Expect The Unexpected: TRAVEL REPORT (MAJOR FIELDTRIP)

Seminar Overviews

Field Trip and Seminars is one of the subject that is required to us in taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and is include in the curriculum. It is where you will experience different kind of environment if we talk about places. It is letting yourselves to involve in many altered activities and meeting people. During the seminar in Manila we are able to take a visit with many companies and schools. Every company, shares their different perspectives and learnings in business and in dealing up with technologies. From there we became more aware of the things that might also happen to us in the near future. Seminars enlighten up or minds for more possible things that would help and change us. Of course it’s not only about setting in a corner and just listen to what they are saying, we also had a fun time together with my classmates and our professors. It is one of the memorable moments that happens to me, I mean sending my time with my classmates and friends really gave deeper meaning of friendship because by the all the activities and days we shared you slowly know the person’s attitude because from being just a classmate we create a more level up relationship with each other.

Day 1

During the first day of our major field trip we arrive early in the morning in the NAIA terminal and we are so excited yet tired because of the jetlag. After that we have waited for the bus to come and after a few minutes the bus just arrived and we went to McDonald to eat breakfast. I don’t even eat all the foods because I’m so full that my tommy doesn’t want to digest it. The first company to visit is the Accenture which is located in Cyberpark, E. Rodriguez, Bagumbayan, and Quezon City and is one of the early leaders in business process outsourcing on the Philippines. Business Services address the most pressing needs of the clients by industry and by enterprise function. At the same time they accept different clients to solve their problems and provide their needs. Industry Business Services address the business and performance issues that are unique to a given industry. Function Business Services address issues and processes in specific enterprise functions, such as procurement or human resources, which are applicable across industries. Accenture Business Services span all four of our growth platforms Strategy, Digital, Technology and Operations. We really enjoy listening to the speaker because he also came from Davao and studied in Ateneo De Davao. Of course I enjoy the snacks even though I’m still full I still eat it. After the first seminar we had our lunch at Kenny Rogers, Katipunan Quezon City and food is so good. I really like the part where it’s all about eating foods. At exactly 1:00pm we started to move for the next Company to visit which is IBM located at Ayala Technohub. Quezon City. International Business Machines is a multinational computer technology and IT consulting corporation. The company is one of the few information technology companies with a continuous history dating back to the 19th century. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software and offers infrastructure services, hosting services, and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology. IBM has been well known through most of its recent history as one of the world's largest computer companies and systems integrators and is one of the largest and most profitable information technology employers in the world. For me after visiting all the companies IBM is one of an interesting company to deal with because it’s more about software and they introduces many different faces of application in the fields of technology. It’s just sad because we have only few hours to listen to his lectures and I hope I can have some time to listen more. After the seminars with the two companies we had the shopping time in Trinoma and since we have many left overs that we kept and we saw beggars outside the mall so we decided to give it to them. And then after the long tiring day we did checked in in Kabayan Hotel, EDSA, Pasay City and at last I we can rest and take a warm bath.

What I learned?

I learned of the new invented software in IBM in Bluemix and it’s pretty amazing and also the Accenture that deals with the different outsourcing business.

What I liked?

I like how they have shown to us the willingness to lecture and tell us more about their companies.

What I didn’t like?

The chosen companies to visit are pretty good the only thing that disappoint me is the time allocated in the IBM.

DAY 2

PLDT & Ideaspace

In the second day of our field trip we visited the PLDT which located in Mandaluyong that stands for Philippines Long Distance Telephone Company and the ENOLA. I really sleepy in that morning when we arrive in the company and when we starts the seminar a shown up and she introduced herself to us. She is a good speaker because she catches my attention which wipes out my drowsiness during that day. First she has discussed the history of the PLDT from the very old up to the current. Actually PLDT is one of a kind that helps many people especially to communicate with a long range distance with our love ones. After that we are able to know there different inventions that were very useful to many people. It is pretty amazing on how they make it and get the idea just to serve us. Filipinos are really awesome indeed on how they form and plan for the best. And then we proceed to the convention hall I think, there’s another speaker who spoke to us regarding with the purpose and the important of PLDT in the field of communication and one of the funny thing that happens out there is that almost every one of us got sleepy. And then they show us the very important part of their company it was like a monitoring room that able them to know the current status of their service I think. After the long sleepy day we had our lunch at the bus. I was really hungry back then that I was able to finish my foods and the drinks. I just realize that even if you just sat there and listen to them you still got hungry. The next target company is the Ideaspace Foundation located in Dela Rosa St. Makati. There we are able to meet those people who became successful because of their idea that was given an opportunity to continue. Even if how small or how did you came out with that idea it would doesn’t matter as long as you are willing and determined to pursue the goal of finishing your idea. And then we had our fun time to roam around in SM MOA. It was really cool and I hope I had more time to try skating because I really wanted to try it but sad to say we lack time better luck next time.

What I learned?

I learn many things especially during the visit in PLDT it was also said that the signal can also be connected under water through those wires and if there might be any problem they will know it and fix it.

What I liked?

Are the facilities in the PLDT.

What I didn’t like?

Is the last speaker because I felt really sleepy and I hope He can be more entertained on the way he discussed.

Day 3

In the third day of the trip we visited the Y4it or commonly known as Youth Congress on Information Technology that was established since 2003. It is an annual information technology event in the Philippines, organized by the UP System Information Technology Foundation that aimed primarily at professionals, educators, IT experts, enthusiasts and most especially college students like us who just came from Davao just to attend the said event and it was worth it. Various relevant and exciting IT topics are presented and discussed during the event and many different kinds of speakers have attended the said event. It was a whole day event and many students gathered from different schools and I really enjoyed the moment especially in completing the activity that they have given to us for the chance of winning many prices. The goal is to complete the twenty stabs from the different companies and they gave freebies and magazine if you like their pages. Fortunately I survived I complete the task and I’m really having fun during that day and then there it was they are calling the lucky number to win prices like cell phone and etc. I was hoping that my number will be announced and sad to say I didn’t get anything from it. It was just the experience I had that would be remembered forever. But there’s also a point where I badly need to go to laboratory malas nga naman! I had a stomach ache and it’s not really good so I asked for a medicine and after an hour I became fine. So we had our lunch at Taste Asia located at SM MOA and it’s the time where we take many selfies and cameras are everywhere. We successfully finished the program and sad to say we only had one day to attend the said event because it’s actually a three days event. How we wish we had more time to travel in Manila and visit many companies that would really give as the knowledge and motivation to still hold on with our courses. After that we are given the time to roam around in Mall of Asia we visit inside and out of the building and it’s really a hard thing to do because of the wideness of the building. We separate into groups and I was with Uy, Charles, Kirby, Syrene, Joan, Donah and Mark. It’s just funny because those classmates that you thought would be boring to talk are also that person who has a good sense of humor. We also tired the free make up makeover leaded by one of my friends and the boys just waited on us to finish and then we go back to the hotel and rest.

What I learned?

I learned many different kinds of aspects as I attended the event. Like how they manage to develop a business that totally made a boom in the industry of technology.

What I liked?

I like the way they have prepared the event and also the effort of gathering different schools to attend in big event. They have also invited good speakers that wil surely give you the motivation to continue achieving your goals in life.

What I didn’t like?

Because it’s a whole event, they should have also made a production number that would entertain the students because many fall asleep during the event. It is also important to make the amuse the guest with some energizing activity.

DAY 4

One of the exciting moments of the trip is during the fourth day. We wake up early in the morning because we will travel an hour from EDSA to Tagaytay. One of the companies that I can really say I have enjoyed is the TOSHIBA. It is a manufacturing company for hard disk product and it’s really huge. At the very first event we were able to wear a uniform with the combination of a hat and a suit for the protection of their company because there products are sensitive with dust. You don’t even require entering the laboratory when you wear makeup or any powder on your face. We first discuss about their different branches internationally or local they did really good job in making their company such a successful one. After the tour in their building we had some snacks for our hungry tummy. One also of the good thing that we encounter during that day is that there are few employees that came from USeP, they became or tour guide and it’s a nice thing to be proud of. After that we had our lunch at Max’s Restaurant located in Tagaytay. At the back view of the restaurant you can see the view of Mount Pinatubo and of course it’s time to take selfie because we take every moment we had during our field trip. After eating we had the sightseeing at People’s Park, Tagaaytay City. We had a long walk but we enjoyed it, after we arrived to the top we buy souvenirs for our friends and relatives. There are many choices the only problem is the money it’s the main problem of the student’s like me. We are running out of time because we still have to go to the Enchanted Kingdom which became one of the memorable moments I had. It was really a fun, fun, fun day for me because I was like a little kid who enjoyed every ride and doesn’t even care if I get smelly or get wet. One of the intense ride that I experience is the space shuttle it was really cool and I wish I could go back there with my family someday. I suggest to those batches who will take the field trip please don’t miss riding in Log Jump. I swear you will forget all your worries after that trust me. The enjoyment doesn’t ended in Enchanted Kingdom because we still had to go back to tutuban part two and after those activity that we did even if we are so tired we still have the huge smile in our faces. After a long tiring day we still have to pack our things because tomorrow morning we have to check out in the Kabayan hotel and after the visit schedule we will go straight to NAIA airport.

What I learned?

I learned the different process of a developing a specified product like what the TOSHIBA did in creating their business. It is indeed a genius thing in building a company that will still hold on in a long time and still have the competitiveness to be more useful to many people.

What I liked?

I liked the way they disciplined their employees like greeting a warm hello and also into their work. They are more aware of the rules in their company which also help not only to them but to all the people involved in the organization.

What I didn’t like?

I can’t say any negative comment regarding with their company.

Day 5

On the last day of our trip we visited two schools the first one is the Ateneo de Manila University on Dept. of Information System and Computer Science that is located in Katipunan, Quezon City. Upon arriving in the University we are welcomed by the facilitator and guide us into the laboratory room. After a while the speakers arrived and discuss us about their course guidance. I feel really sleepy during that day and all I want to do is to sleep. It was just really funny because our tour guide Kuya Al fall asleep and I can hear him snoring he’s really tired I think. After a long time of speech she was able to introduce to us some of their gadgets that their using in the lab. It was really amazing because they had their oculus rift, Google glass and so on. It only shows that they can really afford buying such thing that could really help their students. One also of the things that amaze me is their fast connection of the internet because it’s so cool and I wish our school would have also the opportunity to enhance our connection regarding with the internet. One also of the things that I’ve noticed during the tour inside the campus is that they have allowed the freedom to do things they want as long as nobody will be hurt. I saw one of their students eat breakfast outside the room which is not a normal thing if you are in an area where many people can see you. Most of the students also talks English and I’m sure I will really have a big problem talking to them. After that we take a look with their merchandises and it’s expensive and I can’t even afford to buy one. We suppose to have a lunch at Jollibee but we just prefer to eat on a place that we wanted. We also visit the merchandising store in UP since our next target is the UP on Dept. of Computer Science which is located in Diliman, Quezon City. After an hour of waiting the bus to arrive we are able to take pictures with the Oblation statue by Filipino artist Guillermo E. Tolentino, a man facing upward with arms outstretched, symbolizing selfless offering of oneself to his country. Then we finally arrived in the UP campus and were able to visit their different laboratory they have also introduces to us there on going thesis study. It also seems that they are really focused on what they’re doing and their perseverance to do such thing. After the school visit we also went to Resort World and had some tour inside. For the very last day of our trip I don’t like to go home yet I want stay more days but sad to say it’s time to say goodbye Manila, I will surely miss those moments that I spent during those days.

What I learned?

I learned many information in UP Diliman regarding with their thesis on how they planned and manage it from the very start of implementing their ideas. The Ateneo De Manila also shows their ways on how they perform and use equipment for their studies.

What I liked?

During the visit in UP Diliman what I liked is the way they handle their plans in making their thesis and the Ateneo De Manila that allows us to use their school equipments and let us experience the high level technology that doesn’t exist in our school.

What I didn’t like?

What I don’t like during the school visit is that the speakers aren’t prepared that much.

APPENDIX

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

The handling process of the field trip is good and it was planned well by the officers and the organizers, there might some instances that problems occur but that’s part of the process. What I can recommend for the improvement of the advance seminar program in USeP is that they will choose companies that would accommodate more on hands on activity because if we only focus in seminars I think some of the students might get boring or become less interested on the topics that will be discussed with the speakers. Performing hands on activities will really help the students to learn more because it allows them to perform and enhance their capabilities.

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

My advice to those who will take their advance seminar program in the near future is that they will understand the benefit that they can get if they choose Manila of course it depends on the decision of the parents because not all of them can afford the expenses. I would also advice to them to perform all the activities that are required in taking up the subject because at the end they will be one who will suffer and enjoy every moment of the field trip because it only happens once in a life time in spending time with your friends and get to know them more.

DAY 1

Accenture’s and IBM