SALAMANDER Amphibious Tricycle

Pinoy-made Salamander amphibious trike can tackle land and water

Vernon B. Sarne
TopGear, Jan 21, 2015

If you're into car customization, the name Atoy Llave will certainly ring a bell. The man behind AToy Bodykits and the company's aftermarket exterior designs is quite popular among Filipino car
lovers. The curious thing you see here--the Salamander amphibious trike--is Llave's latest
creation. He made this in partnership with a new company called H2O Technologies, developing
it in particular with the firm's technical head, Lamberto Armada.

SALAMANDER trikes

Because it is amphibious, the Salamander can travel both on land and in water. It stemmed from
Llave's desire to do something really useful for the benefit of his countrymen. That and his wish
to put the Philippines on the global automotive map.
"I want to show the world that the Filipino can," Llave told TopGear.com.ph.
As you read this, Llave and his partners are launching the thing somewhere in Mandaluyong
(near our office, actually). It's a big night for the group. They have been toiling day and night in
order to seamlessly roll out the Salamander before the critical eyes of the motoring press.
Last month, Llave gave us exclusive access to the Salamander. It was for a full-length magazine
story that will appear in our February issue. Writer Niky Tamayo was able to test it for himself,
and you will read his initial impressions in our next issue.
The Salamander has two powerplant choices: one electric and one internal-combustion.
Boasting a six-person seating capacity (four in water), the amphibious tricycle is powered by
either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc gasoline motor. We assume these are the target specs
for the production version, because the provisional spec sheet still mentions a 3kW electric
engine and a 200cc motor. (Watch the video at the bottom.)
"I've already achieved so much in the car business," Llave shared. "Now, I want to leave behind
a legacy. I want to produce something that will help people."

SALAMANDER in water

Llave, of course, is referring to our country being flood-prone. Imagine having an amphibious
vehicle like this when the water rises. The Salamander will also be practical as a shuttle vehicle
in between small islands all around the archipelago.
The only hurdle? As with any brilliant Filipino idea, there is currently a lack of funding, which
Llave hopes to get as soon as word spreads about his newest brainchild. We hope a wealthy
businessman with patriotic and philanthropic intentions is reading this. The Salamander is
waiting to be developed, polished and marketed to the world.
Atoy Llave is right: The Filipino can.
Watch the video here:

For a more comprehensive story on the Salamander, read the February 2015 TopGear issue.
Source:
TopGear
Photo & video credits:
TopGear by Christian Halili
TopGear in YouTube
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Labels: transportation

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

Body-heat powered flashlight

We had featured in our previous blog about a water-powered invention that can generate
electricity. Now, we will tackle another record-breaking and world-changing invention - a

flashlight than can be powered solely by bodys heat. Imagine that it will produce light by just
holding it. No batteries. Not solar-powered. Its such an incredible invention!
The inventor of this amazing flashlight is a Filipino-Canadian 15-year old student, Ann
Makosinsk. Her project was inspired by a friend from Mindanao whose family could not afford to
pay for electricity. Without light at night, her friend could not study properly. She failed an entire
school year because she could not read her lessons.
After a few prototypes, she unveiled her hollow flashlight, so named because it has a hollow
aluminum tube at its core that cools the sides of the peltier tiles attached to the flashlights
cylinder. The other side is warmed by heat from a hand gripping the flashlight.

Ann Makosinsk holding her invention, the "Hollow Flashlight"

Ann spent several months designing the flashlight and figuring out its voltage conversion. Much
has been written online about powering a flashlight with peltier tiles, but those devices used
heat from candles and blow torches. Anns patent-pending prototype relies on hand warmth only
and required that she make her own transformer, among other difference-making factors. She
said that her invention needs at least 3 to 5 degrees Celsius temperature difference to work.
She added that the flashlight is ideal for cold temperature because the larger the temperature
differential,
the
greater
the
light
produced.
Though her invention is not yet ready for commercialization and need to be improved, it was
good enough for her to win the 2013 Google Science Fair in the 15-16 years old category
beating out thousands of other students from over 120 countries and earned praises by many.
Her story has been shared several times in social media and has caught the interest of several
people,
including
American
TV
host
Jimmy
Fallon.
Makosinski says her flashlight can produce up to 5-foot candles of brightnessbelow the
commercial standardbut she says she is working to make the light brighter. It produced
roughly 24 lumens compared to dozens or even hundreds of lumens of light produced by
commercial flashlights. She says several companies have voiced interest in her flashlight. But
she is adamant that until her flashlight achieves higher brightness at a lower cost, she will not
agree to produce it for the public.
Driven by a very noble objective, she said, I want to make sure my flashlight is available to
those who really need it.

Source:
CBC News
Global Nation
Yahoo

News

Photo:
CBC News
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MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2014

Special Operations Assault Rifle (SOAR): A Filipino

innovative assault rifle
Development
Fascination for guns and a dream of once joining the military are what led the Filipino twin
brothers (Ferdinand and Francis Sy) to the arms industry. But it was a controversial armed
robbery in the Philippines in the 90's wherein robbers outgunned police that made Ferdinand
and Francis pursue their passion. They wanted to come up with a modern firearm that is
accurate,
easy
to
use
and
durable.
The mission of FERFRANS way back in 1994 was to really give an edge to the Philippine
National Police-Special Action Force. To give them the edge in combat through weaponry, said
Francis as interviwed by ABS-CBN.

The FERFRANS logo

FERFRANS started in 1998 developing specialized equipment for law enforcement and military.
Although all products were manufactured or sourced in the United States, it was the operational
requirements of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and specialized
military units in the United States that motivated FERFRANS to design and develop its products.
The challenges of the PNP-SAF during that time and in the present became very complex. They
have to deal with multiple threats from, the communist New Peoples Army (NPA), the muslim
insurgents (MILF and MNLF), terrorist groups (Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah), and organize
crime. Also, in this day and age of terrorism, the line between conventional and unconventional
warfare has diminished as well as the grey line between military and law enforcement
operations. Special operating units in urban centers today, conducting hostage rescue will be
the same troops that will battle insurgents in the jungles tomorrow. Unconventional warfare has

evolved to irregular warfare so a new breed of warriors are created and together with it a new
weapon system.
FERFRANS SOAR

The FERFRANS SOAR

The main feature of the FERFRANS SOAR is its patented Delayed Sear Activation System. It is
a me- chanical device that reduces the cyclic rate of full-auto fire of the M16 / M4A1 type rifles
from 850-900 rpm to 550-680 rpm. This system does not only reduce the cyclic rate of fire but
also reduces the velocity (Impact Stress) of the bolt carrier assembly as it goes into battery
making the rifle very controllable and smooth in full-auto fire. Reliability is increased because
impact stress is reduced considerably and heat is reduced. Burst controlled fire can be achieved
with just a simple squeeze of the trigger as the time between shots are slower and the tempo is
constant. The effect is immediate Controllable Accurate Full Auto Fire. Another advantage of the
RRS is for short barreled rifles and the use of suppressors.

Features:
Reduced Cyclic Rate of Fire
Rail Handguard with Rail Covers
Removable Carry Handle
6 Position Retractable Stock
Machine Gun Chrome Bore Heavy Barrel
Slidable Independent Sear Disconnector
Muzzle Brake
Side Tactical Sling Attachment
Aluminum or Stainless Steel Magazine with Non- Tilting Follower
Specifications:

FERFRANS SOAR specs taken from its website

FERFRANS SOAR P

The SOAR P (Piston version of the soar) was developed as early as 2008. This further increase
the benefits of the SOAR by changing the gas system with a short stroke piston system with the
independent sear disconnector enhancing the capability of the rifle to fire without draining the
water in over the beach operations.

Features:
Operates in almost any environment
Sustained Full-Auto Fire w/ Low Chamber Heat
Full Control of Accurate Full-Auto Fire
Reduces Possibility of Cook-Off
Increases Parts Longevity

Over the Beach Operations Capable

Specifications:

FERFRANS SOAR P specs taken from its website

Other FERFRANS products include the SCW (Sub-Compact Weapon), HVLAR (High Volume
Light Automatic Rifle, SOACR (Special Operations Adaptable Combat Rifle), and the RMGL 403
(40mm Rail Mounted Grenade Launcher). We will discuss these weapons on the next blog
entries.
Source:
FERFRANS
ABS-CBN
Photo:
FERFRANS
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Labels: military

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

FSPMI Light Sport Aircraft (RP-S512): First

Filipino-made Operational Aircraft
It has been making headlines in various local publications including internet blogs about what is
now considered as the first Filipino-made aircraft. It is the two-seater light sport aircraft with tail

number RP-S512. However, is it really the first Filipino-made aircraft? No, its not. We had
already built several aircrafts (Defiant 300 is one of them) in the past including a helicopter as
what
I
had
discussed
in
my
previous
blogs.
Maybe, its better to re-brand it as the first Filipino-made operational aircraft or first Filipinomade aircraft in-production. This aircraft was built by Famous Secret Precision Machining, Inc.
(FSPMI) based in Cavite, Philippines. The company is a supplier of aircraft components
especially parts of the flight control mechanism of airplanes of various aerospace companies
including Boeing and Airbus.

The RP-S512 Light Sport Aircraft

According to the report by 24 Oras (GMA News), the company had already produced two
operational light sport aircrafts. The RP-S512 which was already sold to a costumer in Batangas
and the other one which was sold to a customer in Florida, USA and already flying.

Captain Bill Wright, private consultant for the RP-S512 project, said that local use of the aircraft
is constrained at present pending clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
(CAAP). Wright said that the planes category, which is a light sports aircraft, has yet to be
recognized
by
the
CAAP.
The plane costs about $100,000 (approximately P4.4 million) and has reached Cavite or
Pangasinan and back on test flights. According to Wright, the plane is mostly used by aviation
schools
for
flight
instruction
and
for
recreational
purposes.
As reported by News 5, the plane has detachable wings that enables its owner to save a
parking space not needing a hangar anymore. It can even be parked in a car garage. It has a
safety feature, a sensor found in its control panel that can detect whether the wings are tightly
and safely attached before take-off. The plane utilizes an unleaded fuel. (Editor's comment: The
term "gasolina" in the report may refer to an unleaded gasoline or a common unleaded
kerosene-type jet fuel such as Jet A and Jet A-1. Thus, the editor uses a general term
"unleaded fuel".)
In a separate interview by Interaksyon (TV5), Jun Ramos (FSPMI marketing head) is confident
and hoping that the Philippines will become the next aerospace manufacturing hub in the region

at least in the next two to three years. He added that aside from their company, various big
players in the industry have recently formed the Aerospace Association of the Philippines due to
the growing potential of the business. For their company alone, Ramos said that they are
expecting to grow their manufacturing capacity by 50 percent in the next five years due to high
demand.
Until recently, the Philippine aerospace industry was largely limited to maintenance, repair and
overhaul operations, which covers assembly and maintenance services of aircraft manufactured
in other countries, primarily in the United States.
At present, the DOST Metals and Industry Research and Development Center (DOSTMIRDC) is providing support to other local aviation manufacturers in achieving quality
assurance standards including training program as confirmed by Lina Afable, DOST-MIRDC
chief of the technology information section. She also added that the industry has a potential to
generate jobs.
The RP-S512 aircraft was displayed during the Department of Science and Technology Science
Nation Exhibit last July 24, 2014 and ran until July 28 in Pasay City.
"Everybody will be surprised that we could be a winner. The aerospace industry is, to me, the
next big potential export winner," said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.
Source:
GMA Network
Interaksyon
Philstar
YouTube-24
YouTube-Interaksyon

Oras

Photo credit:
Interaksyon
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SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014

Philippine-made Concept Supercars

This is what a couple of Philippine-made concept supercars look like
Patrick Everett Tadeo
TopGear, 23 May 2014

If you're dropping by the 2014 Trans Sport Show this weekend, among the displays you
absolutely have to check out are the two cars entered by Factor Aurelio Automobile. Factor
Aurelio Automobile is a fledgling car manufacturer based in San Pedro, Laguna. The company
takes its name after the surnames of Kevin Factor, an engineering student at Adamson
University and the designer of the still-unnamed car, and Brendan Aurelio, the owner of Pacita
Fibertech and the vehicles' architect and builder.

First prototype and is powered by a Honda B16A engine

The two cars on display look similar but are slightly different from one another. The yellow one is
actually the very first prototype and is powered by a Honda B16A engine. The orange one is
supposedly closer to production and has a Mitsubishi 4G63T turbocharged engine. Both
vehicles are made of fiberglass and carbon fiber, and utilize VR4 front and rear suspensions
and 18-inch Rota wheels.
We asked Factor how close the orange car is to completion, and it's reportedly 80% finished.
"We just need to finish the interior and complete some of the exterior items," he pointed out. As
to why Factor Aurelio Automobile chose to run an in-line-four engine, it was a matter of cost. "It's
easier to fix since there's an abundance of spare parts, but depending on the customer, we can
put their choice of engine inside," Factor shared.

A close to production prototype

with Mitsubishi 4G63T turbocharged engine
The company hopes to have a production-model unit ready before the end of the year, with a
price tag in the range of P1.5 to P1.6 million. "We only plan to make 10 units; that way, the cars
can retain their value," added Factor. "If we make more than that, the cars will lose their value
because they wont be unique anymore."

So, would you buy a locally manufactured, P1.6-million "supercar" if it went on sale today?
Source:
TopGear
Photo
TopGear
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credit:

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2014

Air Cleaning Device with Ionizer (Nature's Air Room

Ionizer)
A breath of fresh air

Nature's Air air cleaning device with ionizer

Air pollution may well be dubbed as the silent killer for it harms the unsuspecting individual who
inhales its harmful micro-components. Through the years, the quality of air in many parts of the
world has been deteriorated continuously and beyond acceptable standards. There are several
types of air pollutants but the most common are particulate matters, nitrogen dioxide, carbon
monoxide, and total oxidants. Other equally harmful air pollutants are hydrocarbons and
nitrogen oxides. Medical experts discovered 18 species of pathogenic fungi and 20 types of
bacteria
in
the
circulating
dust.
Metro Manila's surrounding air has no cleaner. A study done by the Department of
Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) found

that pollution level in the metropolis is three times the normal level with particulate matter of
nearly 600 exceeding the WHO safe dust level of 120 micrograms per cubic meter of air.
Now, we are introducing our latest technology, an air cleaning device with ionizer that will
eventually removes smoke, dust particle, odors and even air-borne micro-organisms that spread
diseases inside your room and your office.

Benefits of Nature's Air

It will remove airborne contaminants.
Activated carbon filter will remove odors/fumes emitted from closets, household
cleaners, paints varnishes, personal care products, cigarettes and cooking smoke.
Negative ions revitalized the air just like the natures after the storm, near a waterfall or
near the seashore. Studies show that the negative ions beneficially affect human biochemistry both
physically and mentally.
Description
Nature's Air, an environmental friendly invention, is a perfect solution for this kind of
environment that we suffer from odors and microorganisms. This latest Filipino technology helps
eliminate harmful dust particles, smoke and airborne microorganism that spread diseases in
children and elderly.
The properly-designed modern ion emitter produces a combination of negative and positive ions
in a ratio of 4:3. This ratio helps the dust particles and carbon monoxide settle to the dust
collector inside the unit, rather than on other surfaces. The excess of negative ions also helps to
restore natures ion balance and enhance natural health and well being of the user.
Technical specifications

A new and improved air ionizer, the NATURES AIRE is available for purchase. Go to our online
storefor contact details.
Source:
Rodolfo Biescas Sr.

Posted by proudtobe pinoy at 11:46:00 PM 5 comments:

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013

Lunasins biological activity and medical importance,

discovered by a Filipino

A space-filing model of the Lunasin's structure

Lunasin is a 43-amino acid polypeptide discovered by a team of Japanese scientists in 1987. It

was originally isolated, purified, and sequenced from soybean seed. Although no name has
been given, it was described as an amino acid sequence of a soybean (Glycine max) seed
polypeptide having a poly (L-aspartic acid) structure at the carboxyl terminus by its discoverers.
Subsequent research by Dr. Alfredo F. Galvez at the University of California- Berkeley, identified
the peptide as a subunit of the cotyledon-specific 2S albumin. Its amino acid sequence
is SKWQHQQDSCRKQKQGVNLTPCEKHIMEKIQGRGDDDDDDDDD. Due to the health
benefits of soy in which it was extracted, Dr. Galvez and associates named it as Lunasin from
the Filipino word lunas which means cure. Aside from soy as its main source, it is also found
in barley, wheat, amaranth, black nightshade, pinto bean, corn and rye.
Discovery of biological activity
Lunasins biological and cancer-preventive activity was discovered by a Filipino doctor during
his post-doctoral research --- Dr. Alfredo Galvez in Dr. Benito de Lumens (another Filipino
doctor) laboratory in the University of California Berkeley in 1997. This is an excerpt from Dr.
de Lumens statement on the discovery of Lunasin, Many years ago, my laboratory initiated a
project on enhancing the nutritional of soy protein and other legumes through bioengineering.
This requires increasing the level of methionine, the essential amino acid, which is most limiting

in soy and other legumes, including mung bean. The strategy is quite straightforward: clone a
gene coding for methionine-rich protein (MRP) and over-express the gene in soy or any target
legume. We were faced with two choices for the source of the MRP gene – obtain it from
other plants or from soy itself. I made the fateful decision to clone the MRP gene from soy itself,
which eventually led to the discovery of lunasin as a cancer preventive agent.

Dr. Alfredo F. Galvez: discoverer of

Lunasin's mitotic activity

The choice to clone the MRP gene from soy is based on the hypothesis that there must be nonabundant MRPs in soy because most of the proteins in soy seed are notoriously low in
methionine and therefore, there must be other MRPs that contribute to the overall methionine
content of soy protein but they are non-abundant. The process of cloning the MRP gene turned
out to be not easy, taking about four years, two graduate students and a postdoctoral scientist.
One of the graduate students is a Filipina (now Dr. Jamie Revilleza from UPLB), and the
postdoctoral scientist is another Filipino from UPLB (Dr. Alfredo Galvez). Dr. Revilleza
contributed to the purification of the MRP from soy that eventually led to the cloning of the gene,
and Dr. Galvez took over the project and discovered the anti-mitotic effect of the lunasin gene
when transfected into mammalian cells and the cancer preventive effect of the lunasin peptide.
While it was not by design that the major contributors to lunasin discovery were both Filipinos, it
is
a
source
of
pride
to
point
this
out.
Cancer research
Lunasin has a unique epigenetic mechanism that interferes at the very early stages of the
carcinogenic process; Lunasin is non tissue-specific and would be effective against different
types of cancer. In addition, Lunasin has no known toxic effects, which is consistent with its
presence in soybean that has been consumed in Asia for centuries.
Dr. Galvez was the first to identify the peptides ability to prevent the transformation of normal
cells into cancerous tumors in cell culture. Animal studies validated the findings when lunasin

significantly reduced the tumor incidence in mice skin exposed to chemical carcinogens. In the
original 2001 study that discovered and named lunasin, the authors wrote that their results
"suggest a mechanism whereby lunasin selectively induces apoptosis, mostly in cells
undergoing transformation, by preventing histone acetylation"the protein could cause cell
death in developing cancer cells, while not affecting regular cells, in mice. This led to the
speculation that lunasin might explain the numerous epidemiological associations between
consumption of soy products and the low cancer incidence observed in Asian populations. In
2003 a study conducted by Bio-Rad Laboratories showed that the protein also did not affect
immortalized and established cancer cells.
In 2008 a study performed by Dr. de Lumen found that lunasin was found to help prevent
chemical carcinogens and oncogenes from causing cancer in a skin cancer mouse model. The
peptide becomes bioavailable in mice through ingestion within a few minutes and reaches the
nucleus of cells within eighteen hours. The effectiveness was shown only against nonestablished cancer cell lines in this study. In 2009 another study was performed at the Andong
National University, that found further evidence of the inhibition of histone acetyl transferase. In
addition, lunasin has also been shown to bind deacetylated histones, which can also help to
prevent cancer. Wayne R. Bidlack and Raymond L. Rodriguez wrote that the inability for lunasin
to kill established cancer cells was due to a genetic change in cells when they are first
becoming cancerous, which disappears when a cell becomes fully cancerous. They also write
that the food has the potential to reduce cancer risk, though not affect existing cancer cells in a
patient, and could provide help in explaining an inverse correlation between soy consumption
and the risk of some cancers.
Extensive researches on Lunasin's cancer-preventive ability shows that Lunasin internalizes
inside the cell and ends up mostly in the nucleus; inhibiting core histone acetylation and
activating tumor suppressor genes such as PTEN.
Lunasin selectively inhibits transcription, a dynamic process that occurs at various locations and
at different times in the cell and is initiated by unfolding of the chromosomes; a process
facilitated by histone acetylation.
It is proposed that during the initiation of the carcinogenic process that involves transcription,
the dynamic process of histone acetylation-deacetylation is disrupted. This evidence
demonstrates that the molecular mechanism for Lunasin is profound, compared to other cancer
preventative agents in that it selectively kills cells that are transforming into cancer cells, without
affecting normal cells.

A graphical representation on Lunasin's mechanism of action as a cancer-preventive peptide

Since Lunasin has a unique epigenetic mechanism that interferes at the very early stages of the
carcinogenic process, this suggests that Lunasin is non tissue-specific and would be effective
against different types of cancer. In addition, Lunasin has no known toxic effects, which is
consistent with its presence in soybean that has been consumed in Asia for centuries.
The novel mechanism of action by Lunasin makes it an important research tool in understanding
epigenetic control of gene expression during cancer development. Together with powerful tools
in genomics and proteomics, Lunasin can be used to identify potential drug targets and
diagnostic
biomarkers.
Cardiovascular and cholesterol management research
Lunasin's ability to support cardiovascular health was acknowledged by the American Heart
Association at their Annual Scientific Session in November, 2012, and Dr. Alfredo Galvez's
presentation abstract was selected for publication in the AHA Journal, Circulation.
Lunasin works in two ways to lower serum LDL cholesterol levels. First, it selectively disrupts a
necessary step in the production of a key enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase. Lunasin reduces the
acetylation of the Histone H3 tail by PCAF (lunasin blocks PCAF's specific binding position at
K14), thus reducing the level of expression of the HMG-CoA reductase gene. With levels of the
HMG-CoA reductase enzyme lowered and available for the liver to carry out cholesterol
synthesis, the liver in turn produces less cholesterol.
Secondly, Lunasin upregulates the expression of the LDL-receptor gene. With an increase in the
number of receptors available to clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, LDL levels also
decrease. Studies show that in the presence of Lunasin, the levels of SP1 (the coactivator of
SREBP for LDL-receptor production) are two times higher than without Lunasin present. With

SP1 more readily available to bind with SREBP, the LDL receptors are produced more
efficiently, so more LDL cholesterol is pulled from the bloodstream, thereby reducing the
circulating serum LDL levels.

Lunasin's cholesterol-lowering mechanism of action

Since 70-80% of the circulating cholesterol in your body is produced within your liver, it is
important to target this process in addition to consuming less saturated fat and cholesterol in
your diet. Lunasin works at an earlier stage in your bodys internal cholesterol production
process than prescription statins. Lunasin reduces the amount of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme
produced by the HMG-CoA reductase gene. Statin drugs work by blocking the HMG-CoA
reductase enzyme after it has been produced when it is on its way to carry out the bodys
internal cholesterol production cycle. Statin drugs can oftentimes be too efficient and block too
much of the HMG-CoA enzyme. This leads to serious side effects because a minimum level of
cholesterol is required in the body for certain necessary cellular functions such as maintaining
cell membrane integrity and hormone production.
Anti-inflammatory research
Other studies have shown that lunasin has the ability to inhibit the aberrant inflammation that
can occur in chronic diseases, including cancer. This property was also discovered by a team
including Benito O. de Lumen, along with Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia, Vermont P. Dia, as well as
others, as a part of research attempts to create purified lunasin through a more inexpensive
means.
Benefits of Lunasin

The following list includes some of the many benefits of Lunasin while on going in-depth
research continues to uncover more.
Bio-active peptide with an epigenetic mode of action
Natural component of soy and other seeds favorable public perception
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA
Ideal chemo-preventative agent to fight skin cancer
Extends cell longevity (anti-aging) *Unpublished
Anti-oxidant effect: especially protects DNA from oxidation as well lipids
Anti-inflammatory effect
Effective dose is minimal
Non-invasive treatment
Lunasins patents
After its discovery, several researches have been made and patents applied. Patents applied by
Dr. Alfredo Galvez and/or Dr. Benito de Lumen are as follows: CA2303061A1,
CA2303061C, DE69830066D1,
EP1017798A1, EP1017798B1,
US6107287,
US6544956, US7375092, US20030229038, and WO1999015642A1.
Commercial Lunasin products
Due to the proven studies in various health benefits of Lunasin, several companies
commercialize the peptide as food supplements. Dr. Galvez licensed Lunasin worldwide rights
to Reliv International, a food science and manufacturing company. Reliv possesses the only
proprietary mechanical extracting process that does not use chemicals. They also hold the
patent to the peptide, the ability to make it bioactive and any and all future applications of the
supplement.

A bottle of LunaRich XTM

Reliv International released its LunaRich Soy Powder in February 2012 and claim to contain
five to ten times more lunasin than ordinary soy powders, and it delivers that elevated lunasin in
a more bioavailable way. In addition, LunaRich soy powder contains other beneficial nutritive
components of soy, including protein, isoflavones and more. Another Relivs product that was
launched in January 2013 is the LunaRich XTM According to Galvez, LunaRich XTM is a form of
Lunasin that is bioactive. Its a shepherd molecule travels with the lunasin in the body as it
remains active after digestion. LunaRich X, the capsule form, is said to have lunasin potency

200 times more than high quality soy protein. One 125mg capsule of LunaRich XTM delivers the
same amount of bioactive lunasin found in 25 grams of high-quality soy protein, the daily
amount identified by the Food and Drug Administration to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
A two-month supply retails at less than $100. Wholesale for the same quantity is less by $20.
Another companies are SoyLabs and FilGen, Inc.
Source:
cdn.intechopen.com
FilAmstar.net
FilGen,
Google Patents
lunasin.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
PhilStar
Wikipedia
Reliv International
takelunasin.com

Inc.

Photo credit:
Facebook
FilGen, Inc.
lunasin.com
Reliv International
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2013

McJIM Leather Products - truly Filipino

Leather craftsmanship that is distinctly Filipino
Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine

Daily

Inquirer,

Aug.

3,

2013

If Jim Cham had his way, he would be singing all the way to the bank. Thats because music has
always been his passion. He spent a good part of his youth singing in combos, as they were
known then. He gladly sang for a pittance just to be able to share his love for music with his
audience.
But family life, which started when he got married at age 19, nipped his singing career in the
bud. Realizing he had to find a more stable source of livelihood to feed, clothe and shelter his
young family, he set aside his guitar, turned his back on the stage and pursued another passion:
leather goods.

McJIM is an expert when

it comes to accessories for men.
That put Cham on the long road to build McJim Leather Goods to what it is today, one of the
biggest local manufacturers of mens leather accessories that are giving foreign brands a run for
their money.
McJim specializes in mens accessories, with belts and wallets accounting for the bulk of its
sales. Founded in the backyard of the family home in 1968 with just three employeesJim, his
wife and a helper from Baguio City where the couple met during his guitar playing daysthe
company today has over 300 employees.
McJim marketing manager Bernadett Chang says that McJim has been able to grow
significantly over the past 45 years because of its unstinting adherence to top quality standards.
Quality, the company says, is the first ingredient of a good product and a philosophy that guides
its processesfrom selecting materials to product design, the manufacturing methods to
selecting the most qualified leather craftsmen to make the products by hand.
This means investing in fine leather from Spain and Italy, sewing machines from Germany, and
high level of craftsmanship from the Philippines. While certain phases of the manufacturing
process involve machines, it still takes expert human hands to fashion a leather product into
something that approaches art.
Based on the companys experience, machines are an inferior substitute to the work achieved
by expert craftsmen. Jim, whose family used to distribute popular watches such as Rado and
Longines, learned all about the leather industry through experiencetrial and error being a
hash taskmaster.
Initially, he ventured into belts. In the early 1970s, he did not put any brand but merely supplied
to the department stores and other retailers who put their own brands on his products. But even
if he did not have any name, he was already big on quality, and McJim was one of the first local
manufacturers of leather accessories to go abroad to hunt for the best materials for its target
market. It went to Japan, for instance, to buy leather as well as buckles for the belts.

Among the first department stores to carry the leather goods was the former Otis Department
store, which was partly owned by Jims sister. Jims wife, a Miss Baguio pageant winner, was
instrumental in finding buyers for the fledgling companys products due to her amiable nature.
She could talk to anyone and everyone, and would easily convert cold calls to potential clients
into sales, not just in Otis, but in other department stores such as the former Good Earth
Emporium.
After a few years of selling unbranded goods, Jim felt it was time to put his own brand on the
products. He dared to brand the leather using his own name, an indication of how much he
believed in his products.
He was also able to penetrate new distribution channels, such as the SM group. The Gaisano
and Robinsons malls likewise carried McJim leather goods, which expanded in range from belts
and wallets to bags and other mens accessories.
As the malls grew, the company did, too, says Chang, adding that McJims wide range of
leather products are now found in all department stores, under the mens accessories
department where it has its own section. From three, McJim now employs 350 people, including
a full staff of designers, spread across four factories. Founder Jim, however, remains the driving
design force.
The 66 year old frequently goes abroad to update himself on the latest trends and technology.
For McJim, there is simply no compromising on quality even if it means pricing the goods above
those of its competitors and exerting extra effort to impart on the employees the need to
maintain product standards.
Today, McJims sales mainly come from the original belts, which account for 40 percent of
annual sales, followed by wallets, with up to 35 percent. Bags and small leather goods, such as
the occasional suspenders, make up the rest.
Chang says that McJim tried to produce a ladies line. But the company discontinued the line
when the founders realized that ladies fashion required a different skills set. Thus it stuck to
mens accessories, which it knew by heart.
Chang explains that, unlike womens accessories, those of men tend to be more stable and did
not require frequent changes. Its marketprofessionals who have left their trendy days behind,
according to the companywants to be both fashionable and conservative, steering clear of
anything flashy.

McJIM goes abroad in search of top quality

leather used to make bags, belts and wallets.
After 45 years in the market, its challenge today is to keep up with the times and penetrate the
broader market to endear McJim to a new generation of loyal customers. This means possibly
coming up with a separate brand that will feature products using other materials such as local
leather and polyester.
But the core, however, will still be McJim Classic and all products will conform with the McJim
philosophy of style, quality and elegance expressed in products of high quality but within reach
of most Filipinos.
We want everyone to enjoy great products with a great brand that is proudly Filipino, says
Chang.
Source:
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Photo credit:
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Posted by proudtobe pinoy at 9:09:00 AM 4 comments:
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Labels: arts and crafts, fashion

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2013

Philippines' low-cost landslide sensor

Low-cost landslide sensor tested in Philippines
Nora Gamolo
SciDev, 08/12/11

A low-cost sensor that can detect landslides has been developed in the Philippines and is being
promoted as an alternative to expensive early warning systems manufactured overseas. The
sensor costs less than US$1,000, in contrast to standard commercially available landslide
sensors that can cost up to US$60,000 excluding installation costs.
The Philippine system was developed through collaboration between the National Institute of
Geological Studies (NIGS) and the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute, both part of
the University of the Philippines.
Two prototype sensors were deployed 14 months ago in the upland province of Benguet,
selected by the researchers because of its high vulnerability to landslides.

Ms. Ruffa Carreon, engineering student and research

assistant explaining the column part of the device

The sensor uses power available from an electric grid, but has a back-up battery in case of
power failure. "The sensor is buried vertically in the bedrock of the areas that are being
monitored for possible landslides," explained engineer and programme leader Joel Joseph
Marciano Jr.
The sensor logs ground movement electronically and transmits a report every ten seconds to
the NIGS, which serves as a central base station. Geologists then process and analyse the
data, measuring various parameters that affect the sturdiness of slopes, such as rainfall
intensity and moisture content.
Sandra Catane, a NIGS geologist, said her team has already noted a displacement of 20
centimetres in Puguis, Benguet, since the sensors were deployed. But she admitted that, at
present, they still have to identify the tipping point that indicates when a landslide is about to
occur.
According to Catane, the project was initiated following a landslide in Southern Leyte in 2006
that buried the village of Guinsaugon, killing more than 1,100 people. "It was an experience that
can occur in one in 1,000 cases, and [was] an eye-opener for us," she said.
Landslides occur because of loosened soil and rocks. Strong rains are the most common cause
of landslides in the Philippines, although ground movement for example, resulting from an
earthquake can increase the probability of a landslide occurring.
Catane said the eventual widespread deployment of the landslide sensors is also an opportunity
to create a database on landslides in the country, and could trigger an interest in this area of
geology.
But the project faces several problems, including the lack of trained geologists to carry out
reconnaissance and choose the appropriate area for deployment of the sensors; interpret the
results; and make a visual validation after the data has been logged.

Catane added that the copper wires attached to the deeply-buried sensors had already been
stolen twice, apparently to be sold as scrap metal. She emphasized the need to make
communities aware of the importance of sensors, and to train them to manage and secure
sensors for their own safety.
The project is featured in this video.
Source:
SciDev
Photo and video credits:
NTDTV
Posted by proudtobe pinoy at 11:52:00 PM No comments:
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Labels: disaster management

Philippine-made MOSES Tablet for DOST Project

NOAH
When the weather remains to be unpredictable, there is no other way but to apply the most
sophisticated scientific tool to mitigate, if not prevent, the negative impact of typhoons, floods,
tsunamis and even volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
This is the reason why the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through Project
NOAH(Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) has come up with a tablet device aptly
called MOSES or Mobile Operational System for Emergency Services.

DOST MOSES tablet for Project NOAH

MOSES is a tablet capable of receiving real-time weather and flood information reports from
DOSTs Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) and Project NOAH that local officials, down to the barangay level, can access for
accurate decision-making eventually to prevent massive destruction and casualties.

The 8-inch mobile tablet is designed locally with assembled chipset and circuit boards to ensure
the availability of spare parts as well as service support. It has a dual SIM function, television,
and radio component and is packaged in a rugged shell with a long-life battery that can last up
to three days.
MOSES also provides Doppler radar sensor data, water level sensor data and measurements
culled from gauges strategically located in different high-risk areas. Also available in the tablet is
a hazard map that is updated in real time.
The tablet also comes with other disaster prevention apps like the Arko, which gives historic
flood data on the areas in Metro Manila that can be used to predict the level of floods in several
areas in the nation, Project NOAH, and the Flood Patrol.
It allows its user to take pictures of calamities and its effects such as flooded areas, fires, and
landslides. The pictures are then uploaded and sent to the command center via 3G or Wifi.
Photos of specific locations such as schools, houses, and hospitals can also be taken and sent
immediately for reporting.
The photos will help pinpoint the location of search-and-rescue facilities, as well as blocked
access routes and emergency access routes, giving visually accurate information on the
situation in each barangay. The central command center can then send messages containing
advisories or warnings back to the barangays.
DOST aims to provide the 42,028 barangays with this tablets. For the pilot test, 1,000 units are
expected to be distributed to different barangays in Metro Manila.
So if Moses could wave his staff and part the Red Sea, MOSES may be the answer to
scientifically managing disasters and allow us to rise above the floods.
Source:
DOST
GMA Network
Photo Credit:
bp.blogspot.com
Posted by proudtobe pinoy at 12:01:00 PM No comments:
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Labels: disaster management

Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment

of Hazards): Philippines' advanced disaster
prevention and mitigation system
Project NOAH is the Department of Science and Technologys (DOST) response to the call of
President Benigno S. Aquino III for a more accurate, integrated, and responsive disaster
prevention and mitigation system, especially in high-risk areas throughout the Philippines.
The Project will harness technologies and management services for disaster risk reduction
activities offered by the DOST through PAGASA, PHIVOLCS, and the DOST-Advanced Science

and Technology Institute (ASTI), in partnership with the UP National Institute of Geological
Sciences and the UP College of Engineering.

A screenshot of Project NOAH website

The

Project

has

the

following

components:

Distribution of Hydrome-teorological Devices in hard-hit areas in the Philippines

(Hydromet). A total of 600 automated rain gauges (ARG) and 400 water level monitoring
stations (WLMS) will be installed along the countrys 18 major river basins (RBs) by December
2013 to provide a better picture of the countrys surface water in relation to flooding.
Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for Mitigation Light Detection and Ranging
(DREAM-LIDAR) Project. The project, which is targeted to be completed by December 2013,
aims to produce more accurate flood inundation and hazard maps in 3D for the countrys floodprone and major river systems and watersheds.
Enhancing Geohazards Mapping through LIDAR. The project, which is targeted to be
completed by December 2014, shall use LIDAR technology and computer-assisted analyses to
identify exact areas prone to landslides.
Coastal Hazards and Storm Surge Assessment and Mitigation (CHASSAM). CHASSAM,
which is targeted to be completed by December 2014, will generate wave surge, wave
refraction, and coastal circulation models to understand and recommend solutions for coastal
erosion.
Flood Information Network (FloodNET) Project. Targeted to be completed by December
2013 is a flood center that will provide timely and accurate information for flood early warning
systems. The FloodNET Project will come up with computer models for the critical RBs,
automate the process of data gathering, modeling and information output, and release flood
forecasts.

 Local Development of Doppler Radar Systems (LaDDeRS). LaDDeRS seeks to develop

local capacity to design, fabricate, and operate sub-systems of Doppler radars for remotely
sensing the dynamic parameters of sea surface such as wave, wind field, and surface current
velocity.
Landslide Sensors Development Project. This project is a low-cost, locally developed,
sensor-based early monitoring and warning system for landslides, slope failures, and debris
flow. As of May 2012, ten sensors have been installed in San Francisco, Surigao del Norte;
Tago, Surigao del Sur; Tublay, Bugias, and Bokod in Benguet; Guihulngan City, Negros
Occidental; St. Bernard, Southern Leyte; and Tubungan, Iloilo. Additional sensors are expected
to be deployed to not less than 50 sites by 2013.
Weather Hazard Information Project (WHIP). WHIP involves the utilization of platforms such
as television (DOSTv) and a web portal (http://noah.dost.gov.ph), which display real-time
satellite, Doppler radar, ARG, and WLMS data to empower LGUs and communities to prepare
against extreme natural hazards. This is complemented by activities, such as: a) conducting of
IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities; and b) the processing and
packaging of relevant and up-to-date information for public use.