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Disappointed With the Philippine Stock Market (PSEi)
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) used to represent hope, growth, and long-term potential. Today, however, it feels stagnant—moving sideways with no real momentum. What disappoints me the most is how the index no longer behaves like a recovering market. Instead of bouncing back, it seems unable to rise at all.
Many investors—local and foreign—have already left, and with them went the
liquidity that once kept the market alive. There is no strong “main market” sentiment anymore. The energy that should be pushing the Philippines into post-pandemic recovery simply isn’t there. Other countries that suffered during the COVID-19 crash have already recovered or even reached new highs, but the Philippines remains a laggard.
My frustration isn’t with the crash itself; nearly every market fell in 2020. The real issue is why we haven’t climbed back up the way others did. A major reason is the absence of globally competitive industries. In previous administrations, sectors like BPO and outsourcing helped push the economy forward. These industries generated jobs, foreign exchange, and steady investor confidence. Today, we have no new “growth engine” of that scale. Manufacturing has not expanded meaningfully, agriculture remains weak, and innovation hasn’t caught up with our neighbors.
Economic policy also plays a big role. Investors want long-term stability, not short-term band-aids. Businesses need an environment where they feel encouraged to expand, invest, and compete globally. When policy direction feels uncertain or inconsistent, confidence disappears—and markets follow.
The PSEi’s weak movement is a symptom of deeper structural issues. For the index to recover, the Philippines needs strong industries, reliable policies, and a clear path forward. Until then, many investors will continue looking elsewhere, while we wait for the day the Philippine market finds its upward momentum again.
Corning Museum of Glass
Visiting the Corning Museum of Glass opened my eyes to how deeply glass is woven into human history, technology, and even nature itself. I used to see glass mainly as a material for windows, façades, or phone screens, but the museum showed me that its story is far older, far more complex, and far more influential than I expected.
One of the most fascinating things I learned is that glass existed long before humans learned how to make it. Nature produced its own glass through intense heat events—lightning striking sand, meteor impacts, and volcanic eruptions. These natural glasses, like obsidian, became some of the earliest tools humans ever used. From there, civilizations began experimenting with minerals, heat, and shaping techniques, slowly transitioning from opaque glass-like materials to translucent colors, and eventually to the clear glass we recognize today.
The museum also blends art, science, and engineering in a way that makes you appreciate glass on multiple levels. There are beautifully crafted artworks, ancient artifacts, and demonstrations that show how molten glass behaves and transforms. But what really stood out to me were the displays that connect glass to modern technology.
For example, Corning’s innovations in smartphone glass reveal how chemistry and engineering meet. Their chemically strengthened glass—unlike traditional tempered glass—can bend and flex without breaking. Seeing the science behind it helped me understand why certain types of glass are used for screens, while others are used for architecture.
The museum also highlights how glass shapes the future. Optical fibers, which enable our internet and global communication, are essentially strands of ultra-pure glass. The fact that something so delicate can transmit information across continents is incredible.
Engineering Concepts worth Exploring
Niche Engineering Concepts Worth Exploring: DOWSIL Sealants
Sealants are one of the most overlooked materials in construction. Nobody notices them when things go right, but when they fail, they fail badly—leaks, cracks, façade issues, even safety hazards. That’s why DOWSIL, Dow’s silicone sealant line, deserves attention.
It’s hard to ignore the brand’s reputation. DOWSIL has a strong R&D culture, with rigorous testing and consistent product performance. Their technologies appear in 70% of the world’s 20 tallest buildings, including Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower, One World Trade Center, and Taipei 101. That alone says something about reliability.
What sets DOWSIL apart is their understanding of movement capability. A sealant that is too stiff between glass and its channel can break under wind load, thermal expansion, or even minor ground movement. DOWSIL formulations are engineered to absorb these stresses, maintaining adhesion and flexibility over decades.
They also take material compatibility seriously.
For example:
- Acetic-cure silicone can corrode metals.
- Some sealants can stain natural stone, the same way glue bleeds into porous materials.
DOWSIL tests how their products age, fade, and react with different chemicals and substrates—something many brands don’t invest heavily in.
A Brand That Supports Engineering Reality
Beyond performance, DOWSIL is known for working with engineers to create project-specific solutions, especially for façade systems and structural glazing. When building movement, climate conditions, or substrate limitations demand precision, the brand is willing to tailor recommendations and provide documented testing.
Taking to the Skies
There are moments in life that don’t feel real until you’re already in them—moments where excitement, fear, and pure awe mix into something unforgettable. My first time flying and controlling an ultralight aircraft happened in Hualien, Taiwan, and to this day, it remains one of the most surreal things I’ve ever done.
I didn’t plan it. I was invited by a German friend of mine who had flown in Germany before moving to Taiwan. After continuing his flying studies there, he encouraged me to try it out. I knew Hualien had a reputation for being one of the few places in Taiwan with an active private aviation scene, but I didn’t realize just how alive the skies were—stunt planes, gliders, and ultralights regularly paint patterns in the air above its mountains and coastline. It’s a small paradise for hobby pilots.
The aircraft I flew wasn’t glamorous at all—small, cramped, and completely open. The bucket seat had no door, no luxury, nothing to protect you except a thin metal frame. If you reached your hand a little too far back, it could easily meet the spinning propeller, which was also completely exposed. It felt primitive—almost like riding a flying go-kart—but that was part of the thrill.
When the engine roared to life, I didn’t feel nervous at first, probably because of how many flight games I’ve played. But about one minute after takeoff, when the ground started to shrink beneath me and the wind hit my face, the reality caught up. There I was, suspended in the sky with nothing between me and the world except a seat, a belt, and a trust in physics.
And what a world it was.
From above, Hualien looked unbelievably vibrant—mountains layered in greens, a coastline carved by deep blue waves, valleys twisting into patterns, rivers like silver threads cutting across farmland. The air was unbelievably clear; I didn’t see a hint of pollution. Every color was more alive than anything I had seen from the ground.
Controlling the aircraft felt strangely natural—like all those hours of gaming actually contributed something useful. The ultralight responded instantly to every minor adjustment. I flew beside my friend, both of us in separate aircraft, cruising over landscapes that felt like a parade of nature’s best work.
There were a few funny fears mid-flight. With such an open seat, I kept imagining my phone or wallet slipping out of my pocket and disappearing into the fields below. One wrong move and it would've been “goodbye forever.” Thankfully, everything stayed where it should.
The flight lasted 45 minutes, though I only paid for a 30-minute session. The flight school gave me extra time in the air—an unexpected gift that made the experience even more worth it. If anyone ever wants to fly in Taiwan, I strongly recommend looking into Hualien.
When we finally landed, all I could think was: I want to do this again. There’s nothing quite like touching the clouds and seeing the world without walls or windows. It’s freedom—pure, unfiltered, unforgettable.
