Everything is nothing but nothing is IMPORTANT: Major Field Trip

Field Trip Overview:

I am greatly thankful of being part of the Field Trip and Seminar batch 2012, the fact of being one of them; I really enjoyed and learned many things with them and most importantly visiting IT companies and attending the 10^th Y4IT seminar in Manila. Regardless of the struggles and the challenges we had faced from the meetings, requirements, and the plans, FTS really survived and pursue to make it very successful. I thank God for everything, for He is our center of faith and guidance.

The major field trip is considered to be one of our best trips in our life because it has lots of excitement though an expensive trip. The college of Institute of Computing in University of Southeastern Philippines intended student to take the subject Field Trip and Seminar to let students engage in new trends of technology and also to be knowledgeable of information and communications technology. The FTS as part of the subject comprises two field trips which were the minor and the major filed trip, and one seminar. The major field trip in Manila was decided by the students and the approval of the parents, since many of us chose to have a major field in Manila, most of us prepared for the expense. In manila, it is planned for one major field trip and one seminar. In addition, the major field trip covered with six visitations for IT companies and a seminar for Y4IT at UP Diliman.

Many recognized us to be the best batch especially by those IT companies that we had visited. Most of us were energetic and attentive during the field trip. Everyone had great experienced especially to those first timer like me. We had fun riding in the airplane; all were excited, amazed and happy. The FTS catered 67 students and 2 faculties, so we had two buses in our trip, the big and small bus. I was joined to the small bus group and proud to our tourist guide, he is fun to be with. We had our accommodation in Kabayan Hotel at Pasay City. All of us didn’t miss everything, every single day always excite us. Aside from visiting of IT companies, we experienced lots of fun in having a ride with MRT, sight-seeing in Peoples Park in Tagaytay City, ride all you can in Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna, and shopping/malling in Mall of Asia, Trinoma, Tutuban and Baclaran. We also visited the famous Baclaran Church. In this activity, it was really the best from the best of all the best. Enjoy reading my travel report and have fun.

DAY 1

Today, I went to company visit to…

Today, I went to our first company visit to DOST known as the Department of Science and Technology at Bicutan. From there, one of the representative talks about DOST; their staff, officers, offices, and services. The STII or the Science and Technology Information Institute was the information arm of the DOST. According to the Director of the STII “ideas must turn into action”. DOST introduces their implemented technologies that was the idea of the Filipinos that was actually made, example were; iron-fortified rice, complementary food blends, water retort, vacuum packaging machine and many to mention. The ideas and action comprises the DOST-HITS or DOST-High Impact Technology Solutions. The University of the Philippines helped DOST for implementing new ideas to provide good services for Filipinos. One of the graduate of UP introduced us the IPv4 Exhaustion which had only 32 bit addressing scheme, IPv6 with 128 bit addressing scheme, better security in terms of network and can access anywhere since it was LAN and IPv5 was very expensive so it was not maintain. The DOST had different databases from different DOST websites. They used the preginet networking; it was live streaming and had bigger bandwidth. The DOST introduce their project which was the Project NOAH that launch last July 5. The said project created for five years, which was developed by the UP students and with the partnerships of PAG-ASA and PHILVOCS. Project NOAH provides the weather information, it has sensor level of water, rainfall, storm, wind mechanism and includes information packaging.

I went to our second company visit at MMDA Communications and Command Center at EDSA, Makati. MMDA known as the Traffic Engineering offered services not only for traffic but also for accident or criminal accidents and flood control. It was said that they had almost 100 CCTV over Metro Manila place in high buildings. The camera used were wireless and in real time and also used in wi-max high frequency. There camera was 360 degrees and 180 degrees up and down. All their files in the CCTV have back-up especially to those unwanted events happened in the road. Traffic was the first priority when talking about the services offered. Since Luzon has been always issued about floods, I think that flood control was their second priority because they had given information about the too much overflowing of water, their 20 pumping station to minimize the water level and so on.

What I Learned?

I learned so many things in visiting DOST and MMDA. In DOST, I learned that if you had the idea then you must think of it, learn from it and get an action with it. DOST could help me or to anybody who had idea and shared to them and through technology, ideas could be a great opportunity to help Filipinos live a good life and also to be proud of. I also learned more from the mention above about the internet protocol, the exhaustion of ipv4 and the most secure and reliable ipv6. In their project which was the Project NOAH educated me well regarding on how it works and the biggest impact in our society which was the awareness or our consciousness.

I learned from the MMDA was being cooperative and attentive. Cooperative means that whatever the government had planned must be guided which you think was also the best solution for the catastrophe the Philippines will be encountered. Attentive really gives impact to anybody, if someone really care then others may do. In the technical side, I learned that MMDA uses maps where you can see where the roads those were flooded and traffic through internet and they used software for where they will observe the flow of the traffic in a big screen. I observed during the journey, most traffic lights had a timer, means that the driver will be aware the seconds to go and as well as the people who will cross on the next road.

What I Liked?

Both of the company I had visited today was much appreciated. From their staff and how they delivered their presentation was really nice. Since both were under government, I liked what really their vision and mission especially when regarding about the best for Filipinos. I liked the technologies that was implemented through DOST and I believe that they really wanted to prove from other countries that a Filipino has brighter than idea than others. I also like how the MMDA really gave effort for the service of the Filipino.

What I didn’t like?

There was no point that I didn’t like DOST unless they will not able to help those poor young people who had better ideas than them. In MMDA, no offense but PSSCC in Davao is nicer than MMDA. I can say that in Davao, it is more high-tech than MMDA.

DAY 2

It was a whole day event for seminars and I was eagerly listened to all the guest speakers and inspired with their thoughts and ideas.

Today, I went to company visit to…

Today, I attended the 10^th Y4IT at the University of the Philippines. It was a five days seminar and a whole day event; I attended the seminar in the second day. There were many guest speakers that were professionals and also the UP really prepared the event. In the morning, I attended the seminar at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, I supported our professor who was assigned for the welcome address in the said event. It was a big opportunity since I will be meeting different students from different schools in the country as well as to those excellent speakers. The Y4IT make possible to gather all Information Technology and other related technology courses, and also the guest speakers inspires all young ones to pursue new technology innovation. One of the speakers shared about Library Digital Signage for promotions and announcements. He shared the matrix system comprises on; to look at existing solution, build the system and see how well it works. It was also shared about the works of De La Salle IT students who created the magnificent animation. The idea was of in Philippine culture and beliefs. The presentation includes the history of animation and how animation gave most impact to everyone.

In the afternoon after I took my lunch, I directly went to the Aliw Theater at UP Diliman. It was said that most of the speakers there where really prominent when it comes in technology. First, I was amazed when I enter there since I could say that it was nicer than the previous event. Before the event started the hosts really gave fun and helped the audience to be more cooperative and jovial. Some speakers shared their journey to success, tips for IT careers, history in making a film, the success with their thesis, and some of the innovations that are now engaging.

What I Learned?

During the Y4IT, I learned from the speakers’ point of view which was being innovative in creating ideas, put action to whatever ideas will come out and always think of what you really love and enjoy. Regarding my career path, I learned to be more responsible enough of choosing what is best for me that in the end I couldn’t regret. It is possible to love what you hate; it is up to you how you handle situation and how you tried hard. The fact that I am really worried about the circumstances in my life, I still inspired by those people who really excels. I also learned some skills in animation and ideas in digital signage.

What I Liked?

I really like the Y4IT in the Philippines because without these ideas will lesser improvements. I liked what the seminar standout for in transforming the people lives. IT is power here in the Philippines in helping one another through an idea and technology. I liked how the event organized, the host of the said event, the preparation and everything that was done successfully. I really liked the guest speakers that I had attended as well as their presentation that really inspires me. I also like the freebies and a lot more.

What I didn’t like?

I didn’t like in Y4IT was to wait and to follow line in order to get inside the event. Sometimes the staff didn’t know how to handle panic situation when people are getting excited. At times I didn’t like speakers who are boring in presenting their slides.

DAY 3

I visited two companies which was really had a big name in the industry. Really give contributions and services to the people.

Today, I went to company visit to…

In the morning, I went to our first company visit to PLDT – Philippine Long Distance Telephone at Mandaluyong City. The INNOLAB – Innovation Laboratory and Telecommunications Education Center of PLDT was created in 2003 for recruitment, and on-the-job trainings. They had three principles business groups; fix line for residential/business line, wireless with the partnership of SMART and data for the telecommunication/information. Mr. Napoleon Nazareno was the PLDT President and the Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Manny “MVP” V. Pangilinan was the Chairman of the Board. In the plan tour assisted by the guide of Ms. Ferrer, first they gave some lectures about PLDT, then delivered well the PLDT History from 1928-present. After the lectures and history, one of their staff bought us to the Acer family. The Acer was I think one of the partners of PLDT. Acer introduced us the new trends and technologies that they had offered. Their products especially their laptops really stunned us since it was tested and we had seen that our professors jump over it many times but still nothing happen and it really works well. That was really amazing, they also proud to say that Acer was the number one here in the Philippines when it comes to quality products and its security. Acer proves that what is trend is what they also have; they say that Acer never left behind. After the Acer, the staff had on tour of their PLDT laboratory, first I had a tour in the networking, second in the high-tech ipod where it could operate the appliances, curtains and many more through plug-ins, then in their conference area where they viewed us the secret area that I can call where the trustworthy people monitor and operate the networking all over the Philippines.

In the afternoon, I went to our second company visit to SSS – Social Security System at East Avenue, Quezon City. SSS prepared a short program, delivered a very good presentation about what is SSS and also presented some technical side regarding the databases of the SSS and so on. SSS was engaged in sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and death and funeral; moreover many of my co-FTS had lots of questions. Also, one of our professor asks questions about the outsourcing where students who actually onto outsourcing doesn’t paid any taxes. It was a biggest question of my professor regarding this that SSS cannot directly answer.

What I Learned?

I actually learned from the INNOLAB like how PLDT excels in the market and industry, how the networks processed, how they engage new trends and technologies. From their history, PLDT really evolved, surpassed challenge, transformed and changed. Moreover PLDT is not only for communications but also to help Filipinos to provide jobs. I learned in SSS, I was more aware in registering, how to be a member, more information about the benefits if you are a member of the SSS and your contribution to your society.

What I Liked?

PLDT’s staff is fun to be with, assess and entertain you so that both of you really understand. I liked what PLDT provides services to networks, applicants for new jobs and engage high-tech. I liked in SSS was they prepared a program for us and able to curious questions.

What I didn’t like?

In SSS, I didn’t like our tour in their service area because I feel uncomfortable and not all of us could hear the staff talking – explaining what was happening in different area inside the building. I didn’t like the presentation of the technical side because it didn’t deliver well especially it tackles about database system. In addition, they didn’t let us to see their data hub.

DAY 4

I had only one company visit which was the SPI Servisoft. Capture employers to be inSPired.

Today, I went to company visit to…

Today, I went to company visit to Servisoft Philippines Inc. SPI Global at Paranaque City. SPI is a BPO known as Business Process Outsourcing, when you say outsourcing, means outside vendor to provide service by company. In 1991 SPI was the first IT Company to enter Philippine stock exchange and a Top BPO in 2011. SPI stands for SPi: Solutions.People.Innovation where solutions was the core offering of SPI, people skilled and experienced work force and innovation was on how the system meet the requirement. SPI vision is to inspire success and its mission is to deliver best in class, enriching the lives of employees, enhancing shareholder value through sustained growth. SPI have different sectors for creating a system. They gave also presentation on networking and databases. SPI tour us in their working areas and their library with their books made. During the tour I observed that many of the SPI employees had designated areas where content article was here, the other side where the graphics team and the other side was the programmer, and also the technical side. SPI provides work for the youth that would greatly helped them also to learn more.

What I Learned?

I learned in SPI. I understand more what outsourcing is all about. Give me more knowledge in networking and at the same time databases and I learned some trivia. I also learned from the programming side, their software used and provides us ideas on different software especially when it comes to the original /genuine software.

What I Liked?

During the visit, I had so much fun because the staff were approachable and accommodate as well. In fact, I really like what their company provides work for many Filipinos especially for the youth. I liked what the company’s vision and mission, they really empower employees and help them excel. I liked in SPI was they provide you learning, empower your talents and make you success.

What I didn’t like?

What I didn’t like in SPI was too much of security especially in taking pictures. They are very strict for some confidential. They didn’t allow us to see their data center in networking and others.

DAY 5

Today, I went to company visit to…

Today, I went to company visit to JP Morgan Chase at Bonifacio Global, Taguig. Seeing from their building really amaze me. From going inside, it feels that you are in a very nice place. The atmosphere, the people greet you nicely and entertain you well. What amazed me so much were the free hot and cold drinks. Drink all you can. JP Morgan was really strict especially in taking pictures. If you’re caught taking picture or an employee who disobeyed rule then goodbye, their cameras was monitored in Singapore, and maybe you will go into jail. In the meeting area, they discussed the history of JP Morgan Chase. Offers two services, in Chase business, it was the consumer side and a line of business that centers the commercial side of the business. Another one was JP Morgan, the wholesale business, treasury and security business. JPierport Morgan was the founder of JP Morgan and Company in 1895. A philanthropist and jem collector, he saved the US stock market and the US treasury. The innovations in Bank anf Technology were Chemical Cash Machines, Home Banking Technologies, became the first bank to offer customer credits, Drive-through banking, and pioneered the automatic protection cameras. JP Morgan in the Philippines is a bank but they provide services from the US and other countries. There was confidentiality when it comes to banking. Also, staff divided us into four where they provided a staff to tour us in their building. Their elevator amazed me since front and back will be open. According to the staff their building has a common floor. I really appreciate their security in their company and surprised me with their benefits to their employees. They really value the hard work of their employees that gave them back the satisfaction of everyone. They provide employees extra-curricular activities to excel more in their talent; they will be benefited with free clinic, they provide a room for meditation and JP Morgan didn’t want to discriminate any religion, respect to each other is highly appreciated and integrity of an employee was one of the reason why JP Morgan excel of being number one in terms of banking, business and benefits that they provided to their employees.

What I Learned?

I learned in JP Morgan was how to value works and how to become successful. I also learned some business strategy, their services that they are providing and some history about their company.

What I Liked?

I liked in JP Morgan was really their benefits to their employees, their working area; they provide employee so much satisfaction especially if you’re really diligent. I liked their so much that I wanted to work with them. I really liked to apply there if I will be given a chance.

What I didn’t like?

I didn’t liked too much of security, but since it was about banking maybe it really confidential that is why they had restrictions in taking pictures.

Recommendation

The next batch is really pressure since our batch was very successful. Fortunately, I am happy and also excited to the next batch who would take the Field Trip and Seminar subject. It is really a fantastic trip that you don’t want to miss.

Well, based from our experience, first the students who will take the subject must choose the best leader, the best officers who will actually manage and organize well the trip and I am proud to say that our officers was the best. Second, students must prepare the expenses one year before the field trip so that the flow of the plans goes smoothly. Third, the elected officers of the subject must organize well the needs and requirements like letters and hold a meeting for the updates and progress to other members. Fourth, before you visit companies tries to review and research about them and construct questions in order to communicate with them. If you are in an educational trip, don’t limit yourself to learn and be eager to get information and knowledge in the companies. During your company visit, don’t forget to bring your writing materials so that you can take notes some important details and don’t forget to have a personal diary in your trip. Lastly, don’t panic if you are too much excited but do not stop and limit yourself in learning and to have fun. God Bless to the next batch and I hope you would greatly enjoy your trip.

Pictures