V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 1 A U G U S T 2 0 1 0
SPECIAL EDITION
INSIDE
NEWS
National
Educational Papers on the
Web | Page 09
Jeddah
Computer Aided
Construction Project
Management | Page 06
Jeddah Chapter Election |
Page 07
Riyadh
Philippine Independence
Day 2010 | Page 03
Concurrent Engineering
Seminar | Page 04
Timberline Estimating & On
Screen Takeoff Seminar |
Page 04-05
Incoming Riyadh Chapter
Officers| Page 07
Special Professional
Licensure Board
Examination | Page 08
FEATURES
Job Opening | Page 06
Construction Specification
| Page 09-10
Virtual World of our Own |
Page 10
MEMBERSHIP
New Members & Statistics |
Page 11
1st Issue • 1st Issue • 1st Issue • 1st Issue • 1st Issue • 1st Issue • 1st Issue • 1st Issue
PROFILE
Eddie Pilaspilas, CE |Founder & National President
by Randel Landicho
“A man of few words”, that’s how his colleagues describe him, but when he starts to
talk, everybody listens for he speak no non-sense. Not the typical kind of leader who
would stand out in the crowd but rather someone who unnoticeably works his way for
the good of everybody.
When he first envisions of creating SOFIQS Inc. the mission was only to unify Fili-
pino Quantity Surveyors working in the Kingdom and together promote our world
class quality in terms of Quantity Surveying. And through his lead together with a few
members then, they made this vision into a reality and established the very first Fili-
pino Professional Organization of Quantity Surveyor here in the Kingdom.
EDITOR’S CORNER
Shifting Paradigm
...retool One Thursday afternoon, while I am taking a
ourselves, break off my desk bunched with tender pack-
seek new ages to be dispatched, I peek for a minute at a
methods and window in our office to see a glimpse of our
project which is just, more or less, a kilometer
embrace new
away from where I am standing.
technologies...
Unfortunately, a sandstorm charges so madly
over the horizon, obliterating the once quite
and clear blue skyline. It rushed over the buildings, which are under construction, and
through the mighty-standing tower cranes that have mushroomed around the site.
A force majeure in action, after a few minutes, everything was well and clear. All have
happened in just a blink of an eye. I suddenly forethought on how our world changes
rapidly. Just like in our QS profession, behold, we are at the brink of transformation.
As new processes and strategies rise from the first world countries, one good example
here is the Building Information Modeling (BIM); workflow will change dramatically
within a decade. Team of specialists will be downsized and channels of coordination
will be funneled in a much less cumbersome approach. We, the practitioners of Quan-
tity Surveying should not ignore it. Today, construction is now in a fast pace mode
with different complexities from “parallel design and construction” to “procure first
and construction later” strategy. We should not sit prettily in our laurel, instead, if the
need arise, shift from the paradigm that we have used to do. Retool ourselves, seek
new methods and embrace new technologies. From there, for doing it I say, we may
not lag behind not only as a Quantity Surveyor or a Cost Estimator but also as a Fili-
pino in this part of the globe. – end
To Email the Editor, please address your letter to: sofiqs@yahoo.com. Please provide your full name and address, stating clearly if you do not wish us to print them.
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SOCIETY NEWS
Milestone: The Launching of SOFIQS Inc. E-Newsletter
and to highlight crease awareness and visibility in
the important the industry and stimulate interac-
role of Quantity tion for the betterment of the Quan-
Surveyors and tity Surveying profession.
Cost Estimators in
the global context, The title is adapted from the com-
today marks an- monly used word in the Quantity
other milestone, Surveying profession, “Takeoff”,
the Society has which represents one of the most
launched its first- important functions performed in
ever electronic any business enterprise. In the con-
newsletter titled struction industry, the quality of
“Takeoff”. performance of this function is
paramount to the success of the
KSA – With the huge impact of the Liken to an airplane, which have parties engaged in the overall man-
Internet and World Wide Web to its mobilized millions of technically- agement of capital expenditures for
mainstream and techno-savvy users, proficient Filipino Engineers and construction projects.
the expanding Society of Filipino Architects in this vast land of barren
Quantity Surveyors Inc. in its 2nd dessert and oil-rich Middle East So, relax, have a seat, enjoy reading
year from establishment will use its peninsula, this content-rich full- our e-newsletter because we have
full potential to reach out with its pledge circulation publication will clear blue skies ahead and be ready
members. As a commitment be released at regular intervals and for a Takeoff… – end
to maintain the highest standard of will be used as a “vehicle” to focus
education, establish coordination on the Society’s current events and References:
and cooperation with other allied development, address topics that are SOFIQS Archive, Encarta Encyclopedia,
The Engineering Handbook
profession, trade and industry of great interest to its members, in-
Unity with the Filipino Society in the Celebration of Philippine Independence 2010
A picture may express a thousand Though the plum
words…” f o r t h e
– anonymous “Ambassador’s
Choice Award”
Riyadh – Yes, indeed, the above went to UMIF
excerpt is quite fitting for the affair group, it was an
in the Philippine Embassy that was inspiring experi-
held in the afternoon of June 4, ence for our group
2010 at the Mabini Hall. Relevant to show unity and
to the theme “Gandang Pilipinas support together
Kaakibat ng Manggagawang Pili- with other Filipino
pino” (Philippine Splendor Compli- community organi-
ments Filipino Workers), 112 pho- zations.
tographs, to be exact, was exhibited
to commemorate the 112th Philip- The exhibit was formally opened by ciously acceded to the Embassy’s
pine Independence Day Celebra- Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor request to grace the occasion. Pro-
tion here in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. and his better half, Madame Rose ceeds from the sales of the framed
Joined by several organizations Marie B. Villamor who also served photographs, worth 112 SR each,
based here in KSA, it was partici- as the Guest Speaker during the will go to Bantay Bata Foundation.
pated proactively by our organiza- program. They were assisted by The exhibit run for the whole
tion, SOFIQS, wherein 28 of its lovely Philippine Airlines (PAL) month of June. – end
entries were chosen for the exhibit. stewardesses and officials who gra-
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SOCIETY NEWS
Concurrent Engineering Seminar
proved quality, reduced costs and “because of you, SOFIQS Inc. be-
faster product development. The ing a neophyte organization, is en-
CE topic is very timely with the couraged and energized by continu-
financial crisis the world is experi- ously providing professional train-
encing and most suitable to all of ing and education to the growth and
us, as we face the challenge of the development not only to its mem-
ailing construction industry. bers but also to other profession-
als”.
The CE seminar was delivered by
Arch. Przemyslaw Herbert Cymer- The seminar ended with the award-
Riyadh – The Society of Filipino man. He is currently working as a ing of Plaque of Citation to Arch.
Quantity Surveyors Riyadh Chapter Senior Project Manager for Saudi Herbert Cymerman, followed by
soars high on its first seminar titled Oger in King Abdullah Financial the distribution of Certificates of
Concurrent Engineering held last District (KAFD) and Princess Completion for the participants and
March 5 in White Palace Hotel Ri- Noura Abdulrahman University for Photo ops with the Speaker. – end
yadh. The attendance was so over- Women (PNUW). His exceptional
whelming with a total number of performance brought a realization
147 participants including the that only the acceptance and adher-
SOFIQS members and guests that ence to these demanding standards
came from different companies in can and will ensure the fulfillment
the Kingdom. of SOFIQS, Inc.’s mission.
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SOCIETY NEWS
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SOCIETY NEWS
Computer Aided Construction Project Management
Day 3 (Module 3): trainees are expected to understand
• Managing Project how the software operates. A train-
• Customizing Activity Lay-out ing and reference manual will be
• Tracking Project given to each attendee for their fu-
ture guidelines in practicing the
Day 4 (Module 4): software. Any query related to the
• Grouping, Filtering & Summa- seminar will be address to the
rizing Data speaker and can be answer through
• Producing Reports & Graphics emails which will be given right
after the seminar ended. A Certifi-
Day 5 (Module 5): cate of Training will be given to
• Project Schedule (Planning Ex- those who successfully completed
ercise) the 5 day training. – end
Jeddah – SOFIQS Jeddah Chapter After completion of this course, the
will be having a seminar for Fili-
pino Professional who are inter-
ested to attend regardless of its field
Job Opening: Civil Engineer
of endeavor, this seminar is entitled Qualifications:
“Computer Aided Construction Gender:
Project Management” which has Male
primary concern to educate the at- Education:
tendees to become proficient in us- University graduate, Professional Li-
ing Primavera software. cense
Experience:
Any individual who wish to learn Minimum 5 years
how to plan and control project in Principal:
an established and more profound Samsung C&T Corp. SA
manner are invited. The tentative
schedule will be on 27th of August Job Description and Requirements:
2010 up to 24th of September 2010. • Degree in Civil Engineering.
• With experience in the preparation of bidding/prequalification docu-
The final schedule will posted later ments.
as negotiation is in progress. This is • Building estimation experience is preferred.
5 day training course, each day has • Good communication skills both oral and written, fluent in English.
corresponding module elaborated • Computer Skills: MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Autocad, Networking,
below: etc.
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SOCIETY NEWS
Riyadh Chapter Incoming Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2010-11
Riyadh – The SOFIQS Riyadh Chapter COMELEC hereby Proclaim and congratulates the following new 11 Board
of Directors for the fiscal year January to December 2011.
The newly proclaimed Chapter Board of Directors will be called for a meeting under the supervision of the Chairman
of the COMELEC to elect by secret ballot from among themselves, the Officers of the Chapter (President, Vice
President etc.) for the incoming calendar year as provided in Section 2 Article VII of this By-Laws. – end
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SOCIETY NEWS
Special Professional Licensure Board Examination Selling of Photos!
Riyadh – SOFIQS Riyadh
Chapter is now selling its
Philippine Professional Organiza-
Aluminum Framed Photos
tion (PPO-Eastern Region)
with Off-White Color Matting
Murry F. Demdam 0505826944 at the rate of SR45.00. Print-
Liyo Cepre 0505849065 ing and framing costs were all
expensed by SOFIQS Riyadh
United Architects of the Philip- Chapter at a total cost of SR
pines (Riyadh) 55.00.
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FEATURES
Educational Papers Available on the Web! Construction Specification
KSA – Aiming to lated into an approximation of the KSA – MasterFormat™ is the
“ He who upgrade our pro-
fessional skills
final cost. specifications-writing standard for
most commercial building design
stops toward the effec- Price List and construction projects in North
being tive exercise of America. It lists titles and section
our role to bring This list will help the estimator to numbers for organizing data about
better… quality of quan- systematically convert information construction requirements, prod-
tity surveying into a forecast of the component ucts, and activities. By standardiz-
works and to up- and collective costs that will be ing such information, MasterFor-
...stops grade the profes- incurred in delivering the project or mat facilitates communication
being sional skills of facility. This synthesis of informa- among architects, specifiers, con-
our members, tion is accomplished by mentally tractors and suppliers, which helps
good ” SOFIQS
a
created
knowledge-
building the project from the
ground up.
them meet building owners’ re-
quirements, timelines and budgets.
based feature in
our Yahoo group. Below are some Philippine Contractors List PROCUREMENT AND CON-
of the educational papers: TRACTING REQUIREMENTS
This is a useful information about GROUP
General Condition of Contracts construction companies currently Division 00 Procurement and Con-
based in the Philippines classified tracting Requirements
Prepared to provide a fair sharing by categories.
of responsibility and risk between SPECIFICATIONS GROUP
employer and contractor and con- To read more of the enlisted docu- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
tain many interdependent clauses. It ments, just log-in and join at http:// SUBGROUP
should therefore be adopted with as groups.yahoo.com/group/SOFIQS/ Division 01 General Requirements
few alterations as possible. join – end
FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
Cost Estimating Handbook References: SUBGROUP
Federation Internationale Des Ingenieurs- Division 02 Existing Conditions
Conseils (FIDIC) Handbook, The Engi-
To serve as a reference, this hand- neering Handbook , NASA Division 03 Concrete
book is a top-level overview of cost Division 04 Masonry
estimating as a discipline, not an in- Division 05 Metals
depth examination of each and Division 06 Wood, Plastics, and
every aspect of cost estimating. It is Composites
also a useful reference document, Division 07 Thermal and Moisture
providing many pointers to other Protection
sources for details to complement Division 08 Openings
and to enhance the information pro- Division 09 Finishes
vided on these pages. Division 10 Specialties
Division 11 Equipment
Sample Estimates Division 12 Furnishings
Division 13 Special Construction
Estimating is a complex process Division 14 Conveying Equipment
involving collection of available Division 15 Reserved
and pertinent information relating Division 16 Reserved
to the scope of a project, expected Division 17 Reserved
resource consumption, and future Division 18 Reserved
changes in resource costs. The Division 19 Reserved
process involves synthesis of this
information through a mental proc- FACILITY SERVICES SUB-
ess of visualization of the con- GROUP
structing process for the project.
This visualization is mentally trans- ...Continue to page 10
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FEATURES
Construction Specification Virtual World of our Own
Continuation from Page 09... KSA – Some say Website Link
that the social http://www.sofiqs.com
Division 20 Reserved networks revolu- http://www.sofiqs.ning.com
Division 21 Fire Suppression tionized on how
Division 22 Plumbing people communi- NATIONAL Yahoo Group
Division 23 Heating, Ventilating, cate nowadays. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
and Air Conditioning SOFIQS/join
Division 24 Reserved For SOFIQS, it’s
Division 25 Integrated Automation a great tool to Riyadh Chapter Yahoo Group
Division 26 Electrical foster linkage http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
Division 27 Communications with its members SOFIQS_RIYADH/join – end
Division 28 Electronic Safety and and address its
Security key goals: (1)
Division 29 Reserved Personal net-
working and problem solving
SITE AND INFRASTRUCTURE among members who understand
SUBGROUP well the industry,
Division 30 Reserved the working envi-
Division 31 Earthwork ronment and ca-
Division 32 Exterior Improvements reer, (2) Educa-
Division 33 Utilities tional Mentoring
Division 34 Transportation and Guidance
Division 35 Waterway and Marine and (3) Establishing fraternal soli- Popular Social
Construction darity with other Filipino Quantity Networking
Division 36 Reserved Surveyors. Sites are on
Division 37 Reserved the rise!
Division 38 Reserved We are glad to invite you at:
Division 39 Reserved
Membership Statistics
Membership Statistics ‐ Total No. Membership Statistics
180 ‐ by Field
160 Civil Engineer
3% 2%
19%
140
Architect
120 6%
65%
Electrical
100 Engineer
5%
80 Mechanical
Engineer
60
40 Membership
20
10%
Status
0 Regular
No. of Members
Auxilliary
Riyadh
90%
Jeddah
A U G U S T 2 0 1 0 | T A K E O F F 1 1
THE PILLARS OF SOFIQS Inc.
National Board Officers Jeddah Chapter Officers Riyadh Chapter Officers
Eddie Pilaspilas, CE Ric Dimarucut, EE Eleazar Mendoza, CE
National President Chapter President Chapter President
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