University of Southeastern Philippines
Barrio Obrero Campus
Institute of Computing
TRAVEL REPORT
October 4-8, 2010
Manila-Laguna-Tagaytay
Fieldtrip Overview
As part of our FTS subject we were required to have 1 major fieldtrip (outside Mindanao). The said activity was held last October 4-8, 2010 at Manila. We were involved with such activities with the primary goals of familiarizing the recent trends and developments in Information and Communication Technology thru technical seminars and fieldtrips as well as gaining exposures. Also, for us to be equipped with basic interpersonal skills on our chosen fields of expertise thru non-technical seminars. In this regard, we had visited some companies that were related to our field of study. In particular, we went to Bayantel, IBM, Seachange, PLDT, Exist Global/G2IX, TTI and lastly MMDA. Each company imparted different kinds of topics and lessons in which we were able to learn and dealt with. The companies showed some of their facilities and resources that caught our interests. Indeed, it was really an educational trip. We have acquired information that we were not aware of. Some of the company had their focus on telecommunication, some on hardware, software services, building softwares, applications, interactive websites, software development, innovations, security and more. It was fun at the same time since we were able to visit large companies where our interests are inclined with. We were able to see innovations on our technology, things that are possible to do that we weren’t expecting, and facilities and machines used for the operations of such large companies. We also had our seminar at UP Diliman where in we were amazed of the bright and inspiring people that served as speakers during the day. They have imparted not just technical terms but also tips for us to succeed and to pursue what we are aiming and of course our studies. Just like what Steve Jobs said, we just have to look for what we love because what we love can make us continue and reach our goals. We were able to have 6 different topics and speakers. Each possesses different charisma and talents on their field. The speakers presented informative discussions and imparted vital tips on how to be effective on matters such as writing a winning thesis, animation, game development, visualization, etc. After every discussed topic, we were given time to ask and clarify things in connection to what they have presented. BY that way we were given the chance to speak up and know the things that we wish to know and the things that we were confused at. We also had the opportunity to visit 6 Department of Computer Science laboratories that were really amazing. They use Mac computers for their projects and developments. They were really inspiring in a way that we can see how they can excel on their fields. The kind of technology that they were working on astonished us greatly.
Each day of our field trip was full-packed. We were showered lots of new discoveries and learning. To evaluate it, the trip was successful. I never thought of being able to grasp that amount of learning from our trip. I can say it was 95% educational and 5% pleasure. The bigger part of the trip was allocated for learning rather than what others are expecting that we were just wasting our money for trip of personal pleasure or “laag thing”. The field trip and seminar was very exhaustive but at the end of the day, I can conclude it was worth it.
Day 1
Today, I went on a company visit to BAYANTEL. It was the first day of our fieldtrip. We arrive at Manila at I think 11:55 in the morning and took our lunch. After we ate our lunch at Jade Valley we immediately went to visit one company which is BAYANTEL that is located at San Francisco DM, Quezon City. The visit went shortly. I think it took only half hour of our time. , if I’m not mistaken we all gathered at their conference room.
What I learned?
To tell it honestly I didn’t learned much on the first company. But as what I can remember, Mr. Montendo mentioned about BAYANTEL as a telecommunications company that provides data and communications services and operates nearly 33% of the Philippine population more on Visayas and Mindanao regions than in Metro Manila. They have the major services for telecommunication as follows: Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) service, International Gateway Facility (IGF) service; Leased Line service, domestic and international, Public Trunk Radio service and Public Calling Office service. It was mentioned that Bayantel is now on its 13 years of service. Some of their customers are Banks by using WAN, some government agencies and call centers. Mr. Alden Commade brought up about NMS Bayantel can remotely monitor switches. He also talked about NMS as software. He also mentioned about the switches that they are using employ CISCO commands.
What I liked?
I like it when they show us their actual computers for monitoring their services. I also like the brief way of discussion.
What I didn’t like?
I didn’t like the room where we were all gathered because it was small, the accommodation was not that good because I seemed like they were in a hurry maybe they were busy during the period. The lecture was simple and I think it was not that suitable for our field.
Day 2
Today, I went on a company visit to UP-Ayala Techno hub (IBM Innovation Center and SeaChange). We also had our seminar at NISMED Auditorium, UP Diliman. We arrived at UP Diliman at past 8 in the morning and registered ourselves first. After then, we immediately started the said seminar by having the opening ceremonies followed by the welcome remarks of Prof. Lemuel Brana. It was just a short message to welcome us on our seminar. It was then followed by the first speaker Ms. Rose Ann Sale with the topic “Writing a Winning Thesis”, she is an MS in Computer Science in UP Diliman and a former member of the Web Science Research Group at DCS researching on games for kinesthetic learners. The next speaker caught most of the female’s attention I suppose. He was a cool guy and I wouldn’t have thought that he is already an instructor at the UP IT Training Center. He is a graduate student at the Department of Computer Science, UP Diliman. He is none other than Mr. John Boaz Lee who presented “Visualizing Wikipedia Article Evolution with Stream Graphs”. The third speaker was Ms. Michelle Moscatel, a young lady, with a smooth personality (as what I can observe). She is an inspiring person who at a young age became a Regional IT Coordinator and a full-time Instructor in UP teaching engineering students and programming and computers. She imparted about Design and Implementation of a cloud based personal learning environment. Before we proceeded to the next topic after we took our am snack we first had a UP ITTC talk for 15 minutes. Followed by the next speaker who was a very talented person bearing unique beliefs in life. She conferred concerning “Animation”. She is Ms. Len Degracia, a successful animator and 3D artist and designer. Dr. Jaime Caro then approached the stage to give us an overview about UP ITTC then followed the next topic that was about “Mobile Device Game Development” that was presented by Prof. Carlos Bott. He is a software engineer with an MBA, an MSc in Information Systems and an MSc in Aeronautical Science. He is also taking up his PhD. in Biomedical Imaging and Training using Augmented Reality Devices. The last speaker was Dr. Ferdinand Pitagan with the topic “Empowering the Nation through Educational Technology”. At present he is an assistant professor at the College of Education- University of the Philippines, teaching educational technology courses. Subsequent to the seminar we ate or lunch at UP then we directly went at IBM and Seachange for our company visits. Afterwards we went back to UP and visited DSC laboratories namely the Algorithms and Complexity Lab, Computer Vision and Machine Intelligence Lab, Scientific Computing Lab, Computer Security Lab, Networking and Distributed Systems Lab and Web Science Lab. Certainly, this was the most fruitful day in the 5 day trip.
What I learned?
*SEMINAR
Writing a Winning Thesis this was the first topic that was discussed. I learned ways on how to create a good thesis based on Ms. Sale’s lecture. She mentioned about stages on writing a thesis. First is the thinking about it stage. This is the stage where you will choose and think of the subject of your thesis. In this stage it is advisable to jot down all the things in mind and all possible proposals. For you to be able to have choices on what is the best idea you have come upped. This is the brain storming stage where in you have to consider the things that gets your interests most and the things you love to achieve an effective proposal and to be able to pursue your idea since it is your passion. The next stage is the proposal stage, in this stage you have to set your research objective and to collect information about your proposal. The third is the Burning your Eyebrow stage. This is the stage where you have to work on with your partner or group mates. You have to talk and study about your proposal. It would be helpful if you have a good adviser that would motivate you on your project. It could be helpful in a way that they can make you work harder on your proposal by making you feel the pressure. She also added that in this stage it is important to have a good communication and relationship with your partner and group mates. If problems arise, you have to talk together immediately to find solutions to resolve it right away. The next stage is the nerve wracking stage or the stage of Comparative Testing. This is the most jumpy moment in your thesis period. This is the time when your profile will be tested. And finally the I did it stage or the stage where you have succeeded.
Visualizing Wikipedia Article Evolution with Stream Graphs this was the second topic that talks about visualization. Mr. Lee mentioned about the power of visualization. Visualization is cool. To visualize things is to see patterns. It can help you on understanding things in an easier way such as graphs. He also gave some tips on how to visualize data. In data visualization you have to omit unnecessary information, use 2 dimensional objects to be easily understood and use color to indicate different objects.
Design and Implementation of a cloud based personal learning environment by Ms Michelle Lee Moscatel was the next matter. She shares about how technology can be applicable and useful in learning. He also mentioned about making portfolios as products of our learning. It could be a very useful tool especially when we apply for a job since our works can be evaluated through our portfolios.
Animation was the next topic that was presented by Ms. Len Degracia. Honestly I like her personality. The thing that I can consider as learning from her talk was when she said that we just have to have our passion on what we do. Our talents can be our tool to succeed on our dreams. She showed us some of her animation works. It was really amazing. She also cited about ability and marketability on how you market your product and on how to utilize your faculties. Practice can make our abilities improve. If we really want to achieve our goals we have to work hard and give our best efforts. Eventually we will reach the things that we wish to.
Mobile Development Game Development the fourth topic and was given by Prof. Carlos Bott. In his talk she cited techniques in game development. The techniques he mentioned include gaming platforms, online platforms, software tools, flash and web. Gaming platforms such as iPhone, IPod and more; online Platforms such as facebook, yahoo games, browser games, wiware, steam, impulse, XBLA (xbox live), PSN and games for windows (live). When talking about Software tools for frameworks there are a lot of tools that can aid us on developing a game for instance SDL (Simple Direct Media Layer), SexyApp framework 1.4, Playground SDK5.0, Director and Shockwave, Unity SDK2.61, Torque Engine (Middleware), Game Studio and XNA (Microsoft version 3.0) and XNNA Game Studio 3.1. On the other hand for Software tools for servers, we can use Unity 2 MDK – union platform, Smartfox server (gotoAndPlay) and Electro Server 4 (electrotank). For flash we can use Flash Design Points, flash and VI development. He ended up his talk by leaving us a message that in developing a mobile or a game we have to be the best in order to compete.
Last but not the least was about Empowering the Nation through Educational Technology that was presented by Dr. Ferdinand Pitagan. He emphasized about the roles of teachers in education and that education is very important. We can also learn innovatively by the use of our technology in Information and Communications, computers, online or web-base, mobile or wireless and assistive. We can also learn through Media Education such as text, audio, visual, motion, manipulative and people. Dr. Pitagan also discussed about empowerment or increasing of the spiritual, social and economic strength of individual and community. Every one of us has the right to education as what he said. We have different empowerments such as Societal Empowerment which includes equality for all, human rights, sustainable development and social responsibility. We have Economic Empowerment which comprises purchasing power, employment and government revenue. Lastly we also have Political Empowerment which consists of inclusion and participation, freedom of choice and affect change.
*IBM Innovation Center
Ms. Iris Chiu accommodated us on our company visit at IBM. There I learned about IBMs domestic operations since 1937. Their services in which at present they focus on software services. IBM provides IT and business solutions to majority of the top companies in the Philippines from the government, financial & banking, telecom, retail & distribution sectors, among others. It has 3 wholly-owned subsidiaries (IBM Business Services, IBM Solutions Delivery and IBM Daksh) and more than 400 Business Partners and 130 Authorized Service Centers nationwide. In IBM, they have 2 functioning racks for their servers. IT was intel-base using CISC (x-series) and the other one was RISC (right-power system). They use 2 quad core processor, 8 gb ram and 6 led light for the servers. They also use a SAN which is a 16 hard disk in 1 casing rack where in there is a switch on top (SAN switch). The led signifies the status of the servers. If the light shows green color it means that it is functioning well.
*SeaChange
A company that partners with cable, telecommunications, broadcast, and satellite companies worldwide. SeaChange is a world leader in deploying the infrastructure necessary to deliver Video on Demand (VOD). Their products include axiom, AdPulse (advertising), IPTV and VOD solutions and Media library. On the time we went there they showed to us their product, video on demand products which enables a television to play, previous, next, stop or pause. It also has some features of a computer. What caught my attention was about the attitude of the workers inside the company. They were just like playing around with large smiles in their faces. You can’t even imagine those people creating such high technology innovation. Well they are really inspiring people.
What I liked?
Everything that happened for the day was likable. It was all-out learning and fun. It was a memorable day for me because on my whole life I think this was the day where I met many intellectual and inspiring people that amaze me even until now. I like how UP maximized the time for the 6 speakers. I like how they presented the topics. I like how Miss. Iris presented the IBM Company. I like how the DCS people accommodated us in visiting their laboratories and how they share their projects and knowledge on us.
What I didn’t like?
The only thing I didn’t like in IBM was that they just showed us limited resources. They weren’t able to showcase their software services and products which I was expecting to see. In SeaChange, I don’t like their video presentation because it was boring.
Day 3
Today, I went on a company visit to PLDT AND SSS. It was the third day already. Everyone was bothered because of the bus arrangement. Some were exchanged due to some misunderstandings. Well anyways, we first went to PLDT together with bus 1 for our company visit to PLDT. We went to their Innovation Laboratory and Telecommunication Education and Center of PLDT located at Mandaluyong City. As we arrived at the place we first signed a registration form before we walked in. Ms. Annie Ferrer accommodated us when we got inside and we had a short orientation session with her. It was followed by the introduction of PLDT to us. It was all about what PLDT is; the birth and the development of its products and services. We went upstairs for the next session where in we took a peek at some of their working rooms and their board room which was so incredible. It was huge and wonderful. After which we proceed to a room downstairs and had a discussion with Mr. Edmurvo Mamboyo. Subsequently, we ate our lunch then preceded to the next company visit the Social Security Systems. They were so accommodating. As we arrived there we felt special because they are so approachable and friendly to us. We first had a short discussion at their auditorium about the operations of SSS and its benefits and clients. We were also given snacks to eat. Then we went to their working rooms for actual presentation of the machines and technologies they use. It was one of the best company visits we had for the fieldtrip.
What I learned?
*PLDT
As mentioned in the introduction, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) was founded on November 28, 1928. It is the leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines. Through its three principal business groups - fixed line, wireless, and information and communication technology PLDT offers the largest and most diversified range of telecommunications services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone and fixed line, cellular and satellite networks. From year 1928-1938, they called it PLDT’s Age of Birth; from year 1939-1948, the Destruction; years 1949 to 1958 is the Age of hope; Change was named for the years 1959-1968; 1969-1978 the years of Control; from years 1979-1988 was the Revolution where payphones and fax machines were released. From years 1989-1998 was named as Gatekeeper; and lastly 99-Present. I also learned that they use GSM modem for ATM and banking solutions. We also went to their laboratory (testing) speed and board room. They also mentioned about CISCO Unified Communication. On the lecture given by Mr. Edmurvo Mamboyo I learned that Telecommunications came from 2 words Tele means distant and Communications which means exchange of data/info. The early forms of telecommunications are as follows:
• Drums fabricated from the trunks
• Carrier Pigeon
• Smoke Signals
• Semaphore flags
There are also types of Modern Telecom the simplex and the half Duplex. He also cited elements of a telecommunication link such as sender, transmission medium and receiver. The types of sender/ Receiver are voice equipment and data equipment. There are 2 types of transmission medium namely wired and wireless. Wired includes twisted pair, co-axial and fiber optics while wireless contains terrestrial, extra-terrestrial and CMTS. On January 28, 1878 the first commercial telephone exchange was released by George W. Coy. ON March 10, 1891 a stronger switch was introduced by Almon Strowger.
*SSS
SSS provides service for sickness, disability, retirement, maternity and death and funeral. SSS use biometrics where they use thumb marks and face recognition for their clients. They also have large machines for making Identification Cards. They also have a museum that preserves old materials such as old IDS, paintings, Uniform and calculator.
What I liked?
I liked the discussion we had at PLDT and because they also gave us drinks. I liked their board room. During the SSS visit I liked how they accommodated us. It seemed that they gave importance on our visit to their company. We were even able to see their President for IT matters for their company. I liked how they showed to us the machines they use for their technology operations.
What I didn’t like?
I didn’t like how Ms. Annie entertained us because of there were a lot of interruptions. She was busy then and for a while left us at the lobby and for some times she had calls that disrupts her discussion.
Day 4
Today, I went on a company visit to Exist Global. This was one of the most awaited days of the trip since after we had our company visit at Exist global we headed to Tagaytay for sightseeing and then to Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna to enjoy the rides. We arrived at Ortigas with our eyes amazed because of the large buildings that surround the area. Standing at the place made us feel that we were abroad. The place didn’t seem like we were on Philippines. The building we entered was occupied by different operating companies. We headed to the exact floor and room for the Exist Global company visit. We were amazed because a group of pretty and young ladies accommodated us as we entered their company.
What I learned?
The first speaker introduced some things about their company by answering questions from us. It was cited that Exist Global existed since 2001. The company focuses on Java development, Ruby on Rails, Web design development and Mobile solution development. The company also offers Exist Code Camp. Some of the company’s services include building software, interactive websites and iPhone Applications. Ms. Jo Eduardo imparted about Java Development in the Philippine Java Scenery. The IT Industry has difficult [positions to fill according to NetworkWorld.com. The positions comprises Java/JRE, security, software developer, SAP, Database Admin, Oracle, SharePoint, C# and others since the IT industry is increasing demand. The Java Industry was segmented into:
• Mobile – J2ME and Android
• Desktop – Awt, Swing and SWT
• Web – EJB, spring/struts
In this field the skills needed in general contains:
• Programming Paradigm - procedural, object-oriented
• Design – Gang of four, domain driven
• Unit Testing
• Documentation – class diagram, UML, ERD
Specifics were also mentioned like MVC- struts, spring, swt, ssf, awt, swing and MIDP; Domain – EJB, Drools, jBPM, Plain Java; Persistence- JDBC, JPA, Hibernate, Toplink and JDO; Logging – log4j, commons, slf4j; Messaging- Active MQ, Mule; Scalability – Terracota, Gigaspace, Coherence and Hadoop and lastly Testing – Junit, Mockito and DBunit.
Lastly she mentioned about their company’s ladder of employers which are the junior, middle, senior and team lead or the architect.
What I liked?
I like this day and company visit because it was really related to Information Technology and we can somehow relate to the things that the speaker was telling us. I also liked the way they entertain us. The female speakers were inspiring. They were so amazing especially when Ms. Jo told us that she wasn’t an IT related course graduate but yet now she is working on programming stuffs. She left us a tip that we just have to practice to be good at our field. We must love our course and go for gold.
What I didn’t like?
We didn’t have a tour at their company maybe that thing disappoints me. I think it would be better if they presented some of their products.
Day 5
Today, I went on a company visit to TTI and MMDA. The day passed vastly. Sad to say but this was the last day of our fieldtrip. In the morning we visited TTI and had lectures on their electrical wirings and add more of electrical matters.
What I learned?
*TTI
I learned about PCM equipments where it converts analog voice signals into digital signals. Voice frequency bandwidth of 0.3~3.4 kHz = 4 kHz was also mentioned. I also learned about how expensive the tools they were using such as crimping tools, the stapler and such. It runs for about 60-200,000 pesos each. The speaker also discussed about repeater and radio wing. They also use preamble for synchronization, timing and identification of user.
*MMDA
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority performs planning, monitoring and coordinative functions, and in the process exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters. I have learned the MMDA uses wireless YMAX –fiber optics. They use NUUO surveillance system with (X20 zoom capability) and Multiplix with (X22 zoom capability) as software for their operations.
What I liked?
I liked it when we were able to see the monitors and computers that MMDA is using. It was a high technology way of monitoring traffics and accidents.
What I didn’t like?
I think I didn’t like the TTI Company since it was boring. Though it was informative yet the facts was more suited for ECE students to gain knowledge of. I also didn’t like the TTI building it looked so old. I remember one of my classmates described it as a mental hospital building look alike. On the other hand on MMDA’s side, I didn’t like the area since it was narrow for us. We cannot listen well to the speaker especially when we were down stairs. Honestly I learned nothing there because I can’t hear the voice of the speaker.
Appendix:
Since it was the pioneering group for the FTS subject, I can say it wasn’t perfect as expected but it went well somehow. There were just few mistakes that were easily resolved. As what I can observe I can recommend to have enough time to prepare for the expenses for the trip. On our case it was hard to raise the amount we needed in just 2 months time. It would be better if the next FTS student will have time to prepare for the amount they will need especially if next FTS destination will possibly be on SINGAPORE. I also suggest allowing the student to choose what batch and bus they will be in. It is better to be with your close friends in experiencing this kind of opportunity in your life. In this way the students will have fun more than being together with those people you are not close with. It is also better to settle bus arrangements and batches ahead of time. Personal copies of itinerary should also be given earlier.
My advice to those who will take their fieldtrip and seminar program in the near future is that they must prepare ahead of time for their trip. They must tell their parents for the information of the said subject. They should attend meetings to be aware of what will happen. They should choose deserving and responsible officers that will work on time. They should enjoy the trip. Most especially they must give attention to the lectures and seminars given during the trip since it is very informative and vital. They must be responsible enough for their behavior and should manage their time properly. Bring camera to capture moments and jot down notes for the things discussed and learned. Budget your money properly. Finally you have to follow rules accordingly to avoid problems.
