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Flying Cars by Suzuki and SkyDrive to Take Flight in 2024

The future depicted in TV shows isn’t as fictitious as we thought. 

I guess we will be saying goodbye to land traffic by next year because Suzuki is joining forces with SkyDrive to produce flying cars by 2024. 

Photo from SkyDrive

SkyDrive is a Japanese start-up that aims to provide mobility solutions. They produce flying cars with zero emissions and provide efficient transportation to commuters. Moreover, SkyDrive will make a new company to assemble flying vehicles. The company will use Suzuki’s plant, which is located in the Shizuoka Prefecture.

The goal is to be able to use the cars at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka. This joint venture was made possible because of SkyDrive’s plans to redesign their flying cars to fit three people. They will also be increasing the flight range to 15 kilometers. 

Photo from SkyDrive
Photo from SkyDrive

Advantages of Flying Cars

A Flying Car is a thing of the future. What are the advantages of flying cars? Let’s go through them one by one. These advantages are according to SkyDrive.

  1. Flying cars are quiet and have zero emissions.
  2. No runway is needed when landing and taking off because of its low infrastructure and minimal space requirement. 
  3. Flying cars offer direct flights, resulting in highly efficient transportation. There are no traffic signals or congestion.
  4. You can input your destination, and the flying car will take you there.
Photo from SkyDrive
Photo from SkyDrive

Flying cars might just be the solution to traffic congestion and carbon emissions. But the main question here is, who can afford it? I guess that is something we will find out soon. 

Is concretizing the idea of flying cars a good one? Let us know in the comments.

ChatGPT Becomes Target for Hackers

You might think, “ChatGPT, again?” Is there anything new? Well, this one might stir your curiosity. 

The popular AI chatbot by OpenAI is now a favorite target of hackers. According to a report from Group-IB, a cybersecurity law firm in Singapore, over 101,000 ChatGPT login credentials were stolen and sold on the dark web this year.

Photo from Unsplash

These ChatGPT credentials were stolen using the Racoon Malware. The malware steals information from someone’s computer after the unsuspecting user downloads it in the guise of an app. Moreover, Racoon is fairly easy to manipulate and can be maintained through a subscription service.

Hackers can see your chat history with ChatGPT and other AI chatbots, so you should not upload personal information using the AI bots. Not only that but when the user reuses their password for other online platforms, the hacker can also access them. 

Photo from Group-IB on Twitter

This is the scary side of AI. Do not download suspicious files and apps from the internet as much as possible. Also, make sure that the passwords for each of your online platforms are different and challenging to crack.

It’s Jellyfish Season: What To Do In Case of a Jelly Fish Sting

A jellyfish sting is even more painful than a breakup!

But kidding aside, jellyfish stings can be excruciating, and some can even lead to death. Just this month, the municipality of Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, released a statement reminding everyone, especially tourists, to be careful while dipping in the Island’s waters.

Photos from Unplash

The Municipality stated that it is already “jellyfish season.” 

“Jellyfish can vary in size, shape, and severity of their stings. While most jellyfish stings are not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes allergic reactions. It is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure safety,”

STATED THE MUNICIPALITY’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE. 

Meanwhile, a Facebook user posted that a tourist died from a box jellyfish sting. The user reminded the readers that June, or Fiesta of San Juan, is the season for jellyfish to emerge, especially the Sabay/Shabay (box jellyfish) and Bokya (black jellyfish).

She also urged everyone to steer clear of the ‘PangPang’ or Cliff Side, famously called ‘The Ruins.’

Photos from Municipality of Santa Fe, Official on Facebook

Here are a few reminders when swimming during jellyfish season, according to the Municipality of Santa Fe, Official:

  1. Pay attention to warning signs or flags posted by local authorities or beach management.
  2. Wear protective clothing, such as a wetsuit, to protect the skin from coming in contact with jellyfish tentacles.
  3. Use jellyfish repellent.
  4. Stay updated with local news or consult lifeguards.
  5. Avoid touching or swimming near jellyfish.
  6. Administer first aid in case of a jellyfish sting.
    1. Immediately exit the water and seek medical attention.
    2. Rinse the affected area with saltwater. Avoid using freshwater; it may worsen the sting.
    3. Consider using a vinegar solution or use a commercial jellyfish sting remedy.
    4. Do not rub the affected area to avoid releasing more venom.

Photos from Municipality of Santa Fe, Official on Facebook

Photos from Municipality of Santa Fe, Official on Facebook

The beach is great for beating the heat, but it is still important to be careful with our surroundings, especially during the jellyfish season. Swim responsibility, fellow “laagans.”

A Software Engineer at 14: The Story of Kairan Quazi

How often do you find a 14-year-old working in a company that’s focused on revolutionizing space technology?

Photos from thepythonkairan from Instagram

Meet Kairan Quazi – the youngest hiree of SpaceX, a company founded by Elon Musk that revolves around advanced rockets and spacecraft. He recently underwent the interview process of SpaceX which he enjoyed and apparently aced, as he’s now one of the company’s process engineers starting July 2023.

SpaceX’s headquarters in Hawthorne, California

He considers SpaceX to be “the coolest company on the planet” and even describes being a part of it as his “dream job”. Moreover, he was also the youngest to graduate in Santa Clara University school of engineering.

GROWING UP

An amazing thing about Kairan is that he started speaking complete sentences at the tender age of 2.

Photos from thepythonkairan from Instagram

At 9 years old, he felt as though he didn’t fit in among the majority of third graders, so he got help from his parents and enrolled in a community college in California.

Eventually, he was accepted as an AI research intern co-op fellow at Intel Labs.

Photos from thepythonkairan from Instagram

Kairan began studying computer science and engineering at Santa Clara University when he was 11 and became a machine learning intern at Blackbird.AI, a cyber intelligence firm, for four months last year.

Photos from thepythonkairan from Instagram

JOB APPLICATION JOURNEY

Before SpaceX, Kairan tried getting into 98 other job opportunities and only three gave him an offer. One of them being SpaceX.

According to him, he gets downright rejected after meeting with the recruiters in Zoom interviews except for those three companies who did not see his age as an issue.

The 14-year-old is already in the minimum legal age to work based on the Washington state labor laws.

Photos from thepythonkairan from Instagram

As Kairan continues to push boundaries, we can only anticipate that his contributions will continue to shape our world for the better. His impact on society serves as a reminder that when purpose and passion align, the possibilities are truly limitless.

Unwind and Recharge at El Pardo, a New Resort in Boljoon, Cebu

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Why not take a moment to pause and have a Fika break? Fika is a Swedish word for “to have coffee” or “a coffee break, a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. Surely, you want to sit and catch up with your family, friends, or colleagues and take a coffee or tea.

But wait, there’s more! Have you heard there is a place in Cebu where you can experience a Fika break too? Introducing FIKA & Catch-ups, a resort in El Pardo in the municipality of Boljoon, Cebu. A great place to recharge and unwind, with a view over much-loved beverages!

Photo from FIKA & Catch-ups Facebook Page

Elevating Your Experience

The resort has breathtaking beach views that meet ultimate relaxation with a pair of cold beverages and soaking up the sun. You are welcome to take advantage of their griller for free if you also like grilling! Nothing beats savoring grilled fish and pork belly with your loved ones by the sea.

Aside from that, get pleasure from a refreshing dip in their plunge pools or experience a refreshing natural cold spring. They also have warm showers and selected open-air cottages to de-stress in the calming seaside breeze. The resort’s unique aquatic ambience will take ocean enthusiasts to a breathtaking ocean paradise. 

What are you waiting for? Book your stay now and enjoy a moment of relaxation and connection with others!

Photo from FIKA & Catch-ups Facebook Page
Photo from FIKA & Catch-ups Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

  • Entrance fee: ₱100 per head
  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Wed-Sun)

EXCLUSIVE DAY-USE RATE:

  • PACKAGE A:  ₱5,000 (30 pax)

Add-on rate for additional pax is ₱100 per head

  • PACKAGE B: ₱8,000 (50 pax or more)

Note: Full payment is required and should be received in advance. No walk-ins accepted. There is no time extension after 4:00 PM.

OTHER INFORMATION:

  • Corkage fee:
    • ₱20 per bottle for soda & alcohol
    • ₱300 for whole lechon
    • No corkage for outside foods
  • Freebies:
    • Griller is free to use
    • Videoke from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
    • 1 gallon of water for 30 pax
    • 2 gallons of water for 50 pax
  • No pool watcher
  • No pets, and strictly no smoking
  • Videoke for rent: ₱100 per hour
  • Roadside parking fee: Car ₱50/Motor ₱20
  • Property not recommended for seniors & PWD

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: FIKA & Catch-ups, Barangay Boljoon, 6024 Cebu – approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes away from the city.

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal. Look for the one heading to Boljoon, and ask the driver to drop you off at El Pardo, FIKA & Catch-ups Resort. The place is relatively new, but some drivers and conductors are already familiar with it, so ask first before hopping in the bus to make sure.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “FIKA & Catch-ups” in El Pardo, Boljoon,Cebu 6024. Parking space is available.

Loan at Your Own Risk: Why You Should be Careful with Loan Apps

No amount of money is worth risking your data and privacy for

We cannot deny the fact that some of us are in bad need of extra cash. Nowadays, some apps ‘solve’ our money problems in the meantime. However, some of these apps can do more harm than good. 

Photo from Unsplash

Some apps use ‘abusive’ and ‘aggressive’ tactics for overdue payments. Some apps require users to give them access to phone contacts and personal information during the application process for the loan. This act is a big breach and violation of user privacy.

When the user goes over the due date of payment, the apps can use the information they have on the users to embarrass them into paying their dues. 

Just last April, Google updated its policy that will not allow personal loan apps to have access to user’s contact or photos in the Philippines. With Google’s updated policy, personal loan apps must submit country-specific licensing documentation. Moreover, the apps should comply with Local regulations.

Photo from Unsplash

In the Philippines, personal loan apps must have a SEC Registration Number and a Certificate of Authority (CA) Number from the Philippines Securities and Exchanges Commission (PSEC).

Before you hit that confirm button, research the personal loan app you will use. Stay vigilant and keep your data safe. Despite the efforts of the government and other security sectors, it all boils down to responsibility—loan at Your Own Risk.

Cebu Pacific Now Offers Direct Flights to Taipei

Good news, travelers!

You can now turn your Taipei dreams into reality because Cebu Pacific offers direct flights from Cebu to Taipei. 

Photo from Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Taipei is known for its tall skyscrapers, festive night markets, and modern buildings. It is also a cultural and art hotpot perfect for tourists and those who love a bit of history. In addition, Taipei is home to amazing cuisine and food such as Xiao Long Bao, Style Tofu, and Beef Noodle Soup. 

With Cebu Pacific, you will now be able to indulge in the wonders of Taipei. The inaugural flight was held last June 24, 2023. The plane received a ceremonial water cannon salute before taking off. 

Photo from Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Photo from Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Experience Taipei, Taiwan’s vibrant nightlife and amazing culture with Cebu Pacific. You may book your ticket at cebupacificair.com.

Working Long Hours Can Lead to Baldness, Study Says

Before you decide to work overtime tonight, you better read this first. 

Photo from Unsplash

Some Filipinos work overtime for multiple reasons; either they want the OT pay or because they are loaded with work. But one thing is for sure, working long hours is not good. Overworking can kill you; did you know that? 

Not only that, but there is a study that shows how working long hours can lead to hair loss!

Photo from Unsplash

According to a four-year-long study conducted by the Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and Kangbuk Samsung Hospital’s Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in Korea, there is a significant connection between working long hours and alopecia.

The researchers examined 13,000 employed Korean men. According to the findings, hair loss is due to stress at work, which leads to extra hormones that damage hair follicles.

Photo from Unsplash

Working hard is commendable, but overworking is just bigger harm on its own. Hair loss and even death; are two things you should be scared of. You should rethink your decision to work overtime tonight. 

UP Scientist Becomes First Filipino to Be an Editor for an International Journal

Here’s another win for Filipino Scientists! 

College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

A professor from the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Science National Institute of Physics is making history. Percival F. Almoro is Optik’s first-ever Filipino section editor: International Journal for Light and Electron Optics. Optik is an avenue where talented physicists can share their work. 

According to Almoro, being an editor for Optik is a great honor for him. He also expressed how participating in the renowned publication helped recognize that Filipino researchers can conduct quality research. He writes content for optical metrology and interferometry. 

Moreover, Almoro was also appointed as a topical editor for the Optical Society of America.

Photo from National Institute of Physics

Percival Almoro gained his doctorate in physics way back in the year 2004. and did a postdoctoral fellowship at the Universitat Stuttgart in Germany. He also went to the Rise National Research Laboratory in Denmark.

Congratulations, Percival Almoro!

What you need to know: The five lives lost during Titanic Expedition

Recent news about a group of five billionaires going missing while on a trip to the ruins of the once great Titanic is making headlines as government rescue teams confirm their demise. 

Photo form OceanGate

The passengers included the founder of the watercraft’s company, a British father and son from a distinguished Pakistani family, a British explorer/businessman, and a French maritime expert.

These individuals were inside the vessel as its signal to the support ship was cut off during a deep dive into the trenches of the Titanic’s remnants.

All five of them were expected to be dead, as the U.S. Coast Guard and OceanGate stated. 

These are the five people that boarded the submersible.

Stockton Rush

Photo from OceanGate

The founder of OceanGate himself, Rush was included in the expedition to the Titanic’s site, piloting the vessel while scouting for its location. Rush stated from a previous interview that he’s always wanted to be an astronaut, yet after gaining his aerospace engineering degree, he wanted to become a fighter pilot instead. He then later on founded OceansGate, based in Washington, D.C.

Shahzada Dawood and Suleman Dawood

Photo from Engro Corporation

British-Pakistani father and son Shadzada and Suleman, part of one of Pakistan’s wealthiest and most prestigious families were also part of this tragic accident. The duo wanted to go on a journey to the Titanic, yet when the signal failed and complications arose, the statement asked for the family’s privacy during this time. Mr. Dawood was also a father of two, as well as being a resident of Britain.

Hamish Harding

Photo form Felix Kunze/Blue Origin, via Associated Press

Harding is a businessman, as well as an explorer with various Guinness World Records, including the record for longest time spent wandering the ocean’s depths. He wrote about his trip to the Titanic online, proudly announcing himself as part of a group exploring the ship’s ruins. Harding was also the chairman of a sales and air operations company in Dubai. Another one of his achievements is a record for the world’s fastest circumnavigation of the Earth. 

Paul-Henri Nargeolet

Photo from Joel Saget/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Hailing from France, Nargeolet has been on a massive number of trips to the Titanic’s wreckage, with an impressive number of 35. The maritime expert was also the director of underwater research for the company that owns the ship’s salvaging rights, RMS Titanic, Inc.

Spanning between 1987 and 2010, the company has managed 8 research and recovery missions to and from the Titanic’s site.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives aboard the submersible.