2

This year, as we launch our never-too-late

edition of Kinesis, I would like to offer this to everyone dear to our hearts, most especially the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society. Kinesis has been a part of our Chemo-life even before we enter the realm of this organization. Be ready to be amaze as we tried our very best to be creative in delivering every possible news coverage, featured articles, and even chemistry related information for this academic year. In addition, as we celebrate our 18th anniversary, we would like to take you on tour on how Chemokinesis started up from scratch and turned into an organization with an established name to be proud of. Truly, an organization will never be this great without the perseverance of every member to strive in attaining its goals while performing their best with their own lives as students. Even more, I would like to acknowledge everyone who took time to read our very own publication. As the head of the socio-pub committee, I could never be thankful for all the people who have always been there for my committee, and of course my dearest committee members for the whole academic year 2009-2010.

Brace yourselves and enjoy :)

-Meryl Cruz

The Kinesis TeamThe Kinesis TeamThe Kinesis TeamThe Kinesis Team

Editor-in-Chief: Meryl Cruz

Associate Editor: Joyce Tividad

Managing Editor: JM Aguilar

Reviews Editor: Bettina Asilo

Giselle Obungen Relations Consultant: Ken-

neth Virrey Circulations Manager: Arvin

Panti

Contributors: Casper Agaton Emman Artuz

Karla Mae Dawat Joven Logo Kerk Reano

Oliver Salangad Mary Grace Tan

Cover Design: Arvin Panti

Find us at:

uplbchemokinesis. webs.com

3

By Emmanuel Artuz & Joyz Tividad

On the 14th day of September 2009, the UPLB Chemi-cal Kinetics Society launched its Annual CHEMOlympiad Week with the theme “Go Beyond the Label: Unveiling the Chemistry Behind Health and Wellness”, through the 9th Regional Chemistry Olympiad (RCO). Included in this an-nual CHEMOlympiad Week were the Society’s Regional Chem-in-Hue, FudTrip sa Fisay, exhibit, and symposium.

The battle of brains then continues as participants vie for the title of the Ultimate Chemistry Wizard in Region IV. After the nose-bleeding RCO, three participants eventually emerged as victorious in the said event from among the 38 participants coming from 19 different par-ticipating schools. Kevin Uvas (Sisters of Mary School - Boystown), Rachel Villanueva (Sisters of Mary School - Girlstown), and Joshua Kahlil Candaza (Gov. Ferrer Memorial National High School) were awarded the first, sec-ond, and third places respectively. The top three partici-pants were awarded with medals and cash prizes with the help of the judges for the said event, namely: Dr. Josefina Solivas, Dr. Marivic Lacsamana and Ms. Abigail Olayres. In addition, the top three winners will have the privilege to rep-resent Region IV in the upcoming National Chemistry Olym-piad this April 2010 in Subic.

Accompanying the Regional Chemistry Olympiad is the Regional Chem-in-Hue, an art contest which was for high school students from all over Region IV. The participants here used their skills in arts to illustrate the application of Chemistry in understanding what is behind the health and wellness products that are now in the market. With this ap-proach, Chemistry can be shown to the public in an interest-ing and creative way. Winners were decided by a board of judges headed by Dr. Evelyn Rodriguez and awards were also given.

4

FOODTRIP sa Fisay By Jocelyn Cardenas & Meryl Cruz

“Foodtrip sa Physci” is a fund-raising activity held every semester on the grounds of Physical Sciences building by the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society. It is designed to invite food stalls inside the campus in order to give convenience to the students, especially those who have long hours of classes. This year’s food fairs include different participating food establishments. For the 1st semester, the 9th Regional Chemistry Olympiad week was celebrated and the 8th Food Trip sa Physci was

joined by Rice-in-a-Box, Purefoods, WOW! Food haus, and TK Takoyaki last September 14-18, 2009. The target customers of this activity was not only the students coming from the nearby buildings, but also, the high school students which were invited to participate in our weeklong activities like Chem-in-Hue (poster making contest for 3rd year high school students), symposium, exhibit, and the prestigious Regional Chemistry Olympiad.

In celebration of its 18th year of existence this second semester, Chemokinesis held its 9th Food Trip sa PhySci last January 18-22, 2010. This week long activity was participated by five stalls namely Purefoods, Rice-in-a-box, Royal Caribbean, Fried Noodles and Zagu, and was also partially participated by Miguelito’s Ice Cream and Choconanaz. In addition to the food fair, the organization also had its popularity contest entitled “dahil jan, may nagtxt…” which hailed the most popular member of the society through votes. Eighteen members were chosen to be included in the contest and from them, Ms. Maricar “Kakai” Donato emerged and awarded as the most popular Chemo member gaining 13.29% of the total votes. Also, Mr. Jed Silorio, won the Php 300 load by simply voting a Chemo member.

Chemokinesis aims to provide good quality of service to students by promoting

this activity every semester. In addition, the food fair activity during second semester benefits Chemistreat, an annual outreach program of the organization. The hard work of every member during the food fair week is compensated by the smiles of the less privilege people whom we are able to lend a helping hand.

5

CAREER ORIENTATION By Kerk Augustine Reano

Through its 18 years of noble existence, the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society has produced a number of worthwhile activities. In its aim to promote academic excellence and enhance students’ knowledge in Chemistry and other related fields, Chemokinesis organizes a symposium which is recognized as an avenue of putting across the views and information expressed by several persons on a given theme. This has been part of the organization’s major activities every semester.

In celebration of the 16th Chemoweek bearing the theme, “Chemokinesis @ 18: A Legacy of Excellence, More Than Years of Existence”, the organization thought of having something new for the usual symposia conducted in the past, something like a career orientation. This was conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Chemistry last January 18, 2010 at the Physical Science Lecture Hall A, Physical Sciences Building, UPLB. The said event was participated by high school students coming from Los Banos National High School and Colegio de Los Banos, and also by some BS Chemistry students of UPLB.

In every symposium activity, Chemokinesis brings in the most relevant people to discuss certain issues of concern. For this career orientation, the organization had Ms. Pallas Athena Elacio and Engr. Amelia Parao as speakers. The two speakers are alumni members of the organization. Miss Elacio is one of the pioneers of the organization. She had worked as an industrial chemist and is currently working into business and marketing. On the other hand, Engr. Parao is currently working in the academe under the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology.

The speakers introduced Chemistry and related courses as the best fields to consider in entering college. They presented the careers that one could get into after taking up a degree in chemistry. They also featured some of the organization’s alumni members who have become successful in their chosen chemistry-related fields.

The career orientation would not be possible without the participation of the students from UPLB and of the selected high school students in Los Banos, and of course, of our alumni members who served as speakers and special features for the said event. The organization’s featured alumni members have been the proof that UPLB Chemokinesis is indeed firm in its aim to produce professionals and at-tain academic excellence in and out of the university.

6

Going Beyond the Label By Karla Mae Dawat

It was September when the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society held the annual Regional Chemistry Olympiad. Part of the said event was the exhibit, where the artistic talent of every member is exemplified. This only proves that the society do extremely well not only in academics but also in other field such as arts. Making this year’s exhibit was not that easy, many adversities were faced by the AdHoc committee but all these were trounced one by one.

This year’s exhibit was only two

weeks in the making. That’s one thing that made this year’s exhibit different from the previous ones. What was demonstrated by this year’s exhibit was something about health and wellness in conjunction with the theme for the 9th Regional Chemistry Olympiad, “Go beyond the Label: Unveiling the Chemistry behind Health and Wellness”. The part of the pack that caught the spectator’s attention was the enlarged “C2” and Nestle’s “Chuckie”.

As a member of the Exhibit AdHoc Committee, it was rewarding to see

that the outcome of our hard work was better than what was expected. Although we experienced a lot of complexities during the workshops, still, the exhibit turned out well. Special thanks to all the members who unreservedly devoted their endeavor. This only verifies that the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society epitomizes camaraderie among its members.

“One man may hit the mark, another blunder; but heed not these distinctions. Only from the alliance of the one, working with and through the other, are great things born.”

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

7

CHEMISTreat 2010 By Mark Gil Jaramillo & Joyz Tividad

Last January 30, 2010, the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society conducted its annual

outreach activity called CHEMISTreat. It is one of the activities during the week-long anniversary celebration of the organization that aims to give service to our less fortunate kababayans. For our 18th anniversary, it was carried out at Elsie Gatches Village, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Elsie Gatches is a national institution that houses special people aging from

toddlers to adults. Before the encounter, doubt and fear were common among members, knowing that they have to deal with special individuals. The head of Elsie Gatches briefed the members but it did not lessen the fear but rather has just escalated it, because she has cited many instances of tantrums and a lot of to do’s and not to do’s. But it did not stop the members from doing what they’re supposed to do. Afraid as they are, they still entered the function hall with courage and smiles on their faces.

Inside were thirty individuals with welcoming smiles on their faces and they all

willingly participated in the two-hour program consisting of different games, sing-a-long, and dancing activities. Just when the children were exhausted from our array of activities, they were served with healthy, enjoyable snacks. And to top it off, the children were given gifts that will not just aid them in their learning process but also help them remember us.

When all of the activities were done, some of the children gave bougainvillea

flowers to the members while saying, “Salamat po,” with teary eyes. Others even said “Ate, babalik kayo ha,” with a matching hug and a kiss. Those are just simple acts but it compensated the weariness of month-long preparations.

With so much laughs and tears at

the same time, CHEMISTreat 2010 was truly an unforgettable experience, both for the members and the individuals they were pleased to serve.

8

By JM Aguilar

A big round of applause for the 2009 KasCasan over-all champion! Yes that’s

right, the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society got the chance to be the over-all champion over the other seven academic organizations namely UPLB Chemical Society, UPLB Microbiological Society, UPLB Genetics Society, UPLB Symbiosis, UP Prism, Society of Pre-Med Students, and Operational Research Society of the Philippines in the recent Kascasan 2009: Bakas ang LaCAS.

The said sports fest officially started on July 25, 2009 with a presentation of

each organization wherein the Chemokinesis serenaded the audience with their acapella version of Poker Face and a breathtaking dance number. A pageant was also held and John Michael Aguilar and Rhea Mallari were voted to represent the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society as the Mr. and Ms. Chemo 2009. No one got a chance to earn a place that night but still, it was one heck of an opening ceremony.

After rushing of reports, reviewing for exams, and other academic stuffs, some

may be ravenous for recreational activities, and that’s what put the CHEMO brods and sisses eager to play. With each major game including men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, and minor games such as badminton, chess, and men’s and women’s table tennis, every one of the Chemokinesis’ members gave their very best for the organization.

With their dedication, the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society ranked 1st runner-up

in volleyball, in chess and in table tennis, both for men’s and women’s category and became the champion in badminton, making us again, the KasCASan 2009 Over-All Champion. But hey, we are not competitive; we all just wanna have fun!

9

10

There will come a time when you will realize that the usual is not enough, not enticing, or just simply not right. This was the case with our pioneers - Ma. Desiree Dalisay, Pallas Athena Elacio, Randall Evangelista, Christopher Pecaoco, and Ma. Encarnacion Ticzon, who found it in their hearts to change the norm and improve what is then only existing.

It was the Summer of 1992 when they conceptualized an

organization that shall uphold their ideals and principles, an organization they coined as CHEMOKINESIS as suggested by Christopher Pecaoco who is one of the pioneers. And after a full year of spending sleepless nights drafting and amending the Society’s constitution and participating in lots of leadership trainings and seminars, even expending their time sketching and fabricating a logo that would epitomize the very essence of its foundation, while acquiring a great number of students who shares the same convictions, the organization was then finally recognized by the Office of Student Affairs on July 12, 1993 and was officially known as the UPLB CHEMICAL KINETICS SOCIETY.

But standing up for what they know as right has never been that

easy. Being the new Society that went up against the existing society for Chemistry majors, the CHEMO members were not short of ridicules, mockery, and sneers. Most disparaged them and labeled the thought of putting up a new organization as ludicrous, preposterous even. But, the members were not jaundiced and stood firm on what they believed in, knowing that they were building a leg-acy that would be known for its excellence, service, and camaraderie.

All the efforts of the pioneers and the charter members have not

been futile. Because now, on its 18 years of glorious existence, the

11

UPLB CHEMOKINESIS is proud in producing a long list of professionals and achievers, in receiving a string of awards, and in crafting numerous activities that benefits not just the CHEMO members, but also the University and the Philippine society..

Being an academic organization, the UPLB CHEMOKINESIS

advocates academic excellence and imbues professionalism among its members. This is supported by activities such as Leadership Training Seminars, Annual Regional Chemistry Olympiad and Chem-in-Hue, Royal Rumble, Film Showings, semestral exhibits, symposia, Career Orientations, and Mushroom Reviews that enhances the scholastic aspect of the members while serving as a training ground for professionalism. The result can be seen on our long list of alumni, with a number of them who graduated with honors, and are now working in established institutions here and abroad.

Furthermore, the UPLB CHEMOKINESIS believes in the holistic

development of individuals thus the activities such as PalaCasan/KasCASan, CHEMOlympics, CSCs, and many others are made to promote camaraderie and solidarity among its members. And it does not end there, for there are also activities that serve the community such as the annual CHEMISTreat, Tulong Dunong also held every year, and Linis Drives that benefits the university.

The list may go on and on. But this will all fall into one, that

UPLB CHEMOKINESIS has been conceived to cultivate the artistic, responsible, brilliance that is within its members and to defy the odds and challenge the norm while building a foundation that would last a lifetime.

This is the UPLB CHEMICAL KINETICS SOCIETY,

scintillating on its 18 years: A Legacy of Excellence, More Than Years of Existence.

12

13

The Team behind the CHEMOKINESIS Team - Meryl Cruz & Joyz Tividad -

The UPLB CHEMICAL KINETICS SOCIETY has a long list of activities and we will not be able to

carry out these successfully without the help, encouragement, and yes, pushiness of our advisers; Engr. Amelia Parao, Mr. Edison Boongaling and Dr. Mary Ann Torio. For these, we are truly thankful for them. And now, let us introduce you to the persons who have been our inspirations as we perform our tasks both in the organization and in our academics, and also in other aspects of our lives.

First is Engr. Amelia Parao who we often call as Ma’am Amy. She is our alumna who became our junior adviser since May 2008. Ma’am Amy has numerous awards in her name, such as being valedictorian during her elementary and high school years, as well as ranking top 10 in the Chemical Engineering Board Exam in May 2002 which she has taken after graduating BS Chemical Engineering in UP Los Baños in 2001. She first worked in the industry but shifted to academe upon realizing that she can learn more and influence more by teaching. At present, she is employed in CEAT teaching the subjects Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Unit Operations, and Industrial Stoichiometry.

Bubbly and jolly, Mr. Edison G. Boongaling never failed to give a smile when passing the society’s tambayan. Sir Ed as what we call him is our newest junior faculty adviser and like Ma’am Amy, he also graduated as valedictorian during his elementary and high school years. His brilliance did not end there for he is a consistent college scholar and took home the 1st place in the 2007 PACSiklaban Inter - Collegiate Chemistry Quiz Contest last February 2007 as a member of the IC-UPLB Team. Upon his graduation in April 2007, he was awarded Cum Laude and ranked 5th in the Chemist Licensure Examination. In the present year, Sir Edison is taking up his Master of Science in Chemistry in the university, minor in Biochemistry and teaching Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry subjects. And as an adviser of Chemokinesis, his experiences lead him to a new and exciting feeling as he share some of his experiences and gave a short message to all Chemo: “Masaya naman na nakakapagod, especially pag may activites like dun sa RCO, feeling ko dun talaga ako involved. Masayang i-handle ang Chemo, makulit. Gusto ko sana magkaroon tayo ng team-building workshop. Ayon, sana ma-minimize ang noise pag nasa tambayan at ayusin ang grades since acad org ang Chemo. ”

Meanwhile, our senior adviser Dr. Mary Ann Torio will not be without her share of success. Aside from graduating consistently with honours from grade school to college, she also received the PCASTRD Best PhD. Dissertation in Biochemistry in 2008, and won the Talent Search for Young Scientist awarded by NAST in 2009. Because of her passion for Chemistry, she pursued her Master’s degree in Biochemistry, minor in Food Science in 2000 and finished her Doctorate degree in Biochemistry, minor in Molecular Biology last November 2008. She is currently teaching General Chemistry 15, 16, 17 lectures, biochemistry subject Chem 160 and graduate courses such as Analytical biochemistry (Chem 263) and ----(Chem 262) while working in the field of Protein Engineering. As an adviser, she said during the deliberation that she wanted an open relationship with the members. And as she shares her motto in life, “never quit, never think that there is no solution for every problems that one may face”, Chemo members should be inspired and thus excel more in everything we do.

Remarkably inspiring, we are very proud to have all our advisers. And for the upcoming years, we will always be thankful for their unwavering support and guidance to all the members and to the organization itself. Truly, they became the team that gears the CHEMOKINESIS team towards its excellence.

14

Message from the PresidentMessage from the PresidentMessage from the PresidentMessage from the President It’s really amazing how fast time flies. It’s as if it was just a few months when I became a member

of Chemokinesis. And just as some people say, who would’ve thought that the timid applicant two years ago would become president of this organization?

Anyway, as I was saying, I was elected president last year and it was hard for me at first. There were many adjustments and I had to be less temperamental, though there were still certain instances when I really hit my ceiling and sort of blow up. I had to gain the members’ respect too and at the same time I had to learn how to manage the members, which was difficult especially during the first GA’s.

During the start of the term we, the execom, had a lot of plans for the organization. Of course, who would want his/her term to be a failure? We wanted to be successful. We wanted to make a difference. We wanted what’s best for Chemo. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach some of our ideals due to unexpected difficulties encountered, and also lack of time and budget for implementation. However, we are thankful that most of our plans were achieved especially those that relate to the major activities of the organization.

Most campus organizations chill and relax during summer breaks but I said to myself, “Chemo is going to work”. Indeed it became a pretty tiring season for the us because we had loads to do; which was unusual during summer. Well, the reason for it was that we had to hurry and finalize a lot of matters . If you’re wondering why we had decided to rush all these things in four weeks, the answer is simple… the goal was to start as early as possible to get things done little by little. Because problems arise every once in a while as the activity approaches… and almost always, during the activity itself. Thus, we must have enough time to counter whatever problem crosses.

The first major activity of the 1st semester was the KasCasan and we are proud to say that chemo was the overall champion! It was overwhelming because we had proven that “we” are not “just” another organization. We don’t just exist. And we aim for excellence! And for this I was very proud and thankful of my brods and sisses who have sacrificed their weekends for Chemo’s sake. Next stop is the Regional Chemistry Olympiad… a very huge activity. However, honestly, I did not really worry about it that much primarily because I believe in my execom and I wasn’t mistaken because RCO was a success even though troubles were encountered. For the Chemoweek, since the organization is celebrating its 18th anniversary, the organization has decided to make “chemo” the central topic for the week-long celebration. It was really a good opportunity to endorse more our organization and go through the developments from one activity to another as the years passed.

Overall, I’m very happy working with all of you. To the execom: Thank you for staying and doing your part. I know that sometimes I’m a

pressure to you. Sorry, but sometimes I just really feel the need to. Brods and sisses: Sorry being temperamental sometimes; and I know I had a lot of

short-comings. Still, I thank you for the trust, respect, and support that you have given the execom. More importantly, I’m very thankful that you have given me the chance to lead you. I have learned a lot from you.

To my advisors (you know who you guys areJ): Thank you for sharing your insights and in giving me suggestions. I did a lot of mistakes and had been through many wrong decisions. Thanks for not giving up on me. I’m mature enough to admit my immaturity.

To the future execom: God bless! We’re just here if you need us. Be bold!!! ALTA CHEMOKINESIS!!

15

PORPHYRIN By Karla Mae Dawat

Porphyrins are a group of chemicals that help form many important substances in the body, including hemoglobin. Relating this fact to us, we, the batch porphyrin, could add life to the organization that’s already a prodigy even before we existed. Porphyrins are heterocyclic macro cycles characterized by the presence of four modified pyrrole subunits interconnected at their α-carbon atoms. Batch porphyrin also has four members interconnected by a common goal, that is, to become a part of an organization that stands out not only in academics but also in other fields, the UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society. Porphyrins are aromatic, and they obey Hückel's rule for aromaticity in that they possess 4n+2 π electrons (n=4 for the shortest cyclic path) that are delocalized over the macro cycle. The macro cycles, therefore, are highly-conjugated systems and, as a

consequence, have very intense absorption in the visible region and therefore are deeply colored. Highly conjugated compounds form strong bonds with other substances. We, the batch porphyrin namely Maria Bettina Asilo, Cherry Mae Concordia, Maricar Donato and Karla Mae Dawat, could also form strong bonds with the members of the organization. For all we know, it is the bond among members that primarily contributes to the triumph of every activity.

Electrophoresis By Joven Victor Logo Electrophoresis is the movement of suspended particles in a fluid under the influence of an electric field. Some of its applications are the separation and identification of proteins and other colloids, and the coating of objects with rubber and synthetic polymers. As I continue learning in the field of Chemistry, I am seeking for something that will help and guide me in every step of my journey. I am seeking for a commitment perhaps, but not with another person rather something that I may learn and benefit. Then, I found an academic organization in the place of UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society to be that something. I chose electrophoresis as my batch name for it could and would define me. Like electrophoresis in relation to Chemo, I will be the process of classifying the members into their corresponding skills. It will help every member to identify themselves according to their abilities, make those skills be developed, and eventually share their knowledge to the body. In this way, Chemo is enhanced to be an academic organization of excellence in many aspects. This simple principle is what I hold on to.

16

“It is worthwhile to live and fight courageously for sacred ideals... He who was pressed from all sides but remained victorious in spirit is welcomed into the choir of heroes.”

Many were distressed by the sudden death of a UP student and a suspected

NPA who was killed in an encounter with Army troops on Saturday morning, January 9, 2010 in Macalelon, Quezon. Ian Maderazo was an Agricultural Chemistry student who was a member of UPLB Student Council, Pi Sigma Fraternity and UPLB Chemical Kinetics Society.

Eight years ago, I first met Ian, one Saturday morning of November, during our strenuous ROTC training day. I excused him that day from joining the drills and we had a short conversation about Chemokinesis. I told him that I would like to join Chemo as his batchmate. Thereafter, he introduced me to other batchmates namely Karen Joyce Prejillano, Love Pangilinan, Jen Espolita and Ivy Tadle. We talked about our plans and preparations to become members of the said organization. After weeks of reporting, indoctrination, practices and brainstorming, we had our finals and were accepted as Batch Benzene on December 16, 2001. Ian was our batch leader.

As a member of Chemo, he coped up with attending meetings and activities of the organization, although he was busy with his responsibilities in the Student Council. Other students might remember him as a stunning guy holding a megaphone in the busy steps of Humanities Building, asking them to get involved and participate on issues concerning the students and society. But for Chemopipz, a day in tambayan would not be completed, without seeing his cute smile and hearing his mesmerizing chuckles. No wonder why he was chosen to represent Chemo in Mr. and Ms. Palacasan 2002 with Ms. Jimaima Macute.

A brod like Ian is very rare - clever but humble, serious but considerate, soft spoken but compassionate. He is a good leader, responsible and dedicated. He has a strong conviction towards equality and justice. He is truly a friend you can rely on, a good listener, who always have words of wisdom to cheer you up. He will never leave you alone during troubles or even during “inuman” and “walang tulugan” ses-sions. He always put others first before himself.

Yet, life is too short for Ian. His death was abrupt. We couldn’t even believe that he’s already gone. He was too young but he indeed lived his life meaningfully. He had done great things not only for himself but also to many people.

We will forever be grateful to have known Ian and spent our lives with a brod and friend like him. All the memories we have shared with him will forever be cherished and remembered – how he made us laugh, and how he touched our lives.

We will all miss you Ian! You will remain in our hearts, forever…

by Casper Agaton

17

A Hike to Camaraderie by Joyz Tividad

What a greater way to begin a semester than starting it with a bang, a streak of

sweat, and a bunch of food? None, right? Because our “Super Amazing Race 2009” did not just liven up the blood flow of the members, did not just stretched those bones that were put to rest during the break, nor just burned an ounce of fat acquired during the lazy afternoons, but most importantly, it served its goal: to foster closer relationship and camaraderie among the members of the organization.

The event started with a hike to forestry which served as a channel for members to exchange stories with each other as well as their expectations for the incoming semester. After resting awhile, the members were grouped according to their committees and their cheering soon followed. The Amazing Race then started following a series of seven stations which tested their skills not just in athletics, but also in unity and stratagem.

After generating amounts of sweat, awards and certificates were given to the Most United Team, The Finance Committee; the winning team, the Records and Documentation Committee; and the Best in Cheer Award for Socio-Publicity Committee. The event concluded in Freedom Park where everyone had a bite of their lunch while watching soccer games.

18

The Diary of a Conceited Chemo Exhibit By Oliver Salangad

I was once an imaginary concept- a sort of a mysterious puzzle, something unknown, inde-

terminate. I was bothered of what’s there beyond those moments of silence, sinister silence maybe, I am totally clueless. There were discussions, brainstorming and talks about the “making”, workshop schedules, expenses, among others which I could hardly understood during that particular time. I just realized how people are very much mystified on how I will look like upon weeks of planning and putting me on to something tangible from a state of under construc-tion.

The Christmas break was over, I heard that people started to ask questions about me, my progress, my improvements –kind of updates on my real status. That is the time that I began to feel special- it’s as if everyone’s waiting for my development which made me even keyed up.

The first thing I noticed was the heaviness in the air that tingles me during those lazy afternoons. I was hesitant about the way things are going on those times. There is sadness inside me; I feel the pressure and the tension from every touch of the hands trying to build me up, I knew what they felt. For some unknown reason, I just sense that something is just not quite right but I just remained still shut up.

On the contrary, I was also glad due to the fact that these people are extending their efforts for me to be that something that I’m supposed to be. I can’t figure things out but one thing is for sure, I love the feeling of being treated with utmost care; every stroke of the paintbrush next to me gives a feeling of satisfaction- improvement on my part. I also enjoyed the company of each of the people who worked hard for my sake. Moreover, I was touched by the cheers and laughs out of those corny and weird jokes I frequently hear which I think are nothing funny at all. Hahaha!

Anyway, I have been too wishful of waiting. The long wait is over and that day finally came. It was a Monday morning then when I saw familiar faces around; it was my ribbon cutting from what I heard from a reliable source. I also learned that another ribbon cutting was about to commence from a not so distant PhySci Parking Lot, a few steps away from where I set foot- the Chemical Kinetics Society Food Trip sa PhySci who (from what I also heard) gave me my ribbon (thanks!).

I may not be that head-turner, eye-catcher, or attention-getter for some but that is alright. It’s neither about how many heads are turned nor how many eyes are caught that defines my very essence- it’s how I influenced, informed, or at least touched people regarding the message I wanted to give emphasis- a legacy of excellence more than years of existence. This time, I am very much certain of my identity, purpose, and reason- I must say, this was the happiest part of my life cycle (though I enjoyed each day of my existence).

I was then very proud of myself, I mean, to the people behind the making of such a great thing like me. After five days of staying at the PhySci Annex Lobby, I feel blessed of that wonderful experience despite the fact that this is the point in time where my journey ends. I am happy being this semester’s Chemo’ exhibit tagged as “CKS Zone: Where Chemo Rules!”. Down to my heart’s content, I am overwhelmed to be a part of the history of this family I admire the most. Alta Chemokinesis!

19

by Joyz Tividad Kids, and some of us children at heart, loved nothing so much as to see objects glowing in the

dark – phosphorescent stick-ons, balls, paints, and even glues. And nowadays, the phenomena are the glow sticks that are common in, well, lollipops!

You may have bought one of these products, and while you bend the plastic stick and hear the crunch of the small, liquid-filled capsule breaking inside, I am sure you’re curious as to how it suddenly produces brilliant colors. Now, let me satisfy your curiosity and introduce you to this subject that has been being developed since the 1960’s.

Chemiluminescence is chemical reactions that yield an electrochemically excited species that emits light as it goes back to its ground state. This thought started when scientists wanted to develop their own version of a firefly. They knew what was required – a molecule that radiates light when it is excited and an energy source to excite the molecule. Possible energy sources are light, heat, electricity, and in chemiluminescence, a chemical reaction. In 1960, Edwin A. Chandross, a young chemist at Bell Labs in New Jersey suggested the potential of peroxides to liberate large amounts of energy. And after a number of experiments, he found that oxalyl chloride mixed with hydrogen peroxide and a fluorescent dye produced chemical light. It only has 0.1% efficiency but it was the foundation from which chemiluminescence sprang from. In about the same time, chemists at the American Cyanamid designed a phenyl oxalate ester that, when mixed with hydrogen peroxide and a dye, produces a 5% efficient light.

The mechanism that the researchers have proposed for the process still stands as the best candidate. They found out that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidizes the oxalate ester with the help of a salicylate catalyst to form an unstable peroxyacid ester and phenol. The peroxyacid ester then decomposes to form a highly energetic intermediate, presumed to be a four-membered ring dimer of CO2. As the cyclic dimer decomposes into two CO2 molecules, it gives up its energy to a waiting dye molecule, resulting to excitation of electrons in the dye that jump up and down like excited children, releasing energy in the form of light.

They then went searching for fluorescing dyes to make different colors. For example, the common green in most light sticks comes from 9,10-bis(phenylethynyl)anthracene, and 9,10-diphenylanthracene gives blue. Reds and blues are typically the most difficult to produce while purple, made from a combination of three dyes, is the most intractable color of all.

So how does chemiluminescence enters in our glowing lollipops? Well, the stic k consists of a glass vial containing chemicals inside a plastic stick with more chemicals. The fluorescent dye depending on the color is usually in the mix. The rate of reaction, and therefore the intensity of the light emitted is affected by temperature. A heated glow stick will produce intense light, but will wear out quickly. But when you put in the freezer, it will last longer but will not glow as brightly. By bending the stick, the glass vial inside is then broken and the chemicals are allowed to mix. The hydrogen peroxide is called the

activator, and is kept in the glass vial while the phenyl oxalate ester and fluorescent dye fill most of the plastic outer tube. The two chemical components interact, releasing energy, and the action of the energy on the fluorescent dye turns it into light.

Now that the secret of glow sticks are revealed, did its magic disappear? I hope not. Because while having my own glowing lollipop, I can’t help but be amazed at the magic that is chemistry.

20