loveandcosmicdust:

Sikat II set to compete in World Solar Car Challenge

THE Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society Inc. (PSCCSI) on Monday launched the Sikat II solar-powered car that will compete in the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia from October 16 to 23 this year.

A test run of the Sikat II designed by engineering students of De La Salle University was conducted at the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) to demonstrate the car’s readiness to compete in this year’s solar challenge. 

The test run of Sikat II came as Jan H. Kierulf, director for research and development of Victory Liner, a Luzon based bus company, stressed during the launch of “Victory Against Climate Change” program in Quezon City that a partnership initiative between the bus company and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) found the necessity for lawmakers to pass a measure that will “legalize” electric-powered vehicles, or e-vehicles, and allow the Land Transportation Office to set-up specifications and establish safety standards for such type of vehicles.

The “Victory Against Climate Change” program was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding that formalizes the partnership between Victory Liner-CCC to promote e-vehicles.

Ramon Agustines, PSCCSI president, said in a press conference the country is challenged by the fact that it does not have the courage to invest in solar-power technologies.

“And though the Sikat II, we, at the society, want to show that solar-power technology is already available and is ready to be used for different applications,” Agustines said.

Federico Lopez, PSCCSI chairman and chief executive, said the Sikat II is a testament to Filipino ingenuity, talent and technological capability in tapping clean and natural sources of energy such as solar power.

Like its predecessors—Sinag and Sikat I—Lopez said Sikat II is beaming with promise as it not only shows the world what solar energy can do, but what Filipinos can do too.

“We are very optimistic that Sikat II will shine in the World Solar Challenge,” Lopez said.

Jack Catalan, Sikat II team leader, said they are honored to represent the country and that they are proud to have been able to design and create a solar car within seven months.

“Our target for this year’s competition is to finish the race and beat the 12th place performance of Sinag in 2007,” he said. ?Sikat II boasts many improvements to its design and mechanical features. It sports a sleek and aerodynamic body made of lightweight carbon fiber-honeycomb composite. Faster than its predecessors, Sikat II can run at top speed of 110-kilometers-per-hour with its 2-kilowatt motor and weighs less than 180 kilograms, which is 10-kilogram lighter than Sikat I and 110 kilogram lighter than Sinag. 

When running on its 4,000 watt-hour Lithium-ion battery and solar array power at a speed of 85 kilometers per hour, Sikat II can travel more than 800 kilometers.

Sikat is fueled by solar energy harvested and converted into electricity by photovoltaic cells. Sikat II is equipped with solar cells from Sunpower Philippines, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells in the world. These solar cells are proudly Philippine-made and are manufactured by Sunpower in their Batangas and Laguna plants.

Sikat II is set to race with 20 other countries in the 3,000-kilometer World Solar Challenge that runs from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia. It will be the second time that the Philippines will be competing in the international challenge. In 2007 Sinag delivered a remarkable debut performance by finishing 12th place among 40 other participants from around the world.
(With report filed by Jonathan Mayuga)

———————-
Business Mirror
By Paul Anthony A. Isla
August 09, 2011

 

“This is a testament of what we can do as Lasallians.”

-Br. Ricky Laguda, FSC -Sector Leader/President, De La Salle Philippines

Makes me proud to be a Lasallian. Animo La Salle! 

NEXT STOP: Flying cars!!!! AYE? AYE? AYE!?!?

HAHAHAHAHA! TRUTH.

For instance, last June, I only decided to go to our DLSU Centennial celebration when my friend told me that there was free food. :)) HAHAHA.

(Source: winterstark)

My thoughts exactly when I was deciding whether I should go to the DLSU Centennial celebration or not. :))

Just arrived home from PICC! DLSU’s 161st Commencement Exercises!
Aaaaand, I’m just so excited because now, I’m officially a graduate and an almuni of DLSU! (DUH! LOL) …and unfortunately, officially unemployed. :))

I’m very happy because this day marks another ‘milestone’ that I’ve achieved not only for myself but for my family as well.

1. I lost my ID though. WOW. Just wow. Of all times. But. All I know was that it was supposed to be in my bag. Fortunately, I still have my old I.D.—which I thought I’ve lost and had to suffer an offense for it. But at least I have a memento from my university days.
2. No camera. Sucks. HAHA! I mean we have a camera but it takes blurry shots (lol what even) and we have no other choice but to use it because I just lost my trusty ol’ camera. (I keep on losing things recently, eh?) Anyhow, all I’m hoping is that my friends took decent pictures of me and my parents. :))
3. Those doctorate togas are badass. B A D A S S. Ugh. I fuckin’ want one.
4. Fell asleep at some point. LOL. Same old, same old, me.
5. Alma Mater Hymn. Made me totally feel that I really was leaving DLSU, and that the harsh life was quickly ushering me in into its gates. (Nooooooo…)
6. I thought I was going to cry when my parents hugged me and gave me my graduation gift and all, but thank God I didn’t! …well it’s nice to cry right, but my reason for crying was a whole different one and I won’t bother explaining. Maybe next time, lol.
7. Mesa lunch @ Greenbelt! I footed the bill because I wanted to. HAHA! I know it’s usually the other way around but I wanted to do this for them. ;>
8. Totally feeling the full-on pressure of finding a job. ASAP. This is nerve-wracking, bro.

I thank God, above all, for helping me come through and for helping me make it this far. Looking back, I really am LUCKY that I landed into one of the most prestigious schools here in our country. I am even MORE lucky for having met people, friends, professors and acquaintances in, out, and through DLSU who gave me some of the most memorable experiences and countless learnings in my life.

There surely were a LOT of rough patches on my way to where I am now. The 4 years that I’ve spent in and out of DLSU was no joke, BUT I wouldn’t want to UNDO any of those because it shaped up who I am today.

I may be bruised, beaten, tainted, wounded, and torn through all the battles that I’ve fought head-on, win or lose.. but here I stand, still one and whole and stronger like no other. And I am incredibly proud of this because I do know for myself that getting roughed up is a whole lot better than to emerge as undamaged and crude from a life’s ordeal with obviously nothing—not even a single wisdom—in your unmoved soul.

…I think at one point in there, I rhymed, right? LMAO.

Anyhoo, congratulations to my batchmates! WE MADE IT! :)
*throws confetti* ANIMO LA SALLE!! 

How to play Chinese garter, the LSDC-Street way.

COOL SHIT MAN! Haha! I remember watching them do this during our CAOlympic days! The Street dancers really pulled a lot of stunts and it was fun watching them!

…I miss school even more now.

***BTW! Spot my ex-boyfriend-now-best-friend, Charles, in the picture.
He’s intently watching. LMAO!

(Source: hannahadriano)