(This is a write-up of mine which was published in the January 2014 issue of the Philippine Rotary magazine. Mr. Simon, despite of his accomplishments, is one humble and nice person. He really has lots of stories that's why I enjoyed interviewing him.)
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The Inventor
In 1973, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries
implemented and oil embargo that skyrocketed oil prices and disrupted oil
supply worldwide. That crisis became a defining moment in the life of
then-mechanical engineering student Juanito “John” Ayson Simon of Apalit town
in Pampanga.
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| Scientist Juanito Ayson Simon |
Experiencing the hardships then, Simon prayed to God to make
him an instrument in finding a solution to the crisis. Putting his faith in
action, he became more determined to finish his studies and, later, mastering
the science of metallurgy by working in various companies in the country and
abroad. Eventually, Simon landed a job in an international oil company in
Houston, Texas where he was able to master tribology and lubrication science.
Summoning all the knowledge he’s learned so far, Simon developed and perfected
a lubricant he named Per’tua Enduring and Metal Treatment. Per’tua has been
proven to prolong the chemical and physical stability of motor oil. It
significantly improves engine performance through its anti-oxidant properties
that reduce abrasion, heat, corrosion, oxidation, and sludge-formation in the
engine, leading to huge savings. Because of his remarkable U.S.-patented
invention, Simon received several honors including Most Outstanding Inventor
award from the Filipino Inventors Society as well as Most Outstanding Energy
Manager from the Department of Energy and the Energy Management Association of
the Philippines.
The 65-year-old scientist is as passionate with Rotary as he
is with his profession. He joined Rotary in 1982 and eventually served as
president of the Rotary Club of San Francisco del Monte in RY 2010-11. For his
exemplary performance and service, RI District 3780 named Simon and his club as
the Most Outstanding President and Most Outstanding Club respectively for
2010-11. Despite the accolades and recognition, Simon, a Paul Harris Fellow +3,
keeps his feet grounded. “Do something without expecting anything in return
from that person that you help because it is God who will reward you in the
end,” he said.
