Major Field Trip Seminar Overview

                Overall, I could say that the seminar was fulfilling, full of knowledge, joy and love. I saw the good side about the whole duration of it. Few months ago, we were still dreaming this activity will be soon, a success. We faced many trials, during the process, it was very difficult and it requires you a lot of patience. I saw my classmates struggles as they undergo the process, me too, I have felt much pressure especially when the time comes that you have to pay your obligations. We undergo heartaches, we often misunderstood each other, because of this seminar, we saw the light that guides us in every decision that we took. It’s very happy to think that even in the midst of struggles I can see the smile of my classmates.

               Inevitable problems really we cannot stop, but we can think of solutions. I saw the seminar as an opportunity to grow as person, what really struck me is the truth that this seminar will only happen once in your college life, so I took the challenge. Your mind will be enlightened what really is the real world out there. From the process, it’s not simple, financially it is a battle for everyone of us, but the good thing about it, we never gave up. That was the key that opened us the opportunity to learn more and more, exploring the world beyond ourselves.

Day 1

Today I went on a seminar to SSS or Social Security System at East Avenue, Quezon City.

What I learned?

            I learned many things during our lecture at the SSS, their history, the past, present and future of SSS, their database system, and the benefits of the SSS. Since we are fund of technical side, we focused on their database systems and ask many questions about it. During the starting years of the SSS, there is no much member, and their system was not centralized yet, as it was scattered along their branches across the Philippines, but as the years passed, the members of SSS multiplied, so the system also should be big enough to accommodate all the members, they have made their system centralized and the main office and server is located at Quezon City, the one we visited. Because of the centralization of the system, benefits or incentives are delayed because it should go through the main office before sent back to you. The benefits is what I liked, you can really survive if you’re a member of SSS. For me, I’m not a member yet since I am not employed but one day I will be a member of the SSS.

What I liked?

             What I liked about the SSS is their system and the benefits, they are accommodating and they shared to us all their knowledge about their company. And also they have their Gallery which depicts the life of Andres Bonifacio, I was amazed because they have their mini museum about Andres Bonifacio, and it was very patriotic to see.

                                                                                             

             What I liked about the first day of the trip is that we are so excited and very active, I liked the time we first step to Manila as we go out from NAIA Terminal 3 to wait for the bus to fetch us. We saw the big buildings and skyscrapers scattered over the city and realized that every people we see was so busy. I liked our tour guide Kuya Bayron as we call him, he taught us the story behind every name of the buildings and parks, the roads on which we are traveling, and how did the names came to be. When we checked in at Kabayan Hotel, we never expected so much but we are surprised that we got the capsule room, we are so happy at that time, though it was a mistake of the Kabayan Hotel that they have assigned the wrong room for us, but luckily, it was a capsule room.

What I didn’t like?

             What I didn’t like about the first day is that we never made it to our first company visit which is the Fluor Daniel at Alabang, Muntinlupa, we missed the opportunity to see the company, to learn about their company, and we blame the heavy traffic, it was the first time that we encounter such traffic, we stuck for almost two hours. But before that, our classmate’s bag was left on the airport, that was the first problem during our fieldtrip, that also cause a little delay in addition to the heavy traffic.

Day 2

Today I went on a seminar to Y4iT (Youth For Information Technology), “Philippine Youth Congress on Information Technology”, the biggest IT event in the country at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Y4iT envisions to empower the youth to break the barriers of today’s technology and create the technology tomorrow. The Philippine Youth Congress on Information Technology will be an avenue for the youth to share information, build new ideas and converge to be future leaders in the industry, committed in the pursuit of excellence in IT in the country and around the world.

What I learned?

Today I learned so many things, about the IT industry, about business, about technopreneurship, and about you goal and vision in life. What really caught my heart was Miss Rhea Althea Guntalilib, a Software Development Analyst of the Smart Communications, Inc. Her topic was IT for the Blind: The Key to a Brighter Future, I had goose bumps when I knew that she was visually impaired and totally blind, I was shocked, not only me but also my classmates, I was amazed by her life. She proves that there is hope in every situation in life. To be able to be successful, one of the key is not to lose hope. I have heard about the Kalibrr by Paul Rivera, his topic was Y-Combinator and Entrepreneurship, he shared to us what they went through when they started with entrepreneurship and about their bright idea. I was amazed at how Kevin Leversee philosophically shared to us the Internet of Things : You Have Been Assimilated, he is the Co-Founder and CEO of the StartupDragons, I learned a lot from him, from, respect to technology, he explained things well about the internet, how to use it and how to use your skills to help children in the streets, he said that if your goal is not to help other people, you are only after money and power.

What I liked?

What I liked about the Y4iT event was the speakers, I was inspired by their testimonies about their lives, how they began and how they succeed. I like also the fact that they started in small things, which soon grew into a big, successful dream. I like when I saw the young entrepreneurs, they were like us for the past few years, but they pursued their dreams and they became successful. Also the raffle entry of android phones and laptop catches all our attention!

What I didn’t like?

What I didn’t like about the event is that the hosts are hanging, not entertaining, and boring. I think it’s because they are not and IT people or CS people. I didn’t like the time schedule, because it started late, and ended almost past 1 pm, we were so hungry at that time.

Day 3

Today I went on a seminar to PLDT(Philippine Long Distance Telecommunication) Innolab at Mandaluyong City, the building was big and the security is strict, they did not allow us to bring cameras inside even our cell phones were left at the bus. We also visited IBM at Ayala Techno Hub, Commonwealth in the afternoon after visiting the PLDT. We were only catered at the lecture room, we did not actually have the authority to go inside the company and take a look.

What I learned?

I learned so many things about the new technologies especially in the PLDT, I was amazed by their gadgets and technologies used. I learned about the history of PLDT, during their early years in the business they provide cable wires for telephones, that was their business, they were so business minded that they took every opportunity that comes their way. PLDT almost closed when SMART came, but they took their advantage, they never want to be closed so they bought the SMART and it was the start that their business fly high. They have employed several thousands of people and their income went to billions of pesos. When we start the lecture on their lecture room, Sir Edmund Mamboyo explained to us many things, from physical connections, wires, cables used, the techniques in connecting from one place to another, and logical connections, to emotional connections. He shared to us an awesome presentation and teachings, he is so humble and very enlightening.

What I learned at IBM is Analytics, how it is used in the field of Information Technology. It is the discovery and communication of meaningful patterns in data. IBM is studying analytics and applying to advance their knowledge and capacity in the field of ICT. Sir Alexis Pantola, CISSP, CEH, Technical Manager, Academic Initiative showed us their server room, he explained a little about how that things work and how data flows into it.

What I liked?

What I liked at PLDT Innolab(Innovations Laboratory)  is that they have the most advance technologies and gadgets when it comes to ICT, I think in the Philippines they are the first to have such technologies, they have their powerful computers and gadgets. They are still developing an application which uses sim cards and controls a certain object, like turning the television on, or turning it off, opening the window blinds, like controlling it only inside the computer. It was the coolest thing I have seen in there. They have their gadgets connected to cloud servers which is amazing, powerful cameras, and they have their GPS trackers, a device which is used in tracking a certain object, it is handy and can be put in a car or wherever you like, when the device is active, they can monitor the location of the object via their advance monitoring screen. And I like their control center which they can see the ongoing activities of PLDT, their connections, the processes and many more. It was like I only saw those things in a movie.

What I didn’t like?

What I did not like only is that we did not brought our cameras because of security purposes. We didn’t have pictures of ourselves inside the building and their amazing gadgets. And one thing is that the lecture room was too cold we did not expect that it will be that cold that we got sleepy but the thing is they accommodated us so well that they did what was best for us.

Day 4

Today I went on a seminar to Toshiba Storage Device, Canlubang, Laguna, for me it was another epic company we visited, because it was the Toshiba’s HDD manufacturing company! I was so excited when we enter their very big company. So far it was the only company who offered us snacks, for me, they have the best accommodation for the employees there too came from Davao and it was like we’re in Davao. We can talk to them in our own dialect with no hassle at all. We observed cleanliness and we had our gown and cap, to ensure safety and away from dust.

In the afternoon, we went to Peoples’ Park in the Sky in Tagaytay City, they place was just so magnificent, it was just like a dream, but it was the best feeling when you are experiencing the strong fresh winds blowing you. I cannot forget that remarkable place, I saw the cities under Tagaytay, the roads which we drove, and the beautiful views I cannot fathom the view!

Also we went to Enchanted Kingdom, where we had the best fun and excitement and terror! I was very happy at that time, I saw my batch mates laugh, and hear them scream because the rides were to extreme, I almost got dizzy after riding the 5^th extreme ride which is the Disc’O Magic. Overall it was a fantastic and fulfilling experience!

What I learned?

What I learned during the seminar in their company was, first you should love and take care of mother nature or your environment. As we approach their manufacturing outside, I already saw their concern and love for nature, because there was so many trees planted, the whole area was clean. They conducted many activities for the betterment of nature like tree planting. Second they observe strict cleanliness in their surroundings, being clean is a good thing. As far as mother nature is concerned, we should take care of the things around us by not abusing them because in the end, we will be the one to suffer. I learned how the hard disk drives or HDD are built from a piece to an awesome device, step by step process, they showed us the rooms where the HDD were kept, the rooms where the HDD were assembled by hands of the workers there.

What I liked?

I liked the way the IBM employees and workers accommodated us, they were so friendly and polite. They answered our questions well and also discussed everything as we go along the hallway, and also they observe precautionary measures like always walk at the right side of the aisle, and not putting your hands inside your pocket because if you slip, you have something you can use to hold on to. I like the building, it was very clean and sanitized, well organized and secured. I thought of working there in the future because of their incentives also. I like the way they balance the nature and production of devices. And I like the way they are enjoying their jobs, I can see it in their smiles, they are stress free. I think also of their management system, that is why I never saw loneliness in their eyes.

What I didn’t like?

Well there are few things I didn’t like, first, the building was so huge, we traveled the whole are by means of walking, it was so tiring! Second, the floor which HDDs were assembled was hot, there was air conditioners all around but it was still hot, I think it was because of the heat exhausted by the production of HDD and it was inevitable because it is normal when manufacturing that kind of devices.

Day 5

Today I went on a seminar to MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), Mandaluyong, this is the last company to visit during the field trip. I was just curious when we were going to that place, I thought of what it really looks like because someone said their office only have a little space. Until noon were there and we were then transported to the NAIA Terminal 3 to get ready for our departure and leave in Manila. We have our lunch at the Terminal to avoid any delays and to ensure that we can board earlier and can rest a little bit.

What I learned?

What I learned from the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) is that first, safety and knowledge first. They ensure knowledge about something in your environment that you should know in order to survive in times of calamities. The main purpose the MMDA is to have a strategic, unified purpose in serving and giving the people of Metro Manila information about what is going to happen based from the predicted updates from various government offices like PAG-ASA, DOST and others. Communication is one of the key to a unified city, when all of the political units communicate effectively, there will be unity and problems will be solved more easier. Floods is Metro Manila is inevitable so they have the strategic of opening and closing some water gates across the span of Manila, it is located in many parts, in times of heavy floods, they would open other gates just to let the water out, but to controlling them is hard, they need information about what the flood meter is and will this affect many areas. In times of traffic control they have installed CCTV cameras all over the city, which they used in monitoring the traffic in the city.

What I liked?

I liked the way they manage and cooperative with each government authorities like PAG-ASA, they have cooperation in common and one goal, they have unity. I liked their equipments, they are prepared and they have their amphibian vehicle outside their office parked. I liked their Shake, Rattle and Learn House which is built to simulate the effect of being in an earthquake up to intensity 5, because that’s the limit of that house. It is fun seeing my colleagues tried it, they have thought us what to do when you’re inside a building and suddenly an earthquake occurs. Simply duck and cover your head and your neck, because that is the critical point of your body. I also like the compilation of the earthquakes recorded from the past year, they have their information board there which is informative to read.

What I didn’t like?

What I didn’t like was the space, it was so narrow, we can hardly move. Since there is less space, there is less chairs for us and we didn’t take all a seat, some stayed standing at the back. And also I observed their internet connection is not that fast, we can see the delay when they are opening their sites. They have a limited number of monitors, and not that high quality you are looking for.

APPENDIX

What can I recommend for the improvement of the advance seminar program of USEP?

One thing I recommend for the improvement of the advance seminar program of USEP is that to continue the Field Trip and Seminars program because it really helps the students advance in knowledge and to know better what the world out there awaits. FTS will be a key to understanding a better world of ICT to IT and CS students, what opportunities in the biggest company of the country is offering to them and what good is it to work there. It gives a glimpse of the future, so that students can understand and look forward to their decisions.

This is my advice to those who will take their advance seminar program in the near future.

My advice is that to really grab the opportunity because it rarely comes, and you might end up in regret if you did not make or choose the right decision, follow what is on your heart but use your knowledge and wisdom, use your mind in making tough decisions. And if you could join the seminar program, just enjoy the whole duration of it and learn the wonders of the world out there. It is full of learning, experience, excitement and truth.