No, it’s not about the senatoriable. To keep my sanity, I promised to avoid making political asides. And so no, it is not about the senatoriable.

I joined the Young Earth Scientists Society, an organization of Mining and Geology students, for their FutureThink series in Davao and Cebu. FT, as we call it, is a two-fold activity which features discussions on geology and mining in the country and an exhibit of miniature models of geologic structures, rocks and minerals found in the Philippines.

The first time I viewed the rock displays, I was fascinated by them. Living in Baguio, I am not new to seeing several of these but have not given so much thought as to how they were formed. Listening to Ralph Abainza and Pedro Valencia, officers of YESS, talking about the rocks, I was struck with a sense of wonder. We all learn something new everyday.

I have spent much time with these remarkable young men but it hasn’t crossed my mind to ask them why they took up Geology and Mining Engineering. Rocks and minerals, while playing a vital role in the evolution and progress of man, are hardly the objects I would want to be facing on an everyday basis. Then again that’s just me.

But listen to them educate non-Science students on the virtues of these rocks and you can’t help but admire how animated they are. Like rocks and minerals are the center of their world. Physically (geologically?), that’s true, I guess.

Mining and geology have always been cast in a bad light – destructive, boring – that one would think students choosing their life path would veer away from these courses. But no. There remain a lot of them wanting to “rock the world”, paving the way for responsible methods of harnessing Mother Nature’s mineral resources.

We should be thankful that despite this bad rep of mining and geol in the country, there are those whose hearts haven’t been hardened by the constant baseless criticisms. Mabuhay ang YESS.

On another note, my cousin was lamenting how she experienced the worst traffic in Manila during Valentine’s Day. On her way to her job in a call center, she was stuck in heavy traffic for more than hour.

Yes, that’s Valentine’s Day for us. Or for you who celebrate this day of love. A close friend puts it this way: I just don’t see why people choose to buy flowers for their loved ones on the day flowers are most expensive and treat their loved ones to dine when most of the restaurants are full and traffic at a standstill.

Bitter? Pusong bato? I don’t think so. They say to follow your heart. Although it doesn’t hurt to take your brain along with you.