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JPCS: A Freshie's Point of View written by: Chien Marañon & Isabelle Brosas

Taking our next step in life, which is college, is a serious thing. Indeed, we’re very blessed to be entering the Pontifical and Royal, University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines.

Freshmen Week came. We were anxious and nervous about almost everything. A lot of questions were playing on our minds. Like, what are we supposed to do? Where shall we go? Are we going to have friends? And for us to answer those questions, we didn’t let our anxiety to hold us back because we’re finally going to begin our journey as college students.

  Based from our observations, freshmen students normally get excited when it is already the time for recruitment of the different organizations. Well, who wouldn’t be? Each booth inside the covered court has it’s own “pakulo” which made the week more fun and lively. And  we  guess  that  everyone  liked  it!  Upperclassmen  around  the  area  would encourage every single person that they encounter to join the organization they belong to. And of course, as IT students, we chose to join the organization that fits us. One is the Junior Philippine Computer Society- UST Chapter.

  As a new member of JPCS, we expect that countless of memories would be made. From the events, meetings, team buildings and such activities that will be held soon together with the other members. And from these, we hope that it would enable us to learn and grow more as an individual.

  Right from the start of the orientation week, when our Ates and Kuyas here in JPCS begun to introduce themselves and the organization itself, we noticed that they kept on emphasizing the word “KATROPA”. And with that, we are really looking forward that we wouldn’t just be treated as newbies or a staff but also their “KATROPA” who would work with us happily and always be ready to help us when we are in need.

  All we aim at the moment is to enjoy the journey and make everything worth while. Our goal as part of the publicity team is to help students to be informed and always updated whether it's a university wide event or an event organized by JPCS. On the other hand, our goal as a member of JPCS is to participate in the activities and events that the organization shall offer. By the end of the school year, we hope to achieve everything that we desire and planned with the help of Almighty God and the efforts of each and every one of us.

Since we are a part of team publicity, we look forward on getting busy when a particular event concerning the students in IICS is going to be held. We’ll get to deal with the announcements, reminders and such. After sometime, we realized that grammatical errors are going to be our opponents in this posting-the-announcements battle. Imagine how shameful it would be if we posted something with a grammatical error on social networking sites and a lot would see it. No way! We won’t let that happen! And if ever we’re having trouble regarding it, we have our Ates and Kuyas to help us. And with that we dare to say.. Let the battle begin!

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Christians in Iraq Face Persecution (posted by theusdvista)

The crisis for Chaldean Christians in Iraq hits home for some San Diegans

By Olivia Lougee ASST. NEWS EDITOR

El Cajon, a hub for Iraqi refugees, was the site of recent demonstrations calling for the United States to grant asylum to thousands of Iraqi Christians facing threats by the militant group.

Christians and other non-Muslim groups in Iraq are undergoing extreme hardship and daily threats by the Islamist militant group that identifies itself as Islamic State.

Of all the groups being targeted by the militants, the crisis for Iraqi Chaldean Christians has struck close to home in San Diego. According to KPBS, an estimated 80,000 Iraqis have settled in San Diego. A majority of those who have settled here are Chaldeans. According to the BBC, Chaldean Christians are members of an autonomous Catholic Church that contains a unique liturgy and tradition while still recognizing the Pope’s authority.

Chaldeans form the majority of Iraq’s estimated 700,000 Christians. Iraqi Christians and non-Muslim groups such as Yazidis are being targeted by Islamic State, which calls for their immediate conversion to Islam. If they choose not to convert, Christians and other non-Muslim groups face danger and possible death at the hands of the militants.

The crisis for Iraqi Christians has also hit home for Chaldean students at the University of San Diego. Junior Anthony Mansour, the president of the Chaldean American Student Association, CASA, expressed his growing concern over Islamic State’s persecution of Christians.

“This crisis has been viewed in our community as a genocide of Iraqi Christians,” Mansour said.

Islamic State, which recently changed its name from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), is often referred to as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). According to Canada’s CBC News, Islamic State is a group of Sunni jihadists led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

In the last year, Islamic State has gained significant territory in eastern Syria and northern Iraq. This June, the group declared itself a caliphate, or Islamic state, and called upon Muslims worldwide to pledge allegiance to its cause.

Due to the constant threats and attacks by Islamic State beginning in June 2014, Iraqi Christians have been forced to flee their homes. More than one million Iraqis have been displaced as Islamic State fighters push to convert non-Muslims to Islam.

Mansour reflected on the current dangers facing his fellow Chaldeans.

“Chaldeans have most simply been forced to either pay a damaging tax, convert to Islam, flee for their life, or be killed,” Mansour said. “Countless churches and schools have also been destroyed and bombed and in significance, a Chaldean church that had been around for over a thousand years has been captured by ISIS and converted into a mosque.”

Mansour said that USD’s Chaldean American Student Association hopes to aid refugees facing imminent dangers.

“[CASA] plans on hosting a few fundraisers to help support the refugees that were displaced from their villages in northern Iraq,” Mansour said.

According to CNN, Islamic State has also begun imposing Sharia law, the body of Islamic law meaning “way” or “path,” in the towns it controls. Boys and girls must be separated at school and women must wear the niqab, a veil worn over the face or a full veil in public. Sharia courts often utilize brutal justice, banning music and enforcing fasting during Ramadan.

According to British national newspaper The Guardian, Islamic State has been advancing toward the Turkish border in its goal to secure an access route for foreigners to join the caliphate across the Syrian and Iraqi borders. According to CNN, the group has been trying to cut Syria in two, from the east to the west, giving it access to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and the Mediterranean coast.

Michael Lovette-Colyer, assistant vice president of University Ministry, said it is difficult to consider the dangers facing Iraqi Christians.

“We are often overwhelmed by the amount of violence we hear about in the Middle East, so much so that we sometimes tune it out and go about our busy lives,” Lovette-Colyer said. “The terrible suffering of the people in Iraq, Syria and other parts of that region ought to move all of us to prayer and action.” Prompted by the numerous calls to action, United States forces began carrying out air strikes on Islamic State positions in August after the Islamic State took over several cities in northern Iraq.

According to the New York Times, President Barack Obama has recently recruited nine allies to aid in the defeat of the militants. The president said the effort would rely on American airstrikes against the leaders and positions of Islamic State, strengthen the Syrian rebel groups to reclaim lost ground and enlist friendly governments in the region to join the fight. According to the New York Times, diplomats and officials from the United States, Britain, France, Australia, Canada, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Poland and Denmark came together to devise a strategy that involves strengthening allies on the ground in Iraq and Syria, while bombing Sunni militants from the air.

In a recent speech, President Obama addressed the issue of Islamic State and announced America’s strategy for destroying the terrorist group, referring to them as a “cancer.” Obama said that so far the American airstrikes have been successful in the effort to bring down Islamic State.

“These strikes have protected American personnel and facilities, killed ISIL fighters, destroyed weapons, and given space for Iraqi and Kurdish forces to reclaim key territory,” Obama said. “These strikes have helped save the lives of thousands of innocent men, women and children.”

In response to America’s involvement, Islamic State has sent messages in defense of their actions and threatened the United States using American journalists as hostages.

Recently, two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff, were beheaded by the militant group. Their deaths were recorded and posted to the public, along with other videos showing the group performing mass executions of Christians. In the videos, Islamic State leaders clearly state their desire for America to retreat from any further action interfering with their pursuits. As part of a Muslim family, University of San Diego junior Hassan Khalil says the group does not represent Islam.

“ISIS is not a representation of Islam, or its teachings, in the slightest,” Khalil said.

According to the New York Times, the Chaldeans in America have been pushing for practical, realistic forms of American involvement such as the creation of a protected zones and safe-passage corridors for Christians still in Iraq. Chaldeans in America have also called for an increased number of refugee visas and approval by State Department and Homeland Security screeners for Christians trying to reach America.

University of San Diego senior Jessica Zahnd expressed her concerns about America’s involvement and her desire to see improvement rather than history repeating itself.

“I find it interesting how in history classes we take in school we are taught about the horrific incidents that occurred during such events like the Holocaust and other violent acts brought upon by religion,” Zahnd said. “It is the epitome of irony that we are currently making the same mistakes that people of our past have made as well.”

Zahnd emphasized her point by expressing the need for action. “Do we really want to be remembered in 50 years as the generation who stood by and watched another tragic event unfold?” Zahnd said. “I would rather not become the person I looked down upon in history for doing the same.”

Through his work with University Ministry, Lovette-Colyer understands the significance of this crisis within the USD community and the responsibilities students have in becoming educated on the issue.

“Especially as those privileged to attend a Catholic university, we have a responsibility to learn about what is happening there and around the world, and to seek ways in which we can use our education to make the world more peaceful and just,” Lovette-Colyer said.

source: http://theusdvista.com/2014/09/17/christians-in-iraq-face-persecution/

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InstaTech written by John Michael A. Bayocot

Technology has become a vital role in our everyday lives. With the help of technology, human interaction and communication is much easier. Digital technology benefits most of the students for its efficient and effective style of learning approach to students and professionals. Gadgets are interesting devices that are special for having ingenuity and for being unique rather than the practical use of it. In the industry, consumers always look for the specifications of such devices and that is where the competence in gadgets began. It turns out technology, fancy gadgets and other devices gives accurate and exact information on the users of technology. Therefore, the evolution of technology is inevitable. As technology continues to grow, more gadgets are coming on our way and here are some latest trends in technology that we might anticipate as time goes by:

1. Space tourism

In line with tourism, both international and domestic tourism, Virgin Galactic introduces Space tourism to hefty tourists around the world. The British commercial spaceflight company plans to have an inaugural trip in 2014 carrying its founder Mr. Richard Branson and his children.

Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In some countries, Tourism is one of their major sources of income. Russia is known to be the source/innovators of Space Tourism. Space Travel is made possible by the help of modern technology and one of its motives is for recreational activities. Henceforth, space tourism gives us a deeper understanding to what extent beyond our world and especially the contribution of technology in space tourism.

According to John Spencer, “The process of creating a successful off-world tourism industry will be the key economic and technological driver enabling the human species to evolve into a real Solar System Species”. This holds true for creating an off world tourism industry that has the involvement of human species and technology. Beyond 2014, a number of companies are also developing technologies to bring up tourists to space and make a wonderful adventure.

2. Iphone 6

Rumors on the next-generation of iPhone have been haunting the social media over the last few months, for having September release date. Most consumers are very eager to know more about the device especially on the screen size of the device. The size of the iPhone's display grew from 3.5 inches to 4 inches with the iPhone 5, and with the iPhone 6, the screen will grow even larger.

  Apple Inc. One of the most known developers of consumer electronics and computer software is also being known as the world’s second largest information technology company by revenue after Samsung Electronics. Apple achieved international fame with its Iphone, Ipad and Ipod Touch Products which is one of the trending products across the globe for its accessible and efficient use.

  3. Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Due to smartphones popularity, the demand for the upcoming gadget on the Samsung galaxy note series has increased. With the Samsung galaxy note series design, attributes and features, People may experience a different kind of smartphone. The Galaxy Note smartphones have been considered the first commercially successful example of "phablets"—a class of smartphone with large screens that are intended to straddle the functionality of a traditional tablet with that of a phone.

The Galaxy Note 4, which Samsung claims to be the most impressive smartphone they have, is rumoured to have a 5.7 inch-display. Apple Inc. Iphone 6 is rumoured to be out in the market on September 2014 which is also the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.  Like the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy Note 4 is thought to be coming with a dust- and waterproof design. It's something we're seeing more of after Sony made it an almost standard feature for higher end devices like the Xperia Z1 Compact. 

In addition, the Galaxy Note 4 is anticipated to be waterproof. It is also speculated to offer an eye-scanner technology. This advancement allows users to pay bills and other expenses safely by authorizing such payments through an eye scan. Technology gives us entertainment and pleasure. As a user of the technology, gadgets like the note series enables us to think critically, enhance our skills, and develops our own personality.

4. 3D Printing

Printers and other devices have their special characteristics. With the use of modern technology, a new kind of printing technology is offered to us users of technology. The choice of print technology has a great effect on the cost of the printer and cost of operation, speed, and quality. Some printer technologies don't work with certain types of physical media, such as carbon paper or transparencies. 3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. 

Personal 3D printing or domestic 3D printing is mainly for hobbyists and enthusiasts and really started growing in 2011. Because of rapid development within this new market printers are getting cheaper and cheaper, with prices typically in the range of $250 – $2,500. This puts 3D printers into more and more hands. 3D printing is absolutely expensive and others may not afford this type of device. On the contrary, 3D printing services is offered in other companies and people may afford this kind of printing. In the near future, 3D Printing may change the nature of commerce because users can make their own manufacturing instead of engaging in trade or in a little wager from other people and companies.

5. Apple Ipad Mini 2

Different gadgets have different functions. Gadgets have their own characteristics and features that attract the human eye. Apple is dominating the world market today because of their extraordinary products. The new Ipad mini 2 or in other terms Ipad mini with retina display is the next step in the smaller tablet wars. Rumours also say that the new ipad mini is much cheaper than the first one and it’s more efficient to use.

The iPad mini 2 is an excellent device. There's no other way to look at it. A year ago, the fascinating Ipad Mini had been released, but bemoaned the low-res screen and under-powered chipset powering things along. With the Ipad Air’s description as the best tablet in the world, many users expected Ipad Mini 2 to claim this description. On top of that, there's the much-needed Retina screen (as the name might have told you) and an improvement in battery size to help power those pixels more effectively. Ipad Mini 2 is expected to be release in the Q4 in 2014.

iPad Mini 2 rear shell hint

Technology has been very significant in so many ways. Upcoming gadgets and technology can transform our simple lives to an extraordinary one. It connects us to the world even the remote areas on the planet. However, users of technology must also know the value of these devices. Technology can be very sensitive to nature and not only to nature but also to humans. Trending gadgets are being made for us not just for fun and entertainment but also to improve our own personality, skills and talents given by God.

Sources:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-technology-trends-to-watch-2014/ http://www.nss.org/tourism/

http://wordlesstech.com/2011/01/19/commercial-space-station-hotel-for-space-tourism/

http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-6/

http://mashable.com/2014/06/30/iphone-6-mockups/

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/mobile-phone/3512336/samsung-galaxy-note-4-release-date-price-specs-uk/ http://galaxynote4update.com/

http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/159218-3d-printing-pioneer-stratasys-looks-to-the-future-and-buys-makerbot-thingiverse

http://www.pentagonpost.com/ipad-mini-ipad-mini-2-find-older-ipad-mini-competes-rumored-ipad-mini-2/83413174

http://applefansite.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IPAD-MINI-2-SPECS.jpg

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2013/02/next-ipad-mini-rear-shell-photos.html

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Mga Ka-Tropa! JOIN the IICS Development Team and Learn from Experienced Web Developers.

For those interested, register here: http://bit.ly/iicsweb

*Time, Date, and Venue for the Introductory Talk to be announced. Stay tuned.

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JPCS Executive Board, Team Heads and Staff. Its Mission and Goals.

The Junior Philippine Computer Society- UST Chapter (JPCS-UST) is a college-based organization in the Faculty of Engineering of University of Santo Tomas and a local chapter of the premier national I.T. student organization, PCS. The Junior Philippine Computer Society is a student organization involved in the field of information technology. It aims to provide students with the complementary experiences needed to become a world class I.T. professional, in addition to what they learn in school. It provides the student an opportunity to experience unity with other students from different schools in the pursuit of I.T. excellence through common projects.

Mission

The Junior Philippine Computer Society - UST Chapter, a local chapter of the premiere national I.T. student organization, aims to create and maintain an exciting extracurricular learning environment for future IT professionals that complement the academic objectives of our member schools, and is sensitive to the needs of the IT Industry. The organization aspires to unite the youth under a banner of leadership, technical excellence and ethical conduct fostering among themselves, lasting friendships, a spirit of cooperation and a genuine love of God and country.

Goals

To promote among enthusiasts the understanding and appropriate usage of information & communications technology.

To encourage commitment to higher standards of computer education among chapter schools.

To provide a venue for information exchange among its members, thereby promoting and improving computing and information technology throughout the country.

To prepare the student for a future as a computing and information technology professional.

National JPCS

  EXECUTIVE BOARD JPCS 2014 - 2015

TEAM HEADS and STAFF JPCS 2014 - 2015

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Know More About JPCS

The “Junior Philippine Computer Society” or also known as JPCS is the student organization of the Philippine Computer Society. It is a campus based organization that involved in the field of information technology. It aims to provide students with the complementary experiences they need to become a world class I.T. professional, in addition to what they learn in their universities. It provides the student an opportunity to experience unity with other students from different schools in the pursuit of I.T. excellence through common projects.

HISTORY

 On January 1989, the Philippine Computer Society organized a group of young computer professionals, mostly students and computer enthusiasts. The group was called Philippine Computer Society - Junior Programmer's Guild (PCS-JPG). It aims to improve the knowledge and skills of the youth in the field of Information Technology (IT). It initially had 17 recognized chapters in Metro Manila and was under the Special Interest Group Society that was spearheaded by Mr. Luis Chanco and Mr. Antonio Bach Cuyugan. At that time, the PCS-JPG was the only national student organization catering to computer enthusiasts coming from different schools.

The PCS-JPG started its first two days in an off-campus computer workshop/conference at the MERALCO Foundation Institute (MFI). This was participated by all the 17 chapter schools and several guests from the Philippine Computer Society.

In July 1990, PCS-JPG changed its name to Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS). It was a committee under the arms of the PCS. 1990 also saw the launching of the first national computer convention for the youth, Explore I.T. `90. The event was held at the Ateneo de Manila University in Makati. Although the organizers were mostly PCS members, the JPCS gained enough experience to prepare them for their future projects. The success of the project help promote JPCS to other schools and sectors of our society.

Initially, JPCS consists of separate school chapters under the guidance of the Philippine Computer Society. There was no national JPCS to formulate the rules and to ensure unity among the different schools. 1991 saw the initial plans and the trials of running a national JPCS. The National JPCS was given the power to make its own decisions and its own projects. Explore IT `91 was held in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and it was also a success. Unfortunately, the initial 17 chapters became 9 chapters. This was due to the inactive participation of some of the chapters. Because of this, the next batch of National JPCS was challenged to revive  and to exceed the initial 17 chapters of JPCS and to prove that there really exist a national I.T. organization for the youth.

In January 1989, the Philippine Computer Society organized a group of young computer professionals, mostly students and computer enthusiasts. The group was called Philippine Computer Society – Junior Programmer’s Guild (PCS-JPG). It aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of the youth in the field of computing and information technology. The Guild initially had 17 recognized chapters in Metro Manila and was under the Special Interest Group for Software that was spearheaded by Mr. Luis Chanco and Mr. Antonio Bach Cuyugan. At that time, the PCS-JPG was the first and only national student organization catering to computer enthusiasts from different schools.

At the start, JPCS consisted of separate school chapters under the direct guidance of the Philippine Computer Society.  In 1991, however, a national JPCS board was selected from the presidents of local chapters.The National Board of JPCS Officers has been given the authority to create and decide on projects that are consistent with the principles and objectives of JPCS, subject to the guidance and approval of the PCS Board Committee on JPCS.

THE PERKS

The JPCS also provides many benefits for the participating school. JPCS seeks to stimulate friendly competition among schools. Competition winners not only win for themselves, but win for their schools – which is an inexpensive yet far reaching advertisement about the quality of the school’s education. Graduating JPCS members have an advantage over others as they bear not only their academic credentials, but can boast of membership in an organization that is directly linked to the Philippine Computer Society, the premier organization for IT professionals in the country.

It aims to provide its members with experiences that complements the knowledge members acquire in their respective schools, thus better preparing each student for his future role as a world class ICT professional.

The Junior Philippine Computer Society aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the youth in the field of Information and Communications Technology. JPCS' mission is to create and maintain an exciting extracurricular environment for future IT professionals where they are united in the banner of leadership, technical excellence, and ethical conduct while fostering among themselves lasting friendship.

JPCS is and will always be a part of the Philippine Computer Society. It is because of this that your school can also be assured of the continuing support of the I.T. industry. JPCS shares your goal in preparing your students to both learn and experience the world of Information and Communication Technology.

INTO THE FUTURE

JPCS continues to exist to fulfill its raisson d’etre.  The PCS Board is committed to support and guide the JPCS National Board. Every annual leadership workshop, a new JPCS National Board is formed from among the qualified students nominated by their respective schools.

Through the JPCS Committee, the Philippine Computer Society looks forward to working with a much greater number of active JPCS chapters spread over a much larger area of the Philippine archipelago.