Our Fieldtrip in Manila !!!

University of Southeastern Philippines
Bo. Obrero Campus
Institute of Computing
Travel Report
Oct 4 - 8, 2010
Manila - Tagaytay - Laguna

Fieldtrip Overview

One the first day, we went to Social Security System and First Web Academy. We learned all about the networking strategies of SSS and the animations of First Web Academy. On the second day, we had our whole day seminar in UP – Diliman where we were also toured at Ayala Techno Hub and IBM. On the third day, we visited Advanced Science & Technology Institute and Telecom Training Institute. On the fourth day, we visited PLDT where we were introduced with their machines. On the fifth and final day, we went to MMDA or Metropolitan Manila Development Authority where they let us see how they monitor the traffic and other stuffs.

Day 1

Today, I went on a company visit to the SSS or Social Security System located at East Avenue, Quezon City; (for those students who were assigned in Bus 1 and Bus2). But what is Social Security System? What does Social Security System do to help our country? Can this seminar help us in our field of choice? Can we benefit from these? How can this be related to IT? These are some of the few questions that are popping out in our mind when we visited this company. The Social Security System protects the economic security of workers, retirees and their families. Unlike in the system in the United States, the Philippine system allows for loans (salary loans, etc.) and offers maternity benefits. I like their facilities and their employees because they are so kind. They tour us to their library and museum. During the discussion, their speaker did not tackle any topic that is related to assembly language. Most of their explanations are all about what they offers and networking.

On their discussion regarding IT matters, Database is always present.  After our stopover in Social Security System (SSS), we had our lunch at Great Eastern Hotel located at Makati City. And after our lunch in Great Eastern Hotel, we had our second company visit at First Web Academy and it was also located at Makati City so it was kind of a neighborhood trip from the location where we ate our lunch. Arriving at our second company visit, as we enter through the hallway, we’ve seen many Anime drawings and graphical designs posted in the walls. And as we move further, I’ve seen lots of people, classified as teenagers and adults facing their computer. As we look through on what they are doing, we glanced at the monitor and we’ve seen sketches and graphical designs of anime stuffs. There are even people who do animation on stuffs and it was so cool. As we arrived in our meeting hall, we momentary look at the surroundings and there were lots of much cooler stuffs posted in each wall. As we go on with our seminar in that building, they taught us how to use different kinds of softwares that specializes in editing and animating drawings. The first speaker introduced a software named “Maya” were it can be used to make 3D animation. In old times, they usually use 2D animation but nowadays, most of the movies used 3D animation including advertisements and stuffs. The difference between 2D and 3D is that it refers to the actual dimensions in a computer’s workspace. 2D is ‘flat’’, using X and Y (horizontal and vertical) axis, the image has only two dimensions where as compared to 3D, it has an additional axis where it is called the Z axis, it allows for the rotation and the depth of the image. That is why 3D looks more realistic than 2D animation. ‘UP’ is an example of a 3D movie, whereas almost all of the upcoming movies and shows now are based on 3D effects.  After the seminar, we went to SM Mall of Asia where we were set free by our Professors for a couple of hours for us to roam around the humongous mall. After that, at around 8 o’clock in the evening, we were obliged to meet at Atcha’s Restaurant for our dinner. After our dinner, we resided back to our hotel in Paco, Manila. The name of the hotel is Manila Garden Plaza Hotel.

What I learned?

I’ve learned the meaning of Social Security System and the transaction that they were using. What I learned most in our visit in SSS is not mostly all about IT, but instead all about the techniques that they used in their market strategy for their business. And in our second company visit, I’ve learned the difference of 2D and 3D animation. I’ve also learned slightly on how to use the “Maya” software.

What I liked?

What I liked the most is the company visit in First Web Academy, because I was amused of how does my favorites anime shows was made and in that company visit, I learned a bit of information’s and some of my questions were slightly answered.

What I didn’t like?

What I didn’t like with that day is that time was so fast, in my opinion, I do want to learn more about animations and stuffs but I don’t either want to lessen the time left for us to roam through Metro Manila.

Day 2

Today, I went on a company visit to University of the Philippines for a UP-USEP

Information Technology Symposium held at UP Information Technology Training Center. One of their speakers named Rose Ann Sale, an MS Computer Science student in UP Diliman, discussed “Writing a Winning Thesis”. On her discussion she tackled about their spelling application called

KineSpell2 she discussed that she used a microcontroller for the remote control. For the remote control, she used a simple codes, assembler and installed it to the microcontroller so that it works. Though they used java as their preferred language on their application, they still used assembly language for some of its component. Aside from Ms. Rose Ann Sale, there were still other speakers on the said symposium. They are John Boaz Lee, he tackled about algorithms,

Prof Carlos Bott, a software engineer with an MBA, Dr. Ferdinand Pitagan, Michele Moscatel and Prof. Lemuel Brana. After we visit UP Diliman Information Technology Training Center, we visit two companies that use an assembly language it is the IBM Innovation Center and Seachange located at the UP-AYALA techno hub. They also use a sensor, and assembler that installed in a controller for detection purposes that apply on some of their facilities like doors. IBM is an outsourcing company that offers hardware, software matters. IBM or the International Business Machines (IBM) located at UP-Ayala Techno Hub. IBM produces and trades computer hardware and software, and proposes infrastructure services, hosting services, and consulting services in areas varying from mainframe computers to nanotechnology. They have their LAB SPACE for IT software developers. They also have a laboratory or let we say a space for their servers and controllers that are needed for connection. As we can observed, almost all console gaming schemes of the most modern generation use microprocessors created and produced by IBM. For instance, the Xbox 360 contains a PowerPC tri-core processor, which was designed and produced by IBM. Also, Sony's PlayStation 3 features the Cell BE microprocessor developed in cooperation by IBM, Toshiba, and Sony. Nintendo's seventh-generation console called Wii features a chip code named Broadway created also by IBM and the older Nintendo GameCube utilizes the Gekko processor, also designed by IBM. On IBM Innovation Center, the speaker told us that from the past years IBM produces microcontrollers and simply controllers. IBM Philippines also competes to the different IBM companies all throughout the world. Another company is the SeaChange, their products are more on video streaming and multimedia telecommunication. SeaChange International, Inc. is the worldwide leader in multi-screen video and one of the biggest software companies around the world. The company gives innovative, Emmy award-winning solutions and services for back office, promotion, content, in-home gadgets and transmit to hundreds of media companies internationally, including blue chips such as Comcast, Virgin Media, AT&T, Hutchison Whampoa, Vodacom and DISH Network. More of their clients are from different countries. They also use an assembler and controller for detection purposes.

What I learned?

I’ve learned that there are so many languages that we don’t know yet. As we visited UP-Diliman, I was awaken by the truth that my knowledge in computers are not that wide enough, I was inspired by seeing the fellow UPians presenting their thesis project to us. I also learned that in programming, the very most important part is the algorithm, without understanding the algorithm of a program, you will never solve each of the problems that you’re professor would given to you.

What I liked?

What I liked the most in this day is that I’ve seen various things that made me inspired in my course, the facilities of the UP Diliman has obviously gave the students out there a big advantage compared with other schools. I don’t know with other schools but for me, what’s good is that in every department, they must let their students excel on the field that they are good at because no matter how hard you tried, if you don’t have interest on what the field you are doing, you will never enjoy and excel with that. And in relation with UP Diliman, they segregated each of the students, there are different rooms in their department and students can choose which room can they excel with.

 What I didn’t like?

What I don’t like is that in each of the speakers in UP Diliman, they were given a limited time that the information that is coming to us are also limited and it was kind of annoying. When we start to get interested with the topics that they were discussing, there gets the time that they will instantaneously end it and boredom strikes back to us.

Day 3

Today, I went on a company visit to Advanced Science & Technology Institute located at C.P. Garcia, UP, Diliman, Quezon City. In this institute, they tackled more on their products and how their products work. They introduced a product that is like a mobile phone but has a advantage compared to a normal mobile phone. They also introduced the “Bayanihan Linux” which is a Filipino based desktop focused on Linux distribution. What is a Linux? Linux is a Unix-like operating system that was designed to provide personal computer users a free or very low-cost operating system comparable to traditional and usually more expensive UNIX systems. After the seminar, they introduced their merchandise and souvenirs to us and some of us bought from them. Some of us had they’re picture taking with the gorgeous speakers. After visiting the Advanced Science & Technology Institute, we had our lunch at Max’s Restaurant located at Roces, Quezon City. After our lunch, we headed to our next company visit.

The second company that we visit is the TTI or Telecommunication Training Institute located at Valenzuela City. TTI offers serious telecommunications teaching for Engineering professionals, new graduates, and apprentices alike that are aspiring to be a part and grow in the field of the ever-needed telecoms industry. They offer customized courses appropriate for a company and individual desires. On the discussion they’ve made they taught us different structures on their system, the structures were a bit complicated because of the wires, LEDs and other circuits placed in. What was being discussed in TTI was a bit similar on that of PLDT since they both concerned in telecommunication.

They explained to us how telephone works and how communication devices transmit waves to another device. They also explained the approximate capacity of each device where it can still receive the waves from another device. Usually, they use the fiber optic wires, where is so expensive not including the materials and the strippers of that kind of wire. After the seminar, we went to Tutuban Shopping Center where we had our shopping in the Divisoria. But sadly, I and my classmate separated from the group for us to go to Robinson’s Galleria with my old friend that is currently residing in Manila. My old friend tour us in Manila, and we ride a LRT in order for us to get to Robinson’s Galleria(not knowing that Robinson’s Galleria is very near to our hotel, a walk able distance though). After that trip, we headed back to the Hotel.

What I learned?

I’ve learned the meaning of Linux and the different devices that they’ve introduced to us. I also learned how radioactive waves travel from one another. And as we went to Robinson’s Galleria, I realized that life in Manila is not that easy because the place is so crowdy.

What I liked?

I very much like the trip I this day, because I’ve learned new great things especially in the seminar in Telecom Training Institute. I also like our trip in the LRT where we experienced the rush in riding the LRT.

What I didn’t like?

Actually in this day, there’s nothing that I don’t like. Well, maybe the tiredness of our body after we went back to the hotel.

Day 4

Today, I went on a company visit to PLDT or Philippines Long Distance Company located at Mandaluyong City. The first speaker tackled the history of PLDT. On our tour on the PLDT Lab most of the topics that were discussed were all about networking since PLDT is a telecommunication company. They tackled the Open System Interconnection model (OSI) that is the primary model for network connection. With the use of the OSI model, they explained how information travels around the network, the role and importance of each layer, and also they mentioned that as the distance of connection from one place to another increases, the size of the wire it uses also increases. PLDT is using a fiber optic cable since it is a networking medium capable of conducting modulated light transmission. PLDT has also engaged in wireless communication by inventing a wireless phone which uses wireless signals from electromagnetic waves that can pass through to vacuum of outer space and through air.

PLDT also uses biometric since as what I have observed, they just showed their ID on a small sensor beside the door, and when it identifies the ID, the door automatically opened. On their discussion they’ve discussed the different business model they used. They brought us to their board room and on the side of it was the laboratory or room for managing and determining the connections that were under the PLDT landlines. After that seminar, we had a take-out lunch (“KFC”, Finger Licking Good) and after few minutes, we departed from PLDT and we are heading next to Tagaytay City for sightseeing. We went to People’s Park in Tagaytay City, we took pictures from the over-looking sceneries and shopped some souvenirs for our beloved ones. There are so many things to buy but the budget can’t quite fit for it. After our sightseeing in Tagaytay, we went to Enchanted Kingdom. We tried the Space Shuttle even though that the time is almost over, we forced to finish the line in order to take a ride from it. And YES, after the ride, we were so exhausted and dizzy. After that we headed back to Tutuban Center Mall for another Shopping for those who aren’t contented with their shopping here yesterday. They just gave us a meal allowance for our dinner this evening and after that, we head back to the hotel for us to rest because tomorrow’s going to be our last day here in Manila.

What I learned?

I’ve learned many things like networking since PLDT is a telecommunication company. They tackled the Open System Interconnection model (OSI) that is the primary model for network connection. With the use of the OSI model, they explained how information travels around the network, the role and importance of each layer, and also they mentioned that as the distance of connection from one place to another increases, the size of the wire it uses also increases. PLDT is using a fiber optic cable since it is a networking medium capable of conducting modulated light transmission. PLDT has also engaged in wireless communication by inventing a wireless phone which uses wireless signals from electromagnetic waves that can pass through to vacuum of outer space and through air.

PLDT also uses biometric since as what I have observed, they just showed their ID on a small sensor beside the door, and when it identifies the ID, the door automatically opened.

What I liked?

What I really like and that is so unforgettable is the ride in Enchanted Kingdom, it was a heck of fun but I swear to myself that I will never ever ride that Space Shuttle ride again !

What I didn’t like?

Actually, I loved this day, there’s so much to remember and to reminisce with this day. I had so much fun with this day.

Day 5

Today, I went on a company visit to MMDA. MMDA is the last company that we visited and it is my favorite. MMDA stands for Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. MMDA has a Development Planning, Transport and Traffic Management, Flood Control and sewerage management, and Public Safety. As Information Technology/Computer Science student, my main objective for visiting their company is to see and discover new things on their IT infrastructure or IT area. So the area for us is the Transport and Traffic Management. Transport and Traffic Management includes the formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies, standards, programs and projects to rationalize the existing transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares; and promotion of safe and convenient movement of persons, goods; provision for the mass transport system and the institution of a system to regulate road users; administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, traffic engineering services and traffic education programs, including the institution of a single ticketing system.

Fortunately, MMDA allow us to visit their IT infrastructure. We are lucky enough to visit there.

Our main topic on visiting their IT infrastructure was all about TRAFFIC LIGHTS, on how they implement and design it. MMDA used an assembler language to implement different functions on their traffic lights; an assembler is used to translate assembly language statements into the target computer's machine code. The assembler performs a more or lessisomorphic translation (a one-to-one mapping) from mnemonic statements into machine instructions and data. This is in contrast with high-level languages, in which a single statement generally results in many machine instructions. They install the codes on a controller and each signal support location is put in place and connecting wires are pulled through the conduits. Power for the signal is brought to the controller location. If sensors are to be placed in the road, they are connected to the controller as well. The supports are bolted in place, and wires are pulled through the hollow supports between the base and the signal stack mounting point. The signal stacks are attached to the supports. The wiring is then connected between all the elements of the system. Each individual light is given a final adjustment to aim it properly, the sequence timers in the controller are set to the specifications determined by the traffic engineers, and the system is cycled several times to test for proper operation of each element. The sensor is installed 3 meters away from the intersection line for the detection of vehicles.

What I learned?

To sum all the learning’s that I’ve gathered on the company visit in MMDA, I can conclude that the traffic light that they are maintaining is not useless. It can be very useful to us and it can also lessen the percentage of having an accident involving heavy-catastrophe of car incidents.

What I liked?

What I liked about this even though that this is the final day is that learning’s that I’ve acquired throughout the week especially with this day. Even in a short period of time, MMDA has made us realized and they really thought us the devices and the process that they were doing in order to maintain the peace and order in the traffic railways.  

What I didn’t like?

What I don’t like is that this is the final day. But in terms of the seminar this day, the video footage of the incidents whereas involving the deaths of people who are intake of alcohol while they were driving. I just don’t like seeing real people getting killed by an instant.

APPENDIX:

What can I recommend for the improvement of the Fieldtrip and Seminar Program?

My reaction for this year’s fieldtrip is that it’s a success for a pioneering subject in the IC department. Many students were given knowledge about what’s happening in the real world. We were given information’s and relevant ideas that can help us in our studies. The vast ideas that could really help us in our future thesis proposal could make a big chance in our lives. What I can recommend or as of my opinion, the schedules should be more properly arranged for the upcoming fieldtrips in this department where I belong. And also, may I suggest that they could give a free one day for the students to really enjoy their stay in Manila and meet up with their fellow relatives/friends. Some were given a chance but that chance was very short that you could say that it was like a once of a lifetime opportunity to go there and sadly you didn’t even meet up with the people you are supposed to meet up with. I know that it was an educational trip but as what I’ve said, a recommendation only, students just want to max up their time/chance on being in Manila.

My advice to those who are going to take their Fieldtrip and Seminar program in the near future.

My advice to those who are going to take their Field Trip and Seminars is that they should enjoy every little single minute they had. They should take advantage on the fact that they are in a new place, where knowledge can be gain. And if they are in a seminar, they should ask questions so that in the near future, that knowledge can be applied to it.