Philippines Representatives to the International Robotics Olympiad in China this November 2014

5th Floor, Oakwood Hotel , Ortigas Center, Pasig City-Philippines

electronic poster of the 16th International Robotics Olympiad to be held in Beijing , China

The 16th  International Robotics Olympiad this coming Nov. 5-9 at Shijingshan Gymnasium, Beijing, China.   It is sad to know that the parents and private individuals have to shoulder the expenses for the kids just to join the competition when they are the ones to bring prestige to our country once they win.

Mr. Anthony Y. Gabitan , Ms. Judith Tan,  Dr. James Tan , Ms. Kimberly Gamboa, Ms. Ana Isabelle Chua , Mr. Warren Ong Pe, Ms. Melanie Tizon

  We were invited to a press conference yesterday August 15, 2014 and unveiling of new line-up of Digital K12 equipments and materials that facilitate positive teaching and learning experiences. I have met Dr. James Tan -President of Grace Christian College and his wife Ms. Judith Tan . Our previous encounter was the 60th anniversary of the stamp launching of Grace Christian College few years ago.

Related article link : https://renz15.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/grace-around-the-world/

 Grace Christian College

Ms. Kimberly Gamboa is a High School 4th year student section 6 while Ms. Ana Isabelle Chua is a grade 9 section 6 student . They are the winners of Break OUT Challenge which was held at the Philippine Trade Training Center grounds in Buendia ( Senator Gil Puyat Avenue ) last January 23, 2014. The two students also represent the school in the intentional robotics olympiad .

Ms. Laila Chikadora of TV channel 5

They proudly showed their award at the last National Robotics Championship and the students were able to represent the country in the international robotics olympiad . The event was well-covered by the traditional media like Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin , TV channel 5 , ABS-CBN channel 2 and GMA channel 7

Data Science and Technology Corporation

Data Science and Techonology Corporation, one of the major sponsors that provide assistance to the Philippine student representatives.  DSTC has partnered and provided equipment to over 300 schools all over the country, trained over 2M students and 2,000 teachers, and imparted 1,001 ways of using technology for learning and living.

1.LabDisc—a laboratory that fits in the palm of your hand! It is a complete laboratory for K12 Science Experiments, with up to 14 built-in sensors, equipped with GPS technology, compact, wireless, perfect for indoor & outdoor science-related activities.

2.Digital Microscope—your modern version of Microscope, a must for all science classrooms. Connects to PC or MAC, with Camera, Video, and Time-Lapse Functions. Focus and Project for the whole class to see.

3.Robotics Program for Schools—a comprehensive Robotics Learning package for schools, complete with curriculum, robot kits, and training support.

4.Robot Kits— we carry several types and models of Robots like INEX, Pop-Bot XT, and RQ Huno Humanoid

5.K12 Computer Courseware— market-relevant computer subjects for K12

6.Multimedia Resources—instructional materials for Science, Mathematics, English and local academic subjects like Araling Panlipunan, Filipino and MAPE.

7.Mobile Planetarium—a portable and inflatable planetarium dome complete with Air-condition Unit. The dome can accommodate up to 60 students at a time, with various astronomy shows for full enjoyment of all students.

8.3D Printer—the first Philippine-made 3D Printer. Inventor is Mr. Justin Gabitan of Puzzlebox.

 Mr. Melvin Matulac

Mr. Melvin Matulac of Pinoy Robot Games Founder and Director explained to the people inside the room how they select participants to international robotics competition.  Every year there are 300 plus school teams that participates in the National Robotics Competition. The champions from these competition are the ones who will qualify to the International Robotics Olympiad.  Only a handful of students get a chance to represent the country to the Olympiad.

There are many different robotic categories  that an individual/ group of students can participate:

Sumobot:
The match is fought between two teams, each team having 2 members. Only one team member may approach the ring. In accordance with the game rules. Each team competes on a Dohyo (sumo ring) with a robot that they have constructed themselves.

Line Tracing:

The objective of Line Tracing is for your autonomous robot to complete the course in the shortest period of time while accurately tracking the line from START to FINISH.

Mission Challenge :

These are games with required accurate movements and behavior of robot. The students are tasked to develop a program and build robots with precision. Example mission is the break-out challenge.

Break-Out: A natural disaster has occurred and the mission of the robot is to find or make a path to the trapped individuals. The trapped individuals are at the cell which marked END in the map.

Humanoid Challenge:

A Humanoid Robot to behave according to the given task. One example gaming event for this category is Humanoid Prison Break. The objective of Robot Prison break is to build a robot that performs its best sensor usage by predicting the obstacles to understand a robot’s autonomous movements . This is one of the hardest challenges in the competition.

ROBO-Soccer:

This is a robot game that mimics human soccer. Participant will control humanoid robots to score more goals in opponent’s net. Understanding of humanoid’s mechanics and strategy is important and cooperation with teammates is required.

In the previous 15th IROC held in Denver Colorado last December 16-20, 2013 ,the Philippine Team brought home many awards and recognitions. , This is the first Robotics Team in the country that won GOLD Medals in a Regular Category.

2 GOLD Garcia, Nicole John – Letran Calamba and Calderon, Hans Simon – Letran Calamba

6 SILVER Aguila, John Raphael – Letran Calamba, Maningas, Sean Vince Ruel – Letran Calamba, Gener, Czareen Elen – Letran Calamba, Santiago, Sabrina – GCC, Ngo, Arvy

Daniel – GCC, Imperial, Eian david – GCC 5 BRONZE Co, Davenson – DLSZ, Ramos, Raphael Manuel – DLSZ, Dela Cruz, John Sebastian Gerald Julian -DLSZ, Co, Davenson – DLSZ, Ramos, Raphael Manuel – DLSZ 7 SPECIAL AWARDS Tan, Heart Bernice – GCC, Tan, Heidi Kristine – GCC, Uy, Jeremy Lance – GCC, Gamboa, Kimberly Klaire – GCC, Ng, Calvin Alexander GCC, Dela Cruz, John Sebastian Gerald Julian -DLSZ , Chua, Alvin Ken Steven Jr. GCC

Ms. Maria Rona Beltran is one of  the lucky winners of the on-the spot raffle

After the sumptuous late afternoon snacks, there was a mini-raffle draw for the bloggers and traditional media that were present during the event.

bloggers and freelance journalists took group photo

 On December 13th,2014 ,  the National Robotics Competition will be held at Don Bosco,  Makati City.  The Asian Robotics Competition  is schedule in the middle of 2015 will be held in Indonesia.

Note: I must “Thank” Ms. Dems Angeles for the invitation to this event.

 Address: Unit 307 Bonaventure Plaza, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills , San Juan City

Telephone # (632) 722-0549/ 661-88-86

Fax : (632) 661-88-18

 Website: http://www.dstc.com.ph/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DataScienceTechnologyCorporation

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Sidebar Restaurant : a favorite hang-out place for celebrities

1771 in El Pueblo Real de Manila, ADB Avenue cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

 Sidebar outdoor area which can accommodate 4 to 6 people

Sidebar outdoor area during night time adds charm to the outdoor dining experience

Sidebar Restaurant is a member of Chateau 1771 Group of restaurants  that include Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt 3, Sentro 1771 in Serendra, Bonifacio Global City and Café 1771 in El Pueblo Real de Manila, ADB Avenue cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

ground level of the restaurant

I have already eaten at the restaurant several years ago when i was still assigned  within the Ortigas area .  The place is quite different and according to the manager of the restaurant , It had been in operation for more than 23 years! The place had been recently renovated and our group was invited to the re-opening of the bar and restaurant last April 20, 2013

collection of various books and fixtures

The bar had several books and fixtures , Some of which are bought from Germany, France , United States . According to the manager of the restaurant , some of the books were given by the friends of the owner.  They added to the ambiance of the bar and restaurant. Sometimes customers would browse the books while waiting for their orders.

History:

Manila definitely has all the chic bars where friends can just raise the glass to fun and party but Sidebar has never been of these. Sidebar, which has been churning good music and good food in a great quaint ambiance for 23 years, has not lost its charm. In fact, it has even scaled up in comfort with its newly-renovated facilities where the seemingly grandiose can be casual and pop at the same time.

Sisig experience

lettuce and avocado wrapped in soft torilla, with tomato salsa and sour cream mayo sauce. Served with a SHOT of Cachaca (premium brazilian rum). Already re-inventing the way sisig is served we just had to make it a little more exciting by serving a shot of premium Brazilian rum, it complements the flavor and really great way to start off the evening! topped with cheese

Offering a fanciful look of what a ladies’ bar should be, the vibe of Sidebar is classic yet unpretentious and it’s filled with “beautiful things”, such as original paintings, bric-a-brac from the owner’s travels, glistening cocktail glasses, and a list of music streamlined with mix of classic, indie contemporary rock, and everything in between.

Pulled Pork Slider

Pulled Pork Slider is one of signature dish .  At first glance, it s like the ordinary burger, but the texture and taste makes it different from the rest . Slow-baked pork rump with house-made barbecue sauce: carrot, cucumber and romaine slaw dressed with pommery mustard vinaigrette topped with fresh cilantro in crusty rolls. Pulled pork sandwiches have always been an international favorite

bar area

Quaint and sophisticated but not missing out on comfort, the newly-renovated Sidebar possesses the feel of something dainty: cozy sofas, sleek arm chairs, tall wooden beam ceiling, red brick walls, wide framed mirrors and hot red chandeliers as charming centerpieces. Adding a touch of culture and historic element are the antique banisters from Malate Church which complete Sidebar’s unique look, old law books,  encyclopedia  and medical books personally designed by no less than the owner, Mr. Ricky Gutierrez.

If on the lookout for a place to have those secret conversations or exchange unstoppable stories with friends and colleagues, where safety and security are part of the package, Sidebar is definitely the ideal venue.

Oyster shooter

Oyster shooters: Fresh Aklan oysters made even more intoxicating for thrill seekers. It’s an oyster with alcohol! Comes in 3 different flavors, Sake, Lemon Drop & Bloody Mary either order it singly or a mixed set of 9 perfect for groups of 3 or more. Oyster shooters are popular in western bars, so we decided to spice it up and bring it to the Metro.

Chicken Skewers

Speaking of delicious, Sidebar cocktails and its menu represent the best of the bunch. Since it’s from the family of the 1771 Group of Restaurants which is known for its high standard on food quality and service, anyone is assured that the same delightful touches are found in this intimate spot.  Whether it’s for a simple gathering or just feeling adventurous for yummy food and cocktails, Sidebar provides a primer for a wholesome night out experience that never goes out of style.

Second floor

Mojito Punch, Double-Shot Gin, sour mix, orange juice, mint.

Unlike any bar in Metro Manila, The bar maintains its quaint home style feel. It can accommodate approximately 55 to 60 persons at any given time.

Celebrities: Being accessible to the public  and  Located at El Pueblo Ortigas and just few blocks from malls and villages, the Sidebar evokes a different fantasy of bygone cocktail culture where cool and class meet. Attracting artists, writers, professionals, and entrepreneurs, it’s also a favorite hangout of accomplished women decision-makers for its delicious drinks and bar chows.several celebrities have dine-in in the restaurant . Dingdong Dantes, Martin Andanar, Jean Garcia, Coco Martin, Jake Cuenca, Zanjoe Marudo, Bea Alonzo, Kim Chiu , Vice Ganda, Ms. Eula Valdez, Mr. Deo Endrenal, Ms. Julia Montes, Mr. Sid Lucero , Ms. Bea Lao, Ms. Liz Uy , Mr. Raymond Gutierrez, Mr. KC Montero , Mr. Ramon Bautista

Anniversary Promo:

In celebration of its 25^th year anniversary, Chateau 1771 is offering two special treats from May 18 to 31, featuring well-loved and one-of-a kind dishes by the group’s Executive Chef, Vicky Rose Pacheco.

True to the spirit of festivity, Chateau 1771 offers two stand-out dishes that have stood the test of time with a glass of wine for P990 net, available during dinner only. The first course is the restaurant’s renowned Raclette, a luxurious melted Swiss cheese with marbled potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins– a certified favorite for over two decades. The piece de resistance is the restaurant’s head-turner, Potence. Juicy and flavorful steak hangs from a metal gallows is presented to the diner flambéed with skill and flair. The beef is seasoned, robust and tender, dressed in its natural juices then whisked with some brandy.

The second menu is a tribute to Chef Vicky’s academic roots: a degustation menu highlighting Chateau’s signature dishes, especially prepared for Hotel and Restaurant Management students and 2013 HRIM graduates. Get the royal treatment and indulge in a sumptuous degustation for every group of four at P550 net each from 2 PM to 5 PM. Designed to delight and inspire future chefs and restaurateurs, the menu includes French Onion Soup, Caesar Salad, Pasta Chorizo, Lemon Chicken, Potence, and Coffee Pie. Upon reservation, valid school ID’s or class cards should be emailed to Alina Armena at chateaurestaurants@gmail.com.

Address:

Ortigas Center
Julia Vargas cor. ADB Ave., Ortigas Center
Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Phone Number
(+63 2) 631-7339

Operating Hours
Monday to Thursday  from 5:00pm to 12:00am, Saturday from 7:00p.m to 12:00am , Sunday – Close

Services
Parties / Bar