Ask Theory

This episode of Ask Theory features Gracile Celine Roxas, a Licensed Chemist who works under the Conservation Division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. She combines her knowledge of chemistry and passion for art in her work, such as when she conducted a scientific analysis of pigments in 20th century paintings for some of Bohol’s historical churches.

We talked about applying the scientific method in conserving and restoring old works of art, why the Philippines needs more art conservators, the typical challenges of working in the field of art conservation and restoration, how chemistry knowledge can actually help artists improve their craft, why STEM should really be STEAM, and more.

This episode of Ask Theory features Engr. Gregorio Villar III, an Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) Systems Engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He was part of the team that worked on ensuring the successful landing of NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars.

We talked about what motivated him to pursue a career at NASA, his role in the Mars 2020 mission, the development of the Sky Crane system that helped Perseverance land safely on the Red Planet, why we spend time studying other planets instead of focusing on Earth, who would win in a fight between cavepeople and astronauts, and more.

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Ian Vega, a professor at the National Institute of Physics, program coordinator of the Theoretical Physics Group, and head of the Gravity Group at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Young Scientist award from the National Academy of Science and Technology for his work in theoretical physics.

We talked about some common misconceptions about black holes, an amusing cautionary tale about what can happen if you don’t consult with experts before making decisions, the growing community of bright young minds in the Pinoy physics scene, what the future of theoretical physics in the Philippines looks like, how we can improve science communication in the Philippines, and more.

Today's episode was made possible by Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc., a private, non-stock, non-profit organization and the corporate social responsibility arm of Mercury Drug Corporation.

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Ian Vega, a professor at the National Institute of Physics, program coordinator of the Theoretical Physics Group, and head of the Gravity Group at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Young Scientist award from the National Academy of Science and Technology for his work in theoretical physics.

We talked about the basics of black holes, the important things we can learn from studying black holes, addressing a toxic misconception about theoretical research, how cosmic mysteries can help us better understand our place in the universe, why communication is vital in every scientist’s life, and more.

Today's episode was made possible by Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc., a private, non-stock, non-profit organization and the corporate social responsibility arm of Mercury Drug Corporation.

This episode of Ask Theory features Rodion Herrera, an amateur astronomer and former planetarium lecturer, research assistant, and consultant for utilizing off-the-shelf flight simulations and weapon/defense systems simulations for civilian and military applications.

We talked about some tips and best practices for newbie astronomers, his personal experience in engaging with moon landing deniers, what would happen to the Philippines in the event of World War III, the three most terrifying letters in modern warfare, and more.

Today's episode was made possible by Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc., a private, non-stock, non-profit organization and the corporate social responsibility arm of Mercury Drug Corporation.

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, an astrophysicist, data scientist, educator, and strong advocate of using data in decision-making for matters of local and national significance.

We talked about career options for physicists in the Philippines, why data science matters in everyday life, the most fun thing about being a scientist, the many benefits of having a mentor, and more.

Today's episode was made possible by Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc., a private, non-stock, non-profit organization and the corporate social responsibility arm of Mercury Drug Corporation.

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Edrie Alcanzare, a frontliner. He is a public health physician and pathology resident trying to make sense of the health system and the many ways it can be improved.

In part 2 of our interview, we talked about whether Pinoys are truly “pasaway” when it comes to following COVID-19 guidelines, Dr. Alcanzare’s most unforgettable and horrifying (but hilarious) frontliner story, how dengue in the Philippines transformed from a seasonal concern into a year-round problem, and the long and difficult path towards reforming the Philippine public healthcare system.

This special episode was made possible by the Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc., a private, non-stock, non-profit organization and the corporate social responsibility arm of Mercury Drug Corporation.

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Edrie Alcanzare, a frontliner. He is a public health physician and pathology resident trying to make sense of the health system and the many ways it can be improved. 

In part 1 of our interview, we talked about how both science fiction and reality can become the gateway to the medical path, a pandemic that hit the Philippines over 100 years ago, why history, arts, and social sciences should help form the foundation of any STEM career, the most terrifying thing about COVID-19 that not a lot of people realize, and whether anyone can truly “win” against COVID-19.

This special episode was made possible by the Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc., a private, non-stock, non-profit organization and the corporate social responsibility arm of Mercury Drug Corporation.

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Aimee Lynn Barrion-Dupo, an entomologist and araneologist. She is a biology professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, where she also holds the position of Faculty Regent.

We talked about what the world would look like if there were no spiders, why many people are afraid of or even disgusted by insects, some amazing facts about our arachnid friends, having more women in the different fields of science, and the great power and great responsibility of every scientist.

This episode of Ask Theory features Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, the Chair of the Department of Aerospace Engineering of Ateneo de Davao University. He is the former Program Leader of the National SPACE Development Program, and the driving force behind the creation of the Philippine Space Agency and Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy. 

We talked about what an astrophysicist does, the oft-neglected ways that space science enhances our daily lives, why the Philippine Space Act and Philippine Space Agency represent a giant leap for the Philippines, and why we still don't have a Pinoy astronaut.