Filipinos developed solutions at home together with NASA

Filipinos developed solutions at home together with NASA

MANILA, Philippines — Last October 2-4, 2020, Filipino developers, engineers, technologists, designers, scientists, coders, storytellers, makers, builders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao came together to address real-world problems on Earth and space by engaging with the United States space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) free and open data, together with partner agencies like Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) of France, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the European Space Agency (ESA) in a virtual hackathon. Some of the projects developed include road hazard detection, data visualization tools, and machine learning for satellite image monitoring, and a lot more.

This year’s edition of NASA’s International Space Apps Challenge was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic situation worldwide. The theme of this year “Take Action” — is a critical reminder that anyone can make a difference, even from the comfort and safety of home. In this unprecedented time, the Space Apps community exists as a reminder that there the tools and talents to tackle challenges facing the planet, as well as the ability to unite across boundaries and borders of all kinds.

VP Leni Robredo

VP Leni Robredo

Vice President Leni Robredo lauded this event as “our ability to gather ourselves, organize, and come together has opened the doors to technology and progress. We have done great things, cure diseases, find ways to connect with each another across the oceans, and even walked on the Moon… all thanks to mutual cooperation.”

The first Director-General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr. stressed the importance of space science in helping society.

Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr., the Director-General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA)

“Space infrastructure, space data, and space-enabled services, therefore, help inform policies and decision-support systems that can lead us to better plan and decongest our cities, improve our transportation systems, monitor the state of infrastructure, enable better connectivity, enhance our agricultural and fisheries production, and protect our natural environment,” he said.

Since the start of Space Apps in the Philippines in 2016, the country witnessed how the community grew from a group of volunteers to forging partnerships with collaborators and stakeholders. For many years, Filipinos collaborate and work with one another in developing projects to solve problems using space technologies.

NASA and partner agencies recognized the hard work done by Filipinos, and thus being recognized and awarded globally as winners and finalists consecutively in the past three years. Software developer Michael Lance M. Domagas is optimistic that in these momentous and trying times, the country would still choose to prioritize and give value to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), especially in emerging fields like space science where innovators can contribute and solve the most pressing problems prevailing in the society and environment today.

Technology and developer community leaders and STAMINA4Space engineers as mentors helping participants during the hackathon

Michael Lance Domagas

Michael Lance Domagas

“How could someone imagine that Earth-observation data coming from space could give us valuable and unique insights about the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic in various countries, and to pinpoint possible mosquito habitats which cause another epidemic called dengue?

Why can’t we support our own modern-day heroes specializing in new and emerging technologies to address issues and help others in our country? NASA and partner agencies from other countries have already recognized the ingenuity of Filipinos for the past three years. Now is the proper time for our own country to recognize their achievements too,” Michael Lance said.

Together with technology and developer community leader Tzar C. Umang from Pangasinan and U.S. cultural affairs officer Matt T. Keener, Michael Lance looks forward to having more Filipino winners and finalists being recognized, and to a more meaningful and impactful Space Apps challenge in the future years to come.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for competitiveness and innovation Dr. Rafaelita “Fita” M. Aldaba, Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP) president Colin Christie, former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) undersecretary and University of the Philippines System Information Technology Foundation president Monchito B. Ibrahim, assistant professor and assistant chairman for administration, Department of Geodetic Engineering at the University of the Philippines and Sustained Support for Local Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) GRASPED project staff Dr. Czar Jakiri S. Sarmiento, part-time lecturer and technopreneurship/program manager at the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Nitro Erwin A. Lizarondo, senior consultant for data analytics for social impact at CirroLytix, Data Ethics PH, and COVID-19 challenge winner for the best use of data Nick Tobia, and Africa University chair educational technologies and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Space4Women mentor Ms. Basuti Gerty Bolo from Zimbabwe served as local judges in Manila.

Community partners include STAMINA4Space, PhilSA, the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD), DTI-Design Center of the Philippines, AAP, Data Ethics PH, CirroLytix, PWA PilipinasTMDC IT Solutions, Pampanga Developers Group, Koodi, Web and Mobile Developers PH, UXPHDevConAlaga HealthPhilippine Information Technology Organization (Phil IT Org), TIP Nitro, De La Salle University, Google Developers Group (GDG) Cloud Manila, 98 labs, United Pangasinan ICT Council, Code UX, DesignMNL Studio, Talino LabsImpact Hub ManilaElinnov TechnologiesDrupal PilipinasPantheon, Wadwhani Foundation, Youth for Women in Technology (WiTech), Kallisto, Wavefarers, Stock Knowledge, MVN Photostudio, and the U.S. embassy.

“The Global Organizing Team is inspired by the journey the Philippines has with the Space Apps program. In particular, we appreciate the development of STEM in the Philippines and elsewhere, because one goal of Space Apps is to foster interest and learning in these fields worldwide,” said Matt Scott, the Global Community Director and Storyteller.

The recent COVID-19 challenge winners and finalists discussed how their space-based solutions address the coronavirus pandemic during the Data Brew 4: Space and Ground Data for the Betterment of the Human Condition on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, by the Remote Sensing and Data Science (DATOS) Help Desk of the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute with PhilSA and STAMINA4Space.

In the Philippines, Space Apps is part of the World Space Week and celebrates the Design Week Philippines with DTI-Design Center of the Philippines.

Space Apps is a NASA-led initiative organized in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, SecondMuse, and the NASA Open Innovation Applied Sciences Program.

About Space Apps

Now in its 9th year, Space Apps is an international hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, and others around the world, where teams engage with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s free and open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space. Space Apps 2019 included over 29,000 participants in 71 countries.

In May 2020, the virtual-only Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge concluded with over 15,000 participants from 150 countries. Space Apps is a NASA-led initiative organized in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, SecondMuse, and the NASA Open Innovation Applied Sciences Program.

EDC partners with DOH–CHD Bicol to expand COVID-19 testing

EDC partners with DOH–CHD Bicol to expand COVID-19 testing

As of September, more than 1,700 COVID-19 cases were reported in the Bicol region, according to the Department of Health–Center for Health and Development (DOH–CHD) Bicol Regional Director Dr. Ernie D. Vera. The lack of proper equipment and facilities has affected the province’s efforts to control the spread of the virus.

With that, Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation (EDC) refocused its COVID-19 resiliency efforts in its host communities in Bicol to initiatives that will enhance local mass testing capabilities. Through a partnership with the DOH–CHD Bicol, EDC donated P4.2 million to fund the expansion and refurbishment of the health center’s building and COVID-19 testing laboratory, which is one of only two in the Bicol region accredited by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

The partnership between EDC and DOH–CHD Bicol was formalized with a virtual signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Agreement and Deed of Donation between DOH–CHD Bicol led by Dr. Vera, Assistant Regional Director Ferchito Avelino, Chief of the Management Support Division Norberto Balane Jr., and Cluster Head for Infectious and Communicable Disease Dr. Jannish Alcala Arellano; and EDC led by Senior Vice President and OIC of Facilities, Operations and Maintenance Group Engr. Liberato S. Virata, Assistant Vice President and Corporate Support Functions Head Regina Victoria J. Pascua, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public Relations Head Atty. Allan V. Barcena, Bacon–Manito (BacMan) Geothermal Facility Head Engr. Marcel Rosario, and BacMan CSR Head Eduardo Jimenez.

Engr. Liberato Virata“EDC puts a great premium on community development and resiliency. I have seen what we can accomplish by working hand in hand with the local government and I look forward to the beginning of a more dynamic partnership with DOH and other key agencies in ensuring that the people are healthy and safe,” said Virata.

“We believe this partnership will be the best practice for us in government. We are the first regional agency that partnered with a private organization, a power company. It is an honor for us to have EDC as a partner,” said Dr. Vera.

The expansion and refurbishment of the DOH laboratories will ramp up the region’s testing capabilities and help them gather the necessary information to find ways to further flatten the curve and manage the pandemic in the area.

EDC operates the 140MW BacMan Geothermal Project that supplies clean and reliable power to the Luzon grid. It is a global pioneer in the geothermal energy industry and the country’s largest vertically integrated geothermal developer, supplying 1,457.8MW of clean and renewable energy to the Philippines.

The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week

The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week

Great food and great company are two of life’s simplest pleasures. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang participates in Manila Restaurant Week happening from September 20 to 27, 2020.

Cafe Ilang Ilang chefs led by Executive Chef Konrad Walter (left) preparing the dishes showcased at the Manila Resturant Week launch held in Roma Salon at The Manila Hotel

Cafe Ilang-Ilang chefs led by Executive Chef Konrad Walter (left) preparing the dishes showcased at the Manila Restaurant Week launch held in Roma Salon at The Manila Hotel

Indulge in a choice of starters like the savory Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in light Parmesan Cream Sauce or Pomelo-Prawns Lumpia in Calamansi Honey Dressing; a main course of sumptuous Beef Tenderloin in Balsamic glaze with marble potato and market vegetables or Pampano cooked in Tandoori Oven with Peas Pilaf rice and stir-fried Asian vegetables; and dessert of Fresh Fruits Salad with Ube ice cream or Mango panna cotta as dessert. The starter-main-dessert set is offered at only P980 net per person, but cannot be availed of in conjunction with other promos or discounts.

Manila Restaurant Week is an event under the “Manila, Support Local” Campaign, launched by the Bureau of Permits and City Government of Manila. The city-wide project aims to promote local food establishments in Manila that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. About 80 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at affordable prices during Manila Restaurant Week.

From left_The Manila Hotel President Atty Joey Lina, Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno watching the livestream during the Manila Restaurant Week launchLaunched on September 15, The Manila Hotel played one of the hosts of the multi-venue simultaneous kick-off, which was livestreamed on social media platforms. The other hosts were Bayleaf Hotel, Lucky China Town Mall, and Robinsons Place Ermita. The virtual launch was marked by an online performance of Lea Salonga who sang her new single, “Dream Again,” the official theme song of the campaign.

Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President

Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President

“I believe we can do a lot in restoring the City of Manila back to its former glory under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno. We in the private sectors will always support you in this very worthwhile undertaking. Soon, Manila will be great again,” said Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President, in his opening remarks during the launch.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña gave their respective speeches before checking the 11 restaurants that showcased their dishes at The Manila Hotel’s Roma Salon—namely Café Ilang-Ilang, Century Park Hotel, Scorched, Golden Fortune, Luneta Park Hotel, Ilustrado, Tanabe, Jus & Jerrys, Patio de Conchita, Pares Kimchi, and Harbor View—and visiting the other venues, which was watched by thousands via livestream.

The Manila Hotel and all its outlets operate in strict compliance with health protocols, so our guests are assured of the highest standards of food safety and sanitation measures in accordance with the government guidelines.

For more information, you may check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheManilaHotel), or call 85270011 or 09989501912. For reservations, email re***@************el.com.

#YouGotThis – Navigating life during the pandemic with journal therapy

#YouGotThis – Navigating life during the pandemic with journal therapy

With everything that’s been going on lately surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, it feels as though we haven’t been given enough time to prepare or process the drastic changes that have been happening in our lives. Given these negative events happening around us, our bodies might be responding to them in three possible ways: suppress feelings associated with the event, don’t actively process the emotions of the situation; or allow the experience to be the sole focus of our life.

Darlyn Ty-Nilo

photo credit to Josiah Go

“When you’re falling into any of these common responses, and find it hard to freely express your emotions with someone else, then a method that might probably work for you is journal therapy,” advises Darlyn Ty-Nilo, founder and president of Viviamo Inc., the custom publishing company behind Belle de Jour Power Planner.

This method entails writing down your thoughts and emotions in your journal with the intent of processing them without any judgment from and of yourself and your emotions. This then becomes a powerful journey to self-healing.

With journal therapy, the left part of the brain becomes active, allowing you to be more creative in expressing your ideas. The more you pick up the habit of writing, the more you feel freer from the emotions you have bottling up. Doing so might even give you clarity and understanding of the negative events you have experienced.

Additionally, journal therapy can be highly beneficial to one’s physical and mental wellbeing:

It reduces stress.

Journaling is an effective stress-management tool because it helps you prioritize your problems, fears, and concerns. It can also track your day-to-day emotions and recognize your negative triggers and learn how to better control them.

Keeps the mind active and memory sharp.

Journaling can help your brain stay in tip-top shape. It helps improve your cognitive functions by boosting comprehension and increasing one’s memory capacity. As you reconnect with yourself, you are also keeping your brain engaged at all times.

Strengthen emotional functions.

Journaling can be a cathartic experience for writers. It allows them to express their emotions, helping the brain regulate emotions. Journaling also gives the writers a sense of mindfulness, remaining present while gaining perspective.

Immortalizes your past.

Expressive writing ensures your past is not forgotten. Whether it’s a negative or positive memory, writing them down will keep the mental imagery clear for many years to come, which can have a positive impact on your long-term memory. Immortalizing your past through journaling will most likely aid in your future rather than hinder it.

Improves overall physical health.

Studies show that writing for therapy has positive effects on people with asthma, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pelvic pain, and even cancer. It also improves the immune system and speeds up wound healing.

Journaling is a very enriching habit anyone can pick up. But to make it even more fun, insightful, and meaningful for you, let Viviamo! Inc. guide you through the whole process as it holds its first-ever planning and journaling summit in the Philippines, for FREE, entitled #YouGotThis happening on September 19 and 20.  Simultaneously, Viviamo! Inc. will release its 2021 products online via crazyaboutpaper.com.

“This online summit idea came into existence when our community members shared a common sentiment on being unsure about using their planner or journal when everything is so uncertain,” adds Dar Ty-Nilo. “Our goal is to help our community members journey out of this pandemic stronger and better, and see the value of journaling in managing emotions and navigating through their days and help them power through during these uncertain times.”

The #YouGotThis summit will feature three (3) panel discussions and seven (7) individual talks featuring esteemed keynote speakers who will share meaningful insights and personal experiences on how journaling has helped them, including content creators Macoy Dubs and Cat Triviño, brand and content strategist Victoria Herrera, global design director duo Katwo and Nico Puertollano, creative entrepreneur Alessa Lanot, globally accredited coach and mentor Pia Acevedo, and vision board coach Trixie Esguerra.

Individual Talks

Day 1

Day 2

Panel Discussions

Participants not only get to enjoy fun games, win prizes, and score purchase discounts, they will also be given the chance to have an engaging Q&A with the speakers.

The seminar will be streamed live from 10 AM to 6 PM on BDJ Power Planner’s official Facebook page (facebook.com/bdjbuzz), Crazy About Paper’s Facebook page (facebook.com/CrazyAboutPaper) and You Got This via bit.ly/yougotthisph.

To know more, visit https://www.facebook.com/bdjbuzz.

About Viviamo! Inc

15 years ago, Viviamo! Inc. which means “WE LIVE” started out as Belle de Jour Power Planner” and has since expanded products and services beyond planners.

Today, Viviamo! Inc. is a growing custom publishing, marketing, and e-commerce company, with an active community of 100,000+ fans, a purpose-driven line of paper products available in retail and online, and collaborations between the country’s top brands and creative talents. Through it all, we seek to empower people to dream, plan, and dare to live their best lives.

“Take Action” from home with NASA

“Take Action” from home with NASA

MANILA, Philippines.  On October 2-4, The United States space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) invites coders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, artists, and technologists to come together in a global, virtual hackathon. During a period of 48 hours, participants from around the world will come together to create virtual teams and solve challenges using NASA’s open-source data.

Designed for those interested in space science and exploration, this hackathon allows the next generation of scientists, technologists, designers, and engineers to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills through inspired collaboration and critical thinking.

As part of Space Apps, everyone belongs to a global hackathon community that embraces collaboration across borders, sectors, and cultures to bring about paradigm-shifting innovation.

take action from home

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of the global community’s health and safety, this year’s hackathon will be an all-virtual event. In other words, all events shall be moved online.

In this unprecedented time, the Space Apps community exists as a reminder that everyone has the tools and talents to tackle the challenges facing the planet, as well as the ability to unite across boundaries and borders of all kinds.

The theme for this year — “Take Action” — is a critical reminder that anyone can make a difference, even from the comfort and safety of home.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) of France, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will be partnering again with NASA for this hackathon.

Since Space Apps is brought to the Philippines by developer and technology community leader Tzar C. Umang from Pangasinan last 2016, the country witnessed how the community grew from a group of volunteers to forging partnerships with collaborators and stakeholders.

The Philippines produced global winners like the dengue hotspot predictor Project AEDES and information portal G.I.D.E.O.N. measuring COVID-19 impact, both developed by CirroLytix. The country also has global finalists like Celestial Snails from De La Salle University addressing social isolation and Sentinellium, an epidemic predictor using population density data, both addressing problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Space Apps Throughout the Years in the Philippines

While recognition and honor were given to the Philippines by NASA and partner agencies, lead organizer Michael Lance M. Domagas hopes that the country would soon realize the importance and value of giving support and assistance in the development of these winning projects, so that fellow Filipinos would benefit from these technologies coming from outer space in times of emergencies like COVID-19 and dengue epidemic.

Michael Lance Domagas

Michael Lance Domagas

“Space Apps is a perfect venue that can arouse curiosity and interest of Filipinos to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including space and Earth sciences. Our own country’s support should have been a way to inspire more Filipinos and further develop winning projects,” he said. Space Apps can be a program in developing “space education and promote public awareness” stated in Section 8 of the Republic Act 11363 otherwise known as the “Philippine Space Act.”

“The Global Organizing Team is inspired by the journey the Philippines has with the Space Apps program. In particular, we appreciate the development of STEM in the Philippines and elsewhere, because one goal of Space Apps is to foster interest and learning in these fields worldwide,” according to Matt Scott, the Global Community Director and Storyteller.

Register now on these sites:

Space Apps is a NASA-led initiative organized in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, SecondMuse, and the NASA Open Innovation Applied Sciences Program.

About Space Apps

space appsNow in its 9th year, Space Apps is an international hackathon for coders, scientists, designers, storytellers, makers, builders, technologists, and others around the world, where teams engage with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s free and open data to address real-world problems on Earth and in space.

Space Apps 2019 included over 29,000 participants in 71 countries. In May 2020, the virtual-only Space Apps COVID-19 Challenge concluded with over 15,000 participants from 150 countries. Space Apps is a NASA-led initiative organized in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, SecondMuse, and the NASA Open Innovation Applied Sciences Program.

Shopee partners with CJ ENM to bring KCON online

Shopee partners with CJ ENM to bring KCON online

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners Asia’s leading entertainment and lifestyle company CJ ENM to bring KCON, the world’s largest Korean culture festival, online for the first time. KCON is a highly-anticipated annual event for Kpop fans across the globe, entering its ninth year of bringing the ultimate Korean culture fan experience worldwide including the US, Japan, and Thailand.

It will go online for the first time in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, with Shopee as the official live stream partner for the KCON:TACT 2020 Summer concert. This partnership will see Shopee air live performances, concerts, and more from KCON:TACT 2020 Summer for free to users on Shopee Live.

KCON:TACT 2020 Summer will be the highlight of Shopee Live Kpop Fest, which will kick off on June 10. Launched in collaboration with CJ ENM, the festival aims to meet the growing demand for online entertainment amid social distancing measures in the region. Popular Kpop groups including GFRIEND, (G)I-DLE, ITZY, MONSTA X, and Stray Kids will also make special appearances on Shopee Live, while Shopee users can enjoy daily Kpop themed streams and challenges.

Agatha Soh, Head of Regional Marketing at Shopee said, “Shopee is proud to be the exclusive partner of CJ ENM to stream KCON:TACT 2020 Summer to fans in Southeast Asia and Taiwan for the first time, as part of Shopee Live Kpop Fest. This partnership builds on our efforts to connect people through entertainment and shared experiences, and comes after a series of successful collaborations with Kpop stars.”

“Shopee Live Kpop Fest and KCON:TACT 2020 Summer reflect our commitment to meet evolving needs, as people around the world stay home and turn to online entertainment. We look forward to more exciting collaborations with CJ ENM in the future.”

Don Kim, General Manager of Global Festival at CJ ENM said, “KCON is the largest festival of Korean culture in the world. Bringing the festival online, we have lined up an amazing experience for KCON:TACT 2020 Summer including interactive events with state-of-the-art technology, a star-studded concert lineup, and more. We are excited to go above and beyond what fans have experienced so far, and we are excited to partner with Shopee for fans in Southeast Asia and Taiwan to join the festival.”

From June 10 to 26, avid Kpop fans can look forward to a wide range of live streams and challenges daily at Shopee Live Kpop Fest, including:

  • Exclusive appearances by popular Kpop idols, WJSN and Weki Meki on Shopee Live at 8PM (GMT +8) on June 10 and 15 respectively. Users can enjoy first-hand access to the groups with exciting performances, interviews, games, and more in each stream.
  • Daily Kpop themed challenges for fans to show off their knowledge, recreate iconic Kpop looks, and more. The best fans stand to win attractive prizes such as vouchers and signed merchandise from their favorite idols.

Shopee will mark the finale of Shopee Live Kpop Fest by screening KCON:TACT 2020 Summer on Shopee Live from June 20 to 26, 2020. Shopee users and Kpop fans can look forward to seven consecutive days of non-stop entertainment, including live concerts and interviews by some of the biggest Kpop stars in the world, including GFRIEND, (G)I-DLE, ITZY, MONSTA X, and Stray Kids.

Stay tuned for more updates on KCON:TACT 2020 Summer and Shopee Live Kpop Fest at http://shopee.ph/m/live-kpop-fest.  Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

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