The Akashic Field Chronicle

Oh my! Talk about a blogging break. Lots to write about since my last post on August 3, 2009 (Which according to the site stats is currently the most read post in TAFC to date). The short of it is:

1. I’m done with my MS
2. “Fund the Pinoy” was successful beyond my wildest expectations
3. I’m here at UCLA doing my PhD
4. and, I survived my first ever quarter.

Now, for the long version…

Fund the Pinoy

Knock and the door shall be opened to you. When I went to The Interwebs and asked for Php 364,000 (~$8,000), I knew it was a long shot. Never in my wildest dreams, (those who know me well would probably say this isn’t such a hard feat), would I have imagined such an overwhelming response to such a simple call for help. I could honestly say that this has been one of the most amazing surprises/blessings/experiences I have ever had in my entire life.

In the first night alone, a few hours after posting my plea, I was able to raise more than half the amount. In a few weeks time the total pledges have exceeded my target (although eventually I got exactly what I needed). It was simply amazing how ready people were to help. I was even helped by complete strangers (oh the power of social networking).

So I would like to take this opportunity to thank these people who have given me so much. You know who you are (and of course I do too, since I owe you big time), but I won’t ruin it with a list. If you didn’t get my make-shift certificate on your inbox, please inform me at fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net. It is my wish that your kindness will not go unrewarded and that any hopes you might have for this undertaking of mine be satisfied in due time.

UCLA

The place is gorgeous (which is a lot more than I could say for the rest of LA). I have been here for a little over 3 months (1 quarter) and the place is simply amazing. They say a picture paints a thousand words so:

UCLA Powell Library

This is a picture of the undergrad library which I think is stunning on the outside (wait until you see inside). Here’s a picture of where I live:

Weyburn Terrace (Grad Student Housing)

Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of taking that many pictures. Apparently, I also do not have the luxury of blogging for too long . So I will have to cut this one short and continue it some other time. Anyway, I’m staying here for the holidays (sad, I know) so I’m thinking I’ll be able to blog a little more in the next few days.

Originally posted on: http://urriza.net/blog/2009/08/a-call-for-help/

The Short Version

I have been accepted to the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) Electrical Engineering Ph.D. Program and am about to start this Fall 2009 term with full financial support (~$50,000) for the 1st year. I have a ticket to LA scheduled to depart on August 30, 2009 and have also made a downpayment on a UCLA owned graduate student housing (1 year contract).

However, my service obligation to DOST prohibits me from leaving the country for the next 7 years without posting a bond amounting to Php 364,000. I do not have this money and have tried everything in my power to get around it, to no avail. The only conclusion left — I would have to raise the money in less than a month. If I fail… I would miss what I believe to be one of the greatest opportunities that ever came along for a a guy like me. I will not fail.

The Slightly Longer Version

I have benefited from DOST’s financial support for virtually my entire academic life (Philippine Science High School, DOST Merit Scholar – BS CoE, DOST AHRDP – MS EE). For those in the same boat as I am, or even those with relatives that are DOST scholars, you know that this support comes with a price. For every year of study, you are required to render a year of service to your country. So for example, I need to work in the Philippines for 7 years before DOST finally gives me clearance.

Personally, I do not have any issues about working in my own country. I would never have signed the DOST contract if I had the slightest wish to work abroad. I like it here, weird as that might sound to the majority of the Filipino population. In fact, I barely thought of ever leaving the country except for short vacations and such. But, circumstances change, and now I have been given the chance of a life time. To pursue the academic dream and get my Ph.D. from one of the leading universities the world over. Unfortunately, I would have to travel abroad to do it.

So I went to DOST and asked if I could defer my service obligation for approximately 4-5 years (the length of time to get my Ph.D.). Here’s what they said:

You may be allowed to defer your service obligation provided you shall post an amount equivalent to the total financial assistance you received as a DOST-SEI scholar + 12% interest (Php 364,000). In posting the required bond, you have the following options:

Option 1: Post a cash bond with SEI (cash basis)

Option 2: Post a surety bond with GSIS (with collateral)

As I’ve said, I do not have that money. OK, I have a little, but my projected expenses for the first month of study renders that amount useless (this includes rent, airfare, food, stuff not covered by financial aid). Our house does not have a “clean” title (i.e. GSIS owns it until my parents housing loan is paid in full – not happening in the foreseeable future). I have also tried (correction: still trying) to work my way around the bond through a deed of undertaking which is similar to a promissory note. Things are looking bleak though, what with the sloooow process, DOST bigwigs out-of-the-country, and overall lack of support at their end.

Bottom line is: I will probably end up paying the bond anyway just to keep my August 30 deadline and not end up wasting the money I have invested so far in this endeavour as well as turning my back on my dreams.

So here it is. The point of this whole post. I need your help in raising Php364,000 in less than a month so that I could pursue my dreams and get my UCLA Ph.D. If this sounds desperate to you, don’t worry, it probably is to anyone (even me). So without further ado, I present:

Fund The Pinoy

a.k.a. send mr. urriza to UCLA fund drive

Fund The Pinoy FAQ:

Q: Are you crazy? High? Mentally disturbed?

A: No. I’m perfectly fine! A little desperate maybe, but fine.

Q: How much do you need to raise?

A: Php 364,000

Q: Do you honestly think this would work?

A: I’ve done the math and based on my optimistically estimated probability of a positive response and the number of people I plan to send this to, it should. Anyway, it’s better than doing nothing.

Q: I don’t have much, can I still help?

A: Although it would be so much easier if people gave larger amounts since this would greatly increase the chances of this harebrained scheme working, I would be perfectly happy and infinitely grateful for even Php 1,000 from you. I don’t think anything lower would be advisable considering the logistics and overhead cost.

Q: What do I get back?

A: Besides the satisfaction of having helped a Pinoy go to UCLA and pursue his dreams… You get your money back in 4-5 years with additional interest based on prevailing time-deposit rates. You even get better time-deposit rates since larger deposits have higher interest rates and I will be able to pool approximately Php 364,000 if everything goes according to plan. I’m also thinking of giving a little memento to you once I graduate.

Q: Can I get my money earlier?

A: If you really need it, and I’m capable, this could be arranged. So long as you give ample time for me to prepare.

Q: OK. I’m in a giving mood today… How do I send you the money?

A: If you are interested in helping me, or if you have a question about how this would all work out, please email: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net. At the risk of identity theft, I dare not release any details in this blog. Just email and I’ll get back to you as soon as I possibly can.

Q: Do you have some sort of deadline?

A: If I do it really really fast, I could probably arrange everything in a week. So that means, I should have the money by: August 23, 2009.

Q: Hi! I know you personally… Can I just give it to you in person?

A: OK. No problem.

Q: I can’t really spare any money right now… What can I do to help?

A: No amount of Bond money could ever compare to prayer. Please pray for the success of Fund The Pinoy.

Q: I’m abroad. Can I still send money?

A: I’m sure that could be arranged. Again please email: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

Q: What if you still don’t raise enough?

A: Then the Lord has other plans. I will give the money back to you as soon as I’m able.

Q: I have other questions which are not listed here. Where can I contact you?

A: To be safe, I can only give out my email address: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

Q: I think you’re crazy and your stupid idea won’t work!

A: Technically, that’s not even a question. Well… I guess we’ll just have to see what happens. I will post a counter on the sidebar of my blog: http://urriza.net/blog (as soon as I figure out how). I believe in the power of the internet, of friends, of Pinoys, and of asking for help when you need it. I honestly hope you can help me.

Q: Is this one of those Internet scams?

A: No. If you need further convincing, email me at: fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

Thanks to bananie for the name idea. Thanks to all my friends who have supported me so far. Thanks to my family. Thanks to the LORD.

P.S. Please show this post to anyone you think can help in my situation. Reposts, forwards, facebook notes, are most welcome.

fundthepinoy-at-urriza.net

EDIT: Upon the recommendation of one of the commenters, here is a copy of my acceptance letter from UCLA. (edit: file removed for security reasons) As proof of the authenticity of this post.

Due to serious peer pressure, I have succumbed into the internet’s equivalent of quicksand. FACEBOOK! Woohoo. Okay, there wasn’t much pressure. However, knowing that my mom had an account and I didn’t was the final blow to my otherwise unshakable resolve not to join social networking sites. I do have a Multiply page which I barely touched since college.

It’s interesting how I’ve always been extremely slow at adapting these web “trends”. That’s considering the fact that I’m a techie at heart with a degree in Computer Engineering (soon to be M.S. in Electrical Engineering). I guess it’s not that I don’t get the purpose of these whirlpools of unproductivity. I mean, it doesn’t hurt to spread your network (social or otherwise). My hesitation is probably because of my passion for productivity and efficiency. Facebook and productivity just don’t go well together. I can prove it. I’ve just created an account and have done nothing to my profile yet, but I’m already getting “sucked” into the quicksand.

Oh well, there’s no turning back now. I guess I’ll just try to check my account once in a while. I’ve already created a Gmail filter so that friend requests won’t interrupt my otherwise prestine inbox. So if you know me personally, look for me on Facebook.

Inspired by our bible study topic at Church earlier today about making the right choices in life, I’ve decided to make a list of long-term life goals. It’s basically your ordinary ToDo list, just in a grander scale. The point is, if you know what you want in life, you’re more likely to actually succeed than if you just sit around waiting for what life throws at you.

Nothing is written in stone of course (just on-line), and most of these will probably end up getting modified or chucked out completely. Still, it’s better I write them out as early as I possibly can. This way, I have a better chance of managing at least a couple of them and not end up disappointing myself (and you, since you’re reading this ).

So without further ado (and crap), here’s my list:

1. Get a PhD from a reputable US university
   
2. Publish in an international journal (hopefully 1 leads to 2)
3. Internship at a multi-national tech corp. (focus on r&d, silicon valley would be great)
4. Contribute to a major FOSS project (starting one would be even better)
5. Start and raise a God-fearing family
6. Get recognized in my line of work (Gawad Chancellor (UP) at the very least)
7. Start a couple of companies (at least 1 tech/r&d venture and 1 other)
8. Get a US patent for one of my ideas
9. Become an IEEE Fellow
10. Publish a couple of books (at least 1 EE/Academic related and 1 inspirational)

The list is ordered according to when I see myself achieving each goal, the first one being the soonest.

Here are a few things that didn’t make top 10 (i.e. secondary goals):

1. Learn to sight-read sheet music
2. Get a nice house with a devoted music room
3. Get invited as keynote speaker in an international conference
4. Visit at least 20 different countries of the world
5. Meet Andrea Corr in person

Just got home from WordCamp Philippines 2008, held at the College of St. Benilde earlier today. This whole day event was so much fun! Aside from that, it’s sort of a little historical too, being the very first WordCamp in South East Asia. For those not familliar with it, WordCamps are basically venues where WordPress users and developers hailing from a somewhat relatively small geographical region (say a country like the Philippines) can gather and talk about this outstanding piece of software.

The Event

Besides being fun, the whole thing was a really great learning experience. Matt Mullenweg, the creator of the WordPress platform was there for a short talk about the state of WordPress and some Q&A towards the end. He had a really really light character and seemed to be a very approachable guy. I really should go to more of these kinds of gatherings. It’s definitely a great way of enriching and cultivating my inner geek. Ooops, maybe I should edit that out, because I don’t think I have an “inner” geek. I’m probably geek inside-out. Haha. So much to learn today and I’m really glad that Wilson told me to register for WordCamp in the first place. Funny thing though, Wil doesn’t even have his own blog (yet).

Stuff I Learned

It won’t be like me at all if I didn’t take the opportunity to share with you folks some of the things I learned (and as I said, there’s a lot). There so much stuff that I can’t even figure out how to put it all in this post. So, to save up on time, I’ll just pile them up in a bulleted list:

• Indonesians Rock – apparently, the second most used language in WordPress, after English, is Indonesian. Cool.
• WordPress is so much more - I already knew that, but seeing companies using WordPress for corporate sites is simply amazing. You can’t even tell that some of the websites are made with wordpress. Like this one.
• Tons of SEO plugins - a really hot topic in today’s WordCamp was Search Engine Optimization. Just do a google search on WordPress Plugins for SEO to streamline your blog for search engines.
• WordPress is actually very profitable – a lot of people think that there’s no money in Open Source. I guess this just proves how wrong they are. Just the licensing of Akismet alone is already a lot of money.
• Some folks really take blogging seriously – I wasn’t really familiar with the concept of Pro-Blogging, but it seems, some folks earn decent (or maybe indecent) amounts of money off of their blogs. Wow. I’d be satisfied if I could just earn enough to pay for my webhost and domain.
• Custom Fields for CMS – using WordPress to manage web content becomes really easy by using custom fields in your post. You could attach additional content to a post such as a logo, an audio file, an excerpt to sort of customize the way each post will be presented. This is especially useful if you want to use WordPress to build a website other than a blog.
• A whole lot more - which I’ll just share when I get to apply them.

Photos

Here are some pics from the event:

Matt, Wilson and Me

Matt, Wilson and Me Again

My Sister with Free Chowking Food

Freebies Galore

For absolutely 0 pesos, I got the folloing:

• A cool mug from NuffNang.com
• A small cloth bag with the WordCamp Philippines Logo
• Chowking Lunch
• Two wordpress stickers (round and square) which I now proudly sport on my laptop
• Free blog advertising (care of wilson)

For a little bit more, I got:

• A really really cool shirt which I showed in this post. According to Matt, it’s one of the best designs he has seen so far from any WordCamp.

I can’t wait for the next one!