A Small Girl With A Small Heart: Major Travel Report

University of Southeastern Philippines

Bo. Obrero Campus, Davao City

TRAVEL REPORT

September 8 - 12, 2014

Seminar Overview

The most exciting and awaited part of being an IT student is the subject “Field Trips and Seminars”, a part of Institute of Computing’s curriculum in University of Southeastern Philippines. The chosen model of our field trip includes minor and major field trip and for this year, Manila is our destination for our major field trip. The class spend five (5) days to visit different IT companies and universities which are part of the field trip package and this includes Accenture, IBM, PLDT, Ideaspace foundation, Y4IT (a seminar), Toshiba Storage Device, Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) and University of the Philippines (UP).

As students attend this field trip, they will able to experience and observe the environment of their chosen fields. Visiting huge companies and great universities in line to their courses is great chance to know more the course they are enrolled in and what is the real world they will be encountered as they will soon receive their diplomas. Through this trip, students will meets some professionals and speakers in line to their course which will give them encouragements and new ideas by listening to their lectures and discussions. As the goal of this trip, students are expected not only to enjoy and have the pleasure upon staying and visiting different companies for few days, but also to learn important things that will be used for the future.

DAY 1

As the whole class arrive to Manila, we we’re picked out by a Bus supported by the Manilad Agency and had our breakfast to McDonalds which is not far from the said airport. After our tummies were full, we went to our first company visit destination which is the Accenture located at Eastwood City. The Eastwood itself is really a big and a busy place where you can see many professionals. We get there maybe some minutes or almost an hour. We were guided as we went to the room where we will have the discussion. After we had some small talks about the company’s history and answering the questions raised by our classmates, we went out to get some lunch. We took our lunch to Kenny Rogers found in Kaitpunan, Quezon City. After we finished our lunch, we proceed to our next company visit which is the IBM located at Ayala Technohub, Quezon City. The class we’re able to meet and had listened to some important things discussed by our IBM speaker. After the talks and showing their servers, we went to Trinoma as part of or shopping/malling time. In that evening, we took our dinner in the Great Eastern Hotel located at Makati and with that, we check in to the Kabayan hotel which is located at EDSA, Pasay City.

What I learned?

From the discussions, I was able to know what are their goals and what’s the purpose of the companies we had visited. For the Accenture, I also discover that they really expand or optimize the skills of their employees like what the speaker said that there are some instances that you will be assigned to any departments as you had the skills needed to a particular project to that department. I also discover that, the Accenture looks for the welfare for their employees. They have many activities which is for their employees like sports fest and having some clubs or groups which are served as an extra-curricular of the employees.

As we went to IBM, I also discover that they had a great stuff called IBM Watson which is a cognitive technology that processes information like a human being. It was great and amazing that it can answer a question and works some thinking process like a human being. From the video, the IBM Watson beats the two champions and it amaze me how it happened knowing that it doesn’t connects into an internet or anything from the web. I also learned that there are two IBM in Manila but they different task.

What I liked?

What I liked from the companies we had visit in the first day is that both are well-organized and composed. Staffs are doing well in performing their task like how they accommodate the class. As our co-members has some questions regarding to the discussion, speakers were nice in addressing those questions and answered it properly.

What I didn’t liked?

As regards to the presentation of the speaker in the Accenture, the only thing I didn’t like is he talks so fast in the point that there are some topics or some important points that was not clear to me. And because I didn’t catch up some of his words, I was not able to ask some questions regarding to his discussion. Though he talks so fast, still I learn something as our co-participants ask some questions which were answered by the speaker.

DAY 2

After we had our breakfast early in the morning, we went to PLDT located at Mandaluyong. We had some small discussion on how it starts and the time line of the PLDT itself. As we had finished our tour in the first floor, we were guided by some employee and also the speaker to roam more in their place. We had our pictorial first then proceed to the next part of their place. We were able to see their products in their rooms and also asks some questions to know more. We we’re also able to listen to some speakers and see how their products works. After we visit the PLDT and had our lunch in the bus which was a take out in the KFC. Few minutes I guess, we got to our next company visit and it was at Dela Rosa St., Makati which Ideaspace foundation is located. We were able to meet some speakers and enjoy the discussion with them. We were able also to meet a successful technopreneur which has a great application. He said some inspiring words and share some experience with his group as they start and we’re be successful in their idea. The Ideaspace also give some stickers and T-shirts to the whole class.

What I learned?

As we visit the PLDT, I learned the history of the PLDT that was said by the first speaker who roam us around in the first floor of the building. She showed and discussed the history starting from 1928 up to the present. Part of the discussion was company’s timeline including the age of birth, destruction, hope, change, control, revolution, transformation, and fast forward and through this, I was able to learn that technology is really dynamic and always changing. From the changes, the company we’re able also to change itself following the flow of different generations. The first speaker also said that the PLDT owns many things mentioning that they don’t only focus to one like in the field of technology, which I think is the reason why PLDT is on the track of business competition and still alive. After some talks regarding to the history and some information about PLDT, we we’re tour around in some areas of the building. We have some discussion about their new products and have some question and answer portion which I find it nice because I learned something like about the speed of the connection and how it works with their products. We also went to their operation rooms like their contact centers, banking, enterprise, and manufacture solutions. As we went there, many questions we’re raised by our classmates as the in charge and the speakers present their products. After the QA portion, we went to a room which was the amazing part. As our speaker end with his talks, he showed us their data centers which makes my eyes WOW. From the last presentation, I was able to learn and discover the true environment of the professionals in line with my course.

The second visitation was very an inspiring one. Of all the speakers we had encountered, I guess the very energetic are the speakers of the Ideaspace. From the discussion, I learned that having a nice idea must be exposed and must be present to the world. I learned that without confidence and believing not only to yourself but also to your ideas is the key to be a successful person especially in the line of the course that I chose. I learned that nothing’s impossible as you had your skills and your creative mind.

What I liked?

From the two companies we we’re able to visit, I liked how they are approachable and how they accommodate their visitors. I like how they shared their knowledge to us and how they encourage us as a student especially in the part that we encountered the Ideaspace’ speakers. I can say that the second day visitation was really great that I was able to understand and somehow experience the possible jobs that we will have in the future.

What I didn’t liked?

For me, I didn’t like anything about the place itself or how the speakers present their presentation. The only thing that I wanted is to extend sometime in the Ideaspace and more examples of different ideas that was successful. Those examples and the discussion itself is an encouragement to me as an IT student and I wished that we had more time with the speakers to have a long and enjoy talks.

DAY 3

As soon as we’re done with our breakfast, we’re picked up by our bus going to the Philippine Youth Congress Information Technology (Y4IT) which was held at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. The event was a whole day activity. To be early and the exact time for the registration and the program proper, we arrive to the said place at nearly or maybe 8:00 in the morning. The place was crowded attended by thousands of students from different universities and some professionals from the other and within the country. There are many speakers who shares their experiences and some words of encouragements for the participants of the events. One of the introduction was our facilitator and that made us surprised since we just know that he will give his opening remarks as we receive the list of programs. As the program start, there are also some freebies from the different area of companies like Accenture, Microsoft, Firefox, ION, and many more. We we’re able to attend the game which each of us will complete the 20 signatures to be able to attend the raffle draw which has great prices like brand new phones from acer and LG, and flash drives. After the morning event, we had took our lunch break 12:00 noon at Taste Asia which is also located at SM MOA. The group was divided by pork eater and non-pork eater. Their foods was really delicious and enough to make our tummies full. After we filled up our stomach, we came back to the place where the event was held. There were many amazing prices for raffle draw like smartphones and power banks but we didn’t won any from it. After the joyous event, we went to some place to have some walks. We had our dinner to Tramway Buffet which has also a huge place enough to cater a number of people. There are many different kind of foods which was all delicious. After we filled our stomachs, we went back in our hotel to get rest and be ready tomorrow.

What I learned?

“Harnessing the power of ME”, that was the theme for this year and it’s our first time to attend this prestigious event especially that we have the chance to hear some inspirational messages and amazing experience from different professionals and successful people in the world of IT. The opening remarks was our facilitator, Sir. Randy S. Gamboa. After he welcome all the participants of the event, the speakers starts to share their incredible ideas and their experience upon achieving their dreams and goals in life. Though I’m not in the place for the whole time due to attending the activities outside, I was able to listen some of the speakers who shared some inspirational messages and their experience as they achieve their success. I didn’t remember his name but I’m sure that I learned something from him. He discussed some important points which was the component to achieve the success. Though I can’t mention it all, one of the keys for success according to him is the confidence, perseverance, passion and patience. Actually, there are many components that he mentioned but there are few that I just remembered. Another thing that I remember is the coin-machine, I don’t remember the name of the creator of that thing but I know that his invention with his group is famous because it can help people to save money right. This speaker is the inventor of this device and he together with his group won the contest. He showed some selfies taken from the time he went to Google Company. That only shows that if you have an idea and you think that it’s helpful to everyone, why you would hide it if that’s the case? From all the things that I heard from the speakers sharing what they had, I learned that even a small idea can make a big change not only for yourself but also for the whole world.

What I liked?

Since it’s my first time to attend this kind of event, I really like the ambiance as I step my feet to the convention area. It has a wide space which can really accommodate thousands of students which are really interested in this event. It was just amazing that I’m one of those participants and given a chance to learn something new and be enlighten by the speakers. I also like the activities outside which I really enjoy though it was a tiring day for us. I enjoy completing the requirements to join the raffle draw and try to win some prices.

What I didn’t liked?

From the event we attended, I didn’t have any negative reactions or any disappointments regarding to it. It’s just regrettable that I didn’t had the chance to witness the sharing of thoughts and inspirational messages of some speakers. But in total, I really had fun and somehow, I learned something new and was enlighten by their words which really helps me to be motivated in my studying as an IT student.

DAY 4

As our usual routine of our trip, we prepared ourselves and have our breakfast and then visit the company we destined to and it was the Toshiba Storage Device located at Biñan, Laguna. We had some discussions with the speakers about the history of Toshiba. After of some small talks, we we’re able to roam around with some areas of the building which we are only allowed. We we’re guided by their two employee since we were divided by two groups and one of them who guide us was a student before of USeP. He guide us to the place where they devices are made by their employees. Each of them are busy doing their job like arranging it and testing it if it’s good or not. We were also welcomed as we go to their laboratory which I guess the people who checks viruses or bacteria in their product. They are also a USePian before. We also saw also their Data Center and it’s quite small. We were able also to see their servers. After of roaming around and the discussion, we head to our lunch which was at Max’s Restaurant located at Tagaytay. From our position, we could clearly see the beauty of Mt. Taal. It was really relaxing and their foods are delicious. After we had filled our stomachs and enjoyed the view, we went to the People’s park which is at the same location. Though we have a limited time to visit the place, we were able to buy some “pasalubongs” for our friends and family and had some pictures featuring the beautiful scenery of Tagaytay. Part in our field trip which was the most awaited part is to go to Enchanted Kingdom or known as EK. It took some minutes to go there. As we get there, we went inside and enjoy the ride-all-you-can. We try not all, but most of all rides. We were able to ride the terrifying Space Shuttle which turns my world upside down. We also get wet as we ride the Rio Grande Rapids and Jungle Log Jam. To dry ourselves and also experience the ride, we ride the After we had enjoyed and some of us get dizzy, we came back to the Kabayan hotel with a smile and a wonderful experience in that day.

What I learned?

From visiting the Toshiba, I learned the history of the company. According to one of the speaker who told us about the Toshiba, Toshiba was a two company which was joined together. The word Toshiba was originated from the two words, “Tokyo”, “Shibaura”. I also learned that Japanese culture is really implemented in the company. As we walked in to the place, I observed that you can’t see any mess which signifies that they really discipline when it comes to cleanliness. All of them also wears a uniform. Each of them wears it and the colors signifies their positions in the company. Even we, the visitors should wear a uniform for the reason that, bacteria or virus may affect their products and items inside the building. I also learned that each of them have their specific areas. Meaning, you have only assigned to your specific area and cannot do any other jobs unlike to the other companies we had visit.

Aside from the company visit we had, I also learn something. From visiting the Tagaytay and enjoying the rides in the EK, I learned that being responsible to our actions is very important. Though we’re there to learn and enjoy, we must control our actions to avoid problems since it’s a different place and this could affect the whole group and even the next participants who will have their field trips too. I learn that even though our parents are not there, we must keep our selves safe while enjoying ourselves. Aside from being responsible, I find out that being there at once is a big motivation for us to study hard and having the mindset that I shall return in this place. For me, it’s really a good thing that we were able to go to some places like Tagaytay and Ek.

What I liked?

From what I observed as we visit the company, I liked how they are much disciplined towards their actions and their practices inside the company. I liked how they are composed and how they make their area so clean and tidy. For me, it’s really important that a person has a discipline towards his actions. I believe that one of the factor why a person could work efficiently is the discipline of his self.

What I didn’t liked?

After roaming around and listen to the discussion, I guess I don’t have any negative feedback since I do really learned a lot and somehow enjoyed. Aside from the clean area that they had, as I said, the discipline that they had implemented really amaze me and motivates me to be a better person.

DAY 5

The last day of our field trip.After we pack up our things and finish our breakfast, we headed to Ateneo de Manila University which is at Katipunan, Quezon City. We went to their Information System and Computer Science department and have some discussion with our speaker. We were able to see their gadgets which is really amazing. After the discussion, we took our chance to roam around the place. We take some photos and were able to enter in their store where you can find some customized shirts, ballers, and other items printed with the word “Ateneo”. After we visit the AdMU, the next place we visit is the University of the Philippines, Diliman, specifically their Computer Science Department. It was a really wide university. As we got there, we took some photos with the symbol that symbolize the UP. After that, we took our lunch in some place in UP. After we filled our stomachs, we went to the destined place we must go. As we get there, we were assisted to roam around the place. We also have the chance to interact with their students and we’re able to ask questions regarding with the thesis they presented to us. I think, we had entered four or six rooms. After the visitation of some areas in their department, we had the chance to roam around and see their library. After we visit the two universities, we head to Resorts World Manila which was near in the NAIA airport. We were able to roam around and buy some foods. We also had taked some pictures there. As the bus come to fetch us, we headed to NAIA airport to go back home, Davao.

What I Learned?

Visiting the two universities was really unforgettable. It was a chance for us to discover what makes these universities in the top schools here in the Philippines. From the first university we visit, there are many things that I discover which makes amaze me and make me think how they are advanced in terms of the materials they had. In the discussion, the speaker show some gadgets that were used by their students in doing their projects like the Oculus, Google glass, NeuroSky and many more. I could say that with these gadgets, making an application is really exciting and it’s really an advantage to have those and to learn how to work things out using those gadgets especially for us as an IT students. In the second university we visited, UP students specifically the CS students really amaze me. They shared their thesis like they really know what they’re doing. Their thesis has a wide scope when it comes to its area and its purpose. Like the two students who have their thesis about developing an analysis which is involve in marine culture area. I learned that there are many things to do that can help the government and also the other sectors that needs an advance technology. From the presenting of their thesis, I was motivated as well as made me aware that doing the thesis is not easy. I also learned from the two universities that we had visited that the most common language they are using when it comes to programming or making an application is C/C++ though there are times that they’re using the Java.

What I liked?

First thing that I really like for the both universities that we visited is that I really learn something new from them and made me amaze how great they have especially the students they have as well as the materials they have which is really useful for nurturing the skills of the students. I also like the part that we we’re able to see and touch the gadgets presented to us from the speaker of AdMU though we we’re not able to test it since it running out of battery. I also like the part when we go to the UP and meet some great students there. Knowing that UP has really great students, it was a pleasure for me to somehow know them for a very small time. I also like how they present their thesis and answer the questions raised by some of my classmates which made me really amazed. Roaming around the campus is what I liked from the visitation we had in the two universities.

What I didn’t liked?

The fact that I really enjoyed in visiting the two universities in our last day in our field trip, I think I didn’t liked any things about it. Maybe, I was upset when we we’re not able to try the gadgets but it’s not really a big deal though. All in all, I really enjoy the tour in the two universities. I learn something new and it helps to motivate as an IT student.

APPENDICES

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

Visiting companies related to the course taken by the students is really important. It helps students to have a glimpse on how it will look like as they have their jobs soon. It also helps students to acquire knowledge and discover great things in line to their fields. So, I think that in visiting companies, organizers for the field trips must choose companies that really have advance technologies especially for IT and CS students which really helps us to understand and gives us some ideas on how IT companies works and what will be the possible jobs that will be one of our options soon as we receive our diplomas. Attending some seminars for IT and CS students and participated by great professionals is also good for field trips like Y4IT which happens yearly and holds thousands of participants. Seminars like what I mentioned really helps students to understand more the chosen course and things that will be shared by the professionals will really motivates students. Also, if it’s possible, maybe students could really experience the current technologies that companies uses like the devices, software and all stuffs that helps employees do their task. I believe that having those experience will really motivate students and will fully understand the chosen field.

My advice to those who will take their advance seminar program in the near future.

Based from my experience, there are many questions and clarifications will come up as roaming around or visit a particular company. So, for those who will enroll FTS and will have the chance to visit a company, flushing away your shyness is a must. It will definitely a loss for you if you will not able to ask something and discover relevant things about your future job if you let your shyness covers you. If you have questions and clarifications in mind and you’re just nervous and too shy to ask, don’t be. Instead of being afraid to speak out your concerns because you’re afraid to approach them, then being there at that company is useless. Field trip is made not only to walk around and just let the tour ends with nothing. Field trip is made to learn something new, to earn knowledge, to be motivated by what you had discover. Also, as they visit a company or attending a seminar related to the course, lessons or important information relevant to the course must be put into mind since it could be a big help for you in the present and in the future. The most important thing and must not be forget in having a field trip is to enjoy. Though your main purpose why you’re having a company visit and attending seminars is to see and somehow experience the future job you’ll had someday, enjoying the trip is not bad at all. Capture all the places that you will visit and so that, you have a remembrance and could say to yourself that you’ve been there once. Another thing which is also important is be responsible enough towards your action. Even though you have the right to have fun in your field trip, you must think and be wise in your action to avoid some problems that will affect the whole group.