field trip in manila

University of Southeastern Philippines

Barrio Obrero Campus

Institute of Computing

TRAVEL REPORT

October 4-8, 2010

Manila-Laguna-Tagaytay

Fieldtrip Overview

The major event in our Field trip and seminars (FTS) was successfully done. The Institute of Computing’s first ever national field trip and seminars will go to the country’s capital and centre of information and communications technology, Manila. The five-day purpose driven trip is slated to pit-stop on some of the top I.T companies and institutions in the archipelago. The companies to be visited are: Bayan Telecomunication, Hitachi, Social Security System, in Ayala Techno Hub there are two companies, the IBM and the SeaChange, TTI, and MMDA. The highlight of this event was the University of the Philippines will host the University of Southeastern Philippines in a symposium to be held as an extension of the Youth 4 I.T Convention that was held a month ago. Sir Randy Gamboa our adviser, at the same time a president of PSITE was behind from this big event.

Day 1

Today, I went on a company visit to

Bayan Telecommunications Inc.

What I learned?

I did not learn so much from this first visit. The reason was I’m so tired for our trip. Mostly what the speaker said were look like promotional gigs and ads which consumed a huge percentage of our time during the visit. Despite of that, I had still at least learned a thing or two from it.

In terms of services they offered compared to their competitors especially PLDT they said that they have the same level of giving services. Unfortunately, I guess most of what I have learned was not of technical decent. Nonetheless, at least I have learned something. So, here it is. The most significant thing that I have learned on our very first company visit answers the question, “why is it that BayanTel’s service area covered were mostly in the Mindanao region?” The answer was analogous to a father splitting a piece of cake into equal sizes for his two children. The National Telecommunications Commission, responsible for regulating and monitoring the telecommunications services and industry of the country, ensures a healthy and balanced level of competition between telecom providers by giving them their fair share of the servicing pie. It means to say, the reason why majority of BayanTel’s service areas are in Mindanao because that’s where most of its share of the servicing pie is.

What I liked?

I was amaze with their conference room and the environment. Their conference room was really nice because it looks like we are in the board meeting.

What I didn’t like?

Because this was the first company to be visited during that day I am so tired and I really want to rest. It was irritated on my part because we were waited for at least an hour before they accommodated us. When we were in the room they did not give so much information and they did not answer some of our question. Maybe they don’t want to share everything to secure the name of their company.

Day 2

Today, I went on a visit to

University of the Philippines

What I learned?

UP was really great! Their speakers were also really great. When they shared their experiences and knowledge with us you can really appreciate every detailed came from their mouth.

Visualization. That’s what Mr. John Boaz Lee of the UP Information Technology Training Center relayed to us on that day. I learned how it is such a beauty to visualize things in order to get a clearer picture of what really it is. Write your thoughts, draw a diagram, and relate them with each other. That’s what visualization is. You will be surprised how effective this could possibly be in analyzing just probably about anything. In my case, I could really utilize this in dealing with programs and algorithms. It would provide me a better passageway in analyzing problems and delivering solutions. Visualization is really one thing an efficient I.T practitioner should keep a grasp on.

One of their speakers taught us how to make an effective thesis. She shared her personal experienced when she made successfully her thesis. She said that when we will about to write our thesis we should base it for what really love to do.

The coolest part of all was the animation. It presented by Len Degracia. The phrase that wrote in my mind was “Grades doesn’t matter!” When she applied in the company the interviewer did not mind of her grades but for the portfolio she presented. The whole student in that room was totally got inspired in spite of the bloody grades we had right now. It inspired me to study hard and gave more effort. Thanks to her.

What I liked?

When I heard the great name of U.P. it was so privilege for me to be there. The fact that it’s U.P you have to definitely like that. The warmed welcome and the environment made me felt so much happy. I would be lying if I’d say that I didn’t like the speakers of the symposium. I am just all praises for them and it was really such an opportunity for me to be able to listen and get useful insights from such intelligent and successful persons in my field.

What I didn’t like?

The event really was a complete success that I can’t find anything to dislike about. Every minutes being there was so memorable. I can’t help myself to be a student someday in that prestigious school. Maybe the only thing I didn’t like that day was the feeling of jealous. Their facilities were really great! How I wish for having it also in USEP. Also I was in awe with how their students’ knew a lot of things that I didn’t knew. Well, I kind of expected that, but still it left me this feeling of doubt whether I would be able to cope up and be at par with the level of these people’s intellect. It made me realize how stiff the competition can be in the field I chose. Well, it’s a good thing I guess. To awaken my senses and challenge me to be the best I could possibly be.

Today, I went on a company visit to

Ayala Techno Hub (IBM and SeaChange)

What I learned?

The first company we visited inside the Techno Hub was SeaChange. I must admit, I really didn’t have an idea at first what this company was all about Later on, I learned that they were a Video on Demand service provider. And I was like, “what was that again?” Video on Demand is a technology wherein users or customers can have the luxury to view the latest videos or audios provided by content providers, thus, the “on demand” part of the name. The technology is really not dispersed in the country as of date. They provide the technology but not the content. SeaChange clients are the content providers. In our country, prospected clients could include cable service providers such as SkyCable, Dream, etc. Right now, the company is still in its budding stages but it will only take a matter of time before the technology it offers becomes the newest trend of innovation in our country.

Next stop, IBM. I know for a fact that IBM plays a major role in the evolution and history of computing. In its heydays, it is the Microsoft and Apple rolled into one. Now, I was curious what and how is it to be IBM nowadays. Then, I learned that IBM doesn’t make computers with its name anymore. Lenovo is the new name. Since its merger, IBM has sold its PC brand to the Chinese company. IBM focuses now on software solutions for large-scale businesses and companies.

One bright spot for an I.T student like me that I have learned in IBM is that they offer free facilities and hardware support for students who want to test their business ideas and projects. In fact, they have started partnering with colleges and universities, such as University of San Carlos in Cebu (if I’m not mistaken). And according to the one who facilitated us, they might possibly as well partner with USeP in the future (I have my fingers crossed on that). If that happens, we might just be able to make use of their high-end, high-cost servers soon.

What I liked?

Everything in the IBM and SeaChange were so great! They gave so much information. They accommodated us warmly and took us opportunity to see their equipments. It was really great opportunity for me to be there.

What I didn’t like?

All I can say is one day I want to be there. Everything there was really nice.

Day 3

Today, I went on a technical visit to

Advance Science and Technology Institute

What I learned?

These includes an instrument used to test the moisture content of a wood, the tsunami early warning device system, and the PCI extension that could give your personal computer SMS functionality. I also got to know more about the nationalistic operating system, “Bayanihan”.

What I liked?

Aside from the cute woman, who presented and lectured about the “Bayanihan” operating system, I liked the experience of meeting the people behind the OS which we chose to present during our operating systems subject in the not too distant past. Also, it is nice to know that there are people in our country who are sensible and intelligent enough to be able to make use of technology to address concerns pertaining to the welfare of our country.

What I didn’t like?

The room was so uncomfortable. It was also small so we need to divide the group and wait until they finished. Time consuming.

Today, I went on a company visit to

Social Security System

What I learned?

I learned that the SSS uses two mirror servers in its operation. It means if one server is down the network will still be up and running. This is somewhat a case of real-time backup system. I have also learned that they aren’t the one producing their membership card nowadays. They have indulged into outsourcing the process to other company.

What I liked?

SSS was the best among all companies we had visited. They gave us formal accommodation and gave us mouthful snacks. The employees were really nice and they showed almost everything in their company.

What I didn’t like?

I was already so tired that time I can’t help myself and felt so sleepy. They don’t give us pen. Unfair!

Day 4

Today, I went on a company visit to

Hitachi

What I learned?

The Hitachi Company offers a specialized storage device, the hard disk. Most of their employees are women. They consider women because of their gentle hands. The materials to be used were really sensitive so they really need people who can work gently.

Most of their products are sold in other rich country like Japan because Philipines can’t afford to buy it. They also said that their storage device was used in space shuttle. It was amazing, right?

There was a room that dirt is prohibited. They called it clean room. It was a specialized room so that it can’t prevent any damage for their products.

What I liked?

I really like their Power Point presentation especially the animation effects. The room was clean.

What I didn’t like?

They divided us in small group. We consumed huge of time in waiting for every group to e finished. We want to finish it early so that we can go in Tagaytay.

Day 5

Today, I went on a technical visit to

Telecoms Training Institute and Metro Manila Development Authority

What I learned?

In the TTI, I learned about the different kinds of instruments and gadgets used in the telecommunications industry (and how costly they are). I was amazed with that cable stripping gadget I guess, which was so small and resembles just like that of a typical stapler but costs a whopping PhP120, 000. That gadget is used primarily in stripping fiber optics. It was also demonstrated to us how to properly strip an optical fiber, but sad to say, I have forgotten it already. One thing I remember though, never ever throw carelessly the cut fiber. That is because, as what our lecturer said, the fiber contains toxic chemical that can greatly pose danger to humans when invoked in its system.

In the MMDA visit, one thing that struck me was their CCTV cameras. Deployed into the main highways and roads in Metro Manila to monitor traffic surges and unfortunate tragedies, the cameras were really vital in their operation. But honestly, before, I really underestimated them. I thought they were just some old cameras that can only manage presenting pixilated outputs. But the visit to MMDA headquarters proved me wrong. I was amazed when the operators zoomed in the camera to get a look at the plate number of a vehicle. Call me nuts, but I really didn’t believe they can do that.

What I liked?

In TTI, the lecturer shared many important detailed to us. He was so nice for us and I saw from his facial expression that he was happy that we made a visit.

I liked the feeling to be in the control center of the MMDA traffic engineering department wherein plasma screens are decorated all over, displaying live views from different roads in Manila. When I was there I felt that I was only watching a movie in Cinema.

What I didn’t like?

The TTI’s buildings were like a jungle. It was really uncomfortable inside their room. Their equipments I guess they were old already.

Appendix

Recommendation

Well, honestly speaking it was really expensive. But it doesn’t matter. The learning’s and experienced were totally fair enough. This was the first national field trip in IC department. For the next batch that we will be having their fieldtrip next year don’t be hesitate to spend your money. Enjoy and at the same time be inspired.

Tips and Advices

As early as now save money for the national field trip. When you are still going in enchanted kingdom make sure that you will take the ride in roller coaster. It was really totally amazing! One more thing practice to speak tagalog and don’t be afraid to ask questions, they love questions. Enjoy every single moment and don’t be naughty. Obey rules and regulation. Always be on time. That’s all.

Pictorials

University of Southeastern Philippines

Barrio Obrero Campus

Institute of Computing

TRAVEL REPORT

October 4-8, 2010

Manila-Laguna-Tagaytay

Fieldtrip Overview

The major event in our Field trip and seminars (FTS) was successfully done. The Institute of Computing’s first ever national field trip and seminars will go to the country’s capital and centre of information and communications technology, Manila. The five-day purpose driven trip is slated to pit-stop on some of the top I.T companies and institutions in the archipelago. The companies to be visited are: Bayan Telecomunication, Hitachi, Social Security System, in Ayala Techno Hub there are two companies, the IBM and the SeaChange, TTI, and MMDA. The highlight of this event was the University of the Philippines will host the University of Southeastern Philippines in a symposium to be held as an extension of the Youth 4 I.T Convention that was held a month ago. Sir Randy Gamboa our adviser, at the same time a president of PSITE was behind from this big event.

Day 1

Today, I went on a company visit to

Bayan Telecommunications Inc.

What I learned?

I did not learn so much from this first visit. The reason was I’m so tired for our trip. Mostly what the speaker said were look like promotional gigs and ads which consumed a huge percentage of our time during the visit. Despite of that, I had still at least learned a thing or two from it.

In terms of services they offered compared to their competitors especially PLDT they said that they have the same level of giving services. Unfortunately, I guess most of what I have learned was not of technical decent. Nonetheless, at least I have learned something. So, here it is. The most significant thing that I have learned on our very first company visit answers the question, “why is it that BayanTel’s service area covered were mostly in the Mindanao region?” The answer was analogous to a father splitting a piece of cake into equal sizes for his two children. The National Telecommunications Commission, responsible for regulating and monitoring the telecommunications services and industry of the country, ensures a healthy and balanced level of competition between telecom providers by giving them their fair share of the servicing pie. It means to say, the reason why majority of BayanTel’s service areas are in Mindanao because that’s where most of its share of the servicing pie is.

What I liked?

I was amaze with their conference room and the environment. Their conference room was really nice because it looks like we are in the board meeting.

What I didn’t like?

Because this was the first company to be visited during that day I am so tired and I really want to rest. It was irritated on my part because we were waited for at least an hour before they accommodated us. When we were in the room they did not give so much information and they did not answer some of our question. Maybe they don’t want to share everything to secure the name of their company.

Day 2

Today, I went on a visit to

University of the Philippines

What I learned?

UP was really great! Their speakers were also really great. When they shared their experiences and knowledge with us you can really appreciate every detailed came from their mouth.

Visualization. That’s what Mr. John Boaz Lee of the UP Information Technology Training Center relayed to us on that day. I learned how it is such a beauty to visualize things in order to get a clearer picture of what really it is. Write your thoughts, draw a diagram, and relate them with each other. That’s what visualization is. You will be surprised how effective this could possibly be in analyzing just probably about anything. In my case, I could really utilize this in dealing with programs and algorithms. It would provide me a better passageway in analyzing problems and delivering solutions. Visualization is really one thing an efficient I.T practitioner should keep a grasp on.

One of their speakers taught us how to make an effective thesis. She shared her personal experienced when she made successfully her thesis. She said that when we will about to write our thesis we should base it for what really love to do.

The coolest part of all was the animation. It presented by Len Degracia. The phrase that wrote in my mind was “Grades doesn’t matter!” When she applied in the company the interviewer did not mind of her grades but for the portfolio she presented. The whole student in that room was totally got inspired in spite of the bloody grades we had right now. It inspired me to study hard and gave more effort. Thanks to her.

What I liked?

When I heard the great name of U.P. it was so privilege for me to be there. The fact that it’s U.P you have to definitely like that. The warmed welcome and the environment made me felt so much happy. I would be lying if I’d say that I didn’t like the speakers of the symposium. I am just all praises for them and it was really such an opportunity for me to be able to listen and get useful insights from such intelligent and successful persons in my field.

What I didn’t like?

The event really was a complete success that I can’t find anything to dislike about. Every minutes being there was so memorable. I can’t help myself to be a student someday in that prestigious school. Maybe the only thing I didn’t like that day was the feeling of jealous. Their facilities were really great! How I wish for having it also in USEP. Also I was in awe with how their students’ knew a lot of things that I didn’t knew. Well, I kind of expected that, but still it left me this feeling of doubt whether I would be able to cope up and be at par with the level of these people’s intellect. It made me realize how stiff the competition can be in the field I chose. Well, it’s a good thing I guess. To awaken my senses and challenge me to be the best I could possibly be.

Today, I went on a company visit to

Ayala Techno Hub (IBM and SeaChange)

What I learned?

The first company we visited inside the Techno Hub was SeaChange. I must admit, I really didn’t have an idea at first what this company was all about Later on, I learned that they were a Video on Demand service provider. And I was like, “what was that again?” Video on Demand is a technology wherein users or customers can have the luxury to view the latest videos or audios provided by content providers, thus, the “on demand” part of the name. The technology is really not dispersed in the country as of date. They provide the technology but not the content. SeaChange clients are the content providers. In our country, prospected clients could include cable service providers such as SkyCable, Dream, etc. Right now, the company is still in its budding stages but it will only take a matter of time before the technology it offers becomes the newest trend of innovation in our country.

Next stop, IBM. I know for a fact that IBM plays a major role in the evolution and history of computing. In its heydays, it is the Microsoft and Apple rolled into one. Now, I was curious what and how is it to be IBM nowadays. Then, I learned that IBM doesn’t make computers with its name anymore. Lenovo is the new name. Since its merger, IBM has sold its PC brand to the Chinese company. IBM focuses now on software solutions for large-scale businesses and companies.

One bright spot for an I.T student like me that I have learned in IBM is that they offer free facilities and hardware support for students who want to test their business ideas and projects. In fact, they have started partnering with colleges and universities, such as University of San Carlos in Cebu (if I’m not mistaken). And according to the one who facilitated us, they might possibly as well partner with USeP in the future (I have my fingers crossed on that). If that happens, we might just be able to make use of their high-end, high-cost servers soon.

What I liked?

Everything in the IBM and SeaChange were so great! They gave so much information. They accommodated us warmly and took us opportunity to see their equipments. It was really great opportunity for me to be there.

What I didn’t like?

All I can say is one day I want to be there. Everything there was really nice.

Day 3

Today, I went on a technical visit to

Advance Science and Technology Institute

What I learned?

These includes an instrument used to test the moisture content of a wood, the tsunami early warning device system, and the PCI extension that could give your personal computer SMS functionality. I also got to know more about the nationalistic operating system, “Bayanihan”.

What I liked?

Aside from the cute woman, who presented and lectured about the “Bayanihan” operating system, I liked the experience of meeting the people behind the OS which we chose to present during our operating systems subject in the not too distant past. Also, it is nice to know that there are people in our country who are sensible and intelligent enough to be able to make use of technology to address concerns pertaining to the welfare of our country.

What I didn’t like?

The room was so uncomfortable. It was also small so we need to divide the group and wait until they finished. Time consuming.

Today, I went on a company visit to

Social Security System

What I learned?

I learned that the SSS uses two mirror servers in its operation. It means if one server is down the network will still be up and running. This is somewhat a case of real-time backup system. I have also learned that they aren’t the one producing their membership card nowadays. They have indulged into outsourcing the process to other company.

What I liked?

SSS was the best among all companies we had visited. They gave us formal accommodation and gave us mouthful snacks. The employees were really nice and they showed almost everything in their company.

What I didn’t like?

I was already so tired that time I can’t help myself and felt so sleepy. They don’t give us pen. Unfair!

Day 4

Today, I went on a company visit to

Hitachi

What I learned?

The Hitachi Company offers a specialized storage device, the hard disk. Most of their employees are women. They consider women because of their gentle hands. The materials to be used were really sensitive so they really need people who can work gently.

Most of their products are sold in other rich country like Japan because Philipines can’t afford to buy it. They also said that their storage device was used in space shuttle. It was amazing, right?

There was a room that dirt is prohibited. They called it clean room. It was a specialized room so that it can’t prevent any damage for their products.

What I liked?

I really like their Power Point presentation especially the animation effects. The room was clean.

What I didn’t like?

They divided us in small group. We consumed huge of time in waiting for every group to e finished. We want to finish it early so that we can go in Tagaytay.

Day 5

Today, I went on a technical visit to

Telecoms Training Institute and Metro Manila Development Authority

What I learned?

In the TTI, I learned about the different kinds of instruments and gadgets used in the telecommunications industry (and how costly they are). I was amazed with that cable stripping gadget I guess, which was so small and resembles just like that of a typical stapler but costs a whopping PhP120, 000. That gadget is used primarily in stripping fiber optics. It was also demonstrated to us how to properly strip an optical fiber, but sad to say, I have forgotten it already. One thing I remember though, never ever throw carelessly the cut fiber. That is because, as what our lecturer said, the fiber contains toxic chemical that can greatly pose danger to humans when invoked in its system.

In the MMDA visit, one thing that struck me was their CCTV cameras. Deployed into the main highways and roads in Metro Manila to monitor traffic surges and unfortunate tragedies, the cameras were really vital in their operation. But honestly, before, I really underestimated them. I thought they were just some old cameras that can only manage presenting pixilated outputs. But the visit to MMDA headquarters proved me wrong. I was amazed when the operators zoomed in the camera to get a look at the plate number of a vehicle. Call me nuts, but I really didn’t believe they can do that.

What I liked?

In TTI, the lecturer shared many important detailed to us. He was so nice for us and I saw from his facial expression that he was happy that we made a visit.

I liked the feeling to be in the control center of the MMDA traffic engineering department wherein plasma screens are decorated all over, displaying live views from different roads in Manila. When I was there I felt that I was only watching a movie in Cinema.

What I didn’t like?

The TTI’s buildings were like a jungle. It was really uncomfortable inside their room. Their equipments I guess they were old already.

Appendix

Recommendation

Well, honestly speaking it was really expensive. But it doesn’t matter. The learning’s and experienced were totally fair enough. This was the first national field trip in IC department. For the next batch that we will be having their fieldtrip next year don’t be hesitate to spend your money. Enjoy and at the same time be inspired.

Tips and Advices

As early as now save money for the national field trip. When you are still going in enchanted kingdom make sure that you will take the ride in roller coaster. It was really totally amazing! One more thing practice to speak tagalog and don’t be afraid to ask questions, they love questions. Enjoy every single moment and don’t be naughty. Obey rules and regulation. Always be on time. That’s all.

Pictorials