About 8 in the morning, we went to UP Diliman to have our National Seminar, some sort of Symposium. It was considered as an extension to the recent national Seminar of IT students, the UPITTC.
What I learned?
The event was formally started by Prof. Lemuel Braña where in he introduced the topics to be discussed by the remaining speakers.
The first speaker was Ms. Rose Ann Sale of the Web Science Group. She gave us about a 20 minute presentation revolved around about Writing and Winning a Thesis. She lectured us on the significant stages in writing a Thesis: first was the “Thinking About it Stage” where in she advised us to select a subject familiar enough that you can write about it with feeling and authority, yet unusual enough to distinguish our work from the mass of other applicants. Second was the “Proposal Stage” where in according to her the key at this stage is to write a proposal that will attract the attention of the kinds of participants that we want to have. In this stage also we must present the objective of our research. The next stage was the “Building Your Eyebrow Stage”, in this stage she talked about having our thesis partner (if have one) and choosing our thesis advisor. As what she wants to tell us, choosing our Thesis Advisor is the most important decision of our life—perhaps more important than choosing a spouse since our choice according to her affects everything we will do unto our career. The next stage was the “Nerve Wracking Stage”, this stage concerns about the testing of our Thesis Project. This may include allowing others to read and give their opinions. And the last stage was the “I did It Stage”. In this stage she discussed about the development of the thesis, that we must set goals in order to have an effective and positive results.
The next speaker was Mr. John Boaz Lee, the one who made girls wake up. In his speech, he talked about Visualization; he told us the importance of visualization for us to see the availability of data. There were many speakers after Mr. Lee who presents us the other topics like Animations and Mobile Apps game development and Educational Technology.
What I liked?
What I liked regarding the seminar was the intractability of it. It was very informative and just having the thought of sitting and listening to UP people was exciting! The interactive talk which revolved not only into the technical parts but also around the concept of believing in our own potentials and abilities which somehow get letdown by either the self under-estimation or by some elements of the society. It was a true ice breaking and capacity building session which forced the us to think about character grooming and our worth a million value in society.
What I didn’t like?
What I didn’t like at the visit in UP was some of the speakers. The speaker who ended the event and the foreigner speaker were kept on reminding us our shortcomings. Yes, it was our fault to be late on the allotted time however I think and believe that it is not necessary to keep reminding our mistake especially because they already knew were very sorry about it. And one more thing, I just notice on the program schedule of the event, they did not included a time allowance in every switching of the speakers—not even a second! The food also was not so great, but because of the informations I munch up during the presentations, somehow it was enough to get to the bottom of my ravenous stomach.
Third Company visit: Ayala Techno Hub (IBM and SeaChange)
The seminar finished maybe after 3 hours of listening and engaging to a tete-a-tete with neighbors. With the accompaniment of the organizers of the event at UP, we were be able to enter the Ayala Techno Hub which allows to visit IBM and SeaChange.
International Business Machines (IBM) is an American multinational computer, technology and IT consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM is the world's fourth largest technology company and the second most valuable global brand(after Coca-Cola). IBM is one of the few information technology companies with a continuous history dating back to the 19th century. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software (with a focus on the latter), and offers infrastructure services, hosting services, and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology.IBM has been well known through most of its recent history as the world's largest computer company and systems integrator. With almost 400,000 employees worldwide, IBM is second largest (by market capitalization) and the second most profitable information technology and services employer in the world according to the Forbes 2000 list with sales of greater than 100 billion US dollars. IBM holds more patents than any other U.S. based Technology Company and has eight research laboratories worldwide. The company has scientists, engineers, consultants, and sales professionals in over 200 countries.IBM employees have earned five Nobel Prizes, four Turing Awards, nine National Medals of Technology, and five National Medals of Science.[10] As a chip maker, IBM has been among the Worldwide Top 20 Semiconductor Sales Leaders in past years.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM).
What I learned?
When I first heard of having IBM as one of the Companies to be visited on the trip, I got extremely keyed up. I was very intrigued in this Company because of what I read on articles especially their competition against Microsoft.
Ms. Iris Chiu, as far as I can remember, I guess she was in Marketing Department. A Presentation was given to let us know about the nature, products, servises and objectives of IBM. The 20 minute presentation revolved around the need of the people to have them us a partner in business that promises to serve humanity and nation by producing quality products and services. She introduced us the company’s vision, missions, institutional goals and core practices which were then followed by a series of accomplishments and milestones covered since its birth to date. Message of importance of Company was conveyed by the speaker through describing all on running and planned projects that fall under their umbrella. From the presentation, I was able to realized that IBM is not a Company I thought was a long time deadly after the rise of the Microsoft, but I realized they were not. They were alive kicking Microsoft out of the market. Hmmm… I’m excited if they can actually regain the reputation they had before Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were born.
As the presentation ended, Ms. Iris welcomed her colleague that would escort us to a tour on their building.
On the tour, I understand mush about servers since our tour guide explained it well to us. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to take notes this time so I forgot the term he used to say when clearing up.
What I liked?
What I like IBM the most was the way they presented and promote their company. They did not mention any destruction on the other companies. And also, they provide a place where in we can actually have access unto their servers and use it for our projects for free. We just have to inform them first and wait for their approval. One more thing, IBM buy projects or proposals. This might help freelancers and newbie developers.
What I didn’t like?
What I didn’t like was the briefness of the tour inside their building. I really want to see more.
SeaChange International, Inc. is the global leader in multi-screen video and one of the largest software companies worldwide. The Company provides innovative, Emmy award-winning solutions and services for back office, advertising, content, in-home devices and broadcast to hundreds of media companies globally, including blue chips such as Comcast, Virgin Media, AT&T, Hutchison Whampoa, Vodacom and DISH Network. Headquartered in Acton, Massachusetts, SeaChange has product development, support and sales offices around the world (http://www.schange.com/en-US/Company/Facts).
What I learned?
When we arrived at sea change building, we entered a room where in a lecturer was already prepared for His presentation. They welcomed us by the speaker in an introduction to the company and its team members showcased by a video. The company focuses on the television aspect of technology. They offer a wide programs to make our TV viewing beyond the usual. They create graphics and designs in order ti meet the customers wants. When we were touring on their work place, I found a programmer using dev c++ as his platform in making his program, I just visualized that maybe in the near furure I might also belike him—making programs so easy and effortless. The lecture and the tour proved to be a very interesting, thought provoking and informative that made us all stunned!
What I liked?
What I liked at seaChange was there accommodating atmosphere too. I love their staffs, they just making fun with each other, feels like they were not weird geniuses.
What I didn’t like?
What I didn’t like at the visit was I guess the short time we spent at their company. Too short to use for explorations, =)
We arrived at the NAIA around 7:30 AM. It was really a big and nice airport as what I am always heard and seen on Televisions. We were the first batch to arrive at Manila so right after a minute of waiting for our belongings, we were then asked to be geared up for our first company visit in the SSS Main Bldg at East Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. I was a bit surprise since as we have been practicing everyafter travel , I thought of having a rest even for an hour only(hehe), unfortunately , the trip was not that like the trips way back in high schools and grade schools. happily, we have about 1 hour before making to the site, so instead of making myself fascinated on the views against the window of the bus , I put myself to rest to lessen the fatigue and physical exhaustion brought by the plane.
