PHOENIX ASCENSION

In a celebratory stride toward a new phase, the Maroon Phoenix unveiled a fresh countenance as the BS Avionics Technology Department resurfaced amidst the revelry of AvTech Week 2024 last April 23. Led by the PATTS Avionics Society (PAVIOS), this dynamic event unfolded beneath the thematic banner of the "2NE1 Era of the Maroon Phoenix," at PATTS College of Aeronautics. 

To start the celebration, an opening program was held at the PATTS lobby. It began with an AVP presentation of AvTech Week 2023, followed by a dance performance by the PATTS AVDC. Opening remarks were given by Engr. Jover Boyd T. Chan, after which a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Emelita I. Javier (VP for Student Affairs), faculty members Mr. Fitzpatrick Cunanan, Ms. Kaye Anne Repatacodo, Mr. Julius Philip Beleno, Mr. Ropert Dacasin, Mr. De Leon, Ms. Concepcion Valencia, and PAVIOS President, Ms. Adan.

The second day of AvTech Week featured a seminar themed "Non-Stop & Endless Career Opportunities” in partnership with the OJT and Placement Office. The distinguished line-up of speakers commenced with Captain Narciso Mapalo, a distinguished commercial pilot from Cebu Pacific.  He expounded on the various job opportunities within the avionics industry. Following his insightful discourse was Ms. Sophia Zaldivar, a Level 1A Avionics specialist at Lufthansa Technik Philippines, who provided a general overview of avionics as a discipline. Lastly, Mr. Michael Fernan Patilleros, an accomplished Safety Management System Safety Officer in Air Traffic at CAAP, discussed the intricate relationship between avionics and air traffic controllers, offering invaluable insights into aviation safety and efficiency.

On the third day of AvTech Week, a seminar was themed, "Navigation & Equipment: Basics of ATA 34 and 25." This session was led by Mr. Marlon Oh Pimentel, a pilot and Quality Assurance Officer from Omni Aviation. Mr. Pimentel delved into the intricacies of Air Transportation Association (ATA) Chapters 34 and 25, discussing the various equipment and furnishings of an aircraft encompassed by ATA 25, while also shedding light on the critical navigational equipment within ATA 34. His comprehensive discourse provided attendees with a profound understanding of the essential components vital to aircraft operation and navigation.

Day 4 of AvTech Week hosted a seminar on leadership titled, "Navigating Excellence: A Leadership Training Seminar for Success," led by Dr. Ma. Theresa Cruz, the Student Admissions and Communications Director of PATTS College of Aeronautics. The seminar aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively communicate goals and visions within their teams, fostering an ethical work environment. Dr. Cruz talked about the essence of effective leadership, discussing its evolution over time, various leadership styles, and the essential characteristics of a leader. She emphasized the importance of leaders acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of their team members, advocating for accountability and efficiency in leadership practices. 

Throughout her presentation, Dr. Cruz highlighted the transformative impact of modernization and westernization on leadership dynamics, cautioning against micromanagement as a counterproductive approach. She underscored the significance of leaders supporting and protecting their teams, refraining from speaking negatively about team members. Dr. Cruz's seminar provided valuable insights into cultivating effective leadership skills, urging leaders to lead by example and create an environment conducive to growth and collaboration.

On the same day, the Amazing Race 2024 unfolded within the campus, where AvTech students eagerly embraced the challenge. Various stations were set up within the grounds, each presenting unique challenges. The race's theme centered around the phonetic alphabet, requiring teams to tackle stations sequentially from Alpha to India.

At each station, diverse challenges awaited the participants: At the Alpha station, there were beer pong challenges; Bravo featured logic trainers; Charlie offered puzzle games; Delta involved deciphering 4 pics 1 word related to aviation, electronics, and communications; Echo tasked teams with recreating a given picture with random people; Foxtrot required teams to construct a one-foot-tall tower from popsicle sticks, capable of withstanding airflow in a fan test; Golf station engaged participants in volleyball matches, while Hotel challenged them to complete a phrase using words gathered from other stations. Finally, at the India station, teams had to fill a bucket with water up to a certain mark. Emerging victorious from this exciting race was the Brown Team followed by Pink Team and Yellow Team.

On the sixth day, the third seminar centered on the theme, "Nine Eleven: Learning Search & Rescue in Aviation," led by LCDR Miljorie P. Patigdas from the Naval Base Heracleo of Cavite City. With 17 years of active service in naval air warfare, LCDR Patigdas delved into the details of search and rescue operations in aviation.

Following this seminar was the Film Festival 2024, themed "Nostalgic Experience." Ten film entries from various sections and year levels of BS Avionics Technology were showcased, each presenting its own short film spanning genres like horror, comedy, and romance. The films were judged by Mr. Melchor T. Mantila (College Librarian), Engr. Brixvon P. Cruz (Student Affairs and Social Orientation & Community Involvement Head), Dr. Ma. Theresa M. Cruz (Student Admissions and Communications Director), Dr. Juan Martin B. Tuason (Personnel Admissions and Evaluations Director), and Engr. Editha E. Domingo (OIC, Natural Sciences Department). Coming out on top in the Film Festival 2024 were the short filmmakers from the 4th year BS Avionics Technology with their film entitled, "Reunyon."

The seventh day of AvTech Week featured the highly anticipated Wackylympics, showcasing a series of amusing games that brought together students and instructors in a spirit of fun and camaraderie. Seven entertaining challenges unfolded, starting with the Three-Legged Race, where pairs of participants raced with their legs bound together. The Calamansi Relay added a twist as competitors balanced a calamansi on a spoon clenched in their mouths, racing to return it to the starting point. Other highlights included the Ping Pong Ball Relay, where teams navigated the relay by blowing through a straw to move a ping pong ball. In Catch the Egg, one player threw an egg to another, with each successful catch increasing the distance between them. In Blow it Away, players inflated balloons to knock down 25 plastic cups arranged on a table, while the Maria Went to Town obstacle course challenged teams to navigate with players dressed as Marias. The event culminated with the Habulang Panyo game, introducing an element of anticipation as players rushed to grab a handkerchief when their number was called before others could do so.

In a delightful display of teamwork and sportsmanship, the Wackylympics provided a platform for laughter and friendly competition. Participants showcased their agility and coordination in each game, fostering a sense of community within the AvTech program. The event's culmination saw the Green Team celebrated as champions, capping off a day filled with laughter and memories shared among peers and mentors.