WBI eLearning Training Program on Disaster Risk Management

The Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative (EMI), in partnership with the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and World Bank Institute (WBI), is pleased to announce its eLearning program on Natural Disaster Risk Management specifically customized for the Philippines. The Program comprises a series of web-based training courses that aim to raise awareness and enhance analytical skills and professional knowledge in specific areas of disaster risk management.

An overview course, Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Framework, is tailored for disaster and development practitioners from the government, civil society and private sector. The overview course is mandatory for those who want to participate in the five specialized courses of the program, namely, (1) Financial Strategies for Managing the Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters, (2) Safe Cities, (3) Community-based Disaster Risk Management, (4) Damage and Reconstruction Needs Assessment, and (5) Earthquake Mitigation. Certificates of completion will be awarded by WBI.

The registration fee per course is Php1,700 and Php1,200 for participants from the private sector and government/NGO, respectively. An early bird discount is available until September 1, 2006. Discounts of up to 40% are also available to participants who will enroll in more than one course. Limited travel grants could be awarded to participants coming from outside Metro Manila who wish to attend the Launching/Orientation Workshop in Metro Manila on September 22, 2006.

The deadline for application is September 15, 2006. Application forms and course information may be downloaded from the EMI website (http://www.earthquakesandmegacities.org/2006_WBI_course). For more information, contact the Course Administrator, Mr. Kristoffer B. Berse, by phone (927-9643, 4334074) or email kris.berse@earthquakesandmegacities.org.

Marqueza L. Reyes
Course Director
Earthquakes and Megacities Initiative

European Master in GIS, Free-of-charge

Lund University in Sweden is offering a distance Masters Program in GIS with no tuition fees. It requires only an Internet connection and a PC. The deadline for application into the January 2007 program is on September 15. Click on the link below for more details.

http://www.giscentrum.lu.se/luma%2Dgis/index.htm

Pinay architect designs a bahay-kubo inspired mall in Arizona

Arizona, USA -- US-based Filipino architect Lira Luis, a nominee for the upcoming Philippines 21 Young Leaders Forum this September, recently designed a $4 million dollar (P204 million) shopping mall in Arizona inspired by Filipino culture.

Architect Luis drew inspiration from the traditional Philippine bahay kubo for this project. She relates: “I have utilized strong design elements, the stilts, which are ubiquitous in native houses in the Philippines. The rest of the design elements are anchored on this, creating a series of double-acting features of sunshade-and-signage that engages a casual observer’s attention.” The angled stilts give the impression of movement and activity, which are important elements in any restaurant or retail environment.

The "stilts" supports the building's skin: a simple interplay of hat channels made to look like blinds. The shades prevent excessive solar exposure and provide a venue for signage at the same time. These allow the public to enjoy a unique outdoor dining experience while conveying that there is more to explore in the building, like shopping.

You can read more about Architect Lira Luis at her firm's website.

Digital Photography for Architectural Heritage and Conservation

Architect Paulo Alcazaren will give a talk on the basics of using a digital camera to document heritage buildings, monuments, landscapes and sites on August 12, 2006 (Saturday) at 2-4 pm, at the Lopez Library, Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. This is the seventh talk in the series, Stories about Preserving Cultural Heritage, presented by the Lopez Memorial Museum and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. His talk will also touch on the choice and use of equipment, tripods, lenses and lights along with techniques to faithfully capture a building’s technical as well as aesthetic characteristics in various shooting conditions.


More details here.

Why work in Dubai?

The Burj Al Arab, the famous luxury hotel that's also a Dubai landmark.

If you're clueless about working in Dubai, here's an interview with Malaya, who's been working in Dubai as an architectural consultant for 2 years and 10 months.

Why work in Dubai?
Malaya: Mainly because there are a lot of building activities here. There are many things to do design & construction wise. Cranes everywhere. It's an open city and investors are quite confident to invest. This gives a lot of opportunities for projects.

The offer is relatively good and there is opportunity to travel (up to you really). There is also this opportunity to mingle with different cultures, be exposed to different kinds of work environments, learn new building systems & design approaches. The last reason is actually typical to all countries outside your homeland.

Why not work in dubai?
Malaya: I don't see any reason not to work here unless of course the offer is not good enough for you to give up whatever job and benefits you have in the Philippines. One sad thing about living here though is the continuing rise in accommodation costs - rent. Cost of bedspace here is equivalent to a month's rent for a studio in the Philippines.

How do I apply for work in Dubai?
Malaya: Once you've updated your CV, you can do four things:
1 - Look for jobs and firms in the internet and apply online.
2 - Go to a reliable recruitment agency.
3 - Ask friends working here if they know job openings with good offers.
4 - Come here as a tourist and do your jobhunt. This however requires bigger investment and can be quite stressful, but you'll have an edge over the ones applying from the Philippines because you are already here.

Any tips for those who aspire to work here?
Malaya: Like any other jobhunt, the way to go is accept jobs with your career path in mind. It cannot be just about the money. By the way, It's nicer to come here during the winter season (December to April) so you won't be shocked by the heat.

What's you lifestyle like in Dubai?
Malaya: My lifestyle is quite simple. Work 5 days a week (Saturday to Wednesday) and enjoy the weekends. Leisure can range from sleeping, reading, doing spur of the moment activities, picture taking like a tourist, going to the beach, dinner with friends. If I have some spare energy, I treat myself to learning something new - whatever that is.

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For the other architects in Dubai who may wish to share their experience and tips, you can add by posting in the comments section :)