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.

PRESDES Class Visits Freyssinet Plant

Last February 27, 2009 the class in PRESDES section EI1 under Dr. Bernard Lejano had a field trip in Freyssinet Plant located in Barangay Pungo, Calumpit, Bulacan to give the students an experience in seeing the actual materials, the preparations, the prestressing works, and the finished products. Freyssinet fabricates most of the bridge girders here in Luzon. The plant produces both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned members. Despite the scourging heat of the sun, the class of 15 students learned a lot from the experience. Here are some comments of the students regarding the field trip:

“Due to the fieldtrip, the concepts discussed in the lessons are now well understood.”

“In spite of the hot weather, we still enjoyed the trip and we were able to see firsthand the things we learned in class.”

“As we toured around, we were informed on the step by step process of how they create their prestressing members.”

“This trip greatly helped us to have a better visualization of lessons in PRESDES.”

“It was very difficult to study things when you are only allowed to imagine them. Seeing things makes it simpler what is taught in class.”

“The field trip was an experience that helped me realize the importance of actually seeing the construction of structural elements like prestress concrete.”

“We got the chance to look at the customization of steel especially for the use of prestress concrete.”

“I learned field practices in fabricating prestressed beams, piles, etc. I was exposed to the gigantic machines, jacks that they used for fabrications. I never knew such machines existed until our fieldtrip.”

“I never thought it would be that so informative.”

Write-up by B.A. Lejano

Photos by Pedro Credo aka Pedro Petrelli (http://supatsai.multiply.com/photos)

Soil Mech Field Experiment at DHVCAT

Last February 20, 2009, the third year civil engineering students together with the students of Don Honorio Ventura College of Arts and Trades (DHVCAT) conducted an experiment in Soil Mechanics, which is the determination of a Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method (ASTM D1556). This activity is a tie-up project in connection with the Adopt-an-Eng-School Program of the CE Department and CES.

The activity started with a lecture and demonstration by Dr. Jonathan Dungca, DLSU Soil Mechanics professor and CES student, Chesca Del Castillo. The DLSU and DHVCAT students were then divided into four groups to perform the experiment. The equipment and materials such as the sand-cone apparatus, shovel, plate, bottle, Ottawa sand were provided by the DLSU CE Department. This activity is both a field trip and an alternative class for the DLSU students. Through this activity, both DLSU and DHVCAT students learned how to determine soil properties in situ. Report by Malyn Arigo.

RICOSEN Fieldtrip

On January 15, 2009, the HWR 4th year students went on a field trip for the subject, RICOSEN (River and Coastal Engineering) under Dr. Danilo Terante. They went to the Flood Control and Sabo Engineering Center in Pasig City. This is the center where they control the flow of water through Pasig River. This is also the place where various experiments regarding water flow in the Lahar area in Pampanga and other river systems are being conducted.

Most if not all of the apparatus in the center are also available back in La Salle, but the difference is that they are way much bigger than the one’s in school; the students were awed to actually fit inside these apparatus. One student even joked about having a shower party in the gigantic Rainfall Simulator Apparatus. Report by Carbert Lee.