Down the Rabbit Hole

Paso Robles glows after dark at #Sensorio: A first-timer's guide to the otherworldly magic in the Central Coast

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:41:00 +0000

I expected bright lights, loud music, and a long queue of cars making that last turn into the parking lot. I was mistaken because my family encountered a wall of black emptiness as we navigated the driveway.

That darkness slowly gave way to soft flickers of light along the pedestrian paths, gradually turning into an otherworldly experience. Once we reached the exhibit area, we realised the scale of the place (thousands upon thousands of lights... and I am not exaggerating), yet the overall effect was more subtle, like the bioluminescent forest in Avatar.

This was our first visit to Sensorio, and we were quickly drawn in by its magical atmosphere. Mommy, Daddy, Donan, and I were all drawn in by the magical atmosphere of Sensorio. We didn't just see the lights; we felt like we had stepped into another dimension.

What I wish I knew:

The temperature drop. I was expecting warmer weather because Paso Robles is around 180 miles south of the East Bay. But when we got there, the temperature was around 40 ºF! We certainly arrived more prepared than in previous trips (remember the cold snap in Orlando, FL?) because we had a wagon filled with the fleece blankets we had bought in Epcot; however, we could have been more prepared for the wind chill by bringing an extra layer of outerwear, a beanie, and a scarf each... perhaps, some of those hand warmers would have been beneficial too.

No tripods or selfie sticks allowed. I didn't see the signs about selfie sticks and tripods. I only learned that my self-stick wasn't allowed in the area when the security guard told me to return it to my car. I get it, though: it's easy to break some of the exhibits by errant pokes from a selfie stick, and it's easy to hurt other audience members because it's dark there.

It's a long walk. I didn't realise the sheer size of Sensorio because I was expecting more along the lines of Deacon Dave's light installation. Well, Sensorio is huge! Fifteen football fields can fit in the Field of Light installation. It's a good thing Mommy was wearing appropriate outdoor walking shoes, and we got Donan a wagon just in case he got tired and wanted to be carried.

My top 3 must-see highlights:

The Field of Light took my breath away when we rounded a wall that had blocked our view of the installation. And just like that, we were in the midst of a sprawling field with 100,000 glowing orbs gently swaying in the breeze.

What I found fascinating about this exhibit is that it lives in the intersection of technology, nature, and art. Conceived by Bruce Munro, who has created versions of this exhibit in cities around the world, the Field of Light orbs are powered by solar energy transmitted through wires beneath them. The overall effect was a rainbow of colours set against the pitch-black sky.

As we followed the meandering path, it reminded me of Alice following the glowing path in the Tulgey Wood, only to find that it disappeared behind her. For us, the Field of Light definitely drew us in deeper into the wonders of Sensorio.

A view of the otherworldly Field of Light, where each orb of light rises from the hills of Paso Robles.

The wow factor hadn't quite disappeared yet when we entered the next exhibit, the Light Towers by Bruce Munro. When we arrived, the exhibit was filled with pale blues and pinks, arising from the cylindrical towers made of wine bottles.

This exhibit pays tribute to the Paso Robles AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Each tower was taller than a person, giving the illusion of walking through a glowing forest.

The atmosphere became otherworldly as the music softly wafted through the installations, again gently nudging us to the next exhibit, like the Pied Piper luring children away from Hamelin.

A view of the Light Towers, where each tower is made up of wine bottles

Then we entered what must be the most welcoming exhibit of all, Dimensions by HYBYCOZO. HYBYCOZO is an artist collective (Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk). The artists encourage the audience to touch the metallic structures and manipulate them such that the shadows they make dance amid the pink and orange glow on the ground. The end result is an out-of-this-world collaboration among the artists, the audience, and the musician (Alen Hulsey).

The installation was such a fun stop for families with children. This was their playground, set against the darkness of that early winter night.

Dimensions is a play on light, shadow, and music.

Is it worth the long drive?

A resounding yes! The art installations are stunning, relaxing, and truly immersive. I think it helped that we arrived after dusk (though most websites I've read advised arriving at the golden hour) because the contrast between the black sky and the colourful lights was beautiful. The contrast made the place look expansive and yet intimate. Despite the dark, kids thoroughly enjoyed the installations.

The tickets were pretty expensive, but it's easy to see why: Sensorio maintains cleanliness on the grounds and in the restrooms.

The first-timer's survival checklist

Some tips to make the Sensorio experience seamless, like the exhibits.

Before going:

Buy tickets in advance. I bought our tickets through the Sensorio website. I wasn't sure if the internet coverage would be good out there, so I had downloaded the tickets into my phone before going.
Wear warm clothing. The temperature drop in Paso Robles surprised us, but fleece blankets, beanies, and warm outerwear made the experience feel cozy.
If with young kids, bring a stroller or a wagon. The art installation is huge and can easily exhaust kids (or make them sleepy because of the darkness). To make the experience less tiring on the parents, have a stroller or a wagon ready for the exhausted littles.
Pack some water. I don't remember whether outside food or drink is allowed, but they let us bring closed bottles of water. This was a good move because the walk, despite the cold temperature, could make one's throat parched. Keeping hydrated out there was a great idea.
Leave the tripod or selfie stick behind (or in the car). An inspection is done on all bags and strollers/wagons that enter Sensorio. Anyone with tripods or selfie sticks is told to store them in their cars. Sharp objects, such as Swiss knives, are also not allowed in the venue.

Once there:

Flashlights down. If you need a light to walk down the paths, keep it pointed to the ground. That way, everyone enjoys the glow.
Flash off. Your photos will look much better with Night Mode!
Find the benches. If you get tired, find your way to Dimensions. There are benches and fire pits there to keep you warm while soaking in the view.

From enchanted lunch to bonkers dessert in Placerville

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:39:00 +0000

Another slow Sunday. Another crisis of activity. After the successful IKEA trip, I had to think up another location that would engage both parties. Anna had suggested a visit to Placerville, and I jumped at the chance because it promised to be a perfect detour on our way home from Lincoln.

But could the charm offensive of this gateway to the Gold Rush live up to a grandma's thirst for window shopping and a child's sense of adventure?

What is Placerville?

Placerville is a city in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Before the Gold Rush, the area was home to the Miwok and Southern Maidu indigenous peoples. When gold was discovered in the area in the late 1840s, multitudes of people from the eastern U.S. settled there, displacing the indigenous people from the land or decimating them through exposure to pathogens like smallpox.

The miners used to carry dry soil to the river to wash out the gold, which gave the city its old name, Dry Diggins. This, along with other mining activities, made the river water undrinkable. Hence, entrepreneurs grabbed the opportunity to sell bottled soda water to miners. They established two companies: Fountain and Tallman Soda Works (which had a steady supply of clean spring water) and Pearson Soda Company.

Entrepreneurs also established stores that sold mining supplies, hardware, and other items needed to survive in the area. One of the shops we visited claims to be the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi: the Placerville Hardware.

Miners and entrepreneurs were not the only people who flocked to the area. Criminals also came in, robbing and killing people who carried gold. The citizens decided to hang these criminals, leading to the city's next name: Hangtown.

In 1854, the city's name was changed from one that connoted a high crime rate to one that was less intimidating and depicted the placer gold mining occurring there. Hence, the name "Placerville".

Where to eat in Placerville

There are several restaurants in downtown Placerville. For the unique experience, we ate at the Enchanted Forest Dining Experience. We sat at a table under a tree adorned with fairy lights. The servers handed out headbands with fairy lights as we waited for our food. The service was slow, but we were not in a hurry. The food was okay, but the portions were generous (I tried the portabella mushroom stuffed with lentils, bell peppers, and sausages). The highlight of our meal was the live Celtic music.

After lunch, we wanted to get some ice cream for dessert. My maps pointed us to the Hangman's Tree Ice Cream Saloon.

When we got there, however, we discovered that the ice cream shop had been transformed into a pub. And so we went to T.W. Bonkers Toy and Candy Emporium. It did not disappoint, as the shop was filled wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling with toys... and it had Thrifty ice cream.

Overall, a great afternoon spent in the gateway to the Sierra Nevada. I would love to come back again when the weather is warmer.

Running at the Solano Turkey Trot 2025

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 23:30:00 +0000

45:09. I checked the timer as I crossed the Solano Turkey Trot finish line, huffing and puffing the last of the chilly, crisp autumn air. It's that anticipation of the sense of accomplishment that got me to the finish line, especially after running too fast during the first mile. Victory was made even sweeter because I just came back from a setback: I didn't finish my first half-marathon attempt in Orangetheory's DriTri Sprint.

This year's turkey trot was not just a regular 5K for me; it also held some of my firsts:

First turkey trot, ever.

Apparently, turkey trots are popular events in the USA. This local event has attracted over 2,000 runners. In fact, I was runner #1911 despite signing up earlier in the year. There were different distance categories (5K, 10K, 21K, and kids' fun run), catering to the various skill levels of the runners (or joggers... or walkers).

All along the course, I noticed cheerers carrying banners that said something about "earning your turkey". I learned later that turkey trots are a way for people to get their exercise in before the big Thanksgiving feast. Also, turkey trots are charity events. This year, proceeds from the Solano Turkey Trot went to the Suisun City Salvation Army Kroc Centre and Solano County Meals on Wheels.

First 5K road race in over a decade.

The last time I participated in a 5K road race was in 2013. At that time, I finished the course in under 43 minutes. I didn't do so bad this year, given that life happened between then and now:

I had some injuries that were getting fixed through physiotherapy.
I got married and gave birth.
I gained weight over the years, and lost only about 7 pounds (so far) this year.
I got a litany of injuries over time that prevented me from going up to 10K.

First road race in the cold weather.

My road races were mainly held in the Philippines in summer. It could be hot and humid by the time the 5K road races began. During the turkey trot, however, the temperature was 46ºF (that's around 8ºC). Yes, I ran in refrigerated conditions! I wore thermals, gloves, and a beanie to keep warm. I thought I didn't have enough layers before the race started; however, I was sweating when I reached the last stretch of the course.

I was planning to run the entire course at base pace (~17 minutes per mile, Zone 3). However, I underestimated my actual running speed and ended up running a bit faster. As a result, I had runs segments at Zones 4 (push pace) and 5 (all-out/ VO2max). Also, all my runs this year were on a treadmill; running outdoors with a lot of people was quite a change!

The Solano turkey Trot was such an enjoyable experience! I wish the weather was a bit warmer so I could bring Donan with me. I'd like to join again next year!

My son thinks IKEA is a children's museum

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:45:00 +0000

Donan enjoys tactile exhibits of a children's museum: climbable, interactive, and colourful. Mommy likes to wander aimlessly through labyrinthine aisles of department stores, scouting items she'd buy during sales events. The problem is simple: when we engage in one activity, the other person is completely bored.

On a slow Sunday, I had difficulty finding a venue that both of them would love to visit. And then it hit me like that flying spanner that punctured the sidewall of one of my tires many years ago: We didn't need to compromise. We're going to IKEA!

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IKEA as a children's museum

For Donan, each showroom was an interactive exhibit: an invitation to tinker with the toys, such as the plushy Aftonsparv astronaut bear, open drawers and refrigerators, tap on keyboards, and experience a whole range of different textures. He went round and round on a PS Lömsk chair, coccooned like an astronaut in a lunar excursion module after exploring the cozy study areas underneath Småstad loft beds and behind the Kura bed tent. He curled up on a Strandmon wing chair while gazing at the different bookcases and shelves.

IKEA as a shopper's paradise

Meanwhile, Mommy was drawing up ideas on what to buy during our visit. IKEA's maze-like layout and the showrooms' contents inspired her to pick up Oftast plates (we did not need another set of plates), an Idealisk colander (we currently have at least two at home), a Hornavan utility cart (I don't know where to station this at home), and an IKEA 365+ pitcher. She was hyped by Donan's excitement! However, as we neared the counter and reality set in, she assessed her picks and settled on just the pitcher.

It was a fun outing: a children's museum met a shopper's paradise. Mission accomplished!

UPLB Loyalty Day, Davis edition! 🇵🇭 🇺🇸

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:53:00 +0000

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)'s Loyalty Day is a celebration of volunteerism, honour, and commitment to country. Every October 10th, UPLB commemorates the mobilisation of Filipinos for a war that they ultimately did not fight. On this date in 1918, staff and students of the UP College of Agriculture (now known as UPLB) enlisted in the Philippine National Guard to help fight in World War I. The Philippines was a U.S. territory at the time, and the enlisted personnel were supposed to sail to Europe and be under the command of General John Pershing. However, on the day they were mustered into federal service, the fighting ended (Armistice Day). They never left the Philippines, but their action spoke of their willingness to serve, forever etched into UPLB history.

Years after moving to California, I found my link to the UPLB community through the active alumni network in Davis, CA. I received an invitation to the Loyalty Day celebration while attending the Global Rice Research Foundation dinner. I didn't realise that Davis and its surrounding areas have a large community of UPLB alumni.

The Loyalty Day celebration was a poignant reminder that the community spirit displayed in 1918 remains alive, even in the midst of the diaspora. Spending time with fellow alumni felt like a highlight reel of good memories about college life; conversations covered topics like popular places for lunch along Grove, side hustles, organisations, and tambayans. I didn't know many of them, but I felt welcomed into the fold as soon as I arrived.

I'm glad that the camaraderie and distinct culture of UPLB, which I have seen in the Philippines, survived the trip thousands of miles from Carabao Park.

Donan and I attended the 2025 UP Loyalty Day celebration in Davis, CA.

I ran short of the finish line, yet I'm running again!

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:18:00 +0000

https://www.solanoturkeytrot.org/

I have not learned my lesson.

Barely two months ago, I did not finish my treadmill half-marathon. This should have convinced me that I'm not ready for a race, but here I am again, paying and confirming my attendance at another one. I signed up for the Solano Turkey Trot, an outdoor run/walk event to be held at Solano Community College.

I first saw an announcement about it at work, but I dismissed it (I thought that I had to be in a turkey costume for it). Everything changed on a relaxed morning when I wasn't rushing after school drop-off. As I was leaving for a physiotherapy appointment, I bumped into the moms of two of Donan's friends. They had both signed up for the 5K run and invited me to join them. Just like that, my initial decision of no changed into count me in. I doubled down.

From treadmill to the great outdoors

Now back to reality: The 5K run/walk lasts for about 90 minutes. I haven't run outdoors for over 10 years, and so I don't have a recent benchmark. My last 5K run time was just under 43 minutes, way back in 2013.

Logically, my heart-rate-based training should lead to success. I have been running on a treadmill for 10 months now, slowly building my endurance, regularly clocking in 1.5 miles (a little less than 2.5 km) in 25 minutes if I were on a 60-minute 2G class at Orangetheory. Based on the math and my DriTri Sprint experience, I should be able to finish this turkey trot in under an hour, probably even beating my last benchmark.

However, treadmill running (jogging in my case) is in a controlled environment. It's forgiving on the knees and feet, the surface is even (though sometimes inclined), and there's no wind factor that can slow me down. A road race is different: lots of people, a morning breeze, and possibly uneven pavement. My biggest challenge is not the change in environment, it's the mental adjustment to running outside again.

Wish me luck at the Turkey Trot! Any tips for running a 5K outdoors after a long break?

Power BI & R in a Public Health Lab: Automating Lab Data Analysis

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:33:00 +0000

The problem: data drudgery.

Our solution: business intelligence tools.

Two business intelligence tools are available for use at the Napa-Solano-Yolo-Marin Public Health Laboratory (NSYM PHL): Power BI and R. I described how the laboratory staff use these tools during my presentation to LabAspire Fellows and their mentors. I'm sharing part of it here.

Context

The NSYM PHL processes over 10,000 specimens annually, with more than 75% being environmental specimens (i.e., water samples and ticks). The rest are clinical specimens. Once these specimens are in the laboratory, they undergo three phases of testing:

Pre-analytical phase

Information about the specimen is derived from the requisition form that comes with it: patient information (i.e., unique identifiers, travel history), submitter (oftentimes the medical facility) information, and sample information (i.e., sample source and type, collection date and time, type of test requested). The information is then entered into the laboratory information management system (LIMS). The specimen's suitability for testing is also assessed. Some questions that could be asked at this stage are:

Is the primary container intact? Is the specimen leaking from the biohazard bag containing the primary container?
Did the specimen arrive within the transport temperature and conditions required for the requested test?
Was the specimen stored at the required or recommended storage temperature and conditions for the requested test?

Analytical phase

This is when Public Health Microbiologists (PHMs) and laboratory technicians generate the raw data.

PHMs observe the characteristics of microorganisms directly from a clinical specimen, often using microscopy. In most cases, they place the specimen onto culture media, which allows target microorganisms to grow. For example, suppose a physician wants to rule out tuberculosis in a patient with symptoms consistent with the disease (e.g., weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, coughing up bloody sputum). In that case, the physician may send the patient's sputum samples to the laboratory for analysis. PHMs then prepare the specimen by subjecting it to a mucolytic-decontaminant mixture to minimise the growth of bacteria typically found in the respiratory tract. Then, PHMs place the processed specimen in three culture media and incubate them for the recommended time. The culture media are monitored for bacterial growth over time. Any bacterial colony is then observed microscopically for characteristics consistent with the target microorganism (i.e., acid-fastness, rod shape). Then, the bacteria with these characteristics are grown as isolates for identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS). Laboratory technicians, on the other hand, place nutrients for target bacteria (e.g., coliforms, Escherichia coli) into water specimens. They determine the presence of bacteria that indicate that the source of a water specimen is unsafe to drink (e.g., water well) or to swim in (e.g., beach) by observing the colour of the water specimen after incubation. They may also estimate the amount of bacteria in the water specimen. Laboratory technicians and PHMs record their observations in worksheets and in the LIMS.

Post-analytical phase

Reports are generated using the LIMS system and transmitted to the facility that submitted the specimen.

This phase is also when the laboratory summarises the results. The summaries are typically reported regularly to a state laboratory program (e.g., Healthcare-Associated Infections Program of the California Department of Public Health) or a county public health group. Data is also presented to the public health officers of the counties served by the laboratory. Sometimes, statistical analyses are required to provide data-informed insights about laboratory procedures.

Before I discovered that the laboratory had business intelligence tools, I observed staff toiling for days, manually copying information from the LIMS to Excel spreadsheets or diligently typing data from printouts of results already entered in the LIMS.

This irritated me because this workflow was slow, tedious, and prone to errors. In data science class, my instructors made sure that we learn to minimise repetitive work by automating at least some part of the process.

When I learned that Power BI was available county-wide, I built a few dashboards that could be easily updated as new data became available. Because the dashboards are simple to use (i.e., all one has to do is hit the "Refresh" button), it's easier for staff to learn them. R is also available, but not as widely as Power BI. Also, it's more challenging to teach staff with no coding background to use R, so its use is quite limited (i.e., I'm the only one using it for now). In other words, I use both tools; staff currently use just Power BI for report generation. At some point, I will start teaching them how to create dashboards, enabling them to explore the generated data more freely.

Workflow

The general workflow for data analysis and visualisation, regardless of the business intelligence tool I am using, is:

Data extraction from LIMS to a .csv file
Data cleaning (especially removal of personally identifiable information and protected health information)
Connecting or opening the data in the business intelligence tool
Performing analysis, report generation, and/or data visualisation

Advantages of using business intelligence tools

Summarising "large" data sets

By "large", I mean that the data sets often have over 1,000 rows, and staff used to enter data manually in Excel. Effectively, they entered the data twice because they were unaware that exporting the data they had entered in the LIMS was possible.

The learning curve was not too steep for the staff, particularly with the dashboards I had built in Power BI. The critical tasks were:

Determining which variables had to be included in the data extraction step (I created a data browser/query in the LIMS for this)
Cleaning the data to exclude proficiency test results (I incorporated a filter for this in the data browser/query)
Cleaning the data to "test patients" (currently doing this manually on the extracted data)
Reviewing the outputs on Power BI to determine if the summaries (e.g., counts, measures of central tendencies) make sense

These tasks typically take less than an hour, as most of the work is automated by the LIMS and Power BI. Sometimes, generating summaries is more involved due to the conditions required. For instance, a one-off request for peak hours of an activity (e.g., sample accessioning, instrument use) would require me to include the time of data entry for that variable for each sample. In this case, the requested variables need to be added to the LIMS data query, and the Power BI code should be updated to include them as new columns. This is still manageable because it's just a matter of clicking buttons and filling in the blanks.

R is different because I have to write the code myself. I default to R when the task is more complex and the turnaround time is short, as I have been using R longer than Power BI.

Making data-informed decisions

Once the summaries are reviewed, the thinking begins. What story is the data telling us?

For example, one of the laboratory's medical submitters wanted to dig deeper into multiple instances of blood specimens drawn from the same patient yielding differing results (i.e., conversions from positive to negative or vice versa), raising concerns about the inconvenience of redrawing blood (for the patient). The public health group examining the data also sought to investigate the risk factors that led to patients being subjected to blood redraws. The laboratory's solution was to conduct a three-month study where:

Patient's risk factors for taking the test were recorded (i.e., additional information in the order requisition form)
If a blood specimen's result is positive despite the patient having risk factor(s) indicating a low probability of having a positive result, the laboratory would take an aliquot of that blood specimen for a second round of testing. This follows the manufacturer's recommendation and is expected to reduce the need for blood redraws.

Over 1,000 specimens were received during the three-month period. We learned the following:

Data showed that the test manufacturer's recommendation yielded the same results across all repeated tests. We concluded that it is not a practical solution. The public health group agreed.
For patients whose blood was redrawn, conversions from a positive first specimen to a negative second specimen (or vice versa) occurred in specimens with results near the cut-off. This highlights a need for better guidelines (for medical practitioners) on how to interpret results near this cut-off point.
During the three-month study period, the data indicated that fewer than 1% of the specimens received by the laboratory came from the same patient and had result conversions. This illustrates that, although annoying and potentially causing downtimes, blood redraws affected fewer people than initially projected. However, medical submitters and public health groups need to review the decision rules (e.g., whether risk factors are included) surrounding blood redraws to prevent unnecessary callbacks to patients.

Using the workflow above, I summarised the data and had it ready for review within about 2 hours of the results being completed. I used R in this case because it allowed me to perform more complex queries than Power BI.

In another instance, I used R to analyse the results of about 2,000 water tests to see if the results were affected by the in-house sterilisation of the pipette tips used during the tests. I determined that a binary logistic regression was the most suitable tool to use due to the type of data generated. I'm unsure whether MS Excel or Power BI can handle this type of analysis. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the results of tests where pipette tips were sterilised in-house and those that were not sterilized in-house. As a result, we didn't have to request resampling from different locations for retesting (e.g., beaches, lagoons, groundwater, runoff, faucet).

Generating (semi)-automated reports

One of my favorite reasons for using business intelligence tools is that they make report and dashboard preparation easier. I have made numerous dashboards and report tables in Power BI that can be refreshed as often as you can get the latest data from the LIMS. All staff have to do is hit "Refresh" and the report is ready for review!

The laboratory must submit updates on test results for seasonal respiratory viral illnesses to the state laboratory on a weekly basis (especially during flu season). It also submits information about specimens that test positive for carbapenem resistance to the state laboratory at least once a month. Internally, the laboratory uses Power BI to generate tables for each patient with Mycobacterium sp.-positive specimens. These tables are critical in understanding which new specimen from a patient gets tested for organism identification (at least 30 days after the collection date of the last positive specimen) and drug susceptibility (at least 90 days after the collection date of the previous specimen sent to the state laboratory).

The process is semi-automated because most tasks are completed with a single click on the "Refresh" button, with the manual components being data extraction, exporting, and data cleaning.

Challenges of using business intelligence tools

Though it offers many advantages, the use of business intelligence tools in NSYM PHL has not been widely adopted previously. Power BI and R are available upon request. Once either (or both) of the software packages is installed on their computers, staff face a learning curve whose steepness depends on their previous experience with databases and coding, as well as their willingness to learn something new.

Conclusion

The application of business tools in the post-analytical phase enables laboratorians to generate reports faster than with the previous approach. I estimate about 90% time savings with business intelligence tools vs. without them. Now, more effort is devoted to reviewing the data and crafting recommendations (i.e., using data to inform public health or clinical policy or to guide corrective actions) than to data entry. This is the true value of business intelligence tools in the laboratory.

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The text has been modified from the original, which I posted as a LinkedIn article.

Purchase #2 influenced by David Beckham: My thoughts on IM-8 Daily Ultimate Essentials

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 13:10:00 +0000

Listening to Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO episodes on inflammation and herbal medicine coincided with my exploration of how to improve my vitamin levels. I used to take prenatal multivitamins and then individual vitamin and mineral supplements. I even tried green juices. However, the habit of drinking vitamins and minerals in tablet or capsule form doesn't stick; I didn't like the taste of green juices. As I continued researching, I encountered IM8, a product that claims to contain 92 nutrient-rich ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, superfoods, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. It sounded too good to be true; however, it contains spore-forming probiotics, Bacillus subtilis and B. coagulans. This is consistent with what Dr Jamnadas said about what he's personally taking to improve his gut microbiome. Moreover, it promises berry flavours with chocolate undertones; not my favourite flavour combination, but still better than the icky taste of artificial sweeteners.

My first shipment of IM-8 Daily Ultimate Essentials

But it wasn't the scientific jargon that convinced me to buy IM8. I also didn't know any of the medical researchers and NASA scientists featured on IM8's website. The credit for convincing me to subscribe to IM8 goes to David Beckham, the football player.

When I was looking for headsets with theatre-like sound, I was torn between the Bang and Olufsen's Beoplay HX and the Bowers and Wilkins' Px7 S2e. After reading numerous reviews, I bought the Px7 S2e. I then learned that Mr Beckham is the brand ambassador of Bowers and Wilkins. I am very pleased with my headphones, which I use on my walks. So when I realized that he's a co-founder of IM8, I thought that if he's willing to put his name on a product, it must really be a good one. The power of influence marketing, right?

Anyway, I've been drinking IM8's Ultimate Daily Essentials every weekday as my first drink of the day. During the first week, I was so bloated. Danny Yeung, the CEO of Prenetics and IM8, reached out to me to inquire about my experience with the Daily Ultimate Essentials so far. He assured me that the bloating is typically experienced during the first two weeks of intake and will eventually disappear.

After being two months into my subscription, here's what I noticed:

I'm not as bloated as when I started.
My digestion is improving.
I feel energised despite a longer daily commute (43 miles one way nowadays, compared to my previous 27 miles).
I'm not as sickly despite the change in seasons.
I recover faster from workouts (there are some ingredients for joint and bone support, and I've been continuing my heart rate zone training and Pilates attendance).
I'm drinking more water.

The ultimate test to determine if this supplement is working is a blood test, which is scheduled as part of my annual physical exam. And I'll write a follow-up post to share what I find out then.

Here's what I'm learning about my attempt to be healthier: it's not just about getting enough exercise, rest, and sleep; it's also about proper nutrition and supplementation.

My takeaways from Steven Bartlett's 'The Diary of a CEO' episode on inflammation

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:54:00 +0000

I regularly listen to Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO (DOAC) podcast during my commute to work (it's currently in my driving playlist, along with finance podcasts) and during my solo lunch-time one-mile walks because his discussions with guests are compelling and informative. One of the episodes I listened to featured Dr Pradip Jamnadas, the founder of Aristotle Education LLC. I found this episode interesting because it followed soon after the discussion with Simon Mills on herbal medicine.

Simon Mills discussed inflammation and its relationship to the body's immune response. To recap, inflammation occurs when blood vessels become more permeable, allowing white blood cells and other immune system components to leave the blood vessels, enter the injured area of the body, and attack the pathogens causing infections. NSAIDs are not ideal medications because they tend to dampen one's immune response. His treatments of choice are concoctions of different plant materials, many of which have been commonly used by my family for as long as I can remember.

Dr Jamnadas added more to this picture: Too much of a good thing is bad, and this is true for inflammation. Chronic inflammation causes abnormalities in the body's functions, resulting in poor health. This chronic inflammation can be caused by disruptions in the gut microbiome (the amount and diversity of microorganisms living in the digestive tract).

The old Yakult commercial (which says the drink contains Lactobacillus Shirota strain, a probiotic) came to mind when he mentioned that he drank a supplement that contained Bacillus spores. That commercial encouraged children and adults alike to drink Yakult to experience the health benefits of having this bacterium in the gut. There are many microorganisms aside from Lactobacillus spp. in the gut: bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., Bifidobacterium spp.), fungi (e.g., Saccharomyces spp., Candida spp., Aspergillus spp.), and viruses (e.g., bacteriophages).

Image of microorganisms around and on the intestinal lining, generated by Microsoft Copilot.

Dr Jamnadas further linked imbalances in the gut microbiome to sleep deprivation, impaired insulin sensitivity (i.e., diabetes is an inflammatory disease), and stress.

I sighed with relief when I heard this because I'm trying to increase my sleep hours. I used to be able to function with only four to five hours of sleep; however, due to changes in my schedule (e.g., longer daily commute, weekend gym classes), I am now aiming for at least seven hours of sleep per night. The increase in my sleep hours has coincided with a drop in my blood sugar levels. Without a drastic change in diet, my A1C level has become normal (though my weight has not improved significantly).

This episode is an eye-opener. Though some of his statements are not textbook accurate (and Steven has thankfully included a compilation of his team's literature review post-interview), Dr Jamnadas has successfully linked health concepts that I previously thought were not related at all. Becoming healthy is not just about solving issues like high cholesterol or diabetes individually. These illnesses have to be treated using what my previous supervisor, Nese, likes to call a "systems-based approach" or a holistic approach. Medications can help, but it is essential to make lifestyle changes (involving diet, exercise, stress, and sleep) that can remove the need to drink these medications.

Steven Bartlett's #DOAC: My takeaways on herbal medicine & natural remedies

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:17:00 +0000

I have subscribed to Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO (DOAC) after I listened to the episode about feet and barefoot running. I appreciate his inclination to invite scientists to discuss their expertise... these guests are conversational, not overly technical or jargon-filled. For instance, the episode featuring Simon Mills (my favourite so far) was all about phytotherapy.

Antibiotic resistance limits the medicines available for treating illnesses. Enter phytotherapy.

I've witnessed the alarming effects of antibiotic resistance firsthand while at work. Patients with bacterial infections must be screened for the antibiotic susceptibilities of the causative pathogens so that doctors can determine the most effective treatment.

In the lab, isolates identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from specimens submitted by the same patient are sent to the California Department of Public Health every 90 days (based on collection date). This is crucial in a patient's treatment plan because they must take their medication for several months. The cocktail includes ethambutol, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid. If the strain of M. tuberculosis complex found in a patient shows resistance to one of these antibiotics, the patient's doctor must determine an alternative antibiotic.

On the other hand, rectal swabs from nursing home residents are tested for the presence of genes associated with carbapenemase resistance (I will never allow my parents to live in nursing homes). Carbapenems are potent antibiotics that can kill a broad range of bacteria. As such, these antibiotics are reserved for severe bacterial infections. However, the use of carbapenems can lead to the rise of bacteria that are resistant to this last line of defence. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can easily spread in nursing homes, where many individuals with compromised immune systems reside.

Simon Mills presented an alternative to antibiotics: herbal medicine (aka phytotherapy).

Healthy gut = healthy life.

The gut microbiome is composed of a lot of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses that are found in the intestines. They convert substances in food into medicine and chemicals that boost the body's immune system. These bacteria thrive on plant-based foods; thus, the types of food we consume affect the composition of microorganisms in the microbiome. This then sets the stage for variations in the chemicals the microorganisms produce, and ultimately affects one's quality of life.

For example, people who switched to vegan diets experienced decreases in weight and inflammation, likely due to the increase in the population of microorganisms that produce a significant amount of anti-inflammatory chemicals.

My mum's spice collection doubles as a medicine cabinet.

Since I was a child, I have always known that consuming salabat is a great way to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with a sore throat, cold, and cough. It is also an excellent way to warm up on a chilly day (or night). On the other hand, mint was also perfect in taming a sore throat if I wanted a cooling effect rather than a warm feeling.

Simon Mills said that such knowledge isn't as common in Western countries. People tend to prefer to drink medicine to counter aches and pains. The information I was hearing was surprisingly not new to me (thanks to my Filipino upbringing), but it was still quite interesting to hear about it.

The timing of my listening to this podcast episode was uncanny because soon after, I saw this issue of National Geographic, featuring herbal medicine.

Inflammation and fever are part of the body's defence system.

I knew this from my Immunology class. Inflammation involves white blood cells travelling from the blood vessels to the injured area to fight infections. Fever is the immune system's attempt to slow the replication of pathogens by increasing body temperature.

This podcast connected the dots from inflammation and fever to immune response and then to the effects of medicines like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen). Because NSAIDS work by dampening inflammation and lowering body temperature (bye, pain!), they can reduce one's immune response.

I enjoyed listening to this episode on Spotify and then watching it on Youtube. I hope that Steven continues to bring guests with compelling stories to tell.

Raise Craze: I did not expect this much support on Donan's first service project

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:54:00 +0000

Donan has started Kindergarten. In the first week of the academic year, the school he's enrolled in launched a fundraising campaign in support of the Parent-Teacher Organisation's activities for the school year. It's called "Raise Craze". In this fundraising campaign, each participant performs acts of kindness in honour of the generosity of the donor. I have not experienced this as a child because we normally exchanged donations with raffle tickets or goods (just like what the Girl Scouts do with their cookies).

In Donan's case, we pledged to donate his gently used clothes and shoes to a local charity (we had chosen The Society of St. Vincent de Paul while planning how to participate).

View this post on Instagram

Val and I sent out messages to friends and family to help raise funds. And everyone we asked generously pitched in. In total, Donan's contribution to the organisation was $455!

I thank everyone who showed up for Donan. It was such an overwhelming show of support for the wee one.

My first DriTri Sprint experience: I didn't wake up before dawn just to quit

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:51:00 +0000

You don't quit when it's hard. You quit when it's over.

I didn't complete the half-marathon distance in my first Orangetheory Marathon Month attempt, logging only 10.02 miles on the treadmill. I told myself I would refrain from joining these challenges because being so close and yet so far was such a let-down.

The following month, however, I decided to join the DriTri sprint challenge because I couldn't shake off the feeling that I could actually finish this. If the half-marathon is 13.1 miles spread over a month, the DriTri sprint is composed of a 1,000-metre row, 130 reps of bodyweight exercises, and a 1.55-mile treadmill run to be finished within one hour. Crazy for a non-finisher, right?

Nevertheless, I took on this challenge. While on the rower, I thought that reaching the distance was easy enough because I started at a good pace. Then fatigue kicked in, about halfway through the rowing portion. I struggled through the rest of the distance as I couldn't get the timing of my breathing right.

By the time I started the bodyweight exercises, I was regretting signing up for the event! Still, I persevered. I didn't wake up before dawn just to quit.

I wanted to crawl to the treadmill after repeating those bodyweight exercises. I had to catch my breath and get my heart rate back to Zone 3 (71–83% of my maximum heart rate) before starting my run so I could finish strong. And so I began walking, slowly increasing my pace until I was jogging at 3.5 miles per hour (yes, I was jogging, not walking; I have short legs). The other sprinters had finished as I was halfway through the distance, but I still pushed through. I continued increasing my pace until I reached 4 miles per hour.

... Until the treadmill indicated that I reached the 1.55-mile mark. I finally reached my finish line! And I learned a valuable lesson: Finishing a physical challenge is not just about strength, speed, or endurance. It's also about resolve. Grit.

I got a medal for completing my first DriTri sprint!

Failing fast: Reflections from my failed Marathon Month attempt

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 08:58:00 +0000

I've been attending Orangetheory classes every weekend since January. Each class I attend includes a treadmill exercise. In the several months that I have been attending classes, I progressed from power-walking (fastest pace at 3.5 mph) to jogging (fastest pace at 5.0 mph)

I decided to join the Marathon Month challenge and run/jog the half-marathon. If I run/jog at least 1.7 miles per class, I'd be able to complete the half-marathon distance. And so I kept signing up for the 2G classes or the Tread 50 classes (i.e., 50-minute treadmill-only workouts).

After the challenge ended, I found out that I had only reached a little over 10 miles. I did not finish the half-marathon. My first reaction was to avoid joining future Orangetheory challenges. As I wallowed in disappointment, I justified not participating by focusing on my primary objective for signing up for classes: improving my overall cardiac health by losing weight, burning fat, and building muscle. I was very disappointed with my performance.

Sinukat ngunit kulang. (I ended up short)

However, as I picked myself up from the initial disappointment, I realised that the 10 miles I completed taught me more than the 13.1 (that I didn't reach) ever could. The most important lesson that I apply to life outside Orangetheory is seeing failure as feedback.

I reviewed my class results and saw that in most of my treadmill classes, my base pace was 3 mph. To complete 13.1 miles in the number of classes I attend per month, I needed a base pace of at least 3.4 mph. This means that I should be able to maintain a heart rate of 71–83% of my max heart rate for 20–30 minutes. Maybe it was time to increase my base pace; after all, I was finding 3 mph to be relatively easy to maintain at that point. If I didn't fail the half-marathon, I wouldn't even think about my base pace! As a result, I started observing my jogging gait, posture, and breathing more closely while on the treadmill in subsequent classes.

Was I landing on my heels or at my midfoot?
Was I bending my knees enough or keeping them too straight during my jogs?
As I increased my base pace, was my heart rate zooming up or holding at 71–83% of my max heart rate?

Outside Orangetheory, I apply a similar approach in troubleshooting. For example, I see non-compliance with a laboratory procedure not as a failure but as feedback to leadership.

Is the instruction explicit enough for staff to follow?
What training needs or support do staff need to help them achieve compliance?
How do I provide feedback to encourage improvement?

Do I like failing? No. I just learned to accept it as an indicator of growth opportunities.

Don't let failure derail you. Learn from it. Grow using the lessons learned. And jog faster.

Standing on the shoulder of giants

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 12:55:00 +0000

Google Scholar has always had this quote on its website. It resonates with me because my scientific work builds upon the products developed by scientists before me. This is why I still marvel at the impact of Miracle Rice (IR8) in preventing widespread hunger in Asia, and wonder if the work I previously did in improving rice quality made a dent in rice breeding pipelines. My contributions in developing the gastronomic systems research framework, such as the Robinsons Mall auctions (Quezon City, Philippines) and the expert elicitation workshops (Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, India), helped shape the consumer research angle currently being pursued by IRRI, particularly for gauging the market acceptability of rice varieties that can potentially curb the risk of developing diabetes. My work in applying machine learning tools to classify rice into quality types is five years ahead of its time; I now see more people using big data approaches to answer increasingly complicated questions in rice science.

So, guess who was starstruck to be in the same room at UC Davis as a former IRRI Director General (Dr Robert Zeigler), the developer of Miracle Rice (Dr Gurdev Singh Khush), the discoverer of IR8's high-yielding capacity through agronomic practices (Dr SK de Datta), and the developer of flood-tolerant rice (Dr Dave Mackill), plus former IRRI scientists whose works help shape IRRI's current methodologies and research areas. We joined them for dinner at the International Hall after a meeting of the Global Rice Research Foundation. This organisation grants travel and research scholarships for students who commit to the importance of food security, food culture, and land conservation.

Certainly, it wasn't Val. He is so used to having dinner at IRRI's Staff Housing and Guesthouse with the likes of the people we were sharing a meal with. He views them as colleagues, friends, and neighbours. He has seen some of their children grow into adulthood. In fact, he was the reason we were there in the first place. One of his students is a grant recipient, and if our Saturday afternoon schedule had worked out, Val would have participated in the meeting.

Indeed, it wasn't Donan. He was just having dinner with Mama and Papa in a restaurant, watching and listening to a bunch of strangers.

Yes, it was me. I felt like I was having a shawarma moment with real-life superheroes. Not the ones who wear capes and have flashy superpowers; I was sharing a meal with people who have saved (and are still saving) millions from starvation and death through improved agricultural resources and management. My contribution to rice research is puny compared to theirs (and has probably already become a fading memory in the institute's annals). And to many of them, I am but the spouse of one of their colleagues. However, the work I do now keeps communities (including them and their families) safe from infectious diseases, enabling them to do the big jobs they are doing for the world.

Mucor is dimorphic?!?

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 07:10:00 +0000

Mycology has always been an interesting subject for me. I am fascinated by the different morphologies of moulds that grow on bread and fruit. During class, I loved to draw the morphologies (see my Mycology notes from my PHM training).

My notes about Zygomycetes

I learned that Mucormycetes (or Zygomycetes in the old taxonomy) have coenocytic, aseptate hyphae. The organisms within the Mycormycete group (e.g., Mucor sp. and Rhizopus sp., and the organisms I had sketched, in the picture above) can be differentiated based on their microscopic morphologies. For example, both Mucor sp. and Rhizopus sp. have circular to oval sporangia without apophyses. Mucor sp. is distinguished from Rhizopus sp. by its lack of rhizoids (i.e., roots).

Fungi can take on either multicelled forms (e.g., moulds) or single-celled forms (e.g., yeast-like). Some fungi can take on both! Dimorphic fungi, such as Coccidioides sp. and Blastomyces sp., have been observed in both mould (in the environment) and yeast (in the lungs) forms. Coccidioides immitis is known to cause Valley Fever, commonly in California's Central Valley and in Arizona. Blastomyces dermatitidis causes Gilchrist's disease around the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. Both diseases infect the respiratory system first and eventually spread all over the body.

One day, the laboratory received a specimen for identification. The paperwork stated that the clinical laboratorians suspected that the organism they had isolated from a patient specimen was a zygomycete. I observed a sample of this organism under the microscope and was baffled to find two colony types: a mould and a yeast. Could there be a second organism that came with the mould?

I rechecked the specimen after one week of incubation. Still, there were two morphological types. There was no sign of yeast colonies underneath all the mycelia that were characteristic of Mucormycetes. I had to decide quickly: send the specimen to the reference lab (California Department of Public Health) because it has the tools appropriate for making an identification, or attempt another identification in a week. I opted to send it out.

Lo and behold, the reference test came back, and the isolate was indeed a Mucormycete. In fact, it was Mucor circinelloides. And here's something I didn't learn in training: this species of Mucor is dimorphic! No wonder I kept observing yeast-like cells in tease mounts. It was a fantastic thing to see.

Because it is dimorphic, does it cause lung infections as well? Or is the dimorphism brought about by a different environmental condition?

On interest rates and investments

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 07:21:00 +0000

I have always been interested in learning about personal finance and how to make my money work for me. In fact, I have been listening to various podcasts on investing and financial management, such as:

The interest stems from dinner discussions with my parents since childhood. Daddy would read an article from the Philippine Daily Inquirer or Manila Bulletin and discuss market trends with us as we ate dinner. Also, both Mommy and Daddy brought me, Anna, and Biboy to Divisoria every weekend for shopping and scouting suppliers for the family business. This was where I learned the fundamentals of economics from a business perspective: the law of supply and demand.

Since moving to California, we have resumed these business discussions during dinner. Donan has been a passive participant in these discussions because he doesn't understand the concepts of interest rates and investment instruments just yet. However, I learned that he was a sponge for information because when Daddy and I talked about the latest news about interest rates, Donan piped in and asked, "Are you talking about Jerome Powell?"

Taken aback, Daddy responded, "How do you know Jerome Powell?!?"

Donan said, "You two talk about him all the time."

It is true, Daddy and I often mention him when we talk about the latest developments from the Federal Reserve.

(Jerome Powell's official portrait)

Jerome Powell, by the way, currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. It implements the monetary policies of the USA by overseeing the operations of the banking system. He is featured in the financial news items these days because of the public's interest in interest rate cuts.

Solano county website glow-up

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 01:59:00 +0000

The Solano County website has been upgraded. Last year, my supervisor assigned me to the content editor team, which focused on migrating the documents from the laboratory's current website to the new one.

I reviewed the content and realised that a bit of reorganisation was needed:

The same information was placed in different locations, requiring someone to update multiple pages. It's easy to miss a page, and the website has inconsistent information in some places.
There was a lot of information that needed updating and pages that needed archiving.
Some pages were not loading.
Some pages just contained links to other pages.

As I pored through all the content, I also had to rewrite some of it (specifically content on water testing and tick testing services) so that an eighth grader could understand it.

Two weeks before the final review by management, I finished loading the most current version of the laboratory's website content a day before I went on vacation. On the other hand, the team that redesigned the website elements ensured the content editors had most of the tools we needed for the redesign. For example, we had access to different "paragraph" (content block) types. I mostly used rich text (the traditional what-you-see-is-what-you-get [wysiwyg] editor). I also used the accordion group for FAQs, the icon link for laboratory services, and the photo gallery for tick images.

The redesigned website is indeed a significant improvement. The colours are calming, the font is easier to read, and there are options to translate the content into several languages. The content on the laboratory's pages should be easier for non-technical people.

Polynesian Cultural Centre: One ohana in the vast Pacific Ocean

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 04:25:00 +0000

Polynesian Cultural Centre, I have returned!

Echoing General Douglas MacArthur's famous speech in Leyte, I returned nine years after my last visit to Hawaii. During my first trip, I wished I had more time for exploration, as I only had a brief stop at the Hukilau Marketplace and ate lunch at the barbecue before boarding my tour bus for the next stop.

For this trip (my third time in Hawaii, actually), I went with Mommy, Daddy, and Donan. I got tickets that allowed us to visit on three consecutive business days. No wonder I couldn't explore the Centre in two hours: it takes three days to experience all that the centre has to offer! We only had time for two afternoon trips to Lā'ie, so we had to make the most of these visits. I had to consider that I was with seniors and a preschooler, so our fastest pace at the centre would be a slow walk.

Day 1

We had just arrived from the Dole Pineapple Plantation, which was an hour's drive from Wahiawa. That visit took a lot longer than I had initially planned, so we arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Centre two hours behind schedule. To catch up, we started off on a canoe tour of the centre. This allowed us to see all the different villages and plan which attraction to explore. This tour was enjoyable because our tour guide (boatman) was a comedian. He was prepared with jokes, a bit of history, and some Polynesian words for us to learn. Moreover, he provided us with highlights about each village in the Centre.

The staff members were all friendly with the guests, displaying the aloha spirit that Hawaii is famous for. Once they realized we were of Filipino background (because we were conversing in Tagalog), someone from the Philippines began speaking with us in Tagalog. We learned that many of the staff members were students at the nearby Brigham Young University. They were working at the Centre to help pay for their educational expenses.

After the canoe tour, we walked back to the Hukilau Marketplace in search of a place to eat. We ended up in Pounders, a restaurant that serves Hawaiian-grown grass-fed beef and locally caught seafood. The food was delicious. However, the highlight for us was the robot that brought the food to our table. It drove itself, managing tight corners and narrow spaces between tables.

Robot food server

Tummies happy, we decided to take another tour. This time, it's a historical tour of Lā'ie, the Brigham Young University campus, and the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) temple.

LDS visitor centre

I learned that the LDS has been in Oahu since 1865, when the church bought a sugarcane plantation. The temple in Lā'ie is the oldest one in Hawaii and was seen as a gathering place for Polynesian converts to LDS. However, before the LDS arrived, Lā'ie was already known as a "pu'uhonua", a haven for fugitives seeking refuge. Pursuing fugitives in a pu'uhonua was not allowed.

Day 2

Mommy was surprised to learn that our tickets to the Centre included re-entry for two more days. This was great, considering that there was just so much to see and we couldn't appreciate it all in just one day.

On our second visit, we decided to skip the canoe and walk to the different villages to see the activities there.

We first went to the Samoan village, where a cooking class was being held. But the chicken would take hours to cook, so we headed out to a shop that sold coconuts. What an instant memory-jogger! I remember sipping buko juice during hot summer afternoons in Padre Garcia!

We then went to the Aotearoa (also known as New Zealand) village. Donan and I wanted to try the Maori poi (the ball, not the food), but the cultural show was about to start, so we skipped it, thinking we would have time to try it afterwards. The cultural show was beautiful! The performers performed a haka, demonstrated a poi dance, and played a stick-throwing game onstage. This was my first time seeing a haka live; it is as powerful and intimidating as I've ever seen it on TV!

Our third stop was the Hawaiian village, where we learned about the hula. There are two types: hula kahiko and hula auana. Hula kahiko is performed with chants and traditional percussion instruments, such as gourd drums. It is a slow dance with precise movements, designed to Hula auana. On the other hand, Hula auana incorporates string instruments, like the ukulele.

Our last stop was the Tahitian village, where we listened and danced to the moving beats of the drums. The loud percussion reminded me of Shakira's song "Hips Don't Lie" because the dances involved rapid hip swaying. On the other hand, we learned that Tahiti is just an island (albeit the biggest) within five archipelagos that make up the French Polynesia.

It was such a great experience to visit the Polynesian Cultural Centre. I have enjoyed it immensely during this second visit. I am looking forward to another visit!

A second visit to the Dole Pineapple Plantation

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Fri, 23 May 2025 04:20:00 +0000

A slight fall of rain didn't stop us from visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Wahiawa, Oahu. During my first visit, I was part of a tour group visiting the island. This time, I drove with Mommy, Daddy, and Donan. I was determined to ride the train to see the plantation (because I didn't have a chance to do that previously). Donan immediately wanted to try the Pineapple Garden Maze when we saw it.

Our two-hour scheduled stop was short. We were supposed to find eight stations inside the maze, but we only saw three because it was huge (it is the largest maze in the world, after all) and we were pressed for time. It would take about an hour to find all the stations (accounting for the fact that we also got lost in the maze). We wouldn't be able to catch the train tour if we attempted to complete the maze.

The train tour circled around the Dole Plantation's pineapple farm, where we saw pineapples in varying stages of maturity (to ensure that there's pineapple all year long). We also saw cacao trees, coffee trees, bromeliads, ginger, and heliconias, among the lush greenery in the plantation. I learned that Dole no longer grows pineapples in Oahu for export (I mostly see fresh pineapples from Central America here); most of its local produce is sold in the Hawaiian market.

I became curious about Hawaiian cacao production because, aside from knowing that Côte d'Ivoire is the major producer of cacao, I knew very little about it. I learned on the tour that Waialua Estate Coffee and Cacao was established in the tradition of Dole Plantation. It grows cacao and coffee trees on former sugarcane farmland (Waialua Sugar Company used to be one of the most extensive sugarcane plantations in the state). I bought two bars of the single-origin milk chocolate. They were yummy! The formulation is not as good as Läderach's, but it's worth buying more. I would like to know if it's available in the mainland.

And of course, I had to buy us some Dole whip! After a hot and humid wait in the train line, getting lost in the maze, and getting drizzled on in the garden, it was time for a dose of cool and refreshing pineapple. It's available in California (thanks, Uncle Sharki!), but Mommy, Daddy, and Donan had to try it for the first time where it began. It's as good as it's been on my first time in the plantation. It tasted like pineapple but with the creaminess of coconut milk.

On our way back to the car, we stopped by a food shack selling grilled corn. They only sold elotes at the time, so we got that. And, as with the Dole whip, it was delicious! It's grilled corn on the cob, slathered with a paste containing Cotija cheese, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, lime, and mayonnaise. It had a strong nutty flavour, balanced by the tanginess and creaminess of the paste.

Our Dole Pineapple Plantation tour became a food trip!

A wild family adventure at DisneyWorld's Animal Kingdom

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:18:00 +0000

Val usually talks about how beautiful safaris in Kenya are. I, on the other hand, don't like them because safari vehicles tend to go dangerously near these wild animals, leading to (1) animals attacking humans and (2) disturbance of their natural behaviours. I'm also not a fan of wild animals being trained to perform in shows purely for entertainment (e.g., dolphin shows), so I opted out of visiting SeaWorld in Florida. I'm also not a fan of zoos because animals are in cages, though I visit them to learn more about animals that I won't see in the wild.

However, DisneyWorld's Animal Kingdom appeared to be different. Its website and streaming app say that the animals are provided with world-class veterinary care and can display natural behaviours because the caretakers change their environments regularly.

So when we went to Florida, I opted to include Animal Kingdom in our destinations (and opted out of Hollywood Studios).

Gorilla Falls Expedition Trail

We saw some animals like hippos, cichlids, meerkats, and gorillas. Along the trail, we got up close and personal with birds. Donan was excited to see the animals. However, we didn’t reach the end because our next adventure was about to begin.

Harambe Wildlife Reserve

This attraction simulates the experience one gets when on an authentic African safari, which I have never been on. In the attraction, we rode an open-air safari vehicle. The driver made sure we had good vantage points for photos and videos. We saw lions, rhinos, hyenas, warthogs, and ostriches among the many animals found in the reserve. It felt like we saw the cast of The Lion King.

Festival of the Lion King

Speaking of The Lion King, we also watched The Festival of the Lion King. I thought the show was a condensed version of the movie (just like in Hong Kong Disneyland); however, this show didn't seem to have a plot. It was all song and dance performed by Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, and the human narrators.

This marks Donan's first time watching a theatre musical. He enjoyed it a lot!

Pandora, World of Avatar

Avatar is the top-grossing movie of all time (so far, at USD 2.9 billion). Animal Kingdom has a section dedicated to Pandora, the fictional exomoon featured in the film. We ate lunch in its quick-service restaurant, Satu'li Canteen. The menu was supposed to immerse us in the bountiful world of Pandora's ecosystem with healthy lunch selections while dining under the wing of an Avatar spacecraft. The food was yummy and refreshing (and featured purple chocolate mousse!).

There were two rides in this part of Animal Kingdom. Anna, Kuya Rico, Joel, and Isaiah rode the Flight of Passage (3D ride) while the rest of the group attempted to take the Na'vi River Journey. However, the wait time was over an hour. We backed out, hoping to see some characters mingling with the dinosaurs.

Dinoland, USA

Well, we did see Kevin from Up! in Dinoland. Donan freaked out because we saw a life-size mascot of Kevin up close and personal; he wasn't interested in seeing a bird. He wanted to see some dinosaurs and fossils! Meanwhile, Luna was so excited to see other Disney characters and be photographed with them.

We stayed in Dinoland as the streetlamps were turned on. Kuya Rico even found a children's playground where Donan could dig for fossils while the bigger kids rode rollercoasters. We only left the playground when the park closed, and it was time to see the Tree of Life (which was supposed to be a baobab tree), which is located in the middle of the park. According to Charlenne, there are no fireworks in Animal Kingdom so that the animals wouldn't be stressed out. Instead of fireworks, Animal Kingdom ended the night with a projection show on the Tree of Life.

Maundy Thursday at St. Dominic's Catholic Church

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Mon, 05 May 2025 09:12:00 +0000

I used to go on a Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursdays. It's a great tradition that combines travel with a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and a sense of community, especially when done as a family or with a tour group.

When I moved to California, Visita Iglesia didn't occur on Maundy Thursday; instead, my family would visit parishes in the cities we were vacationing in. Donan had his first Visita Iglesia experience when we stopped by Mission Santa Ines with Mommy, Daddy, and Anna. Val was not with us at the time; his visits usually don't coincide with Holy Week.

This year, with Val in town, I introduced Donan to another Maundy Thursday tradition: the Holy Triduum. It is the three-day period (non-working holidays in the Philippines but not in the USA) which commemorates Jesus' Last Supper, crucifixion, and resurrection. We went to St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Benicia.

Façade of St. Dominic's Catholic Church (that's not our SUV)

Old habits die hard

One of the first things that I noticed about the church was its architecture. I found its simple lines sharply contrasting with the ornate features of baroque churches I have visited previously. The "stylised Chinese clouds" that Dr Paul Zafaralla kept pointing at in my Humanities II class were absent from St Dominic's. There was a shortage of drama, flair, and opulence in the interior design. Instead, St. Dominic's features a symmetrical layout, thick walls (not as thick as in Earthquake Baroque), and smooth surfaces. This simplicity, I think, aligns with the Dominican Order's vow of poverty.

The importance of family

This is the first time we've been to St. Dominic's. And it being a Maundy Thursday service, the parish was packed. At first, I got separated from Donan and Val because we couldn't find a pew with enough space for three people. However, when some parishioners realised that we were a family, they signalled to us to move to their pew so we could be together.

A reminder of how precious all children are

After the Mass, I noticed this memorial for unborn children. As a mother, I found this memorial a good reminder that unborn children are precious gifts from God. It's in stark contrast with how social media algorithms highlight videos of people who think that unborn children are not human.

Moreover, the Last Supper, which was being commemorated during Maunday Thursday, is about Jesus' earthly family (his apostles). This was a most important meal leading up to His crucifixion.

I don't know how much Donan has understood about the importance of Maundy Thursday. I'm just glad that we have been able to attend it.

The revamping of Starbucks

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 06:09:00 +0000

Starbucks branch in Pleasant Hill, CA.

When Starbucks was still a new coffee shop in the Philippines, my extended family would go there for drinks and pastries after dinner or for desserts after lunch at Lola Bats' house. I used to stop at one of its branches to eat while taking a break from long drives. I also made sure to stop by a branch somewhere in Loyola Heights to have my venti signature hot chocolate with peppermint syrup to drink during my lecture class at the Ateneo de Manila University. In short, Starbucks was my "third place", or a location other than home (the first place) and office (the second place) where people gather to socialise and/or people-watch. In fact, Starbucks was one of the first places I visited with Sherry Lou, a classmate in the BSc Biology program at UPLB, on my first evening in Sydney!

I was culture-shocked to learn that my third place in the Philippines was just a pitstop for many people in the USA. The classy coffee shops I was accustomed to seeing in Manila were takeaway counters or kiosks inside Safeway or Target. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I eventually got used to ordering my venti double chocolate chip creme frappuccino with soy milk, whipped cream, and peppermint syrup through the mobile app and picking it up at the drive-thru. It was all about efficiency and convenience. The baristas were kind and friendly, but the experience was quite different.

The shift away from the company motto, "To inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup, one neighbourhood at a time," was probably one of the reasons for the drop in sales in key markets. The new CEO, Brian Niccol, wants to bring back the cozy feeling of sipping coffee surrounded by family and friends to the third-place experience. To shape the consumer experience, Starbucks has changed the interior design of its branches, bringing back the condiments section, the electric outlets per table, the cozy seats, and a zen aesthetic that reminds me of Apple Park's Caffè Macs.

Yes, the current corporate direction leans into coffee. After all, Starbucks was originally all about coffee: the origins of the different beans used in the drinks, the stories of the farmers who grew the coffee beans, and the environment in which the coffee beans were cultivated.

The menu change means streamlining the drink menus to remove the creme-based frappuccinos (*sigh*). I felt sad when I learned about Starbucks' new menu direction. It's the end of an era (for me) and a short stint (for Donan) because our favourite double chocolate chip creme frappuccino is now off the official menu. We no longer have a reason to purchase food at Starbucks.

What I learned at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:37:00 +0000

I have encountered the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum while searching for child-friendly places to visit in San Jose, CA. Some of my co-workers have seen it and only had good things to say. I ran the idea with Val, and he was interested in seeing this museum, so we went there on a Sunday afternoon.

Who are the Rosicrucians?

The Rosicrucians are a group of people who believe that they hold some secret knowledge handed down from ancient times. This hidden knowledge is a combination of occultism and monotheistic religious beliefs. The Rosicrucian group is symbolised by the "Rosy Cross".

Rosy cross found near Luxor Temple, Egypt.

This cross features a rose in the centre and is estimated to date back to around 100 AD. Reading about the Rosy Cross reminded me of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code due to the connections between the Knights Templar, Freemasons, and Rosicrucians.

A brief internet search revealed that the museum was established in San Jose in 1928 due to land affordability. The museum was founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC), a Rosicrucian organisation. Its founder, Henry Spencer Lewis, collected antiques with mystical symbolism. The fascination with Egypt seemingly arises from the belief that hidden knowledge can be uncovered there. Thus, he financed archaeological digs in Egypt, further contributing to the expanding AMORC collection of artefacts.

The artefacts

Left to right: Bes jar, Ptolemaic funerary mask, Assyrian king Esarhaddon

Coffin from the Nubian period

The museum's artefacts provided a glimpse of daily life in Egypt during various dynasties and the people's beliefs about the afterlife.

The Bes jar features an artist's rendition of Bes's facial features. Bes was a deity believed to protect children, pregnant women, and husbands and wives. Bes jars were most commonly used during the Ptolemaic period (323–30 BCE) as oil containers or cosmetic jars. I noticed this jar because Bes appeared to have East Asian features. It reminded me of the replica of terracotta warriors found in the Blackhawk Museum.

The Ptolemaic period began after Alexander the Great died, and his generals divided the empire. Ptolemy ruled Egypt. His heirs continued to reign until the Romans conquered Egypt nearly 300 years later. Arguably, the most famous of the Ptolemies is Queen Cleopatra VII (who got entangled in political conflicts involving Julius Caesar against Pompey the Great and Mark Anthony against Octavian).

Egyptian daily life was thoroughly intertwined with their belief in the afterlife. Egyptians were keen on preserving the body after death. Coffins were believed to be the homes of the dead. These used to be rectangular boxes that were ornately decorated. Eventually, the boxes gave way to human-shaped coffins, such as those dating from the Nubian period. The non-royal cedarwood coffin featured a headdress, a collar, and a long, thin beard as if the deceased person was developing a resemblance to Osiris (Egyptian god of the afterlife). The rest of the coffin was painted white. Funerary masks placed over the face and chest were supposedly made in the deceased's likeness. However, these masks were made of gold leaf to show that the deceased wanted to become like their gods in the afterlife. Egyptians believed these funerary masks allowed the deceased to breathe, eat, see, speak, and hear in the afterlife.

As a side note, this strong belief in intertwining Earthly existence with the afterlife reminds me of the Marvel television series "Moon Knight". The show featured various Egyptian deities, such as Khonshu (moon god), Taweret (goddess of childbirth and fertility), Ammit (goddess who devoured the heart of the dead), Osiris (god of fertility and the afterlife), and Hathor (sky goddess). In one of the episodes, the Moon Knight's dual personas were on a ship going to the afterlife. Taweret was holding the scale of justice. If the scale was balanced, the characters would land in the field of reeds; if not, they would be eaten by Ammit's minions.

Going back to the artefacts in the museum and what I have learned...

Before the Ptolemaic period, Egypt was part of the Assyrian empire during the Old Testament! King Esarhaddon (mentioned in the Bible) conquered Egypt, enlarging the Assyrian empire to its largest size and fulfilling the dream of the kings before him. However, Egypt didn't stay conquered for long. The Assyrian empire disintegrated soon after, leading to a relatively unstable period in Egyptian history. This is fascinating because it shows that the Bible indicates how intertwined Israel and Judaea's histories are with other nations. Previously, I thought many stories were legends (particularly in the Book of Genesis). But the later books showed the stories from the perspectives of the prophets.

A stela of Ptah-Herdis mentions Pede-Bastet as the mother of Ptah-Herdis, the Osiris.

This stela caught my attention because it mentioned Val's surname. I just had to research what Pede means. "Pede-Bastet" translates to "Wise one of Bast" in the Egyptian context, where Bastet refers to the goddess of good health and protection, Bastet. On the other hand, the Pede family is Fon (the major ethnic group in Benin).

The visit to the Egyptian Museum proved to be a fascinating experience. I learned a lot about the culture of ancient Egypt and how it is connected to other civilisations. The world history lessons I learned in high school and in college became alive because artefacts made them more real to me. I didn't know how much Donan learned from this experience; however, he had taken in more than I expected because he was talking about step pyramids and mummies.

Landed in newspapers at the close of International Women's Day

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 08:16:00 +0000

April 4–10, 2025 edition of the Asian Journal News

I participated as a speaker during the 2013 International Women's Day (IWD) event at IRRI. I was invited as a panel member at another IWD event. Then, there's the IWD video that the Grain Quality and Nutrition Centre's staff produced in 2010.

Many years (and a pandemic) passed before I got involved in IWD celebrations. This year, however, instead of being in front of a live audience, I was featured in two articles by Rogelio Constantino Medina!

Asian Journal News

I was featured alongside numerous women who made a mark in society for this article. Sr Mary John Mananzan is the Superior and Director of St. Scholastica's Academy. She has received many awards for her activism and feminism. Margie Penson Juico served under both Presidents Aquino (appointments secretary for Cory and chairperson of PCSO for Noynoy). Salvie Collado Paparon is the CEO of Sheanne Roll Up Door Construction Services. Crispina Martinez-Belen used to be the entertainment editor of the Manila Bulletin. Angela Valdez is a business owner. The author asked all of us what the significant role of women is in our society. Though each had a unique perspective and answered the question based on her experiences, one thing was common (and Sr Mananzan said it best): women are agents of change.

Women's roles go beyond the home. Women are captains of industry, changemakers in society and politics, mentors in schools, and transformers of technology.

Police Files Tonite

In the early 2000s, I co-hosted the Rotary Club of West Bay's weekly talk show, Rotary at Your Service, in dzLB with Tito Johnny Goloyugo. It was a fun assignment because I learned to speak in public without being in front of an audience. I also figured out how to play music using complex gadgets in a radio booth, interact with live broadcasters during a university event, and chat with scientists with whom I wouldn't have had a chance to interact if not for the show. Though a significant growth opportunity for me, this radio hosting gig wasn't as well-known as my scientific pursuits in starch chemistry and food sensory profiling.

Until Rogelio went through my LinkedIn profile and found my hosting stint! He wrote this feature article from a showbiz angle, landing me in the entertainment section of a newspaper for the first time! I have been featured in glossy magazines before (Sense and Style, 2008, and Chalk, 2010), but I can't remember ever seeing an article about me on the same page as movie stars.

Thank you, Rogelio, for featuring me in two articles you have written in March. They are fantastic!

What makes St. Augustine FL so unique?

noreply@blogger.com (rochiecuevas) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:30:00 +0000

My family went to Florida just before the Christmas holidays. I always like to include a historical or nature tour whenever I visit a new place. So, I included in our itinerary an airboat tour of Lake Tohopekaliga to see alligators basking in the sun and a visit to Cape Canaveral for a taste of space flight history. A trip to St. Augustine was perfect for our Florida visit's historical aspect. We took the hop-on, hop-off tram tour (but stayed on it for the duration of the tour) to get a quick tour of the city and learn about its history.

It claims to be the oldest city in the USA.

The city was founded in 1565 by Pedro Ménendez de Avilés and served as the capital of Spanish Florida. The European settlement in this city was part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Since then, St. Augustine has been continuously inhabited, making it the oldest European-established city in the contiguous United States. It is much older, of course, as Timucuan tribes were known to inhabit this part of Florida before the arrival of Spanish expeditions.

As a side note, I find it fascinating that while de Avilés was establishing the Spanish Empire's presence on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, Miguel López de Legazpi had arrived in the Philippines, befriending various datus and claiming the territory under the Viceroyalty of New Spain.

It has the narrowest street in the USA.

St. Augustine has a thoroughfare called Treasury Street. As the name implies, this street connected the Royal Spanish Treasury with the port. It's very narrow (around seven feet); two people may walk side-by-side to carry chests of gold from the port to the treasury, but a carriage pulled by horses couldn't fit it. This design was supposed to prevent thieves and pirates from robbing the Spanish government.

Seeing this street during the hop-on hop-off trolley tour reminded me of Hormiga Street in Binondo, Manila. As a child, I remarked to Daddy how narrow this street was (maybe the same width as Treasury Street). How could vehicles possibly pass through such a narrow eskenita? Daddy said this road used to be a busy thoroughfare for people on horseback and foot.

Juan Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth is found there.

The Fountain of Youth is a mythical spring whose water can restore the youth of a person who drinks it or bathes in the spring. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León supposedly searched for it in St. Augustine, according to historical text peppered with speculations from the authors. Archeological excavations found no evidence of restorative waters; these dig sites yielded artefacts from Christianised Timucua burials and the first European settlement. The location eventually became a tourist spot. However, we did not enter it because it was closed when our tour made a top there.

The only surviving Constitution Monument is standing there.

In 1812, the Spanish government drafted its first constitution. It decreed that all towns throughout the empire should have a monument commemorating the constitution and rename their main plazas La Plaza de la Constitución. However, the Spanish monarchy took over the government soon after and decreed that all these constitutional monuments be destroyed. This monument is claimed to be the last one standing because the officials in St. Augustine refused to tear it down.

I don't know if Manila had its own La Plaza de la Constitución. The Philippines was in the remotest part of the Spanish Empire, and I speculate that news from Spain had taken at least a year to reach the colony. The monarchy would have overtaken the government and repealed the constitution by then. Nevertheless, the Constitution of 1812 had a significant impact on the colony in the middle of nowhere because it said:

"... Citizens are all those Spaniards who, through both lines, trace their origin to the Spanish dominions of either of the two hemispheres, and are settled in any town of these Islands, whether Indian, or white, European or American, mestizo, or the children of both, who are natural, provided that they are legitimised in the sense of the Law..."

This constitution decreed that Filipinos were Spanish citizens, empowering them to challenge the rules made by the officials designed to keep the Indios under their control. I think this was the beginning of the end of Spanish rule in the Philippines because the Philippine Revolution occurred just a few decades later.

Three million light bulbs light up the city during the Christmas season.

If Deacon Dave's Casa del Pomba had over 900,000 lights, St. Augustine had over 3,000,000! The annual winter event began in the 1990s, tracing its roots to the Spanish Christmas tradition of lighting white candles and placing these by the window.

The buildings were bright and welcoming during our visit, making St. Augustine a lovely sight on a cold evening. We enjoyed seeing the buildings glowing against the indigo sky, particularly while on the other side of the Bridge of Lions (we went to Anastasia Island).

The photo taken while we were at a red light did not do justice to the beauty of St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights. However, it does show how bright the city was.