ACC:ESS April 2015 by PLDT Media

APR 2015

THE OF F ICIAL PUBLIC AT IO N O F T H E P LD T G RO U P

getting

connected

acc:essAPRIL2015

02 Convergence or integration in the digital space has always

been in the forefront of PLDT’s multimedia initiatives. As the frontrunner in the country’s multimedia and telecoms industry, PLDT has combined its vast talents and resources with its subsidiaries and affiliates to offer quality products and services to its customers effectively connecting them to their families, communities and the world like never before.

our cover

22 regulars

01 From the Editor 01 Mailbag 06 Snapshots 19 The Bandwagoner 22 Life & Arts

news

02 PLDT Group cements data center leadership with P1.3-B Clark facility 04 PLDT’s 85th anniversary app bags Anvil award 04 PLDT launches new int’l PoPs

featureS

07 More Reasons for Kids to Love the PLDT HOME Telpad Kid-friendly entertainment at home with Kids TV on Telpad 08 Off the Beaten Track PLDT ALPHA Enterprise holds Track Day 2015 10 Tech Island 2.0: Boosting digital opportunities for SMEs 12 PLDT Infoteach Outreach Special Graduation: Recognizing the best of the best in IT literacy 14 Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters bag 2015 PBA PLDT HOME Telpad Commissioner’s Cup 16 Setting up for the Integration of Things Cover Story

he digital transformation of PLDT is going on high gear with its expansive fiber network, recent acquisitions, and more internet-based products and service offerings.

Recently, we have bought into German firm Rocket Internet that already produced a joint venture which aims to drive the massive adoption of online and mobile payment solutions in emerging markets.

PLDT’s fixed and wireless networks are unrivalled with our fiber assets reaching nearly 100,000 kilometers. We also have four international cable links with another one, the Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1) cable system being built to increase our international bandwidth capacity and raise the resiliency of Filipinos’ connection to the world and vice versa. We have the biggest data center capacity which will further increase to 8,000 racks by 2016 when our data centers would have reached eight across the country. This supports our push for new technologies among enterprises – big and small – such as cloud and big data analytics. To serve out-of-country data center requirements, we have partnered with Acasia, the consortium of data centers from Asean telcos, and NTT Nexcenter. For big data, PLDT is the only Asian founding member of the Open Data Platform which is the largest Big Data Standards development in the world.

As mentioned in our cover story, the PLDT Group is also enriching its multimedia content through partnerships with various providers like Disney. It recently expanded its multi-year, multiplatform partnership with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, through its digital entertainment arm Disney Interactive. After initially providing access to Disney’s popular online games and e-books to Smart, the Disney Interactive portfolio will now be offered at home through PLDT’s home digital services unit PLDT HOME. Indeed, PLDT is in a unique position to lead the country towards the digital economy. More exciting things are sure to come in the next months! Abangan!

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado

MAILBAG Capiral

Gabica

staffbox Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head

EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor Paul Anthony A. Isla Adrian T. Elumba Sarah Azucena-Reodica Raymond C. Co 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 CONTRIBUTORS Carmenia L. Alim, Paul Edward Alvarez, Melvin John P. Artugue, Lloyd Jon G. Bernardo, Jan Lester E. Bisco, Jaime Campos, Czar Dancel, Mary Elizabeth G. Dioso, Cecille Nicole Q. Golloso, Danny L. Handayan, Annamarie C. Madrio, Luis C. Maglanoc, Ma. Leonora S. Malenab, Sarah Cielo Q. Meneses, Fides G. Pasumbal, Danilo P. Radam, Rebelyn Q. Rosales, Jessica Daphne D. Salonga, Jorald Silva, Marjory C. Sy, 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. Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515. Email: jrencarnado@pldt.com.ph

Time and again, satisfied subscribers take time to commend a job well done from PLDT staff for being courteous and prompt in their dealings with them. These satisfied customers find a way to send emails or call the business zone heads to praise and express their heartfelt thanks. This time, the efforts of Arleen Capiral and partner technician Renante Gabica of Cavite Customer Service Operations Zone were left unnoticed. “Their actions were based on our thrust of providing the best customer experience that they deliver to our valued clients,” said Cavite Customer Service Operations Zone Head Arsenio J. Guinto, Jr.

Academy of World Healing Foundation General Manager Raymund Balicha has sent an email to Guinto expressing how grateful their foundation is with the way Capiral and Gabica handled their telephone concerns. “We, at Academy of World Healing Foundation, are truly grateful for having Ms. Capiral and Mr. Gabica to be of helping hand whenever we need assistance. This we would like you to know,” Balicha said. CC:

News

Shown here during the VITRO Clark groundbreaking ceremony are, from left: PLDT VP Renato Castañeda, ePLDT COO Nerisse Ramos, PLDT EVP and ePLDT President Eric Alberto, Clark Development Corp. President Atty. Arthur Tugade, PLDT FVP Cesar Enriquez, and PLDT SME Nation AVP and Marketing Head Amil Azurin.

PLDT Group cements data center leadership

With P1.3B Clark facility By ADRIAN T. ELUMBA

PLDT, through its ICT subsidiary ePLDT, has reinforced its undisputed leadership in the local Data Center space as it starts building its fifth facility under its VITRO Data Center line in Clark, Pampanga.

PLDT EVP and ePLDT President Eric Alberto highlights the positive impact of the Clark VITRO for the regional business.

Including the three data centers operated by ePLDT subsidiary IP Converge Data Services, the PLDT Group now will have eight data centers with rack capacity of over 8,000 – the largest in the country. PLDT’s continued expansion in data center facilities is part of its commitment in creating the nation’s digital infrastructure. Located in the heart of the Clark ecozone, VITRO Clark, once fully operational, will cater to the region’s thriving business communities and planned IT hubs in Central Luzon, that could also serve the disaster recovery requirements for other businesses elsewhere.

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

With a total investment of Php 1.3 billion when completed, the construction of the VITRO Clark facility will boost the growth of ICTdemanding industries in the area like the business process outsourcing, outsourcing & offshoring, and retail.

“This new data center will be compliant to global standards with enough rack space to accommodate the production requirements of the enterprises based here in Luzon, as well as the disaster recovery requirements of those based

elsewhere. We are confident that the PLDT Group will again make our mark in Philippine ICT history,” said PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto. “We are not doing this just for the prestige of becoming the largest data center operator in the country. We are doing this because we want to enable local enterprises to compete in the global arena and help fulfill our country’s destiny to become the next Asian Economic Tiger,” he added. Adding an additional 1,230 rack capacity to the PLDT Group, the five-storey building will have eight level access security control and redundant infrastructures to ensure highest uptime service level. When fully complete, the PLDT Group will have eight operational commercial data centers with a combined rack capacity exceeding 8,000. The planned data center is anticipated to boost the region’s business communities and growing IT hubs. Recently, Metro Clark was

“We are not doing this just for the prestige of becoming the largest data center operator in the country. We are doing this because we want to enable local enterprises to compete in the global arena and help fulfill our country’s destiny to become the next Asian Economic Tiger. ” reported to enter the top 100 list of 2015 Tholons International Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations Report, making it the 8th Philippine city in the list. “PLDT has added value to Clark, with VITRO coming here, this adds to this landscape that will make businesses want to invest and set up here. We are excited to partner with PLDT for this as we have always known them for quality service, and a provider of employment in the

country,” said Clark Development Corporation President Atty. Arthur Tugade during the groundbreaking of the PLDT VITRO Clark facility. Much like the new VITRO facility in Makati, the VITRO Clark will be based on TIA-942 and LEED standard guidelines and will undergo certifications once completed, ensuring global standards are implemented that will make it at par with data centers in advanced countries. CC:

Members of Clark’s business community are being briefed on the benefits of the PLDT Clark Vitro.

APRIL 2015

PLDT’s 85th anniversary app bags Anvil award After successfully concluding its 85th anniversary celebration last year, PLDT recently took home a Silver Award for its Facebook-based social media campaign app “PLDT & ME” during the 50th Anvil Awards organized by the Public Relations Society Receiving the silver Anvil trophy are, from left: Public of the Philippines Affairs Officer Adrian Elumba, Public Affairs Head Ramon (PRSP). The online Isberto, Media Division Head Jay-Anne Encarnardo, and app was part of PLDT’s Public Affairs Officer Sarah Azucena-Reodica. milestone campaign that complemented “Enriching human connections has the Company’s digital and online been a key driver in PLDT’s track of efforts to its long-standing role in the empowering the country in all the country’s telecoms and ICT industry, decades it has served. We are grateful making PLDT a household name and a to the PRSP for recognizing the values primary enabler of the digital lifestyle. of this campaign where we directly

connected with our loyal subscribers and made PLDT’s anniversary more memorable and meaningful,” said PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R. Isberto, APR. CC:

EXPANDING GLOBAL FOOTPRINT IN UK, US EAST COAST

PLDT LAUNCHES NEW INT’L PoPs PLDT recently launched two additional global Points of Presence (PoPs) for data services, first in London, UK, then in the US East Coast in New York, adding to PLDT’s expanding PoPs in the US West Coast. Hong Kong, and Singapore. PLDT’s PoP in the US East Coast in New York and in UK directly interconnects across the Atlantic, and directly connects to Hong Kong, achieving optimal latency levels for PLDT’s customers around the world.

PLDT VP and Head of Corporate Relationship Management Mitch Locsin, PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Eric R. Alberto, PLDT Global Enterprise Managing Director Rich Ortega, PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, and PLDT Global Corporation President and CEO Alex Caeg raise their glasses during the ceremonial toast during the PoP launching in New York.

“As PLDT continues to enable the Philippine economy through investments in infrastructure and expertise, we also begin to expand globally, serving our most valued enterprise customers,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Eric Alberto. “It is with much pride we include the UK and East Coast US PoP to our growing managed international network, which also include the US West Coast, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Starting tonight, we are now ready and able to

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

interconnect the global business community to the world.” Launched in an intimate event at Cinnamon Club in London, the PLDT UK PoP was attended by top PLDT officials and enterprise executives from the British business community, while the US business community, including Philippine Consul General to New York Hon. Mario Lopez De Leon, Jr., welcomed the US East Coast PoP launch at the Marriott Marquis.

“We are indeed very proud to include our third US Point of Presence – the first on the East Coast – to our growing international network. The PLDT Group has always been committed to the continuous upgrading of our capabilities, and the expansion of our connectivity solutions that better serve all our customers,” said PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, during the US PoP launch in New York. Adrian T. Elumba

PSF inaugurates, turns over RISE! chapels in Palo, Leyte Archbishop John Du of the Archdiocese of Palo officiates in the mass at the Chapel of San Roque and Our Lady of Fatima in Castilla, Palo, Leyte donated by MVP and PSF during the RISE Chapels turnover ceremonies. After the highly successful once-ina-lifetime concert “RISE! Rebuilding from the Ruins,” the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) recently inaugurated and turned over five chapels to the respective community beneficiaries in the Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte. The success of the concert could not have been achieved without the support from various institutions, groups and individuals who were very eager to help their brothers and sisters in need after the strongest typhoon that hit the country. The five chapels are: San Roque and Our Lady of Fatima in Castilla, Palo, Leyte donated by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and PSF, San Roque and Nuestra Seniora De Salvacion in Teraza, Palo, Leyte donated by Smart, San Roque Chapel in Tacuranga, Palo, Leyte donated by Smart, San Roque and San Isidro Labrador in Macaranas, Palo, Leyte donated by PLDT, and San Agustin in Camaysihay, Palo, Leyte donated by PLDT. Heeded the call PSF and the donating companies and groups heeded the call to help in rehabilitating the communities that were affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. In 2014, PSF partnered with One Meralco Foundation and Caritas Manila for, a benefit concert showcasing the religious works of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. Dedicated to the Super Typhoon victims, the concert aimed to raise funds for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of churches and chapels that were destroyed by the typhoon. On June 11 last year, the once-in-alifetime concert brought together the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Voices of Aloha from the University

RISE Project partners and beneficiaries come together to celebrate their joyful rebuilding from the ruins of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

of Hawaii, Basil Valdez, Dulce, Jed Madela, mezzo-soprano Clarissa Ocampo, and tenor Ervin Lumauag, with the very special participation of Manila’s Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle. It was staged at the recently renovated Manila Cathedral. The concert was able to raise over P20-million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 20 chapels in the Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte. Construction of these chapels was completed by the fourth quarter of 2014. The chapels were also used as evacuation centers when Leyte was indirectly hit by Typhoon Ruby. People’s faith The inauguration started with a mass celebrated by Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte together with Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila. The program was then followed by the unveiling of the commemorative marker and the numbers prepared by the parish leaders. “Rebuilding after Super Typhoon Yolanda is truly a daunting task,” said PSF President Ma. Esther O. Santos. “But with the help of generous people led by our Chairman MVP, President Polly Nazareno, Cardinal Luis Tagle, and music genius Maestro Ryan Cayabyab himself, we were able to rebuild what seemed to be impossible

and would take years to achieve. It is the faith of the people of Palo that inspired this project. Many of the families chose to forgo repairing their houses and put the reconstruction of their chapel first. They said that as long as they have a chapel where they can pray, they will be alright and will be able to regain the strength for their long journey towards recovery.” For his part, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab said “music affects our lives in many ways. It can also be used to give help to people. Through music and our benefactors, we helped in the rebuilding of the chapels destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda and in restoring faith of the people.” Present also during the turnover were Smart Enterprise Risk Management Group Head Debbie Tan, PLDT and Smart employee-volunteers Ian Tauro, Jerome Butong, and Lito Dela Pena, May Tiangco and Hazel Salubon of Caritas Manila, and Ma. Socorro Bautista from Consuelo Madrigal Foundation who also donated mass kits to the chapels. PSF also gave away 1,000 rice buckets to the respective community beneficiaries of the five chapels donated by the MVP Group as part of the MVP Rice Bucket Challenge. Lloyd Jon G. Bernardo, PLDT-Smart Foundation

APRIL 2015

snapshots

PLDT, ePLDT bag awards of excellence for Office 365

PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s quarter-on-quarter performance won the 2015 Platinum Partner Winner: Cloud Partners (Cloud & Hybrid). The award was largely based on the number of Cloud seats sold as well as the number of active Cloud customers served in 2014. On the other hand, ePLDT was recognized as a Silver Cloud Productivity Competency Partner – for the second straight year from Microsoft having been declared Cloud Compete Partner of the Year back in 2014. This award was achieved by PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and ePLDT’s joint efforts in selling more than 2,000 O365 seats, as well as fulfilling numerous technical certifications by the support team. In essence, it makes PLDT the client’s one-stop-shop for everything O365. Photo shows ePLDT Group COO Nerisse S. Ramos and PLDT FVP and ALPHA Enterprise Head Jovy Hernandez receiving the awards.

PLDT IR, CSR cited in HK Corporate Governance Asia PLDT received double citations at the 5th Asian Excellence Recognition Awards held in Hong Kong recently. Organized by regional publication Corporate Governance Asia, PLDT was cited in the Best in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) category and the second year for Best in Investor Relations recognizing the Company’s efforts and excellence in best practices and business ethics based on scores of entries and interviews conducted with investors. PLDT’s IR and CSR efforts have since been consistently recognized in several investor-driven awards that have deemed it an ‘icon’ in corporate governance. Other MVP-led companies also received several awards from Corporate Governance Asia including First Pacific, Meralco, Philex Mining, and Metro Pacific. Photo shows PLDT FVP for Investor Relations Melissa Vergel De Dios receiving the trophies from Corporate Governance Asia Managing Director and Publisher Aldrin Monsod during the awarding rites in Hong Kong.

PLDT ComRel co-sponsors 2015 Asia-Pacific taekwondo invitational championships PLDT Community Relations was one of the sponsors during the 2015 Asia-Pacific taekwondo invitational championships participated in by teams representing USA, Guam, Sung Nam City Korea, An San City Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Vietnam, China, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines. Iloilo marked a milestone in the Philippine sports history by being the first local government outside Metro Manila to host an international taekwondo tournament, according to Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog. Photo shows the various teams with Mayor Mabilog, officers, organizers, referees and PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario. ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

feature

More reas to love th ons for kids e PLDT HOM E Telpad

Kid-friendly entertainment at home with Kids TV on Telpad

LDT HOME Telpad, in partnership with the country’s biggest pay TV operator Cignal Digital TV, recently launched a new service that will allow kids to watch top entertainment and learning shows. Kids TV is a streaming service which allows subscribers to access top five entertainment and learning channels on their Telpad units. These channels include Nickelodeon, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, Cartoon Network, and Da Vinci Learning. Using Kids TV, kids can easily watch their favorite shows by simply clicking on the HOME Player widget on their Telpad. “In addition to giving them access to Disney Interactive content right in the comforts of home, here’s another reason for kids, and their parents, to love the Telpad,” PLDT Executive Vice President and Head of Home Business Ariel P. Fermin said. “When it comes to familyfriendly entertainment for kids, we only want the best for our subscribers. This new and affordable service is part of our long-term commitment to help Filipino families forge the strongest connections at home through compelling multimedia offerings.”

Kiddie favorites With Kids TV on Telpad, children get to watch fun and educational shows. Parents who want to filter what their kids watch can also use this service to give them a dedicated and easy-to-use screen where only certified kidfriendly content options are available. Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network house some of today’s most popular children’s shows, while Nat Geo and Nat Geo Wild give kids a close-to-real-life preview of the exciting outdoors and its diverse animal life. Da Vinci Learning is an internationally broadcasted knowledge TV channel which airs documentaries and education series on topics such as history, sociology, biology and physics. PLDT Vice President and Head of Home Marketing Gary Dujali said, “In partnership with Cignal, we’ve taken five of today’s most well-loved and educational channels for children and made it easy for kids to watch these shows at home. It’s a new way for kids to enjoy the Telpad while bonding with their parents or learning something new along the way.” Existing Telpad customers may avail of Kids TV by simply logging on to pldthome.com. CC:

APRIL 2015

Richard Echon aims for the kill in this target practice activity.

LDT ALPHA Enterprise takes the annual ALPHA Track Day to new frontiers with an all-terrain driving experience like no other. The scenic volcanic mudflows and rocky rivers at the edges of Mount Pinatubo set the stage for this year’s ALPHA Track Day, featuring a whole new adventure from previous years. Introducing a new setting in its five-year history, ALPHA Track Day gave clients an off-road experience in Clark, Pampanga, and a whole lot of adrenaline-pumping automotive activities.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 15 0 2 y a D k c a Tr s ld o h PLDT ALPHA Enterprise PLDT FVP and ALPHA Enterprise Head Jovy Hernandez delivers the opening remarks.

UTV participants express their satisfaction at the conclusion of the event.

ALPHA goes (intentionally) off-track The sense of excitement increased as guests arrived at the Green Canyon Resort, ready to take on what PLDT ALPHA Enterprise had in store for the day. In his opening remarks, PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez promised “a completely different automotive experience” with this year’s off-road adventures. “As the ALPHA Track Day lives on year after year,” he added, “it has been a constant challenge for us to make sure we give you highly anticipated experiences to look forward to. Taking off from this year’s theme, we are as excited as you are on what – and where – our next year’s activities will be.” Renowned racecar driver and ALPHA Track Day 2015 chief instructor Georges Ramirez gave a rundown of the day’s activities from Adventure Trail, Jeep Off-Road Experience,

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

UTV Ride and Drive, Gymkhana, Target Shooting, Driving Range, and Segway relay. He also hinted that the participants would get wet and dirty getting guests more excited. After the briefing, participants were escorted from the resort to the activity site in the middle of the ashy lahar terrain where they were welcomed in a majestic ALPHA oasis - a Moroccan-themed tent that served them a feast all throughout the day. Groupings were made for each scheduled activities. The Adventure Trail was a hit in this year’s ALPHA Track Day. Participants rode rugged 4x4s in an amazing journey towards the ash-covered landscape of Mount Pinatubo. The other activities also tested the participants’ driving skills and technique, requiring high-level ability to handle the all-

A convoy of 4x4s bring ALPHA Track Day participants through the adventure trail.

Participants flash the ALPHA sign in front of a monster truck.

Participants try the latest Jeep SUV models at the Jeep Off-Road Experience.

terrain vehicles. It was a rough and tumble experience for the most part. However, participants were not disconcerted – on the contrary, they were enjoying and wanting more. Contributing to the success of this year’s ALPHA Track Day were various automotive partners: Pampanga 4x4 clubs, Jeep, and Nissan X-trail and Navarra. That night, the celebration continued as they moved away from the off-beaten track to the Green Canyon Resort. Everyone enjoyed a sumptuous dinner coupled with great entertainment provided by Amber Davis. Team Red is unfazed by the summer heat.

In the middle of the scorching lahar-infested desert of Mt. Pinatubo stands a Morrocan-themed tent that serves as a cool oasis to participants.

A race to the finish line: awarding of winners Awards were given to those who had stood out during the day’s off-road activities. Prizes were also raffled off to lucky guests which included GoPro cameras, Samsung television sets, and units of the newest Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. “Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s ALPHA Track Day,” said Hernandez near the conclusion of the event. “We have pushed the limits to make this year’s event equally enjoyable for you, as it has been for us. This event is a testament of our enduring partnership, as we continue to reach the extent of our capabilities to give you an accelerating and supreme ALPHA experience as your trusted expert end-to-end ICT partner.” CC:

APRIL 2015

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle PLDT gives a plaque of appreciation to Rappler CEO Maria Ressa for participating in Tech Island 2.0. With her are, from left: PLDT EVP and ePLDT President Eric Alberto, PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno, and PLDT FVP and Head of SME Business Kat Luna-

Winston Damarillo

Boosting

digital op

portunit ie

imed at providing small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) a venue to explore their options for growth, PLDT SME Nation recently hosted the two-day Tech Island 2.0 in Ocean Adventure, Subic. Industry leaders, business owners, and IT professionals gathered in the biggest ICT event for discussions, workshops, and knowledge sharing on how to communicate in the digital sphere. Tech Island 2.0 opened its first day to key business owners in a high-level forum that established the changing digital landscape in the Philippines. With the theme “Transformational Leadership in the Digital Era”, PLDT Executive Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International and Carrier Business Eric Alberto shared his insights on what it means to ride the waves of the increasingly digital world for SMEs to remain competitive in the market. “Defining a digital business, or acquiring a universal description of what ‘digital,’ is quite a challenge because essentially the concept is continuously evolving,” said Alberto. “PLDT was able to develop and craft what we think is the simplest and broadest way to define digital. From a technology perspective, digital is described as the SMAC stack or SMAC technologies. SMAC stands for Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud. The combined technologies of SMAC erases geographical barriers, cuts costs, and increases operational efficiencies of any given business. In other words, these are solutions that can help transform businesses to be better equipped today and for the future.” Key speakers included Rappler’s Chief Executive Maria Ressa on her experience in taking Rappler to uncharted digital territories, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ Cardinal Luis Tagle on the responsibility that users and businesses need to take in maximizing the potential of the digital world. Tagle, together with Golden ABC’s President and CEO Bernie Liu, TV5’s Head of Sports Vincent Reyes, and PLDT Communication and

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

s for SME

Energy Ventures Inc.’s Orlando Vea, also engaged in a panel discussion about what it means to be a transformational leader in the digital era. A larger gathering of around 1,000 members of IT professionals, business owners, and developers took place on the second day for a plenary and workshops with some of the country’s top technology brands. Kicking off with the theme “Mastering the Digital Wave”, the talks aimed to bring businesses from the traditional to the digital scene with the use of the latest products and services that can empower SMEs. “Technology is, more than ever, the SMEs’ greatest equalizer, its greatest weapon towards sustainable profitability,” said Katrina Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Group’s First Vice President and Head of SME Business. “For SMEs to thrive and survive in today’s hypercompetitive marketplace, our Small and Medium Enterprises need to transform in fundamental ways. Adopting a global mindset with the objective of expanding and conquering new opportunities is the starting point. Next, SMEs must embrace transformation by revisiting, reviewing and questioning their current business models and go to market strategies. Lastly, it is critical that an adoption of technology is made, as this is what will give them a definite edge and will allow them to be enabled by the tools and solutions which were previously only available to the ‘big boys.’” The plenary began with International Data Corporation’s Software and Services Director for ASEAN Roger Ling, who gave his analysis on where the technology industry is heading in the coming years. Sharing his experience in bringing Foodpanda to the country was Foodpanda Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer Mauro Cocchieri, who gave recommendations on how SMEs can take advantage of the country’s digital revolution by integrating their operations and deliveries into the cyberspace. Also contributing his experiences was Amihan Global Strategies

Participants take selfies on the beach before the start of the networking night. Over 1,600 attendees listen during the different plenary sessions.

Ellen Adarna engages the crowd at the beach during the luau party.

PLDT officials and partners officially open Tech Island 2.0.

Startups and technopreneurs share their experiences in getting their ideas and businesses off the ground thanks to technology.

Managing Director Winston Damarillo, who shared his story of making it big in Silicon Valley and starting his enterprise in delivering digital transformation strategies. Rounding out the series of speakers was IdeaSpace Foundation President and CoFounder Earl Valencia, who discussed the need for science and innovation to solve the region’s market issues, as well as shared his list of tools in the market today that will help SMEs grow their business. Participants were also engaged in four breakout sessions designed to cater to every stage of a digital enterprise’s growth. In “Catching the Wave,” PLDT SME Nation Data Solutions Category Head Christian Lim highlighted the collaboration between PLDT SME Nation, Samsung Business, Smart M2M Pay, Office 365, PLDT Cloud, Tackthis, Lazada, and JuanaChat to discuss

a full-solution approach in providing SMEs with the necessary platforms as they continue to grow their businesses in the digital hemisphere. Unveiling the key to competitive efficiency was PLDT SME Nation Product Specialist Miguel Alegre in “Riding the Wave”, centering on the benefits of automating and streamlining operations with ICT solutions powered by Enterprise Resource Planning, PLDT Cloud Asset Tracking, ABM Global Solutions, Salesforce, Smart M2M PowerForm, and Smart M2M Pharma. For businesses that already have cloud solutions, IPC, Vitro Data Center, and PLDT Cloud held “Sink or Swim”, a talk by PLDT SME Nation Category Head for Voice and Cloud Enzo Tanedo on sustaining digital enterprises. On “Surfing Lessons,” Valencia returned to give IdeaSpace’s and Foodpanda’s business hacks for starting a digital outlet. CC:

APRIL 2015

PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario gives the plaque of appreciation to Mayor Celestino E. Martinez, Jr. of the City of Bogo.

bogo, cebu

pldt Infoteach Outreach Special Graduation & awarding ceremonies

Recognizing the best of the best in IT literacy in 14 areas By Jessica Daphne D. Salonga, PLDT Community Relations

pholding IT literacy. This has been one of PLDTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s banner projects through the years. PLDT believes this project is one of the many ways to help a thriving nation see and realize progress and development. It is along this vein that PLDT Community Relations with Evelyn M. Del Rosario at the helm all through these years that an IT project such as the PLDT InfoTeach Outreach Graduation has truly help numerous public high school students and teachers with free computer training course. Aimed at enhancing computer aptitude and learning, thousands of secondary public schools students and teachers have benefitted and have been armed with ample computer competence with this laudable IT program in partnership with the UP Open University (UPOU), Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Intel, and the local government units. The free computer course has produced over 14,000 graduates since 2004.

abra

batangas

bantayan island, cebu

A total of 145 schools were recognized during the PLDT Infoteach Outreach Special Graduation with schools coming all the way from Abra, Batangas, Bohol (Tagbilaran), Cagayan de Oro, Capiz (Roxas), Camarines Norte and Sur (Naga and Daet), Cebu (Bantayan Island and Bogo), Ilocos Norte, Las PiĂąas, La Union, Mandaluyong, and Surigao del Norte (Siargao Island). The program welcomed 2,125 fresh students and 2,388 fresh teacher graduates. Indeed, PLDT Community Relations has been true to its word of propagating IT knowledge and bringing information to everyone who deserves to be in pace with the digital quest for learning. CC:

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

cagayan de oro

daet

ilocos norte

La union

Las piĂ&#x2018;as naga mandaluyong

Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat gives his welcome remarks.

ROXAS

SIARGAO islands

TAGBILARAN, bohol Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap underscores the importance of IT for teachers.

APRIL 2015

talk n’ text Tropang Texters bag 2015 PBA HOME TELPAD Commissioner’s Cup By Paul Anthony A. Isla

De Ocampo thwarts a monster jam from Gabe Norwood.

orty-eight minutes of regular game period were not enough that it took an additional ten minutes to separate the greatest from the rest. And as the final buzzer sounded, and yellow, blue and white balloons fall from the rafters, team staff and players began to rush to the court to celebrate the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters victory. At the end of the second overtime period, the Tropang Texters capped the seven-game series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with a two-point win at 121-119 and took home the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) PLDT HOME Telpad Commissioner’s Cup Finals crown. With both teams hungry for a championship, the seventh game proved to be a match of epic proportions as coaches laid out their best strategies and players were pushed to their own emotional, mental and physical limits. The latest finals match between the Tropang Texters and the Elasto Painters is their second meeting, where the latter also fell short during their first meeting in the 2012-2013 PBA Philippine Cup. After six conferences of title drought, the Tropang Texters’ latest championship brings the team to a total of eight championships in 16 final appearances, and its first win under head coach Joseph Enrico ‘Jong’ Uichico’s helm and in a postJimmy Alapag era.

Photography by Czar Dancel & Jaime Campos of Spin.ph

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

Uichico, during the awarding ceremony, said the win was a relief to a very [emotional, mental and physical] difficult

Harvey Carey gets to cut and keep the basket’s net as a Finals memento. Castro blows past Chris Tiu and Wayne Chism to cut and score a basket.

Jay Washington stops Chism from scoring a basket.

Players and coaching staff rush to center court to celebrate the Texters’ Commissioner’s Cup Finals victory.

series. “The players actually won the game for us. And we would like to thank the management, especially to PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan for trusting us,” he added. In congratulating the team, MVP thanked the team members and their fans for all their support. “I also would like to congratulate the Elasto Painters for giving us a good game series,” he said.

are also well respected team — especially for their defense,” he added. De Ocampo also shared his MVP plum to his teammates. “We are all MVPs, as we all helped one another to win this championship,” he added.

Texters Governor Manuel V. Pangilinan and Alternate Governor Ricky Vargas join team consultant Tab Baldwin in a photo opportunity to celebrate the team’s finals win.

Texters power forward and team captain Ranidel de Ocampo was voted as the Finals Most Valuable Player after averaging 24.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assist and 1.3 blocks in the seven-game melee. De Ocampo or RDO to teammates also averaged 40 percent in three-point percentage, 53 percent in field goals, and 81 percent in free throw shots.

De Ocampo said the win was a sweet ending to their run this conference considering that they have suffered a long title drought and that a number of Texters were also sidelined due to injuries. “It’s really overwhelming, as the Elasto Painters

Texters point guard Jayson Castro was also voted as the Best Player of the Conference after averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assist during the eliminations and averaging 25 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6 assist during the semifinals.

Apart from Castro and De Ocampo, the Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters roster is composed of Jay Washington, Harvey Carey, Robert Lagabala, Ryan Reyes, Willie Miller, Larry Fonacier, Kelly Williams, Elmer Esperitu, Robert Reyes, Danny Siegle, Aaron Aban, import Ivan Johnson, and rookies Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser. Former Texter point guard Jimmy Alapag took the position of team manager, while the coaching staff is headed by Uichico and assistant coaches Nash Racela, Bong Ravena, and Joshua Reyes, and team consultant Tab Baldwin. CC:

APRIL 2015

cover story

SETTING UP FOR THE

OF THINGS By olive o. barrozo

ntegration is vital in the digital world. An integrated system brings about more enhanced products and services to suit people’s unique requirements. It empowers people, giving them choices, making things more convenient, and connections more meaningful. As the frontrunner in the country’s multimedia and telecoms industry, PLDT has combined its vast talents and resources with mobile subsidiaries Smart Communications and Sun Cellular, pay TV provider Cignal, as well as international content and internet providers to offer quality products and services to its customers, effectively connecting them to their families, communities, and the world like never before. World’s top TV shows and movies Innovative integration in the realms of content and connectivity continue to develop as the PLDT Group invests in global companies like iflix and Rocket Internet. The PLDT Group has recently invested US$15-million in iflix, Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service. It will form part of the funds that will enable iflix to acquire rights to new content, produce original programming, and make them available to 600 million consumers in Southeast Asia who will have access to thousands of hours of the world’s top TV shows and movies for a low monthly rate. “PLDT looks forward to working with iflix to grow its business and introduce new media services that will fuel further the demand for broadband and mobile access in

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

the Philippines and across Southeast Asia,” said PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. This investment is in line with PLDT’s strategy to develop new revenue streams and to complement its present business by participating in the digital world beyond providing access and connectivity. In a statement released earlier, iflix Chairman, Patrick Grove said: “We are excited to join forces with such an outstanding regional partner, who shares our vision. The new funds will allow us to execute on our plan to deliver thousands of hours of entertainment for a low monthly price to the 600 million consumers in the region.” iflix will offer consumers in key Southeast Asian markets more than 10,000 hours of top US, Asian regional, and local TV shows and movies. Each subscription will allow users to access the service on five devices, as well as download content to their mobile, tablet, computer, or television set, for viewing anytime, anywhere. Last Year, PLDT partnered with Berlin-based Rocket Internet to drive the development of online and mobile payment solutions in emerging markets. According to PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, “PLDT and Rocket are currently developing a commercial model that integrates Smart Money payments in selected Rocket e-commerce businesses in the Philippines to be launched in the next couple of months. Mobilization in other international markets where Rocket operates would follow shortly thereafter.”

Disney and Kids TV on PLDT HOME Telpad PLDT has also started to integrate various forms of content into its products and services, bundling music, games and e-books with offers. Among the most recent initiatives are PLDT’s strategic partnerships with Disney, Cignal Digital TV, and Front Seat. Its partnership with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia through Disney Interactive, its digital arm, enables PLDT HOME Telpad subscribers to access interactive e-books and online games that feature popular Disney characters like Cinderella, Queen Elsa, Mickey Mouse, The Avengers, and so many others. Disney’s fun and fascinating content is now available on PLDT HOME Telpad, the world’s first and only landline, broadband and tablet in one. A new addition to PLDT’s growing content portfolio is the Kids TV, launched recently in partnership with Cignal Digital TV, the country’s biggest pay TV provider. A streaming feature, Kids TV includes the top five entertainment and learning channels for kids, namely, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, and Da Vinci Learning. (See related story on page 7.) Triple Play on PLDT HOME DSL Another remarkable integrated service is the PLDT HOME DSL Triple Play, a three-in-one product bundle that includes the reliable family-sized Internet from PLDT HOME DSL, access to digital TV channels from Cignal, and a PLDT landline connection. PLDT HOME DSL subscribers can enjoy over 100 digital TV channels from Cignal, including NBA Premium and Cignal-exclusive channel Disney XD when they upgrade or sign up for the Triple Play plan.

“PLDT has also started to integrate various forms of content into its products and services, bundling music, games and e-books with offers. Among the most recent initiatives are PLDT’s strategic partnerships with Disney, Cignal Digital TV, and Front Seat.. ” Front Seat Taking the front seat in any sports event is everybody’s dream and PLDT helped realize the dream when it partnered with Cignal and Front Seat Pay-Per-View for the live showing of Battle for Greatness, the muchawaited bout between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Front Seat is the Philippines’ biggest online entertainment service that features top content from the world’s largest entertainment brands. It fulfills sports fans’ dream of watching their favorite games up close. Only better. Because with the collaboration of PLDT, Cignal and Front Seat, fans got to watch the boxing match in great detail in the comforts of their homes at considerably low rates.CC:

APRIL 2015

18 PDRF President Butch Meily and PLDT Community Relations Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario, 3rd & 4th from left, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the turnover of the health center. Also in photo are, from left : PDRF Program Manager Veronica Gabaldon;Brgy 109 Chairwoman Elizabeth Lesiguez; V&G OIC Mel Tirso Maravilles;Tacloban City Administrator, OIC Atty. Jenny Lyn Manibay;Tacloban City Health Officer Dr. Joedina Gumagay; V&G Resident Physician Dr. Mylene Brasileno;Brgy 109 A. Chairman Rodolfo Padillo.

RESPONDING TO THE CALL

PLDT, PDRF turn over health facility in Tacloban City Hospitals and health centers in Tacloban City were not spared from the destruction brought about by typhoon Yolanda. Several hospitals and health centers were heavily damaged. After Yolanda, several medical organizations and volunteers organized medical missions to provide immediate and much-needed assistance. But this is not enough due to the great number of typhoon victims and heavily damaged health facilities. At that point, there was a call for help for the repair and rehabilitation or construction of various hospitals, health centers and clinics. PLDT, in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) responded to the call. As as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, PLDT thru the Community Relations Division headed by Evelyn M. Del Rosario immediately gave its full support for the repair and facility upgrade of one of the health centers in Tacloban, the V&G District Health and Birthing Center in Caibaan, Tacloban City. Completed in December 2012 and was operational in February 2013, this health facility has helped the marginalized as they were initially provided with maternal, neonatal and child health services as part of the integrated quality health programs along with other basic health necessities. And now with enough manpower, equipment and supplies, other psychosocial

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

and mental programs were institutionalized. A month after typhoon Yolanda, V & G resumed its operations but services weren’t readily available because of the lack of manpower, supplies and equipment. “The new health and birthing center with its brand new equipment will help thousands of people in several barangays in Tacloban”, said PDRF President Butch Meily. PLDT and PDRF’s help were greatly appreciated by the Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, the city health office and the six barangay beneficiaries. The newly rehabilitated health center and with its new medical and dental equipment can now provide the best medical and dental services to the city’s constituents especially the marginalized.

V&G resident physician Dr. Mylene Brasileno checks on one of the patients from Brgy 109. Looking on are, from left: Del Rosario, Manibay, Meily and V&G OIC Mel Tirso Maravilles.

“As part of the Company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, this health facility came at a very opportune time. And with our ongoing relief efforts, the victims of the super typhoon and other natural calamities are first and foremost in our minds as we definitely want them to stand up again in the face of these adversities; pick up the broken fragments of their lives and become whole again. It feels so much gratifying to know that we can be of help in our own little ways,” said Del Rosario. Alice P. Tuazon, PLDT Community Relations

Managing Frailties in Structures, Systems and Culture

t’s been repeatedly said that opportunities happen when you’re supposedly at the right place at the right time. Some even rant that it’s really about direct access to who has the power and not necessarily about how much you’ve performed. The right connections provide the defining breakthroughs, so they say. That is why there is value in networking like crazy. Corporate politics is here to stay. With all our efforts to implement a performance management system that’s highly data driven, it’s still arguable that talents get truly appraised and assessed with 100% objectivity. Factors like ease of interface, frequency of encounters, historic affiliations and strategic mileage get thrown in the scorecard. The powerful voice, the arresting presence, the shared legacy and the gift of gab appear to have the edge when it comes to ascending the ladder of hierarchies. But how do we deal with strongholds in alliances that seemingly confine your personal progress? How does one make his mark when everything already appears to be filtered with reinforced impressions? How does one guard from being discouraged when the dynamics of railroading and factions come into play? Actually, these very same scenarios can be ripe for heightening your worth when your focus on what needs to be done doesn’t get compromised. Word of mouth from clients whom you’ve served exceedingly well will strengthen your credibility in time and surpass internal machinations within your radius. The bigger environment has a bigger say in getting you within the spheres of relevance. This is where we need to be self-driven. To seek approval is normal. But to make your enthusiasm depend on it can get dangerous. Just let your track record for proven dependability speak for itself. The reward is in the personal fulfilment of the work itself, not always in its external validation. We also need to take intelligent risks. Worst scenario is when we’re just breeding a culture of order takers. We need to pick on each other’s brains. Of course, the risks should be calculated. If there’s an aftermath to manage, make the process growth inducing without sacrificing critical stakes in productivity. I’ve personally learned from my mentor, Maynilad President & CEO Ricky Vargas that one of the most

difficult leadership skill is to manage exceptions without demeaning the intent of a policy. That’s akin to managing isolated cases that need to be treated differently without belabouring the rationale for a rule or standard. Truth be told, there are no books I can prescribe or seminars I can encourage you to attend that will make you excel in this practice. This is more of art than science, and it comes with being seasoned. Sometimes, the worst kind of decision maker is one that hides his judgment call behind cold policy. This is not to undermine the importance of SOPs. Like a train to get to its destination, we have to travel on the tracks. Let there be order and sound internal controls. But to get too fixated to the point when we cease to be flexible and reasonable can be anti-growth. Bottom line: decisions are worth making and pursuing if they inarguably impact revenue generation, operational efficiency and customer experience while not violating ethical standards. Of course, many may see this as a lofty ideal and claim that this is not really happening all the time. Reality check: We all have our frailties. But dare we not run out of steam to fire ourselves up with enough idealism to want meaningful change, whether the transformation process proves to be swift or herculean. Losing focus is bad enough. But losing inspiration can be the ultimate tragedy. CC:

Hi-fives galore! A culture that thrives on affirmation stand better changes of managing setbacks. Encouragement fuels passion.

APRIL 2015

Prominent lecturer Francis Kong elaborates on how to best deal with change.

2015 Retirees’ Fair:

sasalamat song Pa Taos Pu Management Nicole Q. Golloso, PLDT Career By Cecille

Retirees inquire about the latest investment products available for them from various financial companies present.

t is not the end but rather, It is a new beginning…

To people who have been part of PLDT for years, letting go of what was once their home may be very difficult because this is where they have achieved their dreams, built friendships, honed their skills and learned life’s most important lessons. However, despite the desire not to leave the Company that may have given them all that they have right now, it is a fact to reckon with that no matter what, everybody will face a time when they already have to enter a new chapter in our lives. Last April 13 and 14, almost 300 retired employees attended the 2015 Retirees’ Fair: Taos Pusong Pasasalamat, held at the Teltec AVR. The event was aimed at informing the retirees on their separation requirements, benefits and investment options as well as helping them deal with the change that they may undergo when they leave the walls of PLDT. Thus, during the two-day program, booths of investment institutions were showcased, and renowned speakers invited as a treat to these retirees. Among the presenters were inspirational speaker Francis Kong, financial consultant Elsa Sambalilo, HRIS & eHR Systems Management Head Ed Marquez, PECCI General Manager Julius Uson, TELESCOOP Officer Divine

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

Resource Speaker Elsa Mendoza-Sambalilo talks on financial literacy focusing on how to make sure that the lump sum retirement fund is sufficient to cover the retirees’ living expenses throughout their lifetime.

Bienvenido, and Asian Life Representative Vince Esteban. Sambalilo shared with the retirees the essence of investing at the right place to ensure that their lifestyles are sustained and that their hard-earned money will not be put to waste. Kong, on the other hand, emphasized that as much as they should know how to manage their money wisely after they retire, it is now even more important for them to maximize their time to learn new things, to do what they love and to bond with their families because those are the type of treasures that will never cease and that no amount of money could ever buy. In the same forum, Employee Development Head Nonong Noriega also facilitated a trip down memory lane with the retirees and gave a humbling tribute to them through a special song performance with HR’s very own Deng Kibanoff, Ethel Araullo and Malou Tabuzo. In addition to the booths of the exhibitors, distinguished speakers and heart melting performances, the attendees were also treated with great prizes and giveaways throughout the program. The 2015 Retirees’ Fair: Taos Pusong Pasasalamat may be the last program that would be attended by the retirees as a PLDT employee but hopefully, with the knowledge, memories and realizations that they have gained, it will also be the first program that they will be taking along with them as they step into another journey. CC:

Shown here are the PLDT employees and dependents who joined the first ever Amoranto-Ramos (AR) Summer Tennis Camp.

Photography by Jorald Silva

hirty aspiring tennis players and enthusiasts of different age and skill categories participated in the first-ever Amoranto-Ramos (AR) Summer Tennis Camp, held recently at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Centre. Geared towards fun, discipline and camaraderie, the AR Summer Tennis Camp welcomed all PLDT employees and dependents for a total of 12-hour sessions of indepth tennis technique instructions and footwork drills. The coaches were Trudy Amoranto of PLDT Policies & Procedures Development, and Martin Ramos, PLDT Payment and Information Management. Amoranto is a former #1 junior player & women’s doubles player of the Philippines, top 500 world-ranked junior player, and UAAP team captain, Rookie of the Year and MVP, while Ramos is the former coach of the Perkins Twins Academy, International SchoolManila and DLS-College of St. Benilde, and NCAA team captain and champion. “This is our 4th tennis camp program since 2014, the three others were conducted before we joined PLDT, and we are proud to have worked Dennis Boa of PLDT with a number of Capability Management PLDT employees and executes a forehand at employee-dependents the recently-concluded who want to learn AR summer tennis tennis or develop camp. their tennis skills,” said Amoranto. “It was an incredibly unique opportunity to make lasting friendships with people who share similar enthusiasm with tennis. We hope that this Summer Tennis Camp would inspire these players to keep the love for the sport alive,” Ramos added. With their wide range of experience in the field of intercollegiate, national and international tennis associations, the coaching standards of Amoranto and Ramos are not only quality-focused, but versatile as well. “In the AR Tennis Camp, students do not simply learn the basics of tennis, they are also guaranteed to develop

The AR tennis campers learn the basic techniques of a backhand. their level of competitiveness, self-discipline, confidence, leadership skills and social skills through the sport,” Amoranto said. According to Marga Marasigan, one of the AR Tennis Campers, “Joining AR Tennis Camp definitely beats learning alone with a trainer. Because of the small class size, the coaches were able to give enough attention to each student while we got to have fun with new friends. Every other camp out there can cover the basics of tennis but AR Tennis Camp offered a little extra: it has instilled discipline and a sense of teamwork. I found myself loyal to my group by the end of the meeting through the drills and activities we had to do together. Overall, the afternoons were well spent! Can’t wait for the next camp!”

The beginner’s class of AR tennis camp, on their first lesson – the grip.

The tennis camp was conducted in partnership with the PLDT Employee Relations (EmpRel) Division, with the support of the PLDT Tennis Team. It was sponsored by Tecnifibre Philippines and PLDT Ultera. CC: For more information, visit AR Tennis Camp’s Official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Amoranto.Ramos

APRIL 2015

life+arts

Photography by Jan Lester E. Bisco Financial Business Intelligence Warehousing

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

Family Realized

By Luis C. Maglanoc, PMA Central SSPRM/CSOM A little boy dreaming, of things far and beyond! Through his mother’s guidance, to aspire he can. Lessons to cherish, treasures to keep! More days to learn, a few times to weep. Struggling in school, nobody should give up! A chapter in life where dreams could easily pop. Looking for an avenue, where I can excel. My father reminded me “In everything, you will do well!” Awards and distinction, my siblings and I don’t have much. Yet we have class and character, a positive match! The union that binds our lives and families together, Is more than an oath, it is all that really matter! Family is a launch pad of hopes and dreams! This is where I take inspiration, with applause and screams Looking back now, life is more challenging when obstacles abound! And still, friends wonder, my feet are still firmly planted on solid ground. We were never rich, though we don’t consider ourselves poor. Our journeys may differ, still we arrive at success’ golden door! Some may take a awhile, for others, it seems like eternity. You would never notice, once you are with family! I am that little boy who dreamt, my far and beyond! All I wanted was to be the world’s greatest “Dad.” The reason why I am so fond of my children. I even gave my eldest child, my “Pen Name!” I Am Kristian Miguel 84139173 08April2015

Umaga Na Naman……

Ni Danilo P. Radam, Marikina Business Zone Umaga Na Naman Sa pagpapala ng Diyos dapat kong harapin Mga pagsubok sa buhay dapat akong maging matatag Mai-alay sa Diyos at Kapwa Naka-atang na tungkulin at desisyon dapat ay laging tama. II Sa pagharap ko sa buhay, di ko maiwasan Balakid na daraanan sa paligid ko’y naglipana Marangal kung magwika, kakampi matatawag Ngunit may sibat na palang nakatutok sa leeg ko’y itatarak Upang sa pagkakamali lang minsan Sirena’y aalingaw-ngaw sa tahimik na kapaligiran. III Patuloy ang buhay, kanino ko iaalay? Sa sarili kong humihina sa pagdaan ng panahon Pangarap kong nais maabot, kailan ko makakamtan Hanggang saan, Hanggang kailan ito matatapos Malasap ko man lang kalayaan matagal ko nang pinapangarap IV Malayo pa nga ang umaga kung aking tatanawin Dapat harapin ang tungkulin ko ngayon Na may sigla’t kalakasan Na parang ako’y magsisimula pa lamang .

APRIL 2015

Look Up

By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ Wake me up from the slumber of procrastination Prevent it from taking a toll on productivity Crippling me from achieving a better version of me Hampering my way toward bigger aspirations Inject me with the vigor of youth, the curiosity of a child once again With Your Strength, help me run the race and never give up until the end Let Your Miracles shine sunnier than the fervor of my dreams Induce me with Your Love, to move forward even when chances are slim I cannot define the immensity of Your Grace or the vastness of Your Power Nor can words ever describe enough the Greatness of Your Being You have proven to me Your presence every time, everywhere Overwhelming me with far more than what I can ever imagine In times of frustration and great despair You are the true Friend who never fails Providing me solace, comfort when I am frail Dotingly You stand by me when no one dares Through the unstable waves of time When life may seem to go out of rhyme You find ways to reach for me, drawing me closer Beckon me, “look up, my child. They don’t but I care” ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

Complement

By Sarah Cielo Q. Meneses HOME BO Management A workspace devoid of personal things is just a machine; made of cogs and gears Ice cold and efficient, almost heartless But place a picture of loved ones here or of far-off tourist destinations there Or perhaps, right here, a small potted plant Just a reminder, just within your sight Just so you won’t forget why you’re working Why you sacrifice time otherwise spent With the people smiling in your pictures Placed strategically in your wallet or on your phone’s wallpaper and lock-screen Take these reminders away and you’re just Lifeless and stressed, without any purpose Doing your job for the sake of doing something, anything, so that people won’t say you’re not doing a thing with your life.

All Because of You

By Rebelyn Q. Rosales, Business Process Assurance It’s been years when I had my graduation remarks It ended up with tears but joy to my heart Delighted on a journey that is about to start Surely filled with surprises and yes might be hard Before moving to the city I almost lost hope Can no longer be in UP as I have planned But life has to move on, a woman spoke Oh it’s mama washing my clothes Years passed by, things seemed to be difficult Failures here, rejections there, wanted to run somewhere But I stood up believing I can Just not to disappoint my family, teachers and friends “Be a fighter and not a loser Don’t just be a dreamer forever Trials are there to make you strong Quitting is not an answer, Apo, don’t get me wrong.” Words from grandpa who stood beside me Who provided my needs for me to be happy The strictest man you don’t want to be with His rule – read books and no to TV One day we talked together He brought up something that pushed me harder How can I make this man proud who is growing older That moment I started to become a fighter Time flew, grandpa died He wasn’t able to see me in my toga I wanted him to be with me receiving my diploma And I suppose to tell “Lo, nagawa ko ha.” Yes not all promises are meant to be broken For the person you love you will do no matter what happens And if given a chance to see grandpa again I will spend everything even my last cent In his tomb I sing “I will stand tall and I’ll try not to fall As I reach all of my goals I will go on, I will move on All because of you For you.”

Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” L. Handayan Tondo Home Business Office

Inspired, Perspired

By Melvin P. Artugue – FMA, ESAM Team C Deep inside my plated armor Is the soul of an unstoppable warrior But I can also feel the pain I am vulnerable under the lapis lazuli rain My faith in God is the sword I wield The love of my family is my adamant shield Stars may be too high and far In battle, I may have tears, wound, and scar Every burden would slow me down Yet in trials I will not get drowned Fastest runners may race and stumble Greatest and toughest soldiers also fall And so I climb upon the mountain of hardships Concealing the tears as I fight on mountain peaks My heart is prone to wander so I hold on to God, my guide I press on towards the goal - inspired, perspired

APRIL 2015

Inpirasyon Ng Isang Kaibigan Ni Ma. Leonora S. Malenab, Cauayan SSC

Panimula : Inihahandog ko ang tulang ito sa kaibigan at dating kaklase ko nung high school na ngayon ko lang lubos na nakilala. Huli kaming nagkita nung Grand Alumni Homecoming ng aming paaralan nung Disyembre 2014. Ako ay isa sa mga mapalad na nakatanggap ng kanyang mga likhang sining, ang kanyang mga paintings, na di lang isa ngunit tatlo pa. Nireregalo o di kaya’y pinapa-raffle niya sa mga kaibigan ang kanyang mga likha. Siya ngayon ay nagtratrabaho bilang Contracts Manager sa isang multi national company sa Saudi Arabia. Ginawa ko lang magaan ang tulang ito sapagkat sa tuwing binabasa ko lahat ng mga kuwento sa kanya, lagi akong umiiyak. Hindi ko lubos maisip na siya’y dumaan sa maraming pagsubok sa buhay. Kulang ang isang libro para mailahad ko ang mga karanasan ng taong ito. Naging maigsi man ang pagsasama namin nung pagkakataong ‘yun, naging malaki naman ang naging bahagi niya sa aking puso. Maraming Salamat sa inspirasyon, mahal kong kaibigan – Mr. Johnny D. Mabatan!

Kaysarap gumising sa umaga ng may ngiti sa ating mga mukha. Ang tanong ko sa sarili ko, bakit nga ba? Maraming dahilan kung bakit ako masaya, Kagustuhan ko ito at walang makakapagdikta.

Ngayon ko lang nalaman kung ano ang dahilan, Ng kaniyang pagtulog sa oras ng pag-aaral. Ako’y nagulat sabay biglang humanga, Sa kaniyang ginagawa, mairaos lang ang pang araw araw niya.

Naaalala ko tuloy ang aking nakaraan, Nung kami’y naghihirap ngunit pamilya ko’y nagtutulungan. Inspirasyon ko ang aking mga magulang, Na nagsikap, umahon lang kami sa kahirapan.

Balut, kaniya palang itinitinda, pagsapit ng gabi, hanggang magdamagan na. Dala dala ang mga takdang aralin sa eskwela. Pag dumadaan sa mga maliwanag na lugar, Siya’y nag aaral kahit saglit, binubuksan ang mga leksiyon niya.

Nag-aral ng mabuti, pangarap ko’y dala dala, Di alintana ang pagsubok o kahit ano pa. Kabataan ko, lalong sumigla, mapabilang sa klaseng talino ang biyaya, Kahit salat sa mga bagay na meron ang iba, Pakiramdam ko’y ang lahat ay sapat na. At ang hindi ko alam, mas may mahirap pa pala ang kinakaya. Ako’y may kaklase, lagi siyang inaantok, Kung hindi pa gugulatin, hindi pa kikibot. ang klase’y mag uumpisa pa lamang, ngunit tulog na siya at mahimbing pa. Kung hindi tulog siya’y gumuguhit, Para kahit papano’y hindi siya mainip. Matalino ang kaklase kong ito, Maliban pa na siya ay maraming talento. Magaling kumanta, magaling magpinta, at kung anu ano pa.

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

Siya ay maagang naulila. Itinaguyod ang sarili at mga kapatid niya. Nagpatuloy ng kolehiyo, ginawa lahat ng makakaya, Hanggang siya’y makapagtapos. Nagtagumpay na siya! Ngayon ko lang nalaman ang mga pinagdaanan niya, Ang kaniyang sipag at tiyaga ay hindi maitatatwa. Ang kaniyang pananalig ang naging sandata niya. Kung aking babalikan ang aming naging karanasan, Pagmamahal sa pamilya ang aming naging sandalan. Nagsilbing lakas at naging aming kanlungan. Sa tuwing kami’y nag uusap ngayon, Hindi ko inakalang siya pa rin ang dating kaklase at kaibigan ko noon. Malayo man siya pero sa puso ko’y nakatatak ang paghangang sa kaniya ko lang natagpuan, Isang inspirasyon na hindi ko malilimutan magpakailanman.

A Snippet of Dare to Stair By Leopoldo Lalim

aul is famished upon reaching RCB with a rough ride from Pasay. Tired from his usual insomnia, he had a hefty meal of clogged smog from underneath the bellies of the metal deathtraps that mowed down the capillaries extending from SLEX and EDSA. His mouth was wide open for 30 minutes – he could tell from the specs of dry skin and the dryness of his throat. He arrives with no other meal presentable enough to avert his gaze from the cute pom that was drinking the pond water at Greenbelt, other than the pork tapa in front of him.. He eats. He finishes and looking at the time, his feet bring him up even before his thoughts reach his toes. Entering the elevator, Paul thinks about how good a day he’s been having. His mind is ready for that last tick before 5. The doors open and bam he meets Lizette who he hasn’t seen in months. They have this brief moment of simulated surprise. Lizette with her signature opening of her eyes wide and Paul jumping up in the air in the elevator as if a mutant cockroach had chewed through the bottom of the steel frame. He accompanies her to the 7th floor. He walks back up to the 15th in dare to stair fashion. He holds his stomach as he presses his ID gently on the door’s access panel. He is hungry again. CC:

RABJR

By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ Remember the first time our eyes met… As you sat across me, busily filling out forms Memory asserted your face looked familiar… Our paths may have crossed before, trying to recall.. No, it cannot be…but that moment felt like home As I promised to focus on work, with No direct plans of being affected by amorous emotions Gone was the self-imposed ruling when I saw you Beloved Mr. Destiny played games with me Enticing me to a new career journey, while Reigniting love back into my system… No inkling that one fine day, I would like you As I began to get to know you better… Recalling the impression of your short glances Doe eyes sparkling with manly charm and kindness Or was I only in rose-colored illusion, dreaming wide-awake? Just as I write a new chapter of life today… Not knowing what the future may hold… New challenges await in every step I tread… I smile while musing about you and our story… On how I blushed feverishly every time I see you then… Randomly wishing for another chance with you, again… Somewhere in time, you have influenced my world In ways we both never imagine or dream But I know you will always maintain that strong force in Everything I do – be it in work, study, faith or leisure Reinforcing that passion to be a better version each time… I love you - despite the stops and starts, the time and distance And I know you will always be spectacularly special in my heart APRIL 2015

Life is a Choice

By Annamarie C. Madrio, HOME Sales and Service Center Management Each morning I wake up and say to myself, “I have two choices today, I can choose to be in a good mood or I can choose to be in a bad mood” I always choose to be in a good mood Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be the victim or I can choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept his complaint or I can point out the positive side of life. Life is always about choices when you cut away all the junk every situation is a choice You choose how you react to situations

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

You choose how people will affect your mood You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood It’s your choice how you live your life Every day you have the choice to either enjoy life or to hate it The only thing that is truly yours - that no one can control or take from you is your ATTITUDE So if you can take care of that, everything else in life becomes much easier… Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do

pencil no. five: lessons of life through a pencil

By Melvin John Artugue, FMA, ESAM Team C

pencil maker once told his newly created pencil these five important things in life that it should remember:

1. “Whatever you do, you must always leave a mark.” You must always make a difference. Excel in everything you do. Autograph your work with excellence. Do not be mediocre.

Keep Going

by Mary Elizabeth G. Dioso NoGMM – Fixed Access and Transportation Operations

2. “The most important thing is what is inside you.” Your wealth, intellect, knowledge, achievements, glory, fame, and other things that will just brag about yourself will never measure the essence of your life. It is all about your heart and your attitude, as well as your values and norms.

Alarm clock ringing, Water from the shower dripping, Those are sounds that I am dreading to hear every morning Because they remind me that another day has started and I should get going.

3. “You have an eraser so that you can always correct each mistake that you make.” As humans, we do not have that literal “eraser” to correct our mistakes. Instead, we “overwrite” our past failures by simply not repeating them, but learning from them and doing what is right.

To leave home for work isn’t easy. Most of the time doing errands, very busy, Plus heavy traffic that can really make me crazy. Sum them all up and I get really weary.

4. “In life, you will undergo painful sharpening, which will make you a better pencil.” We will be tested through time with hardships, persecutions, failures, tragedies, criticisms, harsh words, hurts, pain, and other negativities in life, but we must not just sit around and pout about them. We must endure them! If you do not give up, you cannot fail. Do not quit! 5. “In order for you to be the best pencil you can be, you must allow yourself to be guided by the hand that holds you.” Points one to four will just be in vain if we failed at number five. We do not hold the future in our hands. We can stop and count successes like diamonds in our hands but these could not equal the grace of God. The pencil maker is no other than God Himself, the Author and Finisher of our story. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but through Him, we can do everything.

CC:

Sometimes I wonder why life needs to be demanding. Why can’t I just sit all day doing nothing? But then, I discovered that everyone has to do something. A purpose that when fulfilled would be life-changing. Life challenges would not make me surrender. For I know that I have my family as my supporter. They inspire me to become better. Everything will be surpassed as long as we are together. I exist to adore the One who created me. All things that I do should be for His glory. And when all this is over, I know I will be in paradise, where I am meant to be. In there, no more pain or sorrows, just pure glee. So, I will not stop doing my part. Because there is hope in my heart, That I will have my reward when I depart. Everything will be worth it, and I will have a fresh start.

APRIL 2015

why do you work? By Leopoldo Lalim

ave you ever asked yourself - simple, unrefined, directly?

A flurry of answers. It only gets more ambiguous as we get bombarded everyday with all the highs that we could be experiencing right now - if only we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working. A day at the beach, your dream buffet, the ultimate vacation tour, a new house for the family, a pet chihuahua, a new tutu for your pet chihuahua, a pet chihuahua stuffed toy, pet chihuahua doggy treats that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make her choke to death, etc. etc. Do you know that those answers to this simple question (why do you work?) might be the most dangerous thing ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

that you can think about in your entire employed life? Those answers that you perceive as the driving force that pulls you out of bed every morning could be the same forces that hold you back from what you could achieve. We do not understand that all these whimsical thoughts, though relevant they may be, must be taken as an effect of a cause - mumbo jumbo. What do we mean by this? These dreams and aspirations must be taken as the effects of seeking something greater. Have you ever thought why the company is progressing? It is simply because people seek out and consume the services that we offer. Where do your dreams come in beside those people that seek out and consume the services that we offer? I believe there is no answer as of the moment.

A disconnection arises. We forget the importance of our work in the entirety of things. It is the saddest event when a communications company fails to communicate (lemony snicket has nothing on us). We’ve disconnected. We forget that in what we deliver, there is a hand waiting for it. When we focus on our direct desires, we limit ourselves to checking our salary, making ends meet and simply counting the days till our dose of the high we’ve subscribed to (e.g. a vacation, new techy stuff, cute chihuahua antics, etc. etc.) arrives. We’ve disconnected. Why a disconnect you ask? We’ve obscured the view from the greater thing that should be our inspiration. That is, to make customers happy. Think of it this way, you’re given one task: • Thinking directly of your dreams/aspirations, you want to finish it as soon as you can. You do your task; in the course of it random thoughts of euphoria mingle into your thought process. It takes a minute or two before you can compose yourself and get back to work. You might even fancy talking about it to your colleague. For whom is the work you’re doing anyway? You deliver something, as expected, wasted a few minutes in the process. You’ve disconnected. You’ve worked an entire day only looking at your own leisure and not at those who need your skills. You’ve disconnected. You put something off for tomorrow that could be done in the next 15 minutes just because it’s 5pm. You’ve disconnected. • Thinking of the customer, you want to finish it as soon as you can. You do not do this because you want to chat up, you want to do it because you realize that what you’re doing is important. After that, you’ll ask, how can i do it better? The Japanese have this principle called “Zanshin” used in kendo where after a successful strike, the winner will take a moment to check if he really was successful and reflect whether his success was by chance, by a mistake of an enemy or if there is anything he could’ve done better. Thinking of the customer, you complete the loop, from his request to his receipt of the service. You’ve connected.

“Be inspired by the people that keep us alive. Be inspired by those people that complain but pay month after month just because they trust the name PLDT. Be inspired by the kids who can possibly get their education online. ” This is a call for everyone to have the customer as an inspiration - that thing that should be sought that is greater. Kendo evolved from real sword fighting techniques, it takes a simple bout of carelessness to lose your life and right now we are in that situation. The market is dire and it is a fierce battleground. Do not ever think that being far away from the front lines excludes you from wanting the happiness of the customer. If you are not servicing the tables, you will be at the kitchen. You do not only think about who is receiving, but you also give justice to the person that brought you the ingredients. If the customer is happy, he’ll gladly add more orders and keep coming back, even bring his/her friends along. Everything else will follow suit. Those dreams and aspirations will materialize. It will be now the management’s job to share the reaped harvest. Be inspired by the people that keep us alive. Be inspired by those people that complain but pay month after month just because they trust the name PLDT. Be inspired by the kids who can possibly get their education online. Be inspired by the people that could be saved through tele medicine. Be inspired by hearts that are connected through viber, skype, facebook. Become a customer yourself and start your own loop. You’ve connected. CC: APRIL 2015

Little Things

By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ A girl falls in love with a boy Not because of expensive gifts But for the simple things he does Completing her every day… Love sparks from the little things The peace that only hearts can define The gesture of compassion and affection The kindness in the look of someone who cares Little things speak more than loud babble The tender smile of assurance… The thought behind the random curios Bring sunshine to any rainy day The gentle touch of his hand… The passion in his kiss as his lips brush hers … The warmth of his breath against her skin… Can melt a girl’s heart like no other The silence he gives as she speaks her mind… The encouragement he offers her after long work days… The simple embrace as she cries her heart out… Keep the fire of their love burning through the years The patience he shows even when she is an hour late… The excitement sparkling in his eyes when they meet… The cheerfulness in his voice when he hears hers… Satisfy her need for self-security… He puts his coat on her back as winter chill sets in… He gently massages her shoulders as she burns the midnight oil… His soft buss on her forehead while she is asleep… So natural yet endearing, these lead the way to her heart She needs no extravagant things to give her happiness… The luxury of time he spent just to be with her is enough She needs no expensive jewels or anything money can buy… For what can really drive her crazy are the simple acts of love. These little things make her feel extra special… Make her feel cared for and loved… They may seem to be unappreciated… But deep inside, she remembers them all…

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

Mr. P

By Anonymous I never imagined we’ll be this close I was amazed you’re here through highs and lows You gave me that kind of special smile Which turned away my sadness even just for a while. You gave me courage not to give up You always give me your words full of love You’re a busy person yet you still manage to be with me What will I be now if you’re not here with me, Mr. P? You always want what’s best for me Even though I still act and think like a baby I am so lucky being loved by you I want you to know I truly love and miss you I pray we’ll have more adventure trips together Our box of thoughts will be cherished forever I want you to know how happy I am with you I hope you feel the same way too I will always be here for you, Mr. P. I will help you arrange your future plans as your secretary. I will always be here to guide and support you. Just promise me one thing, you will always be here for me too.

In the Eye of the Beholder By Fides G. Pasumbal Enterprise Inbound Contact Services It’s climbing cliffs, plunging in the deep blue waters Tasting the salt on my lips Closing my eyes to breathe in the ocean breeze Feeling the sand under my feet

It’s looking at my dog’s adoring eyes Hearing the sound of birds chirping when I wake Watching the sun set at the end of the day Saying a prayer, and keeping the faith

It’s a smile that brightens my day Laughter and talks with friends who care Having a bestfriend to share everything with True friends are real, however rare

It’s opening my eyes to a brand new day Knowing love abounds in many ways Seeing the world in every color and hue It’s a beautiful life, is all I can say

It’s coming home to familiar surroundings Listening to voices with love and affection Gathering to sing while a guitar is playing Faithful and sweet in our devotion

Dear PLDT Friends

By Carmenia L. Alim, Property and Facilities Manageme

APRIL 2015

ENJOY FAMILY-SIZED ENTERTAINMENT WITH PLDT HOME DSLTRIPLE PLAY PLANS! Landline + HOME DSL + Cignal digital TV channels

Subscribe to Triple Play Plan 1699!

Just add -P-400/month to your plan and your family can enjoy up to 65 Cignal digital TV channels, 2 Mbps internet, and a landline powered by the reliable, family-sized connection of PLDT HOME DSL.Â *DSL plans run at a minimum speed of 256 Kbps at 80% reliability.

Triple Play Plans* come with

NBA Premium TV.

*Starting at Plan 1799.

Save -P- 6,600/year!

Apply now at PLDT HOME booths, Sales & Service Centers nationwide or visit pldthome.com Cignal is the digital content provider for DSL Triple Play Plans.