The
_ACTION
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETIEROF THE UST CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SOCIETY
A.Y. 2015 - 2016
UST-ChE Performance Rate Lands at 64.55% for 2015 Leo Kusuhara of Batch 2015 Ranks 6th by Gianina Menor The University of Santo Tomas - Chemical Engineering Department (UST-ChE) garnered a satisfactory performance rate in the 2015 Chemical Engineering licensure examinations held last November 13-15, 2015. According to the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Novermber 23, UST-ChE got a 64.55% overall performance rate and a 69% passing rate for first takers, the former percentage equivalent to 71 passers out of 110 examinees, which is not far from last year's 69.7%. The University of the Philippines-Diliman topped the exam with a 93.90% passing rate in which 77 out of 82 examinees passed . The national passing rate was pegged at 52 .32%. (continued at page 5)
Members of the UST Chemical Engineering Batch 2015 alongside faculty members who attended the Testimonial Event (Credits: Princess Parubrub/UST-ChE Batch 2015)
UST-ChE Department Joins 30th International Coastal Cleanup
Tan, Gabriel crowned ChE Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress 2015
by Nickole Jean Codico
by Divine Grace Agura
As part of the requirements of their Environmental Engineering Course, fourth year-level UST Chemical Engineering students accompanied by some members of the faculty participated in the 30th International Coastal Cleanup held on 19 September 2015 in Lemery, Batangas. (continued on page 5)
The UST Chemical Engineering Society held the "TCHEYAA 2016: The Search for the Next Thomasian Chemical Engineering Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress" at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium on January 26, 2016, with Ms. Carina Tan and Mr. Jan Renzo Gabriel, a 5th year and 3rd year student respectively, winning the said pageant. (continued at page 4)
WHAT'S INSIDE?
Jayag Elected ChES President
ChES Constitution Ratified
pagel
page6
UST-ChES Overall Champion at PiChEiympics 2016 page16
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~ ~f_<_ il~~ ~ 路 路路
UST-ChE Department Spearheads Mock ChE Licensure Exams by Dana Pineda and Darwin Eugenio In line with its efforts to improve the performance of the university in the licensure examinations, the UST Chemical Engineering Department along with the UST Chemical Engineering Society- Student Affairs Committee hosted a three-day mock Chemical Engineering Licensure Examinations last October 20 to 22. Originally scheduled to start as early as October 19, the mock licensure exams were delayed by a day due to the suspension of classes in the university during the onslaught of Typhoon Lando (Koppu). The three day examination was pushed through on October 20, Tuesday. The examination was held in the General Chemistry Laboratory (Lab 9) and was primarily facilitated by designated Chemical Engineering students with an hourly shifting. On the first day of the examinations, fifty-eight (58) out of sixty-five (65) registered examinees took the exam. The first day of the examination covered Physical and Chemical Principles, and lasted for five hours. On Photos of fhe Examinees (Photos taken by: Merryl Marquez/The Reaction) the second day of the examinations, fifty-five (55) registered examinees took the exam. Unlike Day 1, the second day of the examination lasted for a full ten hours as the coverage included core Chemical Engineering questions. On the final day of the examinations, fifty-nine (59) examinees took the exam which lasted for five hours and covered General Engineering principles and problems. In order to fully emulate the actual ChE licensure exams, examinees were required to use Mongol #2 Pencil and have their lunch or snacks inside the examination room as exiting the room except for lavatory reasons is prohibited .
all three exams due to many reasons. "Yung iba may klase, 'yung iba may interview. May conflict sa iskedyul kaya 'di nakapunta." he said. He also noted the difference of the mock ChE board exams compared to the Integrated Course (ChE600)- a two-unit course offered to 5th-year students in the second semester, saying "May mga ibang subjects kasing kasabay ang [Integrated Course], kaya di maka-focus ang mga estudyante. Hindi pa sila aral na aral. Ito kasing [ChE Mock Board Exams], tinatayang nakapag-aral na [para sa boards] ang mga estudyante."
The 2015 November ChE Licensure Examinations [was held] on NovemEngr. Noel Sabarillo, a member of the ChE Faculty, oversaw the smooth ber 13 to 15, 2015. facilitation of the three-day examinations. He led the checking of the exam papers an hour after the Day 3 Examinations ended . Engr. Sabari- In 2014, the USTChE program garnered a 69.12% overall passing rate in llo noted that some examinees who pre-registered failed to take fully the ChE licensure examinations.
UNSEEN: UST ChES Holds Grand Acquaintance Party 2015 news by Jardine Bonifacio The UST Chemical Engineering Society (UST-ChES) held its annual acquaintance party last October 29, 2015 at Elements at Centris in Quezon City-an anticipated event, with the theme, " Biacklight Party", where students were asked to wear something that will glow under the UV light. Despite the heavy traffic jam in the metropolis, the students were still able to attend the party, which began at 6 o'clock in the evening. The program was graced by an invocation led by Carlaine Cruzado and JP Tagapan, followed by the national anthem and to officially start the event, all students warmly welcomed Carla Rae Evaristo, the Senior Internal Vice President of UST-ChES, proudly announced in her opening remarks that this year' s grand acquaintance (GA) party had left a mark in UST ChE's history for having all the tickets sold out and was even asked to produce more. The party had been even more entertaining with the presence of the ChE Department instructors; some were even up for song and dance numbers which made the whole ChE crowd in the mood for more. The party was hosted by two jubilant
Left Photo: Faculty Members Attending the Acquaintance Party Right Photo: Engr. Mark Emile Punzalan, with some ChE students, performing Maroon 5's hit song "She Will be Loved' (Photo Credits: Carl Rosales, Jobie Tuscano/UST-ChES Memdoc)
hosts, Jerrod Rivera and Aldjon Yap, who helped the organizers bring life to the activities prepared for the students. There were three activities prepared for everyone: the Lights Camera Act Song, Categorical Order and Sing-A-Zoo, which kept everyone active before the buffet table were opened for dinner. Before dinner, the first intermission number of the night was performed by the ChE Chorale members, Carlaine Cruzado, Jericho Zacarias and Jaymarie Aera Baquiran. For a better ambience while having dinner (continued on page 3}
UNSEEN: UST ChES Holds Grand Acquaintance Party 2015
UST Chemical Engineering Dance Crew Finds New Talents
(continued from page 2}
by Mary Mae Buensuceso
6 song numbers were prepared by some ChE students, namely, Ervin Jayag and Pauline Losaria with John Raphael Manuel playing the guitar; Nickole Codico with Ariane Shayne Arenas playing the piano; Jay Russell Avenda~o, who made the crowd go wild with his rendition of Night Changes; Aliquot, a band consisting of 4 members: Judge Bradley Chua, Ronald Ryan Noriega, Vincent Clark Padrigon and Anthea Bettina Fresnoza; the Jacket Club and lastly, the Baltimore, where Harvey Lechago and Mark Jed Del a Cruz and Patrick Dela Cruz are its members. Thereafter, Engr. Emile Punzalan, the department chair, together with the Jacket Club, had prepared a piece entitled "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5 that made the audience sang along with him.
The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew (ChEDC) conducted an audition for aspiring members of troupe at the Laboratory 10 of Roque Ruano Building from September 11-12, 2015.
The dinner was followed by the pageant kick-off that had been divided into two parts, particularly the lights-off ramp and the introduction of candidates. All sections and year levels cheered for their different bets for the upcoming ChE Pageant 2016. Before the ChE Dance Crew was called to perform, host Aldjon Yap played matchmaker and called a 5th year student and subsequently introduced him to Crystel Quijano, aChE Dance crew member. The outstanding performance showcased by the ChE Dance Crew coupled by a beat drop signaled the beginning of the rave party, which started around 9:30 in the evening, ended at 12 midnight. The UST-ChES Quality Assurance Committee facilitated the event.
UST ChES Opens ChES Week with Kemikalan 2016 by Queen Desiree Dalisay
Various alumni and current members of ChEDC judged the applicants. The final decision rested on Rochelle Louise Sampaga and Crystel Quijano, co-captain and captain of the dance crew, respectively. Candidates were obliged to perform their own routine as a requirement for audition. On September 18, the dance crew officially announced that nine Chemical Engineering students, namely Jethero Abesamis, Jude Billiones, Sentiniel Canlas, Kristoffer Allan Castro, Celine Cruz, Irvin Famatiga, Jonan Garcia, Joshua Solomon and Nina Ytturalde, passed the auditions. Quijano said on Thursday that she is expecting new members to show dedication by attending trainings and meetings, and hopes to help them not just on dancing but in academics as well. "Sana ma-feel nita na ang DC ay family sa bawat training namin. Lastly, welcome sa ChEDCfamily!" she said. Meanwhile the two captains of the dance crew who finalized the decision stated they had a hard time choosing new members because the applicants were all good . "It was because of the chemical engineering students who stepped up to share their talents to bring pride to the ChE community", Sampaga said on the success of the said activity. The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew is the only dance crew representative of the UST Chemical Engineering Department. In the UST Faculty of Engineering, the Chemical Engineering Dance Crew was the champion during the Ultimate Dance Revolution 1 (A.Y 2011- 2012), Ultimate Dance Revolution 3 (A.Y 2013 - 2014), and the Ultimate
"Kemikalan 2016: Journey to Divergence", a battle of wits and intelligence among chemical engineering students organized by the UST Chemica I Engi neeri ng Society - Student Affairs Committee was IIAiiillliilllliiiililillllillllilillllillliiiiillilililllilllillilllilillli._W.______ held on January 25, 2016 at the Education Auditorium, Albertus Magnus Building. Spearheaded by Althea Mae Mendenilla and Denzel Duane Soliaban, the quiz show challenged participants on their knowledge of fundamental Chemical Engineering Courses, namely in the Mathematics, Engineering Sciences, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering domains. Participants were chosen through a qualifying examination . Six teams, each consisting of five members - wherein each member represents a particular year level - were formed. Protests and corrections raised by the participants were reviewed and verified by Engr. Mardie Pacia, Prof. Edna Quinto, and Assoc. Prof. Bernadette Duran, all from the ChE Department who served as this year's judges for Kemikalan. With its theme being derived from a famous book and movie series, Kemikalan 2016 deviated from its predecessors by providing additional challenges (continued at page 7}
during a question-and-answer portion (Photo Credit: Jobie Tuscano/UST-ChES MemDoc)
UST-ChES ComDev Holds Environmental Awareness Seminar by Queen Desiree Dalisay, Jed Dupaya, Darwin Eugenio In line with an increasing demand for environmental awareness and sustainability, the UST Chemical Engineering Society- Community Development Committee (UST-ChES ComDev) held an environmental awareness seminar in November 12, 2015 aptly titled /(TRAVERSE: Transformation vs Environment- A Chemical Engineer's Responsibility on Environmental Awareness". The event was conceptualized and headed by its project heads, John Andre San Miguel of 5ChE-A and Sam Denielle Tugaoen of 2ChE-D, both members of the Community Development Committee of USTChES. The project heads successfully managed to invite four distinguished guest speakers coming from various environment-related government agencies. The seminar was held at the Engineering Conference Hall of the University of Santo Tomas. The first speaker, Engr. Dolores Velasquez, OIC, Chief - Air Quality Management System of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) discussed the Clean Air Act and its relevance to the chemical engineering profession, mainly on their role in preventing or curtailing air pollution. She was succeeded by her partner, Engr. Divina 11 Divine" Camarao who proceeded to discuss the Philippine Clean Water Act and how the chemical engineering profession can be of great use to the wastewater treatment industry. The two engineers served as the first batch of speakers for Topic 1: /(Chemical Engineer's Role for the Environment" An open forum was declared shortly after they finished their respective lectures. The two engineers were succeeded by the next speaker, Rasheilla Yanina T. Antasuda, an Environmental Management Specialist II of the DENR-EMB. She mainly discussed discussed Hazardous Waste Management and how chemical engineers can help implement Republic Act 6969 - (continued at page 6}
Tan & Gabriel crowned ChE Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress 2015 (continued from cover) Special awards were given to the following: Shunji Sugaya (Mr. Blackwater), Sharlene Lusung (Ms. Careline), Jude Billiones and Eren Pefian (Mr. and Ms. Photogenic), Raniel Anastacio and Jan Renzo Gabriel (Best Advocacy Project), Jude Billiones and Joyce Manalo (Best in Casual Wear), Raniel Anastacio and Jan Renzo Gabriel (Best in Creative Wear), and Jude Billiones and Carina Tan (Best in Formal Wear). The top three paired candidates (female and male) were Carina Tan and Von Justin Mag-lsa, Joyce Manalo and Jude Billiones, Raniel Anastacio and Jan Renzo Gabriel. For the final part of the pageant, finalists were subjected to a question and answer portion, showcasing both their wits and charm . Jude Billiones and Joyce Manalo secured the spot as 1st runner ups while Von Justin Mag-lsa emerged as the 2nd runner up together with Raniel Anastacio.
presented to the three judges, namely, Ms. Alyssa Gohing, a fashion blogger, Ms. Rose Afan, the Thomasian Youth Ambassadress 2015 and Mr. Paulo Katigbak, the Thomasian Youth Ambassador 2015. The contestants later showcased their charms in their casual attires, and wit during the casual interview. Candidates wowed the audience as they presented their historical eras-themed creative wears primarily made of recycled materials. Civilizations represented include the Roman Empire, Viking Civilization, Imperial Japanese, Han Dynasty China, Aztec Civilization, and the Ottoman Empire. One of the criteria of the pageant which is new this year is the advocacy of the candidates wherein they share their proposed plans, projects and areas of research that would benefit society and the environment. This was followed by the formal wear portion where contestants showed elegance in their gowns and suits.
Candidates were initially presented at the UST ChES General Assembly last October 29, 2015, as a kickoff for the main event in order for them In 2015, the title of Chemical Engineering Youth Ambassador and Amto prepare for the pageant night. On January 26, 2016, banners and bassadress were given to Mr. Jervin Valorozo of and Ms. Jenny Bacani, cheers from the crowd filled the auditorium when the candidates respectively. presented themselves as they walked on the runway. Awards were
UST-ChE Performance Rate Lands at 65.55% (continued from cover)
The rules set by the PRC states that a university must have an 80% passing rate with at least 40 or more examinees to be included in the top performing schools. One Topnotcher from UST-ChE
One Thomasian, Leo Ryuji Dua Kusuhara (magna cum laude) of Batch 2015, ranked sixth (6th) in the list of top ten examinees, having achieved a 82.90% score. Efforts from the UST-ChE Department to improve the passing rate include a faculty-peer group review project (ExChEI), improved integration course, and a voluntary mock board exam which was facilitated by the ChE Department.
ChE Quiz Team Bags Championship in 37th General Information Quiz Contest - Group Category by Darwin Eugenio The Chemical Engineering GIQC Quiz Team triumphantly won the group category championship for this year's General Information Quiz Contest (GIQC) held on February 12, 2016 at the Education Auditorium and bagged 2nd place in the individual category. The quiz contest, an annual event facilitated by the Thomasian Engineer Journal, pits various departments in the Faculty of Engineering against each other in a battle of wits and trivia knowledge. This year, eleven departments from both the Faculty of Engineering and Institute of Information and Computing Sciences, once again unleashed their inner skill and stocks in general knowledge (continued at page 12}
UST-ChE Department Joins 30th International Coastal Cleanup (continued from cover)
The volunteers were mainly composed of fourth-year level chemical engineering (ChE) students and some members of the ChE faculty. After passing through farm lands, many volunteers were puzzled to find that the coastal area was only half covered with trash and debris, since some parts of the coast were already cleaned up by the locals living in the surrounding area . It was not as bad as the group thought it would be, as Danielle Evangelista of 4ChE-B said, "I actually expected lots of trash. I thought that the beach would be full of garbage and would have a foul smell". Even with the seemingly sparse trash, the group gathered a total of 140.7 kg and there were still a lot left to pick up in order to make the coastal area clean and free of trash. The students were accompanied by seven members of the ChE faculty, the latter also contributed in clearing the trash on the beach. Prof. Evelyn Laurito, an Environmental Engineering Course instructor, expressed delight at what appears to be a successful endeavor. "Okay naman. Maraming nagawa [habang nasa Lemery] dahil nagkaroon din ng tree planting activity. Mostly two hundred (200) seedlings of mangroves were planted ." she said. ("[The activity] was fine. Many things were accomplished since a tree planting activity [was also done in which around] two hundred seedlings of were planted." she said .) After clearing the trash, the fourth year students planted Mangrove saplings that would eventually grow and serve as the breeding ground for organisms and further prevent coastal erosion. Many students told The Reaction correspondent that they enjoyed the activity because they believe that through their little way, they contributed to the conservation of the ocean and all the life that depends on it. Some said that it should not stop with a one-day activity because every day is an environmental conservation day and this activity is just the start of a lifelong advocacy to save the environment. The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is one of the world' s largest and one-day volunteer efforts to clean up the marine environment. The cleanup is held annually every third Saturday of the month of September. The Philippines officially joined the ICC in 1994.
Participants from 4ChE-C Plant Seedlings (Photo Credits: Jobie Tuscano/ChE Class of 2017)
Planting Mangrove Seedlings (Photo Credit: Asst. Prof. George Chao Jr./UST-ChE Faculty)
Talents Abound: UST-ChES Conducts Annual Variety Show APC Performers Retain Championship Title by Kevin Chad M. Cerezo In line with the weeklong celebration of the 40th year of the UST Chemical Engineering Society (UST-ChES), the Chemical Engineering Society held its annual variety show titled "Restrospect: The UST ChES Variety Show 2016" held on January 29, 2015 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium. The said event was conducted to highlight the talent and skills of chemical engineering students in various fields, such as singing, dancing, on-stage acting, and the like. Taking home the bacon with the highest weighted percentile, the A.P.C. group, composed of mainly fifth year students, retained their two-peat championship title with their skit inspired by the 2006 Disney hit movie, High School Musical. The first and second runner-ups of the tilt were the "R&M" singing duo of the second year students and solo singer freshman Christine Pagaduan, respectively.
Members of the A.P.C performers after learning of their two-peat victory (Photo by: Jobie Tuscano/UST-ChES MemDoc)
Carl Edward Fulgencio, leader of the APC group performers, said that by the judges. The judges of the competition were selected their victory was unexpected. "Yung skit concept 2 days ago [bago Thomasian students, namely: Meeko Evangelista of the Faculty of yung variety show] lang nabuo tapas 1 day before [ng show] yung Engineering; Eizel Lyn Marcelo of the Conservatory of Music; and rehearsal kosi wala naman pasok noon ." he said. ("The concept of the Chelsea Tamayo of the AMV College of Accountancy. Cash prizes and skit was done 2 days before the show while rehearsals were done the certificates were given to the respective winners. This year's variety day before since there were no classes [on that day]") show was headed by Jorge Ochoa, UST ChES Public Relations Officer, and Coleen Palicpic, Vice Chair of the Publicity Committee. Evaluation of the top 3 entries was based on the votes coming from the The UST ChES Publicity Committee served as the organizers of this audience and the percentile ranking in accordance to the criteria set event.
UST-ChES ComDev Holds Environment Awareness Seminar...
UST ChES Amends Constitution
(continued from page 4)
by Roxanne Mae Suyu
- "Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990."
In accordance to the advice of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) given last July 2015, the UST Chemical Engineering Society amended its constitution and officially ratified the changes last April 21, 2016. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) advised all student organizations to change their structure parallel to that of corporations and also to adjust as the implementation of the K-12 program will affect the students.
After a brief open forum for students with inquiries directed to Ms. Antasuda, a short intermission game was held to lighten up the mood of the conference attendees. Afterwards, Engr. Haydee M. Solomon of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) discussed the applications of irradiation to the wastewater treatment industry. Her senior partner, Dr. Vangeline K. Parami, Ph. D., discussed about nuclear energy and its distinctiveness compared to coal and oil-based energy. The last open forum for the third batch of speakers was held afterwards.
Reaction Being quite an environmentalist herself, Sam Tugaoen of 2ChE-D, one of the two project heads, is optimistic that the seminar instilled a lot on the minds of her fellow chemical engineering students just as much as it did in hers. She hopes that the seminar left an imprint on the minds of the attendees, take what they heard and put it into action, for they will primarily be agents of the environment. She also said, "As chemical engineers,
dapat tumutulong tayo sa mga ways [to reduce pollution], yung knowledge natin, dapat gamitin natin to help our environment and our country."
The initial draft of the amended constitution was made accessible online to the students through the UST ChES official page last April14, 2016. ChES officers opened the table for comments and suggestions on some necessary changes made on the articles of the constitution . As for the ratification period, ChES conducted a room-to-room presentation of the proposed amendment of the constitution last April 19-21. Out of 643, 469 members participated in the oral plebiscite and only 1 disagreed to ratify. All revisions were approved by more than two-thirds of the student body thus leading it to its official approval on April 21. One notable amendment made is the structure of the executive board and their respective duties and responsibilities on Articles 4, 5 and 6. The vision of the organization (continued at page 12}
Jayag Elected ChES President ELEMENTS Dominate Positions
UST ChES Opens ChES Week with Kemikalan 2016
by Reena Helene Hernandez
(continued from page 3} The ELEMENTS Party dominated the positions of the Executive Council of the Chemical Engineering Society Academic Year 2016-2017 after winning the elections held last May 6 and 7, 2016 at the Physical Chemistry Laboratory and Unit Operations Laboratory of the Engineering Building, respectively.
ELEMENTS Party (Engineering Leaders President-elect and EMpowering and ENriching Thomasian Students) standard-bearer Ervin Luis Jayag got 82.83% votes, securing the coveted presidential position. Being the sole unopposed candidate, the election rules require him to accumulate at least 60.00% in order to be proclaimed President. Taking the position of Executive Vice President is Ronald Randl Reveche who got 85.52%, securing the executive vice presidential position. Kaye Nicole Suing will assume the position of Executive Secretary after garnering 72.05% votes. ELEMENTS bets Althea Mae Mendenilla with 71.38% votes, Maria Antoinette Catangay with 60.27%, and Ashley Nicole Romero with 67.68% will assume the position of Vice President for Marketing, Vice President for Socio-Cultural Projects, and Vice President for Public Relations, respectively. Independent candidate Khristian Mike Cosinas will take the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs after garnering 54.24% votes against ELEMENTS candidate Judge Bradley Chua with only 33.56% votes. Arun Bryan Nanda Kumar, also an independent candidate, will take the position of Vice President for Social Welfare after garnering 77.44% votes. As for the positions of Executive Treasurer and Vice President for Audit and Logistics, ELEMENTS candidates Janssen Radley Pef\aflor only garnered 58.59% votes and Alfrancis Jose Urlanda with 55.56% votes, respectively. Both candidates did not meet the required minimum percentage to assume both positions. The verdict of the ChESEiect Chairperson, lan Kenneth Micaller, and incumbent ChES President, Ann Christine Baual, regarding the situation is: "In the case of the Executive Treasurer and Vice President for Audit and Logistics, the incumbent President, Internal Vice President, and External Vice President shall submit a list of ChE students who meet the requirements for the said positions with the proposed candidates' consent to ChESEiect for the re-affirmation and evaluation of credentials and eligibility requirements (candidates who did not win in the 2016 Election are no longer eligible for candidacy). ChESEiect will then forward the evaluated proposed candidates to the newly elected ChES Executive Council who shall choose one qualified candidate for the Executive Treasurer position and one qualified candidate for the Vice President for Audit and Logistics position." {Editor: As of press time {May 16, 2016}, the ChES EC has not yet officially announced the qualified candidates.)
The Chemical Engineering Society Elections Bureau (ChESEiect) calculated a 50.00% voter turnout with the participation of 317 student-members. The veracity of the election results was verified by Ian Kenneth Micaller and Garvey Santos, Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of ChESEiect, respectively.
and twists that the participants braved using their wit and strategic thinking. The quiz show was divided into three major rounds and two bonus rounds. The major rounds, Aptitude, Switch, and Divergent consisted of 10, 12, and 8 questions, respectively. While the bonus rounds, Insurgent and Allegiant consisted of only one question each and were asked in between the major rounds. Each bonus question allowed a team to either earn 200 points for themselves or deduct the same from another team's. Upon finishing the Aptitude Round, the top five teams randomly picked from the five factions, namely Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite while the sixth team remained faction less. These factions gave them powers that can be used twice for the Switch Round and once for the Divergent Round. For the end of the Switch Round, the top scoring teams had a chance to pick the faction that they think will benefit them best. The team who picked Abnegation had a chance to pass for a certain question but still get half the point for that question. Amity gives a team the ability to extend their time while Candor gives a team the ability to not allow an opposing team to use a calculator for a given question. The team with the Dauntless faction can freeze an opponent and finally, the team with the Erudite faction can copy the answer of another team. The questions provided by the organizers really tested the knowledge of the participants as shown by the number of protests during each round. And while the participants were given a break from the pressure their brains are experiencing, the audience had a bit of fun themselves through the Kemikalkalan. Ten students volunteered and were asked a series of trivia questions until only one remained. The last man or woman standing received a prize from the UST ChES. Winning Teams
And upon the end of all the quiz show, the bottom three teams were named while the ranking of the top three teams remained unknown until it was announced at the Culminating Night by the end of the ChES week. On the said night, it was announced that the top three winning teams for this year's kemikalan are the following (from 1st to 3rd place): Team 4 (Mark Lorenz Capili, Pauline Losaria, Joyee Ann Zhang, Jayson Ordinaria and Luisito Reno Chin), Team 3 (Jerelle Javier, Raven Mancilla, John Del a Pef\a, Amir Bracino, Christelle Sepe), and Team 5 (Cheska Tef\oso, Edward Felipe Ill, Jazinda Capati, Jed Dupaya, and Charmaine Layson).
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8 I EDITORIAL Continued Challenge Last December 23, 2015, the University of Santo Tomas Chemical Engineering Department was recognized as a Center of Excellence {COE) by the Commission of Higher Education {CHED), the title being valid from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Not only that, the UST ChE Department is Level Ill (valid 2015 - 2018) accredited by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities and is also accredited by the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) to the Washington Accord valid from 2015 to 2021. Internationalization also continues to develop as Curtin University- Western Australia School of Mines recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the University of Santo Tomas in the opening of a one plus one joint international program in Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Major in Metallurgical Engineering. In terms of student performance, the UST ChE Department had contributed 71 new Chemical Engineers and one topnotcher to the field last November 2015 with a passing rate of 64.55%. The department deserves a pat on the back for having earned such achievements. However, more efforts must be undertaken to continue the improvement of the overall chemical engineering program performance. (continued on page 9}
Mediocrity and Safety
THE REACTION
A.Y. 2015-2016
Darwin Eugenio
Editor-in-Chief lmie Camacho
Managing Ed itor Nickole Codico
News Editor Mary Mae Buensuceso
Features and Literary Editor Darwin Eugenio
Life is full of risks. There is no such thing as "absolutely safe". As students, we face unpredictable examinations or unattainable requirements. We fall in love with the wrong person, or worse. Even successful business enterprises started as a risky and daring venture. Like all engineers, chemical engineers face many risks and dangers. Catalyzing technological development, societal change, innovation, and development, the probability of facing blunders cannot be underestimated. AsFrancis Darwin Eugenio suming our decorated engineer is a hardworking worker in a Editor-in-Chief plant, what can he do to minimize the risk of accidents? This is where safety management comes in. No, it's not some sort of underrated guardian angel. It's a tedious and somehow technical subject commonly overlooked by Filipinos.
Layout Artist News Writers: Divine Grace Agura, Joel Bigornia, Roxanne Suyu, Dana Pineda, Jardine Bonifacio, Francis Salazar, Reena Hernandez, Queen Dalisay, Patrick dela Cruz, Ezekiel Escoto
Feature Writers: Jurchen Grecie licayan, John Edward Dupaya, James Melgar, Ciara Roncales, Daniela Chua, Kevin Cerezo, Raymundo Mabanta Jr.
Literary Writers: Carla Laine Cruzado, Janos Nuestro, Gianina Menor, Giancarlo Baiiares, Ariane Arenas, Harvey Lechago Artists: Mark Jed dela Cruz, Alyssa Alcala (Gra phic), Kim Geo Bernal, Gemarie Quetua {Tra dit iona l)
Many of us do not realize that the culture of mediocrity is one of the reasons why our country's development is slow and staggered. "Pwede na 'yan !"should never be the mentality of a safety engineer. Bilang mga inhinyero kimika, huwag noting ituring na 'di maha/aga ang kaligtasan sapagkat nakasa/a/ay ang buhay natin at nang mga umaasa sa atin. Ang kawalan ng pakialam sa kapuwa ang siya ring sanhi ng kawalan ng disiplina ng maraming Pilipino sa pampublikong Iugar. As chemical engineers, we should be adamant in giving importance to safety, since the lives of those who depend on us are at stake. Our eyes should be keen to detail, for tiny mistakes tend to lead to gargantuan disasters.
*** This is a curious theory backed by research: One of the key determinants in the so-called aggressive behavior of the People's Republic of China is the nationalistic desire of the communist state: to restore China's greatness- Fu Qiang, or "wealth and power". Why "restore"? Because in history, specifically the early nineteenth century, China was shaken by western imperialist nations. Imperial China lost devastating wars with what they then-viewed as "barbarians" - the French, Portuguese, and even the Japanese, signaling the start of the "century of humiliation", a term they referred to these events. 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 mistreated, with a watchful eye for "hostile foreign forces.""
Photojournalists: Biel Ross Dar, Merryl Marquez Engr. Ayesha G. Duavis
Adviser
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 humiliation can drive one nation (or one person) to prosperity- all in the name of restoring glory. (continued at page 9}
91 KABATAAN: ALIPIN NG TEKNOLOHIYA?
EDITORIAL
Continued Challenge (Main Editorial Article A.Y. 2015- 2016}
Ang paglinang at pagbuo sa maraming kapaki-pakinabang na bagay ay siyang nagbubunga ng pagdami ng mga taong hindi na mapakinabangan. Para sa nakararami, ang teknolohiya ay isang biyaya, biyaya ng siyensya na siya natin ngayong tinatamasa. Sa katotohanan, ito ay til a nagaalok ng magagandang bagay sa isa nitong kamay habang sinasalakay ang iyong likuran sa kabila nitong kamay. Samakatuwid, maraming tulong sa atin ang teknolohiya Mary Mae Buensuceso Features and Literary Editor ngunit mas maraming pinsala ang maaaring idulot nita sa atin pagkatapos. Laganap na ang teknolohiya; katuwang ito ng tao sa anumang gawain na wari baga'y wala nang buhay kung wala ito. Kadikit na ng kabataan ang salitang teknolohiya; hindi na mawawala sa kanila ang kaisipan na "mas bago" at "mas maganda". Patak na patok sa kabataan ang mga makabagong kagamitan tulad ng cellphone, kompyuter at iba pa. Sa mga mag-aaral hindi na kailangang sumangguni sa maraming libra para lamang makalagap ng impormasyon; sa internet, tapas agad ang paghahanap. Mainam sana ito kung hindi naaabuso, kadalasan ay ginagamit ang internet sa mga imoral na gawain tulad ng pornograpiya. Nalalason ang murang isipan ng kabataan sa mga bagay na hindi naman nita dapat malaman. Bukod dito, nakakalimutan na rin ng kabataan ang kahalagahan ng pagtitiyaga upang makamit ang ninanais. Dahil madali at maginhawa na ang pamumuhay sa panahon natin ngayon, marami ang habang lumalaon ay nagiging alipin ng katamaran. lsa ito marahil na dahilan kung bakit paunti na nang paunti ang mga mahuhusay na mag-aaral. Dahil sa tulong ng computer, cellphone at calculator, hindi na madalas napapagana ang utak ng isang indibidwal sapagkat mayroon namang gumagawa nita para sa kaniya. Kung ating pagninilay-nilayan, mas mabilis pang lumipon ng kaalaman ang siyensya kaysa mag-impok ng karunungan ang kabataan. Ang mga kaunlarang pang-teknolohiya ay walang ibang itinutustos sa atin kundi mga para an upang tayo'y umusad paurong. Kaya naman huwag nating pagkatiwalaan ang anumang bagay na kayang mag-isip para sa sarili nita kung hindi naman natin nakikita kung saan nakakubli ang utak nita.
T
enge
1 applied as literary writer of The Reaction Newsletter in 2014, during the talent search of the newsletter. I joined mainly to contribute something to UST-ChES. It is there I found out that cooperation and hardwork is important in order for an organization as small as the newsletter team to succeed.
I've learned that in 2012, during the administration of Editor-inlmiefer Camacho Managing Editor Chief Daisuke Zabala, the newsletter was very active in a personclockwork, and the team was able to release its publication just in in time. In 2013, many new members joined/dragged into the team. However, understand that internal politics within the Chemical Engineering Society played a role in the weakening of the allure of The Reaction in that year. They were not able to release an issue. In 2014 Bob Castrense became the Editor-in-Chief but the publication team became a sha of its f;rmer self. Cooperation was not very efficient, due to the sudden load increase of the graduating students due to the OBE system. We, did, however, published an issue- an online version. This year, my friend Darwin Eugenio became the Editor-in-Chief, and his platform is focused on catalyzing the revitalization of the newsletter. Whether or not this is due to "inspiration" does not matter to me, but I believe the online website of the newsletter which he spearheaded was generally successful in revitalizing the newsletter.
(continued from page 8) Facilities, such as the digital projectors installed in almost all classrooms, are very useful teaching aids. These help the professors use interactive media like presentation animations and videos, which also help the students lighten their imaginations. Even the notoriously slow university-wide WiFi connection appears to have improved since the beginning of 2016. Most of the perennial problems appear to be at the hands of the university's Facilities Management Office. It is believed that continued pressure from both the department and student society would lead to an increase in the rate of facilities development. Classrooms should be conducive to learning, and students must also do their part in maintaining cleanliness in the rooms. Finally, it seems that chemical process industries must be integrated further in many subjects especially courses involving unit operations so as to further emphasize to the students the relevance of the said unit operations in the industry, hoping to inspire them to become Thomasian chemical engineers willing to serve the Church and the nation in the future. The ChE program has a bright future, let's all work together to continue its development.
Mediocrity and Safety (contined from page B) In A.Y. 2013- 2014, output of The Reaction newsletter reached an all-time low. No output was produced, either print or online (not even Facebook posts). Despite having numerous members, the overall management system was not effective. The editor-in-chief back then had an "aka na ang bahala" ("I'll take care of everything") attitude, rendering us as mere impotent observers. Nothing's wrong if one wants to take all the burden, just as long as the end result is fine, which was obviously not the case . Restoration of the eminence of the newsletter is a slow and tedious process, and it systematically started on A.Y. 2014- 2015, during the reign of Executive Editor Bob Castrense. I will leave it to history to judge whether this recovery has accelerated during my administration.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the UST Chemical With the advent of social media, news outlets have struggled to keep their content timely and Engineering Society or of the UST Chemical relevant. The battle for the existence of the newsletter is the true challenge. The future genera- Engineering Department. The Reaction absolves itself tions of the members of The Reaction must be adaptable and vision-oriented enough in order of all responsibility regarding the accurary of the to secure the publication's place as the official mouthpiece of UST-ChES. information contained in the editorial articles.
Dare to Lead (An Interview} (continued from page 11) [CE]: [. .. ]marami na akong events na nahawakan. Hindi ko na iisaisahin Ia hat. Lagi ko sinasabi sa members ko na para sa ikabubuti niyo Ia hat ng nararanasan niyo ngayon. One time, may shinare ako sa isang event; ano gagawin mo kapag binigyan ka ng chance maging presidente ng Pilipinas? Sinagot ko yun. Sabi ko, tatanggapin ko yung challenge. Hindi ko susukuan at hindi ko sasabihing hindi ko kayo, in the first place paano mo mala/among hindi mo kayo kung hindi mo susubukan? Try lang ng try. From there again, we grow. JV: This would be very specific. The Luzon Chemical Engineering Students Camp 2015 would be the most tiring event to spearhead. Pabiro kong sinabi sa project heads and all members a part of the event that "I had a vision and I want this to be your vision too. " *laughs* napakamakata. Napakahirap mag-organize ng unang inter-school summit ng chemical engineering students sa UST. From venue reservations, invitations, plant tour venues, speakers, and participants, may mga tao na iiyak and susuko. I encourage them by simply being in every meeting to supervise them, by congratulating and praising them for their effort, and especially after the event by telling them that they did it, and I commend them for their hard work and effort. Question: How do you manage your time as a Chemical Engineering student and as an officer of our organization?
am not alone. The executive council will always be there to help each other and syempre meron kaming different committees na nahihingan ng tulong. And without them, hindi magiging successful ang mga projects na ginagawa ng ChES. CE: Hindi ko taloga rna-master to eh. I still cram. Pero I make sure na hindi ko napapabayaan lahat ng responsibilities ko. We still need to study, do the things we love and to still be a good daughter, sibling and friend to my loved ones. Siguro ang pinaka nakakatulong sakin to get it through the day is to ALWAYS make a to-do list. Hindi ko man siya magawa ngayong araw, at least nakikita ko parin na I have things to finish . And for the record, I don't pass late requirements. Saktuhan lang. *laughs* JV: Honestly, di taloga balanse. Kapag walang event or malayo pa yung event, focus lang sa pag-aaral especially last two semesters wherein we had our thesis. However, kapag ganitong ChES Week buhos lahat sa ChES and the remaining time pagkauwi doon lang mag-aaral. One thing na kinaganda ng senior officers this year is that magkakaklase komi. That is why hindi mahirap mag-oral kapag may quiz since komi komi lang din yung part ng group study together with our friends na naging part or part din ng ChES either as chair, vice chair or associate. Okay! Enough of the heavy questions! Let's see their witty answers and get to know them better with this special segment during the interview!
AC: Taking things one at a time. Mahirap pagsabay-sabayin yung mga dapat gawin, so iniisa-isa ko lang and when I'm done with one, tsaka ko gagawin yung susunod. Syempre, may mga pagkakataong 'di taloga kakayanin ng oras mo na gawin Ia hat but the good thing is, I
Daniela: Describe yourself in a form of food and explain why.
lsang Panayam kay Kuya Leo Kusuhara
UST-ChE Joins PiChE Convention
ni Nickole Jean Codico at Darwin Eugenio
by Merryl Marquez
Ang pagkuha ng eksaminasyon para sa lisensya ay ang huling hakbang ng isang estudyante ng ihineriya kimika bago maging Iubas at opisyal na inhinyero. Ang mga natutunan sa loob ng limang taon ay susubukin sa isang 3-araw na eksaminasyon. Dahil sa suliraning ito, maraming mga nais mag-balik-aral o mag-rebyu ang tumutungo sa review centers upang marepaso ang mga natutunan. Ating kilalanin si Kuya Leo Kusuhara, isang gradweyt ng UST-ChE noong 2015 na nakakuha ng ika-6 na pwesto sa sampung pinakamataas na grado sa chemical engineering board exams noong Nobyembre 2015. Kanyang isisiwalat ang mga karanasan niya sa pagrerebyu at kung paano nakatulong ang review center upang makamit ang pagiging topnotcher.
Last February 18, 2016, the UST Chemical Engineering Department (UST-ChE) joined the 77th Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Convention at Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center. Concurrently held was the PIChE National Undergraduate Research Contest. Out of the six finalists, three of them were from UST-ChE. In a parallel event, the UST ChE quiz team bagged the 5th place in the PIChE National Quiz bowl.
Tanong: Sa tingin niyo po ba kuya, malaking tulong yung repaso o review
para sa ChE boards? Kuya Leo: Masasabi ko na nakatulong yung board exam review sessions to prepare me for the board exams. Pero we should also do our part- na dapat hindi lang limited doon sa na-didiscuss sa unibersidad yung ni-rereview natin. If you opt taking the review, then go ahead since maganda rin na may person na nakakapagdiscuss ng mga topics na mahirap maintindihan/mareview by your own. It really depends on the way kung paano ka nasa nay mag-aral -whether through class setting or by yourself.
(itututloy sa pahina 13}
Find out their answers by opening this link: http:/I chesreaction. weebly .com/features/dare-to-lead
Garnering the 2nd place were biocharcoal researchers Jhulie Ann Bigso, Carlita "Arlee" Dimaano Jr., and lan Kenneth Micaller. They were accompanied by their advisers Prof. Maria Natalia R. Dimaano, Ph. D and Asst. Prof. Michael Francis Benjamin, Ph . D. Next to them in rank are UST-ChE sensor researchers Mary Daphne Buti, Anthony Cruz and Jamie Ashley San Juan . They were accompanied by Prof. Edna Quinto, PhD. Also included in the finalists were photocatalysis researchers Paola Abejero, Angelica Galapon and Justin Gregorio. Accompanying them is Engr. Beatriz Belmonte, MSc., their thesis adviser. The UST ChE quiz team, Beatriz Claire Torre, Allan Joseph Jumaquio, Raniella Bianca Coronado and Jude Anthony Billones with their coach, Engr. Basil James Santos, bagged the 5th place in the PIChE National Quiz Bowl against 14 participating teams.
Dare to Lead Meet our ates and kuyas behind the Chemical Engineering Society feature article by Daniela Chua
"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." -Warren G. Bennis Leadership. What is the first thing that comes into mind when you hear this? Responsibility? Decision? Position? Or Action? Everyone would probably agree to this: it isn't easy to be a leader. You have to be open for criticism, to mountain-piled duties, and to know how to balance your life as a leader and as an individual. Well what if besides having those duties; you still have this research paper deadline, assignments, exams, or even reactions to balance? It isn't a piece of cupcake at all! Being a student leader really is a challenge and a great opportunity at the same time. Last January, I had this honor to interview the tenured officers of our department's organization - the Chemical Engineering Society (ChES). They were labelled tenured due to the fact that they were with ChES since their second year of college. Wow! Talk about service for our organization! To know more about them, I asked them questions about their life as a student leader, and as a Chemical Engineering student. Daniela Chua: Please introduce yourself. Ann Baual: Hi I'm Ann Christine Baua/ a.k.a. AC, from SChE-8, the current
President of UST Chemical Engineering Society.
Question: Were you a student officer before entering college? If yes, what encouraged you to continue? If no, what encourage you to be a student leader?
AC: Yes, I was the president of our student council when I was in elementary, tapas president din aka ng isang org sa school namin nung high school. Siguro kaya ko pinagpatuloy yung pagiging student leader kasi when you have started serving others, you will find happiness and a sense of fulfillment. It was hard, but everything will be worth it in the end. Also, I Jove being around people, sa pagiging active kasi sa isang organization, marami kang makikilalang tao, marami kang magiging kaibigan at syempre marami ka ring matutunan. CE: Yes, during my kabataan days. I was the team captain of Colegio San Agustin- badminton team. And during my high school days, I was active in theater and became the external vice president of CSA's Dulaang Kruhay. Passion to serve. Binigyan kasi tayo ni Lord ng blessing to show our talents. Naniniwala aka na itong leadership na ito ay parte sa biyaya ng Diyos para maka-inspire tayo ng youth to be not afraid to show what they can. As long as tama ang ginagawa mo, do it. The Lord guides the grateful. JV: I've been active since high school but not as extensive as what I did in college. As I step in college, I've been a part of different organizations such as Engineering Student Council and UST-UNICEF Volunteers aside from ChES. Personal development yung una kong gustong matutunan but as years passed, you will continue because it is already part of your system and routine. Hindi mo na gusto yung walang ginagawa or walang event na iniintindi.
Carla Evaristo: Hi! I'm Carla Rae C. Evaristo, 5th yr ChE student. 1am the cur-
rent Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs. In short, Internal Vice President. Justin Vinluan : Hi, lm Justin Timothy V. Vinluan though my friends usually call me Vinlu. I am from 5 ChE B and currently the Senior Vice President for External Affairs at UST ChES. Question: Being a tenured ChES officer, what was the biggest challenge you had so far? Or biggest decision you have to make? AC: Siguro yung biggest decision that I have to make is when I have to
choose whether to spend my last year in college as a normal student focused in academics or run as part of the executive council ng ChES for the 3rd year. Actually, isang big step for me yung mag-run as president especially when everyone is expecting someone else to run. Standing up to prove that I am worthy of this position was even harder. But I am thankful to those people who reminded me that what other people think doesn't really matter as long as I believe in myself and I will do my best to serve the members of this organization. CE: The biggest decision I have to make was to embrace the fact that if I run for a position, I will no longer function as a student alone. I have to accept that my time would be divided in so many responsibilities. I decided to be beyond mediocrity. Kapag a/am ko kasing may magagawa aka para sa ikabubuti ng society, I take it as a challenge. Maganda kasing nachachallenge tayo. From there, we grow and develop as individuals. JV: The biggest decision lies before the whole term starts. It is the decision to continue serving ChES with a certain position. Yung decision palang na tumakbo at our last year ang pinakamahirap. It is our last time to excel and end our college life with flying colors so minsan natatanong kung bakit magdadagdag ka pa ng burden sa sarili mo na wala namang direct na kapalit and just focus on your studies.
Daniela: Name one characteristic that you believe every student leader should possess.
AC: I believe that honesty and fairness are the foundation of a good relationship. In an organization, you should have a good relationship with everyone, because behind every success is a group of people working together to achieve a common goal. CE : From the beginning of my term as IVP, I embedded the words "situational leader aka" in my mind. Hindi pwedeng dictator ka lang Jagi. 0 kaya naman charismatic leader all throughout your term. Hindi. Dapat a/am ng leaders when to understand and be firm with their decisions and when to bow down if needed. Hindi lagi dapat nasa taas. Kailangan mo minsan bumaba para maintindihan mo kung saan nagmumula Jahat. JV: The ability to understand and be understood. It all starts with good and effective communication. As student leaders, we step up to the challenge and be part of a cause. Yun ang kailangan natin ipaintindi sa mga students on why they should join an organization. The ability to understand your peers is also important to maintain a harmonious environment. Without associates to Jean on to and members to serve, there wouldn't be an organization in the first place. Lastly, kailangan mo rin ipaintindi ang sarili mo without going beyond the boundaries of your duties because at the end of the day magkakaibigan at magkakaklase lang naman din tayo. Daniela: How do you encourage your members to strive harder? Example, during a certain event?
AC: We give them tasks that they can contribute to the success of an event. Empowering our members, and showing them that we trust them is one way of encouraging them to strive harder. Syempre, would always recognize their efforts para mas rna-inspire sila. CE: Throughout my stay sa society, (continued at page 10}
UST-ChES ComDev Holds FOREFRONT: Moving Towards a Greener Nation by Divine Grace Agura, Daniela Chua, Darwin Eugenio, Merryl Marquez, Ciara Jane Roncales
In line with the goal of building environmental awareness to individuals outside the university, UST ChES held FOREFRONT: Footsteps towards a Greener Future, a three-day series of activities and workshops at the North Alliance Triangle, Rodriguez, Rizallast January 31, February 7 and February 21, 2016. Students, professors and other volunteers participated in this event spearheaded by its project heads Arun Nanda Kumar, Maria Kassandra Tan, Jeth Abisams, Hazil Magpayo, and Paula Bacani, all from the UST ChES Community Development Committee. Held at the Kristong Hari chapel by the mountainside, the event was formally opened by Zeny Alzate, the chapel coordinator who praised the efforts of UST ChES and UST Simbahayan (the community development and charity arm of the University of Santo Tomas). Speakers in the three-day event include: Mr. Nino Pinalva of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environment Management BureauEnvironment Education and Information Division (DENR-EMB-EEID), Ms. Nelie Dimer from the DENR- National Solid Waste Commission (DENR-NSWC), and Mr. Anthony Philip M. Robles of Let's Do it Philippines, an NGO.
Day 2 (Photo Credit: Jeth Abisamis/UST-ChES ComDev) were tasked to innovate wastes from the household and the streets. This does not only aim to build interconnection with the community but also to see prospects which would have the potential to alter current products which causes the downfall of the environmental sector.
Roundtable discussions were held among grouped community mem- "Nag-enjoy mga volunteers. Everyone just fell into place, maraming bers and UST participants during the first and second days to discuss on natutunan, at maraming learning opportunities." remarked Arun the problems and solutions they promised to do in order to improve Kumar, Chair of the UST ChES Community Development Committee. solid waste management practices of their community. The fruits of these discussions were then discussed among the entire audience afterFull Article Here: http://chesreaction.blogspot.com/2016/02/forefrontmoving-towards-greener-nation.html wards. During the last day, residents and volunteers were grouped and
UST ChES Amends Constitution (continued from page 6} for the next five years was also made more specific on Article 2. On Article 7, the chair and the vice-chair persons of the committees will be replaced by the AVP or Assistant Vice Presidents. Also Article 8 was modified so that the AVP for External Affairs will be the official representative of ChES to PIChE or Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers. Lastly, Article 16 was added as a clause regarding the adjustments made because of the K-12 Program. "Para sa akin, huge step for the org na rna-revise yung constitution kasi naging maayos and naging solid yung consti. Ang constitution kasi yan yung standing ground ng org. Van yung foundation ng org. Kailangan ng constitution lalo pa ngayon at paparating yung K-12. With the revised constitution, tiwala kami na magiging maayos ang ChES for the years to come." Jorge Ochoa, outgoing UST-ChES Public Relations Officer said after the official ratification. The UST-ChES also thanked UST Engineering Comelec deputies who helped during the ratification period: Adriel Navarette, Franco Palado, Casey Heukshorst, Carlo Trinidad and Paul Manzon. Read the new constitution here: htt ps :/I www. drop box. com/ s/bgz5 757 4txa 1cz k/U STC hES-Arti cl es-of-Association -1516 %20.pdf?di=O
ChE Quiz Team Bags Championship in 37th General Information Quiz Contest - Group Category (continued from page 5} and trivia and fought for the championship. The Chemical Engineering representatives in the group category for this year's GIQC were Marc Gaela (4th year), Wrenzie Rey Regodon (3rd year), Hazel Anne Pullan (2nd year), and Marc Voltaire Calubaquib (1st year). These representatives took the lead early on as they steadily rose through the ranks during the elimination round. They won against nearest contender Team ECE (Electronics and Communications Engineering) with a score of 105- 90, with ChE taking the lead. The individual category player, Paul Jan Roxas, secured the 2nd place, tailing one step behind the Civil Engineering team (CE) with a score of 75 (CE)- 60 (ChE). When asked about the ChE victory, Wrenzie Regodon, a veteran team player said, "Di naming ineexpect. Lahat naman nag-contribute, at lahat nagbigay ng full effort." Voltaire Calubaquib, the youngest in the team, said "Magandang laban. It's not about [if] you win or lose [but] what matters is au had fun." continued at a e 13 with hotos
An Interview with Prof. Alberto Laurito lsang Panayam kay Kuya Leo Kusuhara Learn more about the veteran professor of the ChE Department
{Top 6, ChE Board Exams November 2015) (itinuloy mula sa pahina 10}
Interview by: Allan Jumaquio, Kenneth Caraig, Lorenz Dequifia, Chriscia Gagui, Jamie San Juan, Daljit Singh (Team One/ChE Batch 2016) Tanong: Marami raw pong teknik na natututunan sa mga review center, mala king tulong po ito sa tingin niyo? Article collaborators: Nickole Codico, Joel Bigornia, Jace Melgar Kuya leo: YES. Maraming techniques na nai-share sa aming reviewers ang MRII
The following is an interview with Prof Alberto A. Laurito of the ChE
'Pronrl·m<•ntl
(Manila Review Institute Inc.) specially for Day 3. They also delivered it in a way na madaling rna-recall ng students during the exams.
that was originally for the subject ChE524 - Field Trips and Seminars. The topic is mainly about graduate studies. Due to Prof Laurito's refusal to have the '"' recorded on video, Team One decided to publish the text of the interview and sub- Tanong: Ano po yung naging pakiramdam niyo nang nalaman niyo pong isa kaso sequently gave permission to The Reaction to do so. sa mga matataas o topnotcher? 0
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Question: Why did you choose chemical engineering as a program to pursue? Prof. A. laurito: Looking back, it may have been 3 things : first, admiration for my high school math teacher who was a chemical engineer, second, my own curiosity for Chemistry as a science as we did not have such a subject in high school; and maybe unconsciously, to follow the footsteps of my father who is also one of our earliest registered chemical engineers (License Number 163), but who chose Forensic Chemistry and Criminal Justice as his areas of practice .
Kuya leo: I felt very happy and the first thing we did was go to church para magpasalamat sa blessing.
Tanong: Ma-i-rerekomenda niyo po ba ang MRII for students especially ChE? Kuya leo: Yes, I do recommend MRII to help reviewers recall topics and parana rin may way na magkaroon ka ng schedule for studying kasi ang importante ay kahit pakonti-konti lang ang [nasasaklaw] mo each day, as long as it is consistent, it will pay off in the end. I do believe that it (yung board exam preparation) takes time and MRII can help you with that. MRII din yung first choice ko for review Question: Did you see yourself as to where you are now when you were in col- since medyo hindi naging maganda ang feedback ng mga [kumuha sa ibang aralan o review center]. lege and why did you choose the academe? Prof. A. laurito: My answer would be a Yes, as I believe teaching is in my blood . My mother came from a family of teachers and I would say even as a college stu- Si G. Leo Kusuhara ay nagtamo ng ika-6 na pinakamataas na marka sa ChE board dent, being a coach or mentor to my classmates was something natural and en- exams noong Nobyembre 2015; dalawa sila sa naturang ranggo. Parehas silang najoyable to me. I see in me a passion to let others learn from me, and so when 1 kakuha ng marka na 82.9 porsiyento. got the offer to teach in our faculty, I immediate took the opportunity. Afterl-_ _.....;_ _ _ _ _.....;_.....;_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ almost 43 years in the academe, I have no regrets to have stayed to fulfil avocation in education .
ChE Quiz Team Bags Championship in 37th General Information ....
Question: What is the difference between studying for your BS degree compared toMS degree? Prof. A. laurito: A BS degree will just expose you to the fundamentals of the field; pursuing an MS degree should enable you to learn more independently, solve more complex problems, and improve your critical and creative thinking. In my case I realized I cannot teach effectively unless I have more mastery on the subject matter than my students, and so I have to acquire graduate degrees for higher learning and confidence building.
Roxas, individual player, getting his award
Question: What are the traits that a newly graduate should possess especially in getting a job? Prof. A. laurito: Being now exposed more closely with HR people from the industry in IGAARP, the ability to retain mastery of basic concepts and principles of engineering, to demonstrate creativity, to communicate clearly, and to value loyalty and service first more than expecting instantly personal material rewards are the desirable traits for a new graduate. Question: What is the greatest lesson or advise you could share with us that greatly moved you to be as good as you are right now? Prof. A. laurito: Continue to learn even after graduation by enjoying reading, using available learning resources for adapting to the dynamic changes in engineering, set a personal agenda for your career, and grab all opportunities that are consistent with your agenda . Never forget however to say prayer to give thanks to God for all the trials and blessings that will come to your life.
Team ChE GIQC Team (3rd to 6th persons from left) from the group category.
Photo Credits: Darwin Eugenio (The Reaction), A-Jay Galiza (ECE Student)
(continued from page 12)
Marc Gaela, seemingly overwhelmed at the victory, deferred to comment. Question: Any message for the graduating class of 2016? Prof. A. laurito: My short message is you are now about to join me as bonafide This year' s GIQC were hosted by Kris Sanceja and Mary Josephine Co, both Thomasian Chemical Engineers, and we have a long tradition of excellence. members of the Thomasian Engineer Journal. Prove yourself always worthy of this title by continuously improving yourself, Last year, the ChE representatives Marc Gael a, Bob Castrense, Wrenzie Regobeing better today than yesterday, and much better tomorrow than today. You don, Darwin Eugenio, and Hazel Pullan won 2nd place in the group category cannot do this alone, trust others to help you along the way, and more imporwhile Marc Gaela won 2nd place as well in the individual category. tantly, implore Divine Providence . God bless all of you .
Nature's Sonnet Gian Carlo Baiiares
Gian Carlo Baiiares If I were to ask this meaningfu one, I would1Cieclare as if it w as t his t hing, Indeed, it was, a life of pain th en gone, Above, it is the life of pondering. Life ... its beautiful and e minent state. Th e pl easure, seeks, like a colourful eye. Upraise, the beauty, in its very fate. Beauty defines life, a bountiful rye. I asked myself, wh at life chooses to please. ~ Pleasurable as if, it was for sake. To admire, to praise, in its every ease Death, could not ever, longer, vowed to take. Pleasure, for life, could it ever endure?
Behold, the magnificent, imminence Of nature's, only beautiful flora. Had stricken thee, of life, with conscience. Surroundings, filled with thy graceful fauna. If thee sail beyond the vast, open sea. To gaze upon and below its waters Wonderful, as many, they wish to be. The scenery, which life, ever alters. The wide forests, as dense as they were told. With sparkling, shining fruits, so edible.
In one's heart, f ulfills harmonious measure.
Biased Thoughts and Distorted Memories Shayne Arenas Made my heart beat, pulled its strings Touched my soul, had my keys Blew my mind, sung in my dreams The musician did these with a half-hearted kiss
That even time, couldn't will to unfold. Nature's bounty as meaningful a parable. Upraise, thy beauty, to be so graceful. Upholds, the shining gleam so wonderful.
artwork by Gemarie Quetua
Maybe I was mistaken for someone else, Like a carved out character from imagination Expectations unfulfilled, the plot was twisted The writer craves for a bond with perfection Resentment fills in, tinted in very dark gray Strokes of red with blood, anger, and madness Brushed the warm and true colors away The artist colored me with emptiness Conquered the field of my white lies And dominated with thoughtless arguments, Scars remain as the innocent child dies, The master still haunts me, as a moment triggers a memory
Nature Unites Us? Darwin Eugenio Just as how two lines intersect Exactly towards a similar interest A point of intersection, one point of view Nothing much different, me and you Reality, they say, is subjective An open mind I saw in the time I've spent with you Your youthful and jolly demeanor amused me Nature unites us, but religion divides us. Every opportunity to converse Like our meetings to discuss ideas diverse Living creatures' photos you showed because you care for them just like me. Everything about you matches my interest Like our unbounded imagination and ideas Laboratory surplus you prepared to entrust Overwhelming infatuations I care not to adjust.
Man, Wake Up! Carla Laine Cruzado As I was sitting by a bench I remembered what my granny told me last week "Be careful about every action you are doing, For you might end up regretting, or worse, dying" I wondered why she said that in such a random way When it wasn't even Halloween or All Saint's Day Until I stood up and walked around the court And noticed the garden, so bald unlike before. Look outside your house and tell me what you see Cars, infrastructures, and smoke coming from factories Can you still see any green thing? Oh yes, I forgot; the green overpasses built by the authorities Travel through sea and look around you Did you see if the ocean is still blue? How about those schools of fish happily swimming? I guess they're inside the stomachs of those people starving. If we tolerate these things that are happening
Man, wake up! Our treasures are vanishing They're in a menace now so let's be part of the saving. By simply throwing those wrappers in the trash bins We get to be part of saving our place of origin. What more if we do those things everyday? I say a pleasant and virtuous future's coming our way. Those birds on the trees that we used to see Should be protected, too, like babies. Without these living things, there'd be no harmony That relaxes our minds and a panorama to see. The creatures in the sea, we should pay attention to They're a source indeed, of a man's income, too. But we should shield them not only for our benefit But also for the fact that We're God's steward And we should know how to value. We should realize that our resources are fading away So let us act now before it's too late. Let's be wary for every action we make Or else our life would be desolate.
Do you think we would die with a happy ending?
Want to Contribute? Contact Mary Mae Buensuceso- Features and Literary Editor: 09952183125
More Literary Articles: http://chesreaction.weebly.com/literary
UST ChES Bags 2 Golds, 1 Silver, and a Trophy as Overall Champion ....
ChES Week Concludes with Sportsfest by Patrick dela Cruz and Ezekiel Escoto
(continued from page 16) UST defeated Adamson in blowout fashion, 63-36, on Sunday, February 21 at the UPLB Copeland Gymnasium . Soliaban led all scorers with 17 points and graduating players namely David, Dar and Castillo also contributing 12, 11 and 9 points respectively. The game was neck and neck during the first quarter until UST picked up the pace, running and scoring, in each possession, while also intensifying their defense and hustling on both sides of the court, up until the game became one-sided. Coach Nico posted on Facebook "Congratulations to all of us. Our hard work, discipline on the court and determination are one of the factors kaya we are still the CHAMPIONS!" UST won against TIP-Manila, 53-38, and against BSU, 53-44, before entering the finals . Members of the UST-ChES Women's Basketball team, Zuyuska Bennett, Jillian Gutierrez, Bianca Moreno and Sophia Vergara, won against EARIST in the championship game with a final score of 42-22 in favor of UST. Basketball Scores Game 1: Oralio 20, David 13, Dar 8, Pineda 6, Soliaban 6, Semi-Finals: Oralio 13, David 10, Dar 8, Cortez 7, Castillo 4, Soliaban 4, Pineda 3, Abuena 2, Tapulao 2 Finals: Soliaban 17, David 12, Dar 11, Castillo 9, Cortez 7, Loring 2, Oralio 2, Tapulao 2, Miralo 1
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The UST Chemical Engineering Society (UST ChES) wrapped up this year's ChES week last January 30 with two back-to-back activities called "Trails: The UST Chemical Engineering Sports Festival 2016" and "Review: Culminating Night 2016". These two events held at the Quadricentennial Pavilion Open Court is annually held to promote physical well ness and sportsmanship to the Chemical Engineering community, and to formally close the ChES week. Sportsfest: Battle of Stamina and Endurance As the penultimate event for the ChES week, expectations were high for the sportsfest event. Casual students observing the happenings said that the event was anticipated to be fun as it brings out the competitive spirit of the students. Exciting games and activities round up in a fine Saturday which includes major sporting events mainly basketball, volleyball and badminton followed by minor games like tug-of-war, dodgeball, human snake, obstacle course and water pong. For basketball, the first three games were played in the Fabella court outside UST, and the remaining basketball games and the rest of the games were played in the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion Practice Gym. The match-up for the games were determined by drawing lots with one lucky batch already advancing to the semi-finals. The games were played in single elimination, batch versus batch, with the exception of badminton. The badminton event first conducted round robin elimination between players of the same batch to determine who gets to represent their respective batches. Batch 2017 (4th year) secured the trophy as overall champions by winning the basketball, tug-of-war and water pong games. Class of 2016 and 2019 were tied for the second spot after victorious stints in Badminton (5th year), Human Snake (5th year), Volleyball (2nd Year) and Obstacle Course (2nd year) . Badminton
Human Snake Participants
Badminton champion duo, Carla Evaristo and Camille Ann Valencia were asked to comment about the competition. Carla said "Sobrang gagaling ng mga players and nahirapan kami ni cams kasi minsan umaabot kami sa 3rd set. Masaya yung game. Sana may ganoon pa next year para maramdaman nila yung saya ng badminton during sports/est". While Camille commented, "Super dikitan ang laban. Magagaling yung mga players. Ang an gat lang naming ni Carla is luck kasi samin lagi natatapat yung bola so nakakapili kami if court or service". She then jokingly added "lagi kaming court so doon kami sa hindi nakakasilaw". Basketball For the popular Filipino game, basketball, Batch 2017 basketball team captain Angelo Oralio said "Masaya, kasi una sa lahat no-defend namin ang pagiging champion namin last year at walang masamang nangyari sa lahat ng players. Tapas nakita kong nag enjoy yung mga ka-batch ko patina din yung ibang batch sa pag-represent ng mga batch nila. At natuwa din ako nung nakita kong may mga bagong magagaling na players sa lower batch. Ball is life, thank you God". Many students were excused in their classes as they were expected to participate in the games. An exhibition game between mixed faculty (like instructor Edsel Calica) and varsity players was also conducted for volleyball. Professors, instructors, support staff, and students tightened their bonds as they participated in a Zumba dance and on a friendly basketball game between the ChE basketball varsity team and a team of chemical engineering laboratory technicians from the department.
Photos above supplied by : Mark Danver Mendoza, Chair- UST-ChES MemDoc
The event was made possible by the efforts of its project heads RD Layug and Performing Arts and Recreations Committee Officer in Charge Kaye Suing.
Sports Section
16 1 SPORTS
Writers: Biel Ross Dar, Patrick dela Cruz, Ezekiel Escoto, Merryl Jean Marquez
UST ChES Bags 2 Golds, 1 Silver, and a Trophy as Overall Champion for PiChEiympics 2016 by Biel Ross Dar and Merryl Jean Marquez The UST Chemical Engineering Society (UST-ChES) successfully defended their crown against nine competing schools as they were declared overall champion for this year's Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers Olympics (PIChEiympics) held last February 21, 2016 at the University of the Philippines- Los Banos, Laguna. The UST ChES Basketball team, women's and men's division, and the Volleyball team brought home the bacon as they won 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal. Photos by: Merryl Marquez (The Reaction) Ten schools in Luzon, namely University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University-Manila (DLSU-Manila), Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila (TIP-Manila), Mapua Institute of Technology-Manila (Mapua), University of the Philippines (UP) - Chemical Engineering Society (UP KEM), UP-Alliance of Chemical Engineering Students (UP AIChEmES), Golden Gate Colleges, UPLB- Society of Chemical Enginee ring students, Batangas State University (BSU), and Adamson University (ADU), joined the annual Olympics of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers.
First set of the championship game, UST scored 25-12 and beat the BSU in the first set. During the 2nd set, a close fight between the two opposing teams was established. The game was very intense as the crowd loudly cheered for their bet schools when the scores of the two teams where very close. UST's number 8 player, Joshua John "JJ" Baylen, was injured during this set whom his team mates considered a big loss to the game. Second set end up with a score of 20-25 in favor of BSU and gave a standing of 1-1 with UST. Third set, the decision round, UST did not stop defending their crown as the reigning champion in volleyball of last year's PIChEiympics. Finally, the game was over and ended up with a close score of 19-25 in favor of BSU. BSU was declared as the champion of the PIChEiympics volleyball and UST got the Volleyball UST ChES Vollleyball team, led by Daljit Singh (Acting Team Captain), won silver in silver spot. the annual PIChEiympics and was accompanied by Engr. Princess Parubrub, former ChE Volleyball varsity and coach of this year's ChE Volleyball team. The team was Basketball composed of great athletes: Renzi Barotac, Joshua John Baylen, Kenneth Caraig, The UST-ChES Men's Basketball team, led by two team captains John Philip David John Dale DelaPena, Pat Duncan, Sharize Gasatan, Mark Joshua lnes, Jerina Pang- and Gio Castillo, and composed of players Biel Dar, Angelo Oralio, Denzel Soliaban, ilinan, Theo Sacdalan, Daljit Singh, Dan Erson Talplacido and Trisdale Wong. UST Toffee Paddayuman, Kaile Miralo, RJ Loring, Alec Cortez, Edil Pineda, Nick Abuena defeated UP Kem, 2-0, TIP-Manila, 2-0, and UP-LB, 2-0, in their first 3 games head- and Rieal Tapulao, won back to back championships accompanied by coach and former UST ChES varsity Engr. Nico Angelo Sardea. (cotinued at page 15} ing them to enter the championship against BSU who gave them a good fight.
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