Lord, bakit sabay sila? hmmm....
enlighten me God
AMEN!
-miko
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
a clean and organized room at last
i feel refreshed and really blessed to have successfully cleaned my room. well, i am loving the feeling of having well organized files, arranged books, mess-free cabinet and so on... blah blah blah.... but really, the cleaning that i am hoping to achieve is beyond what the eyes can see. i mean, i wish to also clean my insides- my soul, my conscience... and strengthen my relationship with God...
i offer all these to you Lord... Amen
AD+DG!
Miko
i offer all these to you Lord... Amen
AD+DG!
Miko
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy, Thankful and Overflowing with Joy
Just yesterday, November 25, 2009 (2 months after my birthday), i had my final defense for my undergraduate thesis entitled "Optimization of pectin Extraction from the Peels of Citrus microcarpa (Kalamansi) and Proximate Analysis of the Residue for Selected Parameters." My thesis adviser is Dr. Lourdes Simpol (Maam Simpol is a Natural Products, Pharmaceutical and Analytical Chemist which i also dream of becoming in the future) and my panelists are Dr. Joval Afalla and Mr. Roland Anthony Mindo. I felt light before, during and after the defense, since i am confident enough about my study and i know for sure that after the defense was more like an improvement to my paper.
it was truly a milestone in my life. i am just happy and blessed to have "top-notcher" and great panelists and supportive mentor. all in all, i felt that, my education in ADDU was worth it. not only because of the recognitions that i had before and this big accomplishment that i am enjoying now, but because, my journey in Ateneo allowed me to know myself better. i was able to find my passion, and love which is science, research and education. i just hope that i would be consistently driven towards spreading the love for science and quality education in our country. Maybe, through these, i can materialize the "ripples of change" that i have been envisioning.
Truly, we have different roles and destinies as individuals. And having been placed in this position makes me blessed, since pursuing all these passions would never be hard, since all the things that i am doing are the things that i love.
AMDG!
Miko :)
it was truly a milestone in my life. i am just happy and blessed to have "top-notcher" and great panelists and supportive mentor. all in all, i felt that, my education in ADDU was worth it. not only because of the recognitions that i had before and this big accomplishment that i am enjoying now, but because, my journey in Ateneo allowed me to know myself better. i was able to find my passion, and love which is science, research and education. i just hope that i would be consistently driven towards spreading the love for science and quality education in our country. Maybe, through these, i can materialize the "ripples of change" that i have been envisioning.
Truly, we have different roles and destinies as individuals. And having been placed in this position makes me blessed, since pursuing all these passions would never be hard, since all the things that i am doing are the things that i love.
AMDG!
Miko :)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
away from the stress-stricken life that i had few weeks ago...
i am very happy today. i feel thankful that at least today, marks the end of my lab works for thesis. i would like to be honest that state now as a student is far more relaxed as compared to my state a month or few weeks ago. the pressure is finally off my back and i can formally say that i am somehow free of stress. yes, in fact, i had my haircut, came to school at around 11am, returned all my materials and chatted all day long with maam tes and maam carms. it was fun, nice and it made me thankful. at least i would have the time to study for my subjects and be good in them. i just pray that i gain the discipline to work harder and do better in school. i know i can! :)
AM+DG!
Miko
AM+DG!
Miko
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Inconvenient and Disturbing Truth
this essay is my reaction paper to the movie the inconvenient truth. i submitted this for my environmental chemistry class.
The truths presented by Former Senator Al Gore were not only inconvenient as the title of his documentary, The Inconvenient Truth, would say it, but the facts he and other scientists presented are disturbing especially that the destruction of the environment that we see and experience can only be pointed back to our humanity. It is a fact that as human beings, we tend to explore beyond what we have at present, thus through technology, researches and invention, we are able to improve our lifestyle. However, for the past fifty years or so, we have gained greater understanding of the universe especially in the dawning of space ships, we have improved our lifestyle through the technologies and researches materialized and we have established sprawling industries which provide for our daily needs all in the expense of our environment. This sad fact has been overlooked by our forefathers, who thoughtlessly made ways to improve the way we live without considering its implications to the environment and to our humanity in the long run. They were too near sighted of aiming for economic gain without considering the other side of the coin- which involves our environment. In effect, Winston Churchill says it well that, “… we are entering a period of consequences.” We are troubled and tormented by the changes happening in our environment. For me, this is a bittersweet reality which we ought to scrutinize- bitter, because we and other species’ existence is at stake with our doings, but at the same time sweet, because it serve as a wake up call so our very own habitat can be salvaged.
Watching the movie again in class, not only created new insights in me, but a greater level of disturbance was implanted in my conscience. I am disturbed with the possibility of losing the ice caps. I am disturbed with the diminishing of exotic species. I am bothered with the typhoons which have pestered the world. I am bothered with the emergence of new and hard to treat diseases. Most of all, I am disturbed by the possibility that all human beings will be gone in a few years time. These and many other pictures which I saw in the documentary really scare me. But, dwelling on these fears and not being able to do something about them is a shame. Thus, I am now looking at the disturbances which hovered in my mind as a challenge so I can help solve the problems that our humanity is facing.
As a junior scientist and chemistry major, I am challenged to look at the bigger picture and see how I can possibly contribute something to alleviate the issue especially in the context of our local and national environmental issue. First, I can possibly contribute in the advancement of environmental protection through research. In fact, my high school and undergraduate chemistry researches are my first steps towards this contribution. In these studies, I have proven that wastes from farms or leading industries may be utilized to boost the economy while preventing the dumping of these same wastes to the environment. Thus, it can truly be proven that environmental care and economic development can both come hand in hand through research. Second, I can start by changing the way I live and becoming a good example for others. This simple and easy to do task is what I think is the most practical and most effective of all. By changing the way I live and becoming a good example by segregating garbage, recycling, proper waste disposal and gardening are simple yet worth emulating ways which I can start today. Lastly, I believe that becoming an active member and leader in the community where I belong will be effective in starting the move towards taking care of the environment. I believe that my involvements are the best way that I can practice social and environmental responsibility by sharing my knowledge to my constituents and doing initiatives together to make the fight against environmental destruction successful. All efforts are more successful when done together by groups, because “more head is better than one.”
The destruction that our humanity caused to the environment can only be reversed first by our humility to accept that the issue has to be addressed as soon as possible. Such will pave the way to avoid skeptics from thinking that environmental problem is not a pressing issue. Moreover, it will be a precursor to a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Moreover, political will, a “renewable resource,” according to Al Gore should actively perform its responsibility in legislation for environmental protection. Laws which are sincerely and properly implemented after they are passed in congress are what we need at this point. We need not wait for the last minute to decide. The urgency of the issue has spoken through the destructive effects that we experience in our living. Thus, we are called to step up as responsible individuals to take action properly so that our great grand children can enjoy a livable world and eventually, they would tell us on our deathbeds “thanks for making this world a better place.”
It is worthwhile to be disturbed by the inconvenient truth!
AM+DG
Michael Casas
The truths presented by Former Senator Al Gore were not only inconvenient as the title of his documentary, The Inconvenient Truth, would say it, but the facts he and other scientists presented are disturbing especially that the destruction of the environment that we see and experience can only be pointed back to our humanity. It is a fact that as human beings, we tend to explore beyond what we have at present, thus through technology, researches and invention, we are able to improve our lifestyle. However, for the past fifty years or so, we have gained greater understanding of the universe especially in the dawning of space ships, we have improved our lifestyle through the technologies and researches materialized and we have established sprawling industries which provide for our daily needs all in the expense of our environment. This sad fact has been overlooked by our forefathers, who thoughtlessly made ways to improve the way we live without considering its implications to the environment and to our humanity in the long run. They were too near sighted of aiming for economic gain without considering the other side of the coin- which involves our environment. In effect, Winston Churchill says it well that, “… we are entering a period of consequences.” We are troubled and tormented by the changes happening in our environment. For me, this is a bittersweet reality which we ought to scrutinize- bitter, because we and other species’ existence is at stake with our doings, but at the same time sweet, because it serve as a wake up call so our very own habitat can be salvaged.
Watching the movie again in class, not only created new insights in me, but a greater level of disturbance was implanted in my conscience. I am disturbed with the possibility of losing the ice caps. I am disturbed with the diminishing of exotic species. I am bothered with the typhoons which have pestered the world. I am bothered with the emergence of new and hard to treat diseases. Most of all, I am disturbed by the possibility that all human beings will be gone in a few years time. These and many other pictures which I saw in the documentary really scare me. But, dwelling on these fears and not being able to do something about them is a shame. Thus, I am now looking at the disturbances which hovered in my mind as a challenge so I can help solve the problems that our humanity is facing.
As a junior scientist and chemistry major, I am challenged to look at the bigger picture and see how I can possibly contribute something to alleviate the issue especially in the context of our local and national environmental issue. First, I can possibly contribute in the advancement of environmental protection through research. In fact, my high school and undergraduate chemistry researches are my first steps towards this contribution. In these studies, I have proven that wastes from farms or leading industries may be utilized to boost the economy while preventing the dumping of these same wastes to the environment. Thus, it can truly be proven that environmental care and economic development can both come hand in hand through research. Second, I can start by changing the way I live and becoming a good example for others. This simple and easy to do task is what I think is the most practical and most effective of all. By changing the way I live and becoming a good example by segregating garbage, recycling, proper waste disposal and gardening are simple yet worth emulating ways which I can start today. Lastly, I believe that becoming an active member and leader in the community where I belong will be effective in starting the move towards taking care of the environment. I believe that my involvements are the best way that I can practice social and environmental responsibility by sharing my knowledge to my constituents and doing initiatives together to make the fight against environmental destruction successful. All efforts are more successful when done together by groups, because “more head is better than one.”
The destruction that our humanity caused to the environment can only be reversed first by our humility to accept that the issue has to be addressed as soon as possible. Such will pave the way to avoid skeptics from thinking that environmental problem is not a pressing issue. Moreover, it will be a precursor to a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Moreover, political will, a “renewable resource,” according to Al Gore should actively perform its responsibility in legislation for environmental protection. Laws which are sincerely and properly implemented after they are passed in congress are what we need at this point. We need not wait for the last minute to decide. The urgency of the issue has spoken through the destructive effects that we experience in our living. Thus, we are called to step up as responsible individuals to take action properly so that our great grand children can enjoy a livable world and eventually, they would tell us on our deathbeds “thanks for making this world a better place.”
It is worthwhile to be disturbed by the inconvenient truth!
AM+DG
Michael Casas
on science and national development
I always believe that maximizing the science and technology capabilities of our country will lead us to progress. We have seen how science propelled the progress of first world countries as they harness the full potential of their science and technology sectors. Such progress can also be attained by our country if we invest enough attention, resources and our own efforts as men and women of science. This is in the knowledge that science and technology are key players of our national development.
I believe that science has three key roles in national development. First, science and technology sets the grounds for innovation and improvement in our country by exploring on new applications of our resources and improving present practices by fabricating new technologies. This role of science gives it an important position in promoting national development by constantly improving the status quo and transforming the way we live through the researches that it produce. Constant improvement leads to progress and a better life for Filipinos. Second, science and technology propels economic progress and environmental care in the country. Scientific research advances our knowledge about our society and gaining such knowledge will move us to translating such knowledge into profitable-income generating ventures. Moreover, researches which look into using waste products of industries expand these industries, add to their income and protect the environment at the same time. Thus, science and technology has the capacity of leading our country towards sustainable development. Lastly, I believe that science and technology is essential in providing relevant and competent education to the Filipinos. Above anything else, it is sustaining and improving the quality of scientists who will continue to work on the scientific advancement in our country which is very important. More than that, it is ensuring that quality science education is brought to the population that makes science not a field limited only to few but a body of knowledge meant to touch the lives of all people.
The three key roles of science explored above can only be carried out by people who are into science and who believes that through it, national development will be achieved. As a junior scientist, I believe that I play an essential role in the advancement of science and technology in the country. First and foremost, I believe that I am responsible in promoting science to my immediate community. It is by helping people appreciate science that it can be spread and understood. By making lay people understand the benefits of science, its concerns, activities and developments in a language which is easily understood by them can science become embedded in the lifestyle of people. Second, I believe that I am given the task of taking further studies in Chemistry. In my case, I intend to major in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry or Natural Products Chemistry because I am passionate in understanding the underlying principles involved in the synthesis of drugs, extraction of novel active components from plants, structure elucidation of new compounds and finding cure to the many diseases that infest the Filipino people. This brings knowledge further by making it tangible and beneficial to people. Other than that, I think, that advancing my knowledge in any of these fields of specialization will make me equipped to become part of the Philippines’ Biochemical team who, apart from the influences of westerners, can formulate its original cure for many forms of diseases and set the stage for medical progress in our country. Third, I can contribute to science through education. I have always been passionate in tutoring fellow students who are having difficulties in understanding Chemistry and Mathematics. I always felt that sense of fulfillment whenever I am able to make some students understand a complex concept in chemistry or mathematics. Thus, I always say to myself that teaching will always be an option for me. Lastly, I think that my biggest role in the advancement of science and technology is to stand by my country no matter what. The idea of going abroad and stay there for good is inviting, but to stay and serve the Filipinos who need my expertise is the best thing that I can do in my life. We can never tell what happens in the future, but the challenge remains, that I stay and serve the Filipino people. I offer this service for the greater glory of God!
Science is a potent body of knowledge. It can transform our society and can serve as a vehicle towards national development. But it only finds its relevance if used to serve a community and in this case, our country which needs it the most. It is by translating science to a tangible, understandable and relevant object can its impact and importance be felt by lay people. Most of all, a passionate scientist ready to undertake continuous improvement through education, research and service is what the Philippines is clamoring. On my part as a junior scientist, I am ready to take on the responsibility and carry them out the best way that I can.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Michael Casas
I believe that science has three key roles in national development. First, science and technology sets the grounds for innovation and improvement in our country by exploring on new applications of our resources and improving present practices by fabricating new technologies. This role of science gives it an important position in promoting national development by constantly improving the status quo and transforming the way we live through the researches that it produce. Constant improvement leads to progress and a better life for Filipinos. Second, science and technology propels economic progress and environmental care in the country. Scientific research advances our knowledge about our society and gaining such knowledge will move us to translating such knowledge into profitable-income generating ventures. Moreover, researches which look into using waste products of industries expand these industries, add to their income and protect the environment at the same time. Thus, science and technology has the capacity of leading our country towards sustainable development. Lastly, I believe that science and technology is essential in providing relevant and competent education to the Filipinos. Above anything else, it is sustaining and improving the quality of scientists who will continue to work on the scientific advancement in our country which is very important. More than that, it is ensuring that quality science education is brought to the population that makes science not a field limited only to few but a body of knowledge meant to touch the lives of all people.
The three key roles of science explored above can only be carried out by people who are into science and who believes that through it, national development will be achieved. As a junior scientist, I believe that I play an essential role in the advancement of science and technology in the country. First and foremost, I believe that I am responsible in promoting science to my immediate community. It is by helping people appreciate science that it can be spread and understood. By making lay people understand the benefits of science, its concerns, activities and developments in a language which is easily understood by them can science become embedded in the lifestyle of people. Second, I believe that I am given the task of taking further studies in Chemistry. In my case, I intend to major in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry or Natural Products Chemistry because I am passionate in understanding the underlying principles involved in the synthesis of drugs, extraction of novel active components from plants, structure elucidation of new compounds and finding cure to the many diseases that infest the Filipino people. This brings knowledge further by making it tangible and beneficial to people. Other than that, I think, that advancing my knowledge in any of these fields of specialization will make me equipped to become part of the Philippines’ Biochemical team who, apart from the influences of westerners, can formulate its original cure for many forms of diseases and set the stage for medical progress in our country. Third, I can contribute to science through education. I have always been passionate in tutoring fellow students who are having difficulties in understanding Chemistry and Mathematics. I always felt that sense of fulfillment whenever I am able to make some students understand a complex concept in chemistry or mathematics. Thus, I always say to myself that teaching will always be an option for me. Lastly, I think that my biggest role in the advancement of science and technology is to stand by my country no matter what. The idea of going abroad and stay there for good is inviting, but to stay and serve the Filipinos who need my expertise is the best thing that I can do in my life. We can never tell what happens in the future, but the challenge remains, that I stay and serve the Filipino people. I offer this service for the greater glory of God!
Science is a potent body of knowledge. It can transform our society and can serve as a vehicle towards national development. But it only finds its relevance if used to serve a community and in this case, our country which needs it the most. It is by translating science to a tangible, understandable and relevant object can its impact and importance be felt by lay people. Most of all, a passionate scientist ready to undertake continuous improvement through education, research and service is what the Philippines is clamoring. On my part as a junior scientist, I am ready to take on the responsibility and carry them out the best way that I can.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Michael Casas
overflowing gratitude
My research project would never be possible without the support of individuals who extended their support, time and expert advice to me as researcher.
First and foremost, to Ms. Simplicia Arquiola, Mr. Edgar Casas and Mrs. Alma Casas for all the love, support and guidance. Nay, Pa and Ma, thanks for consoling me whenever I cry of despair, hopelessness and pessimism. Thank you for extending your help especially in preparing the samples for my FTIR analysis and for all the love and care that you’ve given to me. I love you very much.
To my brother Raprap and sister Camille, thank you for the encouragement, support and love.
To my mentor, Dr. Lourdes Simpol, for sharing her expertise in research work. Thank you Maam for teaching me to go the extra mile and work harder for me to finish this research project with flying colors.
To Dr. Joval Afalla for extending his help in correcting the manuscript and giving advise and moral support for me to successfully fulfill this scientific paper. To Mr. Roland Anthony Mindo for all his guidance, especially in operating the FTIR and the Nitrogen Analyzer and for his guidance in the making of this paper. Thank you Sir Afalla and Sir Mindo for all your help.
To Mrs. Evelyn Tan, for her guidance, tolerance and understanding of my situation. Thank you Maam for all the support that you have provided to me so I can succeed in this endeavor.
To Ms. Agnes Aranas for sharing her time in providing relevant and helpful journals on pectin which was used in this study.
To Katryna Castro for all the help and support.
To Elaine Joan Cedeno for making me laugh on gloomy days in the lab, for understanding my being busy and caring for me.
To the BPI-DOST Science Awards for recognizing the potential of my research to contribute to national development. Thank you for the trust, the recognition and the high esteem that you have given to me and to my research work.
To my friends in the Chemistry Stockroom, Maam Tes, Sir Germs and Maam Carms, thank you for all the fun, the reflections and sessions that we shared together. Thank you for helping me especially when I felt that I am in a dead end.
To Mr. Osbert Bryan Villasis for the help that he extended in the statistical analysis of the data in the experiment. Thank you sir.
To ADDACS, PIGLASAPAT, SICO, SAMAHAN, CCO, NSM-SEC, ASLA, SUBDOM, Chem/ChE 4 and to all my friends in the organizations and classes where I belong, thank you for the friendship, understanding and support that you have extended all the way.
Most of all, I thank the Almighty Father for the perfect plan that he has laid down for my life. Lord, my heart overflows with joy and thanksgiving as I finish this research work. I bring this back to you for your greater glory!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Miko Casas
First and foremost, to Ms. Simplicia Arquiola, Mr. Edgar Casas and Mrs. Alma Casas for all the love, support and guidance. Nay, Pa and Ma, thanks for consoling me whenever I cry of despair, hopelessness and pessimism. Thank you for extending your help especially in preparing the samples for my FTIR analysis and for all the love and care that you’ve given to me. I love you very much.
To my brother Raprap and sister Camille, thank you for the encouragement, support and love.
To my mentor, Dr. Lourdes Simpol, for sharing her expertise in research work. Thank you Maam for teaching me to go the extra mile and work harder for me to finish this research project with flying colors.
To Dr. Joval Afalla for extending his help in correcting the manuscript and giving advise and moral support for me to successfully fulfill this scientific paper. To Mr. Roland Anthony Mindo for all his guidance, especially in operating the FTIR and the Nitrogen Analyzer and for his guidance in the making of this paper. Thank you Sir Afalla and Sir Mindo for all your help.
To Mrs. Evelyn Tan, for her guidance, tolerance and understanding of my situation. Thank you Maam for all the support that you have provided to me so I can succeed in this endeavor.
To Ms. Agnes Aranas for sharing her time in providing relevant and helpful journals on pectin which was used in this study.
To Katryna Castro for all the help and support.
To Elaine Joan Cedeno for making me laugh on gloomy days in the lab, for understanding my being busy and caring for me.
To the BPI-DOST Science Awards for recognizing the potential of my research to contribute to national development. Thank you for the trust, the recognition and the high esteem that you have given to me and to my research work.
To my friends in the Chemistry Stockroom, Maam Tes, Sir Germs and Maam Carms, thank you for all the fun, the reflections and sessions that we shared together. Thank you for helping me especially when I felt that I am in a dead end.
To Mr. Osbert Bryan Villasis for the help that he extended in the statistical analysis of the data in the experiment. Thank you sir.
To ADDACS, PIGLASAPAT, SICO, SAMAHAN, CCO, NSM-SEC, ASLA, SUBDOM, Chem/ChE 4 and to all my friends in the organizations and classes where I belong, thank you for the friendship, understanding and support that you have extended all the way.
Most of all, I thank the Almighty Father for the perfect plan that he has laid down for my life. Lord, my heart overflows with joy and thanksgiving as I finish this research work. I bring this back to you for your greater glory!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
Miko Casas
i am back!
its been so long since i did my last post here in blogger. i think, i neglected this, because first of my busy schedule as a college student and having been enamored by facebook and friendster (in the past) led me to forgetting to post to this blog site. however, i think, it is still nice to be back once more. i am happy typing these texts as my come back post.
most probably, this blog site will not only become a personal-day-to-day journal, but will most likely contain my experiences and exciting insights learned as a chemistry major, some opinions on national situations and of course, spiritual reflections. broadening the scope of the contents of this blog gives me a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment.
i would like to make this blog site, not only a site to contain my thoughts on personal experience, but my learning, opinions and ideas in the fields of science and probably on national situations with the aim that through this, i may contribute something good to the people who might read this blog site.
i am truly excited to divert my attention from facebook to this more meaningful venture!
AM+DG
Michael Casas
most probably, this blog site will not only become a personal-day-to-day journal, but will most likely contain my experiences and exciting insights learned as a chemistry major, some opinions on national situations and of course, spiritual reflections. broadening the scope of the contents of this blog gives me a greater sense of meaning and fulfillment.
i would like to make this blog site, not only a site to contain my thoughts on personal experience, but my learning, opinions and ideas in the fields of science and probably on national situations with the aim that through this, i may contribute something good to the people who might read this blog site.
i am truly excited to divert my attention from facebook to this more meaningful venture!
AM+DG
Michael Casas
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