Where to Research for Investigatory Science Projects or Thesis in the Philippines?

If you're in high school or in college in the Philippines, the whole researching for a topic on a scientific investigatory project is not far from your list. Students usually need to accomplish a thesis in order to graduate or complete a grade.

How you plan to research for the possible topics would depend on the scope provided by your teacher or thesis adviser. Some teachers would prefer something with a unique spin on it, they would be thrilled if its interesting enough to qualify in any national or international science tilt. But this would require shelling out some money to have someone test your product for an independent verification that will go into your paper. For example, hiring a chemist to test certain components of your material- whether it is effective or viable for production; Hiring a microbiologist or food technician to analyze your samples and cross check your data whether your findings are correct. These lab tests add credibility to your research, the effort takes it a step further than from just being a mere student project. But you don't really need to do this- only if you want to be the exceptional nerd in class :p

If you want to go beyond the usual and boring investigatory projects that involves making yams, jams, paper or soap out of some fruit or leaves, I would like to suggest doing some legwork and going out of your comfort zone to do research in science facilities and local libraries. You may also try digging further into online science catalogs for abstracts.

The Research Facilities for Investigatory Projects:
DOST STII
STII maintains and continuously upgrades its facilities and equipment that include:
• ScINET Data Center equipped with the appropriate equipment and software applications
• Audio visual center
• Library containing 20,000+ titles of multimedia S&T materials (books, serials, theses, non-prints, investigatory projects, R&D technical reports, etc.)

DOST STII
Gen. Santos Ave.
Upper Bicutan
Taguig City
1631
Philippines
Telephone number: 837-21-91
Libray Services dial local 2133

Take PNR train to the DOST III libray in Bicutan, its the quickest way to get there.

There are online hubs where you can research for abstracts. If you want the whole study/complete paper for your reference then you have to pay for the document with a credit card or paypal purchase.

A List of Investigatory Science Projects can be found at Philippine Journals Online
These are scientific studies that have made their mark locally and internationally. They are worth the read and are thoroughly researched. Some are funded by NGOs, scientific organizations and supported by universities. Just the same, they might spark ideas on how to start your own investigatory project. Please note the techniques they used such as the way they compiled data, compared data from previous known lists and their lab results.

How do I know this is what I want to do?
After doing your research, decide on a material or a species of plant or animal you think is abundant, endemic or accessible enough for you to study. If its growing in your backyard then its a good start.

Then research further into the potential of this plant, animal or method- the common uses for it; the possible uses for it; how to extract fluids, oils or whatever from it. How can the community living around this type of species benefit from it? Without driving the species to extinction, of course.

The structure of an investigatory project in the Philippines:
Abstract
Introduction
About the Project
Findings /Course Work
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Citations

If you guys have suggestions or other research hubs to further improve this post, do leave a comment.

St. Vincent's Center: A Makati Preschool

This is my opinion only and my personal experience with St. Vincent's preschool, it does not anyway reflect the school's own stand.

My son and friend's children attend this Makati preschool. Overall, I think it is a wonderful preschool with lots of potential for improvement.

There is a low teacher to student ratio per class, the classroom is not overcrowded and the teaching methods are often "one-on-one" sessions with the students followed by group activities such as singing and dancing.

On certain days the teaching method shifts to worksheets (so the child can be prepared for taking exams/entrance exams at the Big Schools).

My son has learned to socialize better and play well with other kids (sharing and taking turns is no longer a big issue with my boy). Personally, I find the teachers to be very caring and sensitive which is more than a parent could ever ask for. The teachers often engage the parent to be involved with the kid's progress at school, they do require you to have a talk with them especially if your kid is having trouble with school lessons or relating to other kids in class. 

Preschool graduates from St. Vincent's Academy are taught to be ready for life in the "big schools". Most end up attending elementary schools such as Don Bosco Academy, St. Scholastica's Academy, Colegio De San Agustin and Hope Christian Academy. The place though small is accessible for parents who would like to easily drop and pick up their kids after work. We live a block away from the school which is a good thing as I do not need to subject my son to traffic and long commutes.

Now if you are looking for a fancy school with a big campus or a preschool with kids that do not talk the national language, then this school may not be for your kid. If you have a strict language preference, you may opt for the international preschools. The kids here are bilingual though there are those who speak English as their first language, still your child will surely be able adopt the Tagalog language within the school year.  

The school is not a progressive-type school (e.g. Montessori, Piagetian, Waldorf, etc). It's just a straightforward regular preschool so expect lots of star stamping, paper pasting, dancing and singing from your kid. 

St. Vincent's Preschool: A Makati Learning Center 

Objectives:

To support the development of children during their early years.
To increase children's intellectual and language competence.
To provide them with the skills of self-expression.
To act as socializing agents, preparing the children for the world of elementary as well as for participation in society at large.

Subjects:
Language
Math
Practical Life
Sensorial Development
Cultural Arts

Levels:

Pre-Nursery - 2 to 3 years old

Nursery - 3 to 4 years old

Junior Casa - 4 to 5 years old

Advance Casa - 5 to 6 years old

Class Schedule:
7:30 am to 10am
10:30 am to 1 pm
1:30 pm to 4pm

Requirements:
Two 1x1 pictures
Photocopy of Birth Certificate

Administrative office:
Open from 9am to 7pm
Saturdays by appointment

Saint Vincent Tutorial Center
Lower Ground Unit 11
Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, Makati City
Phone number: 894-4498 / 0916 493 8554

We also offer tutorial and summer classes
We have fully-airconditioned classrooms
Security guards at all entrances of the building
There is a 711 convenience store inside the building for any refreshment needs

Tuition range: Php 25,000-30,000 (as of school year 2010)
Note: In the Philippines, the school tuition increases annually.

Landmarks and Accessibility:
Ideal for parents who are working in the Legaspi Village Makati area, Magallanes, Pasong Tamo/Don Chino Roces and Bangkal area 
Located in front of Don Bosco Academy
Near Waltermart Supermarket and Starbucks
2 Blocks away from South Superhighway
2 Blocks away from Makati Cinema Square
1 short jeepney ride from EDSA Magallanes (Alphaland Mall and MRT station)
1 short jeepney ride from EDSA Ayala via Pasay Road (Glorietta, Greenblet and SM Makati)

Where to Rent a Dance Floor with Lights in the Philippines?

Stage for Rent Philippines or Party Rentals in the Philippines

Bring the Disco fever to your parties by renting an illuminated dance floor in Manila. The set-up is a modular stage or portable panels with an elevation of 4 inches. The dance floor is fully programmable and will illuminate to the beat of the music. Perfect for events such as prom night, soirees, parties, reunions and even fashion shows.

Confetti effects also has illuminated bar tops, illuminated tables, illuminated base lamps you can rent. Other party effects include pyrotechnics, balloon tubes, glowing plasma discs and LED and Fiber Optics.

Contact Information 
Address: Confetti Effects, Inc. 
2550 New Panaderos Street, Sta. Ana, Manila 1009, Philippines 
Telephone Nos.: +63 (02) 563-6638
Telefax +63 (02) 563-7207
Mobile: +63 (920) 907-9163
Managing Director: freddie@effects.com.ph
confetti@effects.com.ph

Where to find Tai Chi and Qigong classes in the Philippines

Photo rights belong to Spring of Harmony by the Peace Blossoms Internal Arts Society

Qigong is an ancient practice of movement and breathing developed to improve circulation and energy throughout the body. In the Philippines, there is the Sheng Zhen Society in Manila, the Peace Blossoms Internal Arts Society and other groups that freely practice the meditative arts of Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

• The Philipine Tai Chi Network
• Ed Sevilla's Taichi Training
• Tai Chi for Health
  
  

There are also free Tai Chi and Qigong sessions every Sunday, 7 am to 8:30 am, at the University of the Philippines (behind the Admin Building), Diliman, Quezon City.

In Marikina, every Tue, Thu, and Sat, from 7 am to 8:30 am at the Pan de Amerikana Bakery and Garden Restaurant, Gen. Ordonez, Concepcion, Marikina (sponsored by Pan de Amerikana). For inquiries, please contact Irene Chia at +63 917 845 6856 or e-mail us at peace.blossoms.society@ gmail.com

Tai Chi demonstration at the St. Paul's University, Manila
Photo by Miss Irene Chia

Miss Irene Chia teaches Tai Chi and Qigong in Manila. You may call her at 0917 845 6856 for inquiries. Rate: P200/300 per person for a 1 1/2-hour session. Minimum of 4 people. Venue provided by client for free. Visit her website http://irenerchia.multiply.com/

This coming January 15, you may check out this one:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Sheng Zhen,

Experience the stillness of an open heart in practicing qigong with Master Li Jun Feng, teacher and master of Sheng Zhen Qigong (qigong of Unconditional Love). Balance your mind, body, and spirit through this practice.

We would like to invite you to taste this
experience by attending a HEALING QIGONG
WORKSHOP with Master Li
on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Registration opens at 8:00 AM.

The workshop will be at the Marixi Prieto Room,
2nd Floor, Denyse Hall, Assumption College, san lorenzo village
makati (in front of Mother Rose Hall – Take the Ponce St.
entrance Gates 6 or 7).

The Cost: Php 2,500 (Meals not
included). Meals are available at the Assumption Cafeteria.
LIMITED SLOTS only.
Confirmation and full payment are requested on or before January 26, 2011.

Payment
Details: Please deposit full payment in any BPI Branch to ISZS Account, C/A No. 3201-0335-69 (6750 Ayala Ave. branch) and fax your deposit slip to 8191282 or email it to shengzhenworkshop@gmail.com on or before January 26, 2011. Kindly indicate your name
and BPI branch used.

For more information or for
any questions you may have, contact:
Gina 09178114751 or
(02)2154059
Chiquita 09178949515 or
(02)2150098
Ching 09178142959 or
(02)2156540

Join us – even if you have never practiced qigong before,
even if you are just beginning to practice, or are an advanced and learned
practitioner.

We look forward to sharing this experience with you!

With love,
The Sheng Zhen Society in Manila

Emergency Contraception in the Philippines

I believe Filipino women should have the right to basic reproductive health information so I'm posting this medical information taken from the 2002 Directory of Hormonal Contraceptives, published by International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). All thanks should be attributed to Dr. James Trussell who is currently the Director of the Office of Population Research at Princeton University who put up this very important site - The Emergency Contraception Website  http://ec.princeton.edu to help women the world over. 

Here is a list of the ECPs (Emergency Contraceptives) available over the counter in the Philippines.

Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined
In 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used

•   Femenal

•   Nordiol

Dosage in taking ECP:
Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later:

• Charlize
•   Lady
•   Nordette
•   Rigevidon 21 + 7
•   Seif
•   Trust Pills

Dosage in taking ECP:
Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later:

Read about other pinays experiences with ECP like Nordette and Trust Lady Pill at this blog post: Where to get the Morning after Pill in the Philippines?

Malls Open During Christmas and New Year in the Philippines

Here is a list of Shopping Malls Open During Christmas and New Year in the Philippines. The list includes SM, Glorietta, Greenbelt Malls, Robinsons and Shangrila Malls

Mga bukas na Malls ngayong Pasko:

Power Plant Mall

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Shangri-La Plaza

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (only The Shang Cineplex and food and beverage establishments in Level 6 will be open. The rest of the mall will be closed.)
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: Closed

Greenbelt

December 20 to 22: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 23: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 24: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Bonifacio High Street and Serendra

December 20 to 24: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 31: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Glorietta

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12 a.m.
December 24: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Trinoma

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Market! Market!

December 20 to 22: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
December 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Alabang Town Center

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 25 and January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Podium

December 20 to 23: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 25 and 26: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 27 to 30: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

SM Makati

December 20 to 22: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: Closed

SM Megamall

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 25: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

SM Mall of Asia

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 25: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

SM North Edsa

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 25: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

SM Southmall

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: Closed

Araneta Center

December 20 to 22: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Greenhills Shopping Center

December 20 to 22: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 23: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
December 25: Closed
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: Closed

Greenhills Christmas Night Market

December 20 to 23: 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 25 to 30: 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
January 1: Closed

The Landmark Makati

December 20 to 23: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
December 24: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tiendesitas

December 20 to 23: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 26 to 30: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 31: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Robinsons Galleria

December 20 to 22: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 23: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 26 to 29: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
December 30: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Robinsons Place Manila

December 20 to 23: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 24: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 25: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
December 26 to 30: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
December 31: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
January 1: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where to Buy Narra Tree Tea in the Philippines?

Tea lovers who are into a holistic lifestyle will truly embrace the healing properties of the Philippine Narra tree (Pterocarpus indicus, Willd).

Research has shown that narra has the ability to lower blood sugar level, alleviate the inflammation of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and wash away urinary stones by passing through with the patient’s urine. 

You may tell grandma to stop foraging for leaves in her garden for tea and poultice. Narra is now available in tea and capsule form only through Naturteq Direct, Inc. Natursentials Rosewood (Narra Bark and Wood Food Supplement). Unlike other health supplements which contain artificial colors, sugar, lactose, high sodium content, gluten and caffeine- Natursentials Rosewood has none of these and retains the pure essence of Narra bark.

The Narra tree is conserved and protected by Philippine law, it is a crime to cut one of these organic giants. With sustainability in mind, Naturteq’s narra trees are nurtured in a 6-acre organic farm in Rizal, free from pesticides and away from pollution. Only the fresh shoots, bark and branches of the Narra tree are harvested.

If you are looking for an alternative treatment for an auto-immune disorder, you may try the anti-oxidant effect of the Narra Bark and livened up your tea time.

For direct selling opportunities and your supply of Narra health supplements:

Contact
Naturteq Direct Inc.
2805 Raffles Corporate Center,
F. Ortigas Jr Rd., Ortigas Center,
Pasig City, Philippines 1605

Telephone no. 4709980Text +63 917 538 3102
email at inquiry@naturteq.com
Visit www.naturteq.com