(Now: Resting at home, waiting for the storm to pass.)
The De La Salle University (DLSU) - Manila is my new home. I am now **unofficially** a member of the Faculty of the Department of Physics, College of Science (unofficially, because my papers are still being processed as of the moment). I started to attend classes this week. And here are some of my initial thoughts.
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| I really love the architecture of La Salle buildings. |
First things first: How to get there. I tried different methods of commute these past few days. The shortest commute time is of course through LRT2 and LRT1. From Katipunan Station in LRT2, I need to alight at the Recto Terminal Station, then walk to the Doroteo Jose Station of LRT1 to take the Baclaran-bound trains. The Vito Cruz Station of the LRT1 is just a few meters away from the South Gate of the DLSU. I tried this method of commute on the first two days, but I did not expect the hordes of people and the very long lines, especially in LRT1. I was lucky to have gotten in the station very early (shortly before 6:00 AM); otherwise, I would have been stopped by the guards from entering. From where I was standing, I can see the long queues of people, static except for the tails where new batches of commuters continue to line up.
The early morning commute made me appreciate the sights and sounds of the Old Manila. Incidentally, this is one of my research interests as of the moment; I just had a publication about the road network structure of the metropolis. But seeing the city up close is such a different experience altogether. The juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers with the old, unrefurbished buildings, and even the unplanned communities and residential districts, create a distinct texture that you won't find in, say, the Makati central business district or in the laidback vibe of, say, Marikina. It may be an eyesore to some people, but the roughness actually fascinates me.
On the third day, I tried taking the jeep from the Doroteo Jose station because of technical problems that affected both lanes of the LRT1. Just like when I was in elementary and high school: I ran after the jeep and joined the other commuters jamming through the entrance. The jeepney ride was not that long (probably because it was still early), but the jeep had to stop at Quirino Blvd. I walked all the way to La Salle (which is not that bad, especially in the morning).
On the fourth day, I took a Grab car at 5:15 AM. I arrived 5:55 AM. 😂
So I guess it's safe to say that the experimentation will continue over the next few weeks. Just like any other problem, in physics and otherwise, I need to gather more data through repeated realizations before I can proceed with the optimization.
Next, the facilities. I am welcomed by a simple, neat desk very early in the morning on my first class day. The Faculty Room of the Physics Department is very conducive for working, as it is very quiet and cozy.
I am still memorizing the layout of campus, and even the locations of the faculty toilets and elevators inside the buildings. So far, my classes are in LS, Yuchengco, and AG buildings. Inside the classroom, after just my first class, I already knew how to operate the projector for the lectures.
I also appreciate the fact that they scattered numerous benches around the campus. After lunch, I go to a bench in front of the LS building to relax and meditate (no, really, I meditate on the things I need to do). I think I've found my spot in campus.
Oh, and speaking of lunch: Where to get food. I usually eat outside the campus. I have tried the McDonald's, KFC, Tokyo Tokyo, and Burger King near the South Gate. Burger King has comfy seats and spam and bacon in the morning! And, once, I also tried Tropical Hut with Cams and Nessa.
Finally, the classes themselves. The syllabi of the courses I handle (I am handling lecture courses for engineering and science majors, and two special classes for the physics majors), I must say, are designed really well, and incorporate not just material from the book but also digital and online resources (like YouTube videos!). The learning outcomes are well-defined. The expected outputs and important dates are already specified. The students are very helpful and courteous. I am enjoying being in a classroom, teaching again. 😊
So, yeah. All in all, it was a nice first week! I hope to continue adjusting over the next few weeks. 😊
The early morning commute made me appreciate the sights and sounds of the Old Manila. Incidentally, this is one of my research interests as of the moment; I just had a publication about the road network structure of the metropolis. But seeing the city up close is such a different experience altogether. The juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers with the old, unrefurbished buildings, and even the unplanned communities and residential districts, create a distinct texture that you won't find in, say, the Makati central business district or in the laidback vibe of, say, Marikina. It may be an eyesore to some people, but the roughness actually fascinates me.
 |
| Old Manila cityscapes, taken from the bridge to the LRT1 station. |
On the third day, I tried taking the jeep from the Doroteo Jose station because of technical problems that affected both lanes of the LRT1. Just like when I was in elementary and high school: I ran after the jeep and joined the other commuters jamming through the entrance. The jeepney ride was not that long (probably because it was still early), but the jeep had to stop at Quirino Blvd. I walked all the way to La Salle (which is not that bad, especially in the morning).
 |
| Yup, I was a victim of this. |
On the fourth day, I took a Grab car at 5:15 AM. I arrived 5:55 AM. 😂
So I guess it's safe to say that the experimentation will continue over the next few weeks. Just like any other problem, in physics and otherwise, I need to gather more data through repeated realizations before I can proceed with the optimization.
Next, the facilities. I am welcomed by a simple, neat desk very early in the morning on my first class day. The Faculty Room of the Physics Department is very conducive for working, as it is very quiet and cozy.
 |
| My desk. |
I am still memorizing the layout of campus, and even the locations of the faculty toilets and elevators inside the buildings. So far, my classes are in LS, Yuchengco, and AG buildings. Inside the classroom, after just my first class, I already knew how to operate the projector for the lectures.
 |
| It's not really difficult to navigate the campus. |
I also appreciate the fact that they scattered numerous benches around the campus. After lunch, I go to a bench in front of the LS building to relax and meditate (no, really, I meditate on the things I need to do). I think I've found my spot in campus.
Oh, and speaking of lunch: Where to get food. I usually eat outside the campus. I have tried the McDonald's, KFC, Tokyo Tokyo, and Burger King near the South Gate. Burger King has comfy seats and spam and bacon in the morning! And, once, I also tried Tropical Hut with Cams and Nessa.
 |
| Gosh, what a blessing after all the hassle from the commute! |
 |
| With Cams and Nessa |
Finally, the classes themselves. The syllabi of the courses I handle (I am handling lecture courses for engineering and science majors, and two special classes for the physics majors), I must say, are designed really well, and incorporate not just material from the book but also digital and online resources (like YouTube videos!). The learning outcomes are well-defined. The expected outputs and important dates are already specified. The students are very helpful and courteous. I am enjoying being in a classroom, teaching again. 😊
So, yeah. All in all, it was a nice first week! I hope to continue adjusting over the next few weeks. 😊
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