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Local News

💦 Blast Off: Filipino Students Rocket to Global Fame with “Sibol”

By Tobias Bautista

In a country filled with business ventures and SM malls, it’s nice to hear inspiring news on the tech frontier.

A group of students from Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) has skyrocketed to new heights, becoming the first Filipinos to qualify for the prestigious Spaceport America Cup – Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (SAC-IREC) with their high-powered rocket, “Sibol.”

Set to blast off in Southern New Mexico from June 17-22, the Spaceport America Cup will see over 1,700 students and faculty from more than 150 institutions around the globe. It’s like the Olympics for rocket geeks, showcasing the latest in aerospace engineering.

“Sibol,” meaning “growth” or “sprout” in Filipino, is designed to carry an 8.8-pound payload to 10,000 feet. The AdDU Rocketry Team nailed the rigorous Flight Readiness Review (FRR), earning their spot in the 10k Commercial Off-the-Shelf category. Months of hard work have paid off, proving their rocket’s launch readiness.

But this isn’t just about one competition. “Sibol” is part of Project Sugod, AdDU's initiative to propel Philippine aerospace engineering forward. The team’s success aims to inspire future innovations and position the Philippines as a rising star in aerospace.

Their journey to the Spaceport America Cup shines a spotlight on Filipino talent and serves as a beacon of inspiration for young engineers nationwide. The AdDU Rocketry Team hopes to attract sponsors to further develop homegrown technology, fueling continued progress in the field.

Solar-Powered Success for Everyone

by Tobias Bautista

Renewable energy isn’t just about hugging trees and saving polar bears. For many, it means big savings, better lives, and more safety. Solar power, often seen as a luxury, is now lighting up lives in unexpected places.

Take Isla ng Hilabaan in Eastern Samar. Without reliable electricity, Jocelyn Sugalon, a rice cake vendor, struggled with kerosene lamps that sometimes caused fires. But thanks to the Just Energy Transition project by Oxfam Pilipinas and SIKAT, solar power is changing everything. Jocelyn now has steady light to make rice cakes and help her son study, proving solar isn't just for the rich.

This project powers 120 homes and sets up community charging stations. Engineer Kenneth Abellanosa from Solar Solutions explains that solar energy is affordable and easy to deploy, with a lifespan of 25 years. Women in the community also manage and maintain these systems, adding empowerment to the mix.

For fisherman Noli Pomida, solar-powered navigation lights mean safer trips. And for student Danny, bright solar lights mean better study time and improved school performance.

In Sitio Linao, a solar-powered microgrid has even enabled women to start a hog-raising business, reducing their dependence on costly generators.

These stories show that solar power isn’t just about green energy; it’s about transforming lives. From remote islands to bustling towns, solar is lighting the way to a brighter, safer future for everyone.

Sports

🏎 The Curse is Broken: Charles Leclerc becomes first Monaco GP home winner in 93 years

By Koby del Rosario

In the 2024 F1 Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc raced with pride as he crossed the checkered flag victorious to become the first home winner of the iconic GP in almost a century.

A nip-and-tuck affair right off the gates, the Monegasque native pulled away after the huge collision and finished ahead of the pack over Mclaren’s Oscar Piastri and stablemate Carlos Sainz—who placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively. 

The historic win now puts Leclerc within striking distance of defending champion Max Verstappen who currently leads the Driver Standings, as only 31 points now separates him from the top spot.

For the Constructor’s Standings, Red Bull Racing is still in front but Ferari is slowly creeping up to the top should they continue their consistent performances as of late.

Let’s see if Leclerc and company can finally poke a hole against their juggernaut rival as the calendar now crosses its halfway mark.

The 2024 F1 Season now shifts to its next leg—the Canada Grand Prix—on June 7th to 9th.

🏀 Mavericks are a win away from the Finals after dismantling the T-Wolves in Game 3

By Koby del Rosario

A back-and-forth affair all throughout, Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals saw the Dallas Mavericks close out the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-106, late in the fourth quarter to take a 3-to-nothing lead in the series.

The duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving was too much to handle as they combined for 66 points, as Dallas’ deep rotation helped shoulder the load to take home the victory.

This now gives the Mavericks the chance to sweep the series and book their Finals ticket in Game 4.

Despite Anthony Edwards finishing on a better statline of 26 markers with nine rebounds and assists apiece, he will be needing more help from his squad should Minnesota attempt a 0-3 comeback that has never been done before. 

Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals will be shown later this morning for the continuation of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

News Roundup

• A devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea buried more than 2000 people.

• The US is forced to intervene as China threatens trade to multiple countries.

• In tragic news, PGA Tour Winner Grayson Murray died from suicide.

• Elon Musk’s xAI raised $6 Billion in fresh funding. Soon, every new piece of tech might start with x 🙃.

• SM, Smart, PLDT launch an E-waste initiative for proper E-waste disposal.

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