Young filmmakers explore science mysteries amid pandemic in 5th Indie-Siyensya

Wazzup Pilipinas?!


From the mundane mysteries such as sleep and solar power to social issues such as vaccine hesitancy and environmentally-sustainable fishing traditions, everyday science comes to life in the able explorations of the young documentary filmmakers of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI’s) 5th Indie-Siyensya Filmmaking Competition.

Over five dozen entries from schools and individuals all across the Philippines, from Abra to Maguindanao, joined the contest. Their entries consisted of short documentaries relevant to the theme “The Scientist in Me,” aimed at explaining the science behind everyday things.

DOST-SEI specifically chose the theme in response to the need for public safety in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a way to encourage the youth to see science as an essential part of their everyday lives.

“Science is so much more than just a set of facts: it is a way of life, a way of seeing the world,” said DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo. “This innate ability to see the world anew is a philosophy of hope that is much needed, especially in these times. It is for this reason that we chose the theme, ‘The Scientist In Me.’”

Even despite the constraints of the pandemic, the entries didn’t disappoint.

For the “Youth Category” for high school, tertiary school, and out-of-school youth aged 13-20, the winners were:

 

1. “Snooze,” a documentary on the science of sleep, by Micah Paulina C. Limlengco of Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus 
2. “Agam- Agham,” a Filipino-language investigation of vaccine hesitancy, by Mary Antonette G. Agapito, Malena Riz C. Ballon, Juliana Krishna W. Guevarra, Val Allen U. Eltagonde, and Divine Mae R. Manadong of Rizal National Science High School (Region4 A) 
3. “Marvels of Science: Non-Newtonian Fluid,” an exploration of the strange properties of a homemade material, by De La Salle University Integrated School - Manila (NCR) 

 

For the “Open Category” for college students, teachers, and S&T professionals, the winners were:  

1. “Sinag,” a look at the surprising science of solar power, by Richelle Joan Gareza Enriquez of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (NCR) 
2. “Super Sci Yan,” an exploration of alternative energy sources, by Kenneth Peterson F. Leviste of Arkos Digital (NCR) 
3. “Yankaw,” an investigative documentary of a sustainable traditional Filipino fishing practice, by Khristine L. Sandoval of NU Sports Academy (Laguna, Region 4A) 

 

The films were judged based on scientific content, idea execution, and filmmaking technique. At stake for each category were trophies and cash prizes worth PhP100,000 for the Best Film, PhP50,000 pesos for the second prize, and PhP30,000 for the third prize. 

 

In addition, both “Marvels of Science: Non- Newtonian Fluid” and “Yankaw” also received the Viewer’s Choice Award, amounting to an additional PhP20,000 each. 

 

The winning entries may be viewed for free at the following link: https://bit.ly/5thIndieWinners.  

Hilton Welcomes First Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Thailand with Opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Hilton Garden Inn makes its Thailand debut in the heart of Phuket Island,
providing affordable accommodations and elevated experiences


Hilton and GCP Hospitality today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, marking the debut of the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand in Thailand. Developed and managed by GCP Hospitality, the 177-room hotel spanning seven stories is strategically located in the island’s prime Bang Tao Beach area, featuring upscale guest rooms in close proximity to pristine beaches, leisure, entertainment and sporting activities.

Christophe Vielle, CEO & Co-Founder of GCP Hospitality, said, "The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is especially significant for us. It marks the first and only Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Phuket and further confirms GCP Hospitality’s commitment to expand its hotel portfolio in Thailand. This hotel also serves as a promise from GCP Hospitality to bring world-class hospitality to some of the world's most exciting destinations. Bang Tao is a location that perfectly marries nature with urban living – making it the perfect fit for travelers seeking to discover the best that Phuket has to offer."

The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao adds an open, inviting atmosphere with warm, welcoming service and thoughtful touches to Thailand’s largest and most beloved island destination. Within walking distance to pristine beaches, retail, entertainment and recreational hot spots, guests will enjoy the convenience staying close to top tourist attractions, such as the Laguna Phuket Resort Complex and Boat Avenue. Phuket International Airport is just a short 25-minute drive from the hotel.

“Being one of the strongest focused service brands in the market, Hilton Garden Inn is rapidly growing throughout Asia Pacific with almost 50 operating hotels and 110 properties in the pipeline. With the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, we look forward to serving the evolved preferences of modern traveller, expressed through the brand’s signature positive, upbeat service, its luminous spaces and modern amenities, and its stylish and approachable design delivered at an affordable price point,” said Jenny Milos, vice president, focused service and all suites brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

True to the brand’s attributes, Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is a showcase of upscale and affordable accommodations with modern amenities. With guest rooms ranging from 23 to 28 square meters, modern travelers will appreciate thoughtful amenities, including the brand’s signature bedding, featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; spacious rain showers, Smart TVs, USB charging ports and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests opting for rooms with balconies will enjoy unobstructed views of the famed Laguna area. For recreation, guests enjoy access to a 24-hour fitness center outfitted with the latest Life Fitness® equipment and two outdoor swimming pools at the rooftop.

For well-rounded food and beverage experiences, the hotel features the Hilton Garden Inn brand’s signature Garden Grille & Bar serving a thoughtful menu of local and international favorites while The Pool Bar on the rooftop offers a scenic vantage point to enjoy the aerial view of Phuket’s lush landscape over a refreshing cocktail.

“We are delighted to welcome our third Hilton hotel in Phuket with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao, where our portfolio in Thailand now spans 14 distinctive hotels and resorts. Hilton Garden Inn’s brand entry to Phuket Island’s vibrant hospitality scene is testament to Hilton’s commitment to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences. As more travelers return to this beloved resort destination, we will create better and brighter stays with the brand’s signature upbeat service,” said Paul Hutton, area vice president, head of South East Asia, Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,700 properties in 122 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where members can check in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

To celebrate the launch of Hilton Garden Inn in Phuket, Hilton Honors members will earn 1,000 points per night when booking directly with Hilton under certain room rates which start from THB1,350++. Terms and conditions apply.

Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao is located at 111 Soi Choeng Thale 16, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand. For more information, or to make a reservation, travelers may visit Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao or call + 66 76 609 790.

MRT-7 project well on track for completion

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

After almost two decades of failed attempts to commence construction, the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) project is very much well on track for completion with its fast-paced construction and the arrival of the rail line’s brand-new train sets from South Korea, Transportation Secretary Art Tugade underscored on Thursday, 16 December 2021.

“Ang MRT-7 ay dalawang dekadang pinlano, hinintay, at pinangarap ng mga kababayan natin sa Lungsod Quezon—hindi lamang ng Lungsod Quezon, kundi ng buong sambayanan. Ngayong araw na ito, sa administrasyong Duterte ay bibigyang buhay at patotoo natin itong MRT-7,” Sec. Tugade said.

Tugade made the statement during the unveiling ceremony of MRT-7’s brand-new train sets graced by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

At present, six train sets or 18 rail cars out of the 108 rail cars have been shipped to the country. The entire MRT-7 system will have a total of 36 train sets.

The unsolicited proposal for the rail line, which will link North Avenue, Quezon City and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, was first submitted to the then Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in August 2001, while the concession agreement for the project was signed in August 2008.

Stagnant for almost two decades, the actual construction of the MRT-7 project started only in August 2016. The rail line’s overall progress rate is now at 62.10% and is eyed for partial operations with test runs starting in April 2022 and slated to start passenger operations in December 2022.

Once completed, the 22-kilometer and 14-station railway line will reduce travel time from North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose del Monte Bulacan to just 35 minutes from the current 2 to 3 hours. The project is also expected to service 38,000 passengers during peak hours daily.

Meanwhile, Secretary Tugade expressed his gratitude to San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and COO Ramon Ang for pushing for the construction of the MRT-7 Project and supporting the Build, Build, Build Program of the Duterte administration.

“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa San Miguel Group of Companies, lalo’t higit kay Mr. Ramon Ang. Marami tayong proyekto sa Build, Build, Build—marami kayong naitulong. Sana ‘yung tulong na binibigay n’yo sa bayan at sa tao ay tuluy-tuloy mapakinabangan ng sambayanan,” he said, adding that big-ticket projects would also not be possible without the participation of the local government.

President Duterte lauded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for building a “world-class project that will benefit the Filipino people.”

“The MRT-7 project will provide the public with fast, efficient, convenient, safe and reliable transportation system that will result in the increase in productivity of workers and businesses in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces,” President Duterte said.

SMC President Ang, for his part, said the MRT-7 is a vital project that will develop an integrated and interconnected transportation systems and promote equity and inclusivity across cities.

“MRT-7 will decongest traffic, make our cities more accessible, and boost economic activities. This train set will represent grains into a better future for all of us,” SMC President Ang said.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte also expressed her gratitude to President Duterte and Secretary Tugade, saying the MRT-7 “will forever be remembered as an edifice of progress and accelerated national growth. We thank you, not only because you have delivered on a promise, but you have also brought us to the next stage of our nation’s future.”