Last March 12, 2010, Google came to UP Cebu to hold the Innovation Forum 2010 entitled Inspiring Innovation: The Google Way. Guest speakers Christine Songco of Google, Inc. and Dan de Lima of Google Japan shared to us a lot of things about Google like the history of Google, new technologies and innovations involving Google, it’s aims in helping developers and a lot more. Both shared their life as Google employees too, and how they became one. I’d say that the forum was really informative and inspiring. I am surprised that I was listening eagerly to their talks. When I learned that Dan de Lima was also an Iskolar ng Bayan and once worked for a local software company, then I thought I might have a chance of being part of the Google team someday too. But I must prove my worth first. 
The Google event stage in the UP Conference Hall
The whole morning was spent for the talks of Ms. Songco and Mr. de Lima, including the open forum part where the audience can ask anything from the guest speakers. I have this question in mind: What does it take to become part of the Google team? I didn’t raise that question up though. I find Ms. Songco and Mr. de Lima amazing people. They look and sound really happy with their jobs in Google. I’m glad I was able to hear their talks.
In the afternoon, a Hackathon was held (organized by Devcon). I, together with Odina, Jerson, Jean and James comprise one group and we sort of represent UP Cebu in the Hackathon.
That's our team! Me, Jerson, Jean, Odina and James (not seen in the photo)
The problem: Create a simple web application, a business finder, using Google Maps API. The functions are: add, edit, delete and search plus the usual features of Google Maps.
The problem is actually quite simple but the challenging thing is that we don’t have any prior experience with Google Maps API. Our team decided to use HTML and Ruby on Rails to develop the web app. Odina and Jean are adept in using Ruby (I have no experience though) so they lead the group while James lead the UI part and Jerson and I are supporters 
. After an hour or so we stopped the developing and had our works checked. After some waiting, it was announced that USC won the first place and we won the second place. I did not expect that since we were competing with some teams from the industry and with the best schools.
Second place in Hackathon! | Photo by Jorich
All in all, that day was amazing! From the Google Innovation Forum to the Hackathon, I learned a lot of new things. I hope Google will be back in Cebu to do more talks in the coming years. The Hackathon experience was amazing. Thanks to my really good groupmates. Til the next Google event and Hackathon. 
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