Upon going to Cebu Common Treatment Facility Incorporated (CCTFI)

photo from cctfi.com

The thought of going to Inayawan dumpsite  made me so interested for some reasons. I know I would be seeing a huge mountain of garbages and smelling it but I wanted to know how is the condition of this dumpsite now. Well, as we were heading our way to the water treatment office, my scrutinizing eyes witnessed how all our trashes were being dumped. Yes, I was appalled on the huge mount of garbages while ignoring the ‘heavenly like’ smell and the pestering ‘big as a bee’ flies trying to get near us but I never realized that despite of having the dumpsite in the place, will also be a water treatment facility and it is the Cebu Common Treatment Facility Incorporated.

This facility treats hazardous wastes generated by the electroplating industry, and other industries that produces the same kind of waste. It offers environmental services to treat their client’s wastes. They do the following: wastewater treatment in their modern facility, handling and transport of the hazardous wastes, designing solutions for special wastewater and collecting sludge for treatment. Upon arriving to the said facility, we were then introduced by the lecturer to explain all about the water treatment process and how they do the treating by using their modern equipment. The wastewater treatment involves in these various processes: waste transport, analysis, storage, treatment, disposal, sludge treatment and its disposal.

Courtesy by cctfi.com

For me, it is not an easy job because the lecturer told us that various chemicals were being used and its calibration is very important for the water treatment process to be successful. Also, we were introduced to their machines and tanks that gave us an idea how they control the chemicals to be used and where the water passes throughout the treatment. The facility is treating rinse water from plating lines or pickling baths, inorganic heavy metal-containing acidic or alkaline solutions, and galvanizing wastewater from their clients.

We were also able to get inside their laboratory where we were shown how they do the water sampling. Depending on the composition of the wastewater, the chemist will propose appropriate procedures for its treatment. In regards to that, the chemist showed to us how much of an element is present in the water by putting a little nickel on the water sample and placed it inside the photometer. After a few seconds, the photometer detected about 10% nickel present in the water. That made us all amazed about how easy the procedure was.  

Lastly, the lecturer discussed the sludge in which it is residual, semi-solid material left from the wastewater treatment process. They accept sludge from companies with their own wastewater treatment plants and a pre-treatment of the accepted sludge is done by skilled operators before being sent to accredited facilities for disposal options. The process of sludge treatment includes drying of sludge using their solar sludge dryer, grinding it if necessary, mixing it with chemicals and cure it for final disposal. That was my first time seeing the sludge placed inside a barrel. It was sticky and we were prohibited to touch it because of its smell too.

Well, I learned a lot from this visit. My questions have been answered. Although the treated water is not potable drinking water, it still assures us that the returned water in the areas of Mactan is free from toxic substances. I just hope that facilities like CCTFI, should monitor their equipments from time to time so as to further improve its performance in providing a clean treated water. I saluted all the staffs there in doing their job with dedication in providing clean water in the community.

REACTION ABOUT THE ‘LOVE LETTER TO FILIPINOS’

For me, it was so heart-warming and I felt gratitude to what Mr. David Harwell had said. It was so delightful to have read such full of positive remarks from an expatriate even though our country is facing drastic problems both economically and politically. This is truly a love letter to us Filipinos and for those people whose hearts are bitter toward the brighter side of our country. 

I’ve never thought that from the sharp eyes of an American, he discerned OFWs as important, for their remarkable determination and perseverance. I really appreciated him that he acknowledged the sweats and tears of our OFWs around the world for their sacrifices they have endured just to give their family a comfortable living. That shows us that we value our family the most unlike the Americans who could just forget their family once they can stand up on their own. I totally agree with him that Filipinos who are working abroad are the strongest people because I have also my father, to set an example. I know that he works hard for us just to sustain our needs especially our future and even though he couldn’t bear to be miles away from us, he just look at it as a challenge to fight the longingness he felt to us. Furthermore, Mr. Harwell impressed me with his perception to Filipinos as being flexible and worldly, being able to endure the inevitable discrimination of other nationalities and our way of being happy despite of our dilemmas and tragedies in life. 

I think majority of the Filipinos really want the American dream but he emphasized that even though they get what they want like living in a cozy and big house, driving a luxurious car and be with fine people, their hearts are full with worries that reminds them that a part of the things they have acquired were from their mighty credit cards. So as to compare us Filipinos that even though we’re not financially rich but we still keep our hearts wealthy with love and affection from the people we love and I think that’s the most important thing of keeping this life blissful and valuable. 

I salute Mr. David Harwell for the love he gives into our country. It was no-doubt he was in love with it so much to its people whose smiles he adored the most. His love letter will not be possible if he resents our country but I look up to him for his deep appreciation for it despite of its flaws and all. Well, even though we cannot get rid of it as soon as possible, but rest assured that all the Filipinos will still be the same way all look at them such as accommodating, happy and most of all contented. I know not only Mr. Harwell feel the same way but to all those people we served, we cared and we loved. I hope that we can also see the positive side of our country as our next step towards progress and innovation. Thanks to you, Mr. Harwell!

When boredom strikes #3... learn to play musical instruments by ear

My sister practicing on my guitar

Learning to play an instrument is not easy especially when you don’t have that ‘someone’ to teach you. You may want to learn playing the guitar but you find problems how to position the chords B, F, and those with the sharps and flats. Same as with the piano, you desperately want to be the likes of Mozart or Yiruma but you can’t play with your two hands. Now, this is the time for you to concentrate and to focus. When boredom strikes, playing an instrument is very suitable for all ages.

For me, success is earned. This learning requires a step-by-step process so sad to say, it can’t be rushed. The reason why I emphasized ‘by ear’ here is that we can play the music by our own interpretation. It may at first not the exact melody of the song (because of the plucking, picking) but at least we can play it without the aid of music sheets. In piano, learning how to play nursery rhymes such as Happy Birthday or Twinkle, Twinkle Star is a stepping stone to familiarize your favorite pop songs. This can be done by finding the right keys of the song using your right hand then later getting to know its basic chords with your left hand. Take note that chords are composed of three notes , be it in any musical instruments!

As for my guitar experience, I admit it was not easy. I took guitar lessons last summer just to know the correct positioning of some complicated chords and thank God it was worth it. My fingers got rough because of practicing chords like F, F#, Eb and C Diminished but luckily I was able to know them. It would be best if you know the very basic chords such as C, D, E, G, and A and its sub-divisions. The ‘clipping thing’ using your index finger when tuning the sound of B and F is the most challenging part but as what others say, ‘No pain, no gain’ so go for it and never surrender. It may hurt your fingers but with constant practice, you’ll get used to it.

My certificate after I completed my guitar lesson

My tip might not be enough for you to understand all these things but a lot of guitar and piano tutorials are now on youtube. Some could teach you how to play your favorite song in a way you understand. Just put these keywords in the youtube search bar ‘How to play (title of the song)’ for more results.

There are many things that you can do when you know how to play an instrument. You can make your own music! You have the advantage to showcase your talent and at the same time, you can make money out of it. (wow!)

No one can live without music. Even our brothers and sisters who are blind, deaf and mute find ways to make their own music. I was really amazed when I saw a blind man strumming his guitar in front of us. He is so talented. He didn’t let his disability stop him from showing his exceptional talent.

Patience and optimism are the primary elements towards a successful learning (even into studies). When you learn, have fun with it! Don’t set a time when you are going stop because learning is continuous. So get your instrument now and discover how talented you are in music. If others can, why can’t you?:))

Tip #4 is coming up. Stay tuned for more upcoming posts of this column. Thanks for supporting guys!

Make this country a cooler place.. (wala bang init dyan?? pa aircon naman ohh)

It was good shot but you don't have an idea how
hot it is

Whew! When I'm writing this post I'm really sweating all over. Fanning with my hands doesn’t work anymore. Help! Philippines is getting hotter each year! To the fact that some like it because they wanna go swimming or sun bathing but for me, this weather is too much! I rather want the rainy days than battling against this scorching heat with my poor umbrella. I can’t wait for the month of June to come.

How I wish Philippines is like Russia. I think Russia is the coldest country in the world being being closer to the north pole (whoa, Santa lives here!). In there, you won’t need for an aircon because the climate itself can provide you a cooler environment but be sure you’re fully covered or else, you’re next to Frosty (the snow man).

Anyways, as what I’ve observed, when the weather gets its highest TEMPERature, some people seem to be ill-TEMPERed too. I admit I’m one of those complaining but not to the extent of getting hysterical. Yesterday, when we were walking under the heat (without umbrellas), it was like I'm bathing with my sweat and it was as if my skin burned. It was soooo hot (about 34°C) I can’t imagine we are having this temperature nowadays. I thought the place is like hell! I was shocked that the hottest city in the Philippines, Tuguegarao had already reached the temperature of 37°C (the normal body temp). Gracious for the people who live there.

Sometimes, I blame our irresponsible attitude towards proper disposal of garbages because if these collection of trashes are just regular, we will not be forced to burn it. Forest burning is one too. We are experiencing CLIMATE CHANGE. For now, we are suffering what others have done just for the sake of their selfish motives. Pity for those individuals whose jobs are outdoors like construction workers, vendors, and drivers because they are prone to heat stroke.

Technology brings us a combined Fan
and umbrella named Fanbrella

My tip? Well, aside from water as the thirst quencher, we have energy drinks (such as gatorade, alkaline water...COBRA!) to replenish your body by supplying the ions needed. Bringing umbrella at all times and wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes are a must. For women, I suggest you shouldn’t use strong beauty regiments (like astringents) and instead, protect your fair skin by using lotions (or sunblock) having SPF40. For men, always bring towel or hanky to wipe the sweat on your face. If possible, bring an extra shirt to change after a sweaty work.

I’ve been wanting to have a snow here but sad to say we’re a tropical country and that we should adapt to changes our environment has to undergo. All people can feel it. My mother also thinks we are now being punished by God, but as the world gets hotter than what we’ve expected, I hope people in politics doesn’t get ill-tempered with the trashes they are throwing against their opponents. (Uh-huh)

For those people who can’t get their temper low, I pray to God..... MAKE THIS COUNTRY A COOLER PLACE for them. A hot place with chill people is IN this summer, promise! Those ill people have no room for now. They’ll be just ruining one’s good trip. If I were you, just relax and don’t let the hot weather affect your good mood:)) You might complain again when rainy season comes.3

Peace yo, folks!

Cindy♥♥

When boredom strikes #2... Apply for a SUMMER JOB

As what I've said in my previous post, vacation doesn't mean relaxation. If you want to earn money without getting it from your your parents, YOU can do it by your own. For me, it is a nice feeling to have received a money from your sweat as you don’t worry your parents where to get money for your needs. A good thing for you to be independent too.

During summer, summer jobs are available for those people who want to apply. This is targeted primarily for students who are willing to work until the end of May. So for two months, you can earn money by means of your salary and that’s a good help already when school begins.

There are a lot of summer jobs for you to apply such as being a waitress, a cashier or a technician. You and your friends can apply as a group if you want to. You must be competent in speaking or knowledgeable in computers. By this, you will be hands-on in taking care of things as well as dealing with people around you. It will build-up your self-confidence and your own strategy to keep the work done in a way you want.

photo courtesy from bls.gov

By the time you receive your salary, this is when you feel how to value your money. You will learn how to budget and spend it for something so useful to you. It brings happiness to anyone who has just received his earned money through his efforts.

I really appreciate these folks who took summer jobs. It means they want to seize the free time by earning money. It would be a big help already for their parents when school starts. If you want one, ask help from a friend (who has a job already) or surf the net to see a list of jobs suitable for you. This is a good experience by the time you will apply to the real one (the one that you’ve studied for four years).

Don’t want to get rot at home? Try summer jobs and experience the fun working with people at the same time earning money. If you decide not to do summer jobs for a while, then my next post can help you. Tip #3 is coming up.

Never bored,

Cindy ♥♥

When boredom strikes #1... Help in HOUSEHOLD CHORES

I and mom cleaning .. photo taken by cherry

Hey, it's summer! It's time to relax and rest from the pressures of school. Time for a summer getaway or apply for a summer workshop. That sounds fun, really!

So as you and your friends won't see each other for a while, you stay at home. When you stay at home, you realize you miss the things you used to do when you're in school. The vacation should make you happy but then you can't think of things that would enjoy you. Your SLEEP-EAT-SLEEP- routine wears you out that even surfing the net isn't fun anymore... that's when boredom strikes!

So why is it that I included this 'helping' thing here? To answer my own question, because it is the right thing to do. Do you know that your parents get happy when they see you staying at home? Do you know how relieved they are when they see you happy staying with them? How much more if you show them that you care by means of helping them? That makes sense right?

Keeping the house clean is one of the things that you can do when staying at home. As you sweep, wipe, mop or scrub the floors, you're not only keeping it tidy but you lose calories from it. It also regulates your blood circulation because the more you move your body, you are sweating and I'm saying you can get more benefits from it.

Helping your mother (like washing clothes) can bring you closer to her too. Try to share what you feel or some funny jokes so you two can get along together. Same as with your father, prepare the things he needs before going to work (like serving him coffee, polishing his shoes, or ironing his uniform) to show him that you care. It will be also nicer to look at when you encourage your siblings to help you. In this manner, they will not grow up lazy!

Although, these things can't be done in one day but a daily schedule can help. Of course, there would be also free time for you to surf the net, read your favorite book or rest from what you're doing.

By doing these, it would not only serve you good but would make your parents realize how lucky they were to have you as their child. To have raised a responsible child. This daily activity will not bore you as you will have a sense of initiative. This is a good practice to take away one’s procrastination.

For me, vacation is not just about relaxation, it's about spending the long given time productively. Even though some of us doesn't have enough money to go places (like me), we can spend the break in our own ways. To count, there are many of them. How? Follow Tip #2 in my next post. See yah!

Have a wonderful vacation,

Cindy♥♥

MNEMONICS: The best way to an effective studying.

During studying, one of the techniques that I've been using is what they call the MNEMONICS or CODING. Well, mnemonics is simply the way of remembering the first letter or syllable of a group of sentences so as to make it easier for you to memorize. As for me, I always end up forming words through these first letters and these help me remember details immediately.

This technique helped me a lot in a sense that I can remember things straight and at the same time I have fun forming them. Another thing is that it helped me save time and effort memorizing the whole text.
I'll be giving you the sample how I'm doing it. This is the whole text:

Functions of Digestive System

• Ingestion of food 
• Digestion of food
• Secretion of digestive juice 
• Absorption of water, salts, vitamins and end-products of food digestion 
• Excretion of heavy metals, toxins, alkaloids
• Helps erythropoiesis by secreting intrinsic factor needed for vit. B12 absorption.

Instead of memorizing the whole of it, I took the first letters of each functions (like letter I from the Ingestion of food and letter D from Digestion of food). Now to get all of them we will have the code IDSAEH. The mentioned code is not a word, right? So to make it more comprehensible, I rearranged it and I come to form a word I SHADE. Sounds good right? Upon having the code, the memorizing thing is in your hands. This method can be applied in ENUMERATION or ESSAY TYPE.

Now, there maybe times that you should memo some sentences in which it should not be rearranged. The answer is simple. Mnemonics can help you for that. You get the first syllable of the sentences and connect them.

The original text is about proteins:

It is the most important biological factor among the body being the fundamental constituent of the protoplasm of cell.

The mentioned sentence is too long to remember so I took each words' first syllable and I come up with MosImBioF BoFuCoProCe or when you pronounce it /mosImbayoprof bofucopros/

Though it didn't form a word but I look at as a name of a person. Tell your mind about it or say it aloud.

This method is applied in an ESSAY TYPE.

Though, you find mnemonics a bit weird but it serves a lot of purpose. I'm so thankful one of my teachers are encouraging us to use this method. It helped me during the finals.:))

Happy studying,

Cindy ♥♥♥