A. Y. 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5

Three Thomasian Chemical Engineers became Topnotchers in November 2014 Licensure Examination by Bob Chaervin S. Castrence

The passing rate of batch 2014 in the recently held Licensure Examination for Chemical Engineers had improved with three included in the top 10 ranking. Joseph John Liwanagan led the Thomasian passers at 2nd place (83.40%), followed by Francis Jessy Liggayu at 7th place (82.80%) and William Macasero, Jr. at 9th place (82.50%).

Based on the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), USTChE improved its numbers with a 69.12% overall passing rate, wherein 96 out of 136 examinees successfully passed the examination compared to last year's 58.97% wherein 69 passed out of 117 examinees. (continued at page 3) The Topnotchers (From Left to Right) Jessy Liggayu, Joseph John Liwanagan, William Macasero Jr.

CHES SiliARTS A.Y. 2014 - 2015 WITH SUMMER CHEARS ~

by Darwin Eugenio The Student Affairs Committee of the Chemical Engineering Society (ChES) started Academic Year 2014- 2015 with an academic-related

activity, the ChE Academic Reinforcement Sessions commonly shorted as ChEARS, which was held on 23rd of June and ended on the 27th of June. ChEARS is usually a one-week review session that aims to give interested Chemical Engineering (ChE) students an academic advantage for the

upcoming academic year by providing them with advanced lessons on Chemical Engineering subjects. Incoming first to fourth year students were instructed by either fresh graduates or fellow undergraduate ChE students. (continued at page 3)

CHESLAUNCHESINDEX ~~ By Nickole Jean L. Codico

Third year to fifth year students of UST-ChE gathered at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium last June 3 for the launching of UMPISA­HAN 2014: The InDEx Primer. The (then) Chemical Engineering depart­ment chair, Asst. Prof. Rosalina A. Lioanag, opened the program with a preview of the InDEx concept. "Our faculty [Engineering] used to dominate the top 10 list," she said, ({and to help bring back the glory days, InDEx arose." Initially coined as the Exit Exam, the Incoming 3rd, 4th & 5th year students Diagnostic Examination (InDEx) is a project of ChES Executive Council that is pioneered by Kevin Dales, the InDEx Committee Chairman. (continued at page 3)

Contents/Highlights/What's Inside?

THIS IS WHERE IT ALL STARTS P05

UST ChES holds 12th Leadership Summit

ASEAN INTEGRATION DEMVSTIFIED P1 o A Feature Article on the Ongoing ASEAN Integration

ULTIMATE DANCE REVOLUTION P09

ChEDC Defends Crown Once Again

In celebration of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers' (PiChE) Diamond year, PIChE Metro-Manila Academe Chapter and the PIChE College of Fellows organized the ASEAN Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Education Summit (AUChEEDS) 2014 in Manila, Philippines last July 17-19 with a theme, "Educating the New Generation of ASEAN Chemical Engineers". The event was attended by almost 450 faculty and student participants from 1 0 local and 2 international universities and colleges that are members of the ASEAN University Network/Southeast Asia Engineering Education Development Network (AUN/SEED-Net).

Prominent speakers on Chemical Engineering Education identified from previous Asian Pacific Community of Chemical and Process Engineers and Industrial Chemists (APCChE) and World Congress were invited on the first day of the summit held at the Henry Sy Hall of De La Salle University to present Chemical Engineering's shift from a conventional to outcomes-based education (OBE).

Prof. Philipina Marcelo, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Univeristy of Santo Tomas, discussed OBE in a comparative approach between bioguided food processing and innovative engineering education. Dr. Richard Felder, renowned for his textbook, Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Engineering discussed through a webinar

Prof. Duncan Fraser's study on shaping Chemical Engineering curricula to meet the demands of the 21st century. The suggested curriculum proposes the mastery of theoretical concepts in Chemical Engineering and application of this knowledge to activities and projects to be assigned to the students.

One of the keynote speakers, Dr. Miki Chitoshi, explained the objectives and goals of the AUN/SEED-Net, a human resource network that currently consists of 26 leading institutions from 10 ASEAN countries and is supported by 14 leading Universities in Japan. On the other hand, plenary speakers namely, Prof. David Shallcross, Prof. Jae-Jin Shim, Prof. lr Mei-Fong Chong and Dr. Noel Kristian discussed about interactive e-books and materials, development of Chemical Engineering education and Accreditation Board for Engineering Education in Korea (ABEEK), "Year 1 Assessment Week" in Malaysia and experiential activities that engage students to apply engineering concepts in determining problems and solutions in a certain community. A student from Adamson University, Joachin Victorino Mari Armonio, presented the results of his study regarding the factors that would affect the learning capability of Chemical Engineering students and the practices that would aid in their faster learning.

An international quiz bowl held at

San Martin de Porres Auditorium, University of Santo Tomas took place on the second day of the summit. Teams from 11 various universities and colleges competed for the 500 USD prize by analyzing theories and solving problems related to Chemical Engineering. De La Salle University won the brain battle while UP Diliman and Malayan Colleges-Laguna bagged the second and third places, respectively. A campus tour and a parallel open laboratory demonstration of various equipment particularly a continuous stirred tank reactor, a sieve tray distillation tower and a process control rig, were prepared by the UST Chemical Engineering Society after the competition. A fellowship dinner to promote social interaction among the participants concluded the second day of the event.

Culminating rites were conducted in Malayan Colleges-Laguna and were followed by a trip to Taal Lake and Volcano and a luncheon in Tagaytay City.

Typhoon Glenda hit the Philippines during the summit but it was not powerful enough to stop the raging desire of ASEAN Chemical Engineering group of professionals and students to learn and experience AuChEEDS 2014 like no other.

The University of Santo Tomas Chemical Engineering Society (UST-ChES) held a biomedical seminar last October 8 at the Education Auditorium, Albertus Magnus Building titled "Leveraging Diverse Medical Science to Fortify Humanity." The seminar have four series of sessions that aimed to instill knowledge about the Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Industries and to showcase the influence of these subjects to the human health security through the years.

Philippine College for the Advancement of Medicine (PCAM), dis­cussed about the beauty and advantages of a new found technol­ogy called the cardiovascular chelation therapy as cure for Hepa­titis B.

After a break, Ms. Zenaida M. de Guzman, the current Chairman of the Development of Philippine National Standard on Food Irradiation talked about the radiation sterilization of medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. And lastly, the Country Safety Lead for Safety Evaluation and Reporting, Worldwide Safety and Regulatory and Worldwide Research and Develop­ment of Pfizer, Inc., Mr. Byron Webb A. Romero, disclosed the reality behind drug safety.

The first topic was discussed by Mrs. Marie Cris Mizai-Merz, UST Bioanalytical Laboratory Head of Center of Excellence in Drug Research and Evaluation and Studies. She discoursed about the validation of bioanalytical methods in the production of quality medicine. On the other hand, Dr. Arturo V. Estuita, a Co - Founder, first President and Chairman of

The said seminar was attended primarily by Chemical Engi­neering, Chemistry, Pharmacy and Graduate School students of the University of Santo Tomas.

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015

USif~ CHORALE: A NEW DEN FOR CHE STUDENT-CHORISTERS

by Janet Pastores and Jayson Mascarenas

It is an undeniable fact that aside from their scientific and mathematical inclination, ChE students were endowed with great talents. This reality inspired the UST Chemical Engineering Society to open for the very first time a group where ChE students can contribute and hone their talent in singing --- The UST ChE Chorale. It is one of this year's projects of the UST ChES headed by its Assistant Secretary Ms. Janille Constantino.

The UST ChE Chorale was introduced to the Chemical Engineering students by holding a three-day audition last July 2014 at Laboratory 5 of Roque Ruano Building. The judges were fourth year chemical engineering students, Joyce Manalo and Louisse Nieva. In the first and second day of the auditions, less than ten students tried out, but on the last day there were more than 30 students.

From those who auditioned, only 29 students were chosen. Joyce Manalo and Louise Nieva are part of the chorale; all in all, the UST Che Chorale is composed of 31 students. "We judged them based sa voice nila, kung gaano ka-versatile yung voice nila, when it comes to a slow or fast paced song, at syempre, kung magaling ba sila," said Louise Nieva.

The Performing Arts and Recreations Committee first thought of having the chorale and is supported by the president of UST ChES because he wanted [UST ChES] to have its own singing group. The project head of UST ChE Chorale, Janille Constantino believes that even though it is the first time UST ChES has its own chorale, if it continues a year or two from now, it will not only perform on ChES events but also compete outside the campus. "Bukod sa may magrerepresent sa ChE sa ganyang bagay, it will also build new circle of friendships and camaraderie between ChE students," she said .

The Performing Arts and Recreations Committee first thought of having the chorale and is supported by the president of UST ChES because he wanted [UST ChES] to have its own singing group. The project head of UST ChE Chorale, Janille Constantino believes that even though it is the first time UST ChES has its own chorale, if it continues a year or two from now, it will not only perform on ChES events but also compete outside the campus. "Bukod sa may magrerepresent sa ChE sa ganyang bagay, it will also build new circle of friendships and camaraderie between ChE students," she said .

CHES GR~NTS BOOK SCHOLARSHIP TO DESERVING ONES ~

by Nickole Jean L. Codico

The UST Chemical Engineering Society held its annual search for deserving Chemical Engineering students to become the newest batch of book scholars for the first semester of A.Y. 14-15 held at the Roque Ruano building last 11th to 16th of August.

This project aims to provide commendable ChE students with books for their major subjects, which would help them excel in their academic performance. "It took us long to choose the scholars for this semester because most of them really showed their need for the books," said Divine Grace Agura, one of the project heads. "Makikita mo talaga yung drive nila to perform better sa studies kaya sila nag apply for the book scholarship," she added.

The project team considered two factors in choosing the

new set of book scholars. First is the dire needs of the student and second is the way he/she performed on the interview proper.

The applicant must reflect a package comprising of a good personality and great commitment to the organization in order to be selected.

Out of the twenty seven who applied, only seven were chosen for the semester's book scholarship. Namely, they are lan Kester Fancubit (1 ChE-8}, Jay Russell Avendano (1 ChE-D}, Roxanne Mae Suyu (2ChE-C}, Jazzmyn De Leon & Julius Magno (3ChE-D}, Harvey Lechago (4ChE-C}, and Charissa Alfonso (5ChE-B). The result was announced on the 20th of August.

These book scholars will continue to be a representation of UST ChES' continuing success in helping students to be better not just with the extra-curricular activities but also in aiding the students with their needs to excel in academics.

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015

by Roxanne Mae G. Suyu The Chemical Engineering Society (ChES) conducted a polymer symposium titled "Linking Up", at UST Beato Angelico AVR

last August 20, 2014. The event was organized with a purpose of fostering Chemical Engineering students' knowledge about polymers and the materials' significance to the industry. Two discussions from polymer specialists, Dr. Christina A. Binag and Engr. Rolando Marasigan became the highlight of the event. Dr. Binag discussed about the updates on producing polymers as she laid an emphasis on the present situation of modernized and highly technology-oriented processing in light weight plastics and rubbers. On the other hand, Engr. Marasigan lectured about the current situation of the polymer industry. He stressed out the significance of polymerical fields including research, development and production. A participative open forum among the audience followed the consecutive discussions.

CHES CJJnducts a Seminar About Food Innovation ~

by Bob Chaervin Castrence

ChES conducted a seminar titled, ChEF (Chemistry of Food): Discovering the recipe for food innovation last October 23 at the Beato Angelico AVR. The seminar tackled about the current trends and innovation in the food industry and an overview about venturing into food industry.

The guest speakers were Engr. Jose Victor Saqueton of Dole Philippines, Engr. Rodolfo Domingo of Mondelez Philippines and Ms. Rosemarie Reyes of Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Cavite Plant. Engr. Saqueton talked about Asceptic Processing Technologies and High Pressure Processing (HPP), which is one of the modern alternative food

Cali- th Orientation :.-..

(continued from page 3) the unaccustomed definition of chemical engineering, its importance to the industry and the traits and habits one should possess in order to finish the program.

"Seek the job that will make you happy." These are the words Engr. Arnold Benitez, a UST ChE Batch 1995 Alumni, enunciated as he briefly discussed a vast list of career path options for a chemical engineer. He reminisced past experiences and shared his journey towards becoming the Asia Pacific Marketing Strategic Manager of Dow Chemical Pacific Ltd. at present.

On the other hand, another UST ChE Alumni (Batch 1975) emphasized on the challenges and the counter advantages of being a chemical engineer.

processing methods. He also discussed the advantages of accepting processing over conventional canning. Engr. Domingo tackled about the importance of food innovation in our society, the ethical considerations in food manufacturing and the role of Chemical Engineers in the food innovation. Ms. Reyes recalled the basics of food chemistry and introduced the applications of Programmable Logic Control (PLC) in their plant.

The seminar was made possible by the ChES Student Affairs committee spearheaded by Lea Gilliane Delica.

Engr. Edwina Villarosa, Chief Executive Officer of Environatural Corporation, wittily summarized her talk with an inspirational advice, "You should be prepared to become rich!" Moreover, Asst. Prof. Rosalina A. Lioanag, ChE Department Chairperson, graced the event with a brief discourse concerning the abilities a ChE student should possess in order to transform to a professional engineer. "You've got to be a Star- seeker, team player, adaptable and responsible," she stated.

It has been a tradition of Chemical Engineering Society to conduct career path orientation every start of a school year. This is to inspire students to pursue the program they have chosen despite the hardships they may encounter during the journey.

miiii- HERE IT ALL STARTS: UST ChES holds 12th Leadership Summit

by Divine Grace R. Agura

The UST Chemical Engineering Society held its 12th Leadership Summit last July 4-6 at the Tan Van Kee Audio Visual Room and Boso-Boso Highlands and Recreation Center in Antipolo, Rizal with the theme, "Empowering Leaders as Thomasian Agents towards an Effective Student's Society". It was attended by 107 Chemical Engineering student-leaders and was facilitated by Mr. Philippe Jose Hernandez, professor from the Engineering Sciences Department and ChE Department's very own, Engr. Rose Mardie Pacia. The leadership summit was a three-day event that consisted of workshops, (continued at page 8)

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015

rn on n their teaching by asking such questions as: Is my method of teaching effective? What teaching methods do I use? Is it in the course syllabus? How do I assess to see if the students really understand the lessons? In outcomes-based education (popularly known as OBE), instructors would ask: What do I want my students to do after my teaching that they couldn't do before and to what standard? How do I assess them to see how they have achieve those outcomes? Did they understand the course?

OBE comes in the form of competency-based learning standards and outcomes-based quality assurance monitoring and evaluation , in accordance to ChED memorandum order no. 46 s. 2012. Aside from the ChED memo, colleges and universities nowadays are implementing the OBE in order to prepare for the ASEAN integration, wherein the academic calendar of the Philippines is aligned to the academic calendar of fellow ASEAN member-countries. The main objective of the OBE is to gauge the capacities and capabilities of the students. In OBE, the traditional paper-and-pen method of instruction is no longer the sole basis of student's performance. The student is gauged based if he or she met the specific outcomes of the course. (continued at paQe 7)

T H E REACTION A .Y. 2014-2015

Bob Ch aervi n Castr ence Ed it o r -in-Chief

Darwin Eugeni o Managing Ed it o r

Christelle Navarette News Editor

Jayson Mascarenas

Features and Literary Editor A rriane Mar asi g an, Mar k Jed del a Cr uz

Layout Artis ts Jean Ray nell Bello

Creative Team Head

News Writers: D ivi n e G r ace Agura, N i ck o le

Codico , Roxann e Suyu , Richelle Espi nosa

Feature Writers: Jurch e n G r ecie Licayan ,

Janet Pastor es

Literary Writ ers: Car la Cruzado, M a ry M ae

Buensuceso, lm iefer Camacho

Photojournalist: Khazel Bustillo

Engr. Ayesha G. Duavis Adviser

Discombobulating Circumlocutions By Bob Chaervin S. Castrence

Industry immersion, also known as "on-the-job training" or "internship" is one of the course requirements of the Chemical Engineering program. It aims to instill principles about Chemical Engineering and allied fields. My batch mates were hired and conducted their internship on various industrial plants and research firms. I had my internship last summer at

'";. ........

Clean Air Asia, an environmental research center funded by Asian Development Bank and United Nations, as Air Quality Research Intern. I worked for the dispersion modelling of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from stationary sources in Metro Manila. I am receiving weekly remuneration on my internship.

That is a one of the perks of being a writer in The Reaction. An ordinary Chemical Engineering student is expected to be scientifically and mathematically inclined. Being a writer is considered as bonus. We in the newsletter is expected to have excellent oral , written and artistic communication skills. I am thankful of having my student life with the newsletter. Companies nowadays are looking for an intern or on-the-job trainee that is active and involved in extra-curricular activities. Grades is no longer an issue. In status quo, leadership skills is considered compared to scholastic performance. So if you flanked before in Chemical Engineering courses like Stoichiometry, Thermodynamics and so on, do not worry. Aside from your resume, your performance during the job interview matters. Again I will reiterate, scholastic performance is not always the sole basis of the student's competence. Numerical values don't dictate either. Lessons in life is not always taught in the four corners of classroom. It is on how you would learn from your past experience.

I have been to many challenges. I even was a conditional student. You know what, my mother is so disappointed to me. She even have thoughts of not supporting my matriculation anymore. But I have stand on my own feet. I proved to everyone that I can endure, no matter what, the complexity of the Chemical Engineering program. I used to be an honor student and an achiever during my high school days. But what happened? Now, I am focused and intellectually mature. In thermodynamic terms, most of the Chemical Engineering students are state functions. These are the functions that depend on the current state of the system and not on how the system reached that state. Though most of us been to disturbance and disequilibrium, we have to realize that the most important is the present, how we learned from our past and how we anticipate the future. Sooner when you are a Chemical Engineer, you will reminisce the past and you will simply laugh because you have overcome the challenges in your journey.*

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015

Catalysing Change in the Modern World by Darwin Eugenio

A few years ago, I joined an essay writing competition hosted by The Reaction A.Y 2011 -2012 during the semestral break. There were four topics and each aspiring essayist can send one entry for all the given topics. With the help of Divine Providence, my entry on the topic "Chemical Engineers as Catalysts of Change" surprisingly won the contest. I will attempt to expand and refine my opinions in the essay in

this column. As I have observed during these past few years, a substantial number of my friends and peers were actually, if not, coerced, to take up this program. Nonetheless, many have steadfastly pursued this course despite the challenges. Indeed, I believe that they have appreciated the course itself most likely because they have seen that Chemical Engineers do have the potential to do amazing things that could benefit the world.

Chemical Engineering is a branch of Engineering that covers a vast scope of topics under three major fields namely, Physics, Mathematics- which I termed as the "anchor" of Engineering, and Chemistry. It usually deals with creating, improving and maintaining processes concerning Chemical and Biological reactions. Its practicality is one of the main reasons why it can contribute to a major societal change. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers defines Chemical Engineering as "the profession in which a knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and other natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of mankind." The premier Chemical Engineering organization in the Philippines, the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PICHE) laid the benchmark for excellence among professional chemical engineers, specifically to "[serve] as a vehicle for achieving and sustaining national development."

Regardless of capacity or social status, everybody can commence a societal change. As far as I know, I believe that the key advantage of Chemical Engineering, compared to other engineering fields, is that is does not just study the applications of scientific principles but instead the course also tackles the scientific principles itself. Have you wondered what would happen if you just quit the Chemical Engineering program altogether? Some of my peers have also pondered on the same question after a devastating failure. Let's not despair and let's not see failure as a hindrance but instead we must use it as an opportunity to learn and to change for a better. As how Charles Hernandez, former Editor-in-Chief of The Reaction A.Y 2013-2014, put it: "In failure, we learn; in success, not much. These hardships [make Chemical Engineering] unique." he said. I too have committed grave mistakes and truly I used each event as an opportunity to learn.

We have a mission to do, and our motivation should not be thing of self-interest but instead we should focus on how to use our learned skills to help the world. Like for example, in a power crisis, who would help develop new sources of energy? Who would design a relatively safe industrial plant? Chemical Engineers. Who would develop greener products that would benefit the environment? Chemical Engineers. They are expected to have more contributions to societal change because they run vital industries and innovations that greatly benefit mankind.

Many things we take for granted in today's modern society, like computers and automobiles, were developed because of the contribution of Chemical Engineers. It does not stop there though , for as long as there are problems in the society, people want changes. As the saying goes, "Necessity is the mother of invention." Necessity is the fuel that inspires Chemical Engineers, and other innovationists, to do something. Figuratively speaking, Chemical Engineers fuelled by necessity are catalysts for these changes. If we pursue this career, despite the challenges we've faced and will about to face, we have fulfilled our mission to help the world . So let's not despair. Even if we stumble now, as long as we have strength, we can rise up and continue our career. I believe that a professionally-licensed Chemical Engineer should not be idle, but instead he/she must use his or her knowledge to help improve the society by being a catalyst of change or im rovemen and this I believe is the mark of a successful Chemical En ineer.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this section do not necesarrily reflect the opinion of the UST

Chemical Engineering Society or the UST Chemical Engineering Department.

(continued from page 6)

Outcomes-based education (OBE) has been adopted by the Chemical Engineering Department as its education system for a couple of years now. Its scheme is still vague to some students' understanding since professors still seem to have different interpretations of the learning method. The idea of OBE has not been shared fully to the students, thus, the misconception. Some professors see OBE as a way to make the students amend their failing marks, but learning shouldn't be that way. Learning should be a combination of instilling to the students from the very beginning the subject's very essence and a way on how to correct mistakes towards that subject whenever there are. Individuals should stop looking at OBE as a 'pambawi' or a way of recovering failed examinations and start looking at it as a teacher for misunderstood ideas. In the brighter side, OBE is very helpful in improving the level of instruction that would cater the students' needs. However, full enforcement of the OBE system may lead to confusion among students since the full text of the guidelines, as of now, were not publicly released. Most students are optimistic that as the term progresses, and as the number of instructors utilizing the OBE system increase, the OBE system will indeed serve its purpose.

Sense of Worth by Jayson Q. Mascarenas

If Chemical Engineering students had to choose between having an 8-1 0 hours of sleep and studying for a 3 hours test in a major subject that could make or break the desired passing mark, most would choose studying. We opt to stay wide awake and push the envelope just to review all the lessons that we have buried for the past days or weeks albeit we all know that sleeping is necessary in order to properly function and survive. (continued at page 8)

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015

And then, what happened? By Christelle Navarette

The Incoming 3rd, 4th & 5th year students' Diagnostic Examination (InDEx) was successfully launched last July but its aftereffects and consequences are nowhere to be found.

Exit exams are implemented in schools like University of the Philippines- Los Banos (UPLB) and Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT). I see various laments in social networ1<ing sites such as Facebook and Twitter from my Mapuan friends whenever a term is ending. They feel anxious not only for the incoming final examinations, but also for the exit exam. Yes, final examinations will decide if they passed a full-load semester, yet, the exit tests will regulate who may enroll in the next semester. The same principle goes with UPLB only that its exit exam detennines who may lake lhe licensure examination, not a semester.

The introduction of InDEx to UST-ChE received different feedbacks from the students. Most were shocked since the announcement was made only two to three weeks before the scheduled test. The organizers released its concept but were uncertain of the consequences a student may get if he or she fails it. Moreover, professors and project coordinators reasoned out that the examination was just a measure if the students learned something from the past semester. They coined it as a pre-test but as most of the pre-tests in the ChE department, it was not taken seriously by the students. This indecisiveness and inconsistency of the organizers and the ambiguity of the exit exam's nature just gave the participants a 'bahala na' perspective. I personally heard some of the plans that were supposed to be instigated this semester but the Christmas break has ended and there is still no action.

The idea of an exit examination may be dreadful to the whole Thomasian Chemical Engineering body but basically, it will help the Department monitor the students' readiness to progress to another set of subjects. This will require them to retain the lessons already taken during their previous years, a cumulative way of preparing for the board examination. If this is really what the department wants to achieve in order to improve UST-ChE's percentage in the board exams, its members should support the idea not just by words but with action. The concept should be planned, studied and implemented well that the students will believe in it even to a point that fear will be bestowed upon them when exit exams are being talked about. This is an additional labor for the department but if it can help mend the decreasing fraction of UST-ChE board exam passers, all the wor1< will be worth it.

InDEx, as of today, is still incomparable with the exit examinations offered by the two schools stated above. First, it has to set its primary goal and stick with it. The coordinators should not say it's a serious matter today and then take it back the next day. They should share its idea with the students and explain to them the whOle operation of the project. Every rule should be elucidated as to avoid confusion among the participants. Consequences are to be implemented as strictly as possible and in order to be effective, the project should be practiced annually until visible results are noticed.

The satisfactory passing rates of MIT, UP (both Diliman and Los Banos campuses) prove that exit exam may be considered as one of the weapons a student may bring in his or her battle in getting an engineering license. As US diplomat Colin Powell said, "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard wor1<." Instead of focusing on the bad stress the exit test may give you, try looking on its good side and maybe there, you will also see the future that you are greatly aiming and dreaming of. InDEx is just one of the many things that may assist a chemical engineering student in taking the licensure examinations. Still remember that proper preparation, commitment to your craft, confidence to one's self, and most importantly your faith in God is still the best and the most important consideration in attaining victory in board examinations.

Sense of Worth (continued from page 7) Students put so much importance on a grade because it is what we are defined by for most of our lives. As a result, we set standards to ourselves just to meet the borderline of our satisfactions and to prove that we are someone else. We have our own perceptions when it comes to grades. Uno, Dos, Tres and Singko are such grades that set an impact to the students. Despite the fact that we have our own self-standards, the society has established a meaning to the mere numbers. Unos are for the brilliant minds. the dean's list, the mamaws or whatever connotations you give to the Einsteins in the Class. Dos are for people who are kind of smart, a mediocre, or simply the average individual. But once you get into the Tres range, more so in the Singko marks, you're just not smart enough; you're stupid, you're dumb. Definitely, ifs like a caste system. Atlhough being in the barely-passing-borderline shouldn't be what Thomasian Chemical Engineering students strive for, letting grades determine your worth as an individual is unjustifiable. Instead, we need to know what is expected from us in the industry---a Thomasian Engineer---and work toward achieving that. In the long run, we are molded not just to become geniuses who get straight l':s, but Thomasian Engineers who are concerned with the values being inculcated to us as early as we enter the portals of the University.

Solely focusing on achieving straight As is not worth it when you have nothing else to back it up such as extra-curricular activities. Although there are students who graduate with Latin honors while being involved in other activities and wor1<ing, they are the exception ·· not the rule. There are still more profound grounds than merely basing your disposition from the grades that you get. Do not beat yourself up for getting a Ires or a singko in a challenging course with a difficult professor. More importantly, do not waste your life just because you failed a lot of courses in one semester. Maybe you will not be eligible for admission if you failed half of your unit load in a semester, but that should not stop you to pursue your goals in life. A 3.0 GWA or an ocean of 5.0's in your transcript is not going to make or break your future. More so, it isn't going to make you less intelligent. There is a structure that has been set in place for decades -· get good grades or fail. As the competition arises as we go through the hurdles of college life up to the 'real world' of professionals, we must remember that good grades don't mean perfect grades. Just like what my brother has always been telling me. "bale wala ang tali no mo kung hindi ka naman marunong dumiskarte" (Intelligence is useless if you don't know how to use it to approach a situation).

What students need to be doing is wor1<ing to their fullest potential in every Class, inCluding the easier ones. Though we tend to underestimate the minor subjects most of the times, we will realize in the end that each course, no matter how easy it may seem, is interconnected to each other. If your final grade result is less than an uno, do not begin to reevaluate your worth. Instead, ask yourself this question: Did I try my best? If the answer is yes, move on. If the answer is no, then reevaluate your priorities - not your self-esteem.

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015

9 I NEWS AND FEATURES B V s holds 12th Leadership Summit (continued)

(continued from page 5) team building activities, and lectures, which aimed to enhance the leadership skills and career opportunities of the participants. Prof. Philipina A. Marcelo, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, welcomed the participants at the Tan Van Kee Audio Visual Room during the first day. Groupings that will accompany each participant during the summit were formed afterwards. A talk titled, Thomasian Identity: Branding and Norming by Asst. Prof. Virginia A. Sembrano, Assistant to the Director for Publication, kicked off the series of talks. She shared about the three core values that every Thomas ian Engineer should possess namely: competence, commitment and compassion and how these values would help in the future endeavor of every student. This was subsequently followed by a talk delivered by Mr. Joselito de los Reyes, a professor from the Faculty of Engineering, where he shared insights about affecting and influencing norms of the society. In addition to these, Engr. Reynold M. Agustin, an alumnus of the university, ended the series of talks and discussed about networking and establishing connections and its essentials. Workshops followed each talk to instill and test the learnings of the participants.

Off campus activities marked the 2nd and 3rd days of the leadership summit. A lecture led by Mr. Hernandez, started the 2nd day. He discussed about understanding and adopting to different work styles and he shared 10 tips on how to be more productive in every work. Series of team building activities were also conducted throughout the day despite the heavy rains. A solidarity night featuring workshops and the Mr. and Ms. CLS 2014 wherein candidates showcased their wits and talents impromptu ended the activities of the day. Winners of the pageant were Julius Caesar Magno and Fatima Evangelista.

Chemazing race highlighted the 3rd day of the event. The lineup of activities was composed of obstacle course, problem solving and team games which tested the physical and mental strengths of each participant as well as collaboration, camaraderie and leadership among groups. Despite the tough day, participants were all smiles as they prepared for the culminating exercises and awarding ceremony wherein the group Tropang Tutong, which garnered 270 points from all the activities, was hailed winner and received freebies and free passes to the Recruitment Week of UST ChES.

The leadership training ended with a word from Mr. Vincent Nikko Noel Almeda, President of the Chemical Engineering Society. "Conducting a seminar-workshop intended for the incoming leaders of any organization, in this case ChES, is really essential. It serves as the guide, our guide in ensuring that what we do and intend to do for the rest of our term will be aligned to the university and organization's mission and vision. A leadership seminar workshop is also a right venue ...___

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to set things right by preparing the new batch of leaders in every possible way. This in return affects not only the personalities and views of the persons who attended the said seminar workshop but also it affects the whole society because the actions of organization's leaders reflects the organization itself and the future of the organization as well," he concluded.

ltimate EJance Revolution: ChEDC Defends Crown Once Again :.-&

by Darwin Eugenio

The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew retained the championship status of the department during the Engineering Student Council's General Assembly titled "Neon Generation 'Let Your Color Define You"' held on October 19, 2014 at Circuit Makati. Similar to previous competitions, the Ultimate Dance Revolution competition was fought among dance crews representing a particular department in the Faculty of Engineering and the newly-established Institute of Information and Computing Sciences.

The fifteen-member Chemical Engineering Dance crew wowed the audience with their dance performance consisting of hiphop, ballet, contemporary dance and isolation elements mixed together. In terms of ranking, the Chemical Engineering Dance Crew was preceded by the Information Technology, Civil Engineering, and Electronics and Communications Engineering dance crews, respectively. According to Crystel Quijano, captain of the Chemical Engineering Dance crew, fifteen out of nineteen members of the dance crew were able to participate in the competition. (continued on page 1 0)

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015

Photo Courtesy of UST ChES

ASEJ!!.ntegration Demystified

by Bob Chaervin 5. Castrence The Association of Southeast Asian

Nations (ASEAN) is a political and economic cooperation of ten member-countries in the Southeast Asia. Its member-countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam. This aims for economic growth, social progress, and socio-cultural evolution, protection of peace and security and opportunities among its member-countries.

The ASEAN adopted a charter that codified regional norms and commitments made by member-countries in 12th ASEAN Summit held last January 2007 in Cebu City. Former President Gloria Arroyo graced the said event that time. It was the 30th founding anniversary of the ASEAN , wherein the present member-countries adopted the ASEAN Vision 2020. The ASEAN Vision 2020 agreed on a shared vision of ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian Nations, outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership for dynamic development and in a community of caring societies.

However, the leaders of the member-countries later decided to accelerate the regional integration to 2015. One of the main reasons for the decision to fast track the regional integration was to reinforce ASEAN's centrality and to ensure that ASEAN remains as the driving force in drawing the continuously revolving

cultural architecture. The ASEAN Integration will strengthen its socio-political security, will secure economic stability and will flourish the rich cultural heritage among its member-countries. The ASEAN Integration will be actually on January 2016; but the ASEAN will prepare its transition on 2015.

The Chemical Engineering academe is also affected by ASEAN integration. Classes in our university for the first semester were commenced last July. To pave way for the subtle transition of the academic calendar, the classes for school year 2015-2016 will open on the month of August. Shifting of the academic calendar serves as the preparation of our university for the upcoming ASEAN integration. This aims for the synchronization of academic calendar with other ASEAN member-countries. It serves as an opportunity for collaboration with other universities in Southeast Asia when it comes to research and extension, scholarships and student exchange. Students can enroll as exchange student to other university in Southeast Asia without the hassle of the time and accreditation. Once research consortia have been established among member-countries of ASEAN, they must be promoted so that more universities in our country can take advantage of it. Another key issue of the ASEAN integration is mutual recognition of university degrees. "K-12 program" is the extension of two years to the conventional 1 0 years

(elementary and high school) basic education curriculum in our country. This seeks for more competent basic education. This program was institutionalized by President Benigno Simeon Aquino Ill. However, there are drawbacks about the "K-12 program" like issues with the budget of Department of Education, tenureship of college professors that are required by "K-12 law" to teach basic education subjects, etc. The said issues are being addressed to the education sector. "K-12 program" is actually the measure of the President to address the issue of equivalency with other member-countries. 12 years of basic education is actually observed by majority of the countries abroad. Since the "K-12 law" is not taken into effect, Commission on Higher Education has begun reviewing degree programs to complement the new curricula. Is the Philippines prepared for ASEAN integration? Are you prepared for the opportunities the ASEAN integration may bring? ASEAN integration gives way for more radicalized education. The classes will open in the month of August as to synchronize the opening of classes with other member-countries. Here in the Philippines, were are experiencing more thunderstorms in the month of August and the months of April and May are scorching hot. Also, our country have late shift to the "K-12 curriculum".

iliHE NEU~ROCHEMICAL BASIS FOR FALLING IN LOVE: THE LABORATORY SETTING ~

by Bob Chaervin S. Castrence

Do you know the feeling of falling in love? It's like being in cloud nine. Happiness like there's no tomorrow. Some of us used to be productive in any way because of the feeling of being inspired. Well that kind of experi­ence is universal, and one with which humankind has long been preoccu­pied. Of all subjects, it seems state of being in-love is one of society's most discussed, analysed, dissected, researched and indulged . Love is a central theme in both serious and popular literature, and the dominant focus of music and song throughout the ages. It affects the everyday life of every man. Historically, love is even powerful enough to determine the fate of nations, considering the stories of Antony and Cleopatra, Othello and

Desdemona and Napoleon and Josephine. Is there any other subject about which so much is known, but about which so little is truly understood?

Despite the seemingly great importance of love to humankind, our current knowledge of its physiological effects, neural substrates and neuro­chemical systems remains insufficient. However, a handful of recent studies have brought to light some interesting findings on the neurochemical basis of romantic love. There is certainly no shortage of chemicals and hormones in the human body with which love can create its overwhelmingly intense myriad of effects. Humorously to think that it is scientifically incorrect to say "I love you from the bottom of my heart". It should be "I love you from the bottom of my hypothalamus". Let's take a brief look inside the "love's labora­tory". (Read full article here: http://ustches.jimdo.com/the-reaction/feature-1/)

CHE G _e ends Crown Once Again (continued ... ) ~

(continued from page 9) Rochelle Louise Sampaga, the Co­Captain of the Chemical Engineering Dance Crew, jubilantly described how challenging yet fun it was to work on retaining the championship. "Actually kasi, noong practice namin nahihirapan kami sa routine namin. Siyempre, lahat naman ninanais yung titulo. Tsaka [bilang isa sa mga lider], napepressure ako, kasi defending kami. Siyempre nag-eexpect din ang mga tao lalo na yung [Chemical Engineering Department]. Kaya ginawa namin lahat nang makakaya namin at marami kaming naisakripisyo. Nang bandang huli pagkatapos namin sumayaw, naisip ko masaya ako [para sa lahat] kahit [hindi pa sinasabi kung sino ang nanalo]. Kasi yun naman talaga dahilan kung bakit kami sumali . Gusto namin sumayaw, para ipakita sa lahat yung talento na

na binigay ni Lord samin. Para rin makapag-inspire kami [at] hindi para makapagyabang. Sa kahulihulian, masaya kami at napag­bigyan kami dahil na rin sa mga dasal at pagpursigi ng bawat isa." she said.

The Chemical Engineering Dance Crew was the champion during the Ultimate Dance Revolution 1 (A.Y 2011 - 2012) and Ultimate Dance Revolution 3 (A.Y 2013- 2014). The dance crew was the first runner up during Ultimate Dance Revolution 2 which was held on 2012.

The Reaction A.Y. 2014- 2015