July 04, 2007
After 12 years of selling affordable food to cash-strapped AdMU students, Beef Teriyaki in the Gonzaga caf has shut down (yes, the name of the stall is "Beef Teriyaki"). The cause? A student got hospitalized after drinking orange juice spiked with a mothball. It was completely unintentional, of course, unless the concessionaire in the next stall slipped the mothball into the juice in a fit of envy over BT's broad customer base. But in any case, the administration simply had no choice but to close them down for sanitation violations. Look at all the notices plastered all over the place:
With the way they were written, the news article and its accompanying piece (where they ask students their opinion about the whole incident) would actually be quite humorous, if it weren't for the fact that someone almost died and a couple of people lost their jobs. For example, the following paragraph about the victim:
As for me, I was saddened that they had to close down. I was a fan of their "breakfast sandwich" (ham, egg, and coleslaw), and at times, I craved for their spicy chicken strips (never liked their signature beef teriyaki though). And if they hadn't closed down, I'm sure their regular customers would still keep coming back; there just aren't a whole lot of affordable places to buy food on campus. But the rules are rules. And I don't think they're making a comeback either; the last concessionaire that was shut down was Paotsin, and they were no slouch either.
Rest in peace, Beef Teriyaki. I'm sure you will be missed. Where oh where will your loyal customers eat lunch now?
With the way they were written, the news article and its accompanying piece (where they ask students their opinion about the whole incident) would actually be quite humorous, if it weren't for the fact that someone almost died and a couple of people lost their jobs. For example, the following paragraph about the victim:
Even if his health was put at risk, the student said that he does not hold a grudge against Beef Teriyaki. He will even write a letter to the administration to have the store re-opened.The thought of someone holding a grudge against a food stand is absolutely hilarious! And also, it's interesting how he even feels remorse over closing down a store that almost got him killed. Maybe he's afraid of retaliation from the hundreds of BT patrons on campus? And also, this quote from Ate Alma (the friendly photocopying lady at Colayco) is just pure, unintentional comedy gold:
Okay lang para sa akin kaya lang naaawa rin ako kasi nawalan sila ng hanapbuhay, pero hindi kasi sila nag-iingat. Alam naman nilang pagkain ang tinitinda nila at mayaman 'yung mga estudyante kaya maselan 'yung mga tiyan nila. Sa ganyang negosyo kasi, dapat doble ang pag-iingat.For those who don't read Tagalog, the translation is:
For me, it's okay although I pity those who lost their livelihoods, but they weren't being careful. They know that it's food they're selling and that the students are rich so their stomachs are very sensitive. In that line of business, you have to be doubly careful.Those poor, poor rich kids with fickle tummies! And here is another opinion from one of the students:
I think it's a shame that an institution, a very critical organ in Ateneo's culture and tradition, must come to an end because of a mistake made by an unwitting and unwilling somebody.BT was a great boon for the community, but that doesn't make it an "institution" or a "critical organ in Ateneo's culture and tradition". WTF.
As for me, I was saddened that they had to close down. I was a fan of their "breakfast sandwich" (ham, egg, and coleslaw), and at times, I craved for their spicy chicken strips (never liked their signature beef teriyaki though). And if they hadn't closed down, I'm sure their regular customers would still keep coming back; there just aren't a whole lot of affordable places to buy food on campus. But the rules are rules. And I don't think they're making a comeback either; the last concessionaire that was shut down was Paotsin, and they were no slouch either.
Rest in peace, Beef Teriyaki. I'm sure you will be missed. Where oh where will your loyal customers eat lunch now?
January 29, 2007
I reporting to work late in the afternoon today because I had to pass by Ateneo first to pick up some documents I had requested/ordered from the registrar (80 pesos for a flimsy sheet of paper with the Ateneo seal, geez). I dropped by the CS department before heading to the office to deliver a package: my donation to the Pamana Fund.
It's not a mind-boggling amount by any stretch of the imagination, but I feel that my contribution was fairly significant. When you're contributing to a good cause, any amount given feels like a whole fortune, especially when you factor in the warm-and-fuzzy feelings into the equation.
Seriously though, I owe a lot to our department (and to Doc Mana) for much of the experience that has shaped me into what I am today. I feel more like I'm giving back what I owe rather than just sharing what I can afford. I chatted a bit with Dr. Rodrigo and we discussed the declining Ateneo CS/MIS population, and the waning interest in ICTs in the Philppines in general. I'm hoping that my tiny contribution can help stem the tide. I'm not sure how, but I trust that the capable people at DISCS will find a way.
It's not a mind-boggling amount by any stretch of the imagination, but I feel that my contribution was fairly significant. When you're contributing to a good cause, any amount given feels like a whole fortune, especially when you factor in the warm-and-fuzzy feelings into the equation.
Seriously though, I owe a lot to our department (and to Doc Mana) for much of the experience that has shaped me into what I am today. I feel more like I'm giving back what I owe rather than just sharing what I can afford. I chatted a bit with Dr. Rodrigo and we discussed the declining Ateneo CS/MIS population, and the waning interest in ICTs in the Philppines in general. I'm hoping that my tiny contribution can help stem the tide. I'm not sure how, but I trust that the capable people at DISCS will find a way.
December 26, 2006
My brother and I received Christmas greeting cards today from the Ateneo de Manila University Office of University Development and Alumni Relations, via snail mail. I assume my Ate Vanny got hers today as well, being an AdMU alumnae herself and our neighbor down the street.
It was a very heartwarming gesture on the part of the alumni relations office to let us know that they care (and that we're still in their database). I'm sure there are no ulterior motives behind the act, save encouraging alumni to continue supporting school projects. Still, I can't help but wonder if the money spent on these cards could've been better spent elsewhere.
Let's say the cost of sending out a card (design, printing, materials, envelope, postage, manual labor, electricity, other logistical costs) amounts to around 4 pesos, which is likely a conservative amount. Let's put the total number of AdMU alumni (at all levels) in the tens of thousands; 50,000 is a good number to start.
If in fact they do send out Christmas cards to all these alumni, then the total cost of 200,000 pesos is enough to finance an Ateneo college education for two scholars each year! Even if my estimates were way off, the cost is still likely to be non-trivial. Think about it. Would the alumni of this proud Jesuit institution, with a tradition of building persons-for-others, prefer to receive a Christmas card every year, or give the gift of education to deserving youths?
I think the answer is obvious.
(I hope someone from the alumni office gets to read this. I'm sending them an email about my concerns and I'll post an update should I receive a reply.)
It was a very heartwarming gesture on the part of the alumni relations office to let us know that they care (and that we're still in their database). I'm sure there are no ulterior motives behind the act, save encouraging alumni to continue supporting school projects. Still, I can't help but wonder if the money spent on these cards could've been better spent elsewhere.
Let's say the cost of sending out a card (design, printing, materials, envelope, postage, manual labor, electricity, other logistical costs) amounts to around 4 pesos, which is likely a conservative amount. Let's put the total number of AdMU alumni (at all levels) in the tens of thousands; 50,000 is a good number to start.
If in fact they do send out Christmas cards to all these alumni, then the total cost of 200,000 pesos is enough to finance an Ateneo college education for two scholars each year! Even if my estimates were way off, the cost is still likely to be non-trivial. Think about it. Would the alumni of this proud Jesuit institution, with a tradition of building persons-for-others, prefer to receive a Christmas card every year, or give the gift of education to deserving youths?
I think the answer is obvious.
(I hope someone from the alumni office gets to read this. I'm sending them an email about my concerns and I'll post an update should I receive a reply.)
October 27, 2006
(If you do not know anything about the ACM-ICPC, it's the most prestigious programming contest in the world. I've had the opportunity to be a part of it for four straight years, and I've also had the good fortune to be a part of the top Philippine team every year and making the World Finals during my last two years. Not trying to boast here; just wanted to share why this particular contest is so special to me.)
I was on-hand to watch the awarding ceremonies for the ACM-ICPC Asia-Manila Regionals, which was held earlier this evening at the Holiday Inn near Robinson's Galleria. It was really cool to be able to meet up with our Ateneo contestants after the contest and to cheer for them during the awarding. I even had a nice little reunion with Topher and Allan, my teammates from last year.
You can view the results online here. Be warned though; they are not completely updated because they stopped updating the scoreboard one hour before the end of the contest, to maintain the suspense.
In summary:
- 1st place and automatic World Finalists - Team "Near", University of Hong Kong (also last year's Manila champs)
- 2nd place - Team "Makegumi", University of Tokyo (also last year's runner-ups)
- 3rd place - Team "Maximum Tomato", Saitama University
- Best Local Team/14th place overall - Team "Persistence", Ateneo de Manila University
- 2nd Best Local Team/15th place overall - Team "DLSU 1", De La Salle University
- 3rd Best Local Team/16th place overall - Team "UP Green-3", University of the Philippines - Diliman
Also, congratulations to the other Ateneo teams on a job well done! We put up a good fight. I am personally very proud of all of you. It feels great to be an Atenean. To all the first-timers on the Ateneo team (including Rocky Camacho, one of my students during the summer), welcome to the Ateneo programming team family. I hope you are all excited to take part in future contests!
I also have some other thoughts on the contest and the current state of the ACM-ICPC in the Philippines. I will leave those for a future entry.
(Update: The official standings are now available.)
(Addendum: In less than a day since I posted this entry, I've had at least 50 people from Japan visiting my blog. You can see this from my Site Meter visitors by location (see below). They were all looking for the contest results. I'm not complaining about the extra traffic; I just find it amusing that the RubeTube has suddenly become the "official news site" for the Asia-Manila regionals.)
October 03, 2006
UST won, Ateneo lost. Alright, back to work.
It's understandable for the players to break down and weep after a heartbreaking loss. But if you're not part of the team, then there should be nothing to cry or be angry about.
It's not even about "Win or lose, it's the school we choose." That's the attitude of sore losers and glory hounds who gloat when they win and make excuses when they lose. If you are really proud of someone or of a group of people, you don't focus on the "One Big Loss" but celebrate the "One Big Fight" instead. When you know that your team gave it their all, then there's your reason to be proud.
It's understandable for the players to break down and weep after a heartbreaking loss. But if you're not part of the team, then there should be nothing to cry or be angry about.
It's not even about "Win or lose, it's the school we choose." That's the attitude of sore losers and glory hounds who gloat when they win and make excuses when they lose. If you are really proud of someone or of a group of people, you don't focus on the "One Big Loss" but celebrate the "One Big Fight" instead. When you know that your team gave it their all, then there's your reason to be proud.
Labels: Ateneo, basketball, pride, UAAP
September 26, 2006
If you are a fan of basketball, then I am sure you will enjoy watching this video. This is the last 23 seconds of Game 1 of the UAAP Season 69 Men's Basketball Finals (Ateneo versus UST).
I tuned into the game on TV just in time to catch the fourth quarter of this match. Those dying seconds had the most amazing exchange of plays I've ever seen. I still get goosebumps every time I watch that brilliant last-second play arranged by Norman Black. The Blue Eagles executed the play just as their coach had drawn out. Had Doug Kramer missed that winning shot, he would be universally lambasted in the press and on the Internet. And the controversial backcourt violation call on JC Intal would become even more crucial. Instead, Kramer's a hero and the refs won't have to face the jury.
As much as I enjoy watching that game-winning play, my favorite scene from this clip was in the last timeout, when Norman Black goes "Uhh...", turns and points to Ford Arao, and says "You're out of the game." The look on Arao's face was like "What the... aww man!" That was hilarious!
Go Ateneo! One big fight!
I tuned into the game on TV just in time to catch the fourth quarter of this match. Those dying seconds had the most amazing exchange of plays I've ever seen. I still get goosebumps every time I watch that brilliant last-second play arranged by Norman Black. The Blue Eagles executed the play just as their coach had drawn out. Had Doug Kramer missed that winning shot, he would be universally lambasted in the press and on the Internet. And the controversial backcourt violation call on JC Intal would become even more crucial. Instead, Kramer's a hero and the refs won't have to face the jury.
As much as I enjoy watching that game-winning play, my favorite scene from this clip was in the last timeout, when Norman Black goes "Uhh...", turns and points to Ford Arao, and says "You're out of the game." The look on Arao's face was like "What the... aww man!" That was hilarious!
Go Ateneo! One big fight!
Labels: :D, Ateneo, basketball, UAAP, videos
September 20, 2006
I'm admittedly not a humble person. But I don't think I'm being overly boastful by sharing with you my page on the Ateneo de Manila University Awards Database. Never knew such a site existed before; I only stumbled upon it yesterday. It lists the awards received by Ateneans at competitions in recent history.
Fifteen awards are listed under my name. There are no advanced search features so I can't verify that that's the most for an individual in the database, but you'd probably agree that fifteen is a lot (and I'm sure my list there isn't complete).
Why do I join all these contests? I've been at it since my grade school days. I have to admit, it's partly because of the recognition and the opportunity to market myself. It's also partly because of my fiercely competitive nature. But the biggest reason is that I'm always tremendously proud of the institutions I represent. I want recognition not just as an individual, but also as a product of the Ateneo and the Filipino nation.
I think I've accomplished my goal of helping let the world know that Filipinos (and Ateneans) truly kick ass. Up next: helping HP soar to new heights.
Fifteen awards are listed under my name. There are no advanced search features so I can't verify that that's the most for an individual in the database, but you'd probably agree that fifteen is a lot (and I'm sure my list there isn't complete).
Why do I join all these contests? I've been at it since my grade school days. I have to admit, it's partly because of the recognition and the opportunity to market myself. It's also partly because of my fiercely competitive nature. But the biggest reason is that I'm always tremendously proud of the institutions I represent. I want recognition not just as an individual, but also as a product of the Ateneo and the Filipino nation.
I think I've accomplished my goal of helping let the world know that Filipinos (and Ateneans) truly kick ass. Up next: helping HP soar to new heights.
September 02, 2006
This afternoon, I served as a judge for the second CompSAt Inter-University Programming Competition (IUPC). The IUPC as an ACM-ICPC-style contest organized by CompSAt that serves as a "warmup" contest for the ACM-ICPC Manila Regional Contest in October, hosted by Ateneo de Manila University. This year, the IUPC was participated by 14 teams from five schools.
Organizer Neill Li asked me to be a judge a few months back and I was glad to oblige. As a battle-hardened veteran of the ICPC (four regionals, two world finals), I figured it was going to be a cinch to come up with two or three problems. But I put off the task until a few days before the contest and to make things worse, solving problems takes only half the effort that it takes to make them. It's tough enough to formulate a challenging problem and then have to solve it to make sure it's solvable. Nevertheless, I was able to get the job done and I was able to come up with three interesting problems:
BTW, the top three finishers in the contest were:
P.S. Can anyone recommend an free online file storage service that'll let me publicly share files? It's sad that I have to resort to using my GeoCities account.
Organizer Neill Li asked me to be a judge a few months back and I was glad to oblige. As a battle-hardened veteran of the ICPC (four regionals, two world finals), I figured it was going to be a cinch to come up with two or three problems. But I put off the task until a few days before the contest and to make things worse, solving problems takes only half the effort that it takes to make them. It's tough enough to formulate a challenging problem and then have to solve it to make sure it's solvable. Nevertheless, I was able to get the job done and I was able to come up with three interesting problems:
- Bored Dots - Inspired by the Flash game Bored Dots, which I got so frustrated with, I made a program to give me the solutions. Not-so-difficult search problem. Just do a brute-force search for the solution. No one in the IUPC was able to solve this but one team did at least try.
- Roman Nvmerals - Determine if a string is a valid Roman numeral or not. It's simple enough to do, and there are many ways to solve it. The most straightforward solution is to write a program to generate the Roman numerals from I to MMMCMXCIX (1 to 3999); that'll give you all the valid Roman numerals and it's easy enough to do a search. Two teams were able to solve the problem.
- l33t H4xX0r5 - Inspired by the l33t esoteric programming language. It looks very hard but really, it's not. The problem statement is just troublesome to read (i.e., discouraging, intimidating) but everything you need to solve the problem is in there. Unsurprisingly, not a single team gave it a try.
BTW, the top three finishers in the contest were:
- De La Salle University (4 problems solved and they were only two in their team!)
- FEU-East Asia College (also 4 problems solved, but slower)
- Ateneo de Manila University (fastest to solve 3 problems)
P.S. Can anyone recommend an free online file storage service that'll let me publicly share files? It's sad that I have to resort to using my GeoCities account.
Labels: Ateneo, CompSAt, contests, IUPC, problem solving, programming
