Blog Entry #17: It All Ends with a Big Bang

If Comtech (as a course) had a voice, what it would say is probably what you have been reading here on the Big Bang Blog for the last 17 weeks. Looking through the stories and insights from innovators, innovations, and the innovation process, admit it: you sum them up as the awesomeness that comes with the technological age too right? Well, they indeed are but what the BBB hoped to express, by presenting them in various faces and phases, is that ‘awesomeness’ is a legacy that is in us to continue and better if not preserve. We can are consumers and beneficiaries of creativity, technology and innovation on one hand, but that does not we cannot turn all of those into something ourselves. An idea, a drive and a savvy know-how are all you need, the key tools that can be found in everyone even though noticeably drawn out more by the few we recognize as ‘the greats’ of innovation. So know with just a spark to get you started, you can push the limits, dream bigger and innovate greater to make your own big bang, your way bringing change through creativity and innovation, into the world.

On a final note: to Comtechers, Comtech and the BBB would say, get inspired, get creative and get down to the business of innovating for the better. To everyone else, Comtech and the BBB would say, get ready when these Comtechers do. It will be, yes, a big bang!

BBB Fun Feature: SoleMate

The bloggers of The Big Bang Blog decided to innovate something of their own...or rather, propose to innovate something. We, Ean, Gelo, Sam, Kia and Edward, would like to present to you SoleMate.SoleMate

View more presentations from Kia Sta Ana.

Our group proposes to create SoleMate, a smart insole that can track your health progress in every step of the way!

What makes SoleMate a smart sole is that it can track walking or running performance with its computing abilities. The sole will be equipped with a sensor that is able to count calories, detect the distance one was able to walk or run, the amount of time he or she has been doing so, and his or her pace. All of these are seen in a digital watch to which the transmitter in the insole sends data to. SoleMate also comes with a website software that acts as a health management program. All information collected by the digital watch will be stored in a miniSD can be stored in the website as progress marks. It is the perfect companion to all health conscious people because they will be able to keep track their progress, which is important in therapy and periodization. 

BBB Fun Feature: Word Play Wonder

When we were introduced to the concept of making a sniglet, we cannot help but feel a certain sense of exhilaration. The groups firmly believes that one can have a glimpse of a person's creativity through this activity. What could be more fun that being able to play with countless words and come up with a single creative one? No matter how bizarre the word you come up with, you will feel a sense of fulfillment because the word is your own invention. We should really encourage students to do this activity because it really squeezes your imagination. Some might say that this playing of words is pointless or weird, so what? The group will always be aficionados of this activity. Now, it's time for you to start reading down and have a glance at our work.

Trea-pod v.- to listen to the iPod while exercising on the treadmill

Freading v. – To do fake reading. When a student’s parents show up and the student pretends to read to show a sudden side of diligence.

Blowdruff v.- when people blow away the dandruff off their shoulders

Froach-out n.- when people freak out when they see a cockroach

Jokespurt n. -  a sudden urge and effort of telling a joke

Shishow n. - Doing tricks in blowing the smoke coming from the shisha

Anticifake n.- when people pretend that they are waiting for someone in a very uncomfortable environment when they're really not.

Overflavy n.- when people overflow their chicken and rice with gravy. To take advantage of the unlimited gravy in a restaurant.
Flirterminate v. – action that happens when the conversation dies between you and someone you like
Cowertext v. – pretending to text in awkward situations

Gazescape v. – looking away after making a quick, direct, awkward eye contact with someone else

We believe this is what our group is really good at: the innovation of words!

BBB Fun Feature: Edward's Favorite Innovation - A Portrait in the Skies

Written by: Edward Villarosa


Edward's Favorite Innovation: Fireworks 

I really love fireworks, and it just so happens that my family is very loyal to one brand when it comes to fireworks. Again, so who do I consider creative? Dragon Fireworks was started by 4 men in 1992. Actually, they are all relatives(cousins) who had the passion for this type of art. Now, Dragon Fireworks is the largest supplier of fireworks products to other fireworks display companies all over the Philippines. They are also known for their safe and high quality fireworks which is now very prominent in our country right now. Since, it is a group effort, I believe that they all deserve recognition for their creativity. Jackson Ong is the one in charge of making the fireworks. He studied Chemical Engineer when he was in College, and he used this field to be able to make different kinds of fireworks. He knows what the firework's color will be and what it will look like in the sky with all the mix of chemicals. Basically, he's the one in charge of making and creating the fireworks. The next person I consider creative is his cousin Hans Ong. He's the one who started doing fireworks shows with music here in the Philippines. Hence, the term pyromusical was used. He synchronizes the fireworks perfectly with the music and it's just really fascinating. So he does most of the shows on certain special events in the country. Recently, he did the show in the 400 years celebration of UST, and it was a success.  

    The reason why I really look up to them is because they recognized the passion of my brother and I. They knew that we are also capable of doing shows with music so they took us and supported us. They shared their passion and creativity to my brother and I. We actually joined the international fireworks competition in Enchanted Kingdom last year and my brother won 2nd runner with the support of Jackson and Hans. Imagine that, we were just kids before being amazed as to how these colors in the sky became possible, and now we are part of a very intense competition. 

So if you want to see a glimpse of creativity, have a look at how my brother painted the skies with the help of Dragon Fireworks.

BBB Fun Feature: Kia's Favorite Innovation

Written by: Kia Sta. Ana

My favorite innovation is the iPad. Being a cross between the Macbook and the iPod, the iPad serves its purpose well: wide enough to read, yet easy to carry around. 

(1) Easy to read

The one thing I really hate about teachers sending long readings online through attachments is that it is so hard to read those readings in the computer and so expensive and inconvenient to have them printed. That is why my iPad is my best friend when it comes to reading online materials. Reading on the iPad is actually really enjoyable. I am so fascinated whenever I have to switch from landscape to portrait by flipping the iPad itself and whenever I have to scroll through the pages by swiping a finger.  This is why iBooks and eBook reader are my most used apps in the iPad. Because of its fun digital reading experience, I think the iPad will revolutionize printing publications.

(2) Easy to carry around

 Walking from my dormitory in Katipunan to Ateneo everyday, I always make it a point to keep my gadgets in my bag and not display them publicly so that they won't get stolen. However, the one thing I really hate about placing my laptop in my bag is having to deal with its weight and bulkiness. It is a good thing that I have my iPad. It is flat, making room for my books and other school materials, and it is light on the bag, making it easy for me to walk around naturally. It is so portable, yet so entertaining. Traveling around with it is like having a novel always in your bag--but better!

It is a shame that I have only the iPad and not the iPad 2. If I had the iPad 2, this entry would have been so much longer, since it has USB ports and more features. However, I am content with the iPad. Contrary to what people think, it is not just an oversized iPod Touch, because the wide size, portability, and enjoyable experience that comes with it lends itself to so much more possibilities. Once you get a touch of it--and literally a touch--you'll see what I mean!

BBB Fun Feature: Ean's favorite innovation

Written by Ean D.

My favorite innovation is the renowned iPhone. There might be people out there who think it’s overrated---but really, it’s not, I believe. I used to be one of those who think, “oh no, another person with an iPhone again.” I had always thought a phone that could text or call simply with enough shortcuts to maneuver around the phone and games to keep me from being bored is good enough for me. As a recent user, I am very pleased in receiving this technological innovation.

The prime reason why I find this invention worthy of praise is not because it’s from Apple, it looks cool, or it’s an “in thing,” but rather because of what it can carry. With such compact size that can be held with one hand, you are actually holding more than just a phone with infinite capabilities. It’s the apps that make this a handy gadget. This phone can act as other things than what it is. It’s a calendar, a reminder, a means to browsing the Internet, a book, a camera, a remote, a gaming platform, an mp3 player, a dictionary, a teacher of language, a flashlight, a ruler, a compass, a unit converter, a calculator, and many, many more. The list can go on and on. Rather than filling your bag with many things, this innovation serves as your bag. This is a new system that holds several capabilities for the user or for anyone that can use its services. Yes, it’s just like what the iTouch can do but lessens the number of devices by not carrying another cellphone.

The ability to combine several things placed under one technology makes the iPhone worth it.

Blog Entry #16: Innovate!

Here, the group gathered theirs and other peoples' thesis proposals and placed them in one powerpoint presentation to recognize the need for more technological innovation.

 

View more presentations from Kia Sta Ana

All these innovations show that our imaginations will never stop working and that our needs will never stop craving for something that still isn't there. If only we have the time, money, resources and most of all, drive to create these innovation ideas, we could paint pretty amazing pictures of the future considering how futuristic we are even now. Maybe someone can innovate the way we can get these resources (time, money and motivation)? Well ok, it's just a nice thought ;)

BBB Fun Feature: Information Technology in Gaming in the Year 2050

The Future of Gaming

View more presentations from Kia Sta Ana

This is a presentation of what we think information technology in gaming will look like 40 years from now. :)

Blog Entry #15: A Glimpse at the Future

Basically, it is very tempting for us students today to be curious about what it will be like in the future. Technology is something that is really fascinating because it's never static and something always comes out. Technology indeed has made life easier and faster today, but imagine what it will be like probably a hundred or a thousand years from now.

One thing is for sure, the big bang bloggers will surely be jealous of the people in the future who will experience greater advancements compared to what we have today. If we continue to say that nothing can be better than the technology that we have today, then we are kidding ourselves because technology will continue to develop and upgrade no matter what. Based on our research, future technology will give the future community longer lives because of the advancements in medicine and the intense research for cures will definitely be more successful. Computers will be faster and more powerful than the ones we have today. Also, imagine the future cars that we will have. They say that the cars will no longer emit bad gasses with zero carbon footprint. 

Robots will continue to emerge and who knows they might be the best friends of our grandchildren in the future. However, a scary though is that weapons of mass destruction will also be more advanced and this can really heighten  up the tensions between quarreling countries.

Also, if you think that NASA is already superb today, then we must prepare our eyes for more hi-tech space machines. Basically, if you like going out of country, how does going out of planet sound to you? Being able to go to other planets like Mars like it's just a trip to another country is truly a fascinating scene. Also, the technology of schools in the future will be really hi-tech that students will no reason to complain about not having complete information. Probably everything in the classroom will be touchscreen and teachers can really monitor their students through the screen in front of them. Basically, the process of gathering information in school will be easier and faster. Notebooks might no longer be existent at this time because hi-tech gadgets will take up their place just like it is starting to happen today.

The electronics that we will have in the future will tap into virtual reality because the more realistic it gets, the better. They say that science fiction will be considered as a word that never existed because anything can be possible. 

Future Bionics

Man and machine can merge together at this time. Have you seen the movies Terminator and Transformers? All of these can be possible in the future. Artificial intelligence is no longer out of reach. Robots and Bionics can even be smarter than humans at certain point in the future. 

Also, imagine your house is filled up with electronics that are really advanced. Does having a robot house helper sound good to you? Yes, Iron Man had his help from his robots and we can have that too in the future. Our homes will be so advanced that features like food supply management, facial recognition of owners, advanced security measures, energy management and what not.Truly, an amazing look at the future homes if you ask the big bang bloggers.

Transportations is definitely one aspect of life that people want to be upgraded by technology. Traffic will no longer be hassle and flying cars will continue to fly everywhere. Public transportation will be so hi-tech that looking at the picture below gives us goosebumps.

Just let your imagination play, and eventually, all of these things will be possible because of our desire for development and upgrade.

Future Transportation


Source: http://www.futuretechnology500.com/

Blog Entry #14.1 Ateneans Innovate (EZCare Innovations Incorporated)

The JGSOM Business Accelerator (SOMBA) gives aspiring young entrepreneurs a wonderful opportunity in starting a business. This program of the John Gokongwei School of Management allows its student to have the chance of starting their own business under the guidance of business professionals. 

We are featuring one of the several innovative products that was crafted in this school year's SOMBA: EZCare Shampoo-soap bar and EZ hair wax.

Here is the interview transcript:

BBB: What circumstances led you to innovate?

EZCARE: There are various factors  that inspired use to innovate. One, we found it very inconvenient to bring a bar of soap and a bottle of shampoo when you have to take a bath outside your own house. Two, we notice that the Philippines has been importing most of its supplies from other countries, even though the country is rich in raw materials that are used to produce soap and shampoo and with our research we came upon gugo, which has a lot of benefits for the hair and not to mention very abundant in the country.

BBB: What made you pursue to innovate skin care products?

EZCare: One we understand the market quite well, we feel that the skin care market is favorable because everyone use soap and shampoo. Furthermore, we can foresee how we will be selling it this is because of our colleagues in the supermarket business.

BBB: That is quite interesting. So how does your product different from the soap and shampoo currently present in the market?

EZCare: We have a PLUS factor in our products, for example a shampoo soap bar, or a hair wax that could treat your hair at the same time. It's being hygienic and stylish at the same time. in addition to that, our soap is made from gugo, which makes your hair, shiny, strong.

Blog # 13.2 Students Innovate (The Ultimate Heels Experience)

2. Heels Don't have to Hurt


This is another interesting product born in a Creativity class. 


The problem insights they found include the following:

• Ladies, exudes confidence and empowerment when they know how to wear their heel safely and comfortable. However, heels after wearing them quite some time hurt.
• Why can’t wearing heels just also be as comfortable as wearing comfortable shoes even if they both give the feeling of looking good? 

As a solution to this problem, they developed an accessory that one can use before, during, and after wearing their heels to make sure that their feet don't hurt. How is that possible? Here's the explanation:

Ladies adore the heels for its form, meaning that the ladies will buy them not because they are comfortable but because they are pretty. With this idea, one can say that it is no use of changing the standard design of heels so instead they decided that they should develop an accessory that will help the wearer to feel comfortable and safe while wearing heels.

                  prototype: (from the upper left) anion pack, memory gel and cream socks (below)

The accessory developed is actually a kit. It contains materials that the user has to apply, before, during and after wearing her heels. The kit contains an anion pact that is supposedly to make you stronger while wearing your heels, a memory gel that would fit into the heels so that it can conform with the shape of your foot and automatically adjusts the pressure and temperature of the foot pressing against it, and a cream sock  that the user will wear after she wore the heels as it would help the user relax  and at the same time deodorize her feet.

Blog Entry #13.1: Students Innovate (The Bettery)

A couple of months ago, we had a class that focused on innovation. Specifically, the class was divided into five groups. The task was to create something new (without any limits; meaning, don't think too much of the finances but still consider it) that solves a particular problem.

Here, we will present to you two new, revolutionary innovation concepts that were developed throughout the semester of that class.

1. Bettery

First on the list is the "bettery."

The problems insights they found were the following:

1. People easily forget about unplugging their laptop charger due to internal and external reasons (e.g: Person is sleeping when battery is full, Person is out of the room when battery is full, Person still needs to check if battery is full by looking at laptop screen)

2. People are basically AD-HD nowadays, with short attention spans, due to bright and eye-catching media!

3. People simply don’t care if they overcharge, meaning they don’t really know the detrimental effects of overcharging. (e.g: Some people lost their laptop “prematurely” because batter life was too short due to overcharging. One example of this is when one person had a deformed laptop because of too much overcharging, which lead to destruction of laptop)

Insight statement: People have a hard time monitoring their laptops because they don’t notice and tend to overcharge/undercharge their laptops.

So, they developed the "bettery" to solve these problems and here's their explanation.

The Bettery accessory consists of both a program and a hardware accessory that can be attached to the outlet plug end of the laptop charger. The two components of the Bettery resemble the look and feel of a tamagotchi: bright colors, cute and loud character sounds and an interactive pet that is customizable wherein the theme is: FOOD AROUND THE WORLD! 

The picture shown above is the hardware accessory part of this innovative project. As said earlier, this can be attached to the outlet plug end of the laptop charger. It has a light sensor which changes color when laptop’s fully charged already. It also has an alarm system which is activated when laptop is fully charged. However, it will not be the normal alarm sound. To make the whole laptop-charging experience a little more fun, the sound will mimic a cute character saying “Busog na ako.” and/or “I’m full.” when the laptop’s fully charged. It does such things because the group wants the battery accessory to serve as the laptop’s owners pet. Laptops are so important in our digital lives nowadays that the group realize the need to take care of it similar to the way we take care of other human and pets. The language that it will speak is dependent on the type of character and theme that one chooses when one purchases the package. The software application that comes with the Bettery hardware requires the consumer to log in to our website and download the installer. After installing the software application, he will then be asked to choose a character from the group’s current array of product line that is: French-inspired Baguette character, Philippine-inspired Balut character, and Japan-inspired Tempura character.

After installing this, one will now enjoy the following benefits:

When laptop’s open:

-One can play with the character and serve as a pet.

-You can customize the character – color scheme, etc

-This cute character creatively reminds the user to feed him when laptop’s running in low battery, or vice versa

When laptop’s in sleep mode while charging: 

-the hardware that comes with the Bettery package shows a pixel-art technology to show how the character is doing and show the progress of the laptop charging (NOTE: This is not a tamagotchi hardware where you can actually play. This only shows the character and the progress of the charging. The only way one can interact with the “pet” is through the software.

WHEN USING THIS, YOU ARE PLUGGED-IN TO A FUN AND EXCITING BATTERY CHARGING EXPERIENCE. USE BETTERY FOR A GOOD, A BETTER, AND A BETTERY WAY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAPTOP’S BATTERY.

Blog Entry #12.2 E-jeepney, showcasing Filipino Ingenuity and Creativity

As Filipinos, we can't deny the cultural importance of the jeepney. These colorful and well designed vehicles help thousands of Filipinos to get to work, scholar wherever they want to go everyday. Though they have become something that we can consider as "Uniquely Filipino" we still have to take note that because most of these jeepneys are formed by combining used parts (i.e. engines, chasis, etc.) together, they contribute to intense pollution by cloud of smoke they emit from their engine

Question now is: DO WE HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE TO WHAT IS UNIQUELY OURS?

Answer: OF COURSE NOT, WE NEVER SHOULD

Thankfully E-jeepneys (electrical jeepneys) are made. They are the answer to the polluting problem that the regular jeepneys produce. When fully charged, these e-jeepneys can travel approximately about 60km without exhaust emission, and  like the regular jeepneys they are colorfully designed and the seats are arrange n a longitudinal manner.

Currently, the E-jeepneys are used in 2 routes in Makati City.  Other cities in the country like Iloilo and Puerto Princesa have already followed suit to this wise and earth-friendly alternative.

(above)Traditional jeepney,(below)E-jeepney

from Google Image

BBB Fun Feature: Filipino Pride

Angel Alcala
Angel Alcala is behind the invention of artifical coral reefs used for fisheries in Southeast Asia.
Arturo Alcaraz
Arturo Alcaraz is a volcanologist specializing in geothermal energy development.
Benjamin Almeda
Benjamin Almeda designed a food-processing machine.
Julian Banzon
Julian Banzon researched methods of producing alternative fuels.
Ramon Barba
Ramon Barba invented practical flower induction treatments.
Benjamin Cabrera
Doctor Benjamin Cabrera has developed innovations in drug treatments against diseases caused by mosquitoes and agricultural soil.
Paulo Campos
Paulo Campos built the first radioisotope laboratory in the Philippines.
Magdalena Cantoria
Magdalena Cantoria is a noted Filipino botanist.
Josefino Comiso - Filipino Physicist
Filipino Physicist Josefino Comiso has been warning the world about global warming.
Lourdes Cruz
Doctor Lourdes Cruz has made scientific contributions to the biochemistry field of conotoxins.
Rolando De La Cruz - Filipino Scientist
Filipino scientist Rolando De La Cruz invented an anti cancer skin cream.
Emerita De Guzman
Filipino scientist Emerita De Guzman researched the propagation of pure makapuno trees.
Fe Del Mundo - Filipino Doctor
Doctor Fe Del Mundo is credited with studies leading to the invention of an improved incubator and a jaundice relieving device.
Anacleto Del Rosario - Filipino Chemist
Filipino chemist Anacleto Del Rosario won the first prize at the World Fair in Paris in 1881
Ernesto Del Rosario - Filipino Chemist
Filipino chemist Ernesto Del Rosario is best known for his achievements in biotechnology and applied physical chemistry.
Roberto Del Rosario - Filipino Inventor
Roberto Del Rosario is the inventor of the Karaoke Sing Along System.
Daniel Dingel - Filipino Inventor
Daniel Dingel claims to have invented a water-powered car.
Pedro Escuro
Filipino scientist, Pedro Escuro is best known for his isolation of nine rice varieties.
Agapito Flores - Filipino Scientist
Agapito Flores has been acclaimed by some as being the inventor of the first fluorescent lamp - is this true?
Pedro Flores
Pedro Flores was the first person to manufactured the yo-yo in the United States.
Francisco Fronda
Francisco Fronda is know as the Father of poultry science in the Philippines.
Carmen Intengan
Food and nutrition researcher Carmen Intengan was a pioneer that helped improve the Filipino diet.
Amando Kapauan - Filipino Chemist
Amando Kapauan was a Filipino chemist who specialized in environmental chemistry.
Hilario Lara
Hilario Lara helped establish the National Research Council of the Philippines.
Felix Maramba
Felix Maramba built a coconut oil-fueled power generator.
Luz Oliveros Belardo - Filipino Chemist
Filipino chemist, Luz Oliveros Belardo researched the phytochemical properties of plants in the Philippines for natural products
Maria Orosa - Filipino Inventor
Pioneering food inventor Maria Orosa - aka Maria Y Orosa - invented Calamansi Nip and Soyalac.
William Padolina
William Padolina has served as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology for the Philippines.
Eduardo Quisumbing
Eduardo Quisumbing was a noted expert in the medicinal plants of the Philippines.
Francisco Quisumbing
Filipino chemist Francisco Quisumbing invented Quink ink.
Dolores Ramirez
Dolores Ramirez promoted the development of genetics in the Philippines.
Jose Rodriguez
Jose Rodriguez is a noted Filipino scientist and researcher who has invented methods of controlling leprosy.
Eduardo San Juan
Eduardo San Juan worked on the team that invented the Lunar Rover or Moon Buggy.
Alfredo Santos
Filipino chemist Alfredo Santos is a noted researcher in the chemistry of natural products.
Francisco Santos - Filipino Chemist
Filipino Chemist Francisco Santos studied the nutritional problems associated with the Filipino diet.
Gregorio Velasque
Filipino scientist, Gregorio Velasque made intensive studies of bluegreen algae.
Carmen Velasquez - Filipino Biologist
Carmen Velasquez was a noted Filipino biologist.
Gregorio Zara - Famous Filipino Scientist
Gregorio Zara - famous Filipino scientist Gregorio Y Zara
Prescillano Zamora
Prescillano Zamora is best known for his research in plant anatomy-morphology including the taxonomy of Philippine ferns and the discovery of more fern species.

If you haven't noticed yet, our older posts of innovations pertain to advancements that were introduced by international innovators. One of the problems in our country is that we fail to realize that we are also capable for creating and innovating. The aforementioned names above clearly show that we Filipinos have made progress already. Truly, research and development is starting to prosper in our country and we've already produced a number of brilliant scientists and inventors. Whether it's medicine, power generators, gadgets and what not, we must be proud of the contributions these people made for our country. Science is not generally recognized as the forte of our country, but we're gradually taking steps in making sure that we are not left behind in the field of innovation. We have a lot of courses offered in the Philippines that can provide us the avenue for research and innovation. Even us ComTech students are given the opportunity to create innovations that cater to the many needs and wants of our country. Subjects like CS 30, Comm 14 and CTK are essential for us to go beyond ideas and squeeze out our creative juices. All in all, the Philippines can never be downplayed by other countries because Filipino innovators will continue to emerge and prosper. Just give it more time, and who knows, the next Steve Jobs might come from the Philippines.

References:
About (2011): "Inventors". About.com. http://inventors.about.com/od/filipinoscientists/Filipino_Inventors_and_Filipino_Scientists.htm

Blog Entry #12.1: Filipino Ingenuity

We've been featuring too much international innovators. Why not give a round of applause to our blood and kin who have inspired us and the world as well? Let us now give our undivided attention to Filipino innovators!

1. Mang Solar Demi

Many people say that to create is to make something out of nothing. If that is the case, Mang Solar Demi, as what people call him, is somewhat like God. This is because he actually innovated light in depressing, poor homes out of scraps and everyday materials. He punched a hole in a piece of metal roofing, slipped a bottle in the hole, applied a sealant to it, then filled the bottle with filtered water and bleach. Then, he installed it into the roof by applying sealant to it.

Because of this innovation of Mang Solar Demi, many Filipinos are now applying this to their homes. Don't believe it? Check this video out!

Filipinos are known to be very creative, resourceful and quick learners and that's why they face problems always with a positive attitude. This is evident in our skills of making new things out of scraps and keeping old equipment working. As Filipinos, we should embody and develop this creative spirit of ours and use it to lift our country from economic problems.

BBB Fun Feature: Creating New Directions

For many years, television has been in desperate need of a dose of creativity. Especially from the years 2000 to 2008, people would always see television shows that would involve either of these elements: sci-fi suspense, crime suspense, law suspense, family drama, complicated romance and even doctor drama. (I hint heavily on the last one because 2000 to 2008 was all about House, Grey's Anatomy, General Hospital, ER, Scrubs, Nurse Jackie, Nip/Tuck. This genre was really creative at first when there were just one to two shows in the category, but it started to get polluted and failed to creatively push itself further to differentiate itself from the other .) Even more so in the local Philippine channels, whenever one would see a trailer of a newteleserye and learn about the plot, he would most likely gush and say "not again" because he is probably referring to the same old plot: (1) rich boy meets and falls in love with poor, beautiful, kind girl, (2) rich boy's family who owns a hacienda does not like poor girl (who is currently dealing with so much challenges), (3) poor girl takes an opportunity and suddenly becomes rich, (4) newly rich girl gets back at the rich boy's family, (5) newly rich girl finds out she is related to the boy, (6) girl and boy's family work out their problems and have a happy ending.

Enough of those. Thankfully, there is a new show in the world of television and it does succeed in providing us a break from the dark world of suspense and drama. This revolution was brought to us by this guy shown in the picture below, Ryan Murphy.

Ryan Murphy: Creator of Glee

As many people know, Ryan Murphy is the creator of one of Fox's new television series, Glee. Glee is not just another ordinary television series; it is a musical comedy television series. Yes, you heard it right. It's a musical that showcases a comedic take on one main theme (coping with the pressures of high school) but styled with different subplots in a series of episodes. It is precisely because of this that makes Ryan Murphy an intersectional thinker of our generation. Based on the book "Medicci Effect" by Frans Johansson, intersectional thinking is thinking of and combining multidsciplinary fields to come up with a new direction in any endeavor. Glee does just that: it combines elements of musical, comedy and television. Its story centers on the challenges of a high school glee club, New Directions in preparing for a choir competition, while its members struggle with pressure, romance and sexuality. According to Wikipedia, most of the elements of Glee are actually based on Ryan Murphy's life: (1) he was a member of a show choir in college, (2) Like Kurt's character, he came out gay, and (3) he is an independent singer-songwriter up to this day.When the first season turned out to be a huge success, fans of the show like myself could not help but think, "Who would have thought that the musical fad can be revived and brought to the television screen?" As I continued watching episode after episode, I have confirmed the reasons why this show is so interesting and different yet so simple. As a creator and one of the writers of the show, how did Ryan Murphy keep audiences interested? Well, here is my answer. First, Glee plays a different repertoire of existing songs every week and each of these songs are changed up to become more interesting. Second, Glee always introduces a new character every month and a different or developed side to an existing character every week which makes the show cater to anyone and everyone: youth, adults, music-lovers, newcomers to music-loving, etc. Lastly, Glee is a show that keeps on giving fans what they want: more Glee.

(Glee logo from Google Images)

First, Glee always does a cover of different existing songs every week. In the first season, Glee focused on the importance of the different genres of music such as ballad, broadway, hip hop, acoustic, pop, and rock. Every week until now in season two, Glee's New Directions would turn an existing song into something much "edgier" like turning a ballad song into an acoustic song or vice versa. This really works for Ryan Murphy and his crew because the show usually airs after an episode of American Idol in the Fox channel, which uses the same concept (having contestants perform a different song from a different genre every week). I believe this is one of the creative marketing strategies that the show used. Aside from these, Glee also does mash-ups which are acts of harmonizing two songs from different genres into one catchy songs. Furthermore, Glee always showcases a different dance routine for every song. To have Ryan Murphy encourage the actors and the crew to practice the songs and dances everyday on a really tight weekly schedule seems to be really challenging but really worth it because the satisfaction of the fans never seems to die. The creation of weekly repertoire of song covers from different genres complemented with dance routines is one of those elements that make Ryan Murphy and the other writers of Glee intersectional thinkers since Glee incorporates different genres from different eras and tweaks it to come up with a more interesting kind of musical.

Below is Glee's ballad rendition of Katy Perry's pop song, "Teenage Dream" aired on Season two.

  

Second, Glee always introduces a new character every month and a different or developed side to an existing character every week. This is clearly shown in season two when different character personalities, different races and different sides of existing characters entered the show. Such examples of new characters include Sam Evans, a transfer student (who is very good in football but loves to sing church songs in the glee club New Directions) who is played by Chord Overstreet, Sunshine Corazon, a geeky Filipina with a powerful voice who is played by our very own Charice Pempengco and Blaine Anderson, a gay student from a rival choir who is played by Darren Criss, another part Filipino as well. Aside from this, examples of developed personalities of existing characters include Mike Chang's fully expressed dance skills, Quinn Fabray's nice and tender side, and Emma's feisty side. Furthermore, most of these actors and actresses are not known names and their characters are placed in a simple high school setting and portrayed in a comedic manner. Moreover, Ryan Murphy never fails to bring guest stars--broadway singers or actors who can sing--(but not popular singers, with the exception of Britney Spears who didn't sing on the show) like Gwyneth Paltrow and Niel Patrick Harris from the show How I Met Your Mother occasionally to sing in the picture. I believe Ryan Murphy did this for fans to explore the talents of the other characters and to cater the the show to anyone of any race, any gender or any age. All these make part of another element that makes Ryan Murphy an intersectional thinker: he hones the talents of ordinary singers and makes them take on huge, popular songs that have been tweaked to his own liking.

Here is a video that focuses on the break-out personality of Mike Chang in season two, an existing character from season one.

Third, Glee is a show that keeps on giving. Although each episode is known to have a unit cost of three million dollars, Glee has coped by creatively finding different sources of revenue streams, which continuously flow until today. Aside from its high ratings and the revenue it gets from airing the show, Glee songs always places in the iTunes Top 10 every week, which means fans buy and download their songs frequently. Aside from this, Glee comes up with a CD release twice every season that contains all the songs it has played on air for half a season. Other than this, the Glee actors, actresses, performers and crew act like a real band named "New Directions" and frequently have live concert tours in different parts of U.S or guest performances in other shows. It doesn't stop there. Furthermore, Glee is rumored to have a broadway musical adaptation soon, which means more royalty revenues to Ryan Murphy and his crew. It is also because of these "Glee-craving" services that make Ryan Murphy an intersectional thinker because he combined the fields of a television project and a music group or band project to come up with a new direction for creating revenue while keeping fans satisfied.

Here is a recorded video that shows the performance of New Directions of the song Somebody To Love in their concert tour in Phoenix, Arizona.

In conclusion, for me, Ryan Murphy is the epitome of an intersectional thinker of our time. As the creator of Glee, he is very innovative in keeping fans of Glee interested from episode to episode since (1) the show plays "edgier" covers of existing songs from different genres complemented different dance routines every week, (2) the show showcases talents of previously unknown actors or actresses or actors or actresses not known for popular singing who are always willing to work with the tweaked songs of Ryan Murphy and whose characters cater to different people of various age groups, race and gender, and lastly, (3) the show keeps on giving what fans or "Gleeks" want: more glee in and outside their television sets. Overall, what obviously makes Ryan Murphy an awesome intersectional thinker is the incorporation of three different multidisciplinary fields: comedy, musical and television, without which these three elements would not have been possible. Directors and producers should learn from him to keep fans interested. Also, innovators of any endeavor whether in media, science, or recreation should really try to mix up product categories or genres for the benefit of the society like what Ryan Murphy did. It will enable people to have something to look forward to. In Ryan Murphy's own little way, he revolutionized television and I believe he is paving the way for more creative ideas to sprout in the minds of other television directors. He really created NEW DIRECTIONS in more ways than one! :)

- Kia S.

Slight References:

http://www.thetvaddict.com/2009/10/14/lessons-gleaned-from-the-success-of-glee/

Blog Entry #11: Leaders of the world need an art lesson: A Reflection on "The Arts and Education - Changing Track" by Ken Robinson

Written by: Kia Sta. Ana


As we all know, this was the previous president of the Philippines...

(President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from Google Images)

She was an economist, a professor and a leader.

But did the condition of the Philippines improve during her term? Absolutely not.

Why? Because she wasn't creative. Like the past presidents, she continues to use conventional and predictable ways of solving the country's problems. 

This is exactly what Sir Ken Robinson is saying in his article, "The Arts and Education - Changing Track". In his article, he points out that the arts have been neglected nowadays. People have become so focused on math, sciences and language because they think those are more important. Robinson, however, stresses that the arts are important too; they are the ones that enable a person to think outside the box or think of fresh, creative solutions to any problems. I strongly agree. It is art that triggers all forms of innovation that we see today. Before any math or science is concerned, it is actually the key ingredient that spurs or puts into action any marketing plan, business plan, science experiment or any plan for that matter. For example, Bill Gates, interested in introducing a new line of computers for personal use, used the arts to do so. He created small computers meant for the home, which was a break from the huge business computers that were popular at that time. His utilization of art to create such an innovation was really legendary, because, really, what would we be without personal computers? Probably, our world would have been a slow-growing, traditional world. Communication, technology, businesses and almost everything (since almost everything is run by a computer nowadays) would have been slow.

(Windows computer from Google Images)

However, today, we live in a fast-paced economy. Even Robinson writes that nowadays, there is an economic revolution driven by technology and demography. Demography today drives the economic revolution because of the rapid increase in population and migration. Technology drives the economic revolution because information technology makes the children and teenagers "live in a different world from their parents". As Robinson writes, "they network, communicate, and create online in ways that many adults don’t really understand and often fear." The world is changing and I think we really should update the way we do things. This update should always stem from an idea. This should not be hard when the world has got a multitude of ideas from the minds of people who contribute to the increasing population of the world. Also, since we already know that technology has changed the face of the economy, maybe, we can incorporate technology to fix the problems that our country or the world still has up to now. If one uses art, whether in business, in political or economic projects, or any endeavor for that matter, he would be seen as a greater competition to others because our generation is always concerned with something new or "the next big thing". When I was in Taiwan for my Junior Term Abroad, I kept using Skype, an application that allows you to make video calls, to call my parents in the Philippines. My parents were so enthusiastic and surprised with the concept of Skype and the way it works that we even came across the topic of how this would strongly benefit Overseas Filipino Workers in reaching their loved ones. That made me realize that Skype is successful in bringing the economic world, the cultural world, and the technological world into one. As Robinson writes, "Creativity is about making connections. One of the most important connections we have to make is to see that economic and cultural growth and sustainability are intimately related."

(Skype logo from Google Images)

So if I were the president of the Philippines right now, I would really try to incorporate art into my plan of developing the country. We are in fact a "developing" country, which means we need to develop, change or move on from old practices. We need fresh ideas on how to stop pollution, poverty, crime and corruption. For example, maybe the government can design trash cans similar to the trash can that was made by the Fun Theory organization to encourage people not to litter. We hope current president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, is reading this.

What I realized both from this article is that your creativity is based on what you make of what you have. Elle Woods in the movie "Legally Blonde" once said to Paulette, "You have all the equipment. You just need to read the manual." The same thing goes for the Philippines. We have all the equipment. We have a population of around 90 million people. That's a lot of ideas already. We just need to "read the manual" or interpret them and execute them in a way that will benefit others. If we do, maybe, we can be the next big thing. :)

- Kia S.