ACTeaMers,Welcome to the Home of Innovation!

In this issue, I’d like to acknowledge the hardwork our Wired team has put in to create this issue like no other. I have seen the rigid planning, determination, and spirit of service from the beginning to make the necessary changes. ACTeaMers will never settle for meritocracy because we believe there is always something more that we can do, something that we can still innovate. The restless and ingenious editors-in-chief, Leslie Bayona and Marielle Nones, have p ro v i d e d a n a v e n u e t o s h o w c a s e t h e communication skills of ACTM members and run a structured system known as the editorial board. With this, I am very proud to let you bring home a copy of Wired. May it be a fun read as you experience the creative juices of our members running wild.  Albert Einsten once said: “Everything has changed, except our way of thinking.” My hope for ACTM has always been to create innovative communicators who can be embraced by the industry who are still dominated by traditionalists. When the innovators come in, they will shake the industry. We will shake the industries.  It all starts here, in this issue. Our writers, editors, photographers, and illustrators all deem to express some sort of message. But in the end, it is the means on how they communicate the bits of message that makes a difference. This is a form of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC). From the way the layout has been done, colors have been chosen, pictures have been taken, and other touchpoints have been expressed, it all aims to express one solid message. Cheers to IMC!

Gillian TeACTM President 2010-2011

With love and excitement,

actm presidentmessage

from the

by Audrey ArayataAPERIOTheAgency

ACTM’s 1st GA

Aspiring applicants for Aperio gathered in the MVP roof deck last August 7, 2010 to take part in ACTM’s first general assembly. Aperio, which is Latin for “to reveal”, was the name given to the so-called agency in light of the purpose of this event. The first general assembly served as a way for the new applicants to get to know the organization and its different projects through the concept of having various agencies the org members can apply to.

The general assembly started at four thirty in the afternoon and it was opened by ACTM’s very own Tonio Mendoza (who was later on replaced by Project Head, Rem del Rosario) and Vannah Pacis. After some introductions and remarks from the hosts, a short video clip about the ACTM Executive Board was shown. It was f rom th is v ideo that the applicants got to know those heading

the entire agency.

The different agencies then presented themselves on stage in order for the applicants to know which to apply to. The heads of each agency were given a chance to talk on stage and to brief the applicants on what it is their agency focuses on. This made it easier for the applicants to sign-up during the intermission after the talks. Each agency (or project g r o u p ) h a d a c o m m o n background and applicants signed up for the agencies they found themselves best suited for. The six agencies that presented were the following:

Induco, Cynerguys, ACTM-Glued, Heart, Hot Shots, and Blast Off. Induco focused on the projects that involved the organization as whole which were the Sports Fest, SOM Week and ACTM Week. On the other hand, general preparation

for future career options or school activities was the main focus of Cynerguys. Projects under Cynerguys were A|X and LTC. For further skill development of the applicants, specifically in the field of technology, ACTM-Glued had Numina, ICT Prequel and Seminar and Digital Workshops for their projects. A similar agency, Blast Off, had the IMC Seminar and the IMC Competition projects under its care.

Another agency, Heart, was based on dissimilating information to the many members of the organization. It was composed of the projects Open

House, ACADS, and Wired. Lastly, Hot Shots focused on keeping the members ablaze since the Second General Assembly and the Year-End Party were their projects.

The final part of the program was the Fashion Show, wherein models walked the catwalk to strut their stuff. Sponsors Terrie and

Mossimo were responsible for the clothes of the models and the brands were able to help project a good image o f t he agency. Ape r i o successfully recruited the models and

they were also from ACTM as well.

All in all, the First General Assembly was a success, according to Aless Rances, who was one of the project heads for this event. She would also like to extend her thank to her co-project heads, logistics heads, program heads, the Executive Board,

the Core, and those who made Aperio really shine as an agency. Of course, this includes the applicants, the hosts and the performers.

ABOUT TO ABLAZE Participants of Ignition listen to LTC project head

Gayle Madarang as she delivers the opening remarks of the ACTM Leadership Training Course last

August 18.

IGNItion

IGNITED ACTeaMers share insights

about what they have learned from the 2-day Leadership

Training Course.

i g it i on

Photography byMacky Del Rosario

n

existenexisten

existenexisten

about their track choices. (CTM101: As you become a junior, you decide among three tracks for specialization—Communications, Marketing and Information Technology.) She called herself a jack-of-all-trades, and said that none of the tracks fit her. Another was content about her choice because she believed it suited her abilities and that she’d get a high-paying job later on. By then, I was out of my trance—I realized my sentiments were the intersection of theirs. I chose the Communications track because I honestly knew it was in tune with my skills and inclinations. However, I knew that IT majors are in demand and that marketing majors will find their way to corporate work easily.

Similar thoughts have been nudging me, despite my rationalizations and choice. Setting things into perspective: clearly, the track choices were for us to make, despite the noise and fury tossed into the mess.

Crossroads. At certain points in our lives, we run into them. Some people effortlessly glide along, while others stare and slump in hesitancy. For some they’re chances to grow, and for others, threats to survival. I believe that the major crossroads—the big choices—are inescapable. The friends we choose to be with, career choices and who to become—are glaring examples. We have to decide and whatever consequences begotten wil l inevitably be hurled at us, to our delight or regret. Existentialism asserts that we are totally free; that we are answerable to whatever we do and make of ourselves. The question is whether or not we’re capable of handling the totality of such immense freedom. Can we, really?

My block mates and I were idling during a group meeting. I was spacing out, mulling over what to write for this spread when I overheard them discussing how they felt

TIALISMAt this point, you’re probably taking me for a frustrated philosopher using the CTM track narrative as a front for my ruminations. Don’t. If you do insist, then humor me by proving me wrong. Take it upon yourself to brave the voices seducing you to slump at your crossroad and unnerve you as you walk. You’ve got your own voice. Would you allow yourself to be derailed because of what others think? or by what you think you should do in lieu what others have done? If you think that you have a gauge or competition besides yourself, you’re terribly mistaken. My challenge for you, CTM-er, goes beyond the track choices for reasons apparent. You are responsible for whatever you make of yourself. The freedom all is yours. You cannot escape it.

Sure, I had to decide. Eventually I did, but the ideas kept coming a la esprit d’escalier. I’ll go as far as to assume that several of us have felt the same way. Hence, I ask the question what’s the deal? It’s as if being stunned at the crossroad wasn’t bad enough—and now that we’re passing it, we’re still bogged down by doubt? If choosing still doesn’t sweep the clouds of quandary, then where’s that comfort in freedom? Could the weightlessness of freedom actually be a hoax? The hardest and most complex choices are those that count. At times, we’d wish that somebody else would decide for us. Following this and the notion that we’re responsible for whatever we do and make of ourselves, wouldn’t it make sense to presume that freedom is out to pull us down? Existentialism would be placed in a different light—one of torment.

Anthony M. Libre

Existentialism asserts that we are tota l l y free ; that we are answerable to whatever we do and

make of ourselves. The question is whether or not we’re capable of handling the totality of such immense freedom. Can we, really?

Decisionsdecisions by Michiko De la Cruz

Just last August, the ComTech Juniors were faced with one of the most important decisions to be made in their whole academic life: The choice of which of the three major tracks under the ComTech banner to choose from that could

eventually define what their career path may lead to. The three tracks to choose from are Information Technology, Marketing, and Communications.

With some help from the Junior ComTech Course Representative, Ms. Kim Perez, here is a gist of what tracks the Juniors had to choose from:

The I.T. track is

for those who want to learn more about

the global and local telecommunications

industry. It may include

topics such as the current state of the

telecommunications industry in the Philippines,

as well as the basics of

computer networks and data communications,

and such. The classes to be taken in this track

chosen would be CS31:

Introduction to the Communications Industry

and CS156: Management of Communication

Technologies.

The Marketing track on the other hand would be

perfect for those

interested in marketing communications as a part of a company’s integrated

marketing communications program.

The class to take would be MKT104: Marketing

Communications in which

a pre-requisite of previous Marketing courses would apply. Some topics that would be discussed will

be about the

communication cycle, and the marketing

communications process.

Lastly, the Communications track

would be for those aiming to be part of the media

industry. COM13: Introduction to Broadcast Media and COM15: Audio

Visual Production Techniques will be the

introductory courses in the study of broadcast media, which includes

radio and television, plus the process of audio

visual production. These two courses are both very hands-on, and will include career talks and lectures, exposure trips, and a lot

of hands-on projects.

The juniors had to submit their preferred track to the Management department last August 6, 2010.

d e c iS io n SDe c S o n Si i

is brought to you by

Design blogs Four websites to help any student with

his creative projects by Mark Lacsamana

one

two

three

four

COMTECH majors are often known for their great taste in design and expertise on multimedia. More often than not, teachers expect COMTECH students to have exceptionally creative and well-designed work. While this reputation is undoubtedly a great honor, it can also be a burden, especially for overworked students struggling with Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. The web offers an infinite number of resources for multimedia newbies. Unfortunately, most websites only teach basic tricks and techniques; they seldom actually delve into design and the in-depth usage of these techniques. But you don’t have to worry about these anymore, as Wired has compiled a set of blogs and Internet magazines that are both useful and inspiring for a COMTECH student’s digital creative needs.

Smashing Magazine http://www.smashingmagazine.com/Any self respecting digital artist/designer has heard of Smashing Magazine. The well-known Internet magazine started in September 2006 initially focusing on Internet and web development trends. Now they offer articles on both art and print design as well. The site not only covers tricks and tutorials but articles and discussions on design trends and technology.

24 ways http://24ways.org/“24 Ways to Impress Your Friends” is a blog made through the contributions of some the finest print and digital designers on the web. The blog covers a wide array of topics from simple computer tutorials to discussions on creativity to working with possible clients (for those of you who want to take your designs to the next level). With the expertise of its authors and the wide coverage of topics, you are sure to find inspiration.

Noupe http://www.noupe.com/Noupe is a design blog which showcases photography, design and technology. Besides the articles and tutorial they also offer a large amount of resources and downloads such as icons and wallpapers.

Jason Santa Maria http://jasonsantamaria.com/Jason Santa Maria is print and web designer from New York. His blog gives wonderful insights and advice on organizing content and making the most out of any graphics application. His best articles revolve on typography (the usage of typefaces or fonts) and design trends. He also takes great photographs which you can use for inspiration.

With the wealth of resources available to today’s COMTECH student it’s easy to learn the ropes on graphic design. Still, it’s a must to remember that there’s more to great design than flash and effects. These sites above will help turn your multimedia projects from graphic flop to A-grade professional work.

one

three

two

four

TOP5

must - haveGADGETS

for ComTechStudents

by Al Lim

Being Communications Technology Management majors, it would be easy to think that we would know what items we need for the use of our course. However with the many technological breakthroughs today, it is harder for us to prioritize the kind of gadgets we really need. Here, WIRED Tech page writer Al Lim recommends five gadgets for COMTECH majors.

Macbook pro

armor a70

cherry mobile ec

lipse

nintendo 3ds

casio fx-991es

Ma

cBoo

k Pr

o

The MacBook Pro. Having a variety of specs and sizes the

MacBook Pro offers a wide array of features that will make your life easier. It has different kinds of p r o g r a m s t h a t w i l l m a k e marketing class easier for you,

with the new iMovie you’ll be able to edit videos with its user-friendly display. Having this baby will surely help you out with all your projects and presentation

needs. However getting this awesome gadget is painful to the pocket with prices going up to a whopping Php 100K. This being said, I’m giving this gadget a

rating of 9/10.

The Silicon Power 2.5” portable hard drive Armor A70. This nifty device offers

capaci ty range f rom 250 gigabyte to a whopping 640 gigabyte. With the many video editing and .psd files, it’s hard

to carry your laptop with you all the time. Having this baby will make you travel lighter and make your school life easier. This device comes with unique

protection features: it is dust proof, shock proof, and water proof! The Armor A70 also includes a Si l icon Power Widget software that helps you

manage the space of the HD. With its handy features, I give

this device a 10/10.

Armor A70

The Cherry Mobile Eclipse. This product is Cherry’s soldier in the war of smart phones that are coming out. This phone

offers a lot of features, one of which is of course its touch screen interface. Another feature of this magnificent phone is its dual sim capability. It also has a 2.0 megapixel camera that can help you capture special moments of your life easily. It has an SD card slot that can take up to 8 gig of additional memory,

enough space for your songs and videos. Also, it is WiFi capable! Lastly, it runs on a Windows 6.5 operating system that allows you to type documents and create powerpoint presentations. What’s amazing is that you can get these features all in one phone for less than Php 10,000! With all this,

I’m giving the Cherry Mobile Eclipse an 8/10.

Cherry

Mobile

Eclipse

The Nintendo 3DS. It has all the same features as the old DS, a touch screen pad that could be used to play more

interactive games. It has an SD card slot for your legally downloaded games and a built-in camera that allows you to take pictures of your friends and edit them using your stylus. Nintendo 3DS is backward compatible, meaning you can play games from the older versions of the Nintendo DS.

Being a game geek myself, I’m giving this gadget a 10/10.

Nintendo 3DS

Casi

o fx

-991

ES

Last but definitely not the least ladies and gentlemen, I present to you our savior during Math, Accounting and Finance LTs! The

Casio fx-991ES is equipped with natural display for fractions so there’s no need to manually convert them into decimals. This makes life so much more easier when dealing with those

doublings time and depreciation values in accounting! Or, if you do want to convert the fraction to decimal or vice versa, with just a

press of a button, this baby will do it! 7/10.