The Inventor

(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.

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.