FTS Travel Report

       University of Southeastern Philippines

Barrio Obrero Campus

Institute of Computing

TRAVEL REPORT

October 4-8, 2010

Manila-Laguna-Tagaytay

Fieldtrip Overview

           

The said Fieldtrip was to partially fulfill the requirement in our subject Fieldtrip and Seminars (FTS) which is the Major Fieldtrip in Manila, Laguna and Tagaytay. The said fieldtrip took place on the 4^th of October until its 8^th year 2010. As the class has decided, the said fieldtrip be held in Luzon for the reason all of high technology inclined companies, innovations and inventions is mainly located only in that place. Included for the reason of selection is that the seminar to be held in UP Diliman covers up the entire seminar if we rather choose the other set of options for the FTS program. The fieldtrip’s main purpose is for us students to be familiar with the new technologies being used to provide efficient and effective services by IT related companies. It was also an opportunity for us to have witnessed how these stuff works, taught how have they come up with such innovations, how to use them and the most is their key upon how they have reached the peak of their success. So as to generalize, it is more on imparting ideas to neophytes like us and gently pushes us to where we would want to be someday. But there’s still more, part of having us educated on our company visits and seminar we also has given the chance to visit some of Luzon’s tourist spot like Tagaytay and its famous amusement park Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna. We also has given the chance to know the history on some place, street and establishments of the Greater Manila Area (GMA) by the tour guide assigned on our bus. In fairness with our tour guide he always makes sure that no time will be left hollowed in short boring. He throws jokes and questions for us to be always alive and sometimes initiates games and the favorite of all, the videoke. Overall, it wasn’t only a pure educational fieldtrip but also a very fun, thrilling and unwinding get away from us students who burned a lot of effort on our studies. It was like a vacation packed in one that I would give it a high satisfactory rate. A once in a lifetime experience of having accompanied only by classmates and instructors, thus it added lessons on how to begin ourselves with the reality will be in someday, the life after school.

Day 1

Today, I went on a company visit to Bayantel.

What I learned?

I learned that Bayantel uses Mobile Switching Center technology for their landline services. Now what is it? It is a wireless network divided geographically into a number of cells, each defined by a radio frequency (RF) radiation pattern from a respective base transceiver station (BTS) antenna. The BSC may be coupled to a mobile switching center (MSC) and a packet data serving node (PDSN). In typical circuit-switched wireless communication systems, the mobile switching center (MSC) connects the landline public switched telephone network (PSTN) system to the wireless communication system. The mobile switching center is typically split into a mobile switching center server and a media gateway, and incorporates the bearer independent call control (BICC). A mobile switching center includes a first database for storing location information and the call details of a mobile terminal. The MSC is also connected to a second database in which information about a subscriber registered in its mobile communication service is stored. The base stations route the communications to the MSC via a serving BSC. The MSC routes the communications to another subscribing wireless unit via a BSC/base station path or via the PSTN/Internet/other network to terminating destination. Between MSCs, circuit connections provide the handover mechanism that service calls as users roam from one service zone to another.

What I liked ?

I liked their working place, especially after the discussion of the overview on how Bayantel gives services to their customer by Mr. Montendo, he showed us where their communication engineers and technical workers done their job. It is actually just a glass away from their audiovisual room.  And I liked their spirits, knowing that they are not the only ones who provides services as theirs, still they set their minds with the thinking that they have the best services that customers could be satisfied of.

What I didn’t like?

I kind of didn’t like the units they are using. Not that I am being judgmental but as one of the leading telecommunications company I am expecting a more high-tech computer units just like other companies we have vistited has.

Day 2

Today, we first went to the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus to have our UP-USEP Information Technology Symposium in NISMED Auditorium. Then we went next to UP-AYALA Technohub and then visited the companies IBM Innovation Center and SeaChange.

At UP-USEP Information Technology Symposium:

What I learned?

I have learned a lot from their different speakers. Starting from the welcoming of the UP’s finest Professor Brana, his encouragement for us not to give up and aim higher have push us that things impossible to happen would be made possible through hard work and faith. With the positions and titles they are holding you cant imagine that somehow they were like us, dreaming and has full of ambitions but now they become pedestal of the one who has dreams.

 The second speaker talks about Writing a Winning Thesis. For me I could not find it new because I have always heard from it while we are still in class. It sounds like our Technopreneurship instructor has given us already an overall view of what her topic was all about and it was being always tackled in our class yet the difference is that it is not for thesis but for a business proposal but still they sounded same. She stresses that finding what you really love will lead you to a winning thesis. The third speaker talks about Visualizing Wikipedia Article Evolution with Stream Graphs and is pursuing the coolness of it. I have learned that it could make an information to be presented in a more realistic and understandable manner. Third from the speaker of Animation, Ms. De Garcia, she said that reaching that kind of success she has doesn’t need to have a good education background. Since she talks about art and all its stuff I never wondered why she has told us such thought.

What I liked?

            I liked the idea of animation so much because I love art but art doesn’t love me, because I am simply not good in drawing. I liked how she encourage the non-drawers like me to start a little with anything that comes out in our head and just start to draw what our minds saw.

What I didn’t like?

            It is not really like hating it but I just really couldn’t relate much on what the speaker is saying about the Game Development. He uses a very new technology for me. I am really not aware on what the guy is talking all about. And it kind of telling me the need of more exposure to all new technology arising since I enrolled in this field.

At UP-AYALA Technohub

What I learned?

In IBM, it acts as a training hub in the latest IBM technology for IBM customers, students, and individual professional developers. It is also used as a testing facility for new software applications of IBM partners. According to Contreras, these partners include academics given space to find answers to everyday IT questions, build cutting-edge skills, and explore the latest open-standards-based and open-source technologies. So anyone who aims to have free accommodations while making their business related to ICT bloom are free to visit and inquire this type of services they offered. After IBM we’ve gone to Sea-change. I have learned that they are the ones behind the products who enable dramatic new changes in the way video is delivered – from personalized, interactive video experiences to High-Definition television. Combining comprehensive software applications with open technologies, SeaChange products and services are acquiring, storing, managing and streaming video content and applications for those companies that demand superior performance.

What I liked?

I liked how the SeaChange made innovations out of a video streaming process, their video-on-demand thing. Their creative idea somehow gives me courage that we can make innovations out of simple things we usually seen or used, just like them they used the old way of how cable providers provide movies, news and all and made something out from it more efficient idea.

What I didn’t liked?

I think within that day I liked all the companies we have visited. I am enthralled by all the innovations they have showed on us and most they warmth welcomed us.

Day 3

Today, I went on a company visit to DOST-ASTI and SSS.

What I learned?

I have learned that DOST made embedded technologies device with built in system used to help most of the citizens concern. Going to SSS I have learned how they made their cards using the machines imported from Europe. Technological advances helped provide better and more accessible services. Advanced technology such as the Document Management System allowed paperless and faster computer-based processing of claims. The biometrics ID system, the first in Asia, helped prevent fraud, while the one-stop-shop Member's Assistance Center provided convenience where all transactions could be made in one place. For its pioneering use of advanced information technology systems, the SSS was honored by several organizations.

What I liked?

I like the embedded technology they made, the Effective Flood Control Operation and Warning System (EFCOS). It helps the community by enabling to foresee potential flooding and preventing of further damage cause by flood through water gauging system. In the other hand, I liked how the SSS welcomed and accommodate us. Not just because of the snacks they’ve given but by the time they spent even they have a really busy schedule. They showed us how they made the checking of every data an applicant has and I find it so cool.

What I didn’t like?

I actually want to see more on what DOST-ASTI has done. They didn’t show us much of their embedded technologies.

Day 4

Today, I went on a company visit to Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Philippines Corporation, formerly known as Hitachi Computer Products Asia Corporation (HICAP).

What I learned?

 I have learned that the company employs highly motivated professionals whose engineering and mass production capabilities have contributed to the quality and reliability of Hitachi hard disk drives, head gimbal assemblies and sliders. It also offers USB storage drives and notebook PC upgrade kits. Its drives are used in mobile, desktop, enterprise, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial applications. The company distributes its products through online retailers, authorized distributors, and partner suppliers. It serves consumers, small businesses, and original equipment manufacturers. 

We were also informed by the videos we saw that they are the ones who made the world's first hard drive with a total capacity of 1 terabyte (1 TB): the Deskstar 7K1000. Not only is it the first product to store up to 1,000 gigabytes on a single hard drive - beating Seagate to the market - but it also comes with a number of innovations. In addition to its Serial ATA II interface, it is the first hard drive that carries as much as 32 MB of cache memory, and it is Hitachi's first 3.5" drive to implement perpendicular magnetic recording technology (PMR). The company had deployed PMR in its Travelstar 5K160 family, but not into desktop drives. Hitachi's data sheet also lists various features that help to increase reliability and reduce power consumption.

Of course the video showed us how they made sliders, the one who reads the data from the disks inside the hard disk drives.

What I liked?

            I liked the jingle we saw on their videos about the tera song. It is like dumping the common gigabytes and embracing the era of terabytes hard disk drives. It is really fun watching those videos. I also enjoyed the tour inside while watching the employees in the labs wearing their protective get ups. Every lab is a stage where they does different procedure for making a slider and it is so nice watching how from wafers they become sliders.

What I didn’t like?

            I slightly didn’t like the one who entertained us first. She answered my classmate’s question in some kind of sarcastic manner. I didn’t know why but that was how I feel that time especially when she urged that their products are only for big companies who can afford it. I guess it really is true.

Day 5

Today, I went on a company visit to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

What I learned?

I have learned that MMDA has installed many IP cameras on the major streets in Manila. I have also learned that network cameras, who reside on IP networks; the video streams can then be accessed and stored remotely. This enables users to view and/or manage the IP cam using a standard web browser or video management software from different locations, giving the MMDA increased their flexibility.

What I liked ?

I liked what I saw. The monitoring team and the big screens in front of them watching everything happen on the street.

What I didn’t like?

I didn’t like witnessing harsh accidents on streets, yes I love watching busy streets but not with accidents.

APPENDIX:

            Since I am from the old curriculum program and upon shifting to this new curriculum I and my classmates are bit bothered about how this Field Trip and Seminar subject would be implemented after we have enrolled it. It is really weird because the subject itself has a room and a schedule for its class but all in all we and I are really excited upon what this subject would come upon.

            And now that the semester has already finished, all I can recommend for the improvement of the Fieldtrip and Seminar Program in the coming years would be first from the very beginning of the class we should have already initiate something that could raise an amount for the class’ sinking fund knowing that this subject entails finances and all for its miscellaneous expenses and that it would not become hard for the officers to collect on the spot for the said amount needed in a particular event. For the student’s side, it would rather not be difficult to find an amount immediately to pay for it. Second, I have fully understood that our batch pioneered this subject and detailed final amount to be paid for the trip has announced on a not so early date. So now that our instructors have already experienced and have tried out from these experiences we have, I presume that they could give the exact and estimated budget for each student for the fieldtrip in the next FTS to come in an earlier date so that the students’ parents would be given enough time to prepare and raise the said amount. Third, the subject should have searched for possible IT related companies to be partners and sponsors for every event, seminars or fieldtrip the class would take. This initiation could help us lessen our expenses for they may give subsidiaries especially for interested group of students whose visions are same as theirs. Also, it would make every event made to be more successful because some companies would let us use their person as speaker or even their gadgets to  be use as sample as a result more knowledge will be showcase and students will be fully exposed with the things haven’t seen inside the campus. With these many freebies would also be given to students as a souvenir and many students would be inclined to join and be active in all the activities to be made. 

            As to what advice I could impart to those who will take their Fieldtrip and Seminar Program in the near future would be to be prepared financially, physically, emotionally and mentally. Let s talk about finances first, of course fieldtrips are costly especially nowadays that hiking of fare prices are mostly experienced. This is why students who would take this subject has to understand such responsibilities that they would face like paying for the specified amount on a particular date. Yes, you needed big amount. Luckily for me my parents have helped me distribute those solicitation letters and God knows how a big help it is for me to be able to join the major fieldtrip. Costly, because it only does not require you to have these amount to be paid but still does have to bring pocket money for emergency purposes, shopping galore  and whatever you wished to buy along the whole fieldtrip duration like souvenirs for a particular place you have visited.  Also you may want to eat anything you want so it is better to have pocket money or allowances and you may enjoy the trip if you have big allowances (kidding). For our minor fieldtrip also, luckily we haven’t done it outside the vicinity. We just conducted it in Sutherland Global Services, so no big finances are included it is just that we must come an hour ahead of time.

Physically. Why? I never thought I could have fever and flu along the duration of the trip and it almost ruined the most highlight event in my entire life. The time we went out of the plane from Davao to Manila I got colds out of the change not in climate but with the air, they’ve got more polluted air than ours so I suggest those who have weak immune system to have them strengthen first before the trip because surely it would ruin your day. As what I have experienced though I am really hungry every time were going to eat it colds almost kill my appetite, flu gives me less time for sleep and colds makes me sleepy every time we went to visit company. But then I am thankful because the class’ aide gives us free medicine as remedy for what I felt, for what we felt indeed because I tell you many of us got colds that time.

Emotionally speaking, I honestly not in a mood to join our fieldtrip because all the time I am always thinking of my unfinished projects back home. I always think of “how about I won’t join and instead finish my projects”. So the result is sometimes I am preoccupied and couldn’t appreciate the good things the speakers are saying on a seminar or a company guide on a company visit. So I would suggest that all of your projects and assignments must be finished first so that you would really feel and enjoy each once in a lifetime moments that is given in you for a chance to be experienced then you will see that you have absorbed all the things that has been tackled along the fieldtrip. By the time I was in Manila I really haven’t thought of it as Manila, I really just couldn’t imagine I’ve reached that far. I wasn’t that enthralled to see those places because of the things boggling my mind. So it was a very much regretful scenario for me, if only I have shut down those nonsense mind boggling things I have then I could have much enjoyed watching and visiting places where we have never been.

In mental aspects, it is really an opportunity given to us to ask things we haven’t understood but the problem is for me I don’t know how to interact with those high level educated people and the worst I don’t have anything in my mind to ask and if there is I lack the confidence to raise my hand. What I could suggest with these matters is that we must widened our limitations, we should not stop on what we have learned in school but rather dig more for it could benefit our self a lot. Maybe when the time comes we can compete with them and we wouldn’t feel out of place when entering a world just like theirs.

  

pix

So much thankful

Today i just couldn't imagine every time i saw an airplane flying on the sky that i have made it till there, that i have ride on with that flying thing. It seems so fast, things are happening too fast and if you ain't have jotted down the most amazing experience you have, well you'll definitely lose it. Actually I considered it as one of the most unforgettable experience in my life. Being with my classmates for the five days duration and mostly the chance of meeting for the first time my cousins and some of my relatives in Manila. It surprised me a lot that they even cared to be on my granny's house just to see me and i on them. I greatly thank God for the opportunity He has given and for my papa and mama and sisters who contributed a lot financially. It was indeed connecting dots from past happenings because if I wouldn't have to shift to this new curriculum then I would miss the most touching event in my life.