangyarihang tao. Kaya nga ako intersado sa politika dahil sa ganitong paraan lamang makokontrol ang bayan.)

Pansinin:

1. Si Rizal nagsulat, pero hindi nanguna sa himagsikan. Sapat na ang isinulat niya upang mapukaw ang damdamin ng mga tao. Sa gayong paraan din kami nagsusulat upang pukawin ang isip, kasi anong silbi ang pagiging disiplinado namin kung ‘di naman kami mangangaral sa iba para sumunod sa batas. Kami nga hindi nagkakalat, hindi nagdudumi, hindi nagsusunog ng basura, sumusunod sa batas trapiko. Pero walang pakialam ang bobong karamihan, kaya kami nagsusulat upang (sakaling) magising sila sa katangahan nila.
2. May ginagawa naman kami. Kayo ba? Nagse-segragate ba kayo ng basura tulad nang ginagawa namin? Umiiwas ba kayo sa mga produktong may mga masasamang kemikal tulad namin? Nagpiprint ba kayo back-to-back para makabawas sa konsumo ng papel? Yung mga halimbawang binibigay niyo eh lagpas na sa kakayahan namin eh, bigyan niyo kami ng kapangyarihan baka magawa pa namin. “Turuan daw namin ung mga [palaboy] sa España...” Pwede naman namin gawin yun eh, pero wala sa punto 'yan (dahil kalikasan at hindi mga tao ang nais namin tulungan kung ganiyan lang din naman kayo). Kapag ginawa ba namin ‘yun titino ba kayo? Susunod ba kayo sa mga nais namin baguhin? O kukutyain niyo parin kami? 
3. Kaya nga may mga petisyon eh. Pre, isip? Parang UN (United Nations/Nagkakaisang mga Bansa) lang yan, walang magawa sa ginagawa ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea, kasi nga tunay na makapangyarihan ang kalaban! Gusto namin palitan ang nakakapolusyong diesel at gasolina ng hydrogen fuel o solar, pero HINDI namin magagawa yun kahit mag-protesta kami kasi nga makapangyarihang tao ang makakatunggali namin. Eh kayo nga eh, gusto bumili ng kotse nang walang pakialam kung sumusunod ito sa emission tests. Kami, kapag mayaman na kami, hybrid o hydrogen-fueled car ang bibilhin namin. Huwag niyo rin maliitin ang “change.org” o ang mga petition sites kasi nakatutulong naman ito sa ibang bansa. Ika nga nila, kaysa mag-utak talangka (crab mentality) nalang kayo, ba’t di niyo nalang subukan makipirma sa mga petisyong sinusuporthan namin. Ang mga petisyon na ito, effective din kapag maraming sumuporta. (Yung MMDA chairman kinagat ung challenge at sumakay sa MRT – oo maliit na bagay – pero yan ang kapangyarihan ng mga taong nagkakaisa).

Nakikita ko naman ang punto niyo, pero intindihin niyo na para sa kinabukasan ang mga malalaking planong ginagawa namin. Ang mga maliliit na bagay na pantulong sa kalikasan (hal. Garbage segragation, recycling, printing papers back to back, avoiding the use of straw) nagagawa naman namin eh. Kapag ang ginagawa niyo mas higit pa sa ginagawa namin, sa gayon lang kami susuko at magsasabi kami ang walang kwenta. Hindi ako uurong at titigil hangga’t hindi namin nakukuha ang hustisya sa mga masasakit na salitang binitiwan niyo! Maraming salamat po. (Aking isinulat ito na may poot na dinaranas, pasensya na kung may mga salitang masakit.) 

Ayokong Magmahal...ang Tuition Fees Namin!

Ayokong Magmahal...ang Matrikulang Babayaran!

Paunang Sabi: Hindi po ako komunista ni isang radikal. Kung susukatin ang pampolitikang pananaw ko, ako po ay sentristang kumikiling sa kaliwa (center-left).

Nag-trending sa Twitter ang opisyal na hashtag ng protesta.
#AyokoMagmahal

Ayun. Nag-trending sa Twitter ang hashtag na #AyokoMagmahal nang nakaraang Huwebes (19 Pebrero)... Medyo hugot ba ang dating? Pwede. Pero ang tinutukoy nang katagang ‘yan ay yung pagmahal ng matrikula’t bayarin sa Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas. Taon-taon o annual na lang ang pag-taas ng tuition fees and miscellaneous charges. Nang nakaraang taon, 2.5 porsyento o P31.23 per unit ng pagtaas ng matrikula ng second- to fifth-year students. 3.5 porsyento naman ang pagtaas noong 2012 at 3 porsyente noong 2011. (Hindi pa yata kasama sa bilang ang mga nakawiwindang na miscellaneous fees, “other fees” at “other charges”)

  

Worst-case scenario thinking mode tayo... ano kaya mangyayari kapag hindi na kinaya ng mga middle at lower class ang mataas na matrikula:

1. Mas maraming mapipilitan mag-drop-out o lumipat sa eskwelahang mas mababa ang kalibre at reputasyon (tandaan na maraming kompanya ay masyadong maarte, may diskriminasyon, mababa ang tingin kapag hindi ka nanggaling sa UP, AdMU, LaSalle, o UST)
2.  Dahil mas kaunti ang makakapag-aral (assuming na tumataas din ang matrikula sa mga private schools and colleges), mas dadami ang mga di-sapat ang trabaho o underemployed.
3. Lalong mahihirapan umahon sa kahirapan ang nakararaming Pilipino. Sisishin nanaman ang gobyerno (oo may kasalanan din naman kasi ang gobyerno)
4.  Endless cycle?

A Sample Breakdown of "Miscellaneous Fees" and "Other Fees" (From the UST College of Science Student Council)

Bakit ba Kontra Ako sa Miscellaneous Fees Increase?

1. Katolikong Unibersidad ang UST – Katatapos lang ng pagdalaw ni Papa Francisco (Pope Francis) at talagang energized pa ang madla sa Pope-fever. Tumatak ang temang “Mercy and Compassion” sa karamihan. Kaya siguro ang ibang netizens ay lakas-loob na dumeretsong nag-tweet sa Santo Papa tungkol dito.
2. Mataas pa ang Hawak ng Kapital o Cash-on-Hand ng Administrasyon – Ayon sa isang pahayag ni mayroon pang P565,000,000 (more or less) ang administrasyon kahit di magtaas ang mga bayarin. Para saan pa ang pagtaas ng  bayarin? Baka maubos ang tagong kità?
3. Tila Paulit-ulit ang Ilang mga mga "Miscellaneous Fees" – “Special Development Fee” (1750 pesos kada semestre), “Learning Materials Fee” at “Information Development Fee” (1500 pesos kada semestre) ang ilan lamang sa mga tila ibang klaseng mga “buwis” na nakaatang sa balikat (at bulsa) ng mga estdyante (at magulang). Hindi ko na isinama yung “Physical Infrastructure Development” kasi alam ko (may tiwala naman ako kahit papaano) na sa mga pagtayo at panustos sa mga gusali ng kampus. Ang “Information Development Fee” ang maraming tumututol kasi hanggang ngayon medyo mababa (subpar) ang kalidad ng eLeap, myUste, at Wifi ng unibersidad.

Sa totoo lang, hindi naman ako kontra masyado sa mismong pagtaas ng matrikula o tuition fee, dahil alam (aware) ko rin naman na patuloy ang inflation (o pagpintog). Ayon sa batas, dapat mapunta sa pampasweldo at benepisyo ng mga teaching and non-teaching personnel ang 70 percent of the pagtaas ng tuition fee; ang natitirang 20% ay dapat mapunta sa gastusin para sa modernisasyon ng mga gusali’t pasilidad ng eskwelahan at ang natitirang 10% ay ituturing return of investment sa mga institusyong stock corporation o gagamitin para sa operasyon ng eskwelahan. 

Sa kahulihan, Gamitin natin ang ating karapatang sa malayang pananalita nguni’t daanin natin ito sa mahinahong pakikipagdiyalogo na may kahalong respeto. Iyon lamang po. Hindi po ako laban (ni lalaban) sa administrasyon ng unibersidad per se. Pairalin nawa ang awa at habag. #MercyandCompassion

Blogs ng Pinoy has Added My Blog. Hurray!

I may not be an active writer as of now due to my academic constraints but I am thankful that "Blogs ng Pinoy", a directory of Filipino-run blogsites has added my blogsite to their official directory. (Hurray! Libre! Libre!) This has inspired to resume writing articles. Hopefully, I will also write Filipino (or Taglish) articles soon discussing socio-economic observations in Philippine schools. Once again, I am very thankful. Maraming Salamat po. Terima Kasih. Daghang Salamat. To God be the glory.

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“Leveraging Diverse Medical Science to Fortify Humanity” Reaction Paper

Poster for the event provided by the Chemical Engineering Society - Logistics Committee 

On 8 October 2014, I attended a biomedicine and pharmacy seminar titled “Leveraging Diverse Medical Science to Fortify Humanity”. Spearheaded by the UST Chemical Engineering Society, the seminar invited reputable speakers in the field of biomedicine and pharmacy to discuss advancement and innovations in technologies in the field of medical science. Different medical innovations were discussed by the speakers of the event, specifically the clinical trials of PVP-Chitosan Hydrogels for Vesicouretinal Reflux, new wound dressings made of carrageenan hydrogel, and irradiation process for food sterilization.

The first speaker, Ms. Marie Mizal-Merza, discussed the reliability in the measurement of the concentration of drugs present in humans specifically through liquid means (e.g. blood and urine). I remembered much about Analytical Chemistry during the discussions. The next speaker was Dr. Arturo Estuita MD, a medical professional who discussed the innovative intravenous Chelation Therapy which is said to be effective against Hepatitis B. At the beginning of his lecture, I was a bit interested after hearing that his innovation can cure a disease long believed to be incurable. He explained that infusion chelation therapy kills hepatitis B virus while it is in the body of an infected person. For me, this is probably something that many medical professionals should research further as his amazing discovery has the potential to save countless lives. I was pleased when Dr. Estuita claimed that he offers the therapy to impoverished families for free, this shows the ethical side of his innovation.

The penultimate speaker, Zenaida de Guzman, a member of the Research Division of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), discussed about the basic aspect of irradiation (radiation sterilization) of food (including pasteurizing uncooked meats with radiation) I find her discussion informative like the others, but I became interested as she debunked (disprove) the myths associated with irradiated food. I was inspired by her lecture as it gave me some options for my thesis topic. She also discussed medical gauzes made of polyvinyl pyrolidone and carrageenan hydrogel. Both are interesting in my opinion.

The last speaker, Mr. Byron Romero, discussed about pharmacovigilance or drug safety. The speaker spoke clearly and engagingly, and I liked the topic too since I have family members whose professions are related in the medical industry. The last speaker’s discussions about drug safety coupled with incidents regarding pharmaceutical companies were very interesting to listen to. Overall, I enjoyed the seminar because it was very informative and interesting as it spans topics from Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, and Pharmacy. 

Postscript:

The event was sponsored by Jack 'n Jill, Cafe-Uk Co., Clothesline and Quice Review. The organizers would like to thank the active involvement of the Chemical Engineering, BioChemistry, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacy, and Graduate School students.