Bang!

Look at us.

2010-04-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

UNIISYS covered three semesters in the making and during those times, a lot has happened which made us who we are now. We may not have achieved our desired professions for now but because of UNIISYS, we are stars. This is one giant stepping stone that led us to the discovery of one’s potential and our capability to conquer the impossible. Most importantly, we had our chance knowing ourselves more.
Life has its ups and downs. This is true for everyone who strives hard to make their goals become a reality. In the course of doing the integrated project, we had our own share of pain to endure and hardship to carry through. First, technology had its way of making us miserable. We were ought to learn web development for the first time in five years and before, not once we had been given a proper teaching regarding CSS, PHP and everything we need to know to implement a web-based system. For this reason, everyone had to start learning on their own. Second, we had our own differences. In every team effort, we were used to have our closest friends for our workmates and thus, there was no need for adjustments. But then like a sudden thunderstruck, the whole class became workmates for a single project. We had to work as a team. Maintaining this principle involved primarily of understanding each other’s way of life. We had different opinions, attitudes, perspectives and approaches to complete a task. It was a challenge to all of us on how these differences would unite us in bringing the best output as any teacher, parent and school executive could be proud of. Third, we were financially incapable of acquiring the best computer software and hardware for everyone to use with their respective assignment. We had to submit permission letters and coordinate with high-ranked people many times just to continue the class operation. On the other hand, we were blessed to have a strong heart and perseverance in winning over these difficulties. Intelligence could be a contributing factor but this was bound to be meaningless without solid determination and a positive attitude. Knowledge may be important in surviving through a project but people hold on to achieving something because of unity. It brings a result as great as one could not imagine. Being united made us understand each other’s weakness, help fellows up, and acquire knowledge a hundred times as we had.
A teacher once said, “I never teach them technology, I teach them discipline”. After hearing this, it made me think on what is really important. The world needs change. Technology improves the quality of living but what is for discipline? As I thought of it, it was indeed a very meaningful remark. There comes space shuttle, satellites, supercomputers, nuclear, artificial intelligence and more. Nevertheless, did our ways change? With discipline, we become people of values, integrity and will always be trusted in whatever given responsibility. Technology may bring a significant factor on how we deal with our lifestyle but putting our mind into basics, we really do not need it. Instead, we badly need this big D. Come to think of it, in order for a technology not to be a tool for destruction, it needs DISCIPLINE.
UNIISYS is us. Our lives will be forever entwined with this memory of having done the best thing. Others may say that it was only a very simple web application but more to that, it was a dream come true because in the beginning we thought it was impossible. Yet, we made it.

A New Start

2009-10-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

After a week of being stuck in a black container, my notebook is now back in its useful purpose. I was so worried during the past few days thinking that it wouldn't be alright again since it underwent a very serious technical problem. Unfortunately, I could not do anything about it. What could i possibly do? I am not good at troubleshooting computers. Back then, I felt ashamed of what I am. I am an IT student and yet I could not even get into the idea of fixing it by myself. Grrrrrr..... I was so stupid.. What was i doing during my five years in college? At least I should have mastered this craft since it's a part of what i wanted to be in the future. Grrrr.... I was envious with people who could do it right and make real good of it.... Frustration was getting through me. I hate to admit it but that I really still need to improve in the field of IT. i I guess it's time to be better on what i had chosen.

Near death again..

2009-09-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

Oh no! tomorrow is the day... I hope it's not.. Huhuhu... Never say die, tomorrow is another day. Research...

Lady in a weep…

2009-09-28T04:11:00.001-07:00

I understand that someone is ignoring me because I am being irresponsible with school lately. Late assignments, ghost participation in class, near death INC and late arrivals on team meetings were my mortal sins which I realized a long ago but chose to just ignore for a lot of times. Before the semester, I had made a decision that really changed my life’s perspectives and I had been blinded by my detour not knowing that it was bounded to be worthless in the sense that there was no reason for me to keep going.

I had been through tough times for the last months and it took a painful incident to end it. Not to mention, I was deprived of sleeping during the night. But deeper than that, it was all of me who suffered. I was hit heart and soul. I try my hardest to live a smooth life but then there are unexpected events that are meant to mess up people’s lives. Unfortunately, I was destined to be the victim. It really made me cry buckets of tears. It made me think harder of what kind of person I was. I am a good person and I am trying to be for the rest of my life but how come do I need to linger the pain of being miserably accused of something I am confident of not doing?

A part of growing up, people would say. I thank God for this trial. I am back to normal, stronger than before. I now have to count the things that need to be done and make up for it as soon as possible. Go for the goal!

Oh sad...

2009-09-28T03:29:00.001-07:00

A comment: SRIS

2009-09-28T03:25:00.000-07:00

I absolutely agree upon this step of the university administration to tap in-house resources for the re-invention of the student registration information system. For each year that the university has been using the previous, never did I see a difference with respect to the transaction processing level. Executing the same process for years was experiencing the pain of waiting turns all over again, to think that the main purpose of automation is to lessen the working burdens of involved entities. Back in June where we had our enrollment for this semester, the newly implemented system ran its first operation. I noticed that the user interface became nicer to look at. However in general, it was still the same experience as before except for the one way entrance/exit, distribution of priority numbers at the registrar and the strict security guard. It still took me the whole day to finish the whole process of enrollment. I was disappointed yet hoping that the next time would get better since I have great trust to the developers of the new SRIS.

Nothing but random innermost desires…

2009-09-28T03:12:00.001-07:00

1. To graduate from USeP by 2010
2. To have an IT career in Singapore
3. To be an IT specialist in Korea
4. To cross paths with Bill Gates
5. To be an expert of SAP solutions
6. To be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey
7. To contribute meaningfully to the Philippine ICT
8. To create a very special application embedded on cell phones
9. To travel in whole Asia with my entire family
10. To have a dual citizenship (Canada and Phil)
11. To regularly bring my mama and papa to a spa
12. To taste the yummiest chocolates from every country
13. To meet Baraq Obama at the White House
14. To go out on a date with:
a. Robert Pattinson
b. Kim Kibum
c. Lee Min Ho
d. Jerry Yan
e. Christian Bautista
f. Richard Poon
g. Ely Buendia
h. Enchong Dee
i. Chris Tiu
j. Dev Patel
15. To have my own collection of books:
a. Harry Potter
b. Twilight saga
c. John Grisham
d. Mary Higgins Clark
e. Precious Hearts Romances.. wahahaha
f. Dan Brown
16. To travel in Israel
17. To follow the exact trail wherein Jesus Christ had his passion of the cross
18. To be in Vatican and meet the Pope
19. To chill in Boracay with Borbi and friends
20. To take a Caribbean cruise
21. To sing with Sarah Geronimo
22. To dance with Vhong Navarro
23. To have a plenty bank account
24. To have a family and be with them for my entire lifetime

O! pwede na mo mukatawa.. bwehehhehehehe

Grrr...

2009-09-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

I want out!

Look before you leap. This is one of my life’s principles. It’s not that I am afraid to fail but I just don’t want to plunge into something regrettable in the end. It is very easy to commit a mistake, mind you but it‘s hard to face the consequence that lies ahead. That is why I always strive to be mindful of the things I do. My decisions depend mostly on what people may think, feel, say or do. grrrrrr……. Blah.. blah.. Hate it…

Tukar na pud.

2009-09-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

My principle in life would probably be the golden rule. However, I can honestly say that I am a hypocrite oftentimes. I hate to treat my fellowmen with unkind words and unjust actions but there are times when I just forget what I believe. This usually happens when I am upset or I have a hard feeling towards someone. I can't control myself in this emotional stage that I could formulate whatever disgraceful things in mind. Sometimes ,I could just utter words of anger to someone I really hate at the moment. Well, it goes to show that I am perfectly human. It's just a matter of learning from past mistakes, forgiving and moving on.

I love to laugh. It’s the only thing that I will never be tired of doing. It’s no to laugh at people’s mistakes but to laugh with people on a clear conscience. To laugh because you admire someone dearly or above all, because you love life.

Laugh Rush!

2009-04-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

HAHAHAHAHAHAH!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
HAHAHAHAHAHHAH!
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHHA!
HAHAHAHAHHAHHAHA!
HAHAHAHAHA!
HAHAHAHAHAHAH!
HAHAHAHAHHHAH!
HAHAHAAH!

Laughter just can't stop striking me!

I feel so addicted!
I feel so hilarious!
I am insane!

Laughter is the best medicine.....

HAHAHAAH!
HAHAHA!
HAHAHAAH!

My third week of OJT is fun... fun... fun....
Yeah....

It feels so good to be this extremely ecstatic..

hehe

Hello everyone.

How can I be so slow to realize?

2009-04-12T02:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I could never love someone again since I laid my eyes on Jerry Yan during the popularity of Meteor Garden series in 2003. I was third year high school then and
I still remember how my heart tremendously beats whenever I see his face as endearing as an angel on television. I have always imagined myself being so close to him as if I could already feel his breath. Gosh! Those times were so hard for me as a teenager since I knew back then that everything I longed for about him was impossible as getting a trip to the outer space. It felt like my life was brought into a teleserye wherein everybody was getting in my way to my happiness- to be with the one I truly love. How I wanted to go to Taiwan and follow him in every glorious moments that he had been stepping on for his popularity! Gosh! I really was and obviously totally insane!

Presently, I just celebrated my 20TH birthday but then again the feeling is just the same. However as the song goes, "i remember the boy but i don't remember the feeling anymore.." hehe. Well, I have my newly found love. Thanks to my classmate Hannah for paving me the way to know him. The moment I saw him, the love bug in me strikes again! I really am in love. How can I not fall? By just looking at his face, I could never say no to temptation. hehe.. Kiliggggg to the bones and to death! Gosh! Time really matters. Is it a deja vu?

I love you my only one! -- Please give me back my sanity..

Adrenaline Rush

2009-03-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

This day is scheduled for our third consultation for Systems Analysis and Design 1.
Our group decided to meet in school at exactly 7:30 in the morning. For this reason, I woke up at 5:30 am just to make sure that I have prepared everything and to arrive early at our meeting place which happens to be at the Engineering ground floor.

School Arrival

Upon our arrival, we were lucky enough to be the first group for consultation. However unexpectedly, we were not fortunate to have our design phase output checked by our instructor for the reason that I have not yet submitted some of my online case studies. I blame myself for this and I feel so sorry and ashamed. I look forward to repenting my wrongdoings if still be given the chance for consideration. Please...

I post

2009-03-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

It was just last year when we first made a move on our Systems Analysis and Design 1 (SAD 1) project. As it was expected, we had a hard time looking for a particular company that would openly accept us to conduct a study. The plan was to go where we had our Management Information System study, the Legacy Group at Bajada St. We decided for it since it’s just a walking distance from the university and assuming that we still had a connection to its executive secretary. However, by the time that we set our feet on the establishment, we were declined of the second opportunity that we asked for the reason that their company was too busy to accommodate what we needed. So we planned for a back-up and to make the long story short, we landed on Barangay Buhangin Station. We interviewed the barangay secretary and fortunately, we were accepted. We proposed an integrated system for the barangay’s inventory, residence and employment record keeping, and blotters based on the information that we had acquired and observed. Our instructor then was Ma’am Tammy and she asked us if we were really determined to pursue the proposal up to its implementation. It was a quite long argument between her and us. But at the end, she accepted the proposal and we were very relieved because at last we would be able to proceed to the next milestone and we did not have to find for another company which was very tiring.
Days had passed, we had our team building and we were ready for the first milestone with regard to the project proposal. One Wednesday afternoon at the fifth floor of engineering building- USeP, we were surprised of Ma’am Tammy’s revelation. She was not going to be our SAD 1 instructor anymore. She had to take part on our school’s newly proposed information system. What????! Certainly, another instructor will take over her subject and that meant something for us, the students. We liked her and just missed a chance of knowing her deeply. Since she studied in South Korea, we lost the opportunity to be able to learn from her experiences. Life went on and with the blink of an eye, we had our new instructor. Charaaaaaaan!!
Sir Randy became our instructor. For the reason that we had been his students for half of our college life, we already look forward for some things to happen. We knew for certain that our school life would never be easy with him. Aja! It looked as if we were fortune tellers. Presto! We were somehow right. On his first glimpse of our project proposals, he doubted if those were worthy of our three years’ learning at the university. For him, those were simple and taken for decades. According to him, it was time for us to get away from what was already obsolete and we had to level up on what was appropriate for college levels. At that moment, I just felt he wanted to let us understand that we had to change our proposals into something that would fit or exceed his expectation. He was just being nice not to directly point out that what we had come up was a trash. Ha-ha.
At the thought of revising our proposals all over again, we almost grasped for air since it had to be a total job overhaul. It would mean that our preliminary efforts would be useless. Thus, we tried our luck to convince Sir Randy to reconsider. We delivered our explanation as to how we had to stick with what we started – the Barangay Integrated System. We told him that we were not confident enough to go for a more technically complicated project since we were still students and that pool of requirements yet had to come our way. We really argued with him but to our dismay, he would never be contented of the said system. He even gave us words of encouragement: “You can do it.” Then, what else could we do? “Gamboa gets what he wants.” Once his mind is fixed, it’s unbreakable and irrevocable and could not be influenced by anyone.
We actually withdrew our first scheme and altered our objectives. Instead, we proposed a web-based system for the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP). At the initial attempt of presenting it, it was denied. During the second, thank Bro for we had been accepted. Obviously, it was an indication to start the process of project development. For the first semester, we had to include the analysis, planning and design phase. Our decision was firmed – to develop an automated system for the online publicity of tutorial services provided by the students of USeP. In this regard, let me share some things that we had been all the way through:

Planning Phase
Included in this phase were the documentation for the project request, feasibility study, working and staffing plan and the risk analysis. Considering UseP as the scope, we had to initially see and analyze the problem. We had to observe and interact with the people who will eventually be the direct beneficiaries of our project. We labeled such two primary entities, the “service seeker” and “service provider”. The former were those students who wanted to learn/improve on a specific subject such as Math and English while the latter were the ones who were offering subject tutorials. We also had initiated the project’s feasibility in terms of economic, technical, and operational aspects. Lastly, we formulated our risk analysis. We had it all prepared for consultation with our instructor. Happily, he approved of it and marked it as “V.G.”, an acronym for “very good”. Personally, it felt something because it was the very first time we received that kind of remark from him. It made us crave and aim for more. From then on, we were very inspired and eager to work on the second phase which was the analysis.

Analysis Phase
Unlike the previous one, this analysis phase was very demanding of time, effort and ideas. We planned to formulate the analysis and strategy plan, information gathering, as-is system (current system) and the to-be system (proposed system). We thought that this would be simple and we just had to write on what we had in mind. However when we attempted for our second consultation, we were asked for the supporting documents that would reveal how we arrived to that output. Unfortunately, we failed to show our evidences. Again, we had to conduct a thorough information gathering. We distributed questionnaires but again, it had to be validated so we had to find an expert to have it validated. After validation, it had to be approved by our instructor. To cut the story short, it was very tiring and it came to a point that we almost stopped doing what we needed to do. However, rough times turned smooth. Luckily, we made it and we happily received a VG.

Think about your approved/proposed systems, is it worth the three or more years of learning you get from the university? Describe how you arrived with

2009-01-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

I would honestly admit that the first time this question was thrown at our class; I instantly raised an eyebrow. I could never blame myself for doing that because I personally knew how my teammates struggled to arrive with that proposal.

We had landed on our current proposal by initially experiencing negligence from the company which we actually thought our best choice. It was not an institution owned by a government or a small-time local enterprise. It was a national corporation with big time attachment to its investors. We pursued them politely with our intentions for the company however one representative from them told us that we could never be entertained at all due to the reason that they were extremely busy especially for the fact on global crisis. So what else did we have to take? Explore the city and get some luck. The rest was history. Until we set our foot on a barangay station. We interviewed one person from them and acquired the station’s profile. After having the observations on the regular events inside the building, we arrived with the proposal.

I should probably ask myself,” What have I learned within three years of education?” I have known a lot of theories and the facts regarding IT. Through experiences, I have gained knowledge and lessons. We had programming, database analysis, human resource management, and everything that was necessary for the course. Unlike traditional students whose learning stays within the four corners of the classroom, we were exposed to different types of working environment wherein we could somehow see the big difference between school and the outside world, the industry. Moreover, it had been a common understanding that IT improves the quality of life. Then that was it! What should be the role of Information Technology? When I thought of the proposal, I certainly weighed its worth. Partly, it would be of help to those people working for the barangay station but then there were just few of them. Pertaining to our proposed system, how could this be a contribution to the quality of living when only few could benefit?

Reality check, someone had been right all along that what we have come up for a proposal was not the exact representation of those three years being at school. Besides, it did not justify the purpose of the emergence of IT. On the other hand, one thing that is also true: we could never develop a highly commendable system with just a small amount of time especially when we are not only focusing on one requirement. And also, to program and implement a system is not as easy as to conceptualize it. So please, we need some consideration.

C.S.F.

2009-01-11T04:39:00.000-08:00

Aiming for success is not a very simple task. For a person to think of succeeding, an hour for him to become one is obviously impossible. To head start the way of succeeding in whatever field, either in an ongoing project or future plans, a mission should be defined in a specific and measurable manner. It will serve as a guide and as a focus. Next is to identify the goals that should be significantly aligned with the mission. Goals are the things that must be accomplished to solidify the mission.

However, a mission and a list of goals are not enough to accomplish what has been aimed. There has to be a list of factors that should also be considered. It is important for a business organization or a certain person aiming for success to formulate this because these are the areas that will serve as the point of direction towards the achievement of each goal that has been included. This concept is called the CSF or the Critical Success Factors.

Critical Success Factor was first conceptualized in the 1960s by D. Ronald Daniel and was later popularized by John F. Rockart. It is defined as the limited number of areas in which results, if they are satisfactory, will ensure successful competitive performance for the organization. These are the few key areas where the things must go right for the business to flourish. If results in these areas are not adequate, the organization’s efforts for the period will be less than desired (John F. Rockart, http://www.mindtools.com ).

To determine the activities or the areas in which critical success factors are to be identified, six steps are listed down:

Step One: Establish your business or project mission and strategic goals.

For a project to have its significance and completion in due time, it would start with a mission and a set of goals. A project can also be done without these goals and mission but it is best for a team to be specific in what they would want to conquer within the whole development duration. It would also be easy for them to identify the activities that they will be dealing with towards the endpoint since a precise set of targets are known from the very beginning.

Before, whenever I was asked to complete an assignment or I would want to accomplish a task, the only thing clear to me was to get it done. It did not matter how I was going to do it and what exactly I would want my output to be. I did not care if it would be of great significance to other people or it would satisfy me as the doer. It was so easy at that point especially when pressures were less and the society was still not expecting too much. I never took notice of setting a mission and goals before I would plunge into something that would need and consume my time, creativity, effort and my parents’ money. It was until times became tough and people who did not have a clearer understanding on what they want to achieve were meant to falter. I was in third-year college then. Being a college student meant bigger responsibilities and one great example was the arrival of inevitable batches of serious projects every semester. It was far different during the elementary and high school wherein projects could be done in less than 24 hours. Project developments were so hard for me that in those times that I forced myself to get started, I just ended up thinking out of nowhere because I had no idea what to hit first, how I would strategically do it, what precisely I would want to invest for the task and the areas that I would want to deal with towards the success of my project. As for the result, I was such a TIME WASTER.

Step Two: For each strategic goal, ask yourself "what area of business or project activity is essential to achieve this goal?" The answers to the question are your candidate CSFs.

A mission comes into life through the support of realistic and impressive goals. Goals should be pointed towards the mission of a certain business organization or a project. To achieve it, a person must think of the possible ways. This is what step two is all about. There has to be an area in which goals could probably be attained. This is the first stage of determining the Critical Success Factors.

Relating this to my experience as a student, I realized that somehow this was one part that I failed to perceive. I had plenty of goals in mind including some were completing projects in time, achieving not just passing grades but really good grades, gaining a better impression from professors and mostly, graduating on time with flying colors. I may have planned all of these since the beginning and I may have imagined myself in these goals however I missed to witness these things coming into reality. When I would reflect on myself regarding these failures, I just simply reason out that it was not meant for me, it was not just my luck and that I had other purpose and maybe my best was not that enough. This brought me into awareness that perhaps I would be in my desired situation if I followed step two of Critical Success Factor approach. If only I was able to match my every goal with the appropriate means to achieve it.

Step Three: Evaluate the list of candidate CSFs to find the absolute essential elements for achieving success - these are your Critical Success Factors. As you identify and evaluate candidate CSFs, you may uncover some new strategic objectives or more detailed objectives. So you may need to define your mission, objectives and CSFs iteratively.

In evaluating the candidates for the Critical Success Factors, each element has to be weighed depending on its impact toward each goal. Those chosen will be the final list and will be called the Critical Success Factors.

Step Four: Identify how you will monitor and measure each of the CSFs.

The Critical Success Factors have to be observed and studied. In this manner, the approach to assessing and testing the potentiality of each factor will be identified.

Step Five: Communicate your CSFs along with the other important elements of your business or project's strategy.

Step Six: Keep monitoring and reevaluating your CSFs to ensure you keep moving towards your aims. Indeed, while CSFs are sometimes less tangible than measurable goals, it is useful to identify as specifically as possible how you can measure or monitor each one.

Critical Success Factors are the areas of your business or project that are absolutely essential to it success. By identifying and communicating these CSFs, you can help ensure your business or project is well-focused and avoid wasting effort and resources on less important areas. By making CSFs explicit, and communicating them with everyone involved, you can help keep the business and project on track towards common aims and goalshttp://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_80.htm ). (

Upon reflecting on this paragraph, I have come to ponder that CSF or the Critical Success Factor approach does not only apply to making a project successful or to a business organization. In my case, I have an idea of using the CSF to help me focus on the things that I desire to have and in the pursuit of my goals – not to waste my effort on dealing with less important areas in my life.

Ten years

2008-12-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

Looking back from the time when I was still in high school, I never imagined myself reaching this point of wanting so much to become an IT professional. Where did the desire come from? I mean, it was not really the way I planned back then. From the very start, being inclined to information technology was never a part of my choices.

It was either I wanted to be a physicist or to pursue mass communications. I had always loved physics and my interest for it was enough to drive me to where I would like to be. Mass communications, it was my one ancient want. My passion for media-related activities was burning hot and I felt safe and happy to be in that zone. I wanted to be a newscaster and I dreamed of myself getting a solo show of social relevance. I often pictured myself being a film director and a scriptwriter. I sometimes put a little television program in front of the mirror. The latter seemed so crazy and bizarre. That just proved how I was so into that dream.

However, some things were just meant to remain fantasies. The end of my first story was so obvious. I was not able to feel and see those dreams transforming into reality. It ended up nothing. And so during the last months in high school when everyone was deliberating for their degree courses, I had nothing to hold on to. What would I want to be? Confusions and doubts were in my thoughts every time I formulated that question. It was a very simple question though but in my case, it was the hardest to be answered. I could not find answers and even career guidance orientations were never a help for me to figure things out.

High school graduation was getting nearer and I still could not decide as to what I would be in college. My parents, as well as my siblings, and I often argued about this matter. My brother would say that it was best for me to take up BS Nursing but in the first place, the idea of being a nurse was the least I would consider. Trying to visualize myself holding a syringe, taking blood examples and witnessing medical surgeries just could not urge me. It made me sick. Besides, my parents could not afford the above average expenses of a nursing student. My parents were not that rich to give me a huge pool of degree courses to choose from. That was one great reason why I did not even bother them to let me try mass communications. I knew for a fact that being in that course would mean a serious amount of money. I had to put myself in a position wherein I had to utilize and be satisfied with what were bestowed on me and with what were deprived of me. For apparent reasons, with encouragement from my parents, I decided to get a glimpse of USeP (University of Southeastern Philippines). From that, I was able to pick three courses which were AB English, BS Electronics and Communications Engineering and BS Information Technology. Again, another family conversation took place. AB English? A big NO NO. BS ECE? Five years in college and another intensive board exam. Not again. BS IT? Well, sounded great and new. Four years and it was attainable.

Hello Bachelor of Science in Information Technology! I found it weird during our first classes when every professor was asking this same question: “Why did you choose BSIT?” I would suddenly struggle in a search for a technical but impressive answer because honestly, I could not give any except for the fact that I was merely influenced by my family and by my own lame reasons. That was it, a blank. Good enough I did not become the unlucky one to be asked in front of a bunch of freshmen. Somehow, I chose to give justice to what I had decided to do – to embrace the reality of being a BSIT student.

What would be the things that were ought to happen in pursuance of my chosen degree? Of course I had to endure four years of an absolute mixture of misery, happiness, excitements, challenges and humiliation. The latter sentence was I thought the best general description of what was it like to be in my college life.

Misery. If I do a quick math calculation, I would conclude that approximately 40% of my collegiate existence will be given to this big M. It might appeal strange but whenever I set foot on my school’s entrance, there were moments that I smelled the unbearable scent of misery. That seldom made me not wanting to attend classes anymore. I could feel the inevitable pressure that surrounded me at school. The thought of seeing our professors, the upcoming stressful and strength-sucking projects, mind-breaking examinations and scary reports all made me feel very unwelcome. With every failure that I took, with every moment of being left behind by other people, and with every task that was unfulfilled, I nearly threw myself into hopelessness. I was almost on the verge of giving up and I even considered having a detour. That was to shift and try other options available. I was already willing turn my back away from the responsibilities I was supposed to be dealing with at school. I wanted to start, play safe and never to mess my life again. In short, I wanted to call it quits. But then again, that was how things were. It was just a matter of acceptance and getting used to. What’s life without misery?

Happiness. I would be a hypocrite if I came to say that within those days of spending college never had I tasted the fun and joy of being a new person every time I had been through a lot of struggles. Misery was not after all my sole partner. Thinking that I was not able to give in to losing the battle, I could not help but be happy in spite of whatever it cost me. My friends were there, same fate as me, but we were still enjoying. We were always so happy to learn something new at school. It was so fulfilling every time we acquired knowledge from our subjects, especially if we were able to apply it outside and even in our daily informal conversation. The fun of making our projects, whether it was programming or technical papers, the sleepless nights we were able to bear in brainstorming and those times when we could do nothing but laugh at our unluckiness in submitting requirements were all sometimes frustrating however miraculously amusing. It was so hard not to remember when we were able to jam with our teachers and to joke around them, still at the same time having fruitful discussion in all things about information technology – its technicality, political issues and even environmental issues.

Being in an institute encircled by intelligent people who were ready to impart what they had learned from experiences and years of education was a privilege enough for me to say that it had never been a regret to go this path. I had known a lot about information technology and they made me see that there was more to being an IT professional than what was commonly heard of it. It was just not about being a call center agent, being a programmer and etcetera. The truth was a huge responsibility waits for those who were planning to commit their lives being an IT professional. Upon knowing this, it made my own perspectives wider and more realistic as compared to what I had before. It was time for me to redirect my goals and to have a clearer vision of what I wanted to be in the next few years. Since I had chosen BSIT, I had to keep going and do whatever it takes to leap every milestone leading me to where I was irrevocably wanting to achieve from the very beginning.

It may sound ambitious but ever since I had known of Bill Gates, there had never been a day that I stopped dreaming of following his legacy. I wanted to be as brilliant as him and of course, becoming enormously rich as he was. It may seem ridiculous but I sometimes thought of hitting bigger, more than what he had accomplished. In this computer age, he will always be the person that I look up to regardless of what other competitors throw at him. I had never lost interest in what he could do and I would forever admire him for bringing ease to the common end-users of the computing industry.

What did it cost Bill Gates to have come to this unimaginable success? How did he do it? Was it just pure luck? Was this because of his enthusiasm and brilliance? Could that be for the reason of hard work and help from friends? Was it because of his education? Or simply it was his destiny. Perhaps, I would never stop wondering. Well, just like me, we are both human and everyone can do what he is capable of doing. It was not as if he had those extraordinary possessions such as the genie and a magic wand. He is just plainly like everyone else. Yet the difference was that he had everything that every person in the world would be dying to have: power, success, wealth, brilliance and he could afford all stuffs. He did not even have to enter into politics to conquer those. What was really his secret?

When I thought of Bill Gates, I thought of my future. What would it be like to live a life like his? How would it feel to be as successful as him? Would it be that easy? Of course, it would never be that easy. Would I be ready for the journey toward that future? That was why I had all the means lingering in my brain. Maybe, in my case it should start by being worthy to be called an IT professional since I had no plans of wasting my education by not using it. Why not make it the key? What would be my strategies? Would ten years be enough? How would I spend ten years meaningfully?

Let me think of the ways. My number one will surely be to take care of my health because first and foremost among all it’s the most important. Health is wealth, as what people would primarily quote. Obviously, I will not reach ten years if I die too soon or logically, I will not be able to achieve what I had put into my mind when my body would never be capable of doing jobs. Getting a healthy body starts from getting enough sleep. That would mean I have to sleep as early as 10 pm and wake up eight hours after. I will also do regular exercise in the morning to strengthen my muscles so that I may able to cope up with physical pressures and stress. A glass of milk at breakfast and at night will surely strengthen my bones. I should practice a balance diet, less monosodium glutamate, less pork, preservatives and sweets. Drinking a lot of water will also be a big help as it would detoxify my inner body. Physically, taking a bath twice everyday will wipe away all the harmful bacteria leaving me clean and fresh. Loosening up sometimes will surely free me from mental stress so get-together with friends and family and little nature escapades will do. I have to enhance my immune system in defense from any kinds of illness by taking plenty of Vitamin C. To protect myself from getting cancer, I have to eat pineapples at least thrice a week. An apple a day takes the doctor away. One thing important, I have to be 100 % free from all kinds of harmful habits specifically smoking, alcoholism and illegal drugs intake.

In this present world wherein doing one job at a time is not any more acceptable for most organizations, people tend to make haste. Multitasking nowadays is a serious lifestyle for any one who wants to survive with more than enough at hand. If I thought of the future, probably it would be more than just multitasking. By that time, people will double or even triple their hard works as to make out for a living. Another more demanding and more rapid lifestyle will certainly be the new trend. If that would be the case then as early as now, I should get used to doing multiple jobs with different range of difficulties. I should start by organizing my to-do list and make the greatest effort to follow what has been planned. Planning ahead to succeed and utilizing time wisely will be my darkest weapons in the long run so why not practice it beforehand.

Learning is a continuous process. Being a professional in information technology is not acquired from a four-year degree alone but also from keeping track of the latest knowledge that evolves from day to day. In a technological aspect, methods and techniques are constantly developed in a way that the latest is always better than the previous. Therefore getting updated will be one thing that I am going to take notice of and I am going to live out for it. Particularly, it will be learning by doing for all time. Earning a doctorate degree in Information Technology will be my very first move. It will be the commencement of who I will be in ten years time. Getting involved in IT conventions and seminars will be the means for me to gain knowledge of the fresh technical methodologies. An internet browsing for a routine will provide me the means to get in pace of the different global IT strategies and to be familiar with newborn standards. The World Wide Web will also give me the chance to expose my pieces and ideas. It will also open my world to the different experts in the IT industry and perhaps Bill Gates, and they will help me widen my creativity, resourcefulness and intellect.

Interaction is an essential factor of being successful. True that one could never claim that being triumphant will be solely for the reason of self-reliance. No man is an island. This is such a cliché yet it still applies to the truth. Success is attained through a team effort. It is something not one person can work for independently. Hence, I should have to improve my socialization abilities so that I may able to extend my connection. When in times of inconvenience, resource constraints and discoveries, I have a bunch of friends and acquaintances to request from. But surely, it will not be a host-parasite relationship. I will not intend to merely ask help from them but also in return, I could offer them my help at all times. It will definitely begin with a friendly attitude. Then, I will make use of electronic social networking because that is one best way to achieve millions of sociable friends. I will explore my own social allies. I have to be well-versed at anything interesting and significant and I have to be physically presentable for me to get in a circle of intellectual and famous giants. To cut it short, I have to be fully aware of my interpersonal skills.

There is nothing more effective than to key in the theories in the real scenario of experimentation. Having been equipped with self-confidence, positive attitude, values, mental alertness and capacity, constantly-developed skills: combination of people-related, technical and business skills, wide ranging levels of global IT exposures, unremarkable degree of education and not to mention a healthy body and of course; an unbreakable and clearer vision in my mind, it will be the good components that I possess for me to take an entrance in Microsoft Corporation.

I will be working there as the head of a huge software engineering team and I am going to exert a lot of energy in my job. I am going to be an excellent leader, brave and wise in producing a decision and I will use every ounce of learned methods and techniques I acquired since college. I will be the best systems analyst and no one could ever dare say that I am nothing. I am going to spend four years of my career in Microsoft and as soon as I am strategically prepared to go higher, I will be stepping out of the organization. On the tenth year, I will go back to my own country and pursue interesting IT investors to put up my own software development corporation. I will hire the best Filipino IT specialists in town and in a team effort; we will extend our market worldwide, make it big. We will make the Philippines the new IT capital not just in Asia but throughout the world. For our fellowmen, we will localize all common software so that even non-English speaking Pinoys will have the fun of learning the computing technology. We will also be considerate with environmental issues in relation to IT. We will be devoted to the concept of Green Campus Computing and we will also be in consensus with Free Open Source Software (FOSS). In the succeeding years, our company will be as gigantic and invincible as other international corporations.

Who now says that ordinary people do not have an inch of opportunity to dream this big? Small things lead to great things and there is a huge selection of future to choose from. Promising futures are waiting for those who are willing to dream and to make it real. For now, I may not be the person that I had described in those ten years of a lifetime but who knows? Once the opportunity comes knocking, I will use every element of my senses to come seize it.

Go for the goal!

....

2008-10-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

A month had passed since the approval of my topic. I was so happy then. At last, I could no longer say that I was being left behind. I felt excited having my very first formal research proposal. I was very eager to start the first pieces. Since Pinay domestic helpers were my main concern, I gathered and read more than thirty readings regarding them. I have also included a few pages for the web applications that I was planning to utilize in my research as I was proposing an integrated assistance for Pinay DH. This integrated assistance will make use of the common web applications such as web logging and video postings. My study also involves those non-web based applications. I was also planning to introduce the term “Blended assistance”. In that one month of gathering data, reflecting and planning, I found myself doubting my research topic. Why? It is because of the reality that I do not have any idea where and how to start. I am confused of what methodology to use and I am having a hard time putting up my related literature. I may have resources and information but it is very difficult for me to make the pieces whole. I do not know on which to focus. Pinay DH. Web-based applications. Non-web based applications. How do I relate these? Everyday, these worries really make me feel hopeless and think harder for solutions until my last brain nerve surrenders being a loser. I end up doing nothing. God knows, I sincerely want to pass this subject. I really do. Well, everyone is. Who doesn’t? What did I do in my past life to be punished like this? Sometimes, I blame myself for being this stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I am trying but it seems no use at all. I even considered the idea of approaching my teacher but…. How could I afford to do it when I had nothing to show in the first place? That really scared me to death. Now, I haven’t even started. I am sick of INCs. I am not lazy. I am not spending my time for meaningless things…

Sir if you happen to read this, forgive me for being emotional and bold with how I feel. I am not doing this to grab attention or to receive mercy but I only wanted to let out my frustrations and apprehensions. In this way, I am letting go of my burden. This does not mean that I’ll stop doing what is important. I’ll just try harder.

AN INTEGRATED BLENDED ASSISTANCE FOR OVERSEAS PINAY DOMESTIC HELPERS

2008-09-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

In my previous threads, I had stressed out that the Internet nowadays is a powerful tool in bridging gaps regardless of distance, cost and time. Everything under the sun whether full of sense or nonsense stuff is certainly a piece of cake to look for. With its limitless technological advancement, with Internet: all things are possible.

Current issues faced by our Pinay domestic helpers undeniably can’t go unnoticed. These alarming issues involve committed crimes, abuse and worst, increased cases of Pinay DH insanity. What could possibly be the reasons behind these? Many would say it’s in the workplace. They commit crimes for trying to defend themselves from the unjust and abusive treatment of their employees. Being away from home, they have no one to turn to and thus making them emotionally weak and distressed. Some would also say that it’s in their natural ability to cope with stress and traumas. That is why DFA proposes a mandatory psychiatric testing as one of the requirements for OFWs.

By being subjective, intercommunication is the fundamental key to these issues. Intercommunication (defined as to communicate mutually as between individual or organizations by Webster Comprehensive Dictionary) plays a vital role in our life. It is our simple way of information dissemination. It helps unload our emotional baggage and this even helps us in times of incoming danger.

Looking within the present scenario, the Internet provides intercommunicative tools that are sufficient and available at hand. Therefore this research is expected to include the utilization of Internet applications as part of online assistance.

However, online assistance will not be enough as there are still some factors that web-based applications cannot suffice. That is when blended assistance comes. This idea is derived from blended learning wherein approaches to learning include web-based techniques and non-technology based techniques. Applying to this research, blended assistance will make use of virtual resources and physical resources.
To illustrate this study:

Objectives:

to determine the essential factors in putting up a blended assistance for Pinay DH
to identify those internet applications under the virtual resources
to identify those non-technology based methods under the physical resources
to develop an integrated blended assistance model for Pinay overseas DH
to examine the advantages as well as the disadvantages upon the implementation of this model

Scarrrrrrryyyy..

2008-09-15T21:50:00.001-07:00

My first online quiz scared me to death. It was not the same feeling that I usually had in classrooms. hehe

I made history! whehehe

MICROSOFT vs FOSS

2008-09-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

It was in my sixth grade that I got totally aware of how computers work. When I stepped high school, our first lesson in entrepreneurship for that first school year was typing lesson. I remembered, it was then I heard the word “Microsoft”. From then on, whenever I saw a computer, I could relate it to “Microsoft”. At that age of consciousness, I was really brainwashed by the idea that nothing else existed aside from Microsoft when it comes to computer technology. It was because people around me were using it whether in school, business establishments, and banks or even at home. It was until my first college year that I knew OpenOffice. When I got to use it, without further thinking, I blurted out that this was nothing compared to Microsoft Word. It was difficult to operate and explore. Obviously, what happened next, I stick with MS. I was not even shocked upon realizing that I felt the same way with my classmates and friends.

By setting the issue in our locality, I can say that MS has excavated a very deep foundation proven by its widely accepted and used applications such as MS Word. People in my generation grew up with Microsoft.

Placing popularity into the rivalry makes proprietary format (Microsoft) the victor by landslide. I know I am being biased with my opinion but I am just taking the matter of what influences me much and what I have known first. Microsoft came first and so obviously I have much to say about it. Perhaps, by reversing the events, let’s say OSS (Open Source Software) happens to come first then I would be saying all these in favor of it.

Hahay!

2008-09-11T02:30:00.000-07:00

I am so damned frustrated. It seems that things are turning bad for me. I do not know what's going on? Is it just purely fate or is it the way i take things? Hell.. I really am clueless. I'm really really thinking hard.

I'm being left behind by classmates. The way I see them, they are really busy getting through with their requirements at school. I'm getting really jealous here. I also want to busy myself running for the deadlines exactly just like them. The end of the semester is approaching. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I feel so helpless at this very moment. Could someone help me??

I don't want to bring frustrations and disappointments to my family. With the unconditional support they are giving me, I can't help but be shameful for what I am achieving right now. Yesterday, I was a nobody! Now, I'm still a nobody.

The wonders of blogging

2008-09-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

I only have five minutes left to do this.. hehehe I am about to be evicted at this internet cafe..HEHE

I just want to share this:

Just two hours ago, I accidentally visited a certain NICELY'S blog. I found one great essay written by her entitled "The Internet: A Powerful Tool in Reviving the Positive Image of the Filipina". This piece was really great that I even arrived to the idea of using this to inspire myself in finding a research topic. As apparently, I am still struggling in looking for a research topic for my Research Methods subject.

As i was scanning Nicely's blog I found KC Concepcion's and Bianca Gonzalez' links. In KC's page, I found out that she still longs for freedom in spite of the the beautiful things she is achieving presently. And in Bianca's page, I found this one great great article which i already have posted.

See? The wonders of blogging! It's really amazing!!

Under my fingertips, I was able to catch a glimpse of the perspectives of two famous celebrities. I was able to discover the poem!

You better read this:

2008-09-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

TAGUBILIN AT HABILIN
Ni Jose F. Lacaba

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!

Sa edad kong ito, marami akong maibibigay na payo.
Mayaman ako sa payo.

Maghugas ka ng kamay bago kumain.
Maghugas ka ng kamay pagkatapos kumain.
Pero huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay para lang makaiwas sa sisi.
Huwag kang maghuhugas ng kamay kung may inaapi
Na kaya mong tulungan.

Paupuin sa bus ang matatanda at ang mga may kalong na sanggol.
Magpasalamat sa nagmamagandang-loob.
Matuto sa karanasan ng matatanda
Pero huwag magpatali sa kaisipang makaluma.

Huwag piliting matulog kung ayaw kang dalawin ng antok.
Huwag pag-aksayahan ng panahon ang walang utang na loob.
Huwag makipagtalo sa bobo at baka ka mapagkamalang bobo.
Huwag bubulong-bulong sa mga panahong kailangang sumigaw.

Huwag kang manalig sa bulung-bulungan.
Huwag kang papatay-patay sa ilalim ng pabitin.
Huwag kang tutulog-tulog sa pansitan.

Umawit ka kung nag-iisa sa banyo.
Umawit ka sa piling ng barkada.
Umawit ka kung nalulungkot.
Umawit ka kung masaya.

Ingat lang.

Huwag kang aawit ng “My Way” sa videoke bar at baka ka mabaril.
Huwag kang magsindi ng sigarilyo sa gasolinahan.
Dahan-dahan sa matatarik na landas.
Dahan-dahan sa malulubak na daan.

Higit sa lahat, inuulit ko:

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!

Maraming bagay sa mundo na nakakadismaya.
Mabuhay ka.
Maraming problema ang mundo na wala na yatang lunas.
Mabuhay ka.

Sa hirap ng panahon, sa harap ng kabiguan,
Kung minsan ay gusto mo nang mamatay.
Gusto mong maglaslas ng pulso kung sawi sa pag-ibig.
Gusto mong uminom ng lason kung wala nang makain.
Gusto mong magbigti kung napakabigat ng mga pasanin.
Gusto mong pasabugin ang bungo mo kung maraming gumugulo sa utak.

Huwag kang patatalo. Huwag kang susuko.

Narinig mo ang sinasabi ng awitin:
“Gising at magbangon sa pagkagupiling,
Sa pagkakatulog na lubhang mahimbing.”
Gumising ka kung hinaharana ka ng pag-ibig.
Bumangon ka kung nananawagan ang kapuspalad.

Ang sabi ng iba: “Ang matapang ay walang-takot lumaban.”
Ang sabi ko naman: Ang tunay na matapang ay lumalaban
Kahit natatakot.

Lumaban ka kung inginungodngod ang nguso mo sa putik.
Bumalikwas ka kung tinatapak-tapakan ka.
Buong-tapang mong ipaglaban ang iyong mga prinsipyo
Kahit hindi ka sigurado na agad-agad kang mananalo.

Mabuhay ka, kaibigan!
Mabuhay ka!
Iyan ang una't huli kong
Tagubilin at habilin:
Mabuhay ka!

Some Important Open Standards

2008-09-06T19:48:00.001-07:00

HTML, HTTP and TCP IP are interconnected in the sense that they are responsible for bringing the web’s accessibility to the users. HTTP is a method used to access the World Wide Web. TCP/IP provides the transport mechanism for sending data across the Internet and HTML specifies the structure and presentation of the web content.

Some important open standards are:

• Transmission Control/Internet Protocol
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol
• Hypertext Markup Language
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
• Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions
• Extensible Markup Language
• Portable Network Graphics
• X Window
• Ogg Vorbis
• Open Document

In the Internet, interoperability is very crucial for the reason that end-users are now widely dependent on it (Internet). A part of their daily activities involves accessing the Internet. Take for example in the field of education, students are now using electronic references for research, reports and even assignments. Professors also are presently applying online learning and sometimes acquire their lessons through the web. This and all are resulting from the implementation of open standards.

However, due to the state that there are still dominant vendors setting the standards, some open standards have only achieved the least acceptance from the users. Examples of these are Window System, Ogg Vorbis and Open Document.

Open Standards

2008-09-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Standard as the word suggests could mean that it is mostly accepted and widely used by the industry. Standards are technical specifications that indicate interfaces to facilitate interoperability between different products and services. Interoperability means the ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information that has been exchanged. Interoperability is only among the benefits of having standards. The others lie in creating infrastructure, simplifying development and business development opportunities.

Standards that are publicly accessible are open standards. This is not to be confused with open source. While open standards are technical specifications approved by a concensus-based process, open source software is software that is distributed under an OSS license. Under the research paper of Ken Krechmer, there are ten rights leading to open standards. These are:
1. open meeting
2. consensus
3. due process
4. open IPR
5. one world
6. open change
7. open documents
8. open interface
9. open use
10. on-going support
What I have understood from this is that failure to acquire at least one of these ten rights would defeat the real meaning of open standards. In line with this, six principles form B. Perens are as follows:
1. availability
2. maximum end-user choice
3. no royalty
4. no discrimination
5. ability to create extension
6. ability to prevent predatory prices

According to the author of these principles, these make standards open. In my point view, it creates a lot of sense. In open standards, customers are not locked into a specific vendor. Unlike other technologies or vendors which are demanding for patent licensing fees, open standards do not require implementers of royalty.

Benefits of Open Standards

2008-09-06T19:42:00.001-07:00

In this chapter, the benefits of open standards were indicated in various ways with respect to the sectors using it. Its importance in comparison to the proprietary formats was as clear as blue waters. The prevention of vendor lock-in is one of the better results from the usage of open standards. Unlike proprietary standards wherein implementers will soon be tied up with a specific standard, open standards guarantee that a user has the freedom of choosing other specification which they think is best to satisfy their requirements. Considering interoperability, it will be easier for communicating systems with different technologies to communicate since standards are open and known.

Open standards can also be exploited by some vendors who at first claim embracing the usage of these specifications. This doing has EEE as the means. EEE stands for Embrace, Extend, and Extinguish. In the embrace stage, a certain vendor publicly declares of their open standards usage. Subsequently, they make enhancements in the acquired standards. Since claiming that these modifications are done by them, they make it proprietary. This now makes the extend part. In the extinguish stage, due to the popularity achievement of the modified open standard, it now becomes de facto. For the reason that they have made it proprietary, the principles of open standards have been defeated.

Creation of Standards

2008-09-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

In the creation of technical standards there are processes that can be followed:
• De jure
• De facto
• Industry-driven

In the process of de jure, a proposal of a new standard is laid by a representative coming from a committee. After this, a draft will be created with the unity of a small group. This draft will then undergo a series of deliberation and modifications until it will be forwarded to the higher body in the organization for examination. Within the examination, if there will be a need for changes in the draft then it will be sent back to the committee for further development. It will undergo the same process until it becomes published as a formal standard as voted by the participating national bodies. Its advantage lies in the fact that since standards are created through a consensus and legal process, its reliability is unquestionable. However, its disadvantageous side would be that it takes two to three years of waiting before publishing the standards. Another is that, to what degree that the user and industry accept the standards with ease.

Second is the de facto process. In here, due to the reason that a certain technology or product is widely embraced by users and the industry this product becomes now a standard. Modifications of the standards are much faster than that of the de jure process for it does not have to wait over long procedures of debates under a consensus body. However, a possible vendor lock-in would arise.

The third one is the industry-driven process. There are organizations formed to develop standards for a specific industry. Example of this is the OASIS, dedicated to set standards in e-commerce. These standards become legitimate international standards when submitted to the international standard setting bodies like the ISO.
Based on my readings, these are some organizations which support open standardization:

• Internet Engineering Task Force
• World Wide Web Consortium
• Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards
• Free Standards Group
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Let Bygones Be Bygones

2008-09-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

The days from June went blazingly hot and cold towards September. What?! Needless to say, the end of the semester is now approaching. In this thought, every nerve in my brain was jumping as if ready for an adrenalin rush. Somehow, they were sensitive enough to detect that their master was facing an incoming danger. I started recalling the things that undeniably needed my attention. First of all firsts were my requirements. I began counting numbers and realized I had missed too much. Delayed postings, hanging journals, undecided projects and the elusive research topic made me feel helpless for a moment. I was blaming no one but myself. The culprit, it’s laziness all over again.

Well, I couldn’t think of any person responsible for this. Not even my professors, for they had not let a time slipped in reminding us our obligations. I, for a fact, was a witness on how they encouraged students to participate actively and to always have a close pace with time. Behind this truth, I once accused them of bringing misery into my life. Why, they brought red marks in my passbook when in fact, ever since I took my first steps in learning I never had gotten this shameful blood. Since elementary, I was consistent of having high grades. I may never had experienced being on top but I was recognized for my academic competency. Then I knew how it felt to be a failure. Failure as it was, despite of hard work. I was like an asteroid falling towards the Earth, suddenly crushed by the atmosphere. All that was left were the broken pieces – hard to find and mend. I took it very seriously. Stupid of me! I had almost been dragged by the pressure they were giving us in terms of requirements. They were demanding this and that at specific times. Sometimes, they just couldn’t appreciate efforts. Sometimes, they would only make a fool out of us. This I couldn’t bear. Lastly, it hurt me when it was obvious that they could not avoid comparing students from the other sides of the world. Non-nocturnal versus nocturnal. The one is superior over the other, respectively. I hated them so much that I never wanted to see their faces again.

Whew! That was too much already. The rest was history. But then, history teaches me everything. Much has been said and now it’s time for me to think why I am still here. Despite the struggles, I still consider IC as my second home. I have my professors whom I considered my mentors. Hate turns into admiration, appreciation and respect. I am still at IC because I HAVE PROVEN MYSELF WRONG AND THAT SOMETHING IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR, SOMETHING AS SUCCESS. What is success without failures? What is success without hardships? I have realized that at first, I was just too proud of myself that I became blind from the things ahead. PAMATI! Hehehe For that, I have learned the value of humility.

I have blamed others for my misfortunes when the truth is; I make my own decisions and my own destiny. I am my own enemy.

One very significant lesson that I got from RSG: LAZINESS IS NOT ONLY DEFINED AS DOING NOTHING BUT IT IS ALSO NOT DOING THINGS ON TIME.

September is here, I have to keep moving and get things done before October says hello.

Method and Methodology

2008-08-26T19:48:00.001-07:00

Method and methodology are synonymous in terms of their underlying purpose which is to serve the ways of doing anything that will lead to a result. However, as what I have understood, they differ in their area of usage. Method is used in general while methodology is the scientific term, as the suffix “-logy” means study. For example in the field of research, the word methodology is used.

Girlfriend Robots

2008-08-26T19:47:00.001-07:00

“Japan has done it again!”, as Mary Jade Damondamon first stated in her brief summary of a research on robots. Indeed, Japan had repeated a remarkable history. A robot named “Eternal Maiden Actualization” was technically designed to entertain (sing and dance) and entice men with a kiss. A girlfriend robot, as what they called it.

Artificial intelligence, I guess for the Japanese, this is surely a piece of cake for them given that they have been consistent in this field for many years. What else is new? Resource is never a problem for them. They have the ideas, technical skills and financial $upport, etc, etc. Name it and they have it. No wonder that Japan has been technologically evolving almost everyday!

Such a funny thing came into my mind when I took notice of this article. Possibly many years from now, when girlfriend robots become a way of life, men will go crazy over it and eventually consider them as lifetime partners. I could imagine my kind competing for their love and crying a million buckets of tears. Somehow, a rival between natural-born women and girl robots will shake the world.

I have always been interested in artificial intelligence ever since I became aware of this terminology. I even thought of it as my research topic. However, doubts conquered my mind every time I considered my methodology.

Identify and discuss key factors for publishing research in top-tier journals like CSP, ACM, i3E, etc.

2008-08-26T19:46:00.001-07:00

Having published a certain research in top-tier journals is a sole proof that a researcher’s piece of work is being widely recognized and that it has gained approval from highly respected people in the field of research. One important factor of achieving this is by doing a careful and accurate job within the whole process of research. It starts from choosing a topic that possesses novelty. A topic should interest people (readers and critics). An impressive methodology is also an essential factor of getting a research published.

How do you know if a piece of research work is good or not? how are they evaluated?

2008-08-26T19:45:00.001-07:00

A good problem first defines a good piece of research. A problem is something worth addressing to. Next is that a good research work does have a comprehensive significance. It means that the entities that the research is trying to reach out should be able to understand the benefits from conducting the study. The terminologies, clearly defined in the report, are also indications of a good research. Generally, the content of a good research report guarantees the readers to have a better understanding with respect to the background, purpose, procedures and conclusion of the study. For formality’s sake, it should be of proper grammar and format. Lastly, in my own opinion, a good piece of research is intended for the well-being of the common people.

What is the role of research in deciding your future career?

2008-07-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

How does research influence my future career decision? Research embodies interest, passion and hard work in the field of studies. Personally, in choosing a future career I have to take into account my field of interest and where I really want to invest my passion. Somehow, this reveals the role of research in my future career plan.

In addition, research influences outlooks because of its contributions. In the field of technology particularly, it has been useful in making life convenient, productive and of quality. With this and the notion of receiving much financial gains, I personally find it substantial in deciding my future career.

As a CS/IT student of USEP, what research topics should usually be address?

2008-07-10T02:46:00.000-07:00

In doing a research, it is an advantage for the researcher to dwell on a topic related to his/her field or course. For an IT student, it would be better to focus on the needs of the information technology society. For example in the field of internet technologies, as more and more users(commonly students, as what i have observed) are becoming obsessed with these. Most importantly, i would like to borrow Albus Dumbledore's line in HP, "It should be for the greater good".

Benefits of Open Standards

2008-07-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

A lot of benefits can be taken from using open standards. These benefits such as flexibility of using office software, better protection of the data files and cost reduction greatly influence various IT sectors. Among these benefits, I would say that the most remarkable one is that open standards allows implementers to have a freedom of choice. As based on the cited reference below, “there is less chance of being locked in by a specific vendor”.

http://open-standards.gbdirect.co.uk/benefits_of_open_standards.html

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FOSS_Open_Standards/Importance_and_Benefits_of_Open_Standards

Importance of Open Standards

2008-07-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

The importance of open standards applies in many ways. Aside from royalty-free implementation and are publicly accessible, open standards also facilitate effective interoperability. This is which I think the most significant. [1]Interoperability means the ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information that has been exchanged. One way of illustrating this importance is by considering interoperability in telecommunications. To be brief, telecommunicating systems must be interoperable in order for the end-users to worry no more on how their connection be understood by different telecommunicating parties.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_standard

The State of Computer Science Research

2008-06-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Over the years, computer science research has been extremely recognized worldwide for its beneficial contributions in many aspects such as in health, national security and businesses. Some of its contributions to national security are unmanned robotic vehicles for surveillance, virtual reality and GPS. In businesses, through the use of information technology, productivity is increased. And recently, computer science research has made its breakthrough in robotic surgery. Robotic surgery is known for its advantages in remote, minimally invasive and unmanned surgery. Intuitive Surgical Incorporated has launched da Vinci Surgical Systems. This da Vinci Surgical system comprises of surgeon’s console, patient-side cart, vision system and surgical accessories. Prostatectomies, cardiac valve repair and gynecologic surgical procedures are its common applications. The da Vinci Surgical system costs 1.4 million dollars and in 2007, sales raised up to more than 60 percent as reported by Intuitive Surgical.

References:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/business/12place.html?_r=1&em&ex=1202965200&en=3e61f3904b0aa746&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotic_surgery

2008-06-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Promise of Information Technology in the Travel Industry
Authors: Brenda L. Dietrich, Jane L. Snowdon and Joann B. Washam
http://domino.watson.ibm.com/library/cyberdig.nsf/Home

This research aims to reveal the responsibility of information technology in helping the travel industry survive in the midst of increasing global forces. With these global forces, companies in the industry have been driven to change and adapt quickly to remain competitive. Furthermore, the study cited three applications that will transform the travel industry and these are: network computing, combination of electronic ticketing and smart cards, and corporate travel management. The study also showed how information technology would make a better difference in the said industry. It proved how people’s lifestyle (travelers) would change when they adapt to the new world driven by information technology.

Indeed, IT has made travel-related transactions convenient, less time-consuming, and easy to access. On matters of business, IT has help companies reduce their production cost while boosting productivity. With travel industry, IT will make them almost invincible to market pressures such as increasing demands and inflation. At the same time, they will be able to improve their service towards consumers.

Dynamic Outsourcing of Services
Author: Michael Strobel
http://domino.watson.ibm.com/library/cyberdig.nsf/Home

This research intends to identify the requirements for dynamic outsourcing of services in an electronic market. The concept involves the two enablers for dynamic outsourcing, interoperability and automation. Electronic market, not limited to national or geographical boundaries, can be used to increase the efficiency of market coordination for services. Unlike traditional outsourcing, dynamic outsourcing involves a set of provider organizations competing in an e-market. At the time of service request, consumer organization chooses one provider among the set which will perform the service. The author cited three frameworks for interoperability standards. These are the eCO, E-Speak and BizTalk. The study shows that dynamic outsourcing process is not economically feasible due to the immature state of interoperability.

Generally in the acquisition of services, consumers would look for the best offer among others. This is why clients do not rely only on one provider. They tend to seek and gather different sources for them to compare and choose. This scenario also happens in an electronic market. However, online customers are left with a single choice of provider. But with the dynamic outsourcing of services, a set of provider organization will be involved. Service offers and prices coming from these organizations are ought to impress the client. After a series of comparison, clients will now choose the best. For this reason, dynamic outsourcing of services is very promising in an electronic market. I hope that further research by the authors would make this possible in the years to come.

Automated Performance Problem Determination by Observing Service Demand
Authors: Sei Kato, Tashiyuki Yamane and Takahide Noagayama
http://domino.watson.ibm.com/library/cyberdig.nsf/Home

The research aims to develop a new approach to detect and determine performance problem in a distributed computing system. Current IT systems are composed of heterogeneous components:

• Network devices from multiple vendors
• Multiple operating systems
• Various vendor middleware
• Composite application software

Performance varies with individual user request since these systems are frequently accessed by general public. This makes detecting and identifying of performance problems difficult and time-consuming for distributed computing systems.

Observing the values of service demand as a way to detect and determine performance problems was proposed in this study. The authors conducted tests in two environments: test environment and production environment. An automated performance problem determination system was developed by researchers in which machines were localized with a performance problem by capturing the network data which flows through the target distributed computing system.