Chapter 17: Ambition

Within the exquisitely adorned chambers of the grand Malacañang Palace, Alfonso had meticulously carved out a dedicated haven for his laborious undertakings. This newly instituted drafting room served as his cocoon, an enclave where he surrendered himself to the realm of ingenuity and creativity. In the alternate world of this technological era, Alfonso's inventive pursuits transcended diverse spheres, spanning groundbreaking advancements in economics and healthcare, as well as pioneering innovations in the realm of agriculture.

Amid the harmonious disarray of design tools and materials, Alfonso was wholly absorbed in his latest opus. With painstaking precision, he etched his thoughts onto varying sizes of bond paper, fervently working on what he envisaged as the world's premier reliable and efficient computer system. The visions within his mind began to solidify, and each careful stroke of his pen drew him closer to the manifestation of his revolutionary creation.

However, this endeavor was not devoid of challenges. Alfonso found himself redrawing intricate schematics a staggering twenty times over. Lacking the convenience of Computer-Aided Design software, he remained reliant on conventional, time-honored techniques to bring his designs to life. This laborious process exacted a toll on him, and while his enthusiasm remained evident on the surface, a latent weariness began to encroach upon his spirits.

Particular hurdles emerged due to the absence of zoom in or zoom out capabilities, especially when tackling intricate machinery like second-generation computers. The magnification of smaller components for the scrutiny of fellow engineers demanded a multitude of redraws, an iterative and arduous endeavor. This experience kindled Alfonso's profound respect for engineers, architects, and designers of his prior world, who had navigated similar labor-intensive processes without the aid of modern technological conveniences.

Driven by the resolve to surmount these tribulations, Alfonso envisioned the inception of his personal rendition of an electronic drafting machine and sketchpad, akin to the inaugural computer-aided design software that emerged in the late 1950s. His aspiration was to refine it, rendering it faster, more user-friendly, and cost-efficient than the antiquated model he knew.

To fully grasp the significance of Alfonso's undertaking, let us harken back to a tale of yore. Before, engineers communicated with computers employing punched cards, meticulously coded to execute specific functions such as calculating the trajectory of naval artillery to construct firing tables during the turmoil of World War II. The post-war era ushered in a wave of novel technologies, including jet aircraft, helicopters, and advanced engines, necessitating levels of precision unattainable by human hands alone. The intricacy of helicopter blades, for instance, mandated the installation of balance weights at their fore to facilitate tilt-up for pitch adjustments.

1940s, the United States Air Force requisitioned expertise for the exacting task of wing construction. It was then that Sir John T. Parsons presented his brainchild—a contraption capable of fabricating helicopter rotors and aircraft wings through fully automated processes, liberated from human intervention. His vision garnered endorsement, and he was entrusted with its realization.

With a repository of historical insights and a burgeoning creative spirit, Alfonso persisted within his drafting enclave. The bedrock for his trailblazing inventions was painstakingly being laid, one meticulous stroke at a time. As he confronted the trials and embraced the promise of progress, Alfonso remained unflinching in his determination to sculpt a world where innovation and technology charted the course toward an illuminated future, both for his kingdom and the wider expanse beyond.

This monumental leap marked a pivotal stride in the evolution of CNC technologies. You see, individuals could now script programs utilizing a combination of letters and numbers via punch cards. Each cluster of perforations represented a single letter, effectively communicating instructions to the computer. However, this method encountered limitations when it came to conveying the full spectrum of human communication nuances.

Need an example? Let's embark on one. Imagine we're conversing over a telephone, and I request that you sketch the Philippine flag. The catch is, you are already familiar with its design. But if we endeavor to articulate this via telephone conversation, I'd confront a quandary. I'd be compelled to articulate...

"Firstly, secure a pencil and position yourself at the lower left-hand corner of the canvas. Proceed to draw a horizontal line spanning eight inches, then ascend by a quarter of an inch and sketch another horizontal line in the opposite direction. As I impart these meticulously detailed directives—guiding you through the contours of the flag, the placement of stars, and beyond—you might eventually replicate the Philippine flag based on my guidance…or perhaps not."

The implication is that you'd likely opt to contact me again, suggesting a more expedient route—perhaps requesting that I draft the Philippine flag on paper and dispatch it to you for a more seamless replication process. This situation elucidates the challenge of conveying intricate graphic communication in a manner that accommodates computer processing.

Interestingly, an analogous predicament was indeed addressed when an attempt was made to transcribe the design of the United States flag into code, a pursuit that encompassed numerous pages.

And this is precisely the challenge Alfonso faces. However, a prerequisite looms—enhancing the design of the prevailing cathode ray tube televisions, a pivotal facet of the envisioned creation.

To fund this endeavor and alleviate his reliance solely upon annuities or the royal treasury, Alfonso contemplates the establishment of his manufacturing emporium under his banner. This enterprise would span all aspects of industry, encompassing raw material extraction, manufacturing, construction, and services.

The revenue generated from these enterprises would fuel his subsequent ventures, ensuring his financial resources do not languish idle within a bank account. Alfonso's aspiration hinges on this contrivance, which is imperative for materializing numerous designs. It's the very reason why possessing a Bell UH-1 remains a distant aspiration, owing to the absence of contemporary computing resources.

It took six hours for his initial designs to reach completion, including a television slated for commercialization. However, his enthusiasm carried him further, inspiring the design of a repertoire that encompassed heat pumps, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and toasters, all boasting a superior edge over existing models.

A satisfied grin spread across his lips as he surveyed the drafts scattered across his drafting tables. Informed by his past life as a businessman, he recognized the art of capitalizing on innovation. Introduce a rudimentary novelty that beckons customers, and each year, unveil fresh iterations or refine existing ones to foster client loyalty. A tactic reminiscent of Apple's annual release of new iterations.

Although the handheld phone remains a futuristic concept, hindered by the absence of supportive infrastructure such as cellular towers, Alfonso intends to proceed cautiously, orchestrating the Philippines' ascent as a beacon of superior technology and machinery.

Amidst a well-earned pause, Alfonso's thoughts gravitated toward the potential quandaries that might befall the Philippines in the days ahead. He acknowledged the looming specters of the South China Sea and the contentious domain of Sabah in Malaysia, foreseeing these territories as potential crucibles of challenge. Sabah, linked to the Sultanate of Sulu, was susceptible to disputes that could erupt at any juncture. Proactively and assertively, Alfonso envisions preemptive strategies, including the establishment of military installations in these regions, as his envisaged military reforms and future initiatives materialize.

Recognizing the untapped potential within the South China Sea—replete with vast reservoirs of untapped natural gas and oil—Alfonso perceives a concealed treasure trove. Exploiting these resources holds the promise of elevating the Philippines into the echelons of prosperity. These contemplations embolden Alfonso's resolve to bolster the nation's military capabilities, as he envisions a Philippines that stands as a resilient bastion against potential adversities, exerting its influence as a formidable regional presence.

Envisioning a nation that resonates with prosperity and security, Alfonso's fervor for transformative change propels him forward. His resolute dedication converges with a resplendent vision, one where innovation and technology harmoniously steer the course toward a radiant future, not only for the Philippines but for the wider world beyond its shores.