Folio

Sitting

I remember the exact same gentle kiss from the sun

As it bids farewell

Two hands pointing down, almost aligned

I glanced to the east

Just below the green diamond

Thump thump thump thump

By Jessa De Guzman

The second day of the Students’ National Chemical Engineering Congress (sNCEC) proved to be a success as the much awaited sub-event, the 38th Inter-University Chemical Engineering Quiz Show (Inter-U), started off with a fierce elimination phase and ended with a brain-wrecking finals, with De La Salle University bagging the top prize, last November 15, 2015.

The competition started with an elimination phase wherein the top 25% immediately advanced to the final round. The top 26%-50% were given a second chance during the best-of-three wildcard phase. A total of eight contenders advanced to the finals.  

De La Salle University Team 2, composed of James Okusa, Donna Angeles and Christian Jay Balboa with head coach Dr. Michael Angelo Promentilla, was hailed the champion, garnering a total of 85 points in the final round. They therefore received a P20,000 cash prize. Team 1, also from DLSU with members Jerome Spencer, Christian Adrian Uson, Joshua Martin Kalaw and Francis Ian Tobias, was hailed the second runner up, receiving P5,000.  Victor Lau, Emnard Garcia and Ken Yamauchi with head coach Dr. Alvin Caparanga, from MAPUA Institute of Technology, were named 1st runner up, thus getting a prize of P10,000.  

This year’s Inter-U was participated by a total of twenty-two teams from fourteen schools all over the Philippines – De La Salle University Manila (DLSU), Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), Batangas State University (BSU), Cagayan State University (CSU), Golden Gate College (GGC), Saint Louis University (SLU), Mindanao State University (MSU), UP Los Banos (UPLB), UP Visayas (UPV), Adamson University (AdU), Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), and Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) – and was held at the National College of Public Administration (NCPAG).

With the aim of nurturing the future chemical engineers greatly achieved, Inter-U was headed by Dave Ramos under the guidance of the sNCEC Overall Head Franchesca Maranan.

By Alicia Theresse Dumlao

Funding the best undergradate researches and helping develop studies through constructive feedback, the Research Grant (ReGrant), a much-awaited sub-event of the Students’ National Chemical Engineering Conference (sNCEC), was held at the Bulwagang Tandang Sora, UP College of Social Work and Community Development, last November 15, 2015.

Groups of chemical engineering students from different colleges in the Philippines presented their ChE-related researches in front of a panel of judges. The judges were Dr. Rizalinda de Leon, Engr. Carmel Gacho, Engr. Aljames Balgoa and Dr. Annabelle Briones.

Showing excellent innovation and creativity, the top three teams with the best research proposals among the 10 finalists were rewarded ₱ 20,000.00, ₱ 15,000.00, and ₱ 10,000.00, respectively. The following were the top three research proposals:

1st: Evaluation of the Mass Transfer Effects of Air Bubbling to the Production of Salt Using Open-pan Solar Evaporator (Bicol University)

2nd:  Application of Bokashi Balls with Endemic Microorganisms in the Bioremediation of Water fron Bitan-ag Creek in Cagayan de Oro City (Xavier University)

3rd: Utilization of Bamboo Powder Reinforced Biodegradable Bioplastic from Red Algae (Rhodophyta) and Latex of Jack Tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) as Plasticizer (Batangas State University)

The Research Grant not only serves as an avenue for Chemical Engineering (ChE) undergraduate students to share their innovative ideas through groundbreaking researches; it also bridges these young people to the real world as it encourages them to solve present day problems. It was spearheaded by Ronald Allan Flores and sNCEC overall head Franchesca Maranan.  

By Ysabela Angela Flores

The first day of the annual Students' National Chemical Engineering Conference (sNCEC) concluded with a blast as students were given the chance to widen their network and get acquainted with professionals in the Students' Chemical Engineering Networking Event (SCENE), held at the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), November 14, 2015.

Participants from schools across the country gathered to learn more about their possible career paths after finishing their degrees in Chemical Engineering as company representatives from renowned corporations in various fields such as the oil and food industry came to share their expertise with the aspiring students.

The students were grouped accordingly and took turns in getting insights from the invited resource people regarding what their respective fields have to offer for the engineers-in-the-making. This sNCEC sub-event was spearheaded by Aelen Blessel Ducao and sNCEC overall head Franchesca Maranan.

By Carla Jane Carandang

The UP Chemical Engineering Society, Inc. launched the biggest national Chemical Engineering event, the Students’ National Chemical Engineering Conference 2015 (sNCEC), at the Bahay ng Alumni in University of the Philippines Diliman last Novermber 14 and 15.  

Featuring biotechnology as the event’s major topic, the National Chemical Engineering Symposium, its first sub-event, held morning and afternoon seminar programs attended by 437 participants, a record-breaking number.

The morning program consisted of three resource talks from Ms. Maria Antonia Odelia G. Arroyo, CEO and founder of Hybridigm Consulting Inc., Dr. Zenaida Magbanua, an associate professor of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in UP Diliman, and Analiza Rollon, professor and head of Environmental Process Engineering Laboratory in the Department of Chemical Engineering in UP Diliman. The speakers  gave an overview on biotechnology in the Philippines and how it relates to and affects Chemical Engineering as a profession.  

The afternoon program was held in the National College of Public Administration and Governance building. The program organized four parallel sessions categorized into agriculture, environment, industry, and healthcare.  

For biotechnology in agriculture, Eureka Teresa Ocampo, an affiliate faculty in UP Open University and an associate professor in the College of Agriculture in UP Los Baños and Aileen Bayot Custodio, a university researcher of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in UP Los Baños, talked about the newest innovations of biotechnology and its effects on agriculture.  

Engr. Isaias Bongar, general manager in Bongar Envirosystems Technologies Corp. and president of I.M. Bongar & Co. Inc., and Engr. Reynaldo Esguerra, chief of the Environment and Biotech Division – DOST, imparted their knowledge on biotechnology in the environment and its improvements.  

Lastly, Ms. Arroyo, who was also a speaker from the morning session, discussed how industries benefit from and contribute to the progress of biotechnology.

The parallel sessions also had workshops wherein the participants were grouped and tasked to solve a problem by making a diagram or constructing an equipment from the different materials given in a specific amount of time.

By Dean Ryan Sotoya

The University of the Philippines Chemical Engineering Society, Inc. proved its versatility and utter passion as the UP KEM Troupers grabbed two awards during the PACSayawan 2015: Spectra at Oblivion Club, Timog Ave., Quezon City, last October 24.

After wowing the audience with an intricate hip-hop routine, the UP KEM Troupers, out of six dance groups vying for the top awards, won the first runner-up and the People’s Choice award.

The other groups who won were UPBCS PabeBCS Warriors as the champions, and UP AChES Terpsichorean for second runner-up.  

UP KEM’s talents were further showcased as its very own Silence of the Labs performed two lively songs as intermission numbers.

After the announcement of winner, the much-awaited party started with mixes from the DJs and free flowing drinks which lasted until early morning the next day.

The KEM troupers showcased the dancing prowess of Anysia Mari Antatico, Gerald James Balon, Keano Miguel Brion, Art Philippe Bucaneg, Yra Mae Camacho, Alfonso Paolo Dela Cruz,  Dann Erika Guerrero, Jun Bryen Juen, and Shayne Rae Primavera.

PACSayawan 2015: Spectra was spearheaded by the Philippine Association of Chemistry Students.

By Rans Miguel Lintag

With the ingenious theme of being part of a bigger picture, Puzzles, the Applicants’ Orientation Seminar 15A, achieved a record-breaking attendance with 98 participants — 7 percent higher compared to the previous record of 93 — last September 8, 2015 at Room 501, Melchor Hall.  

Three notable UP KEM alumni delivered inspirational talks to the participants. Dr. Fortunato dela Peña, former DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Service, Engr. Bemboy Nino Subosa, Department of Chemical Engineering faculty member and one of the organization’s present advisers, and Steven Michael Resma, a fresh graduate who finished summa cum laude, all shared their remarkable experiences as previous resident members of the organization.

Outstanding intermission performances from the KEM Band and KEM Troupers followed, showcasing the organization’s candid passion and vigor. Geoffrey Naldoza, UP KEM’s Vice President for Membership, proceeded to brief the potential applicants with the activities and requirements for the application process of the semester. Also, Axel Krizza Cabalhug, the Summa Kem Laude of the application batch 14B, recalled her journey as an applicant in hope of inspiring the attendees to give the application process a try.

However, due to bad weather and unforeseen power shortage, the program was cut short and resident members who are a part of other external affiliations and organizations like RegCom, Inhenyero, CAPES, ESC, USC, PACS, and PIChE, were unable to share how UP KEM encouraged them to pursue their endeavors.

Hosted by Jessica Ann Vilvestre and Mark Joseph Pasciolco, the program ended with a raffling of KOSh merchandise and gift certificates, and was still very successful nonetheless.  

By John Frederick imperial

Ish Parto and the Ultrasupersonic Band took home the first and fourth places, respectively, during UP Engineering Society’s Hysteria: Revamped last September 25, 2015 at the 55 Events Place, Tomas Morato.

Kicking off UP Eng’g Soc’s 19th Anniversary celebration, this annual night-long party pitched together aspiring female models as well as acoustic bands from the College of Engineering in an EDM-filled, free-flowing drink celebration.

With a score of 94.56%, Parto bested out the other 10 models as she cat-walked her way to the top spot during the party’s Fashion Show. The competition was divided into two parts, one with the participants modeling speakers and headphones from A.Refinery PH, and another with them in black avant-garde dresses.

Moreover, during the Acoustic Jammeng’g, UP KEM’s Ultrasupersonic wowed the audience with their acoustic-EDM mash-up hits featuring Avicii’s Silhouettes and Galantis’s Runaway (U&I), finishing fourth among the 8 other bands. The band showcased the talents of Axel Cabalhug (vocals), Ric Roxas (keyboard), Carlo Flores (percussion), Hans Quan (bass), and Raphael Dimacali (guitar).

By Majesty Sussy Santiago

Selected members from the University of the Philippines Chemical Engineering Society, Inc. (UP KEM) and the University of the Philippines Academic League for Chemical Engineering Students (UP ALCHEMES) organized and conducted LaunChE: The Chemical Engineering Department Building Tour and Seminar at the new Chemical Engineering Building last Otober 29, 2015.  

LaunChE itself had two parts; the building tour, organized by UP ALCHEMES, aimed to familiarize the freshmen and transferees with the facilities of the new building, and the department seminar, organized by UP KEM, aimed to explain to them the regulations they would be following as set by the College of Engineering, in general, and the Chemical Engineering curriculum specifically.  

A total of 80 participants, and three professors attended the department seminar. Of these three professors, two were asked to give talks to the audience: Engr. Patrick Ramoso was first to discuss the Chemical Engineering curriculum. Following him was Dr. Terrence Tumolva, who gave an insight into the protocols of the college.  

Two additional speeches were delivered afterwards. The third was given by an alumnus of UP KEM, Kan Louise Nielsen Tejada, concerning the Chemical Engineering industry, and the last was given by a resident member of UP KEM, Bryle Leaño, concerning life as a Chemical Engineering student. The program concluded after giving the freshmen an insight on the next five years that awaits them, and the bright future that will follow afterwards.

By Marc Alec Dominic Yau

Dedicated to the ideals of academic excellence and fostering good relationships with the community, ChEmaraderie was conducted in La Salle Greenhills Senior High School on three Saturdays, November 14, 21, and 28, 2015.  

In these three days, science workshops were held with 29 bright and eager high school students as participants. Spearheaded by Felipe Garcia, the project aimed to instill new knowledge and ideas into the minds of these students by introducing them to science lessons that they will be studying in the coming years.

Aside from listening to lectures on new and advanced lessons, the students also performed a series of experiments in both chemistry and physics namely a mini hot air balloon experiment and titration, among others, to fully immerse them in the experience.  

As a new addition, high school students were also taught useful techniques in Microsoft Excel, the use of different functions in a scientific calculator, and proper citation for technical writing – all of which can be applied and integrated in their everyday learning.

With its significant improvement from last year's run, ChEmaraderie 2015 was able to achieve a wider reach of students, provide a comprehensive module for its participants, and add more innovative and interesting lectures and experiments for students to enjoy and learn from.  

As one of the events under ChEck Marks the Spot (CMTS), ChEmaraderie hopes to achieve its goals - inspiring and developing the appreciation and interest of students in the fields of science at a young age, honing their bright minds into excelling academically and helping them reach their full potential.  

By Frances Gillian Leyson

Last September 28, 2015, the ChEck Marks the Spot 2015-2016 team conducted the first installment of the career orientation seminar series, ChEcklist, at Pasig City Science High School (Pasig Sci).  

Fresh graduate Mary Clare Mapanao, who was UP KEM’s Vice President for Membership (AY 2014-2015), shared her experience as an intern at Century Pacific Food, Inc. and as a participant in the Unilever Business Week 2015.

Following Mapanao, Cum Laude graduate Nico Berba proceeded to inspire the students with his journey from high school to college and how he chose chemical engineering as a degree program. Berba also gave tips on how to balance academics with extra-curricular activities. Resident member and Pasig Sci alumna Jessica Ann Vilvestre followed with a similar talk to conclude the event.  

The event was attended by 244 students, who were enlightened about the course and the numerous opportunities the field of Chemical Engineering can offer them.  

ChEcklist aims to introduce Chemical Engineering as a potential degree program and profession to Grade 9 students. The seminar also provides the students with practical guidelines on how to select the right degree program.

By Juan Paolo Paeldon

Celebrating its 61st anniversary, the UP Chemical Engineering Society (UP KEM) launched its annual exhibit which showcased the organization’s long-standing dedication for passion and excellence, last August 26, 2015 at the 3rd floor lobby of Melchor Hall.  

The exhibit consisted of displays with facts about its history, founding members, mission and vision. There was also a display which featured pictures of all the resident members.  

Kick-starting UP KEM’s week-long celebration of its anniversary, the launching of the exhibit featured giveaways and a “Grand Pakain” for the attendees.  

From its humble beginnings in 1954, UP KEM has grown to be one of the biggest organizations in the College of Engineering and the exhibit launch was a prime example that the KEMer spirit is, and has been for the past 61 years, endless.