The UP Parser 2004-2005 Issue 4 by The UP Parser

parser.

what’s inside:

The UP The dim roadway signs pointed to a lurching curve. Approaching

Make Your Flash Game 8

in velocity’s wake, he shrugged. Silently nodding and agreeing with its sexual stride his revving engine blurred a thundering exodus to billowing bursts of booming cumulus. 16, standing on the corner; insigniﬁcantly sixteen. She couldn’t reach further over bound to happen willing to put theirsift through and pick from

Blogs and 9 Comics

Analyzing life the CS way.

CS Nostalgia

The Official Publication of the Department of Computer Science, UP Diliman

January to February 2005

beta taster

CS Week Exhibits

Rebirth Volume, Fourth Issue

Prof. Quiwa New College Secretary By Karl Diaz The College of Engineering has a new College Secretary for the new year. Last January 3, 2005, Professor Evangel P. Quiwa of the Department of Computer Science (DCS) took the ofﬁce of College Secretary, replacing Dr. Norbert Que of the ES Department. Professor Quiwa was offered the position last December 2004 as Dr. Que left the post to become the new Associate Dean. According to Professor Quiwa, one of the most respected ﬁgures in the DCS, he accepted the offer

DCS Students Attend Gaming Forum

The first ever Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter in the Philippines held its first General Assembly last January 15, 2005 at the Engineering Theater, Melchor Hall.

Students from UP Diliman’s Department of Computer Science (DCS) took part in the CyberPress Third Annual Forum entitled Plug & Play: A Forum on the Philippine Gaming Industry, held last January 28, 2005 at the Hotel Intercontinental Makati. The DCS and UP CURSOR representatives, including staffers of The UP Parser (see inset box), were treated to a wealth of information on the local gaming industry, the pioneers responsible for its inception, and the companies behind its impressive rise. Chairman Virgilio L. Peña of the Commission on Information and Communication Technology (CICT), in his keynote address, expounded upon the Philippine government’s support for the growing gaming business. Peña also explained various government policies and regulations regarding the gaming industry. turn to page 2

The CS Network in the CS Week The 20th CS Week this February 28 to March 4 promises to be unlike any other of its predecessors, for the CS Network is already up and running. The CS Network, a ground-breaking alliance of CSrelated organizations, undertakes it first major project in the five defining days of our Department: the CS Week. The constituents of these organizations have been coordinating for the past weeks, itching and ready to hold the events that will determine the success or failure of this year’s festivities. From programming contests to quiz bees, from seminars to exhibits, the CS Network—another first in College history—is ready to prove that organizations do not have to be rivals, but allies in forging a unified student body. See this issue’s editorial and feature article on the CS Network.

UP ACM Student Chapter Holds First GA

By Phillip Kimpo Jr.

MONDAY · Opening Ceremonies · Student-Teacher Dialogue · Grand Pakain · UP ACM Programming Competition

because it is a call to service one should not refuse. By protocol, the College Dean offers the position to a faculty member when appointing a new College Secretary. Should that person accept, the Dean then recommends him/her to the Central Administration, who has the power to approve the appointment. Professor Quiwa has been teaching in UP Diliman since the late 1960’s. He holds an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Computer Science. He is currently teaching three sections of CS 32 for this semester.

Hosted by the Chapter’s ex-Chair Ben-hur Viray, ex-Vice Chair Joyce Avestro, and Chapter Sponsor Rommel Feria, the Assembly discussed among its approximately 60 members the purpose of the ACM Student Chapter, its mission, vision, and benefits of being a member of the said association. Though the UP ACM Student Chapter was already chartered last 2003, Viray claimed, it was not until recently that the organization opened its membership to the University’s undergraduate and graduate students. The Assembly was concluded with the transfer of leadership from the graduates and faculty to the students through

TUESDAY · Talks by: FBM E-Services. 9-10 am Globe. 10-11 am Canon. 11-12 nn Trend Micro, 1-2 pm Sun Microsystems, 2-3 pm Microsoft, 3-4 pm

WEDNESDAY · CS 12 Programming Competition · CS 32 Quiz Bee · Open Sourcing UP II: Dia, CMS, dotProject, PHP, Pear, Smarty, GNU Linux, Halalan

an election. The list of the newly-elected officers is as follows: Chair: Ardee Aram Vice-Chair: Mai Sibayan Secretary: Sophia Lucero Treasurer: Jonas Roque Logistics Head: Phillip Kimpo Jr. External Affairs Head: Jeric Cantos Education Head: Riza Batista Their term of office began last February 1, and they will leave their posts at the end of the next semester. According to Viray, “the Association

for Computing Machinery UP Chapter is a recognized chapter by the Assocation for Computing Machinery, Inc [ACM Inc.]”. According to the bylaws of ACM Inc., the “principal office...of the Association for Computing Machinery Inc....is located at 100 West Tenth Street in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle [Delaware].” Aram stated that “the UP Chapter is currently based in the Department of Computer Science [Melchor Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines].” The

organization’s main purpose, according to the constitution of ACM Inc., is “to advance the sciences and arts of information processing...to promote the free interchange of information about the sciences and arts of information processing...[and] to develop and maintain the integrity and competence of individuals engaged in the practices of the sciences and arts of information processing.”

The UP ACM Student Chapter Executive Council with ex-ofﬁcers Harvey Viray and Joyce Avestro and Chapter Sponsor Rommel Feria. THURSDAY · CS 165 / CS 192 Undergraduate Project Presentation · Sun Java Cup

FRIDAY · Quizzardry · Awarding Ceremonies: Contest Winners, University and College Scholars,

SATURDAY · CS-Wide Sportsfest: Basketball, Volleyball, Ultimate, Command & Conquer and more!

Aram,

the

current

turn to page 2 The 20th

CS WEEK 24 years of DCS Weeklong exhibits, Mr. & Ms. CS, IT Trends, Contests, and Goodies. It’s our time.

DCS Students Attend...

imminent release of a groundbreaking fighting game called Away Agila, which uses smooth, cell-shaded 3D animations. continued from page 1 Other speakers included Dennis Manzano, Philippine Ben Colayco, Chief Operating Officer of Level-Up!, General Manager of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, shared his company’s experience, from the phenomenal who focused on the wireless gaming arena; Ricky Banaag, success of Ragnarok to their efforts in turning gaming into Country Manager of Intel, who shared Intel’s take on the gaming industry and how a social event. He also cited their study-first, play-later stand regarding gamer-students. PARSER AT THE the business is changing Raymond Ricafort, President of Digital Parser staffers C Y B E R P R E S S the way processors are Manuel Paradise Inc., discussed the reasons behind the Jeric Cantos, GAMING FORUM developed; Ravago, IDC Research success of their Netopia chain of Internet cafes. Carlos Lasa, Manager, who reported Netopia, the largest computer rental chain in Sophia Lucero, Jason Masipiqueña, on the prospects of the the country, has 131 branches and over 6000 Jonas Roque, Mai Sibayan, and EIC Philippine gaming industry; terminals. Phillip Kimpo Jr. were among those Tjader Regis, Philippine Niel Dagondon of Anino Entertainment, the who carried UPD’s banner, and all the team leader of the World company behind the award-winning Anito: while enjoyed the great food served Cybergames, who cited the Defend a Land Enraged, shared his insights on plus the freebies available, which various gaming contests in their enviable status as the Philippines’ first included CDs of the spanking-new the world and the various and only homegrown PC game developer. MMORPGs Priston Tale and Tantra. business opportunities in Dagondon also offered some suggestions to gaming. budding game development firms. Local media outfits also covered the afternoon event, Ranulf Goss, Chairperson of the International Game which was organized by CyberPress / Information Developer Association (IGDA) Manila Chapter, tackled past Technology Journalists Association of the Philippines and future local gaming events, including the UGotGame (ITJAP). Game Development contest. Goss also revealed the

UP ACM Student Chapter... Chair of the ACM student chapter, discussed with The UP Parser several of the organization’s long term plans: “Holding of several Knowlege and Information Sharing Sessions (also known as “KISS”). These sessions and seminars aim to augment computer and technology based knowledge of individuals, and will try to cover lessons that are not usually covered by the curriculum of the University. This is one way the organization can promote the said freedom of information interchange and the further growth and advancement of knowledge of its members in the field of computing.” “Application of computer-based knowledge that is relevant to the University and the country as well. Though the ACM Student Chapter is an academic organization, the

organization is more than willing to contribute to the betterment and advancement of its Alma Mater and the motherland. Thus, the organization will not just sit on its ivory tower of technological and academic discourse, but will also be concerned with the social, economic, and political aspects of computerization, automation, and knowledge advancement among others. Several proposed projects will be the inclusion of a computer-based Literacy Training Program on the National Training Service Program (NSTP) and promotion of Linux Terminal Server Project to less fortunate schools especially in the outskirts.”

continued from page 1

“Promotion of the University internationally, development of camaraderie of individuals of the same field from different nations, and further honing of skills of individuals through the yearly participation and year-long training in the ACM-International C o l l e g i a t e Programming Competition (ACMICPC). Though in the past years UP has almost always sent representatives in this international event, it was not until now that the training of the contestants, who represent not only the University but also the Philippines, will be formalized. The organization will promise an intense, rigorous, and intellectually stimulating training to polish the talents of the representatives.”

Eng’g Week 2004: Truly Eng’gcredible By Carlos Miguel M. Lasa Last December, while other students of UP Diliman were enjoying the Yuletide season, the College of Engineering students were engaged in stiff competition. But they weren’t battling academics, exams or teachers; rather, they were actually going head to head with one another, as the 32 organizations of the college battled it out in the annual College of Engineering Week, or simply Eng’g Week. From December 9 to December 16, the members of the different Engineering organizations showed off their talents and skills as they fiercely competed in over 120 events, all of them wanting their organization to emerge as the 2004 Engineering Week Over-all Champion (EWOC). Defending their title as Eng’g Week 2003’s EWOC, the UP Industrial Engineering Club (UP IE CLUB) surfaced once again as this year’s Eng’g Week Over-all Champion, garnering 9804.51 EWOC points during the course of the festivities. They were followed in second place by the UP Chemical Engineering Society (UP KEM) with 9050.33 EWOC points, and closely behind them was the UP Association of Computer Science Majors (UP CURSOR) in third place with 8750.83 EWOC points.

Although the first Eng’g Week was initially held in 1954, the EWOC Point system was only incorporated in 1985. Out of the 19 Engineering Week Over-all Champions, the UP IE Club has held the title 16 times while the other 3 went to UP KEM. This year’s Eng’g Week theme was “The Eng’gcredibles”, and it was truly one incredible week. Among the tons of events, there were several major ones which stood out. The week kicked off with its first evening event, the Smoker’s Night, where orgs presented skits bashing other orgs, as well as local and national issues. This year’s theme was “Engineering Fantaserye: Are You In Or Out?,” with the UP Aggregates as the winners. Another major event was the Awitan, a choral singing competition. This year, the Awitan had a 1950’s theme with all the orgs having to sing one 1950’s song and their version of the Christmas song “Santa Baby.” The UP Circle of Industrial Engineering Majors (UP CIEM) took home the top prize with their rendition of the Filipino song, “Galawgaw.” The annual group/pair dance competition, the Indakan, had a different theme. They called it “One,” with the orgs dancing to songs sung by one artist. UP KEM won this one, as they grooved to the beat of several Robbie Williams

New sBytes Computer Science Symposium in March

The Department of Computer Science (DCS) will hold the 2005 Computer Science Symposium on March 1617 at the Melchor Hall Theatre, from 9 to 12 o’clock in the morning and 1 to 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Thesis projects of the DCS will be presented by the students behind their development. Some of the notable projects in last year’s symposium were the “Face Recognition on the Go” (FROG), HUNI, and OpenOffice. org Viewer theses. The entrance fee per day for non-DCS students is Php 50.00. For inquiries, you may contact Ms. Milagros Ramos or Ms. Amy Ang at the CS department in MH219, or by email (dcsf@up.edu.ph).

DCS Offers Java, Linux Short Courses

Another round of short courses on Java, Visual Basic. NET, MS SQL Server and Web Design are being offered by the Department of Computer Science this March and April. These courses are scheduled on weekends, from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. Students, fresh graduates and faculty members are entitled to discounts on the course fees. Standard fees range from Php 4,000 to 6,000. Interested parties may inquire at the CS Department in Room 219 of Melchor Hall, telephone number 6329252366. Specific course outlines are available at the Diliman Computer Science Foundation (DCSF) website at http://dcsf.upcompsci.net.

PARSER Exhibit in CS Week

The UP Parser, the College’s first department-based publication, will hold a week-long mini-exhibit at the Melchor Hall 2nd Floor Lobby, in conjunction with the CS Week coming this February 28 to March 4. Parser’s first and second-ever issues, published back in 1999, together with this year’s ‘rebirth’ volume will be the centerpiece of the exhibit. The four most recent editorials and editorial cartoons will also be on display, along with a compilation of the popular ‘Nyungnyung’ comic strips. The newspaper’s history and its roster of staffers will also be available.

CS 192 Projects Exhibit in the CS Week

The undergraduate CS 192 (Software Engineering) projects will be featured in a week-long exhibit at the Melchor Hall 2nd Floor Lobby, as part of the CS Week celebration this February 28 to March 4. Projects of the three classes will be on display, namely: CHESTER (Curriculum Handling Engine and Student Evaluator), CONDORM (Computerized Network-based Dormitory Manager), Voice-over IP Billing System, and SURGE: JAVA Web-based Survey Generator.

ESC, USC Elections

The Engineering Student Council (ESC) and University Student Council (USC) elections will both be held on March 1, 2005, at the Melchor Hall 2nd Floor Lobby. The Miting de Avance for the ESC Elections will be held on February 28 at the Engineering Theater, while the USC parties will be holding theirs at the AS Lobby. Students must be ready with their countersigned ID’s in order to secure a ballot for either election. – Sophia Lucero and Phillip Kimpo Jr. songs. As for UP Sigaw UP Hataw, a university-wide cheering competition, UP IE Club bagged first place. The Engineering Student Council (ESC), organizer of Engineering Week, also sponsored several events. Aside from Smoker’s Night, they also sponsored the making of the college’s float in the annual UP Lantern Parade, plus the Ms. Engineering male-beauty pageant. The ESC also introduced a “new event”, taking on the theme of Engineering Week, which was called “Eng’gcredibly Hot.” The latter was a boy/ girl band competition where orgs had to imitate their favorite boy/girl bands. UP Eng’gSoc took home the top prize as they danced and sang to ‘NSync’s “Bye, Bye, Bye.” The final night of Eng’g Week started with the UP Lantern Parade, where students of the college gathered at to page 3

Parser // News and Features The first CS Week celebration held on January 14, 1985 was part of the Diamond Jubilee of the College of Engineering. <to page 6>

Eng’g Job Fair Draws Crowds By Jonas Roque

Moving Ahead...Taking the Lead...Overtaking the Rest. This was the theme of the 2005 UP College of Engineering Job Fair, held last last January 10 - 14, 2005 and organized by the Career Assistance Program for Engineering Students (CAPES). Engineering students, some of them from the Department of Computer Science, trooped to Melchor Hall and seized the rare opportunities provided by the companies present, such as ABS-CBN, Accenture, ADTX Systems, Canon, Convergys, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lexmark, Procter & Gamble, Soluziona, and Unilever. Booths were set-up at the Melchor Hall Lobby to accept the job applications, both for full-time positions and on-the-job-training (OJT). Some companies also conducted talks to give light on their vision and mission and to explain how the job hopefuls will be involved in achieving the companies’ goals. Applicants also took job examinations and attended interviews held within the Melchor Hall premises. With more than 40 participating companies, a number greater than those of previous years, a wider range of prospects opened up to the students, both graduating and undergraduate.

Eng’g Week...

continued from page 2

the Engineering steps to watch the various floats pass by. The college won this year’s “Judge’s Choice Award” for our carousel-inspired lantern. After the Lantern Parade passed by, the students then proceeded to the Eng’g Lobby, where the Ms. Engineering pageant was held. The college’s male hotties explored their feminine side during that night, strutting their stuff to this year’s theme, “The Eng’gcredibelles: The Last Encounter of the Heroic Wapak-ers.” The crown, held by UP CURSOR last year, eventually went to Ms. ERG (UP Engineering Radio Guild). The Eng’g Week awarding ceremonies then followed, with UP IE Club being recognized as the 2004 EWOC.

USC to Use Halalan Software for Computerized Elections By Sophia Lucero

Central to the Halalan system is the Halalan Server, in which information regarding parties and The University Student Council (USC) and the candidates are stored, and to which every remote University of the Philippines Linux Users’ Group collection of ballot data is communicated. These (UnPLUG) formally announced the computerization remote collections of data come from Boto Stations, of the upcoming USC elections, through the use of composed of several Boto Terminals and a Boto the Halalan Software, in a press conference held Station Administrator. There will be three computers last January 27 at the Palma Hall Lobby. for each of the colleges with laboratories, while Halalan is an open-source web-based voting the others without ones will make use of kiosks or system designed by members of UnPLUG, approved computer terminals. by the Office of Student Activities (OSA), Office of the Permitted voters, i.e., students with countersigned Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA), and the ID’s simply need to login to one of the Boto Terminals Office of the Chancellor (OC). Waldemar Bautista, and send their ballot to the Halalan Server. Abuse its president, said the idea was conceived when they is avoided by providing a randomly-generated password, which expires as soon as a user session ends. Beta Testing of the application will be conducted this February through a USC mock election. UnPLUG also plans to apply Halalan to local colleges, departments, organizations, and dormitories. People interested in helping out with the development process in all Screenshot courtesy of http://halalan.sourceforge.net areas may get in touch with UnPLUG through their website, learned that OSA found difficulty managing the USC http://uplug.org. Information on Halalan and its source code are available at http://halalan.uplug.org. elections. Diwa Del Mundo, former president of UnPLUG, A Halalan thread is also open at http://peyups.com. Halalan was featured in Parser’s previous issue explained how the use of Halalan would result in lower costs, greater efficiency, and higher voter through an in-depth interview with Waldemar Bautista, Diwa Del Mundo, and Jofell Gallardo of UnPLUG. turnout.

Diliman Computer Science Foundation, Inc. Established in 1996, the Diliman Computer Science Foundation, Inc. (DCSF) provides technical services in the fields of computer science, information technology, and other related fields to individuals and organizations. The Foundation is composed of faculty members from the Computer Science (CS) Department of the University of the Philippines in Diliman. It acts as the project implementation and resource generation arm of the Department. Basically a non-profit and non-stock organization, the DSCF Inc. currently provides the following services: Education and Training The Foundation conducts regular short courses on different topics in information technology and computer programming. These short courses are open to the public. It also administers on demand training courses for employees of public and private institutions and corporations. Courseware Development The Foundation reviews, improves, and develops modules, books, and other instructional material for schools and various learning institutions. In addition, it also designs evaluation methods and materials for both students and teachers. Research With its close ties to the academe and to the local

and international research sector, the Foundation involves itself with research and development in networking and distributed systems, internet technologies, computer vision and machine intelligence, computer algebra, software engineering, biomedical informatics, database management systems, and theoretical computer science. Technical Consultancy The Foundation provides consultancy services on various aspects of computing technology, from database and management information systems to network security. Software Development The Foundation designs and develops customized self-contained software systems and applications involving and using the latest technologies available. These can range from small database systems to large e-commerce websites. Scholarship Grants The Foundation, through the initiatives of sponsors, offers scholarship grants to full time undergraduate and graduate students as well as Junior Faculty research grants. Please contact us at dcsf@up.edu.ph

*PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Parser // News and Features Parser. Mismo.

Something sets CS apart from the other Engineering departments, besides how only female CS faculty members have the key to the mysterious MH 225. It is the of CS Network, an alliance of different CS-related organizations. Having multiple orgs under the same department usually spawns rivalry and competition. The CS Network aims to bring these organizations together under a common goal. According to the AY 2004-2005 CS Representatives Mike Sepulveda and Ponch Mante, each CS Org is different from another, and so competing for applicants isn’t practically an issue. (They do acknowledge that the intense rivalry among departments may not exactly be beneficial to all.) In the middle of the first semester of AY 2004-2005, CS organizations were invited to join the CS Network. By the end of this semester, the CS Network will have been formally established. Now, the constituents of the CS Network are busy preparing for the upcoming CS Week (February 28 - March 4). Here are the current members of the CS Network. CRS TEAM Computerized Registration System Team Year Established: 1999 http://crs.upd.edu.ph What started as the “pet” project of Prof. Arnold Putong and Prof. Paulo Paje of the Computer Science Department is now a major convenience to UP Diliman Students. The CRS or Computerized Registration System has gone through at least 6 generations of programmers. Contrary to some beliefs, the CRS team is not under the Department of Computer Science. Rather, it answers to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) through the University Computer Center (UPCC). As of now, the CRS team is now busy with several projects, including online pre-advising, grade submission and pre-assessment. The CRS team works at the 4th floor of the Diliman Interactive Learning Center (DILC). ENG’G WEBTEAM UP Engineering Webteam Head: Mr. Jose Timoteo Vergel de Dios (Webmaster) http://www.engg.upd.edu.ph/webteam/ Based in NEC 411, The Engineering Web Team is responsible for the development of the online presence for the UP Diliman College of Engineering, its departments and affiliate units. It also equips its members the knowledge, skills, confidence and character to thrive in the changing world. This organization develops websites of the College of Engineering and the Eng’g Library, deploy a webmail system for employees of the college and train its members to develop and deploy websites in an open-source environment, among others. However, the web team is more than just a team of web designers and programmers slaving away at NEC 411; it is a close-knit group of friends who slowly drive each other insane with the various

CS Orgs, Pt. 4

project deadlines they have to meet. Imagine. Create. Innovate. The Engineering Web Team. UnPLUG UP Linux Users’ Group Head: Waldemar Bautista (President) Year Established: 2003 http://www.uplug.org/

However, at the end of the day, UP CompSoc is simply one big barkada. Mind you, not all of them wear glasses or braces. And yes, they still talk about Sharon Cuneta sometimes. UP CURSOR UP Association of Computer Science Majors Head: Georgino Adriano (President) Year Established: 1983 http://www.upcursor.org

The University of the Philippines Linux Users’ Group (UnPLUG) is a duly recognized student organization dedicated in promoting the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and in advocating its philosophy through seminars, trainings, and software development. What once was a mere idea posted in Peyups. com has now grown into an organization recognized by the University. UnPLUG is relatively young but in its one year of recognition, it has spearheaded projects beneﬁtting the University, like Linux trainings and seminars, and software projects such as the Halalan Online Voting System. UnPLUG may be small, but each member gives one’s best in upholding the org’s vision and objectives. UnPLUG has the power of a large organization and the speed of a small one. Today, UnPLUG is sponsoring even more meaningful projects for the University. Its members are dedicated as ever to reach greater heights.

CS Orgs Unite Under the CS Network

UP ACM STUDENT CHAPTER UP Association for Computing Machinery Student Chapter Head: Ardee Aram (Chair) Year Established: 2003 http://www.engg.upd.edu.ph/acm The UP Association for Computing Machinery (UP ACM) Student Chapter held its First General Assembly last January 20, 2005 at the Engineering Theater, formalizing its strong intent to be a duly-recognized university and college organization. With its membership core in the Department of Computer Science, but open to all UP students, the UP ACM is the Philippines’ ﬁrst and only student chapter of ACM International, which according to its website is “a major force in advancing the skills of information technology professionals and students worldwide”. The UP

The University of the Philippines Linux Users’ Group (UnPLUG) is a duly recognized Univeristy-wide multifaceted organization. Its purpose has become a lot greater than mere advocacy of the Linux Operating System, as its name suggests. According to its constitution, the aim of UnPLUG is the “promotion of the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and advocacy of its philosophy through seminars, trainings, and software development.” This idea of openly sharing software source codes, knowledge, and ideas to the people that need them is an antithesis and a natural By Ardee Aram opponent to the current trend of big software companies to horde and hide the code, thereby monopolizing the software market, and making the public believe that software solutions can only come from one

Unplugging From the Sockets of Digital Imperialism:

ACM’s swelling ranks (now nearing a hundred members) w i l l

By Karl Diaz

undoubtedly aid its mostly academic endeavors. UP COMPSOC UP Computer Society Head: Mr. Erwin Comia (President) Year Established: 1981 http://upcompsoc.deep-ice.com/org.htm Gone are the days when computers were only for those with glasses and braces. No longer are the words megabyte and megahertz uttered only by engineers, whence the rest of us use mega only when referring to Gabby Concepcion’s ex. This doesn’t happen anymore in UP Diliman. Located at the west wing at the second ﬂoor of the College of Engineering, lies the University of the Philippines Computer Society. The UP Computer Society was started by eight Electrical and Electronics Engineering students in August 1981. It began with the simple vision of being a venue for sharing information among people interested in computers. Being a duly recognized student organization, UP CompSoc involves itself in seminars, forums and tutorials, all geared towards indulging the members’ common interest: computing and information technology.

source, and can only come at a high price. This reflects that aside from the technical aspects of computers, computer-related technologies, and software development, UnPLUG also concerns itself with the political, economic, and social issues, such as digital imperialism and monopoly, the open source movement, and benefits that computers and automation will bring to the people. UnPLUG will celebrate its 2nd year of foundation this July 20. It was that same day of 2003 when Diwa del Mundo, Waldemar Bautista, Ardee Aram, Paolo Aromin, and others met the former UP President Francisco Nemenzo for discussions of promotion and implementation of Free and Open Source Software in the University. Though before that day founding an organization dedicated to such a task had been talked about, it was only then the organization was made official.

A non-profit nonsectarian socio-civic group, the University of the Philippines Association of Computer Science Majors (UP CURSOR) has proven that computers can be fun and studying them even better! This organization aims to extend the training of its members beyond the formal limits of the CS Curriculum, foster goodwill, friendship, cooperation, and dedication among its members, and cultivate and maintain cordial and fraternal relations with other organizations in the university, among others. Now fifteen years old, UP CURSOR has come a long way in their pursuit of academic excellence, of knowledge and skill required beyond the confinements of the college’s computer rooms and the restrictions of the curriculum, of camaraderie and cooperation among CS majors, and the fine art of cards, este, programming pala. Simply put, UP CURSOR has far more to offer than just a snappy six-letter name. UP PARSER Official Publication of the Department of Computer Science, UP Diliman Head: Phillip Kimpo Jr. (Editor-in-Chief) Year Established: 1999 http://www.engg.upd.edu.ph/~parser The official publication of the Department of Computer Science, The UP Parser aims to be the voice of the CS department: a mediator between the department and student body, as well as an outlet for skilled programmerjournalists. Established in 1999 as the first Departmentbased publication in the College of Engineering, Parser briefly disappeared from the public eye in 2002. Two years later, Parser was reborn through the efforts of the AY 200405 CS Reps. Today, Parser serves the department through print, bulletin boards, email newsletters, and its website. Parser is dedicated to offering you the latest CS news and views, as long as DCS lives. The UP Parser. We don’t just write programs; we write.

From the moment of its conception, the organization has held many seminars, trainings, and projects. Some worth noting are Open Sourcing UP, which showcases several Free and Open Source Technologies and how they can contribute to the betterment of the University and the country as a whole; Halalan, an open-source web-based project designed to automate the election process; the conversion of several laboratories in the University to Linux, like the Engineering Library; and free Linux usage training of several University employees. The Organization is currently based in the College of Engineering. Though most of its current members come from the fields of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, people from all domains of knowledge are more than welcome to join the organization.

Parser // Features May pag-ibig. May pag-asa. May Parser.

up.parser Department of Computer Science University of the Philippines Diliman http://www.engg.upd.edu.ph/~parser upparser@yahoo.com Phillip Kimpo II Editor-in-Chief Adelaida Sophia Marie F. Lucero Associate Editor & Business Manager Carlos Miguel M. Lasa Alfonso Miguel L. Mante Luis Antonio B. Reyes Michael James O. Sepulveda CS Representatives / Managing Editors Lia N. Maliwat Tristan Jed G. Roque News Editors Kathleen A. Martin Jonas G. Roque Features Editors Karl Oliver Diaz Opinion Editor Ardee C. Aram Tech Editor Daniel Joseph R. Saracin Julia Isobel F. Teehankee Literary Editors

Editorial

Kristine Marie B. Dario Layout Head

Long Live the Alliance

As the Computer Science Week draws near, it is only fitting that CS students, regardless of extra-curricular affiliation, unite for one common goal – the betterment of the Department. In what promises to be greatest CS story for this academic year, the CS Network has been established, bringing together eight CSrelated organizations under one ‘mother org.’ This groundbreaking alliance serves to foster camaraderie and cooperation among the eight organizations which, although related to CS one way or another, still maintain different mindsets, different agendas. But these differences are what the CS Network aims to harness. Rather than being sources of dispute and competition, the divergent strengths of each organization shall meld into one, potent entity. One can already see the beginnings of an alliance envied all throughout the College of Engineering; the vast, diverse talents of UP CURSOR and UP CompSoc merging with the determined, academic thrusts of UP ACM and UnPLUG, enhanced by the volunteering heart of the CRS Team, Engineering Webteam, and ECR Volcorps, and furthered by the journalistic spirit of The UP Parser. But as the saying goes, the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. It is imperative that every organization within the CS Network fulfill the duties assigned to them. And, in the same way that everyone should whole-heartedly engage in alliance

Frank M. Tan, Jr. Circulation Manager Maybelle Sibayan Head Artist Erica Mae Abbass Jon Eric R. Cantos Jenny G. Cheng Benjamin Pio R. Claudio Jose Paolo L. Ferrer Stevenson Cunanan Lee Brian P. Loya Joscar Gamaliel S. Malacaman Jason Erick D. Masipiqueña Jan E. San Jose Staffers Florence Tiu Balagtas Adviser Dr. Ronald Tuñgol Department Chair

activities, no one should be left out. No one should dominate, and neither should one be a subordinate. This is because the CS Network is a gathering of equals, with equal rights and equal responsibilities. These same responsibilities also extend to Department Faculty and the CS Representatives. Such a bold venture as the CS Network would miserably fail without the support of CS teachers and administration; it mustn’t be forgotten that the growth of the Department lies in a healthy, bilateral relationship between the learned and the learners. And without the guidance and leadership provided by the CS Reps, the alliance would be a knight-less horse, full of sinew but lacking bravura. The four representatives who envisioned the CS Network and turned it into a stunning reality now face the task of guiding the “umbrella org” in its infancy stages, as well as ensure a smooth hand-over to the next batch of CS Reps. The alliance will be their legacy – regardless of whether it succeeds or fails. As we celebrate the 24th anniversary of the Department of Computer Science, let us likewise celebrate the birth of the CS Network and rally around its cause. For this alliance – another first in College history – is ready to prove that organizations don’t have to be bitter rivals, but rather allies in forging the future. Long live the CS Network!

PARSER PULSO NG PUBLIKO

3.0: GWA ko. Almost - 02-26352 1.5: May hindi rin ako nakuha pero may slots pa naman! *boo!*

1.0 to 1.5 – 17 votes 1.75 to 4.0 – 5 votes Others – 5 votes 1.0: Sobrang okey naman eh... - Mark Alvin Ligaya Inc.: ok ba ang class sked na 7am and 5:30 pm w/ nothing in between? - 02-26352 DRP: Manual registration rulez! When all else fails, use BRUTE FORCE! - 02-17430

2. Gusto nyo ba ang “bagong look” ng CS Dept.?

1. Rate the latest CRS Pre-enlistment. (1.0 highest; 5.0 - lowest)

OO – 9 votes Hinde – 3 votes ? – 2 votes Ok/Ok lang – 3 votes Medyo – 1 vote Yes: Mas malinis tingnan ung dept. ngaun - 02-

20484 ?: OK lang. enge diskette - Neptuna Hindi: Nakaka-miss yung dating look (year 1999) Oo: Mas maaliwalas ang dating... at mas makakapagtago pag kinakabahan sa MP Demo... - Rei Medyo: Sana araw-araw bago - 02-25909

Next Survey!

1. Describe the performance of the 2004-2005 CS Reps: Carlos, Chicco, Mike, & Ponch. 2. Anong masasabi nyo sa CS Week 2005?

Parser // Opinion <from page 2> The opening ceremony welcomed guests like then UP President Edgardo Angara and then UP Secretary Gemino Abad. <to page 8>

the parser log*

proclaimed the said ‘achievement’ on my resume, and I needed the TCG to back it up. But of disappointment disappointments, I wasn’t a College Scholar! The TCG sneered so. Jeric Cantos, Phillip Kimpo Jr., Sophia Lucero Mistakenly. The reason? I had a 5.0 in CWTS 1, of all the subjects in the university. And what’s How Do You Make Crimson Parsley? more painful is that I practically didn’t take the damn course! Here’s a little something for the Valentine Season. I did finish a CWTS class, but it was CWTS 1 and 2, the “New suit, ok. Dream House, maybe. But the girl... You can’t compromise with the girl.” – Ed Stevens from the TV one offered by the College of Business Administration. I got a passing mark on that (no numeric grades there, just P or Show Ed I totally agree. For someone you’re going to spend your F), the product of me and my groupmate’s welfare work whole life with, you can’t compromise with that. In the first and fund-raising for Boystown Manila. That subject was also faithfully reflected in the TCG, all right, but alongside my place, there should be no cause for compromise. supposedly ‘flunked’ CWTS 1 subject! Why? Well, first of all, you must love your partner, inside The latter was the “rappeling” course offered by the and out. Love them for who they are. You must love them for their good qualities, as well as for their bad ones. If your College of Engineering and Kampo Uno, of which I was love is true, and you accept all that your partner was, is, and an original enrollee. But after being enticed by the CBA’s CWTS 1 and 2, I applied for a change of matriculation ever will be, then what need is there for compromise? Don’t get me wrong. The compromise I’m talking about (change-mat). It was of course promptly completed, signed here is in choosing your partner. It’s not in maintaining your and authorized by both the Eng’g and BA parties. So, after relationship. To keep your relationship with your partner all the hoopla, I was OFFICIALLY dropped from the Engg smooth and well, you can’t avoid making compromises, but CWTS and OFFICIALLY enrolled in the BA CWTS. According to the TCG, the last half of that last line is that’s another topic. correct, but the first is NOT. Anyway, the problem now is, finding that person. So, what was the purpose of my going through that That right person that you can give yourself to fully and unconditionally. I hope you all find a person like that. A systematic application for an OFFICIAL change-mat, if in person you can spend the rest of your lives with, and a the end it was still going to be screwed up? The College has advised me to dutifully approach both person that would be willing to do the same for you. posted by The Zechsmachine of my teachers in the Eng’g and BA CWTS classes, and dutifully obtain the confirmation that I had dropped the former and passed the latter, so that I can dutifully pay for Lapsus Calami another OFFICIAL true copy of grades, this time with the right grades. I was also advised to believe in the excuse* that For three years, I’ve been spared the sordid fate of being the it was the CRS’ fault, for it was the source of the TCG. victim of UP’s inefficient, failure-prone bureaucracy. All my I am dutifully rendered exhausted. grades have been faithfully transcribed into the College’s Was it my fault in the first place? records, and all my units have been properly accounted for. I’m in the right path towards a hassle-free graduation. *Forgive me if I’m wrong and the College’s right; I’m not a Thank heavens for that. CRS guy, after all. Or so I thought. posted by corsarius_phil I recently applied (er, paid) for a true copy of grades (TCG), a requirement by some of the companies present in last month’s Engineering Job Fair. It was nothing important, The View Layer really; the paper would just serve to confirm my first and ”It’s just a matter of perspective.” only stint as a College Scholar a few sems back (let me see -http://www.engg.upd.edu.ph/cs, (old version) that personal-best 1.68 GWA!). Of course, I unabashedly

Last semester, a new squad of basketball players was formed to represent the CS Department in the Engineering Cup. Although the results reflected a very slight improvement from the previous year’s 0-7 standing, the team was hardly anywhere it wanted to be with a win-loss record of 1-6. Some people claimed we lacked the talent and experience to succeed but during the recently concluded Tau Alpha Basketball League, a ray of hope shone through. Two of the three starting guards of the CS Men’s Basketball Team were given a chance to play for UP CURSOR’s Basketball Team last December as CURSOR aimed to reclaim the Championship. Arbie Magno and Marvin Lee join the extremely talented line-up of F/C Adrian Nicdao (Captain), G/F Alan Gonzalez (Playing Coach), C Raymond Castalone, G/F Carlo Hombrebueno, G Richmond Referente and G/F Raphael Arguillo as UP CURSOR reclaimed the TABL Championship. Both players (Arbie and Marvin) have shown that they can really play the game as they took on the task of being the role players for a team of superstars. Their tight defense and good hustle allowed them to relieve the star players while still maintaining the strong runs. According to Team Captain Adrian Nicdao “For them as rookies of CURSOR, nagcontribute sila lalo na

on defense.” Arbie and Marvin have been a core part of the CS team last semester, if they can bring this defensive-hustle mentality to the team and lead through example it would greatly increase our chances in getting a W. We know they can score but now we can also see that they have the capability of doing the little things that win ball games and since the stars are willing to do the “dirty work” then the other players have to respond as well. Hopefully this news will raise the morale of CS students and encourage them to join us during the Eng’g Cup, we need the support badly. Hopefully next year we can rally for a standing above .500 and maybe an Eng’g Cup Title. - Jocs *** The hands of the clock are running in prompt fashion. Soon, classes will end, and in a blink of an eye another academic year would have started. Next July we shall relive the Engineering Cup, where eight departments from our college battle to the end to be the overall champion. There will be the usual basketball, volleyball, badminton, and Philippine games events.

I’ve never seen the Department like this before. I mean more than my physical, oh-so comfortable, practically superfluous familiarity with it. I wasn’t always like this; now that I am, though, I’m glad. I wish people would see it the way I do. So many great things are happening ‘round the CS block that watching it all play out is sweet enough an eye candy: UP CURSOR, overall third place once more last Engineering Week ‘04, is sponsoring inter-university events Java Cup, Quizzardry and UGotGamePro. UP Parser, now back with flair thru a rebirth volume, has released four issues, each a fine formula of journalism, good taste, and CS love. CRS, more reliable than ever, has released a convenient second round scheme for pre-enlistment. CS Student Assistants, not just paid errand-runners, are training to be the hardware and network specialists that Engineering departments can depend on. UP ACM, first ever Student Chapter in the Philippines, has been formally launched reaching over 80 members within a one-month membership period. UnPLUG, pioneers of Open Source in the University, will be launching Halalan, the computerized web-based voting system for this year’s USC Elections. CS Network, brainchild of 04-05 CS Representatives, sets out to unite all the orgs and special units of CS. Prof. Evangel P. Quiwa, probably the most loved CS teacher throughout the years, is now the College Secretary. DCS, winner of the Christmas tree-making contest at the Eng’g fun days, will migrate to the third floor of the new Engineering Library and launch a new GE subject (CS 1) in the near future (see 3rd Load). It would be impetuous to declare 2005 as the “Year of the CS.” After all, we haven’t gotten to “Best Department” status yet. We can start, though, by letting CS Week become the occasion to change how we see our Dept. Show that these superficial labels and awards are also products of how our Dear Comp Sci has brought us up. Discover the 2-tothe-something possibilities. The Department is not only a set of rooms where you enlist, get your class cards, do your MP demos, or hang out in just ‘cause it’s air-conditioned. It’s where your favorite sentimental advertisement slogan (or song, maybe) applies. A bit along the lines of Love ko ‘to, Kasama ka, At Home Ka Dito, She Will Be Loved, Ikaw Nga and You’ll be Safe Here. Look closer.

posted by aoikoorikaze

* Fashioned after the parser blog, the staff’s group blog at http://parserblog.blogspot.com

metal hoop Joscar Malacaman & Teejay Roque And as I have mentioned earlier, many of our CS Team players will be marching for their diplomas this April. The Seniors have been very active in participating in the said events. The consequence of their departure lies ahead; can we still mold an improved team for the next Cup, or worse, can we still form a team? I hope that the answer would be yes. As part of the CS Volleyball Team, I can personally say that scarcity of players has been the usual dilemma. I had pointed this out in my earlier column if I’m not mistaken. Contribute what you have under your sleeves. Maybe it’s your time to shine! We can already begin practices this summer so that when the race is on, we’d be all geared up. Finally, a whisper yet an alarming call to all of us: Vacant slots for our CS Team are waiting for you. - TJ

Parser // Opinion Iba ang tibok ‘pag ka-Parser. Synchronized.

The UP Diliman’s Campus Department of Computer Science (DCS) is home to budding Java enthusiasts who are geared to be the country’s future ICT innovators and trendsetters. What better way to channel this emerging pool of talent than by having an institution dedicated to the pursuit of Java technology? The answer: the UP Java Research & Development Center, or simply JRDC.

Tech Spotlight:

be recognized as a worldclass, premier Java technology provider in the Philippines, as well as being a nexus for local Java zealots, both students and ICT professionals, who wish the By Phillip Kimpo Jr. hone their skills and Brian Loya and convert their ideas into practical, marketable solutions. The JRDC is equipped with a dozen SunBlade 100 workstations, 2 Netra T1 servers, 1 SunFire 420R server, and 3 SunFire 220R servers. These machines are available to students for use in their R&D projects.

The UP Java Research & Development Center

Overview The JRDC was established in 2002 as part of the ASEAN Java Competency Program (AJCP), which is comprised of the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The JRDC, the country’s first institution that focuses solely on Java technology, was founded in partnership with the University of the Philippines, Ayala Foundation, Sun Microsystems Philippines, and Mirant Philippines Foundation. Located at Unit 4 of the UP-Ayala Technology Business Incubation Building at C.P. Garcia Avenue, the JRDC aims to

Drink This Cup of Coffee Whether you’re a grizzled Java veteran or a young upstart seeking the road to fame and wealth in the ICT world, the JRDC is the right place for you. It provides the perfect venue for technology and product innovation, made possible by the maintenance and continuing investment

Ever played a video game? A silly question; I bet everybody in CS has played at least one game on any platform. What’s more enjoyable than the thrill and fun of playing games? The ability to make them. If gaming is your passion, you might as well move forward and try to make your own. All you need is your creativity, your skills in programming (that’s why you’re studying computer science), and a game development tool. Many free and commerical ones are downloadable through the Internet. Somtimes it only takes core programming languages like C++ or Java (remember your CS 11 or CS 12 MP’s?), although it’s undoubtedly difficult especially for complicated and graphics-heavy games. Macromedia Flash, originally a tool for creating Web sites and application enhancements, can also be used as a powerful game development tool. Why Flash? Although Macromedia Flash is not solely intended for game development, its features allow users to easily create game elements. You have the tool, but can it supplement your creativity? Flash offers rich vector graphic and animation design features, fit for creating an effective game environment. You can also import external files like bitmaps, sounds, and video clips to augment the gaming experience. ActionScript Now that you have created a great game environment, you need to orchestrate all the elements to come up with an even greater gameplay. This is where your programming skills come into action. ActionScript is Flash’s scripting language. It provides actions, operators, and objects, all essential in creating your game. ActionScript 2.0, available in Macromedia Flash MX 2004 and Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004, is a restructuring of the ActionScript language that provides several new features found in programming languages such as Java. The Actions panel in Flash has two modes: normal mode and expert mode. In normal mode, you build scripts by selecting options from menus (so, this is the “normal” way of programming?). In expert mode, you type text directly into the panel; the same way we type our programs in a text editor (does this mean we are “experts?”). These scripts can be attached to movie clips, buttons, or frames to create the gaming experience

in the center’s facilites. Student projects from the DCS are also incubated at the center, allowing its developers to enhance the project’s market potential. Major players in the local industry also sponsor R&D ventures done at the center, and this backing doesn’t hurt at all any project’s commercial feasibility and viability. The JRDC plays an active role in contributing to the ICT infrastructure of the country. Its current research and software development projects include the Java SIP SoftPhone, OpenOffice.org V i e w e r 2, UPCC’s VoIP Billing System, and the UPITTC’s Computerized Admission System, while the “Face Recognition on the Go” (FROG) student thesis is incubated at the institution. The Center is also in the thick of things when it comes to enhancing the quality of Java education; three current continuing education programs on its list are the Java Engagement for Teacher Training Program (JETT), the Java Education

you need. To learn more about ActionScript, there are many Flash tutorials, even ones about game development, on the Net. You can also refer to Flash’s Help section. There are also sample files featuring certain ActionScript capabilities. I learned most of the things about ActionScript by reading the Help section and by

Development Initiative (JEDI), and the Computer Science Symposium. The JRDC is also hosting this year’s JavaCup competition with the UP CURSOR. The Student Affiliation Program The JRDC has an ongoing Student Affiliation Program which provides students the great chance of furthering their knowledge and proficiency in Java technology. Students selected to participate in the program will be able to conduct academic research and industryrelated projects in the areas of software engineering, Internet technologies, and information systems. Students affiliated with the JRDC also obtain the enviable privileges of using the Center’s facilities anytime free of charge (including overnight stays). Those who are itching to be the JRDC’s new batch of Java warriors should see Sir JP Petines of the DCS, who is the Center’s faculty-incharge. Reference: Petines, J. Brewing Innovation at the UP Java Research Development Center. 2005.

3rd Load By Jonas Roque

Games in a Flash! By Jason Erick D. Masipiqueña

viewing sample files; they were a lot more comprehensive than I expected. It is relatively easy to learn Flash and ActionScript for us programmers. Once you have become familiar with Flash, you can express your ingenuity by making games in no time. I have been working on my very first Flash game, Space Poring (check out the screenshot), since October 2004, and in the process I am also learning more about Flash and ActionScript. This project will be my entry to Level-Up’s Flash Game Contest. The deadline has been moved several times from November 31, 2004, to this coming April. Once I have formally submitted my project, I will be glad to make it “open-source” and share how it was done. Note: If you are interested in game dev’t, you might want to join UP ACM Student Chapter’s Gaming & Graphics Special Interest Group (SIG). Contact the author of this article or any UP ACM officer (see related news article) for more info.

Most of the readers thought that the scenes written in Second Run (see last issue) were imaginary misadventures. I tell you, they really happened. In fact, everyone is making fun of the mishaps of the author, yours truly. Because you can’t get enough of CS Horrorscope, which is now emulated nearby, and Second Run, Parser now loads its third installment: Third Load. The CS Department is planning to offer a General Education Computer Science course. I was asked to compose a catchy line to plug the said subject just like Physics’ May the FORCE be with you. So, I present the following suggestions: 1. And only CS can make a TREE. 2. RECURSION. Bet you won’t repeat a subject again! 3. Acquire the world. DIVIDE AND CONQUER. 4. SORTING techniques made easy. Sort of. 5. Earn more in CS NETWORKING. 6. Be HEAP. Be Cool. 7. Express yourself with REGULAR EXPRESSIONS. 8. THREADS are not sewn here. 9. No to E-vat. Yes to SYNTAX! 10. Let’s talk about RELATIONS. ONETO-ONE. 11. You will create CLASSES in the class. 12. POLYMORPHISM. Discover the superpower within you. What do you think?

Parser // Tech and Fun <from page 6> Utmost support for the Department was shown by then ES/CS Dept. Chair Rey Vea, NHRC Director Leonardo Liongson, and Prof. Quiwa.

comic·fest

fluppy



nyungnyung



by kyle domingo

baket... may date ka ba?

bwiseet! bakit ba kailangang itapat sa 14 ang exam kung kelan fair at valentine’s day?!

pagtanda mo siguro kamukha mo si bilbo baggins.

...

LJ X B T P WP Blog. I would bet that every internetsavvy user has encountered the word at least once, unknowingly or not. For the uninitiated, and for those who still think a blog is a cold leftover of spaghetti and meatballs from yesterday’s party ready to be thrown to the dogs (I did believe that once!), here’s another Techspeak-ese: Blog, n. [short for Weblog] (1999): a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer -- Merriam-Webster http://www.m-w.com/ info/04words.htm More formally known as a weblog, blogs are web applications with periodic “posts” (or online articles) from one or more sources. They serve as public diaries for users to express their opinions on anything and everything. Articles could range from the very mundane like one’s tummy-ache or one’s new mouse pad, to the critical, like movements for opensourcing or information dissemination on Senate Bills. Even the authors come from a broad spectrum, all free to post their innermost thoughts to be broadcast over the World Wide Web.

didn’t contribute at all to the popularity of those online journals. Interestingly, precursors of blogging tools were already being developed due to the needs of webmasters to maintain an oftenupdated “What’s new” page. Institutions

fought by the USA.

Be a Blogger The UP Parser reviews several blogging tools and services popular in the World Wide Web: 1) Blogger (http:// blogspot.com) is a popular blogging service offered by Google. It has a very straighforward and easy interface, allowing writers who aren’t computer-fluent to focus on their writing. Its minimalistic approach attracts many writers, encouraging readers to focus on the meat of the work, not the color combination of their site. Large default text size makes it very readable and very friendly to people with imperfect vision. For the control- and customizefreak, it has an easy-to-edit template so that the user can add several functionalites like chatboxes, hit counters, and picture galleries. 2) Blogdrive (http://blogdrive.com) seems to attract a large audience too. It is a featured-pack blogging application complete with a calendar, a quote of the day, and a chatbox. It has a sleek, futuristic feel, and can host pictures unlike Blogger. Though one can claim the text has been made too small, one could argue that this has been done for aesthetic purposes. 3) WordPress (http://wordpress.org) is a blogging tool for advanced users. Unlike the previous ones, this has to be installed manually on a HTTP server with PHP support running on a MySQL database server. Though the concept of manual installation would scare off most people, this gives absolute control over your site. Like Blogger, WordPress has a no-fancywe-mean-business air, and its minimalist design and large text makes it a pleasure

TechSpeak: Blogs

The Dawn of Blogging Online journals have existed far beyond the graphical-based Internet everyone is familiar with. In the 1990’s, when the Internet was still young, and when the only access to the Net was by “command line,” emails and forums served as virtual rooms for every user to discuss anything, and up to now, they still serve their purpose. It was around 1993 when GUI web browsers became popular. But web publishing during that time was tedious and required rigorous knowledge of HTML to effectively post an article, and that

By Ardee Aram

like Netscape (1993) used these. Then web-based journals slowly caught the public’s eye, and by December 1997 Jorn Barger coined the term “weblog,” defined as: “...often-updated sites that point to articles elsewhere on the web, often with comments, and to on-site articles. A weblog is kind of a continual tour, with a human guide you get to know. There are many guides to choose from and each develops an audience. There’s camaraderie and politics between the people who run weblogs. They point to each other in all kinds of structures, graphs, loops, etc.” The shortened version of the word was coined by Peter Merholz who “in 1999 broke the word weblog into the phrase ‘we blog’ in the sidebar of his weblog.” It was also in this year that Pyra (now under Google) released Blogger, a webbased blogging tool famous for its userfriendliness and ease of use, designed to cater to a wide audience. It was said that the influence of weblogs was made fully aware before and during the attack of the United States against Iraq in 2002. Though it wasn’t the first time the online community became political, everyone felt the political pressure that could be mounted through blogs. These political bloggers’ agenda was and is to rationalize and support the war being

to read a “Wordpressed” site for hours. Others to try out: LiveJournal (http:// livejournal.com), Xanga (http://xanga. com), Tabulas (http://tabulas.com)

Get Blogged To have a feel on what blogging is really all about, here are some of the blogs of your very own ka-Parsers. [Ed. Note: We apologize for this shameless selfpromotion, but hey, these blogs are worth every second you’ll spend reading them! Be parsed.] http://parserblog.blogspot.com The official blog of The UP Parser. The programmer-journalists have invaded the blogging scene. http://claustrophobic.blogspot.com A sneak peek to the world of unchained minds and scattered thoughts. Created and maintained by the Tech Editor. http://corsarius.blogspot.com The Editor-in-Chief’s Slip of the Pen. Vae victis — woe to the vanquished. http://dogtag.blogspot.com One of our Feature Editors is turning twenty-one...rather, 10101. http://durungawan.blogspot.com From the author of the last blog, now in deep Tagalog. http://infobuilder.blogspot.com Welcome to the Information Age and the blog of one of our Managing Editors. http://transience.last-waltz.net The Layout Head is in Transience... Transcendence. http://livejournal.com/~carlooos Based on the true story of another Managing Editor. Trademarked. http://livejournal.com/~crimson_parsley One of our new writers asks the most thought-provoking question of all: How do you make Crimson Parsley?

Parser // Tech & Fun

Parser. We don’t just write programs. We blog too.

Laundry beta taster >> Suds

Phillip Kimpo Jr.

By Karl Diaz

sasabay ako sa hapunan ng mga nasa Jollibee walang bayad, walang pila halukay lang sa gabi.

eto, jackpot! may karne pang nakakapit sa butong makatas sa laway. malamán, pero Chickenjoy ulit?

Come, little children. Let me tell you a story. Let me tell you about the rivers back home where we wash, bathe and even quench our thirst; They said pipe water cannot reach our barrio.

itinapon ko sa ‘king kapatid gusto ko’y Burger Steak.

Come, little children. Let me tell you a story. Let me scare you with aswangs, mumo and kapres. Your mother chides me to stop weaving tall tales; My father is a shaman, my mother is a witch. Popo Kernigan

Come, little children. Let me tell you a story. Let me tell you about the okra and the camote, because to have rice is a feast we cannot afford. That is why I went to the city and, eventually, here.

Haybol

Pagdating sa bahay galing sa eskwela, Makikinig sa radio ng mga kanta. Hihintayin ko, idolong mang-aawit, Hihintayin ko kahit ako’y mangawit.

Come, little children. Let me tell you a story. Let me tell you about ﬁlthy, muddy unclothed kids, of crying hungry mouths and illiterate morons, of my own children I had left back home.

Magtetelebabad hanggang sa mabingi, ‘Nood ng TV hanggang mata’y lumaki. Tutugtog ng gitara buong maghapon... Teka, ‘di ba’t ginawa ko ‘to kahapon? Alas-sais na, madilim na sa labas, Takbo sa tindahan, bibili ng bigas. Hindi pa nagsasaing, mag-gagabi na, Sesermonan na naman ako ni Mamá. Tapos ng hapunan, hugasan ang plato. Pero bago ‘yon, pakainin ang aso. Pagkatapos no’n, matulog nang maaga, ‘Wag nang tumunganga, bukas may pasok pa.

Pagpapatiwakal by Cai

hayaan na lunurin ako ng totoong luha na bubukal sa sarili kong ugat dadaloy patuloy hayaan na laslasin ang sariling isip para makalaya di na makukulong wala nang tanikala

hayaang ibitin ng nagkukumagkag na mga kamay sa itaas lalambitin hayaang padaluying muli ang dugo sa umaantak na sugat paghilom ng laman ay di nalalayo hayaan na malagutan ng hininga at umiyak at magsisi ngunit huli na dahil ako’y nagpatiwakal matagal na.

p10 Parser // Literary

A vast expanse of sky and space, ever spiralling deep within, on leaded grass, the moonlight shines and shows what will be, and what was. Night approaches, darkness settles; city noises reach crescendo. As the degrees drop, and then dive So movement shatters and subsides. A blanket of soot beneath dew descends from high: an empty place. The glowing embers dying west; at the north side is freezing mud. Red points yonder among the clouds brace a tower lest it should fall. The deep thrummings of passing crafts Now echo, and then re-echo. Pollen ﬂies where only winds know, I breathe you in and let you go.

Sunken Garden Sunset by Raeff

Literary contributions let your voice be heard. send your works to:

upparser@yahoo.com ...or, for those less inclined to write, voice it out with:

Scribblets! 50 pesos for the ﬁrst ﬁfty characters; one peso for each additional character in the message. Contact Ia at 0920-2974104.

We don’t just write programs. We write.

hello pag-ibig! iluvu! good luck sa lahat ng graduating lalo na sa mga blockmates ko, CursorSexy! -Jeph

CS Faculty including Sir Cedric, Ma’am Susan, Sir Quiwa & Sir Feria

parse you! upset creative! hi 2 my groups: acm cssa cursor unplug sums lalo na sa Batch OC. Tnx napabilang ako. Hi Sanglay twins =P -Jonas

angDCS noon...

UP Cursor sexy! forever! -Kat One must know suffering to attain real strength -Anonymous Dormraiders rocks! -Ardee Sama-sama tayo sa pagpapahusay pagpapahusay ng CS. Kaya natin to, astig tayo! -Geo Geo

More CS Faculty

Ate Mila Ramos at the far left

Prof. Quiwa teaching a CE class

A PrintScreen Special in honor of the good ol’ days

Good luck sa CS Network at congrats sa mga nagtatag nito! Sa mga Parsed Ones, ipagpatuloy ang mabuting gawa. Go UPSET! -Phillip & Ia Send a shout to anyone and everyone you know with SCRIBBLETS! Only 50 pesos for 50 characters. Not only will we print your message in the newspaper, but we’ll also put your greeting up beside the Parser Bulletin Board in a special Scribblets Greeting Corner for everyone to see!

*PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The outgoing CS Reps would like to thank the Department of Computer Science for their patience and generosity, for helping us out when we need it the most. UP Cursor for all the support that they have given. Through thick and thin they have always been behind us. UP Parser for their enthusiasm and optimism that never ceases to encourage us with our plans. UnPLUG, UP ACM, and UP CompSoc, for their participation in our events. Ma’am Joyce for her patience in organizing this year’s CS Week. Ma’am Florence for her help in the CS 21 Quiz Bee that encouraged us to push through with the CS 12 and CS 32 Quiz Bees. Ma’am Becca, Ma’am Loraine and Sir Tuñgol for their generosity. Sir Festin and Sir JP for their insights and their will to listen. Ate Mila, for her smile. And finally, Sir Quiwa for being a symbol of passion and love for service.

thank you! ponch, chicco, mike, & carlos

Parser // Expressions DCS. Parser. Ako. Ikaw. Iba tayo.

p12