DevFest Zamboanga Boosts IT Immersion for Locals

Google Developers Group (GDG) Zamboanga unfolds a new leaf in hosting the last leg of the DevFest season in town. Reeling from much anticipation over these past months, the first DevFest in the city was finally held on December 13, 2013 at Centro Latino, Paseo Del Mar.

GDG DevFest Zamboanga 2013, a developer festival, is part of the DevFest second season happening globally and a free event supported by Google. The one-day developer event gathered together more than 300 computer science, IT students and enthusiasts. With the limited slots, schools were granted 15 slots each for their delegation while about 80 participants (open to all students and aficionado) vied for their slots online. Eight participating IT schools included AMA Computer University, Ateneo de Zamboanga, COMTECH Institute, Claret College of Isabela, Pilar College, Southern City Colleges, Western Mindanao State University and Universidad de Zamboanga.

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Posted in: DevFest,GDG Philippines,GDG Zamboanga

Hula hoop At Night Time. One of the coolest and rare moments while in Cebu

I went for a walk one night in Cebu after visiting the centuries-old Basilica del Sto. Nino church. What came next was extraordinary and pure bliss. While beside the road waiting for a taxi, I heard some noise coming from the plaza some distance away. It sounded fun and i could see people flocking the plaza so I just had to walk over there and see what it was all about. Lo and behold, it's a concert for Yolanda survivors!

Sunrise Festival held last November 22-24, 2013 at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City is a testament of unity and courage for the Filipinos. It brought together people and performers coming from all over places. Attending one night of the festival is more than enough inspiration for me.

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Fly High Furigay Colleges! Web Development Training Right Now!

Yahooo!!!!! Web Dev with these awesome kids! :)
Yeah, I intentionally left this post demo for my trainees.
So here is the rest of the story.

I got invited to do a weekend two-day Advance Web Development, Web Hosting and Web Entrepreneur Hands-on Seminar for the ComSci and IT Students of Furigay Colleges of Isabela City, Basilan. Participants traveled all the way from Basilan by boat a day early. The training has been conducted at Elearning Centre. My first time to meet four of their instructors - Mr. Al-saad J. Alasa, Mr. Yusop Arali, Ms. Grace Esperat and Ms. Rona Joanne Sulayman. I enjoy doing web dev trainings and the two-day event last October 26-27 is a welcome break for me to share the best of pieces from the industry.

List of Participants: 1. Abdulajid, Ahmad T. , 2. Abdulla K. Tokkong , 3. Abdurahman A. Uto ,   4. Aracani, Marlyn ,    5. Araneta, Vergel P.,    6. Arsad T. Muhammad Nur,    7. Baky, Liza Therese C. ,    8. Bisal, Kaydee A. ,    9. Calbi, Jeyvelleen Ann T.,   10. Dompol, Marham K. ,   11. Edmon J. Enriquez   12. Eguia, Rowena Christine B. ,   13. Esperat, Jerome P. ,   14. Farsi D. Asalul ,   15. Ferelyn L. Rojas ,   16. Garcia, Conan G. ,   17. Hajain, Albasser B. ,   18. Jahpar, Hamjarin ,   19. Jakilan, Wildan S. ,   20. Jaljalis, Javier R. ,   21. Jay-jay B. Husain ,   22. Jessa D. Clariz,   23. Jessann B. Salvador  24. Jurayda C. Tobboh,   25. Kusasi, Adzman A.,   26. Leo Elvin F. Lee ,  27. Macrohon, Fahad M.  28. Mohammad H. Salasim,   29. Mubin T. Abdullah,   30. Mudzna H. Ibrahim,   31. Mujib A. Alih   32. Mursidie K. Nuh,   33. Musawwarin, Sitti Aisha A.,   34. Nasiba D. Dompol ,   35. Nasrulla S. Rizal,   36. Osias, Mark Kevin M. ,   37. Palos, Peter Philip B.,   38. Pihong, Ayyub S.,   39. Radzmin A. Dompol ,   40. Randolfh F. Santos ,  41. Raymond B. Jacinto ,   42. Rebollos, Jespaul M.   43. Salcedo, Joana A. ,  44. Salman H. Salatun ,   45. Sammy C. Ballaho ,   46. Sanson, Rovel Jay O. 47. Senibalo, Cliff Adnan U. ,   48. Shienet C. Manuel ,   49. Talipao, Gada A. ,   50. Tan S. Tanji
  51. Vincent Earl F. Bajado ,   52. Wilymae A. Saavedra ,   53. Zaidee A. Jakilan,   54. Zamora, Phoebe Faith Q. ,   55. Satra J. Duran ,   56. Erma Gay S. Jalon,   57. Shermida J. Yasil,   58. Jover M. Habibun,   59. Merhamna A. Hudjalal,   60. Masurki I. Kahal ,   61. Benzar M. Marquez,   62. Najar J. Daris, 63. Al-saad J. Alasa, 64. Yusop L. Arali, 65. Grace Esperat, 66. Rona Joanne E. Sulayman

Together with Furigay Colleges IT Instructors - 

Mr. Al-saad J. Alasa, Mr. Yusop Arali

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Posted in: Joomla,Web Development Training

Free Entry for Students in the 1st GDG Zamboanga Student Developers' Day @WMSU-CET on September 4

The 1st GDG Zamboanga Student Developers' Day gives computer science and computer engineering students the opportunity to learn more of the amazing Google products. Swinging the second time around, GDG Zamboanga is honored to partner with the College of Engineering and Technology of Western Mindanao State University in presenting this event to the public. GDG Zamboanga kicked off its Student Developers' Day last September 4, 2013 at the WMSU CET-AVR with a glimpse into the future of mobile and web programming, and the developer tools that bring them to life. 

In this photo: Yours truly Grace Sojor (GDG Zamboanga Co-Community Manager) together with Marinella Tose (WMSU-CET), Jerome Locson (Program Manager, Google Access Programs for Education (PH), Google Inc.), Yolynne Medina (GDG Community Manager) and Engr. Ciel Olegario (WMSU-CET CoE/CS Chair).

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Our Tour Guide is a Cat! Butterfly Garden at La Jardin De Maria Clara

This is one of the cool
places that can be found in the Pasonanca Park here in Zamboanga City.

History tells us that construction of the park was started in 1912 by General John J. Pershing, then Governor of the Moro Province. However, the Butterfly Garden is one of the new facilities added in the last five years or so.

There are other facilities inside the park including the El Museo de Zamboanga, Flower Garden, Maria Clara Lobregat Statue, Pasonanca Park Swimming Pools, Pasonanca Tree House and camp site.

Together with Google Developer Group (GDG) Zamboabga friends, we headed for the Butterfly Garden right after enjoying ourselves goofing around with the exhibits inside Parque de Ciencia de Zamboanga.

Cat For A Tour Guide
We have a cat as our tour guide. Yup, you read it right. This cat inside the park just kept on following me everywhere and at times leading the way. The experience was so memorable aside that it was my first time to visit the butterfly garden, we all did enjoy the whole time.

It was actually sleeping in one of the stair steps as we were walking down the Jardin. The cat has newly awakened from its deep slumber as we have stopped to enjoy Taho being peddled by a local. As soon as it observed our presence, i noticed the same cat walking towards where I was standing. It never left me for the time. The cat circled my legs and waited for us to finish each of our cups of Taho. Interestingly, when we started to walk away towards the Butterfly Garden, it also followed us. Walk ahead of us -- she seemed to know we are headed that way. Interestingly, the cat would look back and take a halt as if telling us - oh, come on, hurry up! We've got butterflies to catch! This way! Right here! She surely did! hahaha! 

Our tour guide in action! Follow the leader, she says.

Thanks for the Taho treat! So yummy on an after-rain! Buddies Lee and Glen from GDG Zamboanga treated me for Taho sold by a local. 

Glen and Lee bought entrance tickets for the Butterfly Garden. I think it was eight pesos per person (Php8.00 per person). The door has a Net Curtain to avoid the butterflies from flying out of the butterfly garden.

Glen appreciates this butterfly that hovered about his right shoulder. I like this photo. I am glad i captured this moment in camera. There are more to see actually. Just make time for it with your family.

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Posted in: Butterfly Garden,Zamboanga City

My Van De Graaf Awesome Experience. Science Park in Zamboanga City

Dreams do come true. This trip proves worth a try. Have you ever been to a Science Park nearby? We just did and guess what? Yipeee!! I just fulfilled my high school dream right on the spot!

Van De Graaf Generator is one of the fifty-six (56) interactive exhibits showcased inside the science park. Undoubtedly, this is part only of the highlight of our field trip as there are more exciting and fun-learning new experiences in store for your visit.

This is the second time that I personally have been into a Science Centrum after a long time. Back in 2004, Zamboanga City has gainfully observed different interactive exhibits housed inside, the now defunct Plaza Mall, for a month's time. Science Centrum organizers from Manila brought with them a Van De Graaf Generator in the science centrum tour wagon. However, due to the huge number of students visiting the place, I never had the chance to get inside the Van De Graaf Generator booth. I do remember looking in awe while a fellow Science High School student's hair are slowly raising in thin air.

Parque de Ciencia (Science Park) in Pasonanca

Parque de Ciencia de Zamboanga (Zamboanga City Science Park) is the newest and lone Science Park in Region IX. Further, it is considered the biggest regional science center in the country today.

It is constructed inside the Jardin Maria Clara at the Pasonanca Park, where the city museum and the butterfly garden are also located.

The project, worth P22.44 million, is an initiative of Hon. Mayor Celso Lobregat with the Local Government of Zamboanga City while Science Centrum Fabrication, Inc. (SCFI) is the exhibit provider.

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Posted in: GDG Zamboanga,Science Park,Zamboanga

WMSU-CET Kicks Off IT Expo 2013; Hosts Google MapUp Party

In partnership with the College of Engineering and Technology in Western Mindanao State University, a Technology Training and Seminar Workshop on G+ and Google Maps exclusive to CoE/CS Students has been conducted last July 5, 2013 in the afternoon at Audio Visual Room, College of Engineering and Technology of the same school here in Zamboanga City. The event is on the occasion of the one-day IT EXPO 2013 that has been successfully kicked off on the college grounds for the benefit of the current students, visitors and guests.

IT EXPO 2013

Engr. Cielito Olegario, CoE/ComSci Department Head officially opened the expo together with the College Dean Engr. Villareal and the faculty and staff. Ms. Yolynne Medina, GDG Zamboanga Community Manager has been invited to give an inspirational talk to the participants during the morning programme.

Notably, the annual IT EXPO shows off student IT Projects that include android mobile applications, mobile games, information systems, web development projects, computer engineering robots and a showcase of other student talents as well. Select IT projects are briefly presented on stage with the use of projector and visitors can go around from one booth to another to get a hands-on experience on the students' latest innovations. By and large, the student projects are promising and marketable.

What has been more exciting for everyone aside from the uber-sizzling tech stuff in the expo wagon and what's in store for them in the afternoon programme is the presence of the Zamboanga Cosplayers in their complete costumes walking around and poking fun to everybody's delight. Their presence added more colors and extra fun that complemented that entire event.

 G+ and Google Maps
Meanwhile, Google sparks fresh experiences for the IT students as they are treated to a free Technology Training and Seminar Workshop on G+ and Google Maps the entire afternoon. The workshop pooled about 100 students.

The sessions are handled by Community Managers Ms. Yolynne Medina (G+) and Ms. Grace Sojor (Google Maps and MapMaker). The sessions comprised of tech walkthroughs and actual demo. The speakers are thankful for the wifi connectivity in the area and the participants came in more than prepared as well - totally geared with their laptops, tablets and internet sticks.

We have tested Hangouts, Google Drive, G+, Google Maps, added an edit using Google Map Maker and eventually

did a Google MapUp Party that is extended online as a map up competition amongst registered participants. Google sponsored shirts, tumblers, stickers and drawstring bags. These are raffled off as well and given as rewards to those either asked or answered questions. Elearning Centre also sponsored the certificates for the event.

Ms. Medina took the opportunity as well to discuss the upcoming Philippine Transit App Challenge- Zamboanga Bootcamp.

Google MapUp Party is an opportunity for anyone interested in mapping using Google Mapmaker help map places in the locality. One of the objectives of the afternoon session is to show participants how to map different places, draw roads, add categories and discuss other features, points of interest. This will enable them to become citizen cartographers and improve the quality of maps and local information.

For the record, it is GDG Zamboanga's first time to visit this university to do a Google Session. Further, Google Developer Group (GDG) Zamboanga is almost on its third year here in the city. It is one amongs the seven active chapters spread across the Philippines and supervised by GDG SouthEast Asia-Google. Other chapters are GDG Bacolod, GDG Baguio, GDG Cagayan De  Oro, GDG Cebu, GDG Davao and GDG Halsema. Google Developer Groups are for developers who are interested in Google's developer technology; everything from the Android, App Engine, and Google Chrome platforms, to product APIs like the Maps API, YouTube API and Google Calendar API.

GDG Zamboanga takes on the challenge to map for Mindanao and beyond. Additionally, Google has been pushing for MapUps for some years now. Google sponsors Map Up competitions as well. Last year alone, Ms. Grace Sojor has been awarded as one of the Top Ten Mappers/Winners in Google's Map Your Town Competition Philippines. The particular competition gave away ten HP laptops and portable HP DVD-ROMs to the top ten winners and awarded the Top 1 Mapper the privilege to grant
100,000 pesos to a public school of his choice. Competitions like this among others are things to look up to in the coming days. For Google MapUp Party inquiries, you may check out our group site at gplus.to/gdgzamboanga or send us an email at gdgzambo@gmail.com.

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Posted in: GDG,GDG Philippines,GDG Zamboanga,Google,WMSU,WMSU-PSITS

2013 Google Mapping Election Precincts In Zamboanga City

In behalf of GDG Zamboanga, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who took the time to volunteer in the mapping party!

Participated by fifteen volunteer mappers, Map Your Precinct- Zamboanga City activity has been successful last May 9, 2013 from 1pm-5pm. The venue was hosted by Elearning Centre, Inc.

Volunteer Mappers:

1. Al-Nur M. Banjar 
2. Al-Rashid Adian 
3. Cleo Jean Florendo 
4. Denrasher Amil 
5. Glen B. Gelizon
6. Grace M. Sojor 
7. John Frederick Budao
8. Linuel Delos Santos

9. Loliedee C. Ronamo

10. Marinella Tose 
11. Mohammad Talib
12. Oneil Nick Paira
13. Raffi Muloc 
14. Rose Ann S. Basilio 
15. Wilfrido Coronel Jr. 

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Posted in: GDG Zamboanga,Google,Google Map Up,Map Your Precinct

Barcode Rizal Post-Birthday Dinner

Another year, Gracie! Hahaha It was not in the plan but here we were taking moments to celebrate my birthday a day after. We were actually hosting two of our guests from Cebu together here with PSITS friends and Google Developer Group (GDG) Zamboanga Members. Thanks for the surprise birthday cakes, Ms. Yolynne! 

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IT Students Prep Up for the Oracle Academy's Java Programming Competition Philippines

Summer is sizzling with an invitation to a nationwide Java Programming Competition! 

Yup, you read it right. I sincerely invite you to register now for the Oracle Academy Java Programming Competition here in the Philippines!

My love affair with Java started when i got immersed in Java Hands-on Programming Training using Netbeans, then an initiative of Java Education and Development Initiative (JEDI) Philippines, a collaborative project pioneered by University of the Philippines Java Research and Development Center with Sun Microsystems, Inc. Philippines. Oracle acquired Sun Microsystem sometime in 2010 and propelled in the front row the Oracle Academy in return.

About the Oracle Academy
The Oracle Academy helps more than 1.9 million students gain industry-relevant skills. To help educators awaken and deepen students' interest in these important fields of study, the Oracle Academy makes available CS education resources that are up-to-date, industry-relevant, and engaging. For more information on the Oracle Academy,visit: www.oracle.com/academy.

Competition Mechanics
Java has been more than a byword to me and it is a delight that I share this opportunity to every local student currently enrolled in a degree or diploma program at any accredited, non-profit college, university, or vocational institution in the Philippines. 

What is great about this is that one may opt to join as an individual or as part of a team of up to three (3)  students provided that no one is employed full time in some aspect of software development or currently employed in any relevant IT industry. 

Specifically, entries should be an interactive application, solution or gaming program that primarily runs on Java and must be fully developed and functional when using Internet Explorer 7+ and Firefox 3+ on a PC or Mac or a mobile device. What excites me most are these prizes - laptop computers and Oracle certification exam vouchers awaits the winning team. 

Where to Register?

Click this link:  http://goo.gl/kvTzR

Follow the link above and fill in your First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone and Team Size. We invite IT professors to encourage their students and for them to represent their respective school. 

For any inquiries, questions or feedback, you may email inquiries@oracleacademypjc.com
Online registration is ongoing until 12 noon of April 26th at https://academy.oracle.com/competition.
For more details about the competition requirements, guidelines and scoring rubric, visit
https://academy.oracle.com/competition/java_competition_datasheet_PH.pdf and  http://academy.oracle.com/competition.

Contact
You may also contact Deng Silorio, Over-all Project Coordinator at IdeaCorp, Inc.

through her email address dengsilorio@gmail.com or email here inquiries@oracleacademypjc.com.  

Java Programming Competition Datasheet

The image shows the Competition Datasheet. For more details about the competition requirements, guidelines and scoring rubric, visit https://academy.oracle.com/competition/java_competition_datasheet_PH.pdf and  http://academy.oracle.com/competition.

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Posted in: Competition,IT Competitions,Java,Oracle Academy,Oracle Academy Java Programming Competition Philippines,PSITS,Zamboanga City

Watch Spelldial.com CEO and Founder Albert Chiu Padin During the Python Demo here in Zamboanga City

Build Your Idea. Super engaging Google App Engine for Python Hands-on Workshop and Start-ups!

Albert Chiu Padin is the CEO and Founder of SpellDial International.

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Posted in: ICT Trainings,PSITS,PSITS Zamboanga Chapter,Python,Zamboanga City

Exclusive Hands-on Google App Engine for Python Workshop and Hackasprint

Hands-on demo. Getting oriented with the Python 

environment

The Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS) Zamboanga Chapter, Inc., a recognized association joined by thousands of student from the different Information Technology Institutes and Colleges in Zamboanga City and Isabela City, has initiated an exclusive Hands-on Google App Engine for Python Workshop, for the benefit of its member students last March 13, 2013 from 1:00 pm-7:00 pm at SCC Laboratory here in the city.

The event is in partnership with SpellDial.com and GDG Zamboanga with support from Google Philippines. Furthermore, this is supported by the Council of Deans for ICT Education (CODICT-IX) and the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators, Inc. (PSITE-IX).

The organization has invited two start-up players Albert Padin, CEO and Founder at SpellDial.com and Nicole Faye Macarasig, Cebu Community Manager at TechTalks.ph and Co-Founder for Kiddle.

(L-R) Andrew Armil Francisco, PSITS Zamboanga Chapter President together

with Guest Lecturers Nicole Faye Macarasig, Cebu Community Manager at

TechTalks.ph and Albert Chiu Padin, CEO and Founder at SpellDial.com.

Joined by Engr. Grace Sojor President of Council of Deans for

ICT Education in Region IX.

Kiddle is a gamified web application that encourages household chores for kids, a 2nd Startup Weekend Manila Winner. Meanwhile, SpellDial is a mobile application that lets you dial names instead of phone numbers. It connects you to people just by dialing their names and be connected even though the number is not saved in your mobile’s phonebook.

In support of the organization’s goal to acquire mobile development training and engage fellow students in start-ups, the organizers have distributed the limited number of seat slots to all member schools of the organization.

AMA Participants - Andrade, Ferdinand V.-BSMIS, Bogol, Novie Jane A.-BSIT,

Lopez, Wilson B. - BSCS, Otoalih, Rohaina T.- BSIT, Salaveria,Gabrielle G.-BSIT, COMTECH INSTITUTE Participants -  Delos Santos, Mae E. - BSIS, Joel O. Merino - BSIS, Lagamon, Dennis A. - BSIS, Manolong, Darrix A. - BSIS, Mark Anthony S. Victoria - BSIS, Redoblado , Regine - BSIS, Southern City Colleges Participants -Kelvin P. Acain - BSCS, Kenneth D. Gregorio - BSCS, Mark Gil Momongan - BSCS, Paterno B. Tagapan Jr. - BSIT,  Rayyan H. Kadil - BSCS

STI College Participants - 
Chazelle Banico - BSIT, Mershalene Hamid - BSCS, Alhuzain Ibrahim Hussin - ACT, Janet Ponteros - BSIT, Oneil Nick Paira - BSIT,

Universidad de Zamboanga Participants - 
Satra Ahiri- BSCS, Jemima Grace Apostol - BSCS, Nurfaida Ersid - BSCS, Robimbo Suarez - BSCS, Cleo Jean R. Florendo - BSCS

Western Mindanao State University Participants - 
Burt Achame - BSCS, Anthony A . Castor - BSCS, Denny Keith R. Gurrea - BSCoE, Felimar V. Salon - BSCS, Ezikiel S. Sulbi - BSCoE

GDG Zamboanga Participants - Amil, Denrasher A. , BSCoE, De los Santos, Linuel B. , BSISM, Gelizon, Glen B.- Computer Programming, Yolynne Medina- BSCoE, Sojor, Grace M. - BSCS/CoE, Talib, Mohammad J. - BSCoE

Photo Highlights:

Thank you Google Developer Group (GDG) Zamboanga Members for 

volunteering to help out in preparing the event. 

Here are some few friendly reminders for the event:

• Date:  Wednesday, March 13, 2013
• Time: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Venue: 3rd Floor, Computer Laboratory, Southern City Colleges at Pilar Street, Zamboanga City
• Registration table opens at 12:00 o’clock until 12:45 pm, please BRING ANY VALID ID for verification, provide to Secretariat the Official Registration Form duly signed by your School PSITS Moderator and make sure to get your event ID/Name Tag after checking in. Do not forget to write down your name in a raffle coupon and drop it in the Raffle Box.
• Participants ID/Name Tag must be visible all the time during the event. We shall have Hackasprint (just an hour and a half) when the students actually build a simple app and they get to demo it to the rest of the crowd.  
• And if you are tagging/bringing someone along during the event, they will be under our limited wait list. We cannot guarantee seats & coupons for them as we have limited space in our venue. But they are very welcome to attend, only under first come, first serve basis, so be early!

·         Again, this is a FREE event. Each Member School is allowed FIVE (5) SEAT SLOTS. There are Forty (40) Computer Units in the SCC Lab. We are expecting fifty-five (55) maximum participants. We strongly advise that each school delegation / team must bring at least three (3) laptops or if possible, all participants must bring laptops. Any changes in the number and names in the list of participants from your school prior to the event, please inform us immediately. This is for strict compliance as we only have limited seats/stocks. If you can't make it on Wednesday, please inform us early so we can give your slot to others on our waiting list. But of course we'll be very happy to see you there.

• For those bringing with them their laptops, please check out the links and install in the following order:

(1)     http://www.python.org/ftp/python/2.7.3/python-2.7.3.msi

(2)     http://googleappengine.googlecode.com/files/GoogleAppEngine-1.7.5.msi

(3)     http://www.sublimetext.com/2

• WiFi Access will be provided (c/o SCC)

·         We don't have much power outlets for your gadgets, so charge your smartphones, laptops, etc. the night before!

• Don't hesitate to share status updates and photos about the event on G+, FB, and Twitter using out hashtags: #psitszamboanga #gdgzamboanga #python #spelldialhereinzamboanga.

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Posted in: Albert Padin,Google App Engine,PSITS Zamboanga Chapter,Python,SpellDial.com,Zamboanga City

Google Drawstring Bags for Google App Engine Hands-on Workshop

In behalf of CODICT IX and PSITE IX, I am personally thankful that Google Philippines granted our request for swags and equally thankful for Google Developer Group (GDG) Zamboanga, for extending valuable support in the PSITS Zamboanga Chapter-sponsored event dubbed as Google App Engine for Python Hands-on Workshop and Hackasprint.

These are the items sent to us by Ms. Chelle Obligacion-Gray, current GDG Philippines Community Manager. Muchisimas Gracias!

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Posted in: Google,Google App Engine Hands-on Workshop,Google Developer Group Philippines