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Sunday, August 31, 2014
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Internet of Things (IoT) in the North


Photo courtesy of www.control4.com
In the Tech scene, only Baguio is the city that is on the radar for IT. It has a good track record for business process outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing hardware parts, and providing web  services for various industries.

In the southern part of the Philippines, Davao and Cebu are tech superstars. Of course, tech companies abound, tech industry is at its most promising stage — who could ask for more?

But the North seems more laid back, it has this watch and see attitude, and even though the national government is pushing the envelope in the provinces it seems that a lot of things need to be done first before we finally embrace technology and modernisation.
Why is this?

Most of the local officials are not open and exposed enough to technology. I know of a few influential officials that squirm at the word. They say that they were born and raised without and that their constituents do not need it or are not aware of it. Such people deserve a perfect slap on their faces to wake them up to reality.

Whoever said that technology is not necessary yet and their community can live without it must be living in a rainforest or is a caveman, Mayor.
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Today, we are entering the era of interconnected devices. The Internet of Things (IoT). Google acquired Nest Labs - a company which manufactures and sells intelligent devices running on Big Data or cloud technology that connects other devices to it.

Google will soon launch Android One, an Android phone that will also communicate with other devices at home like the television, the door, your zircon or coffeemaker and your ref. It can also talk to your car, the Android Car.

With all these up and coming, the people in the North can just not afford to watch things as they happen. We have to be in. We have to join the bandwagon and create things that will make our future a better place to live in.


The 4th DICT Congress in Pangasinan on October 9-11, is themed “ The Internet of Things- Star the future now”. The congress aims to open up and involve the Pangasinenses to the future of technology which is the IoT.  It wants to encourage citizens to build their own IoT contribution and specialise because there is no place in the Philippines that is niching on it.
Pangasinan is full of talents and its labor force is huge. A big portion of the urban workers come from Pangasinan. And we are trying to create our own opportunities here.

By introducing IoT and what the future holds to our students, we envision our digital natives to go and create software or devices hacked from ordinary things we see around and convert it to more useful devices that the entire community can benefit of.

Learn more about the Internet of Things  and DICT 4 on my next column.  The congress is scheduled October 9-11 in Lingayen and Dagupan City Pangasinan respectively.



Tweet me @vanjpadilla for more stories and conversation. 
La Union, revisiting its past grandeur

La Union, revisiting its past grandeur


Aside from the most famous surfing sites and mesmerizing white sand beaches of La Union, the province also boasts its historical landmarks. These landmarks showcase the history of the province since the Spanish era. They played important role on how and what the province is in the present

PINDANGAN RUINS


 About 500 meters from the National Highway at Brgy. San Vicente, San Fernando City lies the ruins of a church which serve as evangelization area to the locals. But due to its location, near the sea,which is prone to attacks by the Japanese and Chinese Moro Pirates, the Frayles decided to transfer the Church to Brgy. Tangui then to Brgy. Cabaroan and afterwards to its present site in front of city auditorium.

Today, the ruins’ buttresses and walls are still standing. An old well which supplied the area with cool water through the centuries, can still be found at the side of the church. Made of corals and bricks, the enchanting well is still in good condition. The Carmelite Sisters, whose monastery stands behind the ruins, are the caretakers of the glorious landmark.

They called the structure Pindangan ruins, derived from San Fernando City’s old name. An Ilocano dialect for a place where meat is sun dried and salted to preserve.

THE CENTENNIAL TUNNEL

Built in 1913 during the American regime this 40.4 kilometers long tunnel was really intended for Philippine National Railways (PNR) bound for Baguio. Because of the threat of the Second World War the structure was abandoned by the Commonwealth Government. The tunnel was also used as the headquarters of Japanese Imperial Army because of its durability to bombings. Although according to locals, the tunnel already exists during the Spanish era and was developed in the American occupation.

There are also speculations that there are treasures buried in the tunnel.Similar structures could also be found in Tuba, Benguet which were supposed to be part of the ambitious railway system.

BALUARTE WATCH TOWER

Located at the pebble beaches of Luna La Union, Baluarte Watch tower was built by the Spaniards to monitor threats and danger in the sea from the Japanese and Chinese Moro Pirates.

Because of its towering height it serve as a shield for the locals. Also, Guardia Civils can warn the residents in advance in case of forthcoming danger from pirates and colonists. Also to prepare to defend the locality. This historical structure has successfully defended the people in the past for countless times.

Today, Baluarte stands in disarray, vertically cut in two because of eroded base and foundation, its two halves stand through concrete post supports on its sides.

Indeed, La Union is not only blessed with beautiful sceneries but also, with historical pieces that showcase the rich culture and history of the province. Reginald Agsalon (FOCUS) Source: www.launion.gov.ph


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Team PH preps for the 16th Int’l Robotics Olympiad

The Philippine Robotics team is gearing up in the preparation for the 16th Int’l Robotics Olympiad to be held this November 5-9 2014 in Beijing, China.

On the Press and Bloggers Conference held last Aug. 15, 2014 at Oakwood Premier, different teams of Young Robot Athletes from different schools in the country was introduced to represent our country to the said event. Leading the team is the Grace Christian College (GCC) Team, the over-all champion of the 2014 National Robotics Competition held last January 2014 at Phil. Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Other teams composing the PH delegate are the young robotics athletes from Colegio De San Juan De Letran College-Calamba, St. Theodore School in Taguig City, Pasig Community, Holy Child Catholic, and Philippine YuhChiau School. Other schools are still on process of being part pf the delegation. For the schools who wants to be part of delegation, DSTC still accepts application, just visit their website http://genetic.edu.ph/ for more information.

The Int’l Robotics Olympiad is a yearly science and technology event where participants/ teams from different parts of the globe showcases their skills and abilities by designing and creating robots.

This year participants will compete with different game categories (Sumobot,Line Tracing, Mission Challenge, Robo Soccer, and Humanoid Challenge) with the theme: “Robots: Stop Global Warming. Reginald Agsalon/ FOCUS Source: DSTC
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Breeze ActivBleach to treat Pangasinan Moms

Breeze ActivBleach to treat Pangasinan Moms

Slated this Aug. 28, 2014 Breeze Activ Bleach  is treating mommies in the province  to a day off from their laundry chores with the simultaneous nationwide event 1Laba Day to be held at Brgy., Herrero Perez, Dagupan City. Moms here in Pangasinan are invited to head to Brgy., Herrero Perez and let Breeze’s revolutionary ActivBleach take care of their stained clothes while they take part in exciting activities Breeze has in store for them to celebrate every mother’s hard work and love for her family.

With 1 Laba Day, Breeze aims to wash 1 million stains using Breeze ActivBleach, which removes even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Participating moms can enjoy their ultimate laundry day-off as Breeze treats them to various entertainment activities, while the Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, White Westinghouse, Whirpool and LG, will take care of washing their clothes.

Simultaneous 1Laba Day events will also happen in Metro Manila (Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasay), North Luzon (Tarlac), South Luzon (Laguna, Cavite), Visayas (Cebu), and Mindanao (Davao).

Breeze with ActivBleach is the first and only detergent brand with 4-enzyme technology to remove more types of stains with less effort and time. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment. 

Be a part of the Breeze 1 Laba Day event and see for yourself how Breeze with ActivBleach removes 1 million stains in just one wash. Like the official Breeze Facebook page (@BreezePhilippines) and join the online promos to get the chance to win washing machines from partner brands. Consumers can also get free Breeze gift packs for every purchase of an Electrolux, Whirlpool and LG washing machine.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Ilokano Decathlete preps up for Rio Olympics

Ilokano Decathlete preps up for Rio Olympics


“Being a decathlete is like having 10 girlfriends. You have to love them all, and you can’t afford losing one.”

That was according to a decathlon athlete Daley Thompson, a record holder of the event in the Los Angeles Olympic Games with 8,847 points.

It is more than a racing game, you’ll have to jump, throw, run, jump, and throw again. It is a point system. If you are trailing in one event, you still have another chance to win in another event.
Of all the sports, decathlon is not just physically demanding but mentally challenging as well. It is a series of ten events of track and field: 100-meter sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter sprint, 110-meterhurdles, pole vault, javelin throw, 1,500-meter run, and discus throw. And this is where a decathlete from Ilocos Norte JessonRamil Cid thrives

The “new ironman” of South East Asia who hails in Digras, Ilocos Norte made him a phenomenal star in the country. A PalarongPambansa veteran and UAAP most value player, Cid is set to follow the traces of Lydia de Vega in athletics.

“I’m excited because I get to know more people,” he said when asked about his sports.

“After all, I enjoy competing in sports that feature not only one but many events,” he added.
As the best all-around track and field athlete in South East Asia after bagging the gold medal in 2013 edition of regional competition in Myanmar, he is bound to compete in the world stage.

Now he is set to test his mettle against the best of the world’s decathletes at Rio de Janeiro’s Olympics in 2016.

“The events that I excel most throughout the competition are 100-meter sprint, throwing and jumping event,” the Ilocano decathlete added.
Recently, it was announced that he will have a support team to mold him a world class athlete for him to win a medal in the Olympics.

James Lafferty, American track and field consultant, said that Cid will be backed by a private company to support his bid to be competitive in the Olympiad with Wong Chu King Holdings pledged their support.
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Baguio and Benguet basketball clubs to compete in City’s Charter Anniversary Tournament

If you like basketball, you’ll get the opportunity to see some of these games in Baguio City.

As the city approaches its charter anniversary, it’s time for Baguio and Benguet to showcase the hoop skills of local teams to compete in the 8th season of the Baguio Invitational Basketball Tournament which will tip-off on August 17 at the Easter College Gym.

More than 50 teams around the City of Pines and Benguet province will compete for the basketball glory as more local clubs with a lot of pedigree are expected to provide a tough competition for the championship trophy.

With more teams joining the tournament, a more competitive basketball will be on display but camaraderie and healthy is the main objective of the cup, according to the coordinator Edwin Edades.
It’s about team effort, it’s about camaraderie and working on one goal.

Photo Courtesy of higantengmagilas.org
“The tournament aims promote physical health, sportsmanship, and brotherhood among our participating teams,” Edades said.

The 8th Baguio Invitational Basketball Tournament schedule becomes a little clearer with the unveiling of the tournament’s tournament brackets according to the team’s skill level.

“With the annual tournament we generally keep a strong bond among our participants and the next generation of basketball enthusiasts in this side of the country,” he added.

Registration is under way for the 8th season of the Baguio Invitational Basketball Tournament. For more information about how to join in the tournament, contact Edwin Edades through 09178626901 or 09085607423.


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