Fieldtrip Overview
So... first thing’s first… I was really wondering about this for so long ever since I was young… but on the first day of our field trip, I had learned… what is inside the Davao International Airport! Yeah. I always wanted to see what is inside that building with big dogs and really big birds. So there, I have found out that the airport is as classy as a mall. It might be an epic fail if they just make us walk on the stairs, I guess so. Hey? What was I thinking? Why haven’t I thought of that? I have seen many shows with airports as one of their settings. I should have realized that it would have looked the same. Geeh… Also, I was able to experience the processes before you can ride a plane excluding the part where I buy the ticket. While waiting for our rocket to come, or should I say, plane, I have seen an airplane landing which coincidently identified by the person talking in the speakers as our plane to be riding in with. Wait? I didn’t really think that planes immediately get another flight right after landing. I was thinking that the planes would first have maintenance before they flew. These birds are working hard. We were just watching the plane being refueled and discharging its loads, whatever that process is called. While at it, many of us were also taking pictures with the plane as a background. The talking wall, I mean, the person talking in the speakers gave us the signal that we are ready to board. I stopped for a while when I was at the side of the plane. The heat of the jet engine looks fun. I was wondering how hot it was. Inside the plane, I have finally got what our facilitator was talking about, the smoking thing. The smokes really looked fun, it was really foggy. I looked for my seat which was fortunately a one besides a window where I expected I could watch a nice view. As a preparation, the flight attendants showed us the basic things to know about having a flight. I didn’t know flight attendants are like machines, they moved synchronously; and not to mention, funny. The plane set on position and we took of. We were really funny because we were so ignorant about it. So there I have finally experienced what it was like in the sky. Buildings were really small and it was like riding one of the rides at an amusement park. You know, you get to sit diagonally for a while; good thing you can’t feel that you were. Seeing the clouds below the plane feels like the sky was turned up-side-down. The ships below also looks like a tiny ant. There were also rainbows that don’t look like a bow; it looks like a circle instead. I also get to see how Metro Manila looks like from above. You can actually see smog mid-air. Their clouds up there do really look unhealthy. When we were landing, I was fascinated with the really big planes and there are really many of them. The one we rode is really small compared to those big ones. I guess those planes are Boeing 747. I really like looking at airplanes even if it is just a passenger type. The NinoyAquinoInternationalAirport is really big; ours here in Davao seems like a fifth of it. The service in NAIA is also far from ours; they got buses. The buses are not that cool, though.
After our arrival, we got in the bus of the Maynilad Tours. So… that’s how it feels to be in a tour bus, eh? So we got on the road and found out that we were still in the airport’s vicinity. Geeh… that airport is really big.
Other details like the daily reviews will just be posted in their respective places.
When we flew to Davao, It had more turbulence than before. Maybe because it was night time and the air is thicker because it’s colder… I don’t know. But the night lights look cool from above. And also, it was really hard to determine the position of the plane at night. We were looking below not knowing the plane has tilted thus, we should have been looking above.
Well… it really felt relieved that we arrived at Davao safely.
Lastly, I would like to thank God for the opportunity and those who helped me in this trip like my parents and eldest brother.
After our arrival, we got in the bus of the Maynilad Tours. So… that’s how it feels to be in a tour bus, eh? So we got on the road and found out that we were still in the airport’s vicinity. Geeh… that airport is really big.
Other details like the daily reviews will just be posted in their respective places.
When we flew to Davao, It had more turbulence than before. Maybe because it was night time and the air is thicker because it’s colder… I don’t know. But the night lights look cool from above. And also, it was really hard to determine the position of the plane at night. We were looking below not knowing the plane has tilted thus, we should have been looking above.
Well… it really felt relieved that we arrived at Davao safely.
Lastly, I would like to thank God for the opportunity and those who helped me in this trip like my parents and eldest brother.
Day 1
Today, I went on a company visit to:
What I learned?
So, we went to SSS first. I was already expecting that their place would be nice so when I entered the hall, I didn’t react or something about the place. But of course, I commend their presentation hall or whatever they call it. The program proper started. I forgot the speakers’ names but mostly their names begin with “Miss”. What’s wrong with the women in SSS??? They mentioned the benefits of being a SSS member. The benefits are actually good. I didn’t thought that one finger of ours can produce us a reasonable amount of money. But who’s stupid enough to do that? It’s not like liver or blood that would regenerate. They also made me recall the differences between SSS and GSIS. You know, SSS is for those who work in private companies and GSIS is for the government companies’ employees. SSS also has smaller monthly shares; I forgot what they call it, the monthly payment stuff. Even with smaller payments, the benefits are still better than that to GSIS. I wonder how they do it. So anyways, they gave us a book that shows their benefits.
Moving on to their IT department where a man, I also forgot his name but I hope his married unlike those three women, I have found out that SSS is quite old. Of course they are but what I am trying to say is that they used to use computer long time before. They even got in to the age of main frames. It is somehow good to hear that SSS is really interested with information technology, if I’m not mistaken, they might be one of the earliest companies who actually used information technology for their business. Well, of course, database technology still hasn’t existed at that moment or maybe they got their own style of database. Their application of information technology evolved many times. They have used the local area connectivity and later the wide area network connectivity where they used Oracle as their database. Oracle really is useful when it comes to massive users’ accesses in the database but I still prefer using MySQL because it is free. It is true that Oracle is much better in MySQL when it comes to massive users’ accessing but as what I have seen in Facebook, they are still using MySQL, the fact that they got the largest amount of users online, but still their site runs smoothly due to a framework they are using. Facebook really impressed me with the structure of their site. Well, I don’t think SSS would want to use MySQL, though. They wouldn’t try to develop their own database framework for now because they are not in that field to begin with and they seem to b happy wasting their money with Oracle. SSS also uses a backup server / database that resides far from their office. A backup database is not new to my ears so it didn’t surprise me. For now, as what I have understood, their main and backup servers and databases are working almost simultaneously; the backup backs up records every 15 minutes if I remembered it right. Their system records information for their social security IDs’ functions. I guess their information system is just like that.
After the lecture, we got a tour inside their building. In our group, we first went to the place where they create their IDs. There are I think three steps on making them. They first showed us their anti-multiple SSS accounts system, I call it that way. Fingerprints are their basis for it and they used an old man’s account for an example, poor old man. Next was the part where they make the base of the IDs. It looks new to me but it wasn’t that impressive. They are still using a console type menu for the controls, old school. “It’s from US”, one old man bragged. They said it was convenient for them but I couldn’t understand why. I guess they need to know our friend, GUI (graphical user interface); that’s what I call convenient. They still seem to be happy with it, though. On the next room, they showed us their packing machine or whatever it is called. There were two machines, an old ruined one and a new one. The old one really looked messed up because it wasn’t cleaned for ages. The room wasn’t used for a while so that’s normal. The government is up to using a unified ID system that’s why the room wasn’t used for the moment. The old machine said to be able to pack more than ten thousand a day while the newer one can pack up to two thousand five hundred if I’m not mistaken. I asked how much those machines cost but they didn’t know because it was confidential. Government really likes to make things confidential, eh?
After visiting the part where they used to create their IDs, we moved on to their museum… what the?! They got their own museum?! Well, our facilitator said it was normal for a government department’s main offices to have their own museum. Their museum just got inaugurated on August 1 or September 1, this year so things are still quite shiny. They showed us their history. I have found out that Gibo Teodoro’s father played an important role at the early moments of SSS. Of course, there are a lot of old stuffs in the museum that is far older than me.
The next part of SSS we went to is the place where they transact things. The place is quite wide than what I usually see here in Davao. They got people there that have laptops; I forgot what they are for. There were telephones that they said has automatic response system like what I saw in movies like “Don’t Mess with the Zohan”. That is the end part of our visit at SSS.
After having lunch, we went to FirstAcademy. I don’t have any idea what they do there and so I just get on with it. The place was small and I certainly got ideas on what they do while walking in their hallway. They make graphical stuff and some things that are related. I like doing 3D stuff but I wasn’t excited about what we will be tackling. I am sure they will be using Maya or 3DS Max in their school which I don’t have interest of using. I just use open-source software for this matter, Blender. The speaker was talking about what they produce in their school. They also showed us one of their productions. And lastly, they showed us how to make one using, I guess that was Maya. I wasn’t really listening much about everything because I already decided to use Blender and they only show basic stuffs. I really wanted to sleep that time.
What I liked?
The very thing I like that day was that I was able to ride an airplane. I play airplane simulation games because I like flying things. Looking at the things below was fun even though I’m afraid with heights. I just put the idea in my head that if our plane goes down we just simply die quickly, I can deal with that…
I also like how the travel agency accommodated us. They told us trivia about Metro Manila. The one that was assigned to our bus also gave us a challenge that if someone would be able to answer his question will win a thousand pesos. If I wasn’t evil enough, I would use the power of Google in my phone. But of course, I shouldn’t do that. No one was able to answer his question about EDSA. They have also selected a buffet restaurant for our lunch. Some of us didn’t appreciate much of that, though. But I guess it is just because we weren’t used to those kinds of food. It was also funny that they were most of the time mistaken to be our faculty members.
Next thing I like was that SSS gave us free snacks and those weren’t simple snacks, they got names on it. They were so hospitable. Even though I wasn’t surprised with the venue, the place was really nice. The chairs are also comfortable to sit upon. Their venue was really built for it.
I also liked visiting Mall of Asia. The place was HUGE! I had finally able to see things we should found at malls, whatever those things are. I like their hypermarket. There are really many things to choose from but I didn’t buy many things there.
The dinner was also great. I was able to eat a lot of shrimps, too many, though. I still haven’t able to dissolve my lunch making me unable to eat so much that evening.
What I didn’t like?
One thing I didn’t like, although it is not part of the program or something was that the venue at SSS was really damn cold. I mean, what’s with there air condition?! We were shivering because of it! Another thing was one of their higher ups was a bit harsh to some of their employees. I feel sad about that girl, who also happens to be not married. Pfft! SSS really seems to be fond of employing women with bad luck in marriage. I really think it’s hilarious.
At FirstAcademy, I personally don’t like the place. It’s just because I’m an open-source software supporter. Their school is doing well. Another thing was that demonstrating how to make an image, even if it was 3D, was sorta’ boring. I don’t know for the others, though.
I also didn’t like our room. It was small compared to the other rooms and the shower’s heater doesn’t work at all. Their water was also said to be not potable. What on earth?! Good thing they provide us with cable channels.
- Social Security System at East Avenue, Quezon City (for the morning)
- FirstAcademy of Computer Arts, MakatiCity
What I learned?
So, we went to SSS first. I was already expecting that their place would be nice so when I entered the hall, I didn’t react or something about the place. But of course, I commend their presentation hall or whatever they call it. The program proper started. I forgot the speakers’ names but mostly their names begin with “Miss”. What’s wrong with the women in SSS??? They mentioned the benefits of being a SSS member. The benefits are actually good. I didn’t thought that one finger of ours can produce us a reasonable amount of money. But who’s stupid enough to do that? It’s not like liver or blood that would regenerate. They also made me recall the differences between SSS and GSIS. You know, SSS is for those who work in private companies and GSIS is for the government companies’ employees. SSS also has smaller monthly shares; I forgot what they call it, the monthly payment stuff. Even with smaller payments, the benefits are still better than that to GSIS. I wonder how they do it. So anyways, they gave us a book that shows their benefits.
Moving on to their IT department where a man, I also forgot his name but I hope his married unlike those three women, I have found out that SSS is quite old. Of course they are but what I am trying to say is that they used to use computer long time before. They even got in to the age of main frames. It is somehow good to hear that SSS is really interested with information technology, if I’m not mistaken, they might be one of the earliest companies who actually used information technology for their business. Well, of course, database technology still hasn’t existed at that moment or maybe they got their own style of database. Their application of information technology evolved many times. They have used the local area connectivity and later the wide area network connectivity where they used Oracle as their database. Oracle really is useful when it comes to massive users’ accesses in the database but I still prefer using MySQL because it is free. It is true that Oracle is much better in MySQL when it comes to massive users’ accessing but as what I have seen in Facebook, they are still using MySQL, the fact that they got the largest amount of users online, but still their site runs smoothly due to a framework they are using. Facebook really impressed me with the structure of their site. Well, I don’t think SSS would want to use MySQL, though. They wouldn’t try to develop their own database framework for now because they are not in that field to begin with and they seem to b happy wasting their money with Oracle. SSS also uses a backup server / database that resides far from their office. A backup database is not new to my ears so it didn’t surprise me. For now, as what I have understood, their main and backup servers and databases are working almost simultaneously; the backup backs up records every 15 minutes if I remembered it right. Their system records information for their social security IDs’ functions. I guess their information system is just like that.
After the lecture, we got a tour inside their building. In our group, we first went to the place where they create their IDs. There are I think three steps on making them. They first showed us their anti-multiple SSS accounts system, I call it that way. Fingerprints are their basis for it and they used an old man’s account for an example, poor old man. Next was the part where they make the base of the IDs. It looks new to me but it wasn’t that impressive. They are still using a console type menu for the controls, old school. “It’s from US”, one old man bragged. They said it was convenient for them but I couldn’t understand why. I guess they need to know our friend, GUI (graphical user interface); that’s what I call convenient. They still seem to be happy with it, though. On the next room, they showed us their packing machine or whatever it is called. There were two machines, an old ruined one and a new one. The old one really looked messed up because it wasn’t cleaned for ages. The room wasn’t used for a while so that’s normal. The government is up to using a unified ID system that’s why the room wasn’t used for the moment. The old machine said to be able to pack more than ten thousand a day while the newer one can pack up to two thousand five hundred if I’m not mistaken. I asked how much those machines cost but they didn’t know because it was confidential. Government really likes to make things confidential, eh?
After visiting the part where they used to create their IDs, we moved on to their museum… what the?! They got their own museum?! Well, our facilitator said it was normal for a government department’s main offices to have their own museum. Their museum just got inaugurated on August 1 or September 1, this year so things are still quite shiny. They showed us their history. I have found out that Gibo Teodoro’s father played an important role at the early moments of SSS. Of course, there are a lot of old stuffs in the museum that is far older than me.
The next part of SSS we went to is the place where they transact things. The place is quite wide than what I usually see here in Davao. They got people there that have laptops; I forgot what they are for. There were telephones that they said has automatic response system like what I saw in movies like “Don’t Mess with the Zohan”. That is the end part of our visit at SSS.
After having lunch, we went to FirstAcademy. I don’t have any idea what they do there and so I just get on with it. The place was small and I certainly got ideas on what they do while walking in their hallway. They make graphical stuff and some things that are related. I like doing 3D stuff but I wasn’t excited about what we will be tackling. I am sure they will be using Maya or 3DS Max in their school which I don’t have interest of using. I just use open-source software for this matter, Blender. The speaker was talking about what they produce in their school. They also showed us one of their productions. And lastly, they showed us how to make one using, I guess that was Maya. I wasn’t really listening much about everything because I already decided to use Blender and they only show basic stuffs. I really wanted to sleep that time.
What I liked?
The very thing I like that day was that I was able to ride an airplane. I play airplane simulation games because I like flying things. Looking at the things below was fun even though I’m afraid with heights. I just put the idea in my head that if our plane goes down we just simply die quickly, I can deal with that…
I also like how the travel agency accommodated us. They told us trivia about Metro Manila. The one that was assigned to our bus also gave us a challenge that if someone would be able to answer his question will win a thousand pesos. If I wasn’t evil enough, I would use the power of Google in my phone. But of course, I shouldn’t do that. No one was able to answer his question about EDSA. They have also selected a buffet restaurant for our lunch. Some of us didn’t appreciate much of that, though. But I guess it is just because we weren’t used to those kinds of food. It was also funny that they were most of the time mistaken to be our faculty members.
Next thing I like was that SSS gave us free snacks and those weren’t simple snacks, they got names on it. They were so hospitable. Even though I wasn’t surprised with the venue, the place was really nice. The chairs are also comfortable to sit upon. Their venue was really built for it.
I also liked visiting Mall of Asia. The place was HUGE! I had finally able to see things we should found at malls, whatever those things are. I like their hypermarket. There are really many things to choose from but I didn’t buy many things there.
The dinner was also great. I was able to eat a lot of shrimps, too many, though. I still haven’t able to dissolve my lunch making me unable to eat so much that evening.
What I didn’t like?
One thing I didn’t like, although it is not part of the program or something was that the venue at SSS was really damn cold. I mean, what’s with there air condition?! We were shivering because of it! Another thing was one of their higher ups was a bit harsh to some of their employees. I feel sad about that girl, who also happens to be not married. Pfft! SSS really seems to be fond of employing women with bad luck in marriage. I really think it’s hilarious.
At FirstAcademy, I personally don’t like the place. It’s just because I’m an open-source software supporter. Their school is doing well. Another thing was that demonstrating how to make an image, even if it was 3D, was sorta’ boring. I don’t know for the others, though.
I also didn’t like our room. It was small compared to the other rooms and the shower’s heater doesn’t work at all. Their water was also said to be not potable. What on earth?! Good thing they provide us with cable channels.
Day 2
Today, I went on a company visit to:
What I learned?
So, at UP Diliman, we had a seminar like what they did on Y4IT. But before that, I’ve discovered that there are lots of people from the south. Thank God, they could talk Cebuano language. Now back with the program proper.
The first speaker was Rose Ann Sale. Yeah. I finally got a list of their names. She made educational software for children so they would be able to enhance their vocabulary and spelling skills. She and her partner used the Wii remote as their main medium. They also used Sun SPOT. So they made this software which is actually a video game that will not only help children learn their English but also makes them enjoy doing it. Who’s the kid who won’t enjoy playing it? I forgot to mention, the game they made was “KineSpell2”, “2” because there was already an existing game with the same objectives as theirs which was named “KineSpell”. The main point of her speech was actually on how to make an award-winning thesis. I would agree that she did an award-winning thesis. She talked about on what to do in making a thesis. Those things were also something I would consider in making a thesis. I mean, I have already thought of those things.
Next thing they taught us, with Mr. John Boaz Lee as the speaker, was all about graphs; actually Wikipedia was also a part of it but mainly, I can see graphs. Oh. The speaker was a Cebuano, too bad he was talking in English because he’s good with it. The speaker was trying to teach us how to manage data and also how to manage them. He made an example from a show called “Ted”. I’ve seen one of their episodes and it was cool. He showed us a graph of data. The graph was easy to read, there were large amount of money and a smaller amount of money which was actually meant for something inversely different from the source. I couldn’t explain it clearly but let me use the OPEC example. OPEC is something that made our planet very polluting but they only spend a very little amount of money fighting it compared to how much they earn. So he then proceeds to Wikipedia’s garbage or inconsistencies with data. It’s not Wikipedia’s fault, though. It was because of crazy people out there who wants to ruin the data or simply called vandalizing. He also answered one of our faculties question about how to handle many classifications of data. The answer was that to remove unnecessary data and limit it to two or three types. It did make much sense.
The next speaker was Michelle Lee Moscatel who taught us about her personal learning environment project. The main idea was to make a portfolio of your work in the net and share it to others. It was to help the other students who might make a project of the same field of one of your entries in your portfolio. I guess we can put a study about economy and an upcoming system to be made that is also about economy. I guess her project was all about it.
The next topic was about animation by Len de Gracia. She said that good grades don’t matter when it comes to information technology. I got no arguments with that. She was just talking about what she does for a living and stuff like that. She’s a weird woman. She also insulted Blender. I’ll talk about that later. She can’t also show us how she does things… epic fail for her.
Next was the one I hate the most, Carlos Bott. I don’t know why his topic was said to be “Mobile Device Game Development” because he wasn’t really talking more about it. It was for general gaming devices. So he talked about the game engines to use and where it could be used. He also showed one of the games he made. He also announced that they will win in a contest again next time. Nah…. He’s an old man. Talking about experiences, the old man got plenty of it. He will of course be part of the “What I didn’t like” portion of this paper.
The last speaker was Dr. Ferdinand B. Pitagan who talks about “Empowering the Nation through Educational Technology”. Honestly, I wasn’t listening much on what he was saying. He’s just against Len’s principle of “grades don’t matter”. Nothing much is with him really, although his topic is somehow important.
We went to SeaChange after lunch. Their conference hall looks like a fast food chain. They told us what they do in their company since none of us seems to know. So, SeaChange does something called “videos on demand”. They are like cable TV in the net. They are actually doing fun things. Later on, they showed us how they deliver their services to their customers. The strange thing I have noticed was that their customers weren’t mainly here in the Philippines. Internet technology is really cool.
Next place we went to was IBMInnovationCenter. From what I have understood on what they do is like what our professor was talking about in our Technopreneurship class. They incubate cool business ideas for free. Sounds fun, really. Their building was really open for these kinds of matter. The speaker of IBM also clarified us that they don’t do hardware productions anymore; they focused on making software now. If I get it right, they are now like an outsourcing company for software solutions and the like. They showed us their server computers and its components and they also said that they have their own server technology. I forgot what that was called and more details about it because I was sleepy that time but it was impressive.
We went back to UP Diliman to visit their laboratories. Our laboratories here are far too weak compared to them. They use Mac computers. But of course, we shouldn’t be upset because in the end, it is our skills that would really matter. Well, they got a laboratory for security. We were like sardines in a can in the lab so I wasn’t able to see one of their demonstrations. Another lab we visited was the one with computer games and game consoles. I wish I got some of those. The same as the previous room, we’re still like sardines and I wasn’t able to see the demonstration but it was more likely to about MMDA thing. We went to their lab about artificial intelligence. One of their finished projects was the news search engine. It was intriguing but I just kept my mouth shut. They were working with the reading the hand gestures thing. They could translate a hand gesture from a video, quite handy. I remembered we visited a lab for analyzing algorithms. I don’t need to explain more about it. There was also a laboratory for graphs where they asked for durian candies… I mean, they showed us a graph about red tides. I even asked if they were the ones who get those data and the guy said it was from a biology course. Woah… It’s nice to hear that students from other courses are working with them. Well… I don’t think we would have something like that in the mean time. I can’t remember what the remaining one laboratory was for.
I have also remembered the essay checker thesis of someone I can’t remember who. What the heck?! How was that possible?! Grammar checker exists but checking the essay’s content??? That’s weird…
What I liked?
Our breakfast venue was small but they cook good food.
I like it when we were cruising inside UP. The place was really big. I was fascinated looking at the place. I also liked the venue for the seminar. It’s just the same with SSS’. The first three speakers were talking interesting things plus they seem to be humble unlike the later ones. The bags they gave us were also cool. I also defined UP as University of Pornography that time because they got a lot of naked statues. Why are they fond of making those?
SeaChange was also cool. It was just sad that I was sleepy that time… My mates said they saw two computers with only one pair mouse and keyboard. It wasn’t really new to my ears for some reasons, though. They also didn’t mind us going inside near their servers. What the??
IBMInnovationCenter’s took good care of us. They are also ready to answer our questions anytime. Even the server guy was ready to entertain questions while presenting us their server system. They’re entertainers!
UP’s laboratories were also cool. I wish we could have some of those some other time.
We had another buffet for dinner. I ate many sushis there. I’m not sure of the restaurant’s name but I guess it was Tramway Restaurant. We also went to Trinoma mall after but it felt like we didn’t because the mall is ready to close.
We also went to Big Brothers House... Just sharing...
What I didn’t like?
I didn’t like our early run. We got to wake up before 5:00AM in the morning… the fact that we just had a little duration of sleep. A day before that, the only time I was asleep was during the night because the time I woke up last October 3 was 11:00PM. How’d you like that?
When our seminar started, there was something missing when they opened it. One of my classmates even said, “Wala ni kaila’g ampo ning mga taohana ni?” That’s right. We didn’t have an opening prayer of some sort. What’s with these guys?
I also hate that girl who made the Y4IT gesture thingy. I really hate those kinds of things!
Len de Gracia said we shouldn’t use Blender because it is not acceptable to the market. This girl doesn’t seem to know Spiderman. I know she’s better than me but she should have at least known that Blender is being used for making game models. Well… it is true that Blender’s animation capability for games is still not supported for game consoles but at least we can make games in PC. Geez… Besides, I don’t care anything about her “market”. I didn’t enroll to IT for money. She’s just more on bragging to us that she got a job than having a seminar. Also, her topic was animation but there weren’t any animation demonstrated. “Nagtopic pa siya’g animation?”
So, next is the old Apple guy… “Don’t use proprietary software if you didn’t pay for it.” He also discouraged us to use open-source or free software. What the hell? Why do you have a uTorrent in your applications?! And another thing was, uTorrent is for free. What on earth is his problem with open-source? The guy even uses NetBeans which is nevertheless, an open-source software. He didn’t even considered economy for this matter. He said we should try to learn how to use Maya. Maya costs more than my father’s monthly salary. How could he expect we could use it? This guy should be informed that IT is not just for rich people. I will continue on and will always be using Blender for my 3D hobbies because I believe that this 32mb-3D development application would beat those gigabit ones. 32mb but Blender is already cool. Give it hundred more and it will be great. How much if it was a gigabyte or so? It would be undefeatable! Never underestimate the abilities of weak people. Another thing is… for now, I sure will not beat that old guy… but time will come, I will beat him the open-source way. So I hope that old guy wouldn’t die early. I know these two guys were just trying to prevent us from using open-source software the fact that they are involved in producing proprietary ones.
There was also a minor blackout that time.
The lunch was also disturbing. I almost haven’t able to eat mine and I guess few of us haven’t been able to have one. That is a common mistake, though. I will just let them pass.
So, moving on… the next part I didn’t like was we haven’t been able to do “malling” at Trinoma. I really wanted to buy supplies that time and also burgers.
- University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
- UP Technohub: SeaChange
- UP Technohub: IBMInnovationCenter
What I learned?
So, at UP Diliman, we had a seminar like what they did on Y4IT. But before that, I’ve discovered that there are lots of people from the south. Thank God, they could talk Cebuano language. Now back with the program proper.
The first speaker was Rose Ann Sale. Yeah. I finally got a list of their names. She made educational software for children so they would be able to enhance their vocabulary and spelling skills. She and her partner used the Wii remote as their main medium. They also used Sun SPOT. So they made this software which is actually a video game that will not only help children learn their English but also makes them enjoy doing it. Who’s the kid who won’t enjoy playing it? I forgot to mention, the game they made was “KineSpell2”, “2” because there was already an existing game with the same objectives as theirs which was named “KineSpell”. The main point of her speech was actually on how to make an award-winning thesis. I would agree that she did an award-winning thesis. She talked about on what to do in making a thesis. Those things were also something I would consider in making a thesis. I mean, I have already thought of those things.
Next thing they taught us, with Mr. John Boaz Lee as the speaker, was all about graphs; actually Wikipedia was also a part of it but mainly, I can see graphs. Oh. The speaker was a Cebuano, too bad he was talking in English because he’s good with it. The speaker was trying to teach us how to manage data and also how to manage them. He made an example from a show called “Ted”. I’ve seen one of their episodes and it was cool. He showed us a graph of data. The graph was easy to read, there were large amount of money and a smaller amount of money which was actually meant for something inversely different from the source. I couldn’t explain it clearly but let me use the OPEC example. OPEC is something that made our planet very polluting but they only spend a very little amount of money fighting it compared to how much they earn. So he then proceeds to Wikipedia’s garbage or inconsistencies with data. It’s not Wikipedia’s fault, though. It was because of crazy people out there who wants to ruin the data or simply called vandalizing. He also answered one of our faculties question about how to handle many classifications of data. The answer was that to remove unnecessary data and limit it to two or three types. It did make much sense.
The next speaker was Michelle Lee Moscatel who taught us about her personal learning environment project. The main idea was to make a portfolio of your work in the net and share it to others. It was to help the other students who might make a project of the same field of one of your entries in your portfolio. I guess we can put a study about economy and an upcoming system to be made that is also about economy. I guess her project was all about it.
The next topic was about animation by Len de Gracia. She said that good grades don’t matter when it comes to information technology. I got no arguments with that. She was just talking about what she does for a living and stuff like that. She’s a weird woman. She also insulted Blender. I’ll talk about that later. She can’t also show us how she does things… epic fail for her.
Next was the one I hate the most, Carlos Bott. I don’t know why his topic was said to be “Mobile Device Game Development” because he wasn’t really talking more about it. It was for general gaming devices. So he talked about the game engines to use and where it could be used. He also showed one of the games he made. He also announced that they will win in a contest again next time. Nah…. He’s an old man. Talking about experiences, the old man got plenty of it. He will of course be part of the “What I didn’t like” portion of this paper.
The last speaker was Dr. Ferdinand B. Pitagan who talks about “Empowering the Nation through Educational Technology”. Honestly, I wasn’t listening much on what he was saying. He’s just against Len’s principle of “grades don’t matter”. Nothing much is with him really, although his topic is somehow important.
We went to SeaChange after lunch. Their conference hall looks like a fast food chain. They told us what they do in their company since none of us seems to know. So, SeaChange does something called “videos on demand”. They are like cable TV in the net. They are actually doing fun things. Later on, they showed us how they deliver their services to their customers. The strange thing I have noticed was that their customers weren’t mainly here in the Philippines. Internet technology is really cool.
Next place we went to was IBMInnovationCenter. From what I have understood on what they do is like what our professor was talking about in our Technopreneurship class. They incubate cool business ideas for free. Sounds fun, really. Their building was really open for these kinds of matter. The speaker of IBM also clarified us that they don’t do hardware productions anymore; they focused on making software now. If I get it right, they are now like an outsourcing company for software solutions and the like. They showed us their server computers and its components and they also said that they have their own server technology. I forgot what that was called and more details about it because I was sleepy that time but it was impressive.
We went back to UP Diliman to visit their laboratories. Our laboratories here are far too weak compared to them. They use Mac computers. But of course, we shouldn’t be upset because in the end, it is our skills that would really matter. Well, they got a laboratory for security. We were like sardines in a can in the lab so I wasn’t able to see one of their demonstrations. Another lab we visited was the one with computer games and game consoles. I wish I got some of those. The same as the previous room, we’re still like sardines and I wasn’t able to see the demonstration but it was more likely to about MMDA thing. We went to their lab about artificial intelligence. One of their finished projects was the news search engine. It was intriguing but I just kept my mouth shut. They were working with the reading the hand gestures thing. They could translate a hand gesture from a video, quite handy. I remembered we visited a lab for analyzing algorithms. I don’t need to explain more about it. There was also a laboratory for graphs where they asked for durian candies… I mean, they showed us a graph about red tides. I even asked if they were the ones who get those data and the guy said it was from a biology course. Woah… It’s nice to hear that students from other courses are working with them. Well… I don’t think we would have something like that in the mean time. I can’t remember what the remaining one laboratory was for.
I have also remembered the essay checker thesis of someone I can’t remember who. What the heck?! How was that possible?! Grammar checker exists but checking the essay’s content??? That’s weird…
What I liked?
Our breakfast venue was small but they cook good food.
I like it when we were cruising inside UP. The place was really big. I was fascinated looking at the place. I also liked the venue for the seminar. It’s just the same with SSS’. The first three speakers were talking interesting things plus they seem to be humble unlike the later ones. The bags they gave us were also cool. I also defined UP as University of Pornography that time because they got a lot of naked statues. Why are they fond of making those?
SeaChange was also cool. It was just sad that I was sleepy that time… My mates said they saw two computers with only one pair mouse and keyboard. It wasn’t really new to my ears for some reasons, though. They also didn’t mind us going inside near their servers. What the??
IBMInnovationCenter’s took good care of us. They are also ready to answer our questions anytime. Even the server guy was ready to entertain questions while presenting us their server system. They’re entertainers!
UP’s laboratories were also cool. I wish we could have some of those some other time.
We had another buffet for dinner. I ate many sushis there. I’m not sure of the restaurant’s name but I guess it was Tramway Restaurant. We also went to Trinoma mall after but it felt like we didn’t because the mall is ready to close.
We also went to Big Brothers House... Just sharing...
What I didn’t like?
I didn’t like our early run. We got to wake up before 5:00AM in the morning… the fact that we just had a little duration of sleep. A day before that, the only time I was asleep was during the night because the time I woke up last October 3 was 11:00PM. How’d you like that?
When our seminar started, there was something missing when they opened it. One of my classmates even said, “Wala ni kaila’g ampo ning mga taohana ni?” That’s right. We didn’t have an opening prayer of some sort. What’s with these guys?
I also hate that girl who made the Y4IT gesture thingy. I really hate those kinds of things!
Len de Gracia said we shouldn’t use Blender because it is not acceptable to the market. This girl doesn’t seem to know Spiderman. I know she’s better than me but she should have at least known that Blender is being used for making game models. Well… it is true that Blender’s animation capability for games is still not supported for game consoles but at least we can make games in PC. Geez… Besides, I don’t care anything about her “market”. I didn’t enroll to IT for money. She’s just more on bragging to us that she got a job than having a seminar. Also, her topic was animation but there weren’t any animation demonstrated. “Nagtopic pa siya’g animation?”
So, next is the old Apple guy… “Don’t use proprietary software if you didn’t pay for it.” He also discouraged us to use open-source or free software. What the hell? Why do you have a uTorrent in your applications?! And another thing was, uTorrent is for free. What on earth is his problem with open-source? The guy even uses NetBeans which is nevertheless, an open-source software. He didn’t even considered economy for this matter. He said we should try to learn how to use Maya. Maya costs more than my father’s monthly salary. How could he expect we could use it? This guy should be informed that IT is not just for rich people. I will continue on and will always be using Blender for my 3D hobbies because I believe that this 32mb-3D development application would beat those gigabit ones. 32mb but Blender is already cool. Give it hundred more and it will be great. How much if it was a gigabyte or so? It would be undefeatable! Never underestimate the abilities of weak people. Another thing is… for now, I sure will not beat that old guy… but time will come, I will beat him the open-source way. So I hope that old guy wouldn’t die early. I know these two guys were just trying to prevent us from using open-source software the fact that they are involved in producing proprietary ones.
There was also a minor blackout that time.
The lunch was also disturbing. I almost haven’t able to eat mine and I guess few of us haven’t been able to have one. That is a common mistake, though. I will just let them pass.
So, moving on… the next part I didn’t like was we haven’t been able to do “malling” at Trinoma. I really wanted to buy supplies that time and also burgers.
Day 3
Today, I went on a company visit to
What I learned?
First thing I have learned was what does our government is trying to develop. They got there a computer hardware component that could be used with the same basic functions of a mobile phone except for calls; they also made a device for agriculture, the water-level reader thing; there was also a wood moisture reader or whatever they call it; a digital multi-tester… what’s new with this???; they also got there a WiMAX device; and lastly, the Bayanihan Linux. I didn’t realize immediately that we would found Bayanihan’s developers at ASTI. I should have thought of seeing those guys in one of our company visits. Although, I didn’t have any idea that we will be visiting one of DOST’s branch so I guess I got a reason for not thinking it. I forgot to mention, Bayanihan Linux was the one we presented in our final project in our class before, the Operating Systems. The OS is still not that perfectly working. They still need to do major updates but let’s just give them more time. No one’s perfect. I did ask some things about the OS like the screen resolution adjustments, we got problems with that, really. They just said there’s an option for that but I don’t know where.
We went to TTI later that afternoon. They taught us the process of telecommunications signal delivery; I just call it that way. Well the process is the same as what we’ve learned in network technologies but in telecommunication manner. They got there something like switches, optical fiber cables, coaxial cables, routers, repeaters and the end devices. Well, I am not so sure about their technical terms in telecommunications. Anyways, just like I have said, the process is almost the same with the network communications counterpart as what I have understood. I also get to see a set of staplers worth 60,000php to 120,000php each. Those weren’t really staplers; those are for trimming the optical fiber cables. They said those were diamond-equipped trimmers. Trimming the optical fibers is said to be difficult at the beginning and always dangerous. If you got stung by it, you could die after many years. The shattered glass can spread through your circulatory system and if it reaches your heart, it might cause you heart aches… I mean, heart attack. When the engineer gave one to one of us, one that was near me, I was kinda’ freaked out. I’m not afraid to die, but not with that one. They also have a local area network using optical fiber cables, cool. I have also seen the WiMAX device from ASTI at TTI; what a coincidence?
What I liked?
We had a cruise again at UP Diliman. I thought we were lost because we were cruising for too long inside, I guess so. But before that, we were given the time for picture taking at the UP’s oblation statue. I didn’t join there because I’m not a fan of it. We also had a pit stop at their souvenir shop. There were a lot of things to choose from but I’ve only bought a sling not for my self but for a girl that is not really important… just kidding. Visiting ASTI was a good choice for me, not that they have cute programmers over there. I really like the fact that I have met the Bayanihan’s developers or original developers since it was open-source. I’m not sure if how many were really involved on it. They also got a Davaoeña programmer who graduated from University of the Immaculate Conception. It’s not that I’m proud of her (I don’t harbor such things), it’s just that she can talk using our dialect like some of those we met at UP Diliman. Hey?? That place was still in UP Diliman, right? The topics at ASTI are nice. One of their higher ups also allowed me to eat Mobi inside the seminar area. Cool. Although, the truth is, it shouldn’t be allowed.
We also had lunch at Kenny Roger’s. It’s just because that’s the first time I had able to eat there.
TTI got the facilities and equipments for their field. The facilities weren’t really the latest now but at least, they got some. They didn’t mind if we do something fun with their equipments but no one dares to because those were really expensive.
We went to Tutuban later that evening where I bought some stuffs. I got a new pair of shoes there and Lloyd gave me a ring worth 10php. Things out there were as the same prices as what we can see here in Uyanguren, DavaoCity. They do got more to choose from, though.
What I didn’t like?
I didn’t really mind the simple egg and corned beef breakfast that time. I have wanted to eat something normal. My problem was that I didn’t have the coffee. Geez…
ASTI wasn’t also ready for massive visitors and it caused so much delays. I can’t blame them because they weren’t entertainers. It went well anyways.
At TTI, the place was so hot! I wonder why the place wasn’t fully air-conditioned. Their buildings also looks old or maybe they weren’t able to make it look new because of their equipments. Who wants to make a building filled with very expensive things renovated?
Tutuban was a scary place. Outside, the store owners were almost all men. They might get so aggressive to us. And in fact, some of our classmates got a taste of their aggressiveness.
- Advance Science & Technology Institute, C.P. Garcia, UP, Diliman, QC
- Telecom Training Institute, Valenzuela
What I learned?
First thing I have learned was what does our government is trying to develop. They got there a computer hardware component that could be used with the same basic functions of a mobile phone except for calls; they also made a device for agriculture, the water-level reader thing; there was also a wood moisture reader or whatever they call it; a digital multi-tester… what’s new with this???; they also got there a WiMAX device; and lastly, the Bayanihan Linux. I didn’t realize immediately that we would found Bayanihan’s developers at ASTI. I should have thought of seeing those guys in one of our company visits. Although, I didn’t have any idea that we will be visiting one of DOST’s branch so I guess I got a reason for not thinking it. I forgot to mention, Bayanihan Linux was the one we presented in our final project in our class before, the Operating Systems. The OS is still not that perfectly working. They still need to do major updates but let’s just give them more time. No one’s perfect. I did ask some things about the OS like the screen resolution adjustments, we got problems with that, really. They just said there’s an option for that but I don’t know where.
We went to TTI later that afternoon. They taught us the process of telecommunications signal delivery; I just call it that way. Well the process is the same as what we’ve learned in network technologies but in telecommunication manner. They got there something like switches, optical fiber cables, coaxial cables, routers, repeaters and the end devices. Well, I am not so sure about their technical terms in telecommunications. Anyways, just like I have said, the process is almost the same with the network communications counterpart as what I have understood. I also get to see a set of staplers worth 60,000php to 120,000php each. Those weren’t really staplers; those are for trimming the optical fiber cables. They said those were diamond-equipped trimmers. Trimming the optical fibers is said to be difficult at the beginning and always dangerous. If you got stung by it, you could die after many years. The shattered glass can spread through your circulatory system and if it reaches your heart, it might cause you heart aches… I mean, heart attack. When the engineer gave one to one of us, one that was near me, I was kinda’ freaked out. I’m not afraid to die, but not with that one. They also have a local area network using optical fiber cables, cool. I have also seen the WiMAX device from ASTI at TTI; what a coincidence?
What I liked?
We had a cruise again at UP Diliman. I thought we were lost because we were cruising for too long inside, I guess so. But before that, we were given the time for picture taking at the UP’s oblation statue. I didn’t join there because I’m not a fan of it. We also had a pit stop at their souvenir shop. There were a lot of things to choose from but I’ve only bought a sling not for my self but for a girl that is not really important… just kidding. Visiting ASTI was a good choice for me, not that they have cute programmers over there. I really like the fact that I have met the Bayanihan’s developers or original developers since it was open-source. I’m not sure if how many were really involved on it. They also got a Davaoeña programmer who graduated from University of the Immaculate Conception. It’s not that I’m proud of her (I don’t harbor such things), it’s just that she can talk using our dialect like some of those we met at UP Diliman. Hey?? That place was still in UP Diliman, right? The topics at ASTI are nice. One of their higher ups also allowed me to eat Mobi inside the seminar area. Cool. Although, the truth is, it shouldn’t be allowed.
We also had lunch at Kenny Roger’s. It’s just because that’s the first time I had able to eat there.
TTI got the facilities and equipments for their field. The facilities weren’t really the latest now but at least, they got some. They didn’t mind if we do something fun with their equipments but no one dares to because those were really expensive.
We went to Tutuban later that evening where I bought some stuffs. I got a new pair of shoes there and Lloyd gave me a ring worth 10php. Things out there were as the same prices as what we can see here in Uyanguren, DavaoCity. They do got more to choose from, though.
What I didn’t like?
I didn’t really mind the simple egg and corned beef breakfast that time. I have wanted to eat something normal. My problem was that I didn’t have the coffee. Geez…
ASTI wasn’t also ready for massive visitors and it caused so much delays. I can’t blame them because they weren’t entertainers. It went well anyways.
At TTI, the place was so hot! I wonder why the place wasn’t fully air-conditioned. Their buildings also looks old or maybe they weren’t able to make it look new because of their equipments. Who wants to make a building filled with very expensive things renovated?
Tutuban was a scary place. Outside, the store owners were almost all men. They might get so aggressive to us. And in fact, some of our classmates got a taste of their aggressiveness.
Day 4
Today, I went on a company visit to
What I learned?
This was the only company we went that day and I was really sleepy that time so I can’t explain much out of it. I might even be able sleeping while standing that time. Well, they told us their history. I didn’t think PLDT was that old. I guess it was founded 1938; I’m not sure because of the tiredness. Oh… I went to their site and it was 1928. They also got a lot of ages or eras or stages in their company. I forgot most of it. There was the age of, I guess, rebirth, innovation, etc. There were seven stages, I think so. All I can remember was their number of employees rise and fall; and it gets lower and lower this days because of automation. They even said that their employees get early retirement. It’s a good thing that they give them a reasonable retirement fee to them enough to make them happy.
Next part was the technical part. It was about their solutions. I was still so sleepy and the room was small so I didn’t join the crowd. I can’t comprehend what every one is talking about unless if they were talking directly to me. We also went to the room that looks like a café. Well, I guess it was really a café. Engr. Roland, our tour guy for that time, demonstrated us that anti-burglar telephone or I think it was. It alerts the owner of the building when it detects anomaly in the security… of course, that is what an anti-burglar machine does. But there’s another thing. It alerts via SMS.
What I liked?
Well... we had a movie marathon that day and it was fun.
Even though PLDT was so strict, it was funny to know that the one who facilitated wants to have fun with us. She even wants us to have a group picture and even wacky ones. She also explains in a funny way, in my own sense of humor. She was far from Engr. Roland who seems to be a serious type but not scary. The woman who facilitated us also was the one who made the visit last shorter. She knew we were going to Tagaytay and EnchantedKingdom. Well… she’s cool. She always reminds Engr. Roland to make things quick and Engr. Roland do as what she says. The 100-slide presentation went too fast. Awesome! They also gave us free soda in a can. It was still lunch and we haven’t got lunch yet but they gave us those. Nah… we didn’t get our ulcers activated, anyways.
Later, we went to Tagaytay. I was sleepy but the view while on the way was cool. There were pineapples plants beside the road. The place was also not polluted and the air was nice. We can see TaalLake from our position which is said to be the original whole crater of Taal. Whoah?! And I used to think Taal was so small. At their People’s Park, the view just gets better. Cameras were used again. We also bought souvenirs there. I spent 600php in that place. Good thing they sell things cheaper than at UP’s. I wanted to buy more but I just reserved my money for later. The vendor also talks in Cebuano. Things get happy that time. My tiredness slightly wore off for that moment.
Next place we went is at EnchantedKingdom. The lines for the rides were too long. The only ride I was able to ride was the Anchor’s Away. Things got really happy! I don’t know why but I wasn’t so afraid of the heights that time. I just keep on laughing because my stomach is really tickling me so much. It happens when the ride goes down. The funnier part was my classmates. They kept on saying, “Tama na. Tama na. Tama na.” some of them even got their knees shaken. That made me wonder more why I wasn’t so scared. The only I was worried in the ride was the safety measures, it didn’t look so good but we’re still alive so I think it was ok. We went to the space shuttle later. I didn’t dare to ride it. Seriously, I’m scared with heights. It was also funny how my classmate resisted the invitation to join others to have a ride. I just went anywhere after that and waited for us to go home.
What I didn’t like?
The third day’s breakfast was fine but déjà vu, we ate at the same restaurant again and worse, I still wasn’t able to drink coffee. The meal was different that time, though.
Also, there was a moment of stupidity of my classmates that time. They said “Ateneo de La Salle”. Oh come on?! They don’t have any idea what could have Engr. Roland whom graduated at La Salle might have thought.
Another thing I didn’t like was we got a little time at Tagaytay and Enchanted Kigdom. There were also annoying kids who skips in the line. I really wanted to kick those kids. The vendors of buko pie and espasol were also annoying. They even get into the bus.
- PLDT, MandaluyongCity
What I learned?
This was the only company we went that day and I was really sleepy that time so I can’t explain much out of it. I might even be able sleeping while standing that time. Well, they told us their history. I didn’t think PLDT was that old. I guess it was founded 1938; I’m not sure because of the tiredness. Oh… I went to their site and it was 1928. They also got a lot of ages or eras or stages in their company. I forgot most of it. There was the age of, I guess, rebirth, innovation, etc. There were seven stages, I think so. All I can remember was their number of employees rise and fall; and it gets lower and lower this days because of automation. They even said that their employees get early retirement. It’s a good thing that they give them a reasonable retirement fee to them enough to make them happy.
Next part was the technical part. It was about their solutions. I was still so sleepy and the room was small so I didn’t join the crowd. I can’t comprehend what every one is talking about unless if they were talking directly to me. We also went to the room that looks like a café. Well, I guess it was really a café. Engr. Roland, our tour guy for that time, demonstrated us that anti-burglar telephone or I think it was. It alerts the owner of the building when it detects anomaly in the security… of course, that is what an anti-burglar machine does. But there’s another thing. It alerts via SMS.
What I liked?
Well... we had a movie marathon that day and it was fun.
Even though PLDT was so strict, it was funny to know that the one who facilitated wants to have fun with us. She even wants us to have a group picture and even wacky ones. She also explains in a funny way, in my own sense of humor. She was far from Engr. Roland who seems to be a serious type but not scary. The woman who facilitated us also was the one who made the visit last shorter. She knew we were going to Tagaytay and EnchantedKingdom. Well… she’s cool. She always reminds Engr. Roland to make things quick and Engr. Roland do as what she says. The 100-slide presentation went too fast. Awesome! They also gave us free soda in a can. It was still lunch and we haven’t got lunch yet but they gave us those. Nah… we didn’t get our ulcers activated, anyways.
Later, we went to Tagaytay. I was sleepy but the view while on the way was cool. There were pineapples plants beside the road. The place was also not polluted and the air was nice. We can see TaalLake from our position which is said to be the original whole crater of Taal. Whoah?! And I used to think Taal was so small. At their People’s Park, the view just gets better. Cameras were used again. We also bought souvenirs there. I spent 600php in that place. Good thing they sell things cheaper than at UP’s. I wanted to buy more but I just reserved my money for later. The vendor also talks in Cebuano. Things get happy that time. My tiredness slightly wore off for that moment.
Next place we went is at EnchantedKingdom. The lines for the rides were too long. The only ride I was able to ride was the Anchor’s Away. Things got really happy! I don’t know why but I wasn’t so afraid of the heights that time. I just keep on laughing because my stomach is really tickling me so much. It happens when the ride goes down. The funnier part was my classmates. They kept on saying, “Tama na. Tama na. Tama na.” some of them even got their knees shaken. That made me wonder more why I wasn’t so scared. The only I was worried in the ride was the safety measures, it didn’t look so good but we’re still alive so I think it was ok. We went to the space shuttle later. I didn’t dare to ride it. Seriously, I’m scared with heights. It was also funny how my classmate resisted the invitation to join others to have a ride. I just went anywhere after that and waited for us to go home.
What I didn’t like?
The third day’s breakfast was fine but déjà vu, we ate at the same restaurant again and worse, I still wasn’t able to drink coffee. The meal was different that time, though.
Also, there was a moment of stupidity of my classmates that time. They said “Ateneo de La Salle”. Oh come on?! They don’t have any idea what could have Engr. Roland whom graduated at La Salle might have thought.
Another thing I didn’t like was we got a little time at Tagaytay and Enchanted Kigdom. There were also annoying kids who skips in the line. I really wanted to kick those kids. The vendors of buko pie and espasol were also annoying. They even get into the bus.
Day 5
Today, I went on a company visit to
What I learned?
They kinda’ got a cool system for traffic. It is armed with many sourvelance camera scattered around the main roads of Metro Manila. We can see the actual situation of the road because of their big screen. They were also looking for a way to lessen the flooding. I can remember the first day we came, there was a slight rainfall but some parts of the city already flooded. The flood was black. Disgusting! Back to the topic… They explained us how they manage things in their control base thing. The cameras were just being controlled by the three people at the side. Wow? Quick hands and eyes. They also only got three to five people at their hot line.
We went to their server computers later. The room was so narrow so I ended up talking with my professor. I was asking about the traffic sensor they were mentioning earlier because I was wondering where those sensors on the road were. He mentioned the hexagonal markings on the road. I just realized them when I have arrived at Davao to check it. And yeah, I can see the sensors and there were a lot of them. I thought those hexagons were for drainage or something before. We just end up like that in MMDA. And realized, that is the last company visit.
What I liked?
I like our breakfast at Red Ribbon. The first time I have eaten there. I ordered a palabok since it’s been a long time I ate some of those. They finally gave me coffee! The food, not to mention, the cake was delicious.
Our visit at MMDA was interesting no doubt of it. I wonder what would they have next time, sadly, I won’t be there.
We went back to Mall of Asia again. I roam on my own in the mall so I would be able to buy what I’m looking for which are toys and other things for my little cousins, baby niece and baby nephew. Unfortunately, things there were expensive. I just bought toy swords for my cousins and pillows for the babies. I have also finally successfully bought Burger King’s burgers. FINALLY!!!
While waiting for our bus, my classmates had fun playing with the swords I bought… what the??? They looked funny, though.
We also finally get to go home. The airport is really big.
What I didn’t like?
The only thing I didn’t like that day was I was still really full because of breakfast and lunch come too early. I haven’t eaten so much.
- MMDA, Mandaluyong
What I learned?
They kinda’ got a cool system for traffic. It is armed with many sourvelance camera scattered around the main roads of Metro Manila. We can see the actual situation of the road because of their big screen. They were also looking for a way to lessen the flooding. I can remember the first day we came, there was a slight rainfall but some parts of the city already flooded. The flood was black. Disgusting! Back to the topic… They explained us how they manage things in their control base thing. The cameras were just being controlled by the three people at the side. Wow? Quick hands and eyes. They also only got three to five people at their hot line.
We went to their server computers later. The room was so narrow so I ended up talking with my professor. I was asking about the traffic sensor they were mentioning earlier because I was wondering where those sensors on the road were. He mentioned the hexagonal markings on the road. I just realized them when I have arrived at Davao to check it. And yeah, I can see the sensors and there were a lot of them. I thought those hexagons were for drainage or something before. We just end up like that in MMDA. And realized, that is the last company visit.
What I liked?
I like our breakfast at Red Ribbon. The first time I have eaten there. I ordered a palabok since it’s been a long time I ate some of those. They finally gave me coffee! The food, not to mention, the cake was delicious.
Our visit at MMDA was interesting no doubt of it. I wonder what would they have next time, sadly, I won’t be there.
We went back to Mall of Asia again. I roam on my own in the mall so I would be able to buy what I’m looking for which are toys and other things for my little cousins, baby niece and baby nephew. Unfortunately, things there were expensive. I just bought toy swords for my cousins and pillows for the babies. I have also finally successfully bought Burger King’s burgers. FINALLY!!!
While waiting for our bus, my classmates had fun playing with the swords I bought… what the??? They looked funny, though.
We also finally get to go home. The airport is really big.
What I didn’t like?
The only thing I didn’t like that day was I was still really full because of breakfast and lunch come too early. I haven’t eaten so much.
APPENDIX
What can I recommend for the improvement of the Fieldtrip and Seminar Program?
Since the very problem we got was the duration of sleep… I don’t know… How should we fix it??? A better arrangement of the schedules should be made. Or maybe there will always be a bus who will be heading back to the hotel. All the buses came to the same shopping areas, anyways.
The hotel was also disturbing for some reasons; they didn’t take care of us that well. Their water was also disturbing since it wasn’t potable. What kind of hotel is that? Good thing we haven’t spent so much time at the hotel. But it really disturbs me in the morning when I want to drink water and I should conserve mine.
Next time also, remove the boring part like what I have mentioned, drawing. Drawing can only be enjoyed for public view if it is finished.
For the companies to revisit, those would be, SSS, PLDT and MMDA. Of course, UP Diliman, it’s not really a company, though. IBM Innovation Center and SeaChange were also fun, I forgot to mention.
I also hate the people from the higher class of life when it comes to IT. They boast on using proprietary software and laughs at us for using open-source. Crap! They don’t consider their audience economic status when advising. I really hate those kinds of people.
Then I guess, finally, if we will just go to the mall, I hope we can make it earlier… we really missed the chance in Trinoma. It wasn’t our fault, though. Let’s just deal with it if no other options.
My advice to those who will take their Fieldtrip and Seminar program in the near future:
Although it was really expensive, it was fun! But I still really prefer at Cebu so it wouldn’t be that much expensive… I have no idea what they can found there, though. But I know it would be a lot better than here in Davao. When it comes to souvenirs, buy as much as you can, this opportunity is rare. I regret I haven’t able to buy so much I wanted. Forget about money, you are very rich in those moments.
Also, get some sleep and other ways to make you sleep. Most of us haven’t got that much. Milk is good for stimulating sleeping hormones or whatever that is, right? Don’t use sleeping pills, though. It’s not good for the health. When in the bus, sleep, don’t mind the tour guide unless things get happy.
Lastly, if you got projects, finish it immediately before going to the field trip, you won’t be able to make them while at it. A lot of us had problem cramming for the project. Some even failed. Maybe they should at least make the major part of it… It is enjoying. But don’t get too excited and forget other things.
Since the very problem we got was the duration of sleep… I don’t know… How should we fix it??? A better arrangement of the schedules should be made. Or maybe there will always be a bus who will be heading back to the hotel. All the buses came to the same shopping areas, anyways.
The hotel was also disturbing for some reasons; they didn’t take care of us that well. Their water was also disturbing since it wasn’t potable. What kind of hotel is that? Good thing we haven’t spent so much time at the hotel. But it really disturbs me in the morning when I want to drink water and I should conserve mine.
Next time also, remove the boring part like what I have mentioned, drawing. Drawing can only be enjoyed for public view if it is finished.
For the companies to revisit, those would be, SSS, PLDT and MMDA. Of course, UP Diliman, it’s not really a company, though. IBM Innovation Center and SeaChange were also fun, I forgot to mention.
I also hate the people from the higher class of life when it comes to IT. They boast on using proprietary software and laughs at us for using open-source. Crap! They don’t consider their audience economic status when advising. I really hate those kinds of people.
Then I guess, finally, if we will just go to the mall, I hope we can make it earlier… we really missed the chance in Trinoma. It wasn’t our fault, though. Let’s just deal with it if no other options.
My advice to those who will take their Fieldtrip and Seminar program in the near future:
Although it was really expensive, it was fun! But I still really prefer at Cebu so it wouldn’t be that much expensive… I have no idea what they can found there, though. But I know it would be a lot better than here in Davao. When it comes to souvenirs, buy as much as you can, this opportunity is rare. I regret I haven’t able to buy so much I wanted. Forget about money, you are very rich in those moments.
Also, get some sleep and other ways to make you sleep. Most of us haven’t got that much. Milk is good for stimulating sleeping hormones or whatever that is, right? Don’t use sleeping pills, though. It’s not good for the health. When in the bus, sleep, don’t mind the tour guide unless things get happy.
Lastly, if you got projects, finish it immediately before going to the field trip, you won’t be able to make them while at it. A lot of us had problem cramming for the project. Some even failed. Maybe they should at least make the major part of it… It is enjoying. But don’t get too excited and forget other things.
