Monday, September 27, 2010

DLSU-TIT Student Exchange 2010: Tokyo Tech Students Discover Anilao Batangas!

Last September 18 to 19, 2010, students from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo Tech, together with the Civil Engineering students of De La Salle University - Manila, DLSU-M, all ventured out an overnight experience at Eagle Point Resort Anilao Batangas which created many memorable experiences for both Tokyo Tech and DLSU-M students. The field trip is part of the activities of the TokyoTech students under the DLSU-TIT student exchange program.

Leaving at promptly 7 AM in the morning, the trip was already filled with memories as people started to sing (including the singing driver), take pictures, eat, and sleep. By the time the bus reached Anilao, everyone felt very energized since the vast ocean can already be seen.
Upon reaching Eagle Point Resort, everyone had to rush to their assigned rooms, place down their bags and started preparing their swim wears up since a boat ride is already waiting for the visitors to go to Sepoc Beach. The Japanese students were so excited to discover the lovely beach in Anilao as expressed by their shouting “U-MI! U-MI!”, in English “Beach! Beach!” Every Filipino would just really feel very pleased on how Philippine beaches are being appreciated by people from other countries. The Japanese students hastenly jumped into the clear water, snorkeling and swimming with the fishes. Although many people got stung by sea urchins, getting pricked was never a hindrance for the students keep on swimming and having fun with everyone! The day ended fast as the tides were getting lower as time progressed so everyone had to pack up their things and go back to the resort. By reaching Eagle Point resort, the numerous amenities covered up the time needed more at the beach. Together, everyone spent the whole afternoon swimming at the pool, taking underwater shots, jump shots, and feeling the stress relieving cool breeze while looking at the heart warming sunset!

By nightfall, everyone was busily talking to each other joyously while eating their dinner. But, the night did not just stop at the sumptuous dinner. In fact, the fun and laughter continued after dinner. Simple games such as “Ta ke No Ko, Yo Ki Ki!” , “Go, Back, Jump!” , and “Truth or Dare” created a very huge fuss, tons of memories, and laughter for everyone as persons lose each round. For people who do not know these games, well, you just missed a whole bunch of cool activities at Anilao together with Tokyo Tech students!
On the final day before leaving Anilao, some interested Japanese visitors maximized the Anilao trip. By waking up early in the morning, some watched as how ocean animals were fed by the owners of the resort such as fish feeding and shark feeding at their very own reef pool. Others on the other hand, enrolled themselves to an Introduction to Scuba Diving which deepened their love to the ocean by seeing more creatures underwater such as the ever colorful and cute clown fishes, nudi branches, and Christmas tree worms. Truly, going underwater is like entering a new world where only Scuba Divers can fully share its wonders and interests since they are the only ones who have tapped the underwater world and stepped its land, 50 feet deep.

Upon leaving Anilao Batangas, everybody was tired but traces of smiles on their faces showed a sign of contentment. Memories have been seeded on every mind of the studfents who ventured to Anilao Batangas. Many of these memories, may, one day be forgotten but one thing is for sure and will all stay in everyone’s mind and heart, WE ALL HAD FUN!

This article was written by Hanson Reyes-Lao and pictures taken by Alyssa Marie Sison.

Friday, September 10, 2010

CE Undergrad Thesis Presented at the 5th ERDT Conference

The undergraduate thesis of DLSU-Manila civil engineering students were presented at the 5th Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) Conference with the theme "Philippine Competetiveness through ERDT" held on Sept. 10, 2010 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila. Paper presentations were done on the following:
  • "Strength Properties of Coconets Subjected to Different Weathering Conditions" by Allan Kristtoffer Mariano and Jonathan Albert Salumbides with Dr. Jonathan Dungca as adviser
  • "Investigation of Concrete Mixtures for the Repair of Concrete Cover of RC Square Columns" by Anna Francesca Del Castillo, Sarah Linette Cornejo and Romwell Louis Tan with Dr. Andres Oreta as adviser

A poster of the thesis on "Physical Properties of Tailings from Selected Mining Sites in the Philippines" by Mac Andrew Gawaran, Paul Go and Ted Santos with Ms. Mary Ann Adajar as adviser was also presented.

The 5th ERDT conference which was attended by about 7oo participants (researchers, faculty members, students) is sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

CE Faculty as committee members of ACEE 2010

DLSU-Manila Civil Engineering faculty members will serve as conference committee members of the forthcoming 3rd Asia Conference on Earthquake Engineering (ACEE-2010) to be held on Dec. 1-3, 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Andres Oreta is a member of both the International Steering and Scientific Committees. Dr. Bernardo Lejano, Dr. Jonathan Dungca and Dr. Renan Tanhueco will serve as members of the International Scientific Committee which is tasked to review the papers for presentation in the conference.


The ACEE-2010 is organized by the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (ASEP), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), the Center for Urban Earthquake Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech CUEE), the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) and the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea (EESK). The theme of the conference is “Disaster Risk Reduction and Capacity Building for Safer Environments.” ACEE-2010 will provide an excellent forum to bring together researchers, professionals, engineers, scientists and academicians to promote and exchange new ideas and experiences in the broad fields of seismology, earthquake engineering, seismic risk and disaster mitigation.

Papers by DLSU-Manila faculty members and students will also be presented during the conference.

DLSU-Manila was a cooperating institution during the 2nd Asia Conference on Earthquake Engineering (ACEE-2006) held in Manila on March 10-11, 2006.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Two CE DLSU Thesis Groups win UP ACES Undegrad Project Competition


Two DLSU CE undergrad thesis groups won at the Civil Engineering Undergraduate Project Competition sponsored by the University of the Philippines Association of Civil Engineering Students (UPACES) during the National CE Summit 2010 held at UP Diliman. The 1st place award was given to the group of Patricia Adiaz and David Vidad with Dr. Bernardo Lejano as adviser for their thesis on "Effects of exterior post-tensioning on retrofitting deformed wide flange steel beams." The group of Morgan Say, Mickel Fernandez and Luigi Franco with Engr. Jason Ongpeng as adviser won 3rd place for their thesis on "Sustainable Development in the Construction Industry through ISO 14001 EMS (Environmental Management System)." The 2nd place was awarded to a group from UP Los Banos. About 20 groups participated in the competition.

The top 3 finalists presented to an audience of over 2000 guests, mostly civil engineering students and faculty members coming from various schools all over the country at the UP Theater, Diliman, QC on Sept. 3, 2010. The recognition is a mark of victory of De La Salle University’s Civil Engineering department’s continued excellence in the field of research and development. Congratulations!
Based on the write-up by Morgan Say
Photos by Margan Say