Philippines’ first world-class science museum to open

By: Theresa S. Samaniego
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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GUESTS view the Universe Gallery at the Mind Museum exhibit.

Believing that a strong science education in this country can help propel the growth of its economy, the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (Bafi) has recently unveiled the country’s first world-class science museum.

Dubbed as The Mind Museum, this ambitious project is targeted to be at par with other world-class museums, from its sleek futuristic building design down to the numerous interactive exhibits that will be made available to the public by summer of 2012.

Sitting on a 12,500-square-meter prime lot of the JY Campos Park on 3rd Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, the P1-billion project was conceived as early as 2006 by Bafi, the group in charge of Bonifacio Global City’spublic art program.

“It is brought to reality by companies, families and individuals who heeded the call to support science education in the country as a way to help economic growth in the long term,” Bafi officials said in a statement.

Understanding of science

“It is envisioned to be the Philippines’ center for the public understanding of science where facts are presented in clear, exciting and engaging way,” the officials added.

According to Bafi, while a number of international experts were tapped as consultants during the planning stage, the Mind Museum was conceptualized and brought to life by an entire team of Filipinos.

“Designs are by Filipino artists working with Filipino scientists and engineers to clearly and beautifully flesh out a science principle or fact. Ninety percent of the exhibits was done by carefully selected local fabricators who also do work for science museums abroad,” Bafi said.

Designed by Ed Calma and his team of architects, the Mind Museum will feature five galleries within its two levels.

• “The Story of the Universe: Its Beginning and Majesty” features the vastness of the universe and holds cluesto where we came from and where we are going. It also contains a unique planetarium which simulates star-gazing from the point of view of literally laying down on a bed beneath the stars.

• “The Story of the Earth: Its Story Across the Breadth of Time” tells of the story of the planet and our archipelago; it includes a 3D animated film made by an all-Filipino crew that features 4.6 billion years of the planet’s natural history and evolution in just 12 minutes.

VICE President Jejomar Binay and Inquirer Chair Marixi Prieto view the Mind Museum exhibit at BGC. photos by ARNOLD ALMACEN

• “The Story of Life: The Exuberant Varieties of Life” gives viewers a deeper understanding of all life forms—from microbes to large animals (such as a life size “butanding”), and from DNA cells to a giant human brain model.

•  “The Story of the Atom: The Strange World of the Very Small” has exhibit pieces that show the strange world of the “very small” in terms of forces and particles.

• “The Story of Technology: The Showcase of Human Ingenuity” shows how we, with the tools we invent and innovate, are able to express our evolving humanity.

The Mind Museum will also boast an outdoor “Science-in-the-park,” where visitors can experience playful science through four-themed pockets: Music, Math, Living and Water. Other educational offerings include facilities such as an auditorium, laboratory and classrooms for educational workshops.

The ceremonial opening held recently was led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and the board of trustees of Bafi, with its chair Jose D. Campos and vice chair Fernando Zobel.

In his message read by Binay for the occasion, President Aquino offered his thanks and congratulations “to all those who made this facility possible through their generous donations.”

“Knowing as we do the importance of furthering scientific research and development in the country, we have always stood firm in the belief that science is transformational and should be put to work for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the President added.

Filipino ingenuity results in low-cost technologies

By Queena N. Lee-Chua
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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The Filipino talent for innovation was highlighted recently at the Bayanihan Center, United Laboratories Inc., in Mandaluyong City, where start-up companies were honored at the Second Filipinnovation Award.

The winners, who got cash prizes and gift packs, produced creative and economical technologies that would benefit the agriculture, industry and ordinary Pinoys here and abroad.

Ahcil Laboratories makes nontoxic pesticides for flowering and other ornamental plants. The products, which primarily control fungus and bacteria, are inexpensive and environment-friendly. They can be sprayed directly on plants, or used for dipping after harvest.

Daikkha Dehumidifer Mechanical Dryer makes dryers for farmers and cooperatives. Their machines can dry rice and corn in any weather with high-quality results and at low cost.

Barbalite Technologies makes solar-powered road markers that recharge in the day and light up automatically at night.  The rechargeable batteries last three to five years.  The markers can save lives, especially during calamities.

Crisologo Concrete Precast Enterprise makes—well, concrete precasts that can substitute for wooden door jambs.  Products are as smooth as wood and do not warp in hot weather. More importantly, they are termite-, fire- and water-proof.

Filimagineers, formerly Mayad-Web 3D, makes realistic three-dimensional models that can be accessed through the Web. Real-estate developers use the technology to show houses and other projects to potential customers abroad, like overseas workers.

The Filipinnovation Award was also sponsored by Petron Corp. and the Department of Science and Technology’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, and Regional Office-National Capital Region.

Davao inventions

Creativity down south was evident at the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit held at the NCCC Mall in Davao City.

Manolo Tamparong built the Compressed Air Thermal Fuel Oil Dryer that converts used cooking oil into biofuel for engines. He won the Likha Award for Outstanding Utility Model. Cheap and efficient, the dryer can be mass-produced locally and, best of all, it can solve the problem of how to dispose of used oil properly so it does not clog waterways.

Mary Jane Baluado has created the Squash Seeds Sunblock Lotion (Vitamin E- enriched) that won the Sibol Award for Outstanding Creative Research. Baluado says squash seeds, which are delicious snacks, are a rich source of zinc, making them ideal as sunblock.

“Zinc protects cells, heals wounds and prevents skin inflammation,” Baluado says.  Nine volunteers, who tried her lotion, reported that the sunblock worked as well as, or even better than, expensive brands.

The University of Mindanao, led by Kris Logie Mallorca, John Mark Coloma, Rae Reyes and Edezon Virtudazo, won the Outstanding Student Creative Research Award, college category, for its Line Disconnection System.

“Disconnection of power lines due to theft and tampering of electric meters and power lines has always been a big problem of power distribution companies,” the students say. The line disconnection system, when embedded into current grids, enables companies to  disconnect and reconnect easily the electric lines of customers.

Compostela National High School students Lovely Asur and Angelou Angway, with advisers engineer Maria Christina Conez and Debbie Teruel, won the same award, high school category, for producing natural fiber from the leaves of the snake plant.

After doing sensory evaluation tests, the students discovered that the fiber of snake plant, which is endemic to the region, was as strong and durable as commercial ones, making it a potential money-earner for Mindanao.

“The gold mine of Davao is not only its natural resources,” said Intellectual Property Office PhilippinesDirector Ricardo Blancaflor. “What will make Davao rich are the creative minds of Davaoeños.”

The face of God

Allan Reyes of Metrobank Foundation forwards humor pieces for teachers:

Little Ana was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because, even though it was a very large mammal, its throat was very small.

Ana said Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher repeated that it was impossible.  Ana said, “When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah.”

The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?” Ana replied, “Then you ask him.”

Another time, the teacher asked Ana what she was drawing.   Ana said, “I’m drawing God.”

The teacher said, “But no one knows what God looks like.”

Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, Ana replied, “They will in a minute.”

During lunch, the children lined up in the cafeteria. At the head of the table was a large pile of mangoes. The teacher made a note: “Take only ONE. God is watching.”

At the other end of the table was a large pile of cookies. Ana had written a note, “Take all you want. God is watching the mangoes.”

E-mail the author at blessbook@yahoo.com.