MUSIC INSTRUMENTS FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Ullalim

An ullalim epic is a traditional music and poetry form of the Philippines. These are long chanted stories passed down for hundreds of years that tell the exploits of heroes. They are classics of the Malayo-Polynesian language family. The most skilled poets would memorize epic cycles that took two to four days to recite during all-night dramatic performances. Two examples of precolonial (before the Spanish came) epics that survive today are Biag ni Lam-ang (Legend of Lamang) in Ilocano (a northern Luzon dialect) and Ibalon in Bicol (a southern Luzon dialect). The term ullalim is sometimes used today to refer to that style of song, but the real ullalim is the epic poem of the Kalinga people. An article I read says that the singer would dress up in brilliant, flashy clothes like the hero described in the story. Check out this website and see if it helps you.

Ullalim -this is a long epic song of the Kalinga about the adventures of Banna, the hero of the epic, and his amorous relationship with Laggunawa. This song is usually sung at night during happy festivities like a peace pact or budong. It can also be sung in the home for entertainment. The song contained several chapters about bravery, wisdom, heroism, and nobility of the hero Banna.

Tiruray

http://litera1no4.tripod.com/tiruray_frame.html

http://www.kipas.nl/Instruments

EMERITA DE GUZMAN

Emerita De Guzman

Filipino scientist Emerita De Guzman researched the propagation of pure makapuno trees. In particular, she studied the growth and development, in vitro, of the makapuno coconut embryo. Emerita De Guzman research led to the faster propagation of pure macapuno trees and increased makapuno nut production from 3-5 makapuno nuts to 14-19 nuts. Emerita De Guzman also invented tissue culture techniques for the rapid propagation of abaca and banana plants.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Botany from the University of the Philippines in 1953
• MS degree in Plant Physiology from Cornell University in 1956
• Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Cornell University in 1961

Awards:

• Rizal Pro Patria award 1976
• SEARCA professional Chair in Plant Physiology 1974-1976
• Outstanding Scientist Award of the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science 1976
• Professional Award for agriculture of the UP Alumni Association, 1977

DOLORES A. RAMIREZ

RAMIREZ, DOLORES A.

Ph.D. Biochemical Genetics
• Ph.D. Biochemical Genetics
• M.S. (Cytogenetics), University of Minnesota, 1958
• Ph.D. (Biochemical Genetics), Purdue University, 1963
Year elected as Academician: 1987

Year conferred as National Scientist: 1998

Dr. Ramirez is recognized for her researches in biochemical genetics and cytogenetics. She has been working on the genetic systems controlling the makapuno endosperm of coconut; the genetics of chemical resistance factors against Cercospora kex leaf spot; and the cytogenetics of the hybrids of rice with related wild species.

Dr.Ramirez was holder of the SEARCA Professorial Chair for Genetics (1974-76), and recipient of the Gregorio Y. Zara award in basic research (1976), Rizal Pro Patria award for outstanding achievement in science (biochemical genetics) (1981), and UP Professorial achievement award in agriculture (1985).

BALDOMERO M. OLIVERIA JR.

OLIVERA, JR., BALDOMERO M.

Ph. D. Biochemistry
• Ph. D. (Biochemistry), California Institute of Technology, 1965
Born:
Year elected as Academician (Corresponding Member): 2003

In recognition of his significant studies and accomplishments in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, specifically the discoveries of numerous Conus peptides which are now in various phases of clinical trials as highly specific drugs for pain, epilepsy, and other disorders of the nervous system. His researches on marine gastropods and his keen sense of observation have led to the elucidation of the mechanism of action, functions, and classification of the neuroactive Conus peptides into families and superfamilies.

Dr. Olivera serves as an inspiration to Filipino biochemists and other scientists, as he, since the early stages of his career, has contributed significantly to the growth of molecular biology and biotechnology with his isolation and characterization of the key enzymes such as DNA ligase and the DNA polymerase.

He has been very generous in sharing his expertise with students, research assistants and faculty members of various universities; he has helped obtain fellowships for their training here and abroad, and has maintained a partnership and collaboration with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute in the country for more than three decades.

FILEMON A. URIARTE JR.

URIARTE JR, FILEMON A.

Ph.D. Chemical Engineering
• Ph. D.Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, 1970
• M.E., University of the Philippines, 1967
• BSCE, University of the Philippines, 1965
Born: October 15, 1945

Year elected as Academician: 2000

Dr. Uriarte has been recognized for his scientific work on the application of the modern theory of flocculation/ aggregation for multi-component solutions and suspensions and the subsequent engineering applications to environmental pollution control.

Dr. Uriarte was also a recipient of the Outstanding Young Scientist Award in 1984 for his outstanding contributions in the fields of waste utilization and industrial pollution control.

AMADOR C. MURIEL

MURIEL, AMADOR C.

Ph. D. Physics
• B.S., University of the Philippines, 1959
• M.A., State University of New York, 1965
• Ph. D., State University of New York at Stony Brook, 1967
Born: November 24, 1939

Year elected as Academician (Corresponding Member): 2003

In recognition of his significant works and outstanding contributions to the field of theoretical physics, in particular, his development of theoretical tools to explain turbulence. His new kinetic equation is useful for exploring fundamental problems of non- equilibrium statistical mechanics.

In his researches on stellar dynamics, he has proven analytically that self-gravitation alone is sufficient to produce a hierarchy of structures in one dimension. Dr. Muriel discovered the exact and approximate solutions for the behavior of a two-level system, which were considered by his peers as a pioneering contribution to a quantum Turing machine, now a growing field in quantum computing.

Besides his contributions to the country, Dr. Muriel has also significantly contributed to the development of theoretical physics in the country. He has selflessly spent his own time and resources in training many undergraduate and graduate students and researches at several universities in the Philippines

ANGEL C. ALCALA

ALCALA, ANGEL C.

Ph. D. Biological Sciences
• B.S. Biology (magma cum laude), Silliman University,1951
• M.A. (Biological Sciences), Stanford University, 1960
• Ph. D. (Biological Sciences), Stanford University, 1966
• Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa), Xavier University, 1995
Born: March 1, 1929

Year elected as Academician: 2004

Academician Angel C. Alcala is presently University Research Professor and Director of the Silliman University- Angelo King Center for Research and Environment Management, the CHED Zonal Center for Region 6 & 7, and the University Research and Development Center at Silliman University, Dumaguete City. Philippines. Prior to these academic positions, he served the Philippine government for nine years (1990-1999) first as Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development under the Department of Science and Technology, then as Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources and later as first Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education during the Ramos presidency. He was Professor of Biology at Silliman University and served as its president for two years before taking up the last two government positions. He is currently University Research Professor at Silliman University.

Academician Alcala obtained his BS in Biology magna cum laude from the Silliman University in 1951 and went on to finish an MA (1960) and a PhD (1966) in Biological Sciences at Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. He received honorary doctorates from Xavier University and University of Southeastern Philippines. He has conducted extensive research on Philippine amphibians and reptiles since the mid- 1950s. He served as consultant on marine and aquatic projects supported by the UNEP, UNDP, World Bank GEF, and the UP MSI. He also actively participated in the Australian-ASEAN marine project (mid-1980s - early 1990s). The Silliman Marine Laboratory, which he founded in 1973-74, has been active in research on marine protected areas, fisheries and marine biodiversity, mariculture, and conservation of Philippine plant and animal species. His marine science publications consist of about 80 papers on coral reef fish, marine reserves, long-term effects of protection on marine biodiversity such as corals and top predatory fish. Most of these papers have been published in refereed, international journals and books.

MAGDALENA C. CANTORIA

CANTORIA, MAGDALENA C.

Ph.D. Botany
• B.S. (Pharmacy), University of the Philippines, 1947
• M.S. (Botany), University of the Philippines, 1951
• M.S. (Pharmacy), Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, 1955
• Ph.D. (Botany), University of Chicago, 1961
Born: October 25, 1924

Year elected as Academician: 1980

With pharmacy and botany as background, Dr. Cantoria's researches dealt particularly on the morphology, physiology and biochemistry of drug plants. She has done basic studies on the pharmacognosy of agaar,rauwolfia, datura, mint and Piper species.

For her paper on the morphology and anatomy of Rauvofia vomitoria Afz., Dr. Cantoria received the Edwin Leigh Newcomb Award in pharmacognosy given by the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education in 1954 and again in 1962 (with Edward S. Mika) on the growth and development of Datura stramonium L. She is also a recipient of Phi Sigma awards for marked distinction in biology, 1951 and Most Outstanding Phi Sigman, 1977.

BENJAMIN D. CABRERA

CABRERA, BENJAMIN D.

M.D., M.P.H. Medical Parasitology and Public Health
• M.D., University of the Philippines, 1945
• M.P.H., Tulane University, 1950
Born: March 18, 1920

Year elected as Academician: 1981

Dr. Cabrera has more than a hundred scientific publications concerning medical parasitology and public health. For his work on filariasis, Dr. Cabrera received the Philippine Legion of Honor, a Presidential Award in 1966. With the elucidation of the epidemiology and life cycles of filarial parasites, preventive measures in the form of drug treatment of human cases as well as measures against mosquito vectors can be implemented. Dr. Cabrera also worked on the control of ascariasis. With the model he proposed, hazards produced by these soil-transmitted helminths can be reduced.

RAMON C. BARBA

BARBA, RAMON C.

Ph.D. Horticulture

• Ph.D., University of Hawaii, 1967
• M. Sci. Horticulture, University of Georgia, 1962
• B.S. Agronomy (Fruits) University of the Philippines, 1958

Born: August 31, 1939

Year elected as Academician: 2004

In recognition of his significant and outstanding scientific and technological contributions to Philippine Agriculture including the discovery of a very effective and practical flower induction treatment which is considered as the most significant breakthrough in mango research in the country. His technology of using potassium nitrate to stimulate flowering is a milestone in the study of tropical tree physiology and is the main stimulus to the growth of the local mango industry.

His researches on tissue culture of bananas, sugarcane, cassava, and many other horticultural crops have resulted in the development of valuable methodologies in plant physiology and plant breeding.

His dedication, perseverance, innovativeness and positive attitude to work productively despite limited resources serve as an example especially to aspiring scientists - that one does not need highly developed facilities and good compensation to discover something significant and useful.

His willingness to share his discovery to the greatest number of beneficiaries is shown by his noble decision of not enforcing his patents so that anybody could freely use the technology. He is selflessly committed to serve the industry in disseminating the technology through lectures, seminars and production guides without material reward.

ROBERTO DEL ROSARIO’S

ROBERTO DEL ROSARIO’S name may not be familiar to you but his company, Trebel Music Corporation, and his invention, the Karaoke Sing Along System, would surely ring a bell.

He is one of the most prolific and recognized Filipino inventor with more than 20 inventions patented to his credit. But aside from his inventions, Bert is also a successful businessman and a talented musician.

Indeed, Bert del Rosario has come a long way. But the road to success was not easy. He learned to play musical instruments like the piano, drums and accordion without taking formal classes. He played by ear. And would you believe that he became an inventor even if he did not take engineering or science courses in college. He took up management from the Far Eastern University.

His inventions were product of his passion for what he does. Most of his inventions like the karaoke, the one-man piano, and the Voice Color Coded Sing Along CDs are all related to his passion for music. While the Golf car trailer and the No look-up Device reflect his love for the sport of golf. Bert del Rosario’s story proves that we don’t have to be a scientist or an engineer to be an inventor or an innovator. Whatever field we are in, whatever career we choose, we should put our heart, passion and dedication to our craft. If we do, we will not only succeed but make a difference for others. And as Bert would put it “Be observant. Be creative. Most of all, work hard”

Bert del Rosario, Renaissance Man
Tony Joaquin, Jun 21, 2006

KA-RA-OKE, loosely translated in Japanese means "without a singer". Not many know that this musical device was originally invented by a Filipino named Roberto del Rosario, a pianist-businessman who owned and managed a factory in Manila producing fine pianos that were exported all over the world under the label Trebel. The name Trebel is actually a combination of the names Bert and El (the name of his wife Eloisa Vistan), with Bert spelled backwards.

The original invention created in Bert's workshop was known as the OMB, or the One Man Band which in turn was the precursor of the "sing along system" that many Filipinos enjoyed in the fifties, which was long before the birth of the Karaoke in Japan.

There have been conflicting reports on who actually came out with the concept since Bert's invention was being exported to many countries as a "Minus One" unit that was composed of a cassette tape player equipped with a jack for the microphone input. A person can play the tape accompaniment like an instrumental music piece while the singer provided the voice. In other later models, another cassette tape player/recorder could record both music and song of the person singing. This unit was created in 1977. To enhance the sound the device had a control for "reverb" adding technical artistry to the resulting sound. In other units, another plug hole could be used for an electric guitar jack. Later developments by the Trebel company was the redesigned box with improved sound quality known as the Sing Along System which boasts of low "feedback" even if the microphone is placed close to the speaker.Among the principal makers of the unit were Phillips of Amsterdam and Yamaha of Japan.Bert, aware of the Filipinos’ "colonial mentality" patented his invention in Germany. Thus, the unit Trebel appeared and sounded like a German product but in reality it is a Filipino invention. Since most of the electronic parts were being ordered from Japan before too long, Bert began to discover units similar to his invention made in Japan, being sold in major cities in Asia, including the Philippines. Indeed, like any successful product, there were copycats that were making units in competition with Bert's sing along system. The early copycats emanated from Japan. And since Japan could produce in greater mass production, Bert knew that he was no match money-wise with the Japanese. Still he filed for copyright infringement and won his case.This was over 10 years ago. To date Bert and his heirs (Bert passed away two years ago) have not seen even a single centavo in retribution for the infringement violation. Marvy, the eldest of the four children of Bert, felt that the Philippine Government and the existing system and bureaucracy had not put in enough effort to fight for their legal rights in the copyright infringement case. In the early 90's Bert launched another invention -- the voice color tape which was the answer to the transposition of the key suitable to a particular singer, without affecting the tempo of the piece. In effect, one could choose any of the three main colors Blue, Orange and Green corresponding to a singer's specific music key. Sad to say, Bert, whose piano factory had burned down some years back, had an extremely hard time in seeking suitable capital to help him produce this new invention and therefore it never saw the light of mass production and sales.Aside from being an inventor, Bert was also an avid Jazz pianist during the forties and all the way to the nineties, playing with the Executives Band an orchestra which he helped form with Senator Raul Manglapus (another pianist) and well known members of Manila Society including sidemen like Chito Feliciano, (professional TV host and dancer) Bobby Manosa (architect), Lennie Hontiveros (ad executive), and other professionals who played Jazz as a hobby.The band flourished in the sixties and seventies. They even played abroad upon the invitation of foreign dignitaries like the King of Thailand, President Bill Clinton, and Pope Paul II. Bert, a business major from the Far Eastern University, was able to play the accordion, and drums without benefit of formal training. In one of the media interviews Bert shared his philosophy in life: "Be observant, be creative. Most of all work hard at what you believe in."

JULIAN A. BANZON

BANZON, JULIAN A.

Ph. D. Biophysical Chemistry
• BS Chemistry, University of the Philippines, 1930
• Ph. D. (Biophysical Chemistry), Iowa State University, 1940

Year elected as Academician: 1981

Year conferred as National Scientist: 1986

Dr. Banzon has done a great deal of work on local materials especially coconut as the renewable source of chemicals and fuels. His work on the production of ethyl esters from sugarcane and coconut is the first study on fuels from these crops. He also devised some novel processes noteworthy among these is the extraction of residual coconut oil by chemical, rather than by physical processes

For these and many more significant scientific works, Dr. Banzon has been accorded honors and citations notably: Distinguished Service Award, Integrated Chemist of the Philippines, Inc. (1980), Chemist of the Year Award, Professional Regulation Commission (1978) and the PHILSUGIN Award for research, Crop Society of the Philippines, 1976.

DR. PERLA SANTOS OCAMPO

DR. PERLA SANTOS OCAMPO

Dr. Santos Ocampo is a giant in the field of pediatrics in the Philippines and an internationally respected physician, researcher, educator and administrator.

She is Professor Emeritus of the UP College of Medicine and former Chancellor of UP Manila (1993-1999).

As chair of the PGH Dept of Pediatrics (1979-1985) she spearheaded innovations in continuing medical education through distance study courses in her areas of research: nurition and diarrheal diseases.

A true champion of "mass-based and pro-people medical health programs" she founded the Child Develoopment and Adolescent Units, both eventually subsumed under the Multidisciplanry Child and Adolescent Unit, which she headed until 2003. She established a School for Chronically Ill Children and a Creche Child Center for the children of UP Manila employees.

She also established the National Graduate School for the Health Sciences, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Telehealth Center.

The citations she has received speak volumes of her impact on Philippine medicine. She is a recipient of The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Award, the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the Outstanding Woman in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) award, the Most Distinguished Alumna Award, the Child Health Foundation Medal and Prize (given by the World Health Organization in Geneva), the Outstanding Pediatrician in Asia (Tokyo) the Robert and Edna Langholz International Award for Nutrition (Chicago), the Ihsan Dogramaci Medal and Prize for Pediatric Education (Cairo), and the Order of Christopher Columbus by President Balaguer (Dominican Republic).
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DR. JUAN SALCEDO. JR.

DR. JUAN SALCEDO. JR.

Biochemist and nutritionist. His lifelong work in nutrition began with the post-war Bataan Experiment, which proved that rice enrichment with thiamine, iron and other nutrients could prevent and eradicate beriberi a leading cause of death in the Philippines at that time. The Bataan Experiment was instrumental in ensuring the passage of the Rice Enrichment Law, updated almost 50 years later as the Food Fortification of of 2000.

He was Secretary of Health under Elpidio Quirino (1950-1953). He served as chairman of the National Science Development Board (NSDB), now known as the Dept of Science and Technology (DOST) under two presidents: Diosdado Macapagal (1962-1965) and Ferdinand E. Marcos (1966-1970).

Among his notable awards are the most prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award (1955 and 1957), the Republic Cultural Heritage in Science (1966), the Presidential Pro Patria Award (1969) and received the title of National Scientist (1978).
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DR. GEMINIANO T. DE OCAMPO

DR. GEMINIANO T. DE OCAMPO ' 32

He is recognized as the Father of Modern Philippine Ophthalmology. Professor Emeritus at the UP College of Medicine and is a prominent figure in Philippine medical history. He introduced corneal transplantation in the Philippines and was the first Filipino to design a corneal dissector (manufactured in the US).

He is founder and Director of the De Ocampo Eye Hospital (established in 1952). He made history as the first recipient of the Jose Rizal Medal in Ophthalmology from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. De Ocampo is a three-time recipient of Presidential awards - the Cultural Heritage Award, Life Scientist, and Science Leader. He was named National Scientist-Academician of the Philippines in 1982.

DR. FE DEL MUNDO

DR. FE DEL MUNDO '33

Dr. Del Mundo graduated at the top of her class and the first female and the first Filipino to enroll in the Pediatrics program at Harvard.

Aside from being the editor-in chief of the Textbook of Pediatrics and Child Health, Dr. del Mundo has written more than 150 scientific papers.

She established the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines (1957). Of her extensive research, Dr. Del Mundo is most proud of her work on poliomyelitis, rubella and varicella. Her clinical research served as references in the use of vaccines and immunization in the country. She invented devices for the care of newborns and toddlers (newborn incubators, cloth weighing scales and bamboo radiant warmers) for use in the rural areas.

She received more than a hundred awards, among them- the Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service; Elizabeth Blackwell Award, and the American version of the Nobel Prize for Outstanding Service to mankind.

The Children's Medical Center was recently renamed the Fe del Mundo Medical Center in honor of a doctor who has gone beyond the call of duty.

DR. CONRADO DAYRIT

DR. CONRADO DAYRIT '43


Professor Emeritus of Pharmacology, author of over 200 scientific papers in local and international journals. He trained in pharmacology at the University of Michigan, Cornell University, Kansas University and Rochester University.

Advocate of the health benefits of coconut oil who devoted almost half a century to research, publications and lecture on this product. He led the study on the beneficial effects of monolaurin and coconut oil in HIV-AIDS patients.

He is one of the 6 founding fathers of the Philippine Heart Association where he served as president from 1957-1958.

Among positions he held:

• Vice president for research at United Laboratories
• President of the National Academy of Science and Technology (1992-1999)
• President of the Federation of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (1995-1998)

Dr. Dayrit is Professor Emeritus of pharmacology and author of over 200 scientific papers in local and international journals.

DR. NELIA CORTES MARAMBA

DR. NELIA CORTES MARAMBA '60

She is well known for groundbreaking accomplishments in pharmacology and toxicology. One of the prime movers and currently the Program Director of the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), an organization seeking to discover new drugs from plants and to work towards the dream of self sufficiency in producing drugs locally. She has been and continues to be instrumental in ensuring the availability and affordability of essential drugs.
Another pioneering project of Dr. Maraba is the establishment of the Poison Control and Information Service Network (PCISN) in 1991 which allowed for the creation of poison control centers in many parts of the country to deal with the influx of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as the problem of substance abuse.

The author of numerous publications, she is also the recipient of a plethora of awards:

• Recipient of the Linkod Bayan Award (1988)
• Life Achievement Award from the Dept of Science and Technology (1966)
• Most Outstanding Teacher (from UP, 1999)
• Most Outstanding Filipino (from Senate Jaycees, 2004)
She is currently Professor Emeritus at the Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

DR. GREGORIO Y. ZARA, D.SC

DR. GREGORIO Y. ZARA, D.SC
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL SCIENTIST,1978
inventor, physicist, engineer, academician, administrator, pilot, linguist, grandfather and more!

He dreamt of becoming a general and had a penchant for reading myths. Instead, he became one of the most outstanding National Scientists of the Philippines.

• a brilliant man who was an administrator, author, academician, linguist, and a prolific inventor
• spoke English, Filipino, French and Spanish fluently with a working knowledge of Japanese, Russian and German
• graduated valedictorian from primary and secondary schooling
• 1926 - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, cum laude
• 1927 - University of Michigan, Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering, summa cum laude
• 1930 - Sorbonne University, graduated with a Doctorate in Physics, Tres Honorable, with a thesis written entirely in French entitled, Etude du Compas Magnetique a Induction et du Perfectionnement de cet Appareil. During which time he discovered a basic Physical Law -- The Law of Kinetic Electrical Resistance" or the Zara Effect
• 1935 - topped Civil Service Examinations for Aeronautical Engineering

• Notable Inventions:

Earth Induction Compass,1929, patented by Belgian Government
Aircraft Engine designed to fly on PLAIN ALCOHOL as fuel, 1952
Semi-automatic Propeller-making Machine, 1952
TV-Telephone (PicturePhone),1955
Thermo-Solar Energy Machine, 1961 -- first in the country, reaches a temperature of 3000F, can melt copper, iron, welding rods
Solar Water Heater (SolarSorber) -- made of copper tubing, heats water to 180F in 7 minutes
Sun Stove
Solar Battery -- first in the country, runs a radio and electric fan
Drinking Glass Vapor Chamber, 1962 -- simplest in the world
Airplane Propeller Design, 1963 -- certified airworthy 1964
first Philippine-made Airplane Propeller -- made of Manggachappui wood, flown by Maj. Henry Meider, USAF
first Technicolor TV-receiver in the Philippines
Microscope with collapsible stage made of local Philippine materials -- magnifies to 1500 diameters
General Marex X-10 -- an electronic robot capable of talking, walking, and obeying commands
first Spectroscope in the Philippines

Filipino scientist Gregorio Y. Zara (D.Sc. Physics) invented, made improvements to, or discovered the following:

• invented the two-way television telephone or videophone (1955) patented as a "photo phone signal separator network"
• discovered the physical law of electrical kinetic resistance called the Zara effect (around 1930)
• invented an airplane engine that ran on plain alcohol as fuel (1952)
• improved methods of producing solar energy including creating new designs for a solar water heater (SolarSorber), a sun stove, and a solar battery (1960s)
• invented a propeller-cutting machine (1952)
• designed a microscope with a collapsible stage
• helped design the robot Marex X-10

Gregorio Zara's list of accomplishments also includes the following awards:

• Presidential Diploma of Merit
• Distinguished Service Medal (1959) for his pioneering works and achievements in solar energy research, aeronautics and television.
• Presidential Gold Medal and Diploma of Honor for Science and Research (1966)
• Cultural Heritage Award for Science Education and Aero Engineering (1966)

Gregorio Zara born in Lipa City, Batangas, is one of the best known scientist from the Philippines. In 1926, Gregorio Zara graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1927, he received his Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan. In 1930, he graduated with a Doctorate of Physics from Sorbonne University. On September 30, 1954 Gregorio Zara's alcohol-fueled airplane engine was successfully tested and flown at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The Law of Kinetic Electrical Resistance or Zara Effect

This states that "all contacts, turning or sliding, between metals, or between carbon and metals, or between metals and mercury, or between conductors, produce a resistance to the passage of electric current which may be kinetic and/or permanent electrical resistance. This is observed at currents of very low amperage. Kinetic electrical resistance is the resistance to the passage of electric current when contacts are in motion. Permanent electrical resistance manifests itself when contacts are at rest."