Star Powerhouse

Glendambo, South Australia – The Philippines’ Sikat II has reached eight of the nine control stops of the 2013 World Solar Challenge, the global solar car race currently being held in the Australian continent.   The country’s representative to the biennial event travelled a total of 2,171 solar miles, keeping its third place ranking in the Adventure Class.  A solar mile is the distance traveled by a vehicle relying solely on the sun’s energy. Sikat II is expected to reach the finish line in Adelaide on October 11. Team Manager Dr. Alvin Culaba is hopeful that the Philippines will be among the top finishers. “The race to the finish line is exciting because we are being challenged by the unpredictable weather, but the team is confident that we will cross the finish line with the world’s best. Team Sikat Solar Philippines is composed of a core group of mechanical and electrical engineering students and faculty members from De La Salle University. Additional impro...

Darwin, Australia -- Sikat II, the country’s representative to the 2013 World Solar Challenge (WSC) in Australia, reached another milestone when it placed first in its class during the qualifying round of the world’s biggest solar car competition held at Hidden Valley Raceway on October 5. The Philippines clocked 2:30.53, beating closest competitor Team Aurora of Australia which timed 2:32.95. There are five other solar cars participating in the Adventure class. This achievement earned Sikat II the pole position in the biennial meet, beginning October 6in this Northern Territory city and will end in Adelaide on October 11.  It covers 3,021 kilometers of the Australian Outback. This is the best performance of the Philippines in the qualifying round since it joined the WSC in 2007. Sinag placed 12th that year while Sikat ranked 19th in 2011. “I’m ecstatic that we reached the coveted pole position. The whole team has prepared hard for the past few days so I’m very happy,” says...

Revved up to take the pedal to the metal, De La Salle University’s solar-powered car, Sikat II is bound to take on and blaze through the Australian highways, as it races against 20 other cars in the World Solar Challenge. The country’s official delegate to the World Solar Challenge, Philippine Solar Team has 12 members who are students and professors of De La Salle University. The project is headed by Dr. Pag-Asa Gaspillo, supported by mechanical team heads Martin Kalaw, Isidro Marfori III, and electrical team head Jack Catalan (who also serves as team head). “The team is honored to represent the country, and very proud to have been able to design and create a solar car within seven months, and race it in the World Solar Challenge,” says team leader Jack Catalan. Sikat II is an offshoot of Sikat I, the Philippines’ second entry to the World Solar Challenge. Also engineered by a team of De La Salle University professors and students, Sikat I placed 12th in the race, competing agai...