Olah on rice technology development ⋆ Page 3 of 3 ⋆ TUDLA

Olah on rice technology development

The DST '77 Batch. From left: Olah, Joy Camero-Espanto, Dix Bravo, and Mario Granados.

Can you comment on the role, if any, of the UP Varrons on you as a scientist and as a person?
I was recruited to the Varrons by no less than my high school classmate, roommate and very good friend Malou Torrizo-Santos (Repertory ’76). I was with a group of four: Marideth “Dix” Bravo, Jocelyn “Joy” Camero-Espanto and Mario Granados. It was in the Summer of 1977 and we were called the DST batch for the Daylight Savings Time which was introduced that summer across the country to save on electricity. I was a bit “elitista” then because I used to be “Inglesera” – footprints of my status in high school. I remember that Pola and Tess always say something about how I dress and Len Amit always notice my lightly-made up eyes. I am still that way you know but I am wiser to use these to my own advantage….as a much-sought after lecturer on biotechnology.

When I joined the organization, I was drawn by the brother/sisterhood relationships among the members and the ideals of a humane life – which I very much adhere to because of my Christian upbringing. Everybody cares for each other and wants to help or be helped. I was feeling at home and very comfortable with everybody. Of course there were relationships that blossomed which we saw stood the test of time. I also had a short special relationship . . . I think some of you know that. I also had two crushes in the organization and my close friends know that. Anyway, I was usually the quiet, unassuming, cool, romantic lady who loves puppies, smiles and laughs a lot and sing, back when there was no karaoke yet, just a guitar for accompaniment.

I was always filled with awe, wonder and adoration to the vrods and sis who dominated the discussions during meetings because they have just the right answers to every problem, even small ones . . . like how much should the Tudla be – – he he. I definitely have an adoration for vrods Aris, Jun, Philip, Buboy, Tancho, Jesse and sis Mayen, Pola, Tess, Azun, and all the alumni during my time who have shown me how it is to be a Varron then and now – – vrod Edwin Javier, Manang Cion, Ma’am Nina Halos, Ma’am Virgie Baraquio, sis Lina, sis Tess Lantin, sis Lina Barrion, and vrod Edmund.

Being a Varron helped me be what I am today, a well-rounded person who knows my craft as a scientist, and who was nurtured to be a good leader by my idols and predecessors. I hope that I will not fall short of their expectations.

On the lighter side, I had some memorable and funny experiences too as a Varron. I don’t want to embarrass anybody, I just want to share with you some of my escapades.

It had been my habit to visit Gonzales apartment when I did not have so much things to do at school. One time I saw that the neighbor had a dog which had given birth to four puppies. Since I was staying in the women’s dorm with no pets and I miss my pets, I went to the puppies and started playing with them. The mother dog did not mind me at all. So each time I went to Gonzales apartment, I play with the puppies first before even saying hi to the people inside. At that time, one vrod was getting interested in me . . . you know, to date and etc . . . but I was more interested with the puppies than with him so he just backed out. He is now happily married and somewhere in another country. [Editorial note: a prize will be given to the first Varron who can send Tudla the correct name of this person. Please use the Contact Us form to submit your answer.]
During my time, I played a part in the Ubu play. I played the nun who was being ridiculed by Ubu and Kiko (I forgot his part). I was still a naïve girl that time and I did not know that what these guys were doing to me was suggestive of something sexy. I just realized that when I became more mature (in experience). I always feel so embarrassed when I remember that.
It was also when I was a Varron that I learned how to enjoy my college life, staying up all night in the February Fair, learning how to smoke, drink beer, stay up late nights after a date and climb the fences of the Women’s dorm. Really hilarious!!!

Olah and husband Nes at the graduation from UP Los Baños of their daughters Yvette Joy (right) and Dyan.

How do you bond with your two beautiful grown-up daughters? Do you see yourself in them (as in Olang Ola ang dating)? Of all the advice you gave to your daughters, what you do think na tatak sa isip nila nang husto to make them what they are today?
Our two lovely daughters Yvette Joy, 24, who is now a third year medical student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Vanessa Dyan, 22, BSc Biology graduate working with Dr. Parminder Virk on the Bill Gates-funded project on Golden Rice at IRRI. She is planning to pursue higher studies next year, hopefully.

Both girls entered UPLB as non-Biology students hoping to sway them away from being like mommy. Unluckily, while my husband and I were in Germany, both decided to shift to Biology. I think “it” is in their blood also. My younger daughter is my replica, she has my talent in singing and dancing, smart and intelligent to talk to. My elder daughter got my husbands’ looks and built, but sweet, intelligent and very caring like me. (Sorry Dad . . . it is me writing.)

Since they grew up in the US, they are not used to using the po and opo with us but with other persons they do. I still talk to them in English when we are cozy and when I am angry because they feel the sincerity when I use the language. We raised them to be independent but caring persons, strong but sensitive not to hurt people, and to be always for the service of the needy.

We are a church-going family and our strength and disposition is a product of a life-long relationship with God and His congregation in San Pablo City.

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