The Philippines a Century Hence: an Attempt to Recall

As an attempt to keep up with the spirit of the National Heroes Day (which we've spent working overtime btw 0_o), I decided to read an essay of Rizal - The Philippines a Century Hence. At school, I think I only managed to read excerpts of the essay, but wasn't able to read it in it's entirety. I was curious to know if the predictions of a genius from a hundred years ago could even be close truth.

 

For one, I think that is a really ambitious feat. How can you even hope to imagine what the world would be like in a hundred years? More so with much detail?

 I am definitely no historian, I couldn't even pride myself with having a competent grasp of history. Nevertheless I do have a love for country, which will always keep me interested with her stories.

"I do not write for this generation. I am writing for other ages. If this could read me, they would burn my books, the work of my whole life. On the other hand, the generation which interprets these writings will be an educated generation; they will understand me and say: Not all were asleep in the night-time of our grandparents'."

—Pilosopong Tasyo, Noli Me Tangere.

May I just say that this is a very fitting introduction of the book. It reminds you, right there and then, that what you're about to read is the work of a visionary.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge "- Albert Einstein.

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e-Reading or Paper-view? :-)

I did some reviewing just a while ago and was able to use my Thermodynamics textbook for the first time. The moment I opened the pages I couldnt help but smile. I missed having a real book in my hands because I've been stuck with e-books for quite a while. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm really grateful for e-books. I wouldn't have been able to read full volumes of Harry Potter or Game of Thrones if not for it (nope I'm not exactly grateful for Twilight, haha). Besides, it's really more convenient to have these around instead of bulky paperbacks. I used to think that I'd never like reading off an LCD screen but I realized it just needs some getting used to. Kindle makes a really good job of capturing the paper-feel. I'm using a Samsung Tab though (her name is Deetab :D ) and the 7" version is just right for me. But i use the Kindle app primarily for reading heehee!

Hooooowever... for a booklover, there's romance in opening the pages and taking in the scent of a real book. There's something about underlining your favorite text that 'highlight' won't match. Not to mention the random "aha!" notes you scribble here and there together with your insights, and the nostalgia that comes whenever you reread it. The texture, the scent, the experience... it's all very personal. These are the things that the e-book can't hope to match and I really wish that our next generation of readers would still be able to enjoy these. 

Nevertheless, I've always believed that technology is just there to widen our options. In as much as I would always prefer a real book, I still would like to read from anywhere I wish, and have access to a wide range of content that I don't really see on bookstores/sales. What matters anyway is how we enrich our minds and hearts with what we read. :-)

My thoughts on Process Engineering

My 3 (crazy) years of process engineering has taught me gazillions. I'll admit though that not everything always translates into action, though because as the cliche goes, everything is always "easier said than done". However what I am always reminded of, is the fact that with process engineering, you dont always need to have the most techical mind, nor have the most brilliant of ideas. What you need to master is how to "follow through" and "sustain".

I really believe that we only need a handful of tightly implemented controls for a product line to smoothly run.

Countless 8d's and corrective actions have been presented and discussed and sometimes its impossible to keep track of them all. The idea is to just separate them into big umbrellas and create a unified plan of action to integrate everything into a single thread.

Now if only it was that simple :-/

Sometimes you cant help but stand aside like a robot and get carried away by the flow of things. I look around and people from other industries feel the same way- clerks, engineers, secretaries, operators, accountants.... everyone. All running around in a rat race. Where everything just goes round and you find yourself going nowhere.

The thing with process engineering though is the mantra of "continuous improvement". Like life, there is no perfect process, no such thing as zero rooms for improvement, and so you are pushed to look inside and generate a list of things that ought to be done. There are also no excuses.

And I think it applies to all of us. There's no such thing as a stagnant life, and a boring world. Its always all in the mind. Its always all about what you do about it.

Like updating your resume for example. Heehee.

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A new wave of Delight :-)

Say hello to my newest blog, DelightedUniverse :-)

This is a collection of random thoughts that id actually like to share publicly. I migrated a couple of posts from my previous blog.

Writing has always been my therapy to keep things in perspective. I like talking about music, events, people, laughter, and the more delightful things about life. Im not exactly one of the best but i do hope you enjoy the ride. :-)

I feel like i'm currently at a launching point of my life where everything can only get better, with Gods help of course. And yes, to borrow from Jason Mraz: 'Once we hit the top there's no stopping us' :-)

Enjoy! :-)

“The Book Thief”, Markus Zusak

(written june 24 2011)

When I read a book, the first few pagest are the hardest.

“Am I there yet? Am I there yet? Geez I haven’t even reached chapter 3.”

Afterwards it’s less of reading and more of experiencing.

Hearts break and flutter. Laughter emerges, suspense beckons.

I glide through the pages, I can’t even remember turning them anymore.

And then it’s over. I’m thoughtful. And somewhat tired.

Like you lived another life without even leaving your room.

Now if only things unfolded as fast in real life.

Oh God that book made me cry so hard 

***

When I was midway, I was almost comparing marcus zusak to palahniuk. The misery, the pain.

But the book was about strength of heart, strength of will, endurance.

Certainly not for the weak of heart like me. I was SOBBING for goodness sakes.

But now I realize a mistake. The Book Thief, deals with the strength of the human spirit.

Palahniuk magnifies the evil. While sprinkling it with underlying notions of strength and goodwill along the way and he’s twisted. Plain twisted. I’ll always dislike and like him. Dis/like. Lol.

The Holy Mass, In Spite of

Many criticize the Holy Mass for being formula-based and routinary.

However, what i see is a ritual that has been passed down from generation to generation. Hundreds of years. A link to our forefathers. Uncompromising amidst the free-going modernity that has both convenienced and spoiled us.

Here’s a ritual that has stood strong for so long and links us to our brothers from across the world.

That alone is enough for me to deem it sacred.

“It is right to give Him thanks and praise”  :-)

A Night with Cynthia Alexander

This was a dream come true for me :) Ever since i was in college i've been dreaming to watch Cynthia Alexander live because i know it would be the ultimate musical experience. Mul19, a subject i had in college, opened my eyes to the beauty of music that flows straight from the heart and soul, and not just right off some billboard hit. Cynthia seldom ventures down south since she's always at  Quezon City, so when i found out that she'll be at 19east, i knew i couldn't let the opportunity go.

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