By Michelle Anne P. Soliman
Reporter

Event
Manila Mini Maker Faire
June 23 to 24
The Mind Museum,
J.Y. Campos Park, 3rd Ave., BGC, Taguig City
A SYNTHESIZER made from assorted metal objects, comic character figurines made with a 3-D printer, and children’s toys made from recycled materials — these are just some of the creations that will come alive at The Mind Museum this weekend in an effort to promote science and innovation.
The 2017 3M State of Science Index, a survey conducted to explore peoples’ attitudes and perceptions about science, reported that 87% of people in 14 countries found science fascinating; and 63% said that science is important to society in general. However, 42% believe that their country is falling behind in scientific advancements.
To strengthen appreciation and support for innovation, The Mind Museum, Make Magazine, and co-presenter 3M Philippines, will hold the second Manila Mini Maker Faire (MMMF), dubbed as “the greatest show and (tell) on earth,” on June 23 to 24. It will feature over 70 makers from around the country and showcase various innovative creations.
The Maker Faire was founded in San Mateo, California in 2006 and has since branched out to various cities globally. Twenty-three large scale and over 120 community-driven Maker Faires are currently produced around the world.
“The Mind Museum continues to push for the Filipino public to be part not just of the conversations in science and engineering around the world but also in making and doing,” said Maria Isabel Garcia, curator of The Mind Museum, in a press release. “This second MMMF in a row that The Mind Museum is hosting is a salute to the makers in our local community who not only affirm but persist, despite the odds, to breed and raise the bar of creativity in the way technology can be at the service of human lives.”
Ms. Garcia also said that in the Maker Faire, “actual things are being done” and just mounting exhibits and holding lectures.
THE MAKERS
Fun and sustainability come together in this year’s exhibits. The participating maker groups include RepRap PH, Musika Imbento, and The UP Space.
RepRap PH is based on the international organization of the same name in England which promotes the use of 3-D printers for creating objects that may be used for normal use. The process of 3-D printing begins with the creation of a three dimensional image of the object on a computer. Then the object is printed, layer by layer, using raw materials which can range from plastic to metal.
Meanwhile, the sound artists of Musica Imbento assemble metal and steel objects ranging from kitchen utensils to guitar strings to design synthesizers. The members said that performing music with the synthesizers creates avenue for more improvisation compared to traditional instruments. The artists aim to pave the way for creating a new genre of music.
UP Space, a university-wide organization of makers in UP, Diliman, also joins this year’s fair. Their exhibit features 3D-printed objects and characters, as well as mock weapons and toys made from recycled materials. The members aim to promote the value of innovation among students at the university.
Aside from the maker exhibits, there will be workshops on paper engineering, clay and pottery-making, and 3-D design at the event.
Admission to the fair at The Mind Museum is free. For details visit http://manila.makerfaire.com/.

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