DOST kicks off first virtual science week

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the first virtual 2020 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration on 23 November 2020 via Facebook live and the 2020 NSTW virtual platform.

This year’s theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Sandigan ng Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kaayusan, at Kinabukasan”, aims to highlight different innovative solutions and new S&T knowledge related to agriculture, livelihood and enterprise development, safety, health and nutrition, education, disaster preparedness, and community development.

“The pandemic did not deter us from celebrating the 2020 NSTW. On the contrary, it inspired us more to think outside the box. In reality, it helps us to be more creative, be more resourceful, and be more innovative,” said Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of DOST.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña commenced the opening of this year’s NSTW.

This is the first time that the DOST will be holding a virtual celebration of the science week. In the previous years, NSTW is held in a big convention venue.

“Pangako ng DOST ang NSTW sa taong bayan bawat taon at kahit na may pandemic ay hindi namin kayo dapat biguin. It may have been a challenge, but it is not impossible. With the power of technology, we were able to design virtual exhibits.”, Sec. de la Peña added.

The DOST believed that the NSTW has become a beacon of hope ever since. As DOST aimed to bring science closer to the people to let them experience, to let them live, and let science work for them.

At the virtual kick-off, the DOST also recognized outstanding research projects in the 2020 National Science and Technology Awards. Annually, the DOST, through the National Academy of Science and Technology or NAST PHL, gives recognition to deserving individuals or groups who exemplified outstanding qualities in science and technology and who proved themselves worthy of their achievements and accomplishments in their respective fields.

The DOST awarded two (2) winners for the Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research or the Eduardo A. Quisimbing Medal. The winners are Dr. Rachel June Ravago Gotanco, of the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman for her research titled, “Rarity of the ‘common’ coral Pocillopora damicomis in the western Philippine archipelago” and Dr. Roel R. Suralta, with co-authors Jennifer M. Mangkil, Jonathan M. Manangkil, Jonathan M. Niones, Jerwin R. Undan, Mitsuhiro Obara, Teodora E. Mananghaya, Rachelle P. Mallari, Maybell DM. Banting, Sherilyn B. Estrada, and Mark Philip B. Castillo for their research titled, “Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Root Elongation Ability of Rice under Nitrogen-deficient Condition”.

The Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research or the Julian A. Banzon Medal was awarded to Dr. Erwin P. Enriquez of the Ateneo de Manila University with co-authors Sarah May Sibug-Torres and Isagani D. Padolina for their research titled, “Field-ready tools for fingerprinting of herbal materials for the medicinal plant industry”.

The Outstanding Science Administrator Award or the Dioscoro L. Umali Medal was given to Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma of the Philippine Genome Center in recognition of her profound and lasting contributions as Executive Director of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) of the University of the Philippines (UP) System

The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood Debuts with Landmark Signing of First Three Properties by 8M Real Estat

KēSa House

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The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood will launch with three heritage properties owned by  

8M Real Estate, namely KēSa House, Ann Siang House and Wanderlust, in the first quarter of 2021 

Oakwood announced the launch of The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood, a new brand which allows for a curation of independent properties that retain their unique positioning yet leverage Oakwood’s hospitality management expertise and distribution network. The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood will strengthen the group’s market potential through distinctive residential spaces that celebrate individualism. In a landmark partnership with 8M Real Estate, Oakwood will manage its first three iconic heritage properties in Singapore, namely KēSa House, Ann Siang House and Wanderlust, under The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood, with the first of three properties expected to open in the first quarter of 2021.

In response to the hospitality industry’s evolving landscape, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood caters to a growing segment of property owners and discerning guests, who seek to capture and experience the creative independence of a brand. With The Unlimited Collection, Oakwood hopes to celebrate the uniqueness of each property, allowing for an inimitable collection of style – from intimate charm and contemporary icons to historic grandeur. The new brand is aimed at the independent traveller who seeks to celebrate life through discovering new experiences, dotting each journey with unique stories to tell.

“Oakwood is dedicated to continuous innovation and evolution with a guest-first approach. Recognising that travel decisions reflect the lifestyle and identity of our discerning owners and guests, we are excited to launch The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood and extend greater accessibility to partners on a journey towards the curation of diverse experiences. The debut of The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood alongside our inaugural partnership with 8M Real Estate symbolises the dawn of a new era in the serviced apartment industry as we celebrate individualism together,” said Dean Schreiber, interim chief executive officer of Oakwood. 

Wanderlust

Conveniently located downtown, in Singapore’s central region, in key architectural conservation precincts, KēSa House, Ann Siang House and Wanderlust offer the perfect sanctuary for guests in search of immersive local experiences in Chinatown and Little India.

“Our business success can be attributed to the strategic partnerships we develop, those who share the 8M vision of conservation and community rejuvenation to deliver new experiences to Singapore. This exciting new partnership with Oakwood allows us to leverage their expertise in hospitality management and brings a global distribution network to deliver flexible living residences for locals and travellers alike. The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood allows all three properties to retain their unique characteristics and identities which we have passionately designed and developed over the past few years.” said Ashish Manchharam, founder and chief executive officer of 8M Real Estate.

KēSa House is an inviting 60-room flexible living concept with a roster of six eclectic restaurants and bars. The striking row of ten shophouses adds a new dynamic to the Keong Saik neighbourhood in Singapore’s Chinatown. The rooms are cleverly constructed and entirely user-experience oriented while the communal spaces are social by design, allowing guests to mingle with other like-minded individuals and shared facilities that provide the utilities and modern comforts of a home. 

Ann Siang House

The iconic Ann Siang House is one of Singapore’s most stylish heritage buildings in Chinatown. Currently in the midst of rejuvenation, Ann Siang House will reopen as a vibrant hospitality and lifestyle destination that fuses local history with contemporary design in the heart of the Club Street and Ann Siang Road neighbourhood; presenting 20 artfully crafted rooms, smartly and sophisticatedly designed with the latest conveniences & comforts.

Housed in a heritage 1920s Art Deco style conservation building, Wanderlust merges old world charm with modern day comforts. With 29 thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, Wanderlust redefines how urban stays are experienced and perceived. Close to everything yet delightfully off the beaten track, guests are mere minutes from the bustling city centre while being immersed in the historic urban montage of Little India in Singapore. Conscientiously designed for the modern traveller, its curated spaces and flexible concept cater to every journey.

The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood will retain the individual architectural heritage and distinctive characteristics of each property, backed by Oakwood’s world-renowned hospitality excellence and commercial network. Global operational standards and programmes, such as Oakwood Clean360, will be observed to ensure that guests continue to enjoy the Oakwood Experience that they have come to expect.



For more information, please visit: https://www.oakwood.com/the-unlimited-collection-by-oakwood

PH Robotics National Team victorious at World Robot Olympiad Canada 2020X

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Robotics National team has proven that the COVID-19 pandemic and the series of typhoons that hit the country in the past weeks has not deterred them from giving glory and honor to the country.

World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Canada 2020-X has made innovations in delivering the event to over 750 participants from over 40 countries. WRO Canada 2020-X conducted the event fully online using digital floor plans, livestreaming of activities, virtual meetings, social media platforms, and real-time digital scoreboard. The theme this year was titled “Climate Change/ Climate Squad” that was held on November 12-15, 2020.

The awardees composed of our Filipino young scientists are as follows:

1st place GOLD – Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. DYCI NOVUS Team in the Open Category for Senior High School. The entry is PROJECT FEET, a 3-part project: Plastic Recycling, Power Generation and Provision of Footwear. The Project Feet robot manufactures footwear from plastic trash and imbed with piezo discs that generate power for mobile phones and other gadgets. The all-girl team won the “GIRL POWER AWARD” conferred during the 19th Philippine Robotics Olympiad.

The members of the team are Naiah Nicole Mendoza, Denise Carpio, and Abigail Silva with their coach, Beryl Cruz.

2nd place SILVER – Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. DYCI Primes Team in the Open Category for Junior High School. The entry is PROJECT CYCLE. A bicycle that can Convert Trash paper mixed with water lilies to make recycled paper. Rice Husk called “ipa” was used to make recycled pencils. Also, the Project Cycle bike was used to generate power for mobile phones and other gadgets. The members of the team are Annette Nicole Ambi, Aaron James Amar, and Daniella Angela de Guzman with their coach, Anne Jazpher Raz.

3rd place BRONZE –Candijay Municipal High School under the Department of Education, Division of Bohol in the Open Category for Junior High School. The entry is called BASAK that stands for Bohol Action to Solidify Agrikultura. It is composed of wind turbines, water pump and biomass generators with many applications for the agriculture industry in Bohol. The members of the team are Mary Haidee Makinano, Trisha Belle Olaivar, and Juno Ceasar Escatron with their coach, Thata Celeres.

Mylene Abiva of FELTA Multi-Media Inc. and National Organizer of the Philippine Robotics Olympiad and World Robot Olympiad Ambassador (representing 72 countries) said, “The biggest challenge was to synchronize everything as the countries were from different time zones. WRO Canada 2020-X set pre-scheduled calls and connected the participants resulting in the same excitement and success as a physical event. The Philippine Robotics National Team has overcome adversity of slow internet access, remote meetings, school closure, series of typhoons and o line presentations to the WRO Canada judges”.

Incidentally, FELTA, a pioneer and leader in the introduction of instructional materials such as electronic devices and audiovisual materials for Philippine schools, is one of the institutional partners of the Science and Technology Information Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-STII) and has long been collaborating with the DOST-Science Education Institute in various learning programs that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM education in the country.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!