PLDT ACC:ESS Magazine - November Issue by ACC:ESS Magazine

NOV 2014 T HE OFFI CI A L P U B L I C ATI O N O F T H E P L D T G R O U P

Remembering November

revenues to P123-B

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02 Data and internet profits boost Q3 service revenues to P123-B 04 PLDT DOUBLES TD-LTE SITES TO OVER 400 IN Q3 05 PUBLIC AFFAIRS HEAD JOINS LIST OF ASIA’S TOP PR PRACTITIONERS 05 PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISES, PARTNERS TO INTRODUCE INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE

23 regulars 01 FROM THE EDITOR 01 MAILBAG 07 SNAPSHOTS 22 THE BANDWAGONER 23 LIFE & ARTS

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GOING THE DISTANCE FOR TEACHERS 2014 MASSKARA FESTIVAL ONE WITH PLDT, ONE WITH BACOLODNONS NLN: FAMILY COMES FIRST A CALL TO CELEBRATE REMEMBERING NOVEMBER Cover Story TYPHOON YOLANDA– A YEAR ON MVP GROUP CONTINUES ITS RELIEF OPERATIONS NEW PLDT UNIFORMS THE ULTIMATE BADGE OF EXCELLENCE DISRUPTION AND RELEVANCE EXCERPTS FROM MVP’S REMARKS AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALPHA SIGMA-UP LOS BAÑOS

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Remembering November. Our theme for this issue is a different kind of celebration as PLDT now embarks on its 86th year. Because as it marked its 85th anniversary this year, events that unfolded were marred by images of tragedy, disaster, gloominess, darkness caused by the earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda. Be that as it may, the celebrations continued focusing on the customers that have been a part of the Company for the last 85 years and the bond gets stronger as the years go by. These tenured PLDT landline users were honored in a fitting event but for a cause – to help those who were victims of the twin tragedies. All the other activities celebrating this milestone event in PLDT were geared towards being in one with those who were gravely affected. And this served as the essence of the Company’s celebration. And that is what November will always be remembered – a celebration of life.

from the editor

MAILBAG

D EAR

P L DT H

appy 86th birthday!

I have shared only three years of your history and I am already overwhelmed with the transformations that you’ve gone through in those three years. I saw how you moved from being just an access provider into a multimedia powerhouse that provides its customers not just voice but also data and video services. I witnessed your massive fiber network expansion from 50,000 kilometers at the end of 2012 to almost double at nearly 100,000 kilometers at the end of this year. From 2010 to 2013, you have already spent a whopping P125 billion for your network in anticipation of higher demand for capacity because of your multimedia offerings. And you know too well that your fiber network serves as the important backbone for the business shift. Only one thing seems to have remained constant in all those 85 years of your existence. And that is your desire to serve the Filipino people by keeping them connected wherever they may be. You try to improve lives with every new product or content that you introduce to the

home or innovative business solutions that you offer to companies. Your focus on the customer is evident as you honored your most loyal subscribers during your 85th birthday. You also gave the young digital natives a chance to revisit and refresh your most loved television commercials as part of the celebrations. While there’s a lot to celebrate during that time, you chose to dedicate this important milestone to the survivors of the strongest typhoon that ever hit the country, Typhoon Yolanda. You offered your resources for the immediate restoration of telecommunication services in the areas affected by the super typhoon. You encouraged your people to help in and share their resources for the relief efforts. These concerted efforts made a lot of difference in reaching out to those affected by this unfortunate disaster. I am truly proud to be a part of your history. I hope to share more milestones with you. Together, let us continue to change lives! Love,

Customer Alice Chavarria de los Angeles sent an email of thanks to Pasay-Paranaque Customer Service Operations Zone’s John Beato for working professionally and knowledgeable on her home Beato internet connection. “He monitored the problem and coordinated with the other technical departments concerned to make the internet connection up,” said De los Angeles. “He patiently updated and explained to me the situation and assured that he was on top of it. A very traditional technical man with a word of honor, very dependable.” ////////////////////////////

Subscriber Lourdes Ignacio from Pandacan commended South Manila Customer Service Operations Zone’s Antonio Racelis and Restituto Magpoc for the swift and excellent service rendered in restoring her telephone and DSL line connection.

Racelis

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Magpoc “It was a pleasant surprise to receive a call from Wenifredo Medina, your PLDT technician, who brought the WiFi modem con setup,” said customer Lucy Cheng Dy, very satisfied of the service rendered by Medina. “He is courteous and efficient.” Dy also thanked Emer Kimay for the efficient coordination regarding the replacement. “Emer’s help is very satisfactory considering that he’s talking to a 59-yearMedina old and a non-techie person. He’s very patient, moderately well-paced in his communication,” Dy said. CC:

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head

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EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief

Paul Anthony A. Isla Olive O. Barrozo Adrian T. Elumba Raymond C. Co Sarah G. Azucena Writers Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers

Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation Nonong F. Noriega Columnist Carlo D. Gonzalez Mark Daryll P. Sambat Graphic Design

Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor ACC:ESS is published monthly by PLDT Media Division for employees and friends. Address all communications to: The Editor-in-Chief, ACC:ESS, Ramon Cojuangco Building, Makati Avenue, Makati City. Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515. Email: jrencarnado@pldt.com.ph and c-sflacsamana@pldt.com.ph

CONTRIBUTORS Paul Edward Alvarez, William B. Beltran, Julia Brown, Laemar John V. Chavez, Ma. Lydia C. Dela Merced, Apple N. Fara-on, Gabby Fara-on, Roi Ferma, Danny L. Handayan, Celia R. Malavega, Ma. Leonora S. Malenab, Rizza S. Magpily, Josephine F. Meneses, Sarah Cielo Q. Meneses, Rebelyn Q. Rosales, Bryan Nazareno, Santino Z. Nazareno, Fides G. Pasumbal, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Annie O. Salazar, Marjory S. Sy, Mary Grace O. Sze, Alice P. Tuazon

ACC:ESS is published monthly by PLDT Media Division for employees and friends. Address all communications to: The Editor-in-Chief, ACC:ESS, Ramon Cojuangco Building, Makati Avenue, Makati City.

news pldt 2014 nine months financial and operating results

data and internet profits boost q3 service revenues to P123-B By Paul Anthony A. Isla

PLDT’s top executives, from left: Senior Vice President and Treasurer Anabelle L. Chua, Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, and Regulatory Affairs and Policies Head Ray C. Espinos share a light moment while listening and answering questions from reporters during the press briefing for the Company’s nine months financial and operating results.

he increasing use of webbased applications and the growing market demand for internet on both fixed and wireless business units have propelled PLDT’s service revenues in the first nine months of the year.

2015. Competition has been escalating on all fronts and we have responded to protect market share,” he said. For the first nine months, Nazareno said core net income dipped by one-percent to P28.6 billion from P28.8 billion during the same period last year.

In the Company’s nine-month financial and operation results briefing, PLDT and Smart president and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno said service revenues grew by one-percent to P123 billion from P122 billion in the same period last year.

Nazareno said the decrease is due to the rise in cash operating expenses, particularly rent and maintenance costs, an increase product subsidies and a higher provision for income tax.

Nazareno added that growth in data and broadband and domestic voice service revenues cushioned the decline in revenues from the international and national long distance businesses.

Nazareno added that the slight drop in core net income resulted in a threepercent in reported net income to P28 billion in the third quarter of the year from P29 billion in the same period last year.

To complement its growing data and internet businesses, Napoleon said the Company is increasing its capital expenditure budget for the year to P34.5 billion instead of the earlier programmed budget of P32 billion.

Nazareno said the absence of the contribution from discontinued operations, the retroactive effect of the adoption of revised Philippine Accounting Standards 19, lower foreign exchange and derivative losses, and the impairment of transport network assets result from recent network upgrade have also affected the decline in reported net income.

Nazareno added the Company is accelerating its data capacity build-out due to the positive response to the free Internet promo as well as the TDLTE build-out to meet increasing fixed wireless data demand. “With the market’s continued appetite for data services, we expect higher capital expenditure levels for 2014 and

“Our third quarter results reflect intensifying competition in the cellular space of our business, to which we have taken measures to respond to competition and stabilize our share of market. Smart, Sun and Talk ‘N Text undertook to match or neutralize

price aggression on the prepaid front, effectively lowering price points for the same level of activity. The overall discounting of the market and the decline in inbound international business have weakened service revenues,” PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said. He added the Company has supported the rise in smartphone penetration to increase and monetize data usage, which also presents a double-edged situation. “Even as mobile internet revenues continue their double-digit growth rate, SMS usage continues to be adversely affected by the spreading popularity of messaging applications. In contrast, the Company’s fixed-line business continues to grow and remain strong with higher revenues and Ebitda (earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortization),” he said. Pangilinan added they expect competition to remain keen in the fourth quarter of the year, and possibly beyond 2014 as well. “Based on this market assessment and on information currently available to the Company, we are revising our profit guidance for the full year to P37 billion instead of the P39-billion target for the year,” Pangilinan said. Consolidated free cash flow for the first three quarters of the year remained robust at P24.1 billion.

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03 Net debt PLDT said net debt stood at $2.4 billion with net debt to Ebitda at 1.46x, while gross debt amounted to $3 billion. PLDT added that its debt maturities continue to be well spread out, with over 75 percent due in and after 2017, including the P15.0 billion of fixed-rate retail bonds issued in January 2014. The percentage of dollar-denominated debt to total debt portfolio is at 47 percent. Taking into account peso borrowings, and its hedges and dollar cash holdings, PLDT said only 36 percent of its total debt remains unhedged. PLDT added that cash and short-term securities are invested primarily in bank placements and Government securities. Investment grade At the same time, PLDT was the first Philippine company to be rated “investment grade” by three major international ratings agencies, namely Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s. In August, PLDT invested €333 million in German-based Rocket Internet AG, which is equivalent to a 6.6 percent stake in Rocket, post-IPO. At Rocket’s closing share price of €41.50 on November 3, PLDT’s stake is worth €419 million. Nazareno represents PLDT on Rocket’s nine-seat Supervisory Board. To date, PLDT and Rocket are developing a “proof of concept” that will integrate Smart Money’s payment platform in selected Rocket e-commerce businesses in the Philippines such as Zalora, EasyTaxi and FoodPanda with a target launch before year-end. The model will also be implemented in other international markets where Rocket operates in the future.

Broadband and internet PLDT said total broadband and internet revenues also grew by 20 percent to P23.4 billion for the first nine months. Broadband and internet now account for 19 percent of the total service revenues. Wireless broadband revenues, exclusive of mobile Internet revenues, according to PLDT, also increased by seven percent to P7.5 billion from P7 billion recorded last year. PLDT added that mobile internet usage continues to grow strongly as indicated by the 69 percent increase in mobile internet revenues to P5.7 billion from P3.4 billion in the same period last year. PLDT noted its fixed broadband businesses revenues grew by 12 percent to P10.2 billion in revenues for the first three quarters from P9.1 billion in the same period last year.   At the end of September, combined broadband subscriber base stood at 3.7 million with Smart Broadband had a wireless broadband subscriber base of nearly 2.1 million, while Sun Cellular had a wireless broadband subscriber base of close to 600,000. Fixed broadband subscribers increased by 11 percent from the end of 2013, bringing the total fixed broadband subscriber base to 1.1 million for the first nine months of 2014, and now represent 48% of the fixed line subscriber base. In late September, Smart, Sun Cellular, and Talk ‘N Text launched a free Internet promo whereby subscribers can avail of 30-MB of data usage per day, excluding video streaming, VoIP and chat applications, free of charge, which will run until January 5, 2015. “We are heartened by the encouraging response to our free Internet promo, more so when we note the significant

number of first-time users. We have always believed in the Filipino’s propensity for data usage and we are more than happy to provide them access to it. After all, we made “Internet for All” our battle cry as far back as 2011,” Smart chief wireless adviser Orlando B. Vea said. PLDT said fixed line service revenues for the first nine increased by six percent to P42.3 billion from P40 billion in the same period last year. Data and fixed broadband revenues accounted for 53 percent of the Company’s total fixed line revenues, which continued to grow on the back of a 12 percent increase in fixed broadband revenues, an eight-percent rise in corporate data and other network services, and a 20-percent increase in data center revenues. Subscriber base PLDT said the fixed line subscriber base reached about 2.2 million at the end of September 2014, about 48 percent of whom have fixed broadband subscriptions. PLDT said Smart and Digitel Mobile continue to lead the industry in terms of both revenues and subscribers. Wireless service revenues of P85.8 billion however were slightly behind the P86.4 billion recognized in the same period last year, reflecting the pressure on SMS and inbound international revenues. Postpaid revenues now account for 20 percent of total cellular revenues, having grown 14 percent to P15.8 billion at the end of September 2014. The PLDT Group’s total cellular subscriber base at the end of September 2014 stood at 69.0 million, broken down as follows: Smart had 25.7 million subscribers under its mainstream Smart brands; value brand Talk ‘N Text ended with 27.8 million subscribers; and there were 15.5 million Sun Cellular subscribers. PLDT said its combined postpaid cellular subscriber base grew by over 278,000 from the end of 2013, rising to just under 2.7 million at the end of the period, while the combined prepaid base stood at 66.4 million. CC:

MVP fields queries from reporters after the presscon proper.

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PLDT doubles TD-LTE sites to over 400 in Q3 PLDT has expanded its Time-Division Duplex-Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) network to over 400 cell sites at the end of September, strengthening its leadership in providing high-speed internet services to more Filipino homes all over the country. The current total is more than double the 200 TD-LTE sites that had been installed as of April this year in such provinces as Cagayan in Northern Luzon and Davao del Sur in Mindanao. The additional TD-LTE cell sites will further expand the reach of the PLDT service in existing sites, such as Cebu, and cover new areas like the province of Bohol and the tourist center of Boracay, Aklan. The expansion also covers other provinces in Central and Southern Luzon and Mindanao. These facilities enable PLDT to deliver its HOME Bro Ultera service that provides speed of up to 10 megabits per second (Mbps) for its customers. “We are continuously expanding our TD-LTE network to further strengthen connections at home, especially for those in the remote towns and provinces of our country, by providing access to the internet and allowing them to experience the benefits of broadband

connectivity,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Home Business Ariel Fermin. “This complements our efforts to broadband the entire Philippines via fiberto-the-home (FTTH) and Next Generation Network (NGN) services,” PLDT Group Technology Head Rolando Peña said. TD-LTE is one of the two wireless data transmission technologies that fall under the international standard of LTE, the other being Frequency-Division Duplex (LTE FDD) which is used by mobile networks. LTE is also known as a 4G technology. As of end-September, Smart deployed around 1,400 FDD LTE cell sites in various parts of the country. This brings the combined number of LTE cell sites for both fixed and mobile applications to over 1,800. Each LTE cell site has three “sectors” or base stations, bringing the PLDT Group’s total number of LTE base stations to around 5,500 which is far ahead of competition. “PLDT HOME Bro Ultera service in a way revolutionizes the country’s internet service as it enables more Filipino homes to gain ready access to multimedia services like social media, movies, games, and music,” Fermin said. “We are bringing

all these digital services within reach of more Filipino homes across the country with our various plan options,” he said, adding that more information can be found in the website pldthome.com. On the other hand, Peña said that, “Utilizing the ultra-fast TD-LTE technology, PLDT HOME Bro Ultera can offer maximum speeds per individual user of up to 42 Mbps which is almost six times faster than WiMax and 21 times more than Canopy.” “It can serve more customers and provide a better internet experience than either Wimax or Canopy or even both could,” Peña added. According to industry data, the Philippines’ TD-LTE network is one of the largest deployments in Asia Pacific with now over 400 base stations and an allocated bandwidth of 100 megabits per second (Mbps). The PLDT Group is continuing to roll out its extensive fiber optic network, which now reaches more than 90,000 kilometers. Part of its P32 billion capital expenditures for the year, the expansion of its fiber network has enabled the Group to reach more areas of the country with broadband services using both fixed and mobile technologies. Olive O. Barrozo

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05 PUBLIC AFFAIRS HEAD JOINS LIST OF ASIA’S TOP PR PRACTITIONERS

PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R. Isberto recently joined the ranks of Asia’s best communicators and public relation practitioners. PR Week’s Top 50 Power List of Asian Communicators and PR Professionals were based on each PR practitioners’ contributions to the profession of communication and the power of influence in their respective markets. In his 32-year career, Isberto has worked with both sides of the communications business – he has asked the questions and answered them as well. He was a reporter of Business Day, a leading Philippine business newspaper, special sections editor of The Financial Post and Manila Bureau Chief of Inter Press Service in the 1980s. In the 1990s, he hosted several morning TV shows on GMA Network and also served as its Vice President for Public Affairs.

In his corporate life, he has served as spokesperson for the Philippines’ leading telecommunications company and its wireless subsidiary, and has also taken the lead in developing the telecom group’s community partnership programs in the fields of education, health, entrepreneurship, environment and disaster preparedness. In one of the world’s most calamity-prone countries, Isberto has embraced disaster preparedness as his personal advocacy. Isberto is also the president of the Corporate Network for Disaster Preparedness and in that capacity sits on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. A happy grandfather, Isberto is now learning the ins and outs of the digital world with the help of his three grandchildren. Paul Anthony A. Isla

PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, partners to introduce innovative healthcare PLDT is teaming up with leading healthcare industry providers to launch a state-of-the-art and cost-effective radiological solutions by early next year. This venture aims to fast-track radiology reading processes for the benefit of local hospitals and their patients. PLDT ALPHA Enterprise powers innovations with partners in the healthcare industries. In photo are PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, left with SMSGT President Anthony Angeles.

Partnering with SMS Global Technologies (SMSGT), Philips Healthcare, and Medavis, PLDT is set to introduce the new Radiology Information System/Picture Archiving and Communication System (RIS/ PACS) solution that combines hardware, software, and network connectivity. This will allow hospitals and specialists to digitally access, archive, and interpret x-ray, CT-scan, ultrasound, and MRI images as a fully managed service offering on a more cost-effective, pay-per-use pricing model. The RIS solution fully automates the hospital’s radiology processes from imaging to analysis. X-rays, CT-scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs are taken without the need for film and are sent digitally via PLDT’s Metro Ethernet connection to the VITRO Data Center.

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PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez noted the critical importance of the new solution’s role in the healthcare industry, a sector deemed “critical” for the PLDT Group which operates eight leading hospitals in the country. “We at PLDT ALPHA Enterprise are stronger than ever in our resolve in bringing best-in-class services and solutions to the healthcare industry,” said Hernandez.

As the second key component, the PACS solution automatically converts existing films into digital copies sent to the VITRO Data Center for archival. Radiologists can also access the files remotely, interpreting it accordingly and promptly. Patients are now assured of quicker, higher-quality results and diagnoses, as hospitals now have instantaneous nationwide access to experts. Adrian T. Elumba

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06 TELEREWARDS CASH RUSH RAFFLE Awarding them is the team from PLDT Telerewards headed by PLDT Home Retention Management Executive and OIC, Head Nida Pinon-Limpiada, standing second from left, and representatives from Smart.

PLDT HOME lucky subscribers get early Christmas treat

In partnership with Smart Money, PLDT HOME recently gave an early Christmas treat to three of its luckiest promptpaying subscribers after drawing the winners of the Telerewards’ Cash Rush Raffle promo. De Leon Getting P100,000 richer were 82-yearold Felicidad De Leon from Parañaque, Batangas-resident Ernesto Flores, and Lagunabased winner Tony Alvarado. They received their prize money through their personalized Smart Money cards. A loyal PLDT subscriber since 1972, Lola Felicidad has always been diligent in paying her bills full and on time. Since retiring, the bubbly grandma has always put a systematic scheme of paying her dues on time through her pension. “Basta dumating ang pension ko, nakahati na talaga ,yun para sa mga kailangang bayaran at syempre andun na ‘yung pambayad namin sa PLDT,” she said. Having enjoyed her telephone service for the past four decades, she has always relied on her PLDT line to stay connected with her family and friends. A lucky Lola blessed with loving children and the company of her grandchildren, Lola Felicidad said she’s going all out for her Christmas shopping and groceries with her

winnings, making this coming holiday season more memorable. Batangas resident Ernesto Flores, an eight-year PLDT subscriber, qualified for the Telerewards program by making sure his bills are always paid on-time through an automatic debit arrangement with his credit card, that reassures he won’t be missing any bill payment. He recalled how it was a challenge at first to get his PLDT subscription a little over eight years ago as his area was not equipped yet with PLDT facilities. His determination to get a PLDT line paid off as facilities were eventually installed in their home in San Jose, Batangas enabling him to make calls and later availing internet in his plan.

Winners, standing third from left, are Ernesto Flores, Felicidad De Leon, and Tony Alvarado, each get P100,000 through their newly-acquired Smart Money Cards as the grand winners of the latest Cash Rush raffle promo. Awarding them is the team from PLDT Telerewards headed by PLDT Home Retention Management Executive and OIC, Head Nida Pinon-Limpiada, standing second from left, and representatives from Smart.

While De Leon and Flores are set making it a merrier Christmas for their families, Laguna-based winner Tony Alvarado is adding his winnings to his savings. He plans to use his savings in the fuure for his daughters’ college education who heavily rely on their PLDT line to connect to the internet for their studies. “The Telerewards annual raffle promotion has been a way of showing PLDT’s gratitude for its subscribers who make sure their bills are paid on time,” said PLDT Home Retention Management Executive and OIC Nida Pinon-Limpiada.

PLDT EVP and Head of HOME Business Ariel Fermin said that “as we continue to adhere to our commitment to provide the strongest connections at home, we also wish to honour our most loyal subscribers by giving them this early Christmas treat. Their PLDT HOME experience should be one of a kind. Therefore, we are always on the lookout for ways to show them our deepest gratitude for making us their telecommunications brand of choice.” The Cash Rush Raffle is part of PLDT HOME’s on-going Holideals program wherein exciting perks await both existing and new subscribers. Adrian T. Elumba

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PLDT supports Kariton Klasrum PLDT has recently suppored the Kariton Klasrum project of Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) headed by CNN Hero Efren Peñaflorida for the children who were affected by typhoon Yolanda in Palo, Leyte. The project provides alternative delivery mode of learning for the children to continue their education while waiting for the classrooms to be built and be back to mainstream education. Shown here with the childrenbeneficiaries are PLDT Cebu employee-volunteer Ronnie Gabutan, 1st from right, DTC Leyte Operations Coordinator Niño B. Caganap, 1st from left, and PLDT Cebu staff Neil Bebiloni, 2nd from left. Alice P. Tuazon, ComRel

PDRF benefits from HP Run 2014 for eHealth facility Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) was recently the beneficiary of the just-concluded HP Run 2014 in support of HP and PDRF’s eHealth Center Facility, a Cloud-enabled solution that aims to provide access to basic and equitable health care in the rural communities in the areas of Biliran and Tacloban, Leyte. HP Run is an employee-initiated charity, now on its 5th year with a growing number of participants. In the background are thank you posters from school children in Leyte. Photo shows PDRF President Butch Meily, center, receiving the one hundred eighty thousand pesos (P180,000.00) proceeds from the HP Run 2014. With him are, from left: HP Run 2014 Wellness Program Lead and Overall Organizer Jan Andre Gabriel and PDRF Project Officer Nobell Isabelo. Maria Alliza Joyce A. Diwa, PDRF

EmpDev conducts team dynamic workshop for GMM West, GMM East fixed Access & Transport Happy expressions of solidarity were evident after the rousing conclusion of EmpDev’s team dynamics workshop for GMM West & GMM East Fixed Access and Transport Operations Divisions in Antipolo. The learning event facilitated by EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega, back row, 5th from left last row, gave opportunities for the attendees to assess enabling and hindering forces to performance through interactive drills that called for collective collaboration and individual introspection. South GMM Fixed Access & Transport Operations Coordinator, Warren Dimaculagan, back row, 1st from left, led the bunch of cheerful participants in strengthening teamwork and encouraging a culture of open communication and creativity. Another session held in Pampanga headed by West GMM Fixed Access & Transport Operations Coordinator Edgardo Alsol proved equally enriching. Center Head Robert Ferrer graced both workshops with exhortations to play proactive and work with sustained cohesiveness. //////

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FEATURE

Going the Distance for By Olive O. Barrozo

fter a seemingly endless ride from Cebu City – a hundred kilometers of desolate winding roads where the only living things were trees, grass, and wild plants – we finally got a glimpse of Bogo, one of the areas that bore the brunt of Supertyphoon Yolanda whose 230 kph howling winds thrashed the country last year. It was a mind-numbing experience for survivors. “Supertyphoon Yolanda destroyed everything that we’ve labored so much for,” said a local government official. But they got through the worst and have begun to start over. Welcoming Schoolrooms A month before the anniversary of the supertyphoon, PLDT’s Gabay Guro (2G), in partnership with the Asian Carriers Conference (ACC), donated four classrooms to Libertad Elementary School, one of the public schools in Bogo City. Sleek and sturdy, the classrooms’ overall design structure conforms to the Department of Education standards. “Together with our partner construction company, MyHouse Solid Group Inc., we have fortified these new classrooms further to withstand 250 kph winds and intensity 7 earthquakes,” said 2G Chairman for Educational Facilities Pillar and PLDT Head of Cost Planning and Settlement Bong Padiz. The picturesque new schoolrooms stand right in front of the school grounds, an uplifting and welcoming sight to students, teachers, and visitors. They are equipped with chairs, tables, blackboards, ceiling fans, and comfort rooms. Built with collapsible partitions, the classrooms can be transformed into a multi-purpose hall for teachers’ meetings and other activities.

Also part of the group that coordinated and sought out schools that badly needed classrooms were PLDT Cebu Customer Service Operations Zone Head and 2G Volunteer Bong Lintag, and PLDT Carrier Product Development & Marketing Head Edgar Antonio who represented the ACC, an annual international conference held in Mactan, Cebu. Now on its 10th year, the ACC has been undertaking various projects for its corporate social responsibility component, benefiting Mactan and its surrounding islands.

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2G is the flagship program of the PLDT Smart Foundation (PSF). Led by its founder and Chairperson, PLDT FVP and Controller Chaye Cabal-Revilla, and composed of executives from the PLDT Managers’ Club, Inc., the teacher advocacy group has been supporting the country’s teachers and students with various programs since 2007. Three of the six 2G pillars were carried out in Bogo. These were the provision of educational facilities, broadbanding and computerization, and livelihood programs.

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Great Big Thanks The classroom blessing and turn-over ceremony was a well-attended event. Bogo academe’s who’s who, as well as local government officials and guests graced the occasion to say thank you to PLDT and its partners.

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School Principal Renato A. Verallo thanked PLDT, 2G, PSF, and ACC for the brand new classrooms which they really needed since many of their structures were destroyed by the supertyphoon. “Yung school clinic, ginawa naming classroom. ‘Yung lunch counter ginawa din naming classroom, at ang aming dalawang Grade One classes ay maliliit ang classrooms, hindi na sila magkasya. That’s why we are very happy with this project of PLDT 2G and its partners,” Verallo remarked.

Municipal Councilor Cris Verdida who represented Bogo City Mayor Celestino E. Martinez also expressed appreciation: “These classrooms are handed to us by a company with a very generous heart… Supertyphoon Yolanda destroyed everything that we’ve labored so much for. Thanks to the God-given angels, PLDT and its partners for helping us to rebuild.” Even DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Nimfa D. Bongo delightedly said that “The DepEd family of the City of Bogo is very happy because of this early Christmas gift: a four-classroom building given to us by the generous people of PLDT so we would like to thank God for bringing these people here… Rest assured that we will take good care of this building.” She then addressed the pupils and teachers, “Di ba mga bata? Mga teachers? Yes! Alagaan natin ang building na ito. Maintain the beauty of the building. I believe that with the support of the parents of Libertad Elementary School as well as the officials of Barangay Libertad, we assure PLDT that we will maintain the beauty of this school building.” Connecting Bogo to the world Learning is a lot easier in this digital age with the development of the internet. To provide access to the phenomenon that makes learning possible by just clicking a few keys, 2G through its Broadbanding and Computerization Pillar, headed by PLDT Subsidiaries and Affiliates Finance 1 Head Chris Semira, donated a broadband package each to four schools. Sponsored by PLDT SME Nation,

Alonzo, and officers of the PLDT Employees Credit Cooperative, Inc. (PECCI), spearheaded by Chairman Gerry Rodriguez. The training seminar covered the following topics: PLDT HOME’s products and services and how the teachers and their family members can earn extra income by becoming freelance agents; Smart and Sun retailership; Cignal TV dealership and agent program; and microentrepreneurship with the support of ASA Philippines Foundation, a micro-finance organization. The livelihood workshops, led by PECCI and Cebu’s Department of Manpower Development and Placement, likewise taught the teachers how to make soap and candle. “The 2G livelihood pillar aims to help not just the teachers, but also their family members augment their household income. With 2G livelihood programs, our teachers do not have to leave their profession as their family members are also given the opportunity to earn and help for the family’s upkeep,” OrtizPadiz explained. “Soap-making is a little tedious but it’s fun,” said Teacher Mildred A. Lepon of Libertad Elementary School. She and her colleagues enjoyed the raffle as well, and winning a Smart Retailer Phone Kit was a big thing. The Grade 5 teacher related that one of her colleagues was really lucky in raffle draws, having won a sack of rice in their Christmas party and now, a phone kit. “Ako, hindi nananalo, sana maging kasing-swerte din niya ako.” Teacher Mildred must have been

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Sun Broadband Wireless and 2G through ConnectED, the package contained a PLDT WeRoam Pocket WiFi Unit, a Sun Broadband Wireless SIM Card, Unlimited Internet Connectivity until March 2015, and two Wireless Connectors. These were distributed to Libertad Elementary School, Odlot Elementary School, Guadalupe Elementary School, and the City of Bogo School of Science & Arts.

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Fun and productive training workshops Some 118 teachers and their family members participated in the Livelihood and product seminars organized by 2G’s Livelihood Pillar Chairman Ofel Ortiz-Padiz, Vice-Chairman Jojo

lucky this time because her name was drawn after we talked. She won a phone kit finally. She was so happy; her triumphant smile was that of a house-and-lot winner! Teachers, sometimes unconsciously, have a way of showing us the value of things that we often take for granted. They can inspire people and change their minds and hearts, and eventually their lives. Funny how the ride back to the airport of Cebu didn’t feel that long anymore, it was exciting in fact, despite the crowded van and the traffic jam. CC:

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PLDT Negros Customer Service Operations Zone Rene Santillan and the PLDT Bacolod employee-volunteers joyfully pose with the children and elderlies together with Jollibee mascot during the feeding program sponsored by PLDTCommunity Relations.

Masskara festival attendees/tourist gathers at the PLDT Home booth to take a closer look of the various PLDT products and services.

2014 masskara festival

one with pldt, one with bacolodnons By Alice P. Tuazon, ComRel

PLDT ComRel Head Del Rosario, center, cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the turn over of the gate donated by PLDT to Apolinario Mabini Elem. School. With her are, from left: San Antonio Abad Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Farley Rey Santillan, Santillan, Bacolod Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Gemma M. Ledesma CESO V, and some teachers and students of Apolinario Mabini Elem. School.

hrough the years, PLDT has been in keeping with its commitment to be a part of worthy causes during charter celebrations and regional festivals. The Company has forged various partnerships and tie-up activities in various regions and organizations. This year for the 76th charter anniversary of Bacolod coinciding with its 35th Masskara Festival, PLDT has once again united itself to the ideals of the celebrations – move in one direction for progress and development. With the theme “One Rhythym, One Bacolod, A Million Smiles,” the event was participated in by PLDT Community Relations headed by Evelyn M. Del Rosario with the assistance of the PLDT employee-volunteers in Bacolod headed by PLDT Negros Customer Service Operations Zone Rene Santillan. PLDT ComRel organized various community outreaches in celebration of the Masskara Festival. Reaching out In partnership with Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter, a blood -letting activity dubbed “Dugong PLDT” was held at the PLDT Bacolod office with 31 successful donors from the original 51 donors who voluntarily lined up for the activity. Various volunteers came from PLDT, nearby barangays in coordination with the barangay officials, and some PLDT customers.

Also during the event, PLDT treated 270 children and elderlies from neighboring barangays with Jollibee meals with the presence of Jollibee mascot. PLDT has emphasized its commitment not just to better serve its customers but to help in its own way the less fortunate people as part of its corporate social responsibility. The barangays officials and the beneficiaries in turn were grateful for PLDT’s generosity and promise to support PLDT in their own little way. In line with its disaster preparedness initiatives, PLDT turned over a new gate at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School. A project of ComRel in line with DepEd Brigada Eskwela theme “Making Schools Safer,” the new gate was a big help to the school especially in times of emergency. The principal, teachers and students were very grateful to PLDT. PLDT also turned over one PC to Handumanan National H.S. as third runner up winner during the PLDT Home DSL

Broadband Quiz-Student Category. The school gave a warm welcome to PLDT for being a part of the PLDT Infoteach Outreach Program. With PLDT’s tagline “Live Digital” they welcome PLDT broadband services. One direction PLDT is united with Bacolodnons with its theme for one direction towards progress and development by offering to the public its various products and services. PLDT Home booths were installed in strategic locations carrying Home DSL , Telpad and Bro. To attract more customers PLDT Home offered exciting promos and games for the applicants like telpad interactive game, free face painting, shoot the ball and Shake it Bro challenge. There were successful 154 applicants during the event. Various Masskara festivities includes food fairs, street dancing, beauty pageants, trade fair, expo & conferences, sports activities and fashion events.CC:

Del Rosario and Santillan, 7th and 10th from left, turn over the PC to Handumanan National H.S. Accepting the award are the student winners Adrian Christian Amata and Alanis Mae Pandanduyan, 8th & 9th form left, Ledesma, School principal Dennis G. Develos, 5th & 6th from left with some teachers and students of Handumanan.

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and hildren ogram

Secrets to Success

eing an entrepreneur is no easy task. Some say surviving a year in business is a fortunate occurence for any business owner given the challenging tasks of rising above the tight competition.

For those who survived their first year, a second year is bound to be harder. But such is the ordeal a true-blue entrepreneur must surpass. He should be a risk-taker, a game changer, and must have the perseverance to keep the dream alive. PLDT SME Nation, together with SMART Enterprise and Sun Business as well as in partnership with Go Negosyo, has been conducting the MVP Bossing Awards through the years recognizing deserving Filipino businessmen who serve as models of skill and creativity, packaged with the right Bossing attitude. This is aimed at further promoting SMEs and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Hoping to inspire and guide aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs, ACC:ESS is featuring some of PLDT SME Nation’s Bossings as they share their stories on how they have made their businesses successful over the years, and some valuable tips on what it takes to truly be an MVP Bossing..CC:

“Be relevant.” Louie Gutierrez, Silverworks

Silverworks is currently the leading retailer of silver jewelry in the Philippines, which started as a single kiosk in Makati in 1991. It has now grown to more than 50 outlets in major malls around the country. Bossing Louie Gutierrez said that “having been around for 23 years in the industry, you have to be relevant, so that there will always be curiosity among your customers”. He added that it is not just following the current fad, but “creating your own trends to be followed by others.” In sticking to his strategy, Bossing Louie also keeps up with developments in technology, relying on PLDT SME Nation’s internet services to keep his company’s IT processes monitored.

“Believe in what you do.”

Michael Deakin, Lifeline “Lifeline is into the business of saving lives,” said Bossing Michael Deakin. Being the country’s only dedicated Emergency Quick Response (EQR) service, Lifeline has been around for 19 years and have saved over 100,000 lives. With this level of success, Deakin abides by a simple philosophy: “Believe in what you do, believe in yourself. You need to dig deep and get rid of doubts.” PLDT SME Nation also tries to keep it simple for Lifeline by providing them with the necessary communication technology to help their customers. //////

“Don’t take shortcuts”

Glenn Yu, SEAOIL SEAOIL is the Philippines’ largest independent oil company which started from one gasoline service station expanding to over 250 stations today. But this was not achieved overnight by Bossing Glenn Yu. “Don’t think about how you will acquire your wealth, and don’t take shortcuts. You should focus on opportunities, integrity and being transparent. If you do this, customers will reward you and your co-workers will work harder.” Helping Yu and SEAOIL manage the business better, PLDT SME Nation provides them with quality products that let them monitor the company’s daily operations.

“Get your feet wet and your hands dirty.”

Bobby Claudio, Toby’s Sports Toby’s has been engaged in sports merchandise distribution and retail for the past 36 years with 55 stores nationwide and 800 employees. Bossing Bobby Claudio said his secret to success is to “getting your feet wet, and your hands dirty. There will always be challenges and difficulties, but a good business owner always has to take them head on.” He added that a good Bossing will always “expose himself to opportunities and is always aware of opportunities, so he should never be afraid.” Claudio keeps his stores in check with data management systems that monitor the sales and stocks of all their branches from PLDT SME Nation.

“Follow the 4 As”

Samie Lim, Automatic Center and BLIMS Starting out with Automatic Center, a general appliance store, Bossing Samie Lim’s business has evolved into BLIMS, which is now one of the leading brands for home furniture in the Philippines. In the 30 years that Lim has been in the industry, he follows four guiding principles in his work: have the heart to honor your past; have the mind to visualize the future; develop the skill to excel; and always have the willingness to serve. He advises entrepreneurs to follow the 4 A’s in business. “Have the right Aptitude for the business that you want; the correct Attitude learned from your peers; the necessary Abilities, by developing skills; and you will get Astonishing results.” And in getting these astonishing results, PLDT SME Nation works with Automatic Center to ensure that all the information for their daily operations are in place.

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LDT and Smart President Napoleon L. Nazareno is celebrating his 65th birthday on November 26, 2014. As a way of greeting him and wishing him all the best on his very special day, ACC:ESS is featuring what the people closest to him have to say about this very special person. Read on and be touched by how his son Bryan, daughter Apple and grandchildren Santino and Gabby regard NLN as a father and grandfather and how they love him very much.

FAMILYCOMESFIRST

My Dad

By Apple N. Fara-on

, I guess it was e were born in the seventies. Back then the child-rearing on focus the norm that dads didn’t really of the family. So ider prov the g bein on more activities but st dedication. utmo with that’s what he did, and he did it to school then me take day, y ever early up He would wake have dinner we’d and ld be home by 6pm go to work. In the afternoon, he wou mber him reme I use beca gh thou s-off together at 7pm. He wasn’t totally hand ed the miss r neve to play mahjong. He teaching us how to ride a bike and how but etc. , plays ol scho n, unio comm important dates like family day, first holy ed focus more you could tell that he was just at the on work. I remember our conversation he did at dinner table was usually about what theme work or current events. The underlying the around the dinner table always stressed rity integ , work hard licity, importance of simp ed from learn he s thing same The ty. loyal and was a my Lolo Jose. Just like my Lolo jose, he guy. kinda ense no nons er. As we got to our teens, he got a bit strict him up I think he was afraid of karma biting then. the ass cuz I heard he was wild back below We had to keep our grades up, nothing th. mon a ick gimm one to an 80 to entitle us e or soire , party a be ld wou that ick, gimm By to college, he eased up a lot probably just hanging out at the mall. As we got he realized he had to let go at think .I because I was in Toronto at that time good and we weren’t in any trouble, some point. As long as our grades were : get the job done and do it well. then he was happy. Again, no nonsense As a grandfather.... (and still does). He has done things My Dad surprises me as a grandfather r ever done with us as kids. He has for his grandchildren that he has neve ! fed them and even put them to sleep ren, changed diapers, bathed my child ies mov the to kids my , he will bring On weekends, when everyone is busy t grandfather that I know because lgen indu most the is He . yaya a OUT WITH countless arguments about how he is whatever they ask for, they get. We have to says the same thing: “It is not my job spoiling the kids rotten but he always for up ing mak is he them.” I can see that discipline your kids, it’s my job to spoil . them with can he as the lost time by spending as much time has seen or known anyone personally who My Dad is not perfect. But I’ve never the past but on lled dwe r neve He . bling stum always managed to get up after ys husband, father and grandfather. I alwa has always focused on being a better but he also y toda is he re whe to get to hard tell my kids that Lolo worked very and guide him through it. CC: puts a lot of faith in God to help him

my role model By Bryan Nazareno

y Dad is of the generation where lessons were not really taught with words and where “makuha ka sa tingin” was the norm. For most of it, you had to observe and pick-up on it for yourself.

It is difficult to put into words how he is as a father, not because I lack any memory of how he was, but rather because I keep and treasure so many. But if I were to scratch the surface and give you a glimpse, it would be through these three examples: 1. He is the ultimate motivator. I distinctly recall coming home with my report when I was in grade school with a 98 in Math. Over dinner, I proudly showed him my report card and though he acknowledged the great effort , he continued by saying “just 2 more and you could have gotten a 100.” He knew that somehow, by just mentioning that, it would make me strive to do better. He always knew the right buttons to push, to make you want to do better and be better. 2. Family is paramount. Growing up, my Dad was always immersed in work. It was even quite often that he would drop by his office on weekends to work in the mornings. Despite this, he always had dinner at home with us. Watching him, I learned that as a father, I need to work hard and provide… but at the same time, I should also never forget why I am doing so. Family is paramount. 3. By watching my dad, I noticed that he always nurtured relationships. He would always give importance to “people” and he consistently did so to all. It would not matter if the person was the parking attendant, security guard, his colleague or his supervisor. He alway s conducted himself in an appropriate manner. Never arroga nt or boastful; always humble and respectful. The Golden Rule, in action. My Dad is the single most significant influence on how I conduct myself as a man, husband, and father . I would not have it any other way and I truly feel fortunate to have him as a role model and father. I guess you can say, “Nakuha ako sa tingin”. CC:

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LOLO POLLY'S HUGE IMPACT IN MY LIFE By Gabby Fara-on

y Lolo is one of my favorite people in the world . He is also one of the most loving and although he isn’t perfect he is definitely a cool guy. Supportive and helpful fit the description when I hear my Lolo. Whenever we need him, he jumps in to help. If I have a contest at school, need help with my homework or even just small things like openi ng a bottle of soda he is there to do whatever he can. We can alway s depend on him for anything. You may take him for a very serious kind of guy; however, he doesn’t fall short on his abilities to entertain. He can come up with jokes and ideas that can make you tear up in laugh ter. His humor never gets old.

By Santino Z. Nazareno

d dad who cares for olo is a great guy. He is a great gran go to hundreds may He . his children and grandchildren ts them. He forge r neve he but s work of places as he gives them the nicest gifts.

should and must look up to. He He is a person that a lot of people once in a low position and now works and works everyday. He was er. care his of had reached a tall part his body. He exercises a lot and takes care of h. He laughs even at the What I like is that he has a great laug laugh and smile. It brings his smallest jokes.I enjoy making him youth out. ch every Sunday. He believes in He is also religious by going to chur for our sins. I am thankful for his The Lord our God. Whose son died belief. pleased, happy, and proud to He is a great grandfather and I am have him. CC:

As busy as he is with work, he still tries to spend as much time with us as possible. From weekdays to weekends, no opportunity is wasted. After his meetings he comes over to visit us while during the weekends, we go to visit him. Week ends are always spent at Lolo’s house and it is part of our week ly routine to watch a movie with him every time a new action movie is released. Watching action movies brings out so much joy in Lolo especially when he sees all the explosions and gunfire that make the movie a blast. In some rare cases, there are no action movies to watch and we settle for science fiction movies and in extreme desperation, drama movies. They mostly aren’t his fancy but some movies in that genre have been the exception. Take for example the new movie “Interstellar” which he enjoyed quite a lot. Lolo is a lot of fun to be around and it completes my weekends to see him and spend time with him. He has made a huge impact in my life and continues to every day. With all that into light, inspirational and admirable are the traits that would best describe him. Happy Birthday, Lolo! CC:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sir POLlY! //////

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SR 14 COVERSTORY

A CALL TO CELEBRATE

REMEMBERING NOVEMBER

By Adrian T. Elumba

series of unfortunate events has challenged the nation at a time when PLDT marked its 85th anniversary last year. It was rather an unwelcomed, unforeseen episode that resulted into tragedies. People, especially those who were experiencing the havoc being wreaked by the earthquake and typhoon at the time, were taken aback, more shocked at what was happening right before their very eyes. Knowing what to do next was a grim reality. The impact of this devastation crushed so many lives, homes, businesses, and placed a gloomy haze to a nation in tears.

was simply out of the question when victims in the typhoonravaged provinces and the cities in rubble did not even have food or water to drink, or candles to light the dark come nightfall.

How could PLDT celebrate on a day of gloom and desperation? News sites from all over the world were bannering the twin tragedies of the earthquake and typhoon Yolanda depicting how they have torn the country into bits and pieces. Standing tall, however, the Filipinos displayed their resiliency to withstand these tragedies. And this was what made the headlines all the more meaningful. Filipinos have gone through these situations many times before and each time, their courage and bravery amidst these challenges always surface. Filipinos fall, rise and always survive. Together, they celebrate life in ways unimaginable, in whatever way they can.

Other than donating cash, various groups pooled their resources and worked independently to pack relief goods and sponsored certain communities.

Glimmer of hope For PLDT, to celebrate was to be one with those who need help, to give shelter to those who need protection, to put smiles on the faces of those who just saw their homes turn into rubble, to support the uneducated, to connect the isolated, to conquer heights, and to simply share a glimmer of hope that a better tomorrow awaits them. Putting others before oneself was the norm and the mandate as professionals and as fellow Filipinos. The Company has devoted its time and effort to improve the lives of the customers they serve, and the lives of those who depend on its business to stay connected in whatever way. So that families could say they were able to live through the days, survive the storms, congratulate a new father, console a brother, support a confused son in college, and whatever life moment there was to at least do some kind of celebration – certainly a call to celebrate. With this situation looming large, plans and remaining budgets for the year were readdressed to the fortunate survivors of the earthquake and typhoon Yolanda. A grand anniversary celebration

PLDT employees donated their Christmas party budgets to organizations that were helping send food and resources to the Visayas region. PLDT HR launched Project Hero and was able to raise P2 million in 24 hours with donations coming from the Company employees. More employees realized the gravity of the situations and were ready to share a part of themselves. The project ballooned to P7 million after a week that it was launched.

As soon as passageways were cleared, PLDT’s technical and network teams based in the Visayas worked day and in and day out to restore facilities and communication lines used in speeding up coordination efforts with government and relief aid groups. The hard work displayed by PLDT’s technical and network teams in bringing back power to the damaged facilities was a crucial component in sending help and later in the rehabilitation efforts. These hardworking employees, some were even victims themselves, certainly served as a testament that the Company runs on solid foundations – hearts, morals, and nerves of heroes. The PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) immediately organized relief operations for the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. The MVP-led companies also united to form Tulong Kapatid that centralized efforts of all the members to maximize efficient distribution of everyone’s resources and donations. (See related story on page 16 (a year after Typhoon Yolanda.) Marketing groups also realigned their year-end events for donation drives and pledges of support from their clients. PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s Pasasalamat Night danced to a different beat and last year’s MVP Golf Cup auctioned off a car donated by MVP himself to raise even more funds for PDRF’s rehabilitation projects. PLDT SME Nation’s MVP Bossing Awards and its pool of SME clients joined the bandwagon of nation-building keeping the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ alive in their entrepreneurship advocacy. The PLDT HOME HELLO event didn’t just recognize PLDT’s most loyal subscribers. The event became another avenue to raise donations

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with the silent auction of PLDT commemorative mementos. These celebrations were made even more meaningful as the Company’s clients not only sustained their business partnerships with PLDT but also showed their empathy in participating in all these fund-raising efforts. PLDT’s business in innovation drove its efforts past borders with the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) launching the BrickbyBrick project that drew immediate cash transfers from Filipinos and anyone from the four corners of the world wanting and willing to share. The donations pooled were then directed to projects for the rehabilitation and rebuilding of affected towns after the calamities. Through Smart’s help.ph, people donated through their load credits which were then diverted to the different relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts of the MVP Group, and different donation partner channels. After the rubble and haze settled, PLDT remained ardent to support until its countrymen were back on their feet – PLDT has reached 85 years because of them. Come Christmas, MVP Group Kapatids were mounting benefit concert taking some time off from the Yuletide festivities for this purpose. Determined to help them get back on their feet, especially the children to live a normal life again, the team at Gabay Guro has been constantly funding the building of typhoon and earthquakeproof classrooms in the affected areas. Livelihood projects for teachers in Capiz, Bohol, and Cebu are also continuously being organized and supported to help their families. Learning experience The trials of the year past proved to be a challenged to the nation witnessing devastations in most parts, where it seemed hope was swept away with the storm surge and buried in the rubble. Panic, disorientation, and shock from government, the private sector, and the whole world.

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For PLDT, to celebrate was to be one with those who need help, to give shelter to those who need protection, to put smiles on the faces of those who just saw their homes turn into rubble, to support the uneducated, to connect the isolated, to conquer heights, and to simply share a glimmer of hope that a better tomorrow awaits them.

But despite of it all, it was a learning experience that paved the way to prepare for whatever worse that could come. Better mobilization processes, stronger communication lines and forward-looking objectives and preparations for another Yolanda. This month is the culmination of the Company’s 85th year. PLDT has gone through game-changing events, its network having its fair share of typhoon moments putting everybody’s resilience to deliver service at stake. Each PLDT employee has his own story of unforgettable memories worth sharing and pondering on. But for whatever that tested them, these only made them stronger to live more and tell their never-ending stories. They celebrated and held together for so long – always looking forward to the day after the storm. CC:

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Typhoon Yolanda – a year on

MVP Group continues its relief operations

Excerpts from an article by Julia Brown, The View (A First Pacific Co. Quarterly Magazine)

spirit of ‘can-do’, creativity and – most crucially – hope, has emerged in the communities that survived the destruction and heartbreak of Typhoon Yolanda.

On 8 November last year, Yolanda tore through the Visayas, leaving 6,201 people dead and over 4.1 million displaced in one of the most devastating natural disasters ever to hit the Philippines. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery designated the MVP Group disaster response platform, Tulong Kapatid, as the “development sponsor” of the province of Capiz and one of the development sponsors of Tacloban. As the MVP Group mobilized its rescue and relief efforts, Manuel V. Pangilinan promised, “We will continue with the distribution of relief goods as well as other donations for as long as our means allow us.” The communities of Capiz and Tacloban and many others can attest that the promise continues to hold true. Communications and mobile cash Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) provided emergency communications to the residents, government and humanitarian agencies. Network coverage for wireless communications was restored within a month of Yolanda making landfall. Smart also joined forces with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in helping Yolanda survivors, particularly children, reunite with their families. Smart provided UNICEF Smart Bro SIMs and free airtime loads over six months for its Rapid Family Tracing and Reunification (RapidFTR) program. This provides connectivity to enable real-time data entry of missing and separated children to help reunite them with their families. Athea Penaloza, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, explained, “The assistance of telecom service providers like SMART is vital to immediately share accurate information among relevant agencies on children and families who have become separated as a result of a disaster.”

In another groundbreaking initiative, Smart partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to enable and expand UNDP’s ongoing mobile cash transfer program. Beneficiaries were able to join the cash-for-work program, and withdraw cash on-site via LANDBANK’s mobile automated teller machines (ATMs). Food, water and shelter In the immediate aftermath of the typhoon, food, water, relief goods and shelter were top priorities for stricken communities. PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) provided P2,325,000 worth of relief goods to 7,750 families. As a humanitarian effort, PSF also sponsored the return of 50 family evacuees from centers in Metro Manila back to their hometowns in Leyte and Samar. They were also provided shelters kit to help them rebuild their destructed homes while Smart added livelihood to this initiative by providing them retailer phone kits and side cars. Logistics alone for this initiative cost about P1 million just to get the families back home before Christmas of 2013. Back to school, a classroom at a time MVP Group places a huge importance on children’s education; never more so than in the wake of disasters that may have lifelong consequences. PSF’s Gabay Guro program, in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation, donated two classrooms (@P1M per room) each to Dr. A. P. Banez and Manlurip Elementary Schools in Tacloban City and four classrooms at Pawing Elementary School in Palo, Leyte through the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School Program. Rebuilding livelihoods MVP Group rallied to help communities get back to work. ”Tulong Kapatid”, the socialaction arm of the MVP Group of companies handed over 50 fishing boats to Capiz’s fisher folk on behalf of all the companies under the PLDT Group and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) during the Capiztahan Fluvial Parade in Roxas City. Hosts of TV5 also provided entertainment and even helped the residents carry the craft to the sea shore. “No less than PLDT Group and PSF chairman Manuel V Pangilinan gave his commitment

to help these coastal communities recover and get back on their feet following Yolanda. Many of these fishermen lost their boats and livelihoods. We will help them rebuild their lives and start anew, and giving them new boats is a start for livelihood recovery,” said PSF President Esther Santos. PSF, OMF, and AKFI are also giving 30 fishing boats in the 4th district of Ormoc through the efforts of Congresswoman, Lucy Torres-Gomez. Aside from these, they donated during the 1st anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, three large rafts to be used for ecotourism in Roxas City, Capiz and one community boat that can carry 20-30 passengers, mainly to transport children to school from the islands. For coastal communities in Pontevedra, Panay, Roxas City and Palawan, Smart helped train fisher folk to sculpt artworks from felled logs and debris from the typhoon. The community sculptors were able to create works of art which were sold at an exhibition in Metro Manila. Smart also provided Yolanda survivors from Leyte and Samar with three-wheeled pedicabs, complete with a repair kit, and shelter kits comprised of corrugated iron sheets, wood and a toolkit, to help them get back on their feet. Smart has distributed over 400 retailer kits to budding entrepreneurs in Leyte, Capiz and Samar, with more in the pipeline. The retailer kits include a mobile phone and a retailer subscriber identification module (SIM), which can be used to sell airtime load to Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun subscribers. Over the years, the Smart retailer business has proven lucrative, given the pervasive use of mobile phones and devices. “Efforts to rebuild lives that were displaced by Yolanda continue to this day. We have been distributing retailer kits to provide families with a means of income after many of them lost their traditional livelihoods to the super typhoon,” said Smart’s Head of Public Affairs Ramon R. Isberto. MVP Group has rallied with passion to help its stricken countrymen, utilizing all the resources and skills at its disposal. There is much more work to be done, and the Group is fortunate to be in a position to improve lives on such a large scale. CC:

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PLDT HOME FIBR POW

ERS UP

MARIAH CAREY CONCER

Mariah Carey sings live in Manila.

Former Ms Universe Gloria Diaz, 3rd from left, poses with models at the PLDT HOME booth.

LDT HOME Fibr, the home’s most powerful broadband, brings five-time Grammy-award-winning artist Mariah Carey to Manila for an electrifying night of iconic R&B and contemporary music hits. As part of The Elusive Chanteuse Show, the singer-songwriter’s eighth concert tour was launched in support of her 14th studio album “Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse.”

and gifted hip-hop and break-dancers that complemented the elusive chanteuse’s superb vocal chops. PLDT HOME Fibr delivers consistent high-speed and powerful Internet up to 100 Mbps, access to Clickplay and hundreds of movies on-demand, and Cignal Digital TV channels. It is now available in more than 1400 villages nationwide including Ayala Alabang Village, Bel-Air Village, Dasmariñas Village, Forbes Park, Urdaneta Village, Valle Verde 1-6, Corinthian Gardens, Greenhills, La Vista, and Loyola Grand Villas.CC:

The Songbird Supreme took the crowd back to the 90s and early 2000s with her most memorable classics “Heartbreaker”, “My All”, “Hero”, and “I’ll Be There”, and dished out popular tunes “#Beautiful”, “Meteorite”, “Thirsty”, and “Supernatural” from her current album. Her closing performances included “We Belong Together” and smashing encore numbers “Always Be My Baby” and “Butterfly”, bringing down the full jam-packed house. The show was amplified with the special performances by the impressive band members //////

Photo shows HOME Fibr Product Manager Maxine Parangan, brass sculptor Michael Canio with wife Tess, glass sculptor Ramon Orlina, PLDT EVP and Head of HOME Business Ariel Fermin, and HOME Marketing Head Gary Dujali, from left, respectively.

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NIFOR U T D L P EW

The

ge d a b te ultima

e c cellen

of ex

. Barrozo By Olive O

here is a deeper reason why we should wear the PLDT uniform.

More than fashion and comfort, the uniform is a symbol that’s imbued with meaning only trueblue employees with Pusong PLDT would understand. And this is more important than any other consideration because meanings make our life’s pursuits more worthwhile. The iconic yellow shirt jacket has always been associated with PLDT long before yellow became a popular political color. At the recent awarding of the new uniform designs, PLDT HR FVP Emil Tanchico related that the yellow shirtjack turned into a badge of service, quality and reliability. “It has become so revered that it can enter anywhere, even highlysecured areas like the Malacanang.” The office uniform, which evolved from the yellow shirtjack, was given to office personnel some 26 years ago as part of the PLDT employees’ benefits. “A sense of corporate image is evoked by the uniform,” Tanchico pointed out. “It also symbolizes a sense of unity because when everyone wears their uniform, they have that sense of being equal to one another: United with each other. So it’s very important for us to wear our uniform especially on occasions where we represent our company.” “We wear our uniform with pride, and the underlying value that we want to project is the value of excellence.” He said the uniform will always be a part of PLDT’s culture. “Rest assured that we at HR will try to come up with something that will make our uniform very practical, very efficient in the way we maintain it, and at the same time project a certain professional image for our company.” The new uniform designs will cover the years 2015 to 2016. So for the next couple of years, female employees will be A C C : E S S M A G A Z I N E ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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given two sets of uniforms as in the previous years. This time, the customary red number, created by Premier Center for Fashion and Design, will be topped by a tailored cardigan blazer with an inner polo blouse in dark charcoal gray, paired with a jet black straight-cut skirt and pants in polyester linen. The other set - a teal blue ensemble of a European style blazer with two imported motherof-pearl buttons on both sides, an inner blouse with rounded neck and matching skirt and pants - is an innovative design and color from Manila Embroidery Gold, Inc. “I wanted to go out of the box and try another color so I used teal, and it won,” enthused ________________owner of the winning design company. Male employees will also receive two sets of uniforms designed by Premier, a white and a cream-colored shirt jack in polyester linen accented in the left area by a gray diagonal stripe fabric and highlighted by unique gray and silver buttons. The get-up is complemented by a pair of jet black pants.

Arriving at the final decision entailed a tedious process. It took several weeks of meetings and deliberations for the Uniform Selection Committee, composed of representatives from PLDT’s various divisions, to make the choice. PLDT Enterprise Service Assurance Management VP and Vice Chairman of the Committee Gene de Guzman said choosing the appropriate uniform that would project the right corporate image was not easy. The designs and colors were all quite traditional, so they had to discuss and deliberate on the criteria extensively. Deciding on the teal colored-design was a breakthrough. “Teal is an eye-catching color, our choice only showed that the members of the committee were looking for something different. As we progressed, we tried to look into vibrant colors to represent the company. So, aside from the traditional red and black, we also chose a refreshing new color.” Interesting and exuberant colors, after all, intensify the sense of pride, unity, corporate image, and excellence that the uniform symbolizes. And we impart these values to other people when we wear the uniform. CC:

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Excerpts from MVP’s Remarks at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Alpha Sigma Fraternity-UP Los Baños

olden anniversaries are special, because they tell us that you’ve built something that will outlive all of us. And they remind us to remain relevant to our future, a future that belongs to the youth of this country.

Staying relevant from generation to generation is not easy. We know this at PLDT– keeping in touch and speaking the youth’s vocabulary and lifestyle become more difficult by the day, as we grow older and the youth keeps changing constantly. Recently, PLDT unveiled its offer for free mobile internet for Smart, Talk ‘N Text, and Sun subscribers – all 77 million of them. This is the most exciting offering we’ve made in a long time. It is also the most worrisome. Because we know free mobile internet will disrupt, even threaten, our legacy businesses – voice and texting – which, for decades, have been our bread and butter. But there is no other way to get ahead, and stay ahead, except to innovate, and be a leader in innovation. Out of the turbulence in today’s technology, new environmental conditions are emerging, forcing companies to redefine themselves in order to endure. PLDT is no exception to this phenomenon. We keep in mind what Charles Darwin wrote – “it is not the strongest of the species that survives, or the biggest, or even the most intelligent. Rather, it is the one that is most adaptable to change which lasts.” Is PLDT ready? As ready as we can be. Change does not wait for us. It simply moves on. Inertia is the mortal enemy of the internet. We’ve learned this lesson from our investment in Rocket Internet –

where the timeframe from product conception to launch is as short as 100 days. And after launch, if the product fails, it will be terminated coldly and quickly. In the internet world, failure is not frowned upon. If you must fail – fail fast, and move on. One of the more common quotes in Silicon Valley goes like this – “ever tried, ever failed, no matter. Try again, fail again, but fail better.” Teka, parang Gilas Pilipinas yata ‘yan ah. From hero in Spain, to zero in Korea. The legacy of UPLB Earlier today, I met with UPLB officials led by Chancellor Rex Cruz. Together with my brods, we pledged to support and strengthen the UP Los Baños Study Center. I hope this study center can encourage and nourish our young and idealistic Filipinos. There can be no exaggerating the impact UPLB has had, not only on Philippine, but also on global agriculture. Much of the green revolution of the ‘70s took its roots right here in Los Baños. Thailand and Vietnam sent their specialists to this campus to learn. I grieve over the fact that our students are now the world’s leading exporters of rice – whilst we, their teachers, are the top importers. Sadly, we’ve seen a similar decline in our sugar and coconuts. Technology, agriculture, and poverty Our presence here also recognizes who we are and what we represent – a chance to benefit from the convergence of technology and agriculture. A farmer with unlimited access to mobile technology may well be the symbol of everything that technology can do to awaken our agriculture from its stupor.

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FEATURE

We all know that the preponderant national issue we face is the poverty of our people. Our group of companies has always taken the view that the best solution to it is for business to create jobs. Majority of our labor force, direct and indirect, are deployed in agriculture, where poverty is endemic. A stagnant agriculture exacerbates rural poverty. A vibrant agriculture feeds our people, provides jobs to farmers, and catalyzes downstream processing industries. Our group has already started to invest in agriculture – initially, in sugar and now in coconuts. We have faith that if properly supported and managed, Philippine agriculture can again grow, and flourish. One approach for agricultural development – and the consequent amelioration of poverty – may consider what Indonesia has done. It is called “INTI Plasma.” This involves commercial farms acting as catalysts and nuclei of development (or INTI). Clustered around INTI are small holders (or plasma), which will emerge and benefit from the resources in technology, credit, infrastructure, processing facilities and markets that large commercial farms can provide. Basketball and values Let me now turn to basketball. We have had a heavy schedule in basketball, and I’m glad it’s over. Time to come up for air. With a deep breath, let me just rattle off what transpired, and what’s ahead. Last year, we came off an emotional but proud seco nd place finish at the Fiba Asia Cup here in Manila. Anytime we beat Korea in basketball, it’s a great measure of where and how far we’ve come. This year, we hosted the 3x3 Fiba Asia Pacific Championship at SM Megamall – where the athleticism and versatility of Filipino players were on display. This weekend, our team will be competing at the 3x3 World Competition in Tokyo. Then we had the big dance – the Fiba World Cup in Spain. Even if we had more moral victories than actual ones, our Smart Gilas team produced a pleasant surprise to Fiba, and the international basketball community. It was a supreme moment of redemption for Philippine basketball. But if there were bright days, there were also dark nights. I would be remiss if my remarks did not reference the Asian Games in Korea last month. It was clear to us that public expectations were raised after our stint in Spain. Equally clear, our performance disappointed. As expected, all hell broke loose in both legacy and social media. From hero to zero. Bilog ang mundo – at lalong bilog ang bola. I say let’s accept the public censure with humility, despite the fact that in some respect, the criticisms were either unfair or uninformed. We’ve come a long way to improving our world ranking – from #65 in 2007 to #31 after Spain: stay the course, and focus on qualifying next year for the 2016 Brazil Olympics. As with the Gilas dreams, we must work hard for the Philippines – and UPLB – regain its stature as an agricultural nation. You may ask, why does our group have a significant athletic agenda? Why my personal interest in sports?

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21 But there is no other way to get ahead, and stay ahead, except to innovate, and be a leader in innovation. Out of the turbulence in today’s technology, new environmental conditions are emerging, forcing companies to redefine themselves in order to endure. PLDT is no exception to this phenomenon.

business excellence. Like business, sports is a test – where athletes commit themselves to winning. Competitive sport therefore is, at its core, a value activity. Carried out properly, sports involve fair play, respect for opponents, good behavior in victory or defeat, and appreciation of the tradition and practices central to an institution. Conclusion It is time for me to close. Whether in agriculture or in technology, knowledge with purpose opens the door to an historic chance for change, for improvement. This magical opportunity afforded by innovation and technology will open our minds, stimulate our propensity to take risks, and become truly entrepreneurial. This is what Alpha Sigma stands for. Results will not come overnight. The road will be long; the climb will be steep. Disappointments may litter our path. But we cannot afford to spend another four decades to become self-sufficient again in food production – after losing this for the past four decades. Tulad din ng Maroons, konting tiyaga at sipag pa. Habulin natin ang Vietnam at Thailand sa rice production. Habulin natin ang Ateneo at La Salle. Habulin natin ang NU sa cheerdance. ‘Wag nyo lang kunin si Eric Español as team manager – kuripot kasi yan. At ituloy din natin ang laban ng Gilas. After 40 years in purgatory, not another 40 years of mediocrity. Finally, UP has some qualities distinct about it. Confidence – that comes from a strong sense of purpose. Diversity – with kids from all corners of our archipelago, each one representing an improbable journey, each one potentially carrying the promise of a better life for their families. Attitude – arising from the intellectual capital of this institution, and knowledge that all of you earned your place here.

First, sports is an excellent bonding agent. Just watch Manny Pacquiao fight or Gilas play, and see how an entire nation cheers them on.

Thank you again for this invitation, mga brods. Thank you for naming the UPLB Study Center after me. I am not sure I deserve it, but I will certainly strive to ensure that it will work to improve the lives of our people.

Second, the pursuit of athletic success is analogous to the pursuit of

Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang alay sa sambayanan! CC:

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They are seated, from left: Bong Lintag, Rose Gutierrez, this writer and Francis Bautista. Standing, same order: ____________, __________, ____________, Gil Samson, __________, Ramsay,

22 thebandwagoner B y N onong N oriega , E mp D ev H ead

honoring

ngevity

enured folks can be a complex lot. Some of them take pride in ensuring their staying power in the organization. Having weathered many changes, we salute their threshold for different leadership styles and the dramatic alterations of market trends. It’s but natural to call them troupers. And yet, there are those who plod through the system, simply going though the motion of their tasks and deliverables while contemplating on when will be the best time to throw in the towel, especially when the price is right. Once upon a time, when we realize that one has served the company for more than two decades, honor becomes due him. We ascribe the values of loyalty and faithfulness. Fast track to the present and know that this has not been the prevailing view all the time. We don’t need to run a survey to know that the reactions have become more mixed, if not ambivalent. Longevity can be a double-edged sword.

While there are those revered for their diligence through the generations, there are those who have entered the sphere of would-be-has-beens and are seen as unable to adapt quickly. Another lamentable scenario is when a traditional leader would force his old school approach even when it doen’t find resonance with the more progressive-minded team players. Dare we die in the vine, the complexion of many organizations has radically changed. The baton is getting passed on to a new breed of enthusiasts who thrive on accelerated learning. They may not have the stock knowledge and seasoned wisdom that are essentially accumulated through the years, but the fresh import of their new blood cues us in on what today’s consumers find meaningful and relevant. The need to stay agile and upbeat cannot be forced upon all traditionalists and boomers. But those who choose to be flexible continue to shine and

strengthen their worth as role models for the milleanials and XYers. The key lies in successful crossovers. When one has invested time, energy and talent in the organization for many years, the call to reinvent must be heeded to stay ahead in the game. The last day in the company is certain for all of us – whether that is seen in the near or distant future. The hardest thing to say goodbye to will always be… the people friendships and support systems that have become omnipresent during one’s stay. What about work? That’s where our selfactualization needs find fulfillment. Kahlil Gibran wrote, “Love is work made visible.” That’s short of saying that we should continue to report to work with spring on your feet! The highest evidence of longevity’s worth is seen when we remain teacheable and ready to thrive come new frontiers and lofty learning expeditions..CC:

Riding the waves of meaningful change. Increasing one’s threshold for the ambiguous. Taking personal responsibility in managing transitions. These became the recurring themes during EmpDev’s conduct of the Managing Change Workshop for Customer Service Support Management Team. The interactive session featured rich simulations on the phenomenon of change and how employees can creatively cope to grow competencies. The cheerful bunch of participants was led by Enterprise Outbound Contact Services Head Imelda Ang, second from left first row. EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega, center, facilitated the learning event under the project officership of Lydia dela Merced, extreme right. The presence of guest executive Dr. Jun Limjoco, Head of Clinic Services, extreme left, helped make the interactions more enriching and enjoyable.

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23 life & arts

DEAR PLDT

Artwork by Roi Gilmour B. Ferma, Media Division Student-Trainee, Multi-Media Arts and Sciences, Mapua Institute of Technology

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phone call: a monologue By Sarah Cielo Q. Meneses, HOME BO Management

he phone rings, signaling an incoming call. The phone is picked up.

“Hello? Yes, hi. Um, I’m just calling to say… well, basically, thanks. A lot. I’m not being sarcastic here. It’s just that not many people seem to express gratitude nowadays, and I figured that a phone call seems to be the proper way to do this, yeah? So listen. You don’t have to talk. I just want you to hear what I have to say. I just need to get this off my chest to make me feel better. And, I suppose, it will make you feel better, too. I want you to know that you’ve been a constant part of my life. My parents met because of you, and I get to get in touch with my family and friends through you. You opened up a whole world for me through the internet. I could research about anything, have a story blog, play online games, meet like-minded people who live far away, and reconnect with old friends. I could never repay you for all of those things. But of course, everyone—everything, has its flaws. I won’t lie and say that you have never failed me, because you sometimes have. That’s okay. I understand. Nobody’s

perfect all the time. The point is, I know that you’re trying your best not just to solve problems as they present themselves, but to improve on what you already have, and find solutions to problems you have already foreseen. And you know what? I think that that should inspire me, as your employee, to do my best, too. I have to make sure that when I do something, it is with the thought that I’m doing it not just for the sake of the company, but for the sake of the people believing in the company as well. …Right. Okay. Well, I guess that’s about it. Sorry for taking too much of your time. I know you still have to deal with the competition and the repairs and whatnot—you really do have a hectic schedule, don’t you? Well, don’t worry too much. I, along with a lot of other people, believe in you. Now go do your duty and show them how you have stayed as a one of the top companies in the Philippines for more years than I could count.” The busy tone sounds. The phone is placed back on its cradle. CC:

Thank You for the Years

By William B. Beltran, OpEng 1

For the past years You have been my second home In this home I found a second family You helped me discover and enrich my talents Made me not only a good worker but a good dad as well Here you are who is always there for me In times of trials and difficulties You are the one shoulder I could lean on Thank you for the time and love Thank you PLDT

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25 Sandalan

Ni Rebelyn Q. Rosales Business Process Assurance Lumaki ako sa isang simpleng pangarap Pangarap na pinanghawakan hangga’t di natutupad Ano mang hamon sa buhay pilit kong hinarap Dahil sa pag-asang tagumpay ay akin ding malalasap Di man nakapagpatuloy sa pangarap kong eskuwelahan Ang importante’y nakapagtapos ng may karangalan Karangalang inihahandog sa aking magulang Lalong lalo na sa aking lolo’t lola na aking kinalakihan Heto ngayo’t kailangan nang magtrabaho Tatahakin na naman ang isang panibagong mundo Naghanda nang mabuti at naging determinado Ngunit di pala madali at muntik na’kong sumuko Hanggang isang araw sa aki’y may pumansin Ako na daw ay magsisimula kung aking gugustuhin Lubos kong ikinagalak at dalidaling naghanda Para sa panibagong kabanata bilang isang manggagawa

Artwork by Danny L. Handayan Tondo Home West Team

Dito ko nahanap ang panibagong pamilya Sa ganda ng samahan hahanga ka sa kanila Ngunit isang taon lang ang gusto kong ilaan Hanapin ang permanenteng pamilya kung saan ako dapat mapabilang Pero totoo pala ang isang kasabihan Ano mang mangyari kung para sa’yo ipagkakaloob NIYA na lang Ang PLDT pala ang magiging una at permanente kong tahanan Isang malaking regalong natanggap bago ang aking kaarawan Tunay ngang buhay ko ay binago niya Mga pangarap kong kinalimuta’y nabigyan ng pag-asa Pag-asang matutupad dahil sa tulong niya Isa ngang biyaya na sa aking laban siya ay kasama Ibayong dagat ay akin nang natawid Una, pangalawa, pangatlo, siguradong ito’y mauulit Ngunit ngayo’y may isang bagay akong lubusang ipagpapasalamat Ang malapit ko nang pag-apak sa entablado nang may tuwa’t galak Sa mga bagong kaibigan, pamilya at kaalaman Sa mga oportunidad at inspirasyong sayo’y aking kinamulatan Sa mga samahang nabuo at kasiyahang pinagsaluhan Salamat PLDT sa pagiging aking SANDALAN.

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Page 25: Lower photo caption –

Remembering, Celebrating

By Mary Grace O. Sze Support Management Auxillary Services This year marks another jubilee A time to celebrate our company’s victory. To cheer and count our continuous blessing And also to reminisce our rise from anonymity. Years have gone and the world has been witness To your steady climb and unfaltering progress. How you have evolved and truly flourished; How you continued to be the leader in service. We will remember how you championed causes Guided educators to ensure their success Encouraged passions and advocated social conscience Promoting public spirit in times of helplessness. Another year, another feat Despite the challenges, we are still to beat. The institution who leads in innovation One which can be called a Pride of the Nation. Cheers to you, our dear PLDT! We are truly proud to be part of your family. Your staunch support we always will be As you continue on this amazing journey.

Soar like Comets

By Laemar John V. Chavez Fixed Service Network Quality Assurance Sometimes we are strangers Like the planets in the galaxy We mingle and smile Clear yet dreamlike certainties Different personalities, Distinct characters Not knowing one another, But now we are bound together Working together now as one Creating energy that will not be gone Working together for the good of all It’s in our hearts where we feel the call Each one of us has a role to play Taking the future with a mighty flame Towards the sun we will fly high We may get burned yet spirits will not die Let’s aim high and search the sky Find our wings with innovative minds Disengage from what makes us unsteady Because it takes resolve to really fly

He Who Lived For Over 85 Years By Me-ann To-Becina, HOME Sales Strategy & Performance Management

PLDT is an institution that has lived far longer than most of us. There are a lucky few who were fortunate enough to see how PLDT’s early days began. They had the benefit to see how it has transformed to what it is today from its humble beginnings. It is very well part of our culture – our country’s DNA! To this day, no one can come close to what PLDT is & has become. It is so rich in history that no wannabe can ever replace what PLDT is to its people. Through the years, PLDT has stayed the course & served the Filipinos well. It has evolved into the multimedia realm, transcending telecommunications – its primary reason for being! To most, if not all of us who are privileged to be a part of this great institution – I believe PLDT has also served us well in one way or another! To me, it is in PLDT where I learned that there is more than meets the eye. It is here where I have met colleagues who have become more than just friends – they are family. It believed in me so much so that I had the strength & the courage to go for it. I am who I am because PLDT gave me the opportunity to learn, to develop, to be. For all that you are, have been & will be – I want to thank you for the journey it has been. I am sure PLDT would outlive me but I will forever be another testament that PLDT does change lives!

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MY LOVE STORY WITH PLDT

By Celia R. Malavega, Cainta Business Office

ovember is PLDT’s anniversary month, but this year is more memorable for someone like me who is among the service awardees, having been with the Company for 30 solid years. I remember vividly when I first entered its premises to apply. I was so excited because it is one of the most respected in the country. I was so happy when I was eventually hired on September 3, 1984. After 30 years, I cannot find the right words to show my gratitude to this Company that has given me and my family so much. It has been my partner as I embarked on other avenues of life, like having a family of my own. As I raised my children, PLDT’s many benefits helped me fend for their needs and more. PLDT enabled me to provide the little comforts that my children enjoyed. As I travelled the journey called life, PLDT has always helped me realize my dreams – for myself and my

family. Not only did it provide me financially but it has also given me a lot of learnings . I have developed the art of listening… listening to people’s queries, requests, and more. Oftentimes, we are only interested in stories of people we know, but when I began to work with PLDT, I became more appreciative of other peoples’ feelings because I am in personal and constant touch with them. I still have a long way to go, but I will forever be grateful to this Company which has not only provided my bread and butter for the longest time, but also my fortress that has sheltered me in good and bad times. A different kind of love story was born…PLDT and Me…a partnership that has been going on for three decades now, and I WILL ALWAYS BE PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF THIS EVER GROWING FAMILY… “Pagmamahal na Labis, Dama ng Tao!!!” CC:

A Silver Anniversary By Annie O. Salazar, Media Dear PLDT, Life has been so happy and rewarding spent with you. You showed me the value of patience in dealing with my customers and the importance of camaraderie when i was in Operator’s Services . You showed me how the business world revolves when I joined Public Affairs. Thank you for teaching me how to deal with people from all walks of life. It is really an honor to be part of a company that leads the telecommunications industry. We’ve been together for 25 years now and you continue supporting my family, fulfilling my dreams. May God continue to bless us with more productive and victorious years together. Happy silver anniversary my PLDT.

PLDT les g n o k me Sa o l H a , s h ese Ma ent F. Men m e anage ephin Ni Jos ice Center M rv and Se

gbati i PLDT ang pa g y a n g halig s o a k l ing m g nagin Maha m in a m g a n oa w ay Sumaiy ing taon ika ithi, m glaki, a al na m r a n o s r e r na pa Sa m p e e g r a in c na a am ndili syonal g kina Mula s prope a iyon y g il in m a m giti Sa a agka-p asabi nangin ang m deng m mi ay e a k w i Hangg p il ng ili-w a ba a g kaw yee Ano p y mon a uti ig emplo b in T a b D n a L g P in g Sa m o sa am ang pagigin hi ulot m agi ming la y a n Sa din g u n p u n a p h g a lu i! in du maram Kaya p aduluraming ng sa k a a m g g g n Ha mat n at…sala Salam l, amaha Nagm yee Emplo Happy

Thank you. ANYE

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AN OPEN LETTER TO PLDT (circa 2014) #3 Phenylethamine, Hypothalamus Village, Barangay Lymbic, Makati City, #1200 Captain Philippine Long Distance Company De La Rosa Cor. Makati Ave. Makati City, #1200 Dear Capt. PLDT, Greetings! My name is Hidde Anne Thoughtse, a mixed breed of Japanese, Chinese, Viet, Indian, some German, Brittish, a dash of Arabic(a)– or simply, I am Filipino. I come with a message of realization and of hope. I would like to invite you to a place less travelled by most people in the company. Yet I believe most of us have it in our heads as a must-go location but we ultimately forget in light of more enthralling vacations. You could definitely say that the place I’m talking about is pristine. Paradoxically, that is the sad part. It might be because it’s quite close to civilization – something that our era sort of silently abhors – or that we often see the place so much more expensive than what it actually is. To be honest, we have so many promos throughout the year; we just don’t have people availing of them. I don’t know what to do anymore. I write because I believe that this place would most definitely benefit from the technological marvel that is PLDT and of course I’m sure that anyone who visits will have the time of their lives. Before I go any further, let me blatantly point out that the place I am talking about is right within the recesses of our minds, Captain. It is in each one of us. Yet, I say again, for most of us, it is an uncharted island. The place I’m talking about is a place where the morning greeting is, “We change lives.” While working, I’ve hardly heard it. I have resolved to thinking that this simple greeting is sort of a vernacular that only exists in on that island – I hope to not think this way though. I shudder; I’ve entertained the thought of us saying the last 4 lines of a Walt Whitman poem to his captain. We are all the crew in this modern ship-of-the-line but we’d rather be the tourists. We’d rather look farther into the more enthralling of locations than promote our own. In this regard, we expend more fuel, we do more back massages, and we even get more salt in our eyes. We end up no longer enjoying the ride. We no longer enjoy the ride because we do so much more without thinking of what we are actually doing. Tourists spend money for their own: they will get experience; they will have pictures of it; they will have complaints as well. We face them head on with muscle-trained reactions – no longer thinking. We’ve forgotten to think why on earth they chose us and why they availed of our packages. We’re #1 and we’ve been staying on top for a long time. We’ve even extended our reach to so much more islands. Sadly, we’re coming from a place where we, a telecommunications company, were failing to communicate. There are other ships on the horizon, the same class even, with all things equal we’ll be, at the most enthused thought, sharing half of what we could’ve had. This is a cruise ship for crying out loud, we can’t simply keep raising our speed. Imagine showing a beautiful location and even before finishing your sentence you’ll be at another one, “look at this beautiful white sand- er – cliffs”. It’ll be about the entire ride now. The entire ride will include – not surprisingly – the crew. We’ve only slowly begun to figure out though that everyone is important and we need to help each other out. The kitchen crew can’t just give good food to the guests and serve sloppier joe’s to the crew! The ones serving certainly can’t take a bite out of the clubhouse sandwich that they’re serving! We need to mop up the places where people have slipped right away! We hear you, Captain! We need to bring everyone back to “We Change lives!” – we hear you, Captain! I have hope, enough hope that I can keep on for a bit longer. Right now I can send this message. I don’t even know of other employees in other companies that have the luxury. I have hope because I can clearly see people that reach out a little bit more than others. If Ebola can infect so many, why not people who are actually alive? Ebola is a virus A C C : E S S M A G A Z I N E ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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and it infects by chance – at a very scary rate in fact – but it will never be as potent as something that we wish to infect people with consciously. We hear you, Captain! The island where we’ve pushed far back into the recesses of our minds is not a sand dune. It is highlighted by an active volcano! It’s not scary; we’ve owned this island for more than 85 years now. We’re rebuilding. We’re bringing people back. We’ll be using ships, cars, light speed, warp drives, time travel, we’ll do everything. Don’t give up hope on us, Captain!

Sincerely,

Hidde Anne Thoughtse

My Love Affair for 32 years By Ma. Lydia C. Dela Merced, EmpDev

You know very well that you are the reason why I did not pursue my Medicine Proper. When I saw you standing around the corner of España near Welcome Rotunda, I immediately fell in love with you and vowed to have you over medical studies. On that fateful July, I confessed my choice, my decision to my parents. Always the supportive and understanding parents that they were, they reluctantly said yes, ‘though they were disappointed. I was happy then. My affair with you started August 30, 1982. What can I say about our love affair? • You enriched me with so many wonderful insights about corporate life • You taught me and made me take risks in life’s decisions • You made my parents happy and proud of me up to their last breath in this world. (Their earlier disappointment did not last long.) • You made me see the world • You made me understand people better • You gave me friends • You made me realize that we can learn from our mistakes and become stronger • You made me closer to God • You made me realize how to love • You made me value money • You made me see my strengths and my weaknesses • You made me what I am today My faith in you has always been strong. Even if my affair with you will end soon, you will always have my highest respect. Before my lights fade, let me thank you for all the things you did for me. I hope the new generations will experience what I have experienced so that they will be happy like me. Instill humility in them, too. That is an important ingredient of life. Lastly, allow me to say this…my 32-year affair with you is totally blissful. :-) Looking forward to 33. Salamat ng marami, my dear PLDT.

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30 Dear PLDT

Ni Tess Almo, PLDT Diliman Parang kaylan lang isa kang pangarap Di ko akalaing musmos na pangarap ay matutupad Simula nang magkaisip kumpanyang PLDT akin nang tinitingala Makapagtrabaho sa iyong kumpanya napakalaking karangalan Ikaw ang unang nakagisnang komunikasyong ginagamit ng lahat Hanggang sa ngayon ikaw pa rin ang boses at tinig na sinasandigan ng lahat Iyung mga proyekto ay ka gila-gilalas Malayong mga mahal sa buhay ay nakikita’t nakakausap. Saludo ako sa iyo at nagpapasalamat Nang dahil sa iyo buhay ng lahat ay sumaya’t nagkakulay Nawa’y kumpanyang PLDT lumago pa at mas lalong maging matatag.

It All Starts Here By Fides G. Pasumbal, Enterprise Inbound Contact Services

hat was the most significant thing that ever happened in your life?

We were asked this question in one of the trainings I attended. It’s a big question, something that would make you pause, reflect and think back on all those years that passed. For many, the answer was simple; it’s having their own family. For some of us though, we answered “being part of PLDT.” I remember one colleague saying she was about to say “having my husband and kids,” but thought that she wouldn’t have met her husband (who’s also a PLDT employee) if not for PLDT, so her final answer was, “Being with PLDT, because it all started there.” I thought that summarized it all. That activity, though brief, made me see my life flash back right before my eyes. From the time I got hired, to the many happy moments spent with family, the many friends I gained, the many places I’ve been to. I remember being doubtful while I was still job hunting, wondering if I’ll ever find a decent job. It was the worst feeling in the world, being unsure of your future. When I finally became part of PLDT, it was a roller coaster ride. I was hired as a traffic operator in Davao City, and then moved to Manila in 2003 when operations closed in Davao. I have since moved to another Division, and still learning a lot, meeting new people, gaining more

friends, creating new memories. I am also thankful for the chances I’ve been given to hone my singing voice through Tuklas Talino (now re-launched as Project Fame). It’s always been a nice feeling to perform and be with people who share your passion from different parts of the country. I’m happy that there are programs like these that our company provides to showcase the talents of its employees, the same thing it does for the athletes through the MVP Olympics. I am not an athlete but I’ve always been a supporter of our teams and I am immensely proud that we emerged champion again this year. When my parents talk about us, their children, to other people, they would say “That one is a doctor, that one is a CPA…” When it comes to me, it’s always “that one works in PLDT.” It never fails to make me smile. I may not have a title like my other siblings, but at least there’s one thing my parents are proud of about me. Getting hired by the country’s top telecommunications company is an accomplishment, no doubt. This is where it all began. This is where I learned to work and adjust to different kinds of people, learned to talk, listen, empathize and appreciate the customers, where I became more confident of my future and made life a little bit easier for my family. There would have been many things that I wouldn’t have experienced and enjoyed, had it not been for PLDT. And for that, I will forever be grateful. CC:

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Dear PLDT

By Marjory C. Sy Network Products and Services Design I have known you since the beginning of my time You made your presence known with the friendly chimes Connecting people near and far by stretching out your hands Allowing the labyrinth of stories to reach widely where you can You evolved from the simple life of rotary wheels To the handheld devices we carry while musing by the windowsill Transforming communication means from hearing one’s voice To having the message sent via SMS and MMS as we shy away from noise From the modest beginning of wired telephony business You have shone brighter through the years with your uniqueness Instrumental in building the empowered and progressive Philippines, Inspiring visionaries, enabling industries, touching lives abroad and within I am proud to be part of your family, happily belonging To your rich history for eighty-plus years and counting Work is PLDT – parang love din ‘to, as I would say Persevering, Learning, Dedicated, constant be it Tomorrow or Today

I’m 25 and I love it!

By Rizza S. Magpily, Laguna Customer Service Operations Zone My Dear PLDT It was in 1989 when we met I was only 20 years old then I was proud and I still am I learned so many things From traffic operations to business office mechanisms Now I’m an account admin Who does collection schemes Grateful indeed! That I am in a Company like this! I’ve gained so much from it Almighty God, please continue blessing it. Now I’m on my 25th year I can’t help but be proud and cheer My Dear PLDT I want to thank you And I will forever love you.

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32 A Letter to PLDT My Dear PLDT, First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your anniversary! It has been such a productive year for all of us. So proud to be a part of this prestigious and reliable company! You’re on your 86th. That’s really incredible – and still soaring up high! KUDOS! I salute you for this! I’m on my 20th year in the company, and I can’t imagine how you changed my life! From a simple, naïve girl, so innocent and full of hope, full of dreams, so determined to reach that dream – I came! I saw and I conquered! From my very first step at PLDT, I felt that I would become a part of it. I can still remember my shaking knees, the butterflies in my stomach, the perspiration in an air-conditioned room, while I was being interviewed by the manager. Whew! What a feeling! My God, I couldn’t breathe… Air… Air... Air… After all the examinations, the many interviews, the very rigid training, I was hired, with flying colors! I topped all the exams and the training as well. Well, I think that’s the product of my hard work and determination. I remember my mother then, jumping and crying out loud, thanking God for this. A shout of victory, should I say. It was a very momentous event in our family! I had a job, finally! This has changed my life, our life. I was so proud. My family was so proud of me! The first thing I bought out of my first salary was a 14” black and white television. We had no television then. We were just watching at our neighbor’s house. Enough of these sad memories, all I want to do now is to thank you – PLDT – for what I am now, for all I have and for what I’ve become. I was able to send my siblings to college and now, they have their own jobs . As the eldest, this is a very great accomplishment! You put food on my table, clothes on my back, and a home of my own. But the most important thing is I have realized my self-worth and have believed in myself more than ever! In 2011, when I was diagnosed with lupus, I had to undergo a brain operation because of an infection caused by my sickness. I was confined in the hospital for more than a month, celebrating Christmas and New Year there. I thought it was the end. But by God’s grace, I survived. PLDT shouldered all my medical expenses, from my operation to my maintenance medicines and my check-ups. I didn’t lose hope because I knew, the support system I had was one-ofa-kind. I was healed through the prayers of the people around me, of the people who love me and of course my PLDT family. It’s really a miracle that I’m still alive right now, and I owe it all to my Loving God, who gave me another chance. To PLDT, the amazing PLDT, you’re really awesome! Thanks to you. I may be teary eyed right now but my heart is filled with gratitude to you. You helped me survive and be hopeful. No words can ever express my feelings right now. I’m so thankful that I belong to PLDT. You gave me hope and a future. To inspire others and to learn to share whatever I have. To our Heavenly Father, I pray that You continuously bless us and our company. I bring back all the honor, praise, glory and thanksgiving to You. To my dear PLDT, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. I owe it all to you. I may not know my time, but still if ever I would live my life again, I will take the same path with no regrets at all! So proud to be with PLDT! Truly Yours,

Ma. Leonora S. Malenab, Cauayan SSC A C C : E S S M A G A Z I N E ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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Dear PLDT

y ka po. Matagal na rin Hello! How are you? Hope oke isa ah. After 24 years, tayong walang update sa isa’t g ako ang tatanungin balitaan mo naman ako… Kun i akong kwento sa yo, mo, heto… okey na okey , dam maganda, may pangit, mga nangyari sa buhay ko, may kot. Lingid sa iyong masaya , meron ding malung kaalaman, sobra-sobrang pasasalamat ang nais kong iparating sa yo, sa dami ng blessings na natanggap ko. Eto ikukuwento ko na. July 1, 1990 ang araw na ako ay na-regular dito, 17 days before my birthday. Gandang birthday gift nito. Sobrang katuwaan ang naramdaman ko kasi wala akong ibang hiniling kundi ang mabigyan ng stable na trabaho. na labing-isa kaming Nabanggit ko pala sa yo dati tanging ang ina ko lang magkakapatid at ulila sa ama nagtaguyod sa aming at kapatid na panganay ang apos ng mga kapatid lahat. High school lang ang nat an ay maswerteng nakakong lalaki at ang ate ko nam talaga ang buhay namin graduate ng college. Mahirap maraming tanong. Paano noon, palagi akong balisa at i kukuha ng pambili ng na ang buhay namin? Saan kam kaya kami? Eh ang makain pagkain? Makakapag-aral pa nga kulang pa sa amin. apag-aral ng kolehiyo, Dahil sa kagustuhan kong mak y doon sa tiyo ko, namasukan akong kasambaha k lilinisan at saka nagnaglalaba, nagluluto, at mga ana gawain ko. Di ko na aaral kapag tapos na lahat ng ang dinaranas ko noon, pinansin kung anumang hirap re ako sa tirahan, sa kapalit naman nito ay maka-lib abay po ng aking pag-aaral pagkain, pambaon atbp. Kas mga produkto galing sa ay ang pagtitinda ko sa PUP ng aming probinsiya. ang pagal at pagod Bata pa lang ako noon pero par pa rin ako sumuko sa na agad ang aking katawan. Di nagsilbi naman sa aking hamon ng buhay at patuloy na akin ng allowance at mga kapatid na nagbibigay sa buhay!! What a life!!! panggastos sa eskwelahan. Hay os, dininig ang aking mga Talagang di natutulog ang Diy land lady na ang daddy dalangin. Meron akong naging T (Mr. Ric Padua). Agad niya ay Sr. Manager dito sa PLD ation letter addressed to akong binigyan ng recommend , siguraduhin mo lang na Mr. Alex Casas. “Hija, sabi niya interview”. Dahil meron maipapasa lahat ng exams at

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o, tagumpay namang din naman akong angking talin at interbyu, ilang araw naipasa ko lahat ng pagsusulit ghandaan at ilang pina bago ang exam, kinondisyon, ko. ay nan beses kaming nagpamisa ng Department (1990 to Una akong na-assign sa Legal m 2008 to present) na 2008) at Regulatory Group (fro , mababait ang mga ilya itinuring kong ikalawang pam andang es, boss at office mat may mag . ndo asu kak samahan, at mag pamilya. Meron na rin po akong sariling may maliit ay io Mar si na wa Ang aking asa hanapna shop sa aming likod bahay, t-ibang iba’ ng a gaw pag buhay niya ang ay gan pan g akin Ang . klase ng cabinet ng pos gta apa nak la, na si Marina Pao ity Agricultural Business sa Univers una Lag os Bañ Los nes of the Philippi sa do leya emp ay n uya na sa kasaluk ase a-b nak na gko ban isang kilalang ng sa Region II. Kasama siya sa una ic dem Aca tion nda Fou T batch ng PLD ng n igya nab na ees ard Excellence Aw -aaral 0.00 na kanyang ginamit sa pag ,00 P20 g gan hala naman po ay si Marina noong high school. Ang ikalawa 4 sa De La Salle 201 il Claudine na nagtapos last Apr Management. Ang ng keti Lipa Batangas sa kursong Mar ting naman sa high dua gra ay bunso ko na si Emson Mari B at kukuha UPL sa din school. Hopefully, makapasa sa Diyos mat Sala . ring ng kursong Chemical Enginee ap din sa gar pan may at l at masisipag silang mag-ara buhay.

ito dahil sa loob ng Ikinukwento ko po ang lahat ng g PLDT ang aking kon hal 24 years, ikaw, pinakamama at itinuring kong igan kaib , naging inspirasyon, huwaran o. kapatid na malapit sa aking pus yo na ibinibigay mo sa Salamat sa maraming benepis lalo na ang benepisyong ng aming mga empleyado lalo uti sa aking pagkakasakit. medikal na nagamit kong mab aking mga panalangin sa Di ako magsasawang isama sa o matulog at pagmulat Poong Maykapal araw-araw bag huwag magkaroon ng aking mga mata na sana’y boss Mr. Manuel V. big ng karamdaman ang ating rs, executives at lahat cto Pangilinan, ang Board of Dire PLDT a maging matatag, ng kawani natin. Patuloy ang magbigay at magbahagi maunlad at huwag magsawang nangangailangan. ng tulong sa mga taong mas magkakasama sa Umaasa ako na tayo pa rin ang g. Pagpalain nawa tayo atin maraming pang araw na dar hanggang sa muli. at ng Poong Maykapal. Salamat Ang iyong kaibigan,

latory Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Regu

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