Hello Reader,

By the time you receive this, my wife and I have already come back from a much needed R&R. But despite being on vacation--and as if I wasn't busy enough as it is--I still opted to apply for QCSP's 14-week learning program on quantum computing and got accepted. So yeah, I had to take the first session from our hotel room balcony. 😭

I've always been curious about quantum computing, but I also wanted to go beyond the hype. So this is a great opportunity to quench that thirst. If the first session held last Saturday is any indication, I'm in for a whole lot of pain. 😂 Make no mistake, the lecturers were great and presented the material really well, but it's going to take considerable effort for me to understand the concepts. I have background in linear algebra, being an electrical engineering graduate and having taken a refresher course on it while I was trying taking courses on machine learning and AI. But I think I need another refresher, since those were a while back. When you don't use something on an everyday basis, it tends to wither away.

Nonetheless, I'm very excited to undergo this program. I'll be using this corner of the newsletter to share with you my experience with it. I do hope I can see it through to the end. 🤞 I don't intend to be an overnight expert in quantum computing, but I do want to build a high level intuition. Besides, this will be a good warmup course before I formally undergo the MSc in Responsible AI program in September. Wish me luck!

As always, I'm hoping you'd like this week's newsletter digest. If you have any feedback and suggestions, do reach out. Thanks!

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Cheers,

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Rem "Kuya Dev" Lampa

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News and Updates

​Climate change is messing with time more than previously thought, scientists find​ (CNN)

There are many things that make developers pull their hair, and one of them is time-based data, from timestamps to timezones. Just ask Elon. Now it's even going to get worse because of climate change! This gives me more reason to justify any climate-conscious measures we've been taking.

​British Chamber hopes for the passage of Cybersecurity Act in the next congress​ (Manila Times)

Let's give credit where credit is due. The government's economic team has been doing a good job to build the country's reputation as a good investment destination. And measures like the Cybersecurity Act will further this goal.

Global competitiveness aside, the country needs not only stringent cybersecurity laws, but better implementation. Companies here still seem to not take privacy and cybersecurity seriously.

​End of an Era: Create React App gets deprecated​ (React Blog)

While freeCodeCamp got me started on my journey into tech, I attribute any early success I've had in my tech career to React. create-react-app has been a huge part of that.

So it deserves a spot in this week's newsletter.

Long live, CRA! 🥂

​Microsoft will close Skype in May​ (BBC)

This past week has been mostly about ending long-lived projects (another one below). But as opposed to Create React App, the mere memory of Skype's ringtone makes all unresolved workplace trauma resurface from deep within me. 🤣 Good riddance!

More News

• ​Blockchain Campus Conference is looking for volunteers​
• ​PLDT envisions forming first AI Hub in the Philippines​
• ​University of Cebu launches BS CS Major in AI program​
• ​IMF says BPO workers at risk of displacement due to AI​
• ​Windows 10 support ends October​
• ​Free Course Alert: Google's 5-Day Intensive Gen AI Course​
• ​KakaComputer Podcast releases episodes 51 & 52​
• ​Vote Report PH is looking for volunteers​
• ​Join in the Filipino ICT Professionals Survey 2025​

Subscriber Corner

This is a story that I've told multiple times already, so I just recorded it so that's easier to share whenever someone asks it again. For your enjoyment:

​Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3​

Just start. Go to roadmap.sh, pick one tech track, find one free course on it, and start getting your hands dirty. Stop wasting time trying to figure out the best or perfect way to start, there isn't any.

Along the way, you'll eventually figure out what you actually want. But that seldom happens at the beginning. You have put your head down and work through tutorials, exercises, and projects.

Some tracks like web development and data science don't necessarily need a good computer. You can use web-based platforms like CodeSandbox (web dev) and Google Colab (data science) to facilitate your learning. Learning platforms like freeCodeCamp and Harvard's CS50x also provide you with online code editors. As long as your machine can run a browser, you'll be golden most of the time.

Unless really necessary for the track you're pursuing, only consider upgrading your machine when you're already applying for work, because that means you're already serious enough, and the money will be spent on an investment that may help generate income, and not a justification to just buy a new gadget. (I've been a victim of the latter many times myself. Tech gadget delulu. Lol.)

Do you have a question or a message for Kuya Dev? Send them! (I will choose a few to feature here each week, you will remain anonymous of course.)