Mathimatika

Numbers, numbers, numbers and more numbers! Most of us don’t like it, I know I did. I hated math. But that was before I saw its divine implications, before my enlightenment. Math has always been a dreaded subject since time a memorial and it seems like each generation of kids grows weary of the “number man”. In my humble understanding of what math is for me, I hope I could share the wonder of math to the non-believers out there in the open. Math is more than numbers, it’s spiritual in nature. It is a divine language; it is God’s way of communicating in a mysterious tongue (Divine Ratio of 1.618 for example). It is basically the backbone of our understanding of reality itself. We may doubt our senses but we will never doubt 2+2=4. Math is concrete. Nature is math, from the symmetry of butterflies’ wings, or to the spirals of ocean shells. Man dose not invent mathematics, man discovers it. Mathematics is a real entity. Math is divine. “Math phobia” which is a common “illness”, can be rooted in how people view mathematics. Lack of confidence, fundamentals, and practice are also roots of math failures. But if we are amazed by it, we can conquer this fear therefore you will succeed in your Math subjects (pero at least greater ang chance dba). If we just realign our thoughts and see it as a magnificent language of the universe, we can go far in understanding reality itself. Look at math as a language deeper than man and soon you will appreciate and wonder its grandiose purpose in the universe.

Nerianism

Triple A. What the heck is it?! A~A~A is my very own ideology called “Nerianism”. Take note: You can’t and never will see this in the dictionary. Just a brief intro in how I concocted this patchwork. From Democritus to the Big Bang, after animalism to communism, I finally discovered my own E=mc2, a constant in my world, an integrated ideology that reflects me. How about that! I finally discovered my likes. Examining it means knowing more about thyself. But don’t think this as a new world order or an idea that will mobilize the masses. “Nerianism” is simply a combination of 3 words each with its own reflection of me. A~A~A = Athens~Athenaeum~Ateneo.

These 3 words starting with the letter A is actually linked by etymology and history. The first “A” stands as the center of ancient western civilization, Athens, the city which started it all. It is in Athens where human civilization launched the sciences (Aristotle) such as mathematics (Euclid), philosophy (Socrates), history (Herodotus), politics (Pericles) , art, music, theater (Sophocles) and democracy. Topics which I love to talk, study and share about. Athens, as the center of Greek culture epitomize some core Athenian values of the “Golden Mean”( meaning not doing the extremes), “Well-roundedness” (Sound mind and sound body), “Self-examination”, “Friendship”, “Simple living” and “Nurturing the Mind”. Athenian culture reflects my fundamental values.

The 2nd A is Athenaeum. The Dictionary of Classical Antiquities thus explains "Atheneaum": The name of the first educational institution at Rome, built by Hadrian about 135 A.D.... There rhetoricians and poets held their recitations, and salaried professors gave their lectures in the various branches of general liberal education, philosophy and rhetoric, as well as grammar and jurisprudence. Simply saying, I love learning. It is a never ending journey. I consider my self as a wondering wonderer. Processing and analyzing any input and applying it to good action.

Finally the 3rd A is Ateneo, my education and its ideals. Ateneo is the Christianizing and Humanizing factor of Nerianism. A practically evolved in the walls of XU-Ateneo so it is improbable that have not absorbed all the Atenean values. Being the last “A” means this idealism is the most valued. Ateneo is teaching me what it means to live in the World. It made me aware of God’s love through loving Him and others and all of those things that associate with Him. It thought me to be socially conscious and aware because this awareness leads to reflection and proper action. It is teaching me excellence, the magis in doing all things. It is teaching me how to grow in mind and body, how to be critical in judgment. It is also teaching the value of open-mindedness, self-discipline, cultural integration, commitment to doing justice. Above all of this, the Ateneo aims to form men and women for others, for the less fortunate others.

So basically the A cube summarizes all my ideals. Ateneo (Application of Values, Love, Humanist) comes from the word Athenaeum (My processing and analyzing knowledge). Athenaeum is derived form a name of a great city called Athens (Historical grassroots of ideas).

Inheritance

Know your Future youth! The Charter-Change question

This article hopefully will somehow shed light over the dark political hole over Charter Change in a wonderer’s point-of-view.

The youth will inherit the nation; therefore it is our duty to understand what we will inherit.

The Arroyo administration is aiming to amend or revise (whatever!) the constitution into a Parliamentary-Federal from of government, a different form from our present presidential-centralized system. This is part of HER Beat the Odds 10-point agenda.

Review muna.

What is unicameral legislature?

A unicameral legislature is a single house law-making body of the government. The proposed form of government is a parliamentary-federal system. A unicameral parliament will replace the present bicameral congress which consist the House of Representatives and the Senate. The parliament as a single body votes on bills thus legislation is faster. Not like Congress that the Senate and H of R have to vote separately. The head of government is the Prime-Minister. That person is not directly voted by the people but rather leads the majority party in Parliament. So the people votes for the party representative from their district. The Prime-minister then assigns ministers from Parliament to manage the different government agencies much like the present department secretaries. So here is the big picture. The executive (Prime-Minister and the Ministries) and the legislative (Parliament) work as a single mechanism in passing and implementing laws. The Prime-Minister, being the leader of the majority political party in Parliament, has the responsibility to present all his plans before parliament and be deliberated for approval. The Prime-Minister has no fixed term. He will stay in power aslong his popular in Parliament. He will be kicked-out if a single member of Parliament proposes a motion of no confidnece and voted upon by the majority. The judiciary will remain independent.

What the heck is Federalism?

Federalism is a form of government which the locality is given a substantial amount of power in a centralized constitution to govern itself independently. Federalism’s most prominent example is the United STATES of America. The STATES are somehow small nations able to make its own laws, projects and budget independent from that of the central government. In the Philippine setting, we are living in a centralized government. All power comes from Manila. Social programs are emanating from Manila thus the program’s implementation can’t reach the grassroots of the locality. The local government depends solely on Manila’s support programs. If Manila dies, the entire Philippine Republic will also die.

Cons on Parliamentary-Federal

Federalism can cause economic imbalances among the regions if the division is not properly proportional to its economic capacity. For example, if a region has lesser resources than another, the former will surely lag behind. Parliament on the other had also shows some defect. Parliament’s function relies on its member’s political loyalty. Parliament is a political coliseum, if party members shift sides now and then; there will be blood shed. Another thing is the vote of no confidence. Even though this tool is created to protect parliament in impeaching a prime-minister instantly, in times of crisis, parliament tends to be unstable if leadership is not strong. It is a possibility we could have 5 Prime-Ministers in a week! Where government is badly needed exposes it in a greater sea of instability.


Pros on Parliamentary-Federal

Federalism gives more power to the locality thus the local government’s policies and projects reflect the need of that locality. Picture it this way. If an apartment administrator issues a red sofa in all of the living-rooms. It does not imply that all the residents would like the red sofa in their living-rooms. So again the locality is given the power to make its own laws that best confronts its own problems, values and needs. Not like the centralized form which Manila or the apartment administrator dictates the policies which sometimes don’t fit the needs of some regions. The locality or region manages its own resources. It has its own constitution, its own education and health budget, its own regional guard I case if disasters, its own legislature, court and little president called the governor. It acts independently to solve its own internal problems. So Manila can focus on the development of the nation as a whole through directing finance, trade, diplomacy and laws. Parliamentary form on the other hand is faster in passing laws. A fused executive and legislative can implement rules and projects faster. Red tape will be cut short.


Reflection:

What we need in order to produce a well-functioning parliament is PARTY LOYALTY, an extinct attribute of a statesman. How could it work now if political parties are divided, then divided further? It seems like political parties are exponential in form. It accelerates as soon as small disputes erupt. Sus! This is manifested in the present number of political parties in the Philippine! We need powerful parties which talks about different views on pressing issues not personalities! Political Parties that have roadmaps for a common vision, not personal agenda.

In Federalsim, I think it is best for our archipelagic nation. Come to think we are made up of thousands of islands and localities with different values, needs, resources and culture. Exacerbating the issue, provinces are even planning to secede from the republic (Cebu, Mindanao) to make their own nations! Our national culture is a melting pot of different sub-cultures form the Muslims in the south to the Ifugaos in the North. It is only fitting to change. I just hope that when federalism is implemented each region has its own contribution to the national economy which is unique from the rest of the nation. I hope federalism empowers the locality and its citizen to its optimum level.

A new structure will never stand if its cement is the same quality of the old.

Happiness

THE 100 SIMPLE SECRETS OF HAPPY PEOPLE

by
David Niven, Ph.D.

Your life has purpose and meaning
Use a strategy for happiness
You don’t have to win every time
Your goals should be aligned with one another
Choose your comparisons wisely
Cultivate Friendships
Turn Off the TV
Accept yourself – unconditionally
Remember where you came from
Limit yourself to thinking about one subject as you lie down to sleep
Friendship beats money
Have realistic expectations
Be open to new ideas
Share with others how important they are to you
If you’re not sure, guess positively
Believe in yourself
Don’t believe in yourself too much
Don’t face your problems alone
Age is not to be feared
Develop a household routine
Don’t be overprotective
Pay attention. You may have what you want
Don’t let your religions beliefs fade away
Do what you say you are going to do
Don’t be aggressive with your friends and family
Root for the home team
Don’t confuse stuff with success
Every relationship is different
Don’t think “what if”
Volunteer
If you can’t reach your goals, your goals will hurt you
Exercise
Little things have big meanings
it’s not what happened, it’s how you think about what happened
Developed some common interests with love ones
Laugh
Don’t let your entire life hinge on one element
Share of Yourself
Busy is better than board
Satisfaction is relative
Learn to use a computer
Try to think less about the people and things that bother you
Keep your family close
Eat some fruit everyday
Enjoy what you have
Think in concrete terms
Be socially supportive
Don’t blame yourself
Be a peacemaker
Cherish Animals
Make your work a calling
Never trade your morals with your goals
Don’t pretend to ignore things your loved ones do that bother you
Get a good night’s sleep
Buy what you like
Accomplish something every day
Be flexible
Events are temporary
Be your own fan
Join a group
Be positive
there will be an end, but you can be prepared
How we see the world is more important that how the world is
Keep and pen and paper handy
Help the next person who needs some minor assistance
Take care of harshly criticize family and friends
Some people like the big picture, and others like the details
Don things you are good at
Go visit your neighbor
Smile
Don’t accept television’s picture of the world
You always have a choice
Be agreeable
Don’t ignore one part of your life
Listen to music
Let your goals guide you
Use your job positively
Don’t forget to have fun
Believe in ultimate justice
Reminisce
Be conscientious
don’t dwell on unwinnable conflicts
Enjoy the ordinary
Focus on not the world’s tragedies, but on the world’s hope
Get a hobby
envying other people’s relationships is pointless
give your self time to adapt change
Focus really on what matters to you
Realize the complete satisfaction does not exist
Surround yourself with pleasant aroma
don’t let others set your goals
You are a person, not a stereotype
Know what makes you happy and sad
Keep reading
We must feel needed
Say “so what”
Have a purpose
You have not finished the best part of your life
Money does not buy happiness
What does it all mean? You decide

College, Life, and Day

Life in College has a lot more than the usual. It is up to us to grasp it. College has more than the usual circle of friends than in High School. Friends are assets of the heart. They form us one way or another. It is through them our identity is carved, not by them. More people mean more socialization. I think that is what where best at J. In local terminology, daghan mo ka chikka! More than the talk, friends help us in all aspects, so the more friends, the more help, more friends = happier. Just a brief reminder; It is not a miracle to have 1000 friends in a year, the miracle happens when we can keep our friends for 1000 years.

College has more than the usual opportunities. Opportunities such as clubs, scholarships, and most importantly time. Talking about free time, well it depends on your course (Nursing, ga-Istrangle ang time). Time can breathe more in college. Therefore more time means more doing productive things therefore more time to grow in mind, heart and body J dba?! In terms of clubs, college has plenty! Better choose quick! Go pili na! They do help in self-development.

College is your own preference, last but not the least. Your preference means your own setting. College is less totalitarian than High School but it is assumed you are formed what high school is paid to do. So with this, Carpe Diem! College is short but be sure you grasp everyday as a day of growing in mind, heart and body because this is the last step before entering into the real world.

Carpe Diem!

God and Science

The Never ending Story

Science and religion have been labeled as the water and oil in history. Why question it? They are both liquid…in another point-of-view, The Divine answers the question “why” Science answers “how” but they are both questions seeking an answer. The following are provocative points from the book “Angles and Demons” by Dan Brown citing the uncanny relationship between the book of Genesis and the theory of the Big Bang. Though fiction, it sparks something. This article focuses on the issue of creationism, the theory in how the universe began.

Genesis: the greatest scientific fallacy?

In the book of Genesis, God created the Universe. When he said “there be light”, there was light (Genesis 1:3). In the book A&D, it was said that taking this literally, it violates the fundamental laws of Physics, matter can’t be created nor destroyed, it can only altered. It’s like making a cake from nothing. Well, it is where Big Bang comes in. The famous theory which tells the universe originally came to existence from a single point. The singularity.

Genesis and the Big Bang Theory?

In fast recap, the Big Bang is the widely accepted theory of how the universe began. It is said that the universe was created from a single point of intensely concentrated energy that eventually exploded in a cataclysmic explosion. And guess who proposed the theory… the Catholic Church! It was actually formulated by a priest/astronomer Georges Lemaître. Now, how does this thing got to do with Genesis? Big Bang actually proves Genesis’ story of creating matter form nothing. Science not wanting the church to claim victory over the theory “mathematicized” the theory and claimed it as their own. However there is an anomaly which the church asserts in the “mathematicized” theory that proves a divine intervention. When we use math the trace time zero, the exact moment of creation, it disintegrates and the equation becomes meaningless. Thus, science still cannot grasp the initial moment of creation. The Divine Intervention as stated in the book Angels and Demons. And as mentioned by Prof Kholer: “The church holds up the deficiency to prove of God’s miraculous involvement.” Lastly, before Big Bang could happen, there must be that immense, suped-duper Force that will cause the Bang Big! That force is said to be God. Come to think of it matter as stated by the theory came to existence because of the Big Bang. Better see God in All Things.

Science and Religion are not at odds

Science is simply too young to understand

- Prof. Leonardo Vetra (Angles and Demons by Dan Brown)

Science and Religion are two different methods which eventually lead to one conclusion. That conclusion is the truth. So in one way or another science and religion are two different roads seeking one destination. God

I Think therefore I am

Thinking Man

"Thinking like a Genius" by THE FUTURIST MAG.
1. Geniuses look at problems in many different ways.
Geniuses think productively, not reproductively. When confronted with a problem, they ask “How many different ways can I look at it?,” “How can I rethink the way I see it?,” and “How many different ways can I solve it?” instead of “What have I been taught by someone else on how to solve this?” They tend to come up with many different responses, some of which are unconventional and possibly unique.

2. Geniuses make their thought visible.When Einstein had thought through a problem, he always found it necessary to formulate his subject in as many different ways as possible, including diagrams. He had a very visual mind; he thought in terms of visual and spatial forms, rather than thinking along purely mathematical or verbal lines of reasoning.

3. Geniuses produce.A distinguishing characteristic of genius is immense productivity. Thomas Edison held 1,093 patents, still the record. He guaranteed productivity by giving himself and his assistants idea quotas. His own personal quota was one minor invention every 10 days and a major invention every six months. In a study of 2,036 scientists throughout history, Dean Keith Simonton of the University of California at Davis found that the most respected scientists produced not only great works, but also more ‘bad’ ones. Out of their massive quantity of work came quality.

4. Geniuses make novel combinations.Like the highly playful child with a bucket of building blocks, a genius is constantly combining and recombining ideas, images, and thoughts into different combinations in their conscious and subconscious minds.

5. Geniuses force relationships.If one particular style of thought stands out about creative genius, it is the ability to make juxtapositions between dissimilar subjects. This facility to connect the unconnected enables them to see things others do not.

6. Geniuses think in opposites.Physicist and philosopher David Bohm believed geniuses were able to think different thoughts because they could tolerate ambivalence between opposites or two incompatible subjects. Physicist Niels Bohr had the ability to imagine light as both a particle and a wave, which led to his conception of the principle of complementarity.

7. Geniuses think metaphorically.Aristotle considered metaphor a sign of genius, believing that the individual who had the capacity to perceive resemblances between two separate areas of existence and link them together was a person of special gifts. Alexander Graham Bell compared the inner workings of the ear to a stout piece of membrane moving steel -- and conceived the telephone.

8. Geniuses prepare themselves for chance.Whenever we attempt to do something andfail, we end up doing something else. That is the first principle of creative accident. We may ask ourselves why we have failed to do what we intended, which is a reasonable question. But the creative accident provokes a different question: What have we done? Answering that question in a novel unexpected way is theessential creative act. It is not luck, but creative insight of the highest order. Edison, while pondering how to make carbon filament, was mindlessly toying with a piece of putty, turning and twisting it in his fingers, when he looked down at his hands and the answer hit him between the eyes: Twist the carbon like rope. Creative geniuses do not wait for the gifts of chance, they actively seek the accidental discovery.Creative geniuses know how to use these thinking strategies -- and teach others to use them. Recognizing and applying the common thinking strategies of creative geniuses could help make you more creative in work and personal life.

The above information is condensed from the article entitled “Thinking Like a Genius” in the May 1998 issue of THE FUTURIST, pp. 21 - 25. To purchase he entire issue or subscribe to the magazine contact: The Futurist, 7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 450, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 or call 1-800-989-8274./http://www.smartleadership.com/articles/genius.htm

Urban Living (in the Third World)

Living in the very heart and nerve center of Cagayan de Oro City is a great story to tell! These are the main events and exercises happening in my backyard. The night flesh trade, the unhygienic exercise of the Ihi-kilid association of Cagayan de Oro, the sidewalk house hold of a family, the hysterical outburst of anti-Christians attacking the church exercising their “freedom of speech”, the Ching-Ching (Americans seeking small ugly Filipinas) phenomena, the rerouting of the vehicles creating the worst traffic in local history, shootings and murders, drunk driven disorders, an entire municipality visiting a deceased in Somo Funeral homes, overthrowing a mayor, the biggest peanut pileup in public street in history, the cheapest gay bar in history, prostitute nock-down and debate competition, the visible disintegration of air quality. Basically, this is urban-living. It seems so funny at the same time alarming knowing that the worst and common traits and practices of Filipino society are happening in my backyard! God, What a calling!

The Pill of the Student Body- LIGHT CAVALRY

Why is the LCLC the father of all clubs in Xavier U. High School? Because it summarizes the Atenean way of living, thinking and loving. A very young community, this group is the product of two legendary organizations fused together; the Student Council and the Social Action Program. These are two ancient organizations of the High School which eventually walked on different roads. It took an administrative decision to reroute the roads into a single path which eventually led to the formation of the LCLC. I always refer LCLC as the New School Order when I was Chairman and I was right. It was indeed a new order injected to the very nerve of the student body. On its 1st step as a new organization, the LCLC has a unique element which branded it as a powerful and controversial group. Why Powerful? Obviously, it has a new installment-the formation classes. Programs, policies, rules, activities are not anymore announced in posters but presented to each class by a student teacher. This ability to directly inform the student body on important things is a powerful tool. Added further, authority endowed in a cavalier as a teacher, role-model, and assistant-prefect is not plain power rather, it is responsibility. This deep sense of responsibility makes a Cavalier powerful. Power to spread the Atenean way. LCLC is also a powerhouse of leaders. A house of leaders can produce many great things. It only needs clear direction to harmonize all talents and skills. Creating this harmony is a great challenge, mastering it is a powerful tool in achieving excellent programs, activities etc. As a community of 60+ leaders, it is also an effective network thus the LCLC is more in touch of the needs of the student body and as an organization it has 5 moderators who we can communicate the needs vice versa thus Mediation is the key to successful communication. LCLC is like a water filter. It cleans information so that it is crystal clear to both parties. The LCLC evolves with each new generation of leaders bearing its name. Now that LCLC is growing from birth, it is a responsibility of EACH Cavalier to bear AND serve its name with magis, humility, dignity and commitment. Its 1st year had passed, the pillars had been set and planted it is up to future generations to paint and construct the rest of the LCLC. Build it high and wide! :-)

DESIDERATA by Max Ehermann (1927)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Atenista Business

Business is defined as a sort of trade or profession which a person is engaged. Well, talking about business, last April 28-27, we experienced real business better than 3rd year – BM! My friends and I opened and facilitated the BARANGAY 8 GARAGE SALE beside bricktown. Boy it was a blast! Marketing (yelling and persuading), pricing, labeling, arranging, counting cash! It was the ultimate teen business experience! People from all walks of life came and bought the t-shirts, jeans, blouses, magazines, toys displayed for sale. For the 2-day experience, we accumulated a total of Php 11,320 Cash on hand. Experience-wise, it gave us a greater picture about “micro-economics”, “social class distinction”, “marketing techniques”, “and hard-work”. What a summer job!

MICRO-ECONOMICS. More than basic economics, a person’s trash is another person’s treasure. In short, there was exchange. I realized that in every material there is an equivalent monetary value. For example, a very badoi t-shirt cost about Php 80.00 and guess what, it was one of the first to sell. In this aspect, i can say that in order to understand the value of money, one must earn it from sweat and blood. As in!

MARKETING. My Gosh! I can really say that you can never survive this world without confidence. Why you ask? Because I spent most of my time in the garage sale yelling marketing the place, talking and persuading people to come in. It is not a very easy job. So the lesson is, what ever endeavor or road you take, your number 1 weapon is confidence in yourself.

HARDWORK. You can never succeed without applying a strong force to push you up. That force is hard work. A noble word that fuels the value of work of every worker. A job is nothing if you do not apply effort on it.

Bottom line, as Ateneans, we are molded to be entrepreneurially minded individuals. Entrepreneurs don’t think profit first; their top priority is the costumers. In the not so distant future, when we open our own business establishments, my advice is to think first of the welfare of the consumers by selling safe, quality products and services. Profit will just follow. INVEST IN THE PHILIPPINES! :-)