This article discuses Filipino inventions and discoveries.

Fashion
● The barong Tagalog (or simply baro, but commonly incorrectly called barong), an
embroidered formal garment of the Philippines. It is very lightweight and worn untucked
(similar to a coat/dress shirt), over an undershirt. It is usually worn by men during
weddings, banquets, and other such formal events. Women wearing the barong Tagalog
is uncommon, but not unheard of. The term "barong Tagalog" literally means "a Tagalog
dress" in the Tagalog language. The baro was popularized as formal wear by Philippine
President Ramon Magsaysay, who wore it to most official and personal affairs, including
his inauguration as president.
● The Baro’t saya (also known as Filipiniana) is an embroidered dress and is worn by
women. The name is a contraction of the Tagalog words barò at saya, meaning "dress
(blouse) and skirt".
Science and Medicine
● Jose Rodriguez, a scientist and researcher, invented methods of controllingleprosy.[1]
Rodríguez's leprosy control program was instituted in the Philippines and other Asian
countries. His medical papers on leprosy research are often referenced and have been
published around the world.
● Josefino Comiso is a Filipino physicist working at the NASA Goddard Space Flight
Center studying global warming in the Arctic. Josefino Comiso was the first person to
discover a recurring polynya in the Cosmonaut Sea, south of the Indian Ocean. A
polynya is a semi-permanent area of open water in sea ice.[2]
Weapons
Swords and bladed weapons
● The panabas is a large, forward-curved sword, used by certain ethnic groups in the
southern Philippines. Its length varied from two to four feet, and was either wielded with
one hand or with both. It was used as a combat weapon, as an execution tool, and as a
display of power. Occasional use as an agricultural and butchering tool has also been
noted. The sword's name is a shortening of the word "pang-tabas", which means
"chopping tool". As such, its etymological origins are the root word tabas ("to chop off").
● The Balisong (also known as a butterfly knife or fan knife) is a folding pocket knife with
two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is
concealed within grooves in the handles. It is sometimes called aBatangas knife, after
the Tagalog province of Batangas, where it is traditionally made. In the hands of a
trained user, the knife blade can be brought to bear quickly using one hand.
Manipulations, called "flipping" or "fanning", are performed for art or amusement. The
knife is illegal in many countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, the UK, Canada,
New Zealand and Germany.
 ● The barong or barung, is a short sword with a leaf-shaped blade, widely used in the
island of Mindanao.
● The gunong or punyál (also known as puñal de kris or kris knife) is a knife from
Mindanao. It is essentially a diminutive form of the larger kalis or kris. The gunong
serves both as a utility knife and as a thrusting weapon used for close quarter fighting -
usually as a last defense. It is most often associated with the ethnic Maranao, among
whom the gunong was traditionally carried by both sexes. The weapon is generally
tucked into the back of a waist sash.

A kampilan hilt is sometimes wrapped with rattan to improve the grip. The two holes on the crossguard are where the metal
"staples" (C- or U-shaped) go, as additional protection for the wielder's hand.

● The Kampilan is a type of single-edged longsword, used in the islands of Mindanao,

Visayas, and Luzon. The kampilan has a distinct profile, with the tapered blade being
much broader and thinner at the point than at its base, sometimes with a protruding
spikelet along the flat side of the tip and a bifurcated hilt which is believed to represent a
mythical creature's open mouth. A notable wielder of the kampilan was Lapu-Lapu(the
king of Mactan) and his warriors, who defeated the Spaniards and killed Portuguese
explorer Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan in 1521. The mention of the
kampilan in ancient Filipino epics originating from other non-Muslim areas such as the
Hiligaynon Hinilawod and the Ilocano Biag ni Lam-Ang is possible evidence for the
sword's widespread usage throughout the archipelago during pre-Hispanic times
Transportation and Mobility
 Jeepneys around Manila.

Amphibious
● The Salamander is an amphibious tricycle that can run both land and on water.[3] [4]
The Salamander has two power-plant choices, powered by 5-kilowatt electric motor that runs on
electricity and 250 cc. internal combustion type gasoline engine.[5]

Boats
● The balangay was the first wooden marine vessel ever excavated in Southeast Asia. It's
also known as the Butuan boat, as nine specimens of these boats, dating back to pre-
Hispanic times (the earliest being in 320 CE), were discovered in 1976, Butuan,
Mindanao. It is believed that the Austronesians migrated to the Philippine archipelago,
riding the balangay. When the first Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, they found the
Filipinos living in well-organized independent villages called "baranggáy". The name
barangay originated from balangay, the Austronesian word for "sailboat".
● The vinta (locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan) is a traditional boat, made by ethnic
Bajau and Tausūg, living in Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago, North Kalimantan
(Indonesia), and Sabah (Malaysia). These boats, sporting a single, colorful sail, are used
for inter-island transport of people and goods. Zamboanga City is known for these
vessels.
Land transport
● The Jeepney, a modified military jeep, is the most common form of transportation in the
country today. After independence from the United States was declared in 1946, there
was a surplus of American military jeeps in the country. Filipinos then modified these
vehicles to serve as makeshift buses. Since then, this ubiquitous vehicle has faced a lot
of innovative transformations until the modern “E-Jeepney” was finally introduced in
Metro Manila and Bacolod.
● The Marine Multi-purpose Vehicle or MMPV uses independent suspensions andportal
geared hubs similar to portal axles to make for a full 16 inches of ground clearance. The
 vehicle also has disc brakes on all 4 wheels, and 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension.
The brake discs are not mounted at the wheels as on conventional automobiles, but are
inboard, attached to the outside of each differential. The front and rear differentials are
Torsen type, and the center differential is a regular, lockable type. Created by the
Philippine Marine Corps to replace M151 jeeps in service as they are hard to maintain
with problems concerning availability of spare parts.
Food Techniques

Chicken adobo

● Adobo (meaning "marinade," "sauce" or "seasoning") is the name of a popular dish and
cooking process in Philippine cuisine that involves meat, seafood, or vegetables
marinated in a sauce of vinegar and garlic, browned in oil, and simmered in the
marinade. Although it has a name taken from the Spanish, the cooking method is
indigenous to the Philippines.Dishes prepared in this manner eventually came to be
known by this name, with the original term for the dish now lost to history.[6] [7]
Before the Spaniards came, early Filipinos cooked their food minimally by roasting, steaming or
boiling. To keep it fresh longer, food was often cooked by immersion in vinegar and salt. Thus, early
Filipinos could have been cooking its meat in vinegar, which is the basic process in making adobo.
The process of adobo was an ancient method dating back to the Classical Period of preserving the
pork and chicken meats. since there was no refrigeration at the time.[8]
 A Sinigang prepare to cook.

● Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory flavor most often
associated with tamarind (sampalok). It is one of the popular dishes in Philippine cuisine.
● In 1966, Dr. Rodolfo Aquino isolated nine specific breeds of rice for the International
Rice Research Institute. His discoveries helped prevent famine in much of Asia.
● The recipe for banana catsup was created by Maria Orosa y Ylagan. Banana catsup is
used as a substitute for tomato catsup, widely popularized by Max's, one of the biggest
fried chicken restaurant chains in the Philippines. Orosa also experimented with foods
native to the Philippines and formulated food products like calamansi nip, a desiccated
and powdered form of calamansi that could be used to make calamansi juice, and a
powdered preparation of soya-beans called Soyalac, a “magic food” preparation which
helped save the lives of thousands of Filipinos, Americans, and other nationals who were
held prisoner in different Japanese concentration camps.
Modern technologies
● Diosdado Banatao developed the first single-chip graphical user interface accelerator
that made computers work a lot faster. This invention has allowed computer users to use
graphics for commands and not the usual typed commands in older computers. It has
allowed data processing to be a little faster using very little space, with small chips
instead of large boards.
● Eco-G NanoTechnology developed the Eco-G3000, a low-cost and low-maintenance
fuel-emission reduction device. It is designed to reduce vehicular gas consumption and
toxic emission.[9]
● Justino Arboleda devised the coconet, a sturdy but biodegradable net made from
coconut husk.[10]
● Francisco Quisumbing is a Filipino chemist known for being the inventor ofQuink ink[11]
[12] used by The Parker Pen Company. He graduated from theUniversity of Chicago
under the American pensionado program. He went back to the Philippines after World
War II but was unable to organize the Philippine Ink Corporation under the Japanese
Reparations Program because of too much government intervention.[13] Quink stands for
Quisumbing Ink. However, Parker states that the name is an amalgam of "quick and
ink".[14]
Games
 The cover of the Games of the Generals.

● The Piko is the Philippine variation of the game hopscotch. The players stand behind the
edge of a box, and each should throw their cue ball. The first to play is determined
depending on the players' agreement (e.g. nearest to the moon, wings or chest).
Whoever succeeds in throwing the cue ball nearest to the place that they have agreed
upon will play first. The next nearest is second, and so on.
● Game of the Generals, a military-themed board game invented by Sofronio H. Pasola, jr.
The goal of this game is to capture the opponent's flag, or maneuver one's own flag at
the end of the board while evading the opponent's soldiers and spies.
Martial Arts
● The Eskrima, Arnis,[15] and Kali are umbrella terms for the traditional martial artsof the
Philippines ("Filipino Martial Arts," or FMA) that emphasize weapon-based fighting with
sticks, knives and other bladed weapons, and various improvised weapons. It is also
known as Estoque (Spanish for rapier), Estocada (Spanish for thrust or stab) and
Garrote (Spanish for club). In Luzon they may go by the name of Arnis de Mano,
Pananandata (use of weapons), Sinawali (Pampanga, "to weave"), Sitbatan
(Pangasinan), Didya and Kabaroan (Ilocos region). In theVisayas and Mindanao, these
martial arts have been referred to as Eskrima, Kali,Kaliradman, Pagaradman and
Kalirongan. Kuntaw and Silat are separate martial arts that have been practiced in the
islands.
It also includes hand-to-hand combat, joint locks, grappling, and weapon disarming techniques.
Although in general, emphasis is put on weapons for these arts, some systems put empty hands as
the primary focus and some old school systems do not teach weapons at all.[16] For the purpose of
convenience, this article will use the term Eskrima throughout.
 Eskrima masters along with students in Cebu City, Philippines

For all intents and purposes, Eskrima, Arnis and Kali all refer to the same family of Filipino weapon-
based martial arts and fighting systems.

See also
● Cultural achievements of pre-colonial Philippines
● National Scientist of the Philippines
● Science and technology in the Philippines
● Web accessibility initiatives in the Philippines
References
● De La Salle University Library
● National Scientists of the Philippines (1978–1998). Pasig City, Philippines: Anvil
Publishing, Inc. 2000. ISBN 978-9712709326.
● Comrade Manokski's ORBAT- [1]
● Timawa.net- [2]
● "Islas de los Pintados: The Visayan Islands".
● "Top 12 Surprising Filipino Inventions You Might Want To Know". Retrieved 11 February
2013.
● "Filipino Scientist and their Inventions". Retrieved 11 February 2013.
● Quintos, Paul. “Balangay.” 101 Filipino Icons. Manila: Adarna House, Inc. and Bench,
2007.
● Casal, Gabriel S., et al. "The Ingenious Filipino Boat." Kasaysayan Volume II: The
Earliest Filipinos. Philippines: Asia Publishing Company Limited, 1998.
● archaeology. (accessed on August 10, 2007).
● The Philippine Consulate General – Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. (accessed on
August 10, 2007).
Notes
 1. "Jose Rodriguez - Research On Leprosy Done By Jose Rodriguez".
Inventors.about.com. 2014-03-05. Retrieved 2014-04-19.
2. "Josefino Comiso - Filipino Physicist". Inventors.about.com. 2014-03-05. Retrieved2014-
04-19.
3. http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/car-news/pinoy-made-salamander-amphibious-trike-
can-tackle-land-and-water
4. http://www.manilalivewire.com/2015/01/first-filipino-made-amphibious-tricycle-the-
salamander/
5. http://www.manilalivewire.com/2015/01/first-filipino-made-amphibious-tricycle-the-
salamander/
6. Ocampo, Ambeth. (February 24, 2009). "Looking Back: 'Adobo' in many forms".
Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
7. Rappaport, Rachel (2010). The Everything Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook. Adams
Media. p. 255. ISBN 9781440508486.
8. Cynthia De Castro; Rene Villaroman (2008-07-14). "ADOBO: A History of the Country's
National Dish". The Asian Journal Blog. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
9. "Filipino invention to help Mongolians breathe free". English.news.mn. 2012-11-12.
Retrieved 2014-04-19.
10. "Philippine Inventor Turns Coconut Waste Into Environment-Saver". Terradaily.com.
2006-02-01. Retrieved 2014-04-19.
11. José-Yacamán, M.; Martín-Gil, J.; Ramos-Sánchez, M. C.; Martín-Gil, F. J. "Chemical
Composition of a Fountain Pen Ink". Journal of Chemical Education. 83(10): 1476.
doi:10.1021/ed083p1476.
12. Barrameda, Bong (1993). Pinoy Trivia. Anvil Publications. p. 70. ISBN 978-971-27-0425-
3. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
13. "Features > Filipino Inventors". Philippine Science and Technology Portal. Retrieved
2007-06-25.
14. "Parker Quink ink, refills and leads - the perfect companion for your Parker". The Parker
Pen Company. Retrieved 2007-06-25.
15. Wiley, Mark V. (2000). Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice. Tuttle Publishing. pp.
1–15. ISBN 0-86568-180-5.
16. Filipino Warrior Arts Research Society Macachor, Celestino S., Macachor met old
practitioners who put emphasis or practiced only empty-hands forms when he was
learning FMA and during research for his book with Dr. Ned Nepangue, "Cebu Eskrima:
Beyond the Myth".
External links
● Manokski
 ● http://definitelyfilipino.com/blog/2012/01/30/top-12-filipino-inventions-you-might-not-
know/
● http://inventors.about.com/od/filipinoscientists/Filipino_Inventors_and_Filipino_Scientists.
htm
● http://old.blades.free.fr/swords/klewang/kampilan/kampilan.htm
● http://securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/2400/2435.htm
● http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=344319
● Riding a Jeepney 101

Filipino
Inventions and
Discoveries that
Shaped the
World
Updated on June 15, 2011

Click thumbnail to view full-size

ROBERTO DEL ROSARIO, the Filipino inventor credited for the KARAOKE SING ALONG SYSTEM.
When I was young, I heard the moniker that “Filipinos are the greatest imitators”.In other words, we
copy what’s the existing method, style or approach or even surpass them. The negative notion is all
around it or you can also benefit from it. But when it comes to inventions and discoveries, if you copy
the patented one, then it will be a clear piracy if you don‘t have the proper permission to reproduce it.
More so, in HubPages, it will be duplication or plagiarism.

I strongly disagree with this notion. There are many Filipino scientists and inventors who contributed
to enhance the living condition of people around the world. We’ve been taught about their
contributions and I’m proud to bare it here on HubPages.

Filipino scientists have a long list of achievements that will never be ignored by their countrymen.
Although, most of them are working abroad for higher pays and scholarships, many Filipinos are still
benefited by their discoveries.

Documentary on Filipino Achievers in Science

and Technology c/o pinaswatch1

Filipino American Faith in Action: Immigration, Religion, and Civic Engagement

Buy Now

First on my list is AGAPITO FLORES,the inventor of fluorescent lamp. He patented it but since the
government didn’t supported much of his endeavor, he sold it to France's multi-national company,
General Electric Company, which had the whole authority to benefit to his very bright invention.
(Better check the Filipino Timeline at Amazon)
During the World War II, the ingenuity of the Filipinos were tested and one name came out from
Samar. It was ARMANDO MALITE who invented the armalite. The US government bought the
patent so that they can reproduce the weapon massively. But until now, it is being disputed because
as 'urban legend' because there are no credible answers posted on the Web. Yet, in our CAT
(Citizen's Army Training) in high school and CMT/ROTC (Citizen's Military Training) in college, it was
taught to us by our military officers for the two-year military science. The arguments regarding the
veracity of the subject can be read in many links that surface in the internet.

When I studied in the local maritime school, one of our instructors shared his story about his cousin
that once worked in NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), America's space
agency. His cousin was EDUARDO SAN JUAN , a mechanical engineer, who was one of the team
being credited for the design and construction of Lunar Rover or Moon Buggy. That was 1969, when
man first landed on the moon. Recently, it is being disputed again as to where the credit should go.

Ever heard of Karaoke Sing-Along System? Japan copied it from the original patent registered by
the Filipino inventor ROBERTO DEL ROSARIO. The dispute was brought to higher court and the
original inventor won the case. Ironically, South Korea popularized it so much that they often hold
karaoke contests annually. Back here in the Philippines, karaoke units (with TV monitor, microphone
and the karaoke gadget) were often seen in posh restaurants and bars. During fiestas and birthdays
or anniversaries in the countryside, it was being rented to liven up the celebration. Filipinos love to
sing that even everyday, farmers often engage in karaoke.

Take for instance the one who discovered Erythromycin, an antibiotic derived from the bacterium
Streptomyces erythreus. ABELARDO AGUILAR, a noted Illonggo doctor/scientist in Iloilo discovered
the strain of erythromycin in 1949 from the soil coming from his home province. He sent it to Eli Lilli
Co., his employer in the US in order to separate the strain. They did it there, but the Philippine
government never received any royalty or the person who discovered it, Dr. Aguilar himself.

2010 List of Noted Filipino Scientists and

Inventors

● Angel Alcala is behind the invention of artificial coral reefs used for fisheries in
Southeast Asia.
● Arturo Alcaraz is a volcanologist specializing in geothermal energy development
● Benjamin Almeda designed a food-processing machine.
● Julian Banzon researched methods of producing alternative fuels.
● Ramon Barba invented practical flower induction treatments.
● Doctor Benjamin Cabrera has developed innovations in drug treatments against
diseases caused by mosquitoes and agricultural soil.
● Paulo Campos built the first radioisotope laboratory in the Philippines.
● Magdalena Cantoria is a noted Filipino botanist.
● Filipino Physicist Josefino Comiso has been warning the world about global warming.
● Doctor Lourdes Cruz has made scientific contributions to the biochemistry field of
conotoxins.
● Filipino scientist Rolando De La Cruz invented an anti cancer skin cream.
● Filipino scientist Emerita De Guzman researched the propagation of pure makapuno
trees.
● Doctor Fe Del Mundo is credited with studies leading to the invention of an improved
incubator and a jaundice relieving device.
● Filipino chemist Anacleto Del Rosario won the first prize at the World Fair in Paris in
1881
● Filipino chemist Ernesto Del Rosario is best known for his achievements in
biotechnology and applied physical chemistry.
● Roberto Del Rosario is the inventor of the Karaoke Sing Along System.
● Daniel Dingel claims to have invented a water-powered car.
● Filipino scientist, Pedro Escuro is best known for his isolation of nine rice varieties.
● Agapito Flores has been acclaimed by some as being the inventor of the first fluorescent
lamp - is this true?
● Pedro Flores was the first person to manufactured the yo-yo in the United States.
● Francisco Fronda is know as the Father of poultry science in the Philippines.
● Food and nutrition researcher Carmen Intengan was a pioneer that helped improve the
Filipino diet.
● Amando Kapauan was a Filipino chemist who specialized in environmental chemistry.
● Hilario Lara helped establish the National Research Council of the Philippines.
● Felix Maramba built a coconut oil-fueled power generator.
● Filipino chemist, Luz Oliveros Belardo researched the phytochemical properties of plants
in the Philippines for natural products
● Pioneering food inventor Maria Orosa - aka Maria Y Orosa - invented Calamansi Nip
and Soyalac.
● William Padolina has served as the Secretary of the Department of Science and
Technology for the Philippines.
● Eduardo Quisumbing was a noted expert in the medicinal plants of the Philippines.
● Filipino chemist Francisco Quisumbing invented Quink ink.
● Dolores Ramirez promoted the development of genetics in the Philippines.
● Jose Rodriguez is a noted Filipino scientist and researcher who has invented methods
of controlling leprosy.
● Eduardo San Juan worked on the team that invented the Lunar Rover or Moon Buggy.
● Filipino chemist Alfredo Santos is a noted researcher in the chemistry of natural
products.
 ● Filipino Chemist Francisco Santos studied the nutritional problems associated with the
Filipino diet.
● Filipino scientist, Gregorio Velasque made intensive studies of bluegreen algae.
● Carmen Velasquez was a noted Filipino biologist.
● Gregorio Zara - famous Filipino scientist Gregorio Y Zara
● Prescillano Zamora is best known for his research in plant anatomy-morphology
including the taxonomy of Philippine ferns and the discovery of more fern species.
Pinay scientist creates lamp that runs on saltwater
Rhys Buccat, ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 08/02/15 4:43 PM

MANILA – “To light up the rest of the Philippines sustainably” was the vision of Filipina scientist
Aisa Mijeno when she made the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp. The SALt Lamp is
an environment-friendly and sustainable alternative light source that runs on saltwater, making it
suitable to those who live in coastal areas. It can also function well in remote barrios. With just
two table spoons of salt and one glass of tap water, this ecologically designed lamp can run for
eight hours.

“It is made of tediously experimented and improved chemical compounds, catalysts, and metal
alloys that when submerged in electrolytes will generate electricity,” Mijeno explained in an
interview with ABS-CBN.

Aisa Mijeno holding her SALt Lamp

Because of its inspiring vision and ground-breaking innovation, the SALt lamp has received
various awards and recognition from organizations in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and
South Korea. It has also won in several competitions here and abroad.
Safe alternative to traditional lamps

According to Mijeno, the idea behind the SALt lamp is the chemical conversion of energy. It
utilizes the scientific process behind the Galvanic cell, but instead of electrolytes, the SALt lamp
uses saline solution, making it harmless and non-toxic.

Compared with kerosene lamp, the SALt lamp is also a lot safer, Mijeno stressed since it does
not have components and compounds that may spark fire. Moreover, it does not emit toxic
gases and leaves minimal carbon footprint. “This isn’t just a product. It’s a social movement,”
she said.

Although the SALt lamp is not yet being mass-produced, Mijeno and her team have been
working intensively with non-government organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs),
and charitable foundations, among others.

These organizations aid in the purchase and distribution of the SALt lamps to remote
communities where electricity is scarce, or worse, not available.

A sustainable light for the Philippines

Mijeno said that her experience working with an environmental organization made her realize
the need for an alternative source of light, especially in rural areas of the Philippines.
“I used to be part of Greenpeace Philippines and did personal immersions/volunteers across
rural communities, and there I learned so many things. Most of these people are so poor and
underprivileged that they endure long hours of walking just to get kerosene for their lamps,”
Mijeno recalled.

Currently, for every SALt lamp that is bought, one lamp is given to a selected family.
“Our main focus is on the island communities that do not have access to electricity and have no
financial capacity for acquiring alternative source of electricity,” Mijeno added.

Source:
ABS-CBN News

Photo credits:
PinasTrending.com

SALAMANDER Amphibious Tricycle

Pinoy-made Salamander amphibious trike can tackle land and water
Vernon B. Sarne
TopGear, Jan 21, 2015
If you're into car customization, the name Atoy Llave will certainly ring a bell. The man behind A-
Toy Bodykits and the company's aftermarket exterior designs is quite popular among Filipino car
lovers. The curious thing you see here--the Salamander amphibious trike--is Llave's latest
creation. He made this in partnership with a new company called H2O Technologies, developing
it in particular with the firm's technical head, Lamberto Armada.

SALAMANDER trikes

Because it is amphibious, the Salamander can travel both on land and in water. It stemmed
from Llave's desire to do something really useful for the benefit of his countrymen. That and his
wish to put the Philippines on the global automotive map.

"I want to show the world that the Filipino can," Llave told TopGear.com.ph.

As you read this, Llave and his partners are launching the thing somewhere in Mandaluyong
(near our office, actually). It's a big night for the group. They have been toiling day and night in
order to seamlessly roll out the Salamander before the critical eyes of the motoring press.

Last month, Llave gave us exclusive access to the Salamander. It was for a full-length
magazine story that will appear in our February issue. Writer Niky Tamayo was able to test it for
himself, and you will read his initial impressions in our next issue.
The Salamander has two powerplant choices: one electric and one internal-combustion.
Boasting a six-person seating capacity (four in water), the amphibious tricycle is powered by
either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc gasoline motor. We assume these are the target specs
for the production version, because the provisional spec sheet still mentions a 3kW electric
engine and a 200cc motor. (Watch the video at the bottom.)

"I've already achieved so much in the car business," Llave shared. "Now, I want to leave behind
a legacy. I want to produce something that will help people."

SALAMANDER in water

Llave, of course, is referring to our country being flood-prone. Imagine having an amphibious
vehicle like this when the water rises. The Salamander will also be practical as a shuttle vehicle
in between small islands all around the archipelago.

The only hurdle? As with any brilliant Filipino idea, there is currently a lack of funding, which
Llave hopes to get as soon as word spreads about his newest brainchild. We hope a wealthy
businessman with patriotic and philanthropic intentions is reading this. The Salamander is
waiting to be developed, polished and marketed to the world.
Atoy Llave is right: The Filipino can.

Body-heat powered flashlight

We had featured in our previous blog about a water-powered invention that can generate
electricity. Now, we will tackle another record-breaking and world-changing invention - a
flashlight than can be powered solely by body’s heat. Imagine that it will produce light by just
holding it. No batteries. Not solar-powered. It’s such an incredible invention!

The inventor of this amazing flashlight is a Filipino-Canadian 15-year old student, Ann
Makosinsk. Her project was inspired by a friend from Mindanao whose family could not afford to
pay for electricity. Without light at night, her friend could not study properly. She failed an entire
school year because she could not read her lessons.

After a few prototypes, she unveiled her “hollow flashlight,” so named because it has a hollow
aluminum tube at its core that cools the sides of the peltier tiles attached to the flashlight’s
cylinder. The other side is warmed by heat from a hand gripping the flashlight.

Ann Makosinsk holding her invention, the "Hollow Flashlight"

Ann spent several months designing the flashlight and figuring out its voltage conversion. Much
has been written online about powering a flashlight with peltier tiles, but those devices used
heat from candles and blow torches. Ann’s patent-pending prototype relies on hand warmth only
and required that she make her own transformer, among other difference-making factors. She
said that her invention needs at least 3 to 5 degrees Celsius temperature difference to work.
She added that the flashlight is ideal for cold temperature because the larger the temperature
differential, the greater the light produced.

Though her invention is not yet ready for commercialization and need to be improved, it was
good enough for her to win the 2013 Google Science Fair in the 15-16 years old category
beating out thousands of other students from over 120 countries and earned praises by many.
Her story has been shared several times in social media and has caught the interest of several
people, including American TV host Jimmy Fallon.

Makosinski says her flashlight can produce up to 5-foot “candles of brightness”—below the
commercial standard—but she says she is working to make the light brighter. It produced
roughly 24 lumens compared to dozens or even hundreds of lumens of light produced by
commercial flashlights. She says several companies have voiced interest in her flashlight. But
she is adamant that until her flashlight achieves higher brightness at a lower cost, she will not
agree to produce it for the public.

Driven by a very noble objective, she said, “I want to make sure my flashlight is available to
those who really need it.”

Source:
CBC News
Global Nation
Yahoo News

Photo:
CBC News

Special Operations Assault Rifle (SOAR): A Filipino

innovative assault rifle
Development

Fascination for guns and a dream of once joining the military are what led the Filipino twin
brothers (Ferdinand and Francis Sy) to the arms industry. But it was a controversial armed
robbery in the Philippines in the 90's wherein robbers outgunned police that made Ferdinand
and Francis pursue their passion. They wanted to come up with a modern firearm that is
accurate, easy to use and durable.
“The mission of FERFRANS way back in 1994 was to really give an edge to the Philippine
National Police-Special Action Force. To give them the edge in combat through weaponry,” said
Francis as interviwed by ABS-CBN.

The FERFRANS logo

FERFRANS started in 1998 developing specialized equipment for law enforcement and military.
Although all products were manufactured or sourced in the United States, it was the operational
requirements of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and specialized
military units in the United States that motivated FERFRANS to design and develop its products.

The challenges of the PNP-SAF during that time and in the present became very complex. They
have to deal with multiple threats from, the communist New Peoples Army (NPA), the muslim
insurgents (MILF and MNLF), terrorist groups (Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah), and organize
crime. Also, in this day and age of terrorism, the line between conventional and unconventional
warfare has diminished as well as the grey line between military and law enforcement
operations. Special operating units in urban centers today, conducting hostage rescue will be
the same troops that will battle insurgents in the jungles tomorrow. Unconventional warfare has
evolved to irregular warfare so a new breed of warriors are created and together with it a new
weapon system.

FERFRANS SOAR
 The FERFRANS SOAR

The main feature of the FERFRANS SOAR is its patented Delayed Sear Activation System. It is
a me- chanical device that reduces the cyclic rate of full-auto fire of the M16 / M4A1 type rifles
from 850-900 rpm to 550-680 rpm. This system does not only reduce the cyclic rate of fire but
also reduces the velocity (Impact Stress) of the bolt carrier assembly as it goes into battery
making the rifle very controllable and smooth in full-auto fire. Reliability is increased because
impact stress is reduced considerably and heat is reduced. Burst controlled fire can be achieved
with just a simple squeeze of the trigger as the time between shots are slower and the tempo is
constant. The effect is immediate Controllable Accurate Full Auto Fire. Another advantage of the
RRS is for short barreled rifles and the use of suppressors.

Features:
● Reduced Cyclic Rate of Fire
● Rail Handguard with Rail Covers
● Removable Carry Handle
● 6 Position Retractable Stock
● Machine Gun Chrome Bore Heavy Barrel
● Slidable Independent Sear Disconnector
● Muzzle Brake
● Side Tactical Sling Attachment
● Aluminum or Stainless Steel Magazine with Non- Tilting Follower
Specifications:
 FERFRANS SOAR specs taken from its website

FERFRANS SOAR P
The SOAR P (Piston version of the soar) was developed as early as 2008. This further increase
the benefits of the SOAR by changing the gas system with a short stroke piston system with the
independent sear disconnector enhancing the capability of the rifle to fire without draining the
water in “over the beach” operations.

Features:
● Operates in almost any environment
● Sustained Full-Auto Fire w/ Low Chamber Heat
● Full Control of Accurate Full-Auto Fire
● Reduces Possibility of Cook-Off
● Increases Parts Longevity
● “Over the Beach” Operations Capable
Specifications:
 FERFRANS SOAR P specs taken from its website

Other FERFRANS products include the SCW (Sub-Compact Weapon), HVLAR (High Volume
Light Automatic Rifle, SOACR (Special Operations Adaptable Combat Rifle), and the RMGL 403
(40mm Rail Mounted Grenade Launcher). We will discuss these weapons on the next blog
entries.

Source:
FERFRANS
ABS-CBN

Photo:
FERFRANS
OTHERS: http://filipinoinventionsanddiscoveries.blogspot.com/