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

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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.

 

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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 ;)