Latest news with #UniversityofSantoTomas
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Get to know Mad Ramos, the first Sparkle Campus Cutie winner
Mad Ramos has captured hearts as the inaugural Sparkle Campus Cutie winner! But beyond his striking presence, Mad is a young man with ambition, talent, and a deep sense of purpose. Here are five things to know about Mad, who has joined the cast of Kapuso youth-oriented series "Maka." A friendly face with an intimidating vibe Mad, who was born Ahmad Ramos on November 16, 2005, admitted that he may appear intimidating at times, but he described himself as a "very friendly and approachable" guy. He is a graduating Grade 12 student from the University of Santo Tomas and hopes to take up Customs Administration in college. A proud Muslim Mad is driven by a powerful goal: to represent the Muslim community. "Gusto kong i-represent ;yung Muslim community na kayang-kaya natin makipagsabayan sa ganitong larangan, sa ganitong industry. Kasi konti lang naman 'di ba ang sumusubok sa ganito," he said. He hopes to make his Muslim brothers and sisters proud and intends to continue his mission for them. A talented volleyball player Beyond his budding entertainment career, Mad is an accomplished athlete. He is a volleyball player at UST, where he is part of the varsity team. "Na-recruit po ako doon kaya po nakapag-aral po ako doon," he said. Aspiring action star with big dreams When asked about his dream acting genre, Mad said that he believes his athletic background gives him an advantage in doing action projects. "Feel ko advantage ko 'yun, puwede ring maging leading man, 'di ba? Kahit na may boundaries ako as a Muslim. Siyempre, we'll work things out, may paraan naman iyan para magawa," he said. He foresees himself as a successful actor and model in 10 years, eager to take on all opportunities that come his way, driven by a strong desire to learn and achieve. "Actually lahat gusto kong kunin eh, gano'n ako ka-hungry right now na gusto kong kunin lahat and matuto," he said. A dedicated family guy Mad is deeply family-oriented. He recounts seeking advice and support from his grandmother and parents during challenging times, including preparing for interviews. "I'm very thankful na sinuportahan nila ako hanggang dulo. Kita niyo naman, 'yung iba galing pang Mindanao, who flew from Mindanao papunta dito para lang suportahan ako. Ganon nila ako kamahal," he said. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
11-07-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
UST, La Salle boot out EAC, Arellano to complete FilOil Preseason semis cast
University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University pulled away late to stun Emilio Aguinaldo and Arellano University, respectively, in the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals on Friday. The second-seeded Growling Tigers pulled off an 82-73 win against the Generals to make the FilOil Final Four for the first time since 2013 while the Green Archers dominated the Chiefs with a 95-77 victory as they completed an all-UAAP semifinals cast. UST will take on National University in their bid to win a breakthrough FilOil title while DLSU will have an early playoff rematch with its tormentor in last year's UAAP finals, University of the Philippines. Gelo Crisostomo shone for UST with a huge double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds while Kyle Paranada and Koji Buenaflor each chipped in 12 markers. For DLSU, Mason Amos had a near-perfect 5-of-6 shooting from the field to finish with 15 points while JC Macalalag and Kean Baclaan each chipped in 12 markers as they halted the Chiefs' five-game winning streak. —JMB, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
30-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Experts at the University of Santo Tomas are developing an AI pen that can help detect possible neurodevelopmental disorders
A student is using the Intelligence Stroke Utilization Learning Assessment and Testing (iSulat) AI pen developed by experts in the University of Santo Tomas for a handwriting exercise. Photo courtesy of Dr. Edison Roxas/iSULAT A group of experts in the University of Santo Tomas has developed an AI pen in the hopes of helping detect possible neurodevelopmental disorders. A collaboration between the university's Faculty of Engineering and College of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment and Testing (iSulat) is a sensor pen that gathers information that can help aid 'in evaluating the health of different students." As they continue to develop the technology, occupational therapy professor Ivan Gomez, one of the people behind the inception of iSulat, hopes that the technology can help them detect "red flags" and immediately screen children and possibly give them early intervention if they are diagnosed. "That's why it might be something in the long run worth exploring whether handwriting red flags could possibly screen for children that might be at risk not only for handwriting difficulties but for other neurodevelopmental disorders," occupational therapist Ivan Gomez said. The iSulat technology has different sensors that could detect different handwriting patterns, or handwriting signals that they call handwriting features. 'If you provide handwriting exercises, for example, something that might include the pen, the smart pen that we have developed, can at a very early point in time, identify those children that might be at risk,' Gomez said. A child will write using manuals recommended by clinicians and the team collates the data and computes the handwriting features. Among the recommended manuals include Minnesota Handwriting Assessment, Evaluation Tool for Children's Handwriting, and the Test of Visual Motor Skills. They are common tools that are used for children, typically developing children and children with developmental disabilities, to identify whether they have handwriting problems. "So, children in the spectrum or children who have been diagnosed with ADHD will most likely show distinctive patterns of handwriting difficulties. And this could stem from poor motor planning and coordination, some variability in terms of how they hold and how they press the pencil against the paper," the expert said. "As well as the rhythm they have when they write, some inconsistencies spacing between letters and between words, how letters or numbers are aligned on the paper, as well as some behavioral problems seen among this particular group of children in terms of their impulsivity as well as their inattention affecting their written output," he added. According to Gomez, there are currently two ways in evaluating a child through their handwriting. One is the standardized handwriting assessments, which are inaccessible due to the lack of occupational therapists in the country and the high costs of its services. Meanwhile, checking handwriting samples in schools is "not always standardized and it's always prone to some form of bias depending on who is trying to look at it," he added. Gomez stressed that screening is still the "first line of defense" to diagnose a child if they could have neurodevelopmental disorders. The iSulat project is at the stage of diversifying their database for typically developing children and with neurodevelopmental disorders. 'Given where we are right now in terms of the development of the pen, there is still some work to be done. We need to have large-scale studies comparing the smart pen data, specifically with confirmed diagnosis. For example, with what you mentioned, children with ADHD and children on the autism spectrum,' Gomez said. With the AI pen, they hope to help people especially in rural communities to address issues of neurodevelopmental disorders immediately. 'We also need to be able to find that specific pattern recognition through AI or machine learning to detect symptom clusters. And of course, to validate studies in diverse settings, not only in urban settings, but also in the rural settings,' the expert said. 'So, you could just imagine if you have one pen that could be used by an entire school in a rural area, it can serve all of those children having just one or two pens and can identify who among these children are screened to have handwriting difficulties,' he added. Gomez stressed how early intervention works and will help in addressing neurodevelopmental disorders. 'What we know from research evidence is that early intervention works. So, the earlier that we detect, the earlier that we screen, the earlier that we refer to a specialist, it could be a developmental pediatrician, it could be an occupational therapist, the better the outcomes. It might be handwriting, it might be another thing, but for our team, we're looking at handwriting as a window to a child's development,' the expert said. 'And if we could catch these red flags at an early point in time, we can now provide solutions, provide interventions, provide occupational therapy assessments and interventions for these children,' he added. 'And we know that handwriting is also important for developing the ability to spell and the ability to read. So, if we could address that earlier in their development, then we can support their ability to participate meaningfully and successfully in schools.' — LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Sparkle Campus Cutie grand winner Mad Ramos hopes to represent Muslim community
Mad Ramos of the University of Santo Tomas, the grand winner of Sparkle GMA Artist Center's first-ever Campus Cutie Search, isn't just all good looks and talent. He is also a proud Muslim. In Nelson Canlas' report in "24 Oras" Monday, the Spiker Prince of the South shared that he wants to represent the Muslim community. "Gusto kong i-represent 'yung Muslim community na kayang-kaya natin makisabay sa ganitong larangan, sa ganitong industry," shared the 19-year-old. According to Mad, only a few members of the Muslim community enter showbiz, which is one of the reasons that compelled him to "step up." "Ako na 'yung nag-step up para i-represent ang Muslim community and sana maging proud kayo sa 'kin." Mad also said that he was shy throughout the Campus Cutie competition, especially during the workshops and challenges. "Sa dulo lang ako nakabawi, so hindi ko talaga in-expect and Alhamdulillah for this opportunity," he added. Mad bested 19 fellow charming and handsome male students in Sparkle Campus Cutie's finale as he emerged as the Ultimate Campus Cutie on Saturday. His victory was made sweeter with the presence of his family, who came all the way from Mindanao. The judges of the search's final competition included GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and Sparkle First Vice President Joy Marcelo. According to Gozon-Valdes, Mad shone during the competition's finale, especially in the question-and-answer portion. "I can see his confidence, malakas 'yung personality niya, malakas 'yung drive niya for excellence, so I think he'll be a very good addition to Sparkle," said Gozon-Valdes. Mad will receive a management contract with Sparkle and will be primed to become the next Kapuso leading man. —CDC, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Kapuso star Mikee Quintos graduates with architecture degree after 10 years
Kapuso actress Mikee Quintos has reached a major milestone in her life outside of showbiz — she has officially graduated from college after a decade of balancing her studies and her acting career. Mikee, known for her roles in various GMA shows, proudly earned her Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. On Instagram, the 'Encantadia Chronicles: Sangg're' star shared her graduation joy by posting a video of herself wearing a sleek black dress under her academic gown during the ceremony. 'Guess who just got one degree hotter!! #USTArchitectureBatch2025,' she captioned her post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mikee Quintos (@mikee) In April, she gave her followers a glimpse of her academic journey by posting an Instagram Story about finally passing her thesis defense. 'POV: Your thesis jury just gave you your final grade and you're finally graduating after 10 years in college,' she wrote at the time. Related Articles
