Pinoy Scholars - We (Pinas) Wants You!!

Got this very interesting news article about Pinoy Scholars abroad (thanks to Allan ) for shouting it out in Facebook.

I think the Philippines really deserve some helping hands in order for us to reach our goal of being economically stable and developed. No matter how you were able to got hold of that scholarship, I think that as Filipinos we have a duty to support and help our countrymen (if not the government).

As a former scholar abroad (I'm a JDS Fellow (4th Batch)) I am now back in the Philippines, hoping to do my share and take the challenge of helping the Philippines. I have met a lot of Pinoy Scholars abroad (other JDS Fellows, Mombukagakusho Scholars, Rotary Scholars) and the reality of it all is that some use the scholarship as a stepping stone to live and work abroad. It is quite sad but that is one of the harsh realities we are facing now which is not only true for the Philippines but for almost all of the countries where other scholars abound.

waiting..hoping..

I'm into something, but will still be waiting for another 3 - 4 months. If it pushes through, it'll be another wonderful adventure. Wish me luck!!

Back to School..NOT!!

Everyone's trying to hurry in getting back for school. Grade schoolers and High School students are now back. We at the university will be heading off by June 15 (originally on June 8 but moved because of the weather and the AH1N1 scare). Anyways, going back to school means going back to teaching. I'm looking forward for it but am having second thoughts as I still haven't had a break. Been working my ass off I (excuse me for the language) the whole summer, prepping up the college for the opening of classes. Sleeping for for 6 hours and less everyday as I need to report to the office from Monday to Saturday. Sigh. I am tired. Exhausted. Trying to pump up my spirit of the joys of accomplishing things. I need a break, really!! Missed some of the movies I've been dying to watch. I hope the postponement to June 15 can give me that rest I needed.

Busy..busy..busy..working even during my birthday

Yup, that's right. No birthday leave, not even a day off. I chose to work rather than spending it all alone. Nothing to do in the house. No body confirmed joining me spending the night, celebrating. Just took the day and made the most of it, by working. At least I was able to finish some stuff and lessen the load that I have to do these coming days. Sigh...

Updates!! Updates!!

It's been a while since I updated this site. A lot have happened since then, when was it? Hmm...can't even remember when. Anyways, Gone back to teaching, and loving it. Two years studying and away from seeing students made me hooked more with teaching. Mind you, since the start of the second semester I haven't been late from class which always starts at 7:30 in the morning. I myself cannot believe it, considering that I am one of those people who have a hard time getting up from bed.

So about these past few months? Just the usual home-work(school)-home routine. Celebrated Christmas with family and friends. Though I love hanging out with them, the two weeks that was supposed to be a vacation for me turned out to be work. As in, I was the one who cooked the meals for the entire two weeks. Talk about relaxation.

Anyways, latest update is that I currently hold the position of chairperson for the department of computer science. Will just be holding this position for a year as I have other plans to continue my education. Still filling up some forms for scholarship that I hope I could get. It is quite hard to send yourself to school with your own money. I don't think I could manage.

Oh well, I guess I am back to work. Currently at work now as early as 6:30AM. Office hours starts at 8:00AM. Hehehe...mata ne!

missing Honjo

Come Saturday (October 25, 2008) I will be spending my first month back here in Manila. Initially, two weeks after arriving here I started to ponder about what I miss most in Japan and the things I wish Manila have. To share this pondering with you, I listed here my Top 10 things I miss about Japan (Honjo* for that matter).

TOP 10 Things I Miss About JAPAN

1. JUNK Street sa Akihabara
2. WASEDA DAIGAKU (especially GITS)
3. ang aming DORM and my DORM mates
4. ramen, udon, and soba
5. Kappasushi (name nung Sushi shop na name din ng isang klaseng sushi)
6. DAISO!!
7. my bicycle
8. maingay na mga UWAK
9. TRAINS (JR (local), subway, and shinkansen)
10. CLEAN and FRESH air!

*Honjo is a city in Saitama Prefecture where I spent my whole 2yrs while finishing my graduate studies.

MS in Global Information and Telecommunication Studies

I finally got it! Last Saturday (September 20,2008) I finally received my diploma for the Master of Science in Global Information and Telecommunication Studies from the Graduate School of Global Information and Telecommunication Studies of Waseda University in Japan.

GITS is an interdisciplinary graduate school integrating information and communication technologies, multimedia technologies, and social sciences pertaining to fields of telecommunications. All in all, an alliance among three research areas; (1) Computer Systems and Network Engineering Area, (2) Multimedia Science and Arts Area, and (3) Info-Telecom, Socio-Economics, Network Business and Policy Area.

The Graduate School offers the program under four different course track; (1) Project Research Course, (2) CIO-IT Course, (3) Interdisciplinary Research Course, and (4) Career Development Course. In Project Research Course under the first area, where I was a part of, students are required, under the research guidance of a supervisor, to conduct project research on a specified theme and release the outcome of project research to an academic society, academic journal, etc.

It is a bit tough for most of us, as although the program is interdisciplinary still the primary focus is on the telecommunication sector. I came from the software side of computer science and am not really that familiar with the technologies under telecommunications. GITS have introduced me to these technologies and have provided me knowledge that I know could help me in my field. This, and aside from meeting great senseis who are involved in the international scene and they themselves are accomplished individuals, make me proud to me part of this great institution.

I guess my only regret was that I wasn't able to accomplish the things I have first planned to do like getting additional course load, enrolling for some subjects in the MBA program, and write and present more paper (I was only able to present one). I am hoping that I could come back again to further my studies and really push myself to accomplish a lot of things.

Unfortunately I don't have great pictures during the ceremony as most of the people I know who knows how to take great pictures either didn't attend the ceremony (as Honjo where I used to live is quite far and no bus service was provided) or are out of the country. Never the less, I have some here and more will be posted in my winkflash site.




*with my sensei and adviser