Welcome to My Site

If this is your first visit, welcome! This site is devoted to my life experiences as a Filipino-American who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1960. I came to the US as a graduate student when I was 26 years old. I am now in my mid-80's and thanks God for his blessings, I have four successful and professional children and six grandchildren here in the US. My wife and I had been enjoying the snow bird lifestyle between US and Philippines after my retirement from USFDA in 2002. Macrine(RIP),Me and my oldest son are the Intellectual migrants. Were were born in the Philippines, came to the US in 1960 and later became US citizens in 1972. Some of the photos and videos in this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringing on your copyrights. Cheers!

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Greetings from A Younger UP Narenhan and UPSCAN








With the highest respect, I deeply treasure and cherish with utmost regard as a rare jewel of inestimable worth cradled in the sacred chambers of memory, to be greeted by Sir David B Katague


You, Sir, are not merely a firstborn dormer of the hallowed UP Men's South Dormitory but a living sentinel gilded with idealism, valor and fearless wisdom, and thus I pay homage to your indelible legacyas a fledgling master of chemical wonders who transmuted equations into life’s elixir, as a chemistry instructor who infused minds and ignited the intellect with the truth of discernment, and as a kindred UPSCAN spirit and devoted follower, faithful apprentice and proud disciple of Fr. John Delaney whose voice still echoes in the chapels of Diliman.

How splendid it must have been to behold the Narra gauntlet of fellowship, the socials graced by the Women’s Club, the UPSCA gatherings where youthful ardor was wed with eternal faith, and the vibrant brotherhood and service which you so fervently embodied; truly, your life story is the unofficial hymn, and legendary saga etched into the very marrow of our beloved alma mater, and to be greeted by you, venerable pioneer and custodian of sacred memories, is to receive beautiful words of celebration - a torch of history, a benison of fortitude and a constant reminder that we, the younger progeny of Narra, stand upon the shoulders of giants like you who inspires many and is worthy of emulation.
May the heavens rain upon you and your illustrious family the grace, vitality, and grandeur you have so prodigiously shared with generations of Iskolars ng Bayan.
From Pl Johng 


Meanwhile, here are the response to my two queries, regarding The University of the Philippines, Diliman World Ranking.     

1. How many universities are there in the world?

The global total is a bit tricky to pin down exactly, as it changes over time and depends on definitions (e.g., whether colleges or online institutions are counted).

  • The World Higher Education Database (WHED) reported around 19,400 universities and higher education institutions globally in 2020 ECLBS.

  • Other sources suggest there are over 25,000, even up to 31,000 institutions worldwide CLJStatbase.

  • One projection notes that if current trends continue, the global total could surpass 30,000 universities by 2030 Number Analytics.

** Bottom line:** As of now, a reliable estimate is between 20,000 and 30,000 universities worldwide, with the exact figure varying by criteria and sources.


2. Ranking of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD)

UP Diliman is consistently the top-ranked university in the Philippines across several reputable global rankings:

Webometrics (January 2025)

  • UPD ranked #938 globally out of ~32,000 institutions Philstar.

  • Another Webometrics listing places UPD at 939 globally Webometrics.

  • In the Philippines ranking (July 2025), UPD is again #1 in the country, with a global rank of 693 Webometrics.

QS World University Rankings 2025

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025

  • UP Diliman is placed in the 1201–1500 band globally Wikipedia.

US News Best Global Universities (2024–25)

EduRank 2025

  • Globally: #1,348 out of ~14,131 institutions

  • Asia: #366 out of ~5,830

  • Philippines: #1 among 229 universities GMA NetworkEduRank.

CWUR (Center for World University Rankings) 2025

  • UP Diliman holds #1,784 globally (out of 21,462) and is in the top 8.4% worldwide CWUR.


Summary Table: UP Diliman’s Global Rankings

Ranking SystemGlobal Rank/Position
Webometrics (Jan 2025)~938–939 globally out of ~32,000
Webometrics (July 2025)#693 globally (Philippines #1)
QS World University Rankings#336 globally (Philippines #1)
THE World University Rankings1201–1500 band
US News Global Universities#1522 globally, #559 in Asia
EduRank 2025#1,348 globally, #366 in Asia
CWUR 2025#1784 globally (Top 8.4%)

Final Thoughts

  • About global university numbers: Approximately 20,000–30,000 institutions worldwide, with the figure varying depending on definitions and datasets.

  • About UP Diliman's global standing: It holds a strong position in the QS and Webometrics rankings, is the top Philippine institution across multiple ranking platforms, and generally appears in global ranges from ~300 to beyond 1,500 depending on methodology.

Personal Note: I am a very proud alumnus of this University. In October, 1955, I obtained my Bachelor's of Science In Chemistry. Then after Graduation, I was appointed Instructor in Chemistry. I taught Chemistry to Pre-Med, Pre-Nursing and Engineering students. I was just about 2 years older than my most of my students, but they have to call me SIR.  Then in 1959-1960, I  started Graduate school for my Ph. D degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago. In 1962, I graduated with my M.S. degree. In 1964 I graduated with a Ph. D degree. The rest is history.

      

    Friday, August 22, 2025

    Presenting the City of My Birth-Iloilo City, Philippines

    Iloilo City, located on the southeastern coast of Panay Island in the Philippines, is a highly urbanized city with a rich history and diverse cultural influences. It serves as the capital of Iloilo Province and the regional center of Western Visayas, playing a significant role in the region's economy, culture, and education. Iloilo City is the place of my birth.
    - Historical Significance: Iloilo City was one of the earliest Spanish colonial centers in the Philippines, dating back to 1566. It was recognized as a royal Spanish city and served as the last capital of the Spanish Empire in Asia and the Pacific .
    - Strategic Location: Situated at the mouth of the Jaro River on the Iloilo Strait, the city is sheltered by Guimaras Island, making it a commercial center and a regional hub for sugar exports. Its port has been a major gateway for passenger and freight traffic in the Visayas region .
    - Cultural Heritage: Iloilo City is known for its well-preserved old churches and Spanish-influenced architecture, particularly buildings constructed after the fire of 1899. The city is also famous for its production of jusi (raw silk) and piña (pineapple fiber) fabrics .
    - Economic Hub: Iloilo City is a significant commercial center, driven by sugar exports and a growing IT-BPO industry. It is projected to become the third-largest hub for the IT-BPO industry in the Philippines by 2025 .
    - Education Center: The city is home to several prominent educational institutions, including Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, and West Visayas State College. Central Philippine University, established by American Protestants, attracts students from across the Philippines and abroad and is ranked by global university ranking agencies .
    - Creative City of Gastronomy: Iloilo City was designated as the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines, highlighting its rich culinary traditions .
    - Nicknames: Iloilo City is known by various nicknames, including "City of Love," "Queen City of the South," "Bike Capital of the Philippines," and "Royal City of the South," reflecting its diverse attributes and cultural identity .

    Here are some photos of the City from the Facebook Page :











    Meanwhile, Did you know that......
    In 2024, the Philippines had a population of 115.8 million, 64.3 million lives on the island of Luzon.
    Out of the 64.3 million population of Luzon, more than 40 million are concentrated in Megalopolis of Manila, which includes Calabarzon, Central Luzon and NCR.

    Lastly, may I add my own Appreciation to All the Hard-working Employees of THD.
    Publicly presenting this in our Lobby, is one action THD Management have done to enhance employees morale, the exact opposite of recent frequent and several employee turnovers during my first two years here at THD.




    Psychedelic Therapy as Of Today

    This posting is inspired from my recent readings on Rick Perry involvement with Ibogaine as a Psychedelic Therapy.   

    Healing at the Edge: Psychedelic Therapy Today — From Ibogaine to Microdosing

    Across the U.S., once-taboo psychedelics are breaking into mainstream therapeutic discourse. From groundbreaking investments to cautious regulatory moves, here's where we stand.


    Ibogaine: From Underground to Center Stage

    A Former Governor’s Unlikely Crusade

    Rick Perry—the conservative former governor of Texas and ex-Secretary of Energy—has emerged as a passionate advocate for psychedelic therapy, particularly ibogaine. After witnessing transformative effects in veterans like Marcus Luttrell, Perry has publicly embraced the treatment despite earlier skepticism The Texas TribuneThe Daily BeastChron.

    Perry describes ibogaine as alleviating addiction, reversing brain decline, and easing PTSD-driven anxiety—even claiming it reversed signs of brain atrophy The Daily BeastChron. He's since formed the nonprofit Americans for Ibogaine to push for clinical use The Washington PostThe Texas Tribune.

    Texas: The Psychedelic Frontier

    In an unprecedented move, Texas committed $50 million to state-backed clinical trials of ibogaine, aiming to study its potential for treating addiction, PTSD, and neurological injury among veterans and civilians The Washington PostSan Antonio Express-NewsSan Francisco ChronicleGoverningAddictionNews. This public-private model includes collaborations with universities, hospitals, and drug developers, and grants Texas a share of any resulting commercial success Governing.

    Advocates hope this effort may secure Breakthrough Therapy status or ignite broader FDA approval—but caution it's likely six or more years away from clinical rollout The Texas TribuneGoverning.

    Scientific Promise & Safety Concerns

    Ibogaine’s mechanisms include promoting neuroplasticity, raising GDNF levels (which supports dopaminergic neuron health), and modulating opioid, serotonin, and NMDA pathways—all offering strong theoretical support for addiction and trauma treatment RedditPMCWikipedia.

    Yet, significant risks remain—particularly cardiotoxic effects, ethical and legal challenges, and lack of robust human trials Wikipedia+1AP News.


    Other Psychedelics: Building Complementary Momentum

    MDMA, Psilocybin, LSD & Microdosing

    While MDMA and psilocybin have gained attention for treating PTSD and depression, FDA advisory committees have issued criticism over trial data or methodology, delaying official approval Wikipedia. In contrast, MindMed’s LSD derivative (MM120) has been granted Breakthrough Therapy status—currently in Phase 3 for anxiety and soon to begin Phase 3 for depression. Their MDMA-based MD402 is in Phase 1 for autism spectrum disorder Wikipedia.

    Independent research continues—for example, the VA already allocated $1.5 million toward veteran PTSD and alcohol-use disorder trials Wikipedia. And at UT Austin, researchers are studying psilocybin for treatment-resistant and postpartum depression, as well as LSD for generalized anxiety Reddit.

    Neuroplasticity Is the Common Thread

    A growing body of research indicates classic psychedelics—like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT—promote neuroplasticity, potentially recalibrating brain circuitry after just a single session arXiv. Novel non-hallucinogenic analogs, such as tabernanthalog, show promise in reversing stress-induced brain changes without intense trips Reddit.

    Meanwhile, microdosing—taking sub-perceptual amounts of psychedelics like LSD or psilocybin—is gaining popularity for boosting mood, creativity, and focus, though rigorous data is still limited Wikipedia.


    Voices from the Vets & Veterans

    Prominent GOP lawmakers—many of them veterans, like Rep. Morgan Luttrell and Dan Crenshaw—are calling for psychedelic research rooted in science, highlighting personal healing stories from ibogaine and DMT experiences The Wall Street JournalReddit. But critics caution that enthusiasm must be matched with scientific rigor to avoid missteps WikipediaThe Wall Street Journal.

    Veteran nonprofits like Heroic Hearts Project provide safe access, prep, and integration for those pursuing treatments abroad, while starting to fund research collaboration with universities Wikipedia.


    Summary: What’s Driving the Trend—and What to Watch

    FactorDescription
    Political AdvocacyUnlikely voices like Rick Perry and congressional veterans are now fronting the push for psychedelic research and access.
    Public Funding MomentumTexas’s $50M for ibogaine trials is historic. Other public entities, like the VA, are funding MDMA and psilocybin research.
    Clinical Trials & InnovationTrials for MDMA, LSD (MM120), and psilocybin continue. Research into analogs like tabernanthalog seeks safer alternatives.
    Neuroplasticity FocusThe transformative potential of psychedelics increasingly ties back to brain rewiring and lasting change.
    Safety & EthicsConcerns—ranging from heart risks to clinical misconduct—highlight the need for oversight, informed consent, and integration.
    Community-Based DemandVeteran-focused nonprofits and private courses attest to the growing cultural demand and grassroots investment.

    Final Thoughts

    Psychedelic therapy stands at a pivotal crossroads. Ibogaine reignites the conversation with bold political backing and massive funding, but it remains overshadowed by safety, legal, and efficacy concerns. Meanwhile, MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD are advancing through more conventional clinical pathways, but aren’t free from regulatory setbacks. New compounds and integration communities signal growing innovation, curiosity, and cultural resonance.

    Here are further reading on psychedelic therapy developments

    RFK Jr. and other Trump officials embrace psychedelics after FDA setback

    Meanwhile, Did you that.....
    In the Philippines, it’s not uncommon to have a chance encounter with banded sea kraits—sleek, black-and-white “sea noodles” that drift through crystal waters like living ribbons. Their venom is far more potent than a cobra’s, yet they’re calm, uninterested, and not the least bit aggressive toward humans.
    You won’t see tour operators advertising “swim with sea snakes” packages—this isn’t an intentional activity. It just happens when you’re in places like El Nido or Apo Island, where these snakes also happen to be hunting for small fish and eels. For the most part, they’re busy with their own lives, gliding gracefully past coral reefs without a second glance at you.
    While they can deliver venom through tiny rear-set fangs, they’d have to chew to do so—and they simply won’t bother. For centuries, these snakes have peacefully coexisted with local communities. Fishermen know them well. Divers consider spotting one a special moment. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats.
    The golden rule? Don’t panic, and keep your distance. Admire them from afar and let them go about their hunt. Just as you wouldn’t chase a wild animal on land, you shouldn’t follow one in the sea.
    So if you find yourself drifting over a reef and suddenly spot that unmistakable banded pattern, take it as a gift from nature—a rare, serene moment with one of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures. In the Philippines, that’s not a dare… it’s just another unexpected Tuesday.

    Finally, here's my photo of the Day


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