UP Circuit Powers Up 27th SquEEEze: Uniting EEE’s Brightest Minds

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

UP Circuit is back launching again one of its most anticipated flagship events called 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐄𝐄𝐄𝐳𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 (𝐄𝐄𝐄) 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, now on its 27th iteration. This January 2025, the event awaits students and professionals to gather and celebrate excellence and expertise in this field of engineering.

SquEEEze is a major event for the EEE community organized annually by UP Circuit, an academic organization based on the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) aiming to unite the brightest young minds for a chance to unleash their utmost potential.

Three events will be featured this year, all presented in a face-to-face setup:

𝐴𝑚𝑝 𝑈𝑝 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐸𝐸𝐸 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑒! The 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 on 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 25 invites high school students nationwide to test their knowledge in fundamental EEE topics. Alongside the competition, participants will gain insights into the basics of EEE through engaging talks and hands-on workshops, offering them a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead in this field.

𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡'𝑠 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐴𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟? The 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐳 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 on 𝑭𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 1 brings together teams from the country’s top universities to compete in an intense battle of wits and teamwork. It’s a platform for Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering students to demonstrate their expertise and deepen their understanding of the discipline through insightful discussions.

𝑆ℎ𝑜𝑐𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛! The 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 (𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧) on 𝑭𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 1 presents an avenue for college undergraduates taking a program among BS Electronics Engineering (BS ECE), BS Electrical Engineering (BS EE) and BS Computer Engineering (BSCoE) as well to propose innovative solutions grounded in EEE concepts to pressing real-world challenges with the theme "𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞".

Don’t resist your excitement and join now! Stay updated by following the official SquEEEze Facebook page for more details and exclusive offers on registration and event guidelines.

S.O.S. Kumar: Singapore’s Ultimate Comedy Show for SG60 Celebrations

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As Singapore marks its 60th birthday, there’s no better way to celebrate than with laughter, and who better to lead the charge than the nation’s comedy legend, Kumar? Get ready for S.O.S. Kumar (Save Our Singapore), a brand-new comedy extravaganza that promises to be the talk of the year. This July, the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands will transform into a laughter-filled haven as Kumar and his ensemble deliver a show unlike anything Singapore has ever seen.

Presented by Base Entertainment Asia and Ra Ra Productions, this latest production is more than just a comedy act—it’s a patriotic call to action to rescue Singapore’s sense of humor amid a “Laughter Epidemic.”

Why S.O.S. Kumar Is the Comedy Event of the Year

S.O.S. Kumar isn’t just another comedy show. It’s a high-energy spectacle that brings together Kumar’s razor-sharp wit, dazzling drag queens, and sizzling dancers in a celebration of Singapore’s quirks, cultural icons, and everyday hilarities. Featuring Kumar’s trademark cheeky commentary, the show delves into everything from current affairs to the country's love-hate relationships with local traditions.

This isn’t just comedy; it’s comedy with a mission. Kumar and his fabulous GRC Members (Gorgeous Riotous Crew) are determined to save the Lion City with laughter, proving once and for all that humor truly is the best medicine.

Ticketing Information: Don’t Miss Out

Tickets for S.O.S. Kumar are expected to sell out fast, so mark your calendars and secure your seats early.

Pre-Sale Schedule

DBS x Klook 20% Pre-Sale

Starts: Wednesday, 23 January 2025, 10 AM (SGT)

Ends: Sunday, 23 February 2025, 11:59 PM (SGT)

Waitlist Subscriber Pre-Sale

Starts: Thursday, 24 January 2025, 12 PM (SGT)

Ends: Sunday, 23 February 2025, 11:59 PM (SGT)

Public Sale

General On-Sale

Starts: Monday, 27 January 2025, 10 AM (SGT)

Discounts

DBS Bank customers enjoy up to 20% off. DBS Bank is the official partner of S.O.S. Kumar.

Join the exclusive waitlist now at Base Entertainment Asia to access early bird perks.

What Audiences Can Expect

Prepare for a laughter-packed journey as Kumar and his crew tackle Singapore’s quirkiest cultural phenomena, poke fun at local idiosyncrasies, and celebrate what makes us uniquely Singaporean. From hilarious parodies to poignant social commentary, this show is bound to leave you in stitches.

Past Highlights:

Kumar has consistently delivered sell-out performances with shows like Kumar Unmasked (2021), Kumar Locks Down (2022), Kumar Guilty (2023), and Kumar Uncut (2024). This year’s S.O.S. Kumar promises to be bigger, bolder, and more outrageous than ever before.

A Star Collaboration

S.O.S. Kumar is the brainchild of two entertainment powerhouses:

Base Entertainment Asia

With a portfolio of over 300 iconic shows, Base Entertainment Asia is a leading name in live entertainment across Asia-Pacific. As the resident presenter and manager of Sands Theatre, they’ve hosted everything from Broadway musicals to world-class concerts. For more information, visit Base Entertainment Asia.

Ra Ra Productions

Known for their creative flair and impactful productions, Ra Ra Productions has co-presented Kumar’s most iconic shows. They’re dedicated to creating unforgettable live experiences that connect with audiences on a deeper level. Visit Ra Ra Productions for more details.

A Celebration of Laughter for SG60

As Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence, S.O.S. Kumar offers a refreshing way to honor the nation’s achievements—with humor at its core. Bold, unapologetically local, and hilariously insightful, this show embodies the spirit of SG60 like no other.

Get Ready to Laugh Like Never Before

Are you prepared to join the comedy revolution? Don’t wait—secure your tickets and experience a night of unparalleled entertainment as Kumar proves that laughter truly is the best cure for any epidemic.

Pioneering Study Reveals Optimal Machine Learning Models for Predicting Algal Blooms in Laguna Lake

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Algal blooms are an increasingly pressing issue, turning bodies of water green, depleting oxygen levels, contaminating water supplies, and causing fish kills. For Metro Manila, this is particularly critical as Laguna Lake—a vital source of drinking water and fish such as bangus and tilapia—is highly susceptible to algal blooms, especially during El Niño events.

To combat this environmental threat, researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) College of Science have conducted a groundbreaking study to identify the most efficient machine learning (ML) models for predicting algal blooms in Laguna Lake and beyond. The study, led by experts from multiple scientific disciplines, marks a significant step forward in environmental monitoring and mitigation strategies.

The Urgency of Predictive Monitoring

Traditional methods for monitoring algal blooms often rely on measuring chlorophyll-a, the pigment produced by algae. However, by the time chlorophyll-a levels indicate a bloom, it may already be too late to implement effective interventions. Dr. Karl Ezra Pilario of the UPD Department of Chemical Engineering explains, "If we wait for instruments to indicate high algal content, the bloom may have already occurred."

Instead, the team emphasizes monitoring nitrate and phosphate concentrations—key nutrients linked to algal growth—and leveraging advanced machine learning models to analyze this data for early warnings of algal blooms.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Machine Learning Models

Using data from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), which has been monitoring water quality through remote sensing and monthly assessments since 1973, the research team evaluated eight common ML models. These models were trained using both local data from Laguna Lake and global datasets.

Among the models tested, Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) emerged as the most robust and accurate.

Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR): The most accurate model for Laguna Lake, leveraging the principle that similar inputs yield similar outputs.

Gaussian Process Regression (GPR): The best-performing model for global lakes, known for its ability to handle noisy data.

These models outperformed other techniques, including tree-based models (similar to decision-making flowcharts) and artificial neural networks, which mimic brain neural structures.

Real-World Applications

"Now that we have an accurate, robust, and explainable predictor of chlorophyll-a, we can deploy the model for rapid detection of impending algal blooms," said Dr. Pilario. The method involves analyzing water samples in the lab for nitrate and phosphate levels and using ML models to estimate chlorophyll-a concentrations.

Monthly monitoring is recommended, providing authorities with sufficient time to implement interventions such as water aeration or nutrient management when a bloom is predicted.

Future Directions in Algal Bloom Prediction

While the KRR and GPR models represent a major advancement, the study highlights opportunities for further refinement. Future research will explore additional predictors, such as weather conditions, land cover changes, and human activities. Seasonal variations in water samples will also be considered to enhance the models' reliability.

On the technical front, researchers aim to evaluate newer models with potentially higher accuracy, focusing on robustness and explainability—crucial factors for informing policy decisions and fostering trust among stakeholders.

"Robust and explainable models help make the results more believable for policy-making," Dr. Pilario emphasized.

A Step Toward Sustainable Water Management

This study is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts from the UPD-CS Department of Chemical Engineering, the Institute of Chemistry, and the Institute of Mathematics. Their work not only provides actionable insights for Laguna Lake but also sets a precedent for addressing similar challenges in other water bodies globally.

As climate change exacerbates environmental challenges like algal blooms, innovations such as these are vital for sustainable water resource management.

For more information or interview requests, please contact UPD-CS Science Communications at media@science.upd.edu.ph or visit their official website at science.upd.edu.ph.

This article integrates the latest developments in algal bloom prediction and machine learning, reflecting UPD’s commitment to advancing science for societal benefit. Share this story to amplify awareness of this groundbreaking research and its potential to safeguard communities and ecosystems.