ACC:ESS April 2017

APRIL 12,

2017

EMBRACING

CHANGE

About the Cover With today’s fastchanging digital lifestyle, PLDT continues to empower Filipinos with customer-centric innovations. This issue’s cover features how millennials and yuppies stay in-synced and virtually connected while being at the moment.

Like them, PLDT envisions the same synergy of embracing this lifestyle change and experiencing the digital way of life like never before.

h

marc

2017 news 02 2016 Full Year Results Mobile, fixed network continue improvements; boost internet speeds, quality 05 PLDT widens lead in home broadband 06 HOME-ON-Wheels starts rolling 07 MVP leads US-PS annual bi-annual board meeting 07 MVP Group recognized as Balik-Baterya top donors 08 Charting the Resilient Future PDRF, Lutheran World Relief hold biodiversity forum

02

#elevate 10 PLDT bags 18 Anvil awards for outstanding communications programs 11 #ConnectedRizal Improvements seen as Smart rolls LTE to South Metro Manila

11

features 13 Are banks in Ph waking up to cloud?

15 The Spark Project Fueling the sparks of innovation and creativity 17 In a New Golf Course 5th MVP media golf cup another hole-in-one

19

regulars 01 09 11 19

17

Top Management View Photo Gallery Social Media Shoutout Arts Hub

PLDT MEDIA VISION STATEMENT To be the proactive strategic communications partner of our stakeholders so that together we can inspire brand love and loyalty for PLDT. #SUPERMEDIA

ACC:ESS is published monthly

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

Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515.

Email: jrencarnado@pldt.com.ph http://issuu.com/pldtmedia

Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head

Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor

Nonong F. Noriega Columnist

EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor

Adrian T. Elumba Sarah Azucena-Reodica Katrina A. Mallari Raymond C. Co Writers

Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers

Carlo D. Gonzalez Mark Daryll P. Sambat Graphic Design

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Ederic P. Eder Social Media Officer

Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation

Contributors Cherry W. Alaban, Melvin Artugue, Laemar John V. Chavez, Abigail I. Chua, Farah C. Coyoca, Emily S. De Leon, Lyka A. Dellosa, Evelyn Espinosa, Danny Handayan, Christian Imperio, Ma. Gemma G. Javier, Luis C. Maglanoc, Katherine P. Marajas, Loy Verdadero-Nardo, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Paula Rae Reyes, Rheb Rosales, John Paul M. Soriano, Gilmarie Silva, Bienvenido N. Timoteo II, Marjory C. Sy, Mary Grace O. Sze, Gilmarie Silva, Bienvenido N. Timoteo II, Marjory C. Sy, Mary Grace O. Sze

Condensed version of MVP’s speech at Manila Tytana Colleges’ 2017 commencement exercises

Story of George S.K. Ty Tytana expresses Dr. Ty’s profound belief in the value of education to our youth and its contribution to nation building. This conviction flows from the values of Doña Tytana herself — thrift, honesty, hard work, discipline.

I met Dr. Ty upon my return to the Philippines late 1998. He has been, for almost for 20 years, our group’s main banker, supporter, mentor — and last year, a partner in business.

The abiding lesson we all should learn from him is that education does not end with graduation. Instead, education is a continuous, life-long process. Your real education, in fact, starts when you leave the gates of this school. That’s why today is named your day of commencement — a beginning. Dr. Ty himself learned banking first hand — the hard, hands on way — as he built Metrobank to become one of the largest Philippine banks and one of the strongest in Asia.

He is indeed the taipan of Philippine banking — and its titan.

Dr. Ty’s capacity to learn never diminished, but instead grew over time and went beyond banking and finance.

His holding company, GT Capital, is one of the largest publicly listed companies in the Philippines. It owns Toyota and AXA Philippines, property companies, and major infrastructure where we are partners.

You should, therefore, bring with you the life-long lessons from Dr. Ty — one of the best businessmen our country has ever produced.

My own story Dr. Ty’s story and values resonate in my own life.

I grew up in Little Baguio, San Juan. Our house stood right on the boundary of a squatter settlement.

From my bedroom window, I could see, smell, and feel the lives of the poor and see its face.

My lolo started as a public school teacher in Pampanga, rising through the ranks to become superintendent of public schools and, eventually, secretary of education — despite the fact that he did not finish college.

My father began his career as a messenger at Philippine National Bank.

My mother was a simple housewife.

Noong nag-aaral ako sa San Beda Elementary at High School — ang baon ko ay beinte-singko sentimos kada araw — pambili ng Coke, MY San Crackers, kasama na pamasahe sa bus pauwi.

Ganun rin po ang buhay ko sa college sa Ateneo.

After Ateneo, naghangad akong magMBA sa America. Pero alam ko na hindi kaya ng aking magulang ang gastos. Kaya humanap ako ng ibang paraan. Fortunately, Procter and Gamble offered a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. It was a national competition. I entered and won.

Kaya ang pahiwatig ko sa ating mga mag-aaral ay ang inyong pinag-aralan, at pagsisikap, ay susi sa inyong tagumpay.

My education played a big role in my life — just as it will in yours.

After seven years here, I flew to Hong Kong believing I was young enough to make mistakes, to be independent and accountable to myself and my career. I knew that if I waited any longer, I’d be too afraid to take risks. I formed First Pacific in 1981 starting from a rented space — 50 square meters, no bigger than your typical classroom — with a team of only six people using modest start-up capital.

Three decades later, First Pacific has turned into a regional conglomerate, employing more than 100,000 people in various parts of Asia.

Secrets to success A few years back, I was asked to return to the Ateneo to deliver the commencement address. I found myself talking about my past and the young graduates’ future. And I let them in on the greatest secret of all — that when it comes to success, there are no secrets, no magic, no mystery.

I told them that success springs from old-fashioned values — values as fundamental as being honest and truthful — with yourself and with others. And so is being diligent, hard-working, and disciplined.

But most of all, success is about passion — passion to succeed, passion for excellence, passion to compete. There are many of you here who were born poor but have succeeded in graduating today, some with honors. The examples

of Darren delos Santos, Beatriz Oliva, and Marione Yaoyao should lead us to believe that your passion can break the chains of poverty, that a spirit of purpose can propel your energy, that the power of ambition can enable you to achieve what you may now think is impossible.

The new world We live in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world. This is the world you will meet as you take your leave of these colleges.

Change has now become the law of life.

The tempo of change has accelerated at the turn of this 21st century.

In business, technology is the biggest story. This means living with data and digital, relating with programmers and coders, with IT practitioners, with apps, platforms, and solutions and devices on which they ride — smartphones, laptops, notebooks, wearables, hearables. You should understand the psychology and needs of millennials — of which you are a part.

In two years, wireless technology will move to 5G platform, and fiber to the home will be ubiquitous. Internet of Things and artificial intelligence will soon come — changing profoundly our work and our lives.

Conclusion Nagpapasalamat po akong muli pagkakataon na maging bahagi sa isang mahalagang yugto ng inyong buhay. Malamang ilang beses na natin narinig ang salita ni Dr. Jose Rizal tuwing pagtatapos — ang kabataan ay pagasa ng ating bayan. Binabanggit ko muli ang kanyang sinulat upang mailagay natin ito sa ating isipan.

Sa mga mahal naming mag-aaral, ituloy ninyo ang pagiging uhaw sa kaalaman.

Walang hihigit pa sa biyaya na binigay ng inyong magulang, at ng Tytana, kundi ang inyong pag-aaral.

Kaya, isa lang ang hihilingin ko sa inyo ngayon — ipangako ninyo na kayo ay magiging bahagi sa ikabubuti ng kinabukasan ng lupa nating sinilangan.

Ipangako ninyo na ang Pilipinas ng bukas — at ng lahat ng mga bukas pang darating — ay magiging mas maunlad kaysa Pilipinas ng kahapon. CC

01

NEWS PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, 2nd from left, leads the panel during the 2016 full year results. He is joined by, from left: PLDT SVP and Chief Financial Officer Anabelle Chua, PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto, and PLDT Chief Technology and Information Advisor Joachim Horn.

2016 Full Year Results

Mobile, fixed network continue improvements; boost internet speeds and quality PLDT recently reported its unaudited financial and operating results for the full year 2016 with Consolidated Service Revenues, net of P9.6 billion in interconnection costs, amounting to P147.6 billion, three percent (3%) less than the previous year. Excluding international and national long distance (ILD and NLD) revenues and interconnection costs, consolidated service revenues added up to P133.5 billion, only one percent less than 2015.

Consolidated Core Income reached P27.9 billion, 21% lower than the prior year, mainly due to lower EBITDA and costs arising from higher capital expenditures to support ongoing expansion of the fixed and mobile networks of PLDT and its mobile subsidiary Smart Communications. Net of asset sales, accelerated depreciation, onetime provisions and subsidies, as well as lower taxes from deferred tax assets recognized during 2016, Recurring Core Income amounted to P20.2 billion. Consolidated Core EBITDA declined by 6% to P65.8 billion, representing a margin of 42%, due largely to lower wireless service revenues and higher provisions, moderated by lower cash operating expenses. Including one-time provisions and handset subsidies,

02

the underlying EBITDA amounted to P61.2 billion.

Gross debt amounted to US$3.7 billion, of which only 9% is unhedged. Refinancing facilities for 2017 maturities, including a US$228 million bond which was repaid on 6th March 2017, are in place. As of end December 2016, PLDT’s investment grade ratings remain unchanged. Contribution of Business Units: Data lead the way Viewed in terms of the contribution of the Company’s major business units, PLDT Home and Enterprise, which together account for 47% of consolidated service revenues, net of International businesses, have set the pace, growing by 10% to P29.3 billion and 9% to P30.6 billion, respectively.

Data and broadband have been the key growth drivers for both business units. In the case of PLDT Home, data and broadband revenues grew 14% to P17.6 billon and now account for 60% of its service revenues. For the Enterprise Group, these service revenues rose by 22% to P19.2 billion and comprise 63% of its total.

The Wireless Consumer Business Group, which consists of the mobile services for individual customers of Smart and Sun, generated service

revenues of P66.4 billion – 9% lower than the previous year, due to declines in SMS and domestic voice revenues. On the other hand, mobile data grew 20% and now accounts for 34% of total service revenues, ahead of SMS and domestic voice revenues with shares of 33% each.

“We faced very tough tests in the past year as competition intensified and the shift to digital services accelerated. Our results reflect the impact of these challenges, but also point to us the way forward. We are focused on growing our data and digital services. We are doing this by building more advanced and resilient fixed and mobile networks and offering compelling digital services. We are capitalizing on the momentum of our Home and Enterprise businesses, which have more headroom for growth and enjoy significant advantages in terms of superior digital network infrastructure and brand strength.

Considering that starting 2017, more than 50% of our revenues (net of ILD), from Home and Enterprise represent a significant engine for growth. At the same time, we are re-energizing our wireless consumer business by focusing on quality subscribers. Number of subscribers is not as important metric as it

was before. We are improving customer experience through better network services, and, by offering progressively more relevant and targeted products and services,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT Chairman and CEO. Network Build-out: Promising initial results Underpinning PLDT’s digital pivot is its drive to build superior fixed and mobile networks through a comprehensive network modernization and expansion program. Substantial resources are being channeled into this effort.

Of the P48 billion allocated for capex in 2016, P42.8 billion were actually spent. The balance pertains to projects pending completion or acceptance. Capex for 2017 is budgeted at P46 billion, inclusive of carry-overs from 2016. These investments have been producing promising results in improving overall network quality.

Alongside the expansion of its mobile data network, Smart is also deploying a robust network of carrier-grade WiFi installations, initially in 20 major airports, four seaports and the Light Rail Transit System in Metro Manila. Moving forward, Smart WiFi is being deployed in a growing number of public spaces of local governments and commercial areas, schools and retail, entertainment and other establishments.

With respect to PLDT’s fixed line network, the deployment of fiber-tothe-home (FTTH) has been stepped up and now already covers 2.8 million homes passed by end-2016.

The target is to reach 4.4 million homes passed by end-2017 and about 6 million homes by 2020.

Complementing the deployment of fiber lines, PLDT is also rolling out this year hybrid fiber technologies such as G.fast that deliver fiberlike speeds through copper lines in buildings and residences. This will transform PLDT’s extensive copper network into powerful channels for delivering high-speed internet services.

Wireless Consumer Group: Stepping up the shift to data Moving forward, all the mobile phones that Smart is promoting in its various prepaid and postpaid offers are LTE-compatible handsets.

This effort to promote LTE devices, which can fully utilize the upgraded

network being deployed, started in 2016 and has been gaining traction.

Among others, the shift is being done through partnerships with leading smartphone manufacturers such as MyPhone, Oppo, O+ USA and Starmobile which offer midrange and affordable LTE devices bundled with Smart LTE Sim cards.

Smart is also stepping up its efforts to encourage its retailer network to use smart phones and promote various data service packages. While the thrust is emphatically on data, Smart is also balancing its popular data offers such as GigaSurf 50 by enhancing it with an Unli text offer to all networks. In the case of All Out Surf packages, data is combined with Unli all-net SMS and allocations for calls to Smart, TNT and Sun. Today’s plans are bundles of SMS and calls, but principally anchored on data, in step with how the customer is changing.

In Smart postpaid, the thrust is to provide customers with more and better choices. A new set of enhanced Giga Plans has just been launched which offer a wide range of choices with price points ranging from Plan 399 with 3 Gb of data to Plan 2999 with a data allocation of 36 Gb, depending on the customer’s budget and usage needs. The new Giga postpaid plans also offer subscribers a range of LTE smartphones to choose from that can be paid for on an installment basis rather than a one-time payment.

Another initiative that the PLDT Group is pursuing is converged offers. This is done by bundling PLDT’s fixed line services with the mobile services of Smart, as well as content from CignalTV. In January 2016, PLDT Home introduced the country’s first data sharing plan (Speedster Fam Plan 1299) that allows fixed line subscribers to share their data allocation with up to four Smart mobile phone lines bundled with the plan. This initiative won the digital innovation award from the CIO Asia Awards.

The mobile business is also offering bundled services with Smart and Sun now both offering prepaid packages that include voice calls to Smart, Sun, TNT and PLDT landlines.

Sun’s new TU200 prepaid package for example includes five hours of calls to Sun, Smart, TNT and PLDT landlines along with generous text messaging and mobile app chat

allocations. Finally, PLDT Home is offering bundled services in fixed line voice and data with video content with CignalTV, branded “Cignal over Fibr.”

PLDT Home: Building on strengths, seizing opportunities PLDT’s extensive and robust fixed line and digital infrastructure gives its Home and Enterprise Groups the opportunity to capture the large growth opportunities in their respective markets which have much lower penetration rates than the mobile consumer market. The fastexpanding footprint of PLDT’s FTTH service now reaches the country’s key urban areas in the North such as the cities of Laoag, Baguio, Vigan and Tuguegarao stretching down to the major cities of the South such as Davao, Cotobato, General Santos, Koronodal and Zamboanga.

“Our results reflect the impact of these challenges, but also point to us the way forward. We are focused on growing our data and digital services.

We are doing this by building more advanced and resilient fixed and mobile networks and offering compelling digital services.”

- MVP

The deployment of hybrid fiber technologies this year will further extend the reach of PLDT’s fiberspeed internet service. PLDT Home’s new suite of Fibr plans makes its unmatched high-speed internet service available to households in these areas either on data volume or time-based based allocations, with data speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 1 Gbps at affordable rates.

This connectivity service provides a robust and cost-efficient platform for PLDT Home to offer its growing

03

portfolio of entertainment, “peace of mind” and other “Smart Home” services.

PLDT Home now offers for example the widest range of live TV and video-on-demand content through the efforts of its affiliate, Cignal TV and its partnerships with leading global content providers and aggregators such as Roku, Iflix, Netflix as well as leading Philippine entertainment content providers such as iWant TV. It has also partnered with global e-commerce giant Amazon to provide an enhanced online shopping experience for Filipino families, including online books via the popular Kindle e-book reader.

PLDT Home is also progressively enhancing its suite of family security services which now include Fam Cam, the CCTV service that lets parents check and talk with their children at home while they are at work; Fam Zone, which enables parents to properly manage their children’s access to the Internet; and Smart Watch, which allows parents to track their children’s locations and get notifications when they go beyond a predefined “safe zone”.

PLDT Enterprise: Promoting converged digital solutions PLDT’s Enterprise Group is moving aggressively to address the rapidly growing appetite of enterprises and Government agencies – large and small – for solutions that combine fixed line and mobile connectivity with digital platforms. It is uniquely positioned to do so because of its best-in-class infrastructure, partnerships with global technology

MVP further answers the questions of the media post-event.

04

leaders and its extensive and longstanding relationships with the country’s leading businesses and key government agencies.

efforts to implant a digital corporate culture that will enable us to better serve our customers in this digital age,” Pangilinan said.

Aligning its efforts with industry roadmaps, PLDT has built the country’s largest and most resilient network of data centers in different parts of the country. In March 2017, PLDT subsidiary ePLDT opened its eighth data center in Davao City (the first in Mindanao) and its ninth in the Clark Freeport zone, Pampanga. It is scheduled to open its 10th Vitro data center in Cebu by end-2017 which will give PLDT’s data center network an unmatched total capacity of over 9,000 racks.

Pangilinan said that the appointment of new senior executives in the fields of Network, HR, Customer Experience and Data Analytics, and Platforms strengthens PLDT’s efforts to better serve customers in a focused and systematic way. He cited among others the designation of Eric Alberto as Chief Revenue Officer and Atty. Ray C. Espinosa as Chief Corporate Services Officer as among the measures taken to create an organizational framework that will raise to a new level collaboration among various business units within the PLDT Group.

With these digital platforms, PLDT is offering cloud solutions that for example enable companies to provide an enhanced and secure web service for their customers in partnership with Akamai, a global leader in content delivery network (CDN) services provider for media and software delivery, and cloud security solutions.

Conclusion “In 2016, PLDT and its subsidiaries have all recognized the need to undertake a ‘digital pivot’ to maintain and enhance its market leadership, amid major shifts in technologies and market. As a result, we have embarked on a three-year journey to profoundly transform our business and organization. We are building superior, future-proof networks and IT platforms to deliver the best possible service experience to our customers. We have revamped our organization and are undertaking

“The year 2016 has been a period for resetting of the many dials of our Company. Profitability has been reset to a lower level, reflecting the impact of the changes in the business, our customer base and our organization.

This has provided us a new baseline from which we can build upon, and grow. This new reference point is the P20.2 billion in Recurring Core Income without exceptionals that was attained in 2016. From there, we are setting out to achieve sequential recovery in profitability, starting with an increase in the Recurring Core Income to P21.5 billion in 2017, a growth of 6+% - the first time in three years. That will be put us back on the path to sustained growth and improving profitability, this year and in the coming years” he added. CC:

PLDT widens lead in home broadband

PLDT has set the pace for the industry in growing the home broadband business, boosting service revenues by 10% to P29.3 billion and increasing its subscriber base by 14% year-on-year as of end2016.

PLDT Home pulled away from competition, adding 180 basis points of market share to over 60%, with its highly attractive broadband bundles that promises the best quality data service boosted with compelling content and digital services and by accelerating the expansion of its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) facility which is expected to pass 4.4 million homes by the end-2017.

“Consumer demand for home broadband is growing and PLDT HOME is at the forefront of meeting this need. We are encouraged by the momentum that PLDT HOME has built through six consecutive years of accelerating growth and we are ready to serve a larger share of this expanding market,” said PLDT FVP and HOME Business Head Oscar Enrico Reyes, Jr. Along with the enterprise business, broadband for homes has been

identified as one of the key growth drivers for the PLDT Group as it moves towards data and digital services.

PLDT’s FTTH service is now available in key urban areas - from North to South - in the country. This service will be delivered through PLDT HOME Fibr, the country’s most powerful broadband that can deliver speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) which allows browsing of multiple websites, uploading of hundreds of photos, and downloading of a full-length movie in seconds.

“Beyond internet access, we are pioneering the Smart Home so Filipino families will feel safer, be more productive and enjoy the convenience brought about by our growing suite of digital solutions,” Reyes said.

PLDT HOME’s new suite of Fibr plans makes its unmatched highspeed internet service available to households either on data volume or time-based allocations, with data speeds ranging from 3 megabit per second (Mbps) to 1 Gbps at affordable rates.

To further extend the reach of its fiber-speed internet service, PLDT has started to deploy hybrid fiber technologies such as Huawei Technologies’ G.fast which can provide data speeds of up to 600700 Mbps per user. This technology solution works by connecting buildings and dwellings with fiber optic cables and using special equipment to enable the internal copper wiring of these structures to deliver fiber-like data speeds.

PLDT plans to shift all its subscribers to be in ‘fiber-fast’ connections by end-2018. By combining FTTH and “fiber-fast” services, PLDT has an unrivaled robust and cost-efficient platform for offering its growing portfolio of entertainment, “peace of mind,” and other “Smart Home” services.

PLDT has invested P300 billion or $6 billion over the last 10 years to roll out the country’s most extensive transmission and distribution network infrastructure which now has over 150,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables that transport the growing data traffic of its fixed line and mobile networks. Olive O. Barrozo

05

s l e e h W n O E g M n i O l l H o r s t star

Shown at the ceremonial ribbon cutting during the inauguration of the first-ever PLDT HOME-ON-WHEELS (HOW) are, PLDT Quezon Customer Service Operations Zone Coordinator Rex Osio, VP for North/South Luzon Customer Service Operations District Gerry Castro, HOME Business Development Head Louella Aquino, HOME Luzon Sales Head Des Astorga, Bicol Customer Service Operations Zone Coordinator Cristopher Dizon, and South Luzon HOME Sales Head Willie Capacite, from left, respectively. At right, the PLDT HOW serves customers in Iriga City, Camarines Sur.

It’s the first-ever PLDT HOMEON-WHEELS (HOW) and it’s now serving customers in the Bicol region!

The pioneering PLDT Mobile Retail Store or HOME-On Wheels, which will provide the telecoms and multi-media requirements of people who live in distant towns and barangays, was inaugurated recently in Naga City, the region’s economic center.

PLDT HOW goes directly to the central locations most accessible to customers, such as the municipal compound or the town plaza. It

06

offers sales and after sales services like telephone and broadband applications, bills payment, billing inquiries, and request for repair, among others.

“This innovative service marks a big milestone for PLDT because it is the first-ever mobile retail store in the country,” said PLDT Head of Home Business Development Louella Aquino at the inauguration of the PLDT HOW. She also thanked the people who helped realize the project that would serve customers not only in the far-flung areas of the Bicol region but the entire country, eventually.

PLDT VP for North/South Luzon Customer Service Operations District Gerry Castro likewise emphasized the need for mobile retail stores so that “PLDT can extend its services to all Filipinos. If the customer cannot go to us, we will go to them.”

The brand new PLDT HOW operates from 8am to 5pm and is currently serving areas in the Bicol region, namely Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, and Sorsogon, and will later proceed to Quezon Province.

Olive O. Barrozo

US-PS Cochair Manuel V. Pangilinan, center, leads the press conference, along with US-PS Co-chair Ambassador John D. Negroponte, left, and USPS President Ambassador John F. Maisto, right.

MVP leads US-PS annual bi-national board meeting PLDT Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan, who also co-chairs the US-Philippines Society (US-PS), recently led the annual bi-national board meeting in Manila along with co-chair Ambassador John Negroponte. Pangilinan also hosted a private dinner at The Peninsula Manila for US-PS delegates.

As part of the country’s continued partnership, discussed during the event was a lengthy presentation about the two countries’ bilateral and trade relations. “This Board Meeting is being held at a fortuitous moment, as both countries go through their respective political transitions. We will explore opportunities for the Society to pursue its mission of strengthening

ties between our two countries under these new circumstances,” Pangilinan said.

Some 30-private sector and civic leaders of the US-PS sat down during the private meeting, in a bid to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. The US-PS directors talked about the regional and bilateral issues with senior Philippine government officials and discussed the exploration of investment opportunities with leading business groups.

Now on its fifth year, the US-PS has always been in the forefront of promoting Philippines-U.S. relations.

Advocating poverty alleviation, the US-PS with the support of other private companies, provided assistance to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan which amounted to $2 million.

The US-PS also sponsored a conference which tackled the country’s drug problem, highlighting public health and rehabilitation challenges. Christian Imperio, Student-Trainee, Cavite State University

MVP Group recognized as Balik-Baterya top donors Companies under the Metro Pacific Group, led by businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, topped the list of all-time donors of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Motolite’s Balik Baterya program, which promotes proper disposal and proper recycling of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs) to protect the environment from toxic and hazardous wastes.

Leading telco and digital services provider PLDT was cited as the number one donor of the recycling program, which is on its 10th year of implementation. The citation was conferred by Motolite during recognition rites for partners held recently. PLDT has been Balik Baterya’s active partner since 2007.

In recent years, PLDT has been focusing on its educational projects building 28 classrooms – two of which are the first disaster-resilient classrooms in Roxas City that were built through the Balik-Baterya Program funds.

Leading wireless service provider Smart Communications ranked second as top donor. Together with PBSP, Smart launched projects focusing on education and environment, and used some of the funds coming from the battery recycling program to fund its community projects. Among the Smart projects that benefited are Smart Schools, Communiteach, Doon Po Sa Amin, Project Zero, and several environmental initiatives at the Marikina Watershed.

Rounding up the Top 3 donors is Meralco, which has provided a dynamic impact to the BalikBaterya program since 2015.

Meralco’s main initiatives focus on the solar electrification of schools in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. ULABS have undergone accredited process of recycling, turning batteries into pure lead, lead alloy and plastic sheet without harming the environment or an individual’s health. Funds raised by this recycling process are then used for education

projects. In 2017, Balik Baterya is extending its educational advocacy further by ensuring better learning resources to underserved students in public schools, especially those in the senior high school (SHS) program. For its environment initiatives, the Program will also be giving premium value to projects supporting water access and security.

Under the SHS program, different educational activities supported by premium value ULABS will be assisted in achieving accomplishments with outputs that include number of teachers trained and certified; number of laboratory facilities assisted with equipment and supplies; and number of students assisted in their assessment fees.

On the other hand, companies that are interested to support the water agenda may want to look at: increasing the number of reforested areas, providing chlorinators and constructing potable water systems.

Katrina A. Mallari

07

Charting the Resilient Future

PDRF, Lutheran World Relief hold biodiversity forum

Senator Loren Legarda talks about how the country has become the center of biodiversity in her keynote speech.

The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) recently partnered with the Lutheran World Relief and the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) in conducting a forum on biodiversity and ecosystem participated in by some 50 organizations represented by various stakeholders groups. Dubbed “Charting Our Resilient Future: The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Approaches,” the forum was aimed at tackling the following critical themes – governance and design approaches undertaken by both public and private sectors to demonstrate that development and ecosystem balance is achievable; and sustainable livelihood that have attained commercial success and weaned away communities from irresponsible use of biodiversity and ecosystem resources.

PDRF President Butch Meily underscored the transformative impact of a balanced ecosystem and biodiversity in the lives of the people, especially those in the far-flung areas. “We don’t want future Ondoys. We want future rivers, clean air, and abundant greenery, but we also need employment and income for our fellow Filipinos, we want them to live a life of dignity, prosperity and happiness,” Meily said.

Lutheran World Relief Vice President for International Operations Michael Watt, on the other hand, emphasized the role of every individual in ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity. “We all have a responsibility to ensure, recognize, and demonstrate the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services

08

in our culture and its sustainable development,” Watt said. “Disasters will continue to increase if we fail to plan, build, and act for sustaining our ecosystem.”

An advocate of a cleaner and better environment, Senator Loren Legarda addressed the grave issue of extinction when it comes to the country’s biodiversity and ecosystem.

“Our country has become one of the world’s top biodiverse areas and even as it is gifted, it is also considered a hotspot with a large number of species threatened to extinction. We see that biodiversity is the bread of life but the development around us has cause many to think we can live on our own and disconnect from the web,” Legarda said. “The Philippines is very fortunate because not only is it one of the megadiverse countries,

but it is also the center of the center of biodiversity.”

The Philippines is a biodiversity hotspot and global priority for conservation and is one of the 17 mega bio diverse countries in the world. However, deforestation and forest degradation due to human activities, such as illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming, pose major threats to endangered wildlife, fragile forest habitat, and vital ecosystem services that forests provide for urban and rural communities.

The forum continued with two sets of panel discussions which are anchored on the themes “Governance and Design for Resilience” and “Building Local Community Capacity for Biodiversity Stewardship and Sustainable Livelihood.” Katrina A. Mallari

Shown here during the event are, from left: PDRF Executive Director Malu Erni, LWR Director for Asia and the Middle East Krishna Sob, Legarda, PDRF President Butch Meily, LWR VP for International Operations Michael Watt, LWR Program Associate Cafer Orman, LWR Director for Program Quality Garnett Schiche and LWR Regional Program Manager for Asia and the Middle East Patrick Bell.

PHOTO GALLERY

ePDS rides the digital wave FOR CUSTOMER DATA

PRINTING, DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT Joining the wave of digital transformation, ePDS is now equipped with more capacity and capability that improve workflow and seamless customer services—which are critical for companies that have specific requirements in reaching their customers with its new headquarters. These services include Document management, data formatting and printing, automated intelligent mail processing, letter-shopping, data archiving, check imaging, electronic bills presentment and e-mail delivery services. ePDS is an ePLDT company that supports clients by offering variable data printing and mail processing and document management solutions through a wide range of media output. This includes physical, digital archives, e-mail, short message service (SMS) and online web pages. Shown here during the inauguration of the new office and launch of the new company logo in Brgy. Magallanes, Makati City are, from left: Lum Kum Weng, General Manager of DataPost; Cho Tat Lim, COO of the BPO Group of JK Tech Holdings; Tettet Tangco, EVP and General Manager of ePDS, Inc.; Eric Alberto, CEO of ePLDT, Inc. and Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT Group; Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer and President of ePDS, Inc.; and Jovy Hernandez, First Vice President and Head of PLDT Enterprise attend the recent inauguration of ePDS, Inc.’s new office and launch of the new company logo in Brgy. Magallanes, Makati City.

PLDT, Smart take part at ICT Summit PLDT and Smart are signatories to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the government and private sector to pledge cooperation in removing barriers to network rollout and in fast-tracking the delivery of public services. Representing the PLDT Group are PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto and PLDT First Vice President for Regulatory and Telecom Industry Relations Alfred Carrera.

Smart wins Company of the Year during the 52ndAnvil Awards Leading wireless service provider Smart Communications once again prevailed as Anvil’s Company of the Year for receiving 17 Gold Anvils and seven Silver trophies for its public relations programs. Smart’s winning programs sought to make the mobile internet experience more accessible, affordable, and meaningful to Filipinos; use of technology to enhance education, disaster preparedness and response, health services, and customer experience; and engage the workforce better through digital technologies.

09

#ELEVATE PLDT bags 18 Anvils for outstanding communications programs

PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, center, leads the PLDT Group in celebrating this achievement, together with the Company’s top executives, including PLDT FVP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin, PLDT Public Affairs Head and SVP Mon Isberto, and PLDT VP and Head of HOME Marketing Gary Dujali.

PLDT marks another milestone this year with 18 Anvil awards for its excellent communications programs from its Home, Enterprise, and Public Affairs units during the recently-concluded 52nd Anvil Awards presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP).

PLDT HOME harvested 8 trophies, including three Gold Anvil Awards for its Most Beautiful Connection video, “Strengthening the Volleyball Community with the Volley Friends” program and “Gabay Guro 2016.” PLDT Enterprise took home 9 awards, garnering a gold trophy for its Hot Joe Magazine. Meanwhile, PLDT Public Affairs received a Silver Anvil for the PLDT 2015 Annual Report – Virtual is Real.

Smart Communications once again prevailed as Anvil’s Company of the Year for receiving 17 Gold Anvils and seven Silver trophies for its public relations programs.

Smart’s winning programs sought to make the mobile internet experience more accessible, affordable, and meaningful to Filipinos; use of technology to enhance education, disaster preparedness and response, health services, and customer experience; and engage the workforce better through digital technologies.

10

“We’re very, very happy that we received the Company of the Year Award for the second year in a row. What’s interesting is that in all our programs – CSR programs, marketing, employee, as well as customer care programs – we’ve been putting a lot of digital elements into this. It’s showing how mobile and digital technologies can really help improve the lives of Filipinos,” said PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Mon Isberto.

Other companies under the MVP Group who won big during the 52nd Anvil Awards were Meralco, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), Philex Mining, TV 5, Voyager Innovations, and Makati Med. The annual Anvil Awards, honoring the most outstanding communications programs and tools implemented from October 2015 – October 2016, is a celebration of excellence within the local PR industry. The Anvil recognizes outstanding public relations programs and tools, as well as the agencies and companies that have created out-of-the-box business communication initiatives.

Katrina A. Mallari

#ConnectedRizal Improvements seen as Smart rolls out LTE to South Metro Manila Speed tests taken at the famous Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls in Antipolo, Rizal show blazing fast connectivity resulting from Smart’s network upgrades.

Smart is ramping up its network upgrades across the country, with improvements in LTE speeds seen in Rizal, southern Metro Manila, and Cebu. Internal tests conducted showed that average download speeds of 16.3 Mbps and average upload speeds of 13.4 Mbps on Smart’s LTE service have been recorded in the southern Metro Manila cities of Las Piñas, Taguig, Parañaque and Muntinlupa, which hosts about a fifth of Metro Manila’s population of over 12 million.

“LTE provides the best mobile data experience to subscribers and significantly boosts the speed, quality and reliability of our data service,” said Joachim Horn, chief technology and information advisor for PLDT and Smart. “Through this LTE rollout, we are also laying the foundation for further improvements in our service, such as LTE-Advanced with Carrier Aggregation, in preparation for the coming of 5G in 2020,” Horn added.

Carrier aggregation refers to the capability of LTE-A to provide subscribers with access to the combined capacity of two or more frequency bands, resulting in ultra-fast speeds of more than 100 Mbps for users with LTE-A capable smartphones.

Smart first rolled out its LTE-A service in April 2016 in Boracay in preparation for the rise of bandwidth-heavy services such as video streaming and gaming. Results of the continuing network upgrade can also be felt in nearby Rizal province, where average LTE download speeds have improved to 24.2 Mbps, while average LTE upload speeds have also gone up to 16.3 Mbps.

The ongoing network expansion is also bearing fruit in other parts of the country.

plan that PLDT submitted to the National Telecommunications Commission last year, where it said that Smart is focusing on accelerating its LTE deployment and will make it progressively available to users in 1,551 cities and municipalities across the country by the end of 2018.

This year, Smart targets to roll-out 2,165 sites with LTE in low spectrum bands and 3,568 sites in high spectrum bands, Horn said, adding that Smart will continue to invest in 2G and 3G networks to meet customer demand and ensure best customer experience.

The backbone of the PLDT group’s digital pivot, this comprehensive network modernization and expansion program features re-equipping cell sites to use low-frequency bands such as 700 MHz and 850 MHz to improve LTE and 3G services, as these frequency bands travel farther than high-frequency bands and provide better coverage, including indoors.

The rollout also includes deploying high-frequency bands like 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz, to increase the capacity of each Smart cell site to handle more calls, texts, and ever-increasing mobile data traffic.

Smart’s network rollout took a big bulk of parent company PLDT’s ramped-up capital expenditure program of P42.8 billion for 2016, which included the utilization of the new frequencies freed up with the acquisition of San Miguel Corporation’s telco assets. PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan has announced a total capital expenditure of P46 billion this year. CC:

In Metro Cebu, average download speeds on Smart’s LTE service are now at 20.9 Mbps, while average LTE upload speeds are at 15.5 Mbps, in the midst of ongoing network upgrades in the Visayas’ premier urban hub.

Users in Boracay and Metro Davao have also already reported improved quality of LTE services. Smart already completed its network overhaul program in these areas last year.

800 municipalities to have LTE by end-2017 Smart has targeted to expand its LTE coverage to include a total of 785 municipalities by the end of 2017, or about half of the target indicated in the three-year network roll-out

Tech media and bloggers take a tour of several destination spots in Rizal together with Smart Public Affairs, and Digital Media and Network teams to experience first-hand Smart’s fastest LTE yet.

11

Social Media Shoutouts

12

FEATURE

Are banks in PH waking up to cloud?

I

n the age when technology is following the footprints of consumers, banks are starting to adopt cloud technologies to innovate customer experiences. The road to digital transformation is usually anchored on the need to improve the way customers access financial products and services—but are banks in the Philippines hopping on the same train?

In a report by the Asia Cloud Computing Association (ACCA), the Philippines has improved its ranking for the second consecutive time in its Cloud Readiness Index (CRI), taking the ninth spot in the most cloudready nation in the Asia Pacific.

While the country’s adoption of cloud technologies is gradually rising, banking institutions need to keep up with this trend to provide better services to customers, reduce operating costs and improve scalability and flexibility.

Just in April 2013, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released a framework on the banks’ use of IT infrastructure, which includes ruling on use of cloud computing technologies.

This opens the floor for players in the local banking and finance services and insurance industry to explore possibilities on cloud for their non-core applications.

“Customers want automation. That’s why banks want to make sure that their applications won’t crash during moments when customer service is expected to be at its peak,” said Nico Alcoseba, Vice President and Head of ePLDT/PLDT Disruptive Business Group. “At this point,

cloud adoption in the banking and financial sectors should no longer be a question—it is already a need.

Cloud offers tremendous benefits that range from the agility to scale up and down to savings in total cost of ownership. With this solution in place, banks will definitely improve the way they deliver their services to customers across their branches.”

Embarking on a cloud-based business transformation journey helps banking institutions to optimize their operations. This is why ePLDT, Inc., an industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions for enterprises in the Philippines, pushes for the wide use of cloud for banks to leapfrog the competition in the market, innovate financial processes and meet customer satisfaction. ePLDT provides scalability to customers depending on their demand. It offers tailorfit cloud infrastructure while saving on costs, therefore supporting their growth in new markets without wasting time and resources in establishing a physical presence.

On top of these services, ePLDT ensures optimum security and disaster recovery to data stored in its colocation centers, the VITRO network of data centers. This is what separates cloud services from on-premise solutions.

“Banks are in a better position to maintain their relationship with their customers and entice new ones when they deploy their processes on the cloud,” said Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer.

“Huge banking institutions around the world are now embracing public cloud services because of its limitless security, scalability and cost-efficiency. Our local banks should not lag behind the competition.”

CC:

13

PLDT Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario joins PLDT Home Brand Activations Team Greg Leandro De Jesus and Raphael Mari Nava as well as subscribers inside the PLDT Home booth.

Being One with the Davaoeños

PLDT celebrates 80th

Araw ng Davao

By Farah C. Coyoca, Student-Trainee, De La Salle-Lipa

T

his year’s “Araw ng Davao” unites Davaoeños as it features the town’s rich culture. Considered as the anniversary of the largest city in Mindanao, the festival has exhibited a vibrant seven-day schedule of food and goods bazaars, trade fairs and cultural presentations catered for both festival hosts and guests. PLDT joined the town’s festivity and made its presence felt throughout the whole celebration.

Anchored on this year’s theme, “Stand tall. United.

Resilient.”, the 80th Araw ng Davao highlights the historical development of the city over the past eight decades.

were also displayed around the city in places like Rizal Park, Choicemart San Pedro and PLDT SSC Ponciano.

Araw ng Davao celebrates the wonderful and unique faces of the Davaoeños. By showcasing such tradition and culture, tourists and locals alike can better appreciate the fascinating city of Davao. CC:

The festival also held its annual search for “Mutya ng Davao”, the city’s ambassadress of goodwill. More than just the kaleidoscopic essence of the colorful festivity, the Araw ng Davao is also a reminder of how the city has grown and transformed itself to be one of the richest cities in the country.

Sprinkling the streets with its red glitters, PLDT Davao and PLDT ComRel joined the major parade of the festivity through the city. PLDT Home supported Araw ng Davao by showcasing Home Fibr Plan 1699 with an exclusive Davao Sale Offer exclusive for all Davaoeños. The promo was offered to all new and existing PLDT landline subscribers from March 13 – March 19, 2017. Home Fibr blimps and booth set-ups

14

Del Rosario is shown here with the “Mutya ng Davao” ambassadors..

Fueling the sparks of innovation and creativity

O

By Katrina A. Mallari

pportunities come in many forms – a lightbulb moment, a collaboration, or even an inspired idea. “The Spark Project” in itself is an opportunity that allows an individual to make their dreams happen. It fuels hope and sparks visions of a glimmering reality.

Launched in 2013, “The Spark Project” draws inspiration from Kickstarter, an enormous global community supporting creative ideas and projects. Like Kickstarter, “The Spark Project” uses crowdfunding as a way of financing a project anchored on creative ideas and passion projects.

“The Spark Project serves as a platform that these visionaries can use as a tool for them to be closer to their goal [of making their creative ideas become reality]. We provide the opportunity for them to take matters to their own hands, especially when it’s funding related,” said “The Spark Project” Founder and CEO Patch Dulay.

Online platform for visionaries The Spark Project is not a typical online platform for creative ideas. It’s an utter manifestation of an inspired idea aimed at enabling others achieve their dreams. In 2012, PLDTSmart Foundation (PSF), in partnership with PLDT KaAsenso, RFM Foundation, and The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community (TOSP-AC), launched the “Project Pagsulong.” It is a program that encourages the youth to become socially responsible and be the “change makers” that will benefit the next generation of creatives, social entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries.

“Project Pagsulong aimed to shape the minds of these young entrepreneurs to become the movers and shakers of the next generation. It is a platform in which these creative minds gather together towards pioneering ideas and building the nation,” PSF President Esther Santos said.

Fueling creative thinking Four years since winning third place in Project Pagsalubong in 2013, The Spark Project has crowdfunded 45 projects, raising P4.5-million and averaging P100,000 per project.

Some of these projects include Wash Bags, which was one of the first projects they crowdfunded when they launched The Spark Project. Another one is Risque Designs, which are artisan footwear resembling a work of art. There was also Nipa Brew, which specializes in locally crafted beer. All these projects have found their own niche market and achieved their own successes – all thanks to The Spark Project and the magic of crowdfunding.

Dulay underscored the importance of truly building a community that fuels creative thinking and sparks hope. “’Crowd’ is the operative word. Never estimate the power of the crowd – value and respect their ability to support ideas.

The crowd is very important and powerful,” Dulay said.

He emphasized the helpful ways PSF had done in propelling Spark Project to what it is today. “PSF has been very instrumental in making The Spark Project happen.

They’ve been a great support system and has boosted our confidence by truly believing in us,” Dulay said.

“PSF offers help in many different ways, especially allowing these start-up companies to thrive. These little things matter and it really makes a difference,” Dulay said.

Admittedly, The Spark Project has grown to be a successful venture. But despite the wonderful journey it has gone through, Dulay said that there is always room for improvement. “There are still many things that need to be done, but right now, I’m very, very happy with how it [The Spark Project] grows,” Dulay said. CC:

15

ew n a In rse u o c f l o g

Renowned for being one of the most premium golf courses in the region, the Manila Golf Cup offers a lush sanctuary of greens in the midst of a bustling city— the perfect refuge for media and executive golfers.

5th MVP media golf cup another hole-in-one

By Sarah G. Azucena-Reodica

F

or its 5th year, the MVP Media Golf Cup continued its winning streak as one of the most coveted tournaments in the Metro. Finding a new home at the luxurious 44-hectare sprawl of the prestigious Manila Golf and Country Club, this year’s MVP Media Golf Cup was another hole-in-one.

While PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan was unable to attend the eponymous tournament due to commitments with FIBA, he sent his felicitations via a video message, and said the Group will do its best to make the MVP Media Golf Cup bigger and better every year.

TV5 heartthrob Derek Ramsay shows off his prowess in the greens.

16

Luck smiles upon Manila Bulletin Sports Editor Ding Marcelo, who not only bagged the 1st runner-up title in the game, but also drove home a brand-new Toyota Altis from First Pacific.

Attended by over 60 top media practitioners, and more than 30 executives from the MVP Group of Companies, participants not only enjoy a good game of golf, but also find some newfound camaraderie and fellowship with their flight mates. Shown in the photos are, from left: PLDT Advisory Board Director Christopher Young and Manila Bulletin Managing Editor Fil Sionil; Philex Mining SVP and Padcal Manager Manny Agcaoili and DZBB’s top anchors Arnold Clavio and Joel Reyes Zobel; Fox Sports anchor Vince Hizon, Philippine Star columnist Alex Magno, Philex Mining SVP for Corporate Affairs Mike Toledo and Manila Standard Today Business Editor Ray Eñano.

In the five-year battle for supremacy between the Pint Media and the Broadcast Media, Print bags Overall Champions tilt.

PLDT Head of Public Affairs Ramon R. Isberto gives a warm welcome to the media.

Singer-host Antoinette Taus serenades the crowd with some hits.

The day’s big winners from the media players: Philippine Star Columnist Mary Ann Reyes is the Ladies’ Champion, Inquirer’s Golf and Motoring Editor Jong Arcano bags 2nd Runner-Up, Radyo Inquirer Interactive President Paolo Prieto has the Lowest Gross, Fox Sports anchor Vince Hizon is the Champion, while Business Mirror Editor Mike Besa wins the Overall Champion title.

17

Giving Back to Everyday Heroes

2G beneficiary drives home a Foton van

By Katherine Marajas, student-trainee, De-La Salle – Lipa

C

Angelica Zamora happily drives home with a new Foton van.

elebrating a decade of changing the lives of everyday heroes, PLDT-Smart Foundation’s Gabay Guro (2G), in partnership with Foton Philippines, recently awarded a Foton van to Angelica Marie Zamora, a senior high school teacher from Lucban, Quezon Province.

“These teachers are both mentors and everyday lifechangers. They continue to shape the lives of the youth, creating opportunities for growth. Gabay Guro’s Teacher Fest has always been an avenue in which we can pay homage to these modern-day heroes,” said PLDT Group Controller and Smart Chief Financial Officer Chaye Revilla.

Zamora wins an economical and environment-friendly Gratour mini-van that fits seven people. With foldable car seats, the mini-van can also be used for delivery and business purposes. Hailing from Atimonan National Comprehensive High school, Zamora has been teaching for almost seven years.

Foton Philippines EVP Anna Maria Parado underscored the importance of their continued partnership with Gabay Guro.

“Gabay Guro’s advocacy of supporting teachers as a way of giving back for all their hard work in mentoring today’s youth aligns with our company’s beliefs,” Parado said. “In Foton, we’re continuously coming out with new products and services in order to enhance our support for Gabay Guro and other partners.”

With a radiant smile and a grateful heart, she happily recalled her experience during Gabay Guro’s Teacher Fest. “Maraming salamat sa Gabay Guro at sa Foton Philippines for making all these possible. Sa libo-libong teachers noong September 25, ako ‘yung nanalo sa raffle. I am very thankful. Maraming salamat talaga,” Zamora said.

With all their devotion and perseverance, Zamora is among the many teachers, who are worthy to be celebrated everyday. A mini-van speaks volumes – a thankful note, a means of paying it forward, and an act of kindness. CC:

Zamora and her family pose in front of her new Foton van.

Zamora, 3rd from left, receives the symbolic Foton van key from PLDT Head for Financial Systems and Controls Francis Bautista, PLDT Senior Relationship Manager for CRM G - Public Sector Jojo Alonzo, and Foton Philippines EVP Anna Maria Parado.

18

march 2017

“If I Only Can” Photography by Gilmarie Silva, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa

19

Realizing Change

Nutty 90

As a kid, my main fear was heights.

It took me weeks, maybe months even, before I could cross a simple arched monkey bar.

My dad was very proud of me when I did.

Noong ikaw ay tangan pa Ng inyong ilaw ng tahanan Kakaibang tuwa ang makikita Habang ika’y minamasdan

I was a shy, but happy kid.

I was close to my family.

I excelled in academics.

I had an ideal perspective of love and relationships.

The greatest worry then was not being able to standout. But I wanted to be unique, different from the rest.

May mga bagay na unti-unti mong natutunan Katulad ng una mong salita Kinakabahan sa unang pasok sa eskuwelahan Ang takot mo’y hindi nawawala

By Paula R

And then everything changed.

I grew up.

My greatest fear now is growing old alone.

And I don’t think there’s a quick remedy for it.

I no longer know if I make my parents proud.

If I make anyone proud.

Or if there’s even something I can be proud about.

I’m no longer shy. Still happy, depending on how I look at things.

I realize I excel more on the extracurricular activities now.

I know now the harsh reality of love and relationships.

My greatest worry – well, I always worry. I overthink everything.

Sometimes I wish I didn’t change.

Stayed as optimistic and worry-free as I was way back then.

But everyone changes.

And we can only hope it’s for the better.

Ni Masayang Buhay

Lumalim ang iyong tinig Sumakit ang iyong puson Naranasan mo na ring umibig Pagbabago’y sadyang hindi makakahon Sumaya ka sa tulong ni Aling Juana Nakilala mo ang mabagsik na emperador Nakipagsuntukan dahil sa talo ang Ginebra Sinabunutan mo ang kaibigan mong traydor Muntik ka nang malulong sa mga katagang, “Gusto mo bang sumama?”

Mga napariwarang binata’t dalagang Sa nakaraa’y hindi mo maikukumpara Naigapang ang iyong pagtatapos Namasukan ka sa may Ayala Kahit na ika’y hirap sa iyong gapos Walang humpay ang tapon ng pera Nais mong bumalik sa panahon Hangad mo ang nakaraang walang pinagbago Ngunit ang sarili’y ayaw mong iahon Mga pangarap mo’y tuluyang naglaho Kayhirap tanggapin ang pagbabago Lalo na hindi ito naaayon sa iyong nais “Kahapon, matatanggap mo pa ba ako?”

“Bukas, ako ba’y iyong matitiis?”

Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan PLDT Tondo Sales & Service Center 20

Finding

Change: A Reflection

Forward

By John Paul M. Soriano, Subsidiaries and Facilities Audit Division In a blink of an eye Something is gone forever A trace of what used to be An inevitable phase of existence A difference unrecognizable Within a contained stance Encapsulated in a set of perceptions that forget Moving on to a new strife Closed in a lingering feeling But thrilled to a contrasted view The remaining incidence of the past Soon lifted by time Glance back as needed But forward is the future An antecedent of what will be And a transition to be faced

By Ma. Gemma G. Javier, Enterprise Service Assurance Mgmt-Global

A

re we afraid of change/changes? Looking back, it was a nightmare for me when my request for transfer to another Division was approved. It meant leaving my comfort zone and moving to a place where i didn’t know anyone.

It meant learning a new line of work, learning new tools and handling different kinds of people. Now, after nine years and three months in my present assignment, I could say... why would one be afraid of change? We are not in control of the future. What we need to do is to be prepared, take the challenge and entrust everything to God - the only ONE who is permanent in this world. CC:

Relentless

By Lyka A. Dellosa, EPLM A strong desire in my heart keeps knocking Like a rushing wind that keeps on moving Never relenting, never ending.

Still keeps knocking like a river flowing.

I don’t want to change, that’s what i said; Just keep walking on the same path until i get tired.

I don’t want to change, that’s what i said; Just keep having pleasure for all that its worth.

I don’t want to change, that’s what i said; Just keep living on the edge till i get wasted.

There are a hundred million reasons, but still i don’t want to change.

I’m tired, drowned, ashamed, and crushed; what a useless life.

Then a desire to my heart arises, you need to accept me.

I don’t what to change, that’s what i said But deep inside it’s all i need.

I surrender; with the entirety of me, i surrender.

Nothing to lose, though it may come, i don’t fear because He is my source.

The search is over; i don’t need to walk alone for He is my guide.

A love to last that I’ve been seeking from someone; He gave me a love that never ends.

A love that changed me, it needs to be told.

Fazed With Change

By Loy Verdadero-Nardo, Fixed Service Network Quality Assurance

I stand still!

I’m trembling with fear My energy seems fading So scared to walk to the unseen.

This sail is getting rough Should I traverse a new path?

Or remain in the comfort of indolence And forever ravel with past and present.

Oh God bless me with strength To unleash the chain of this sail Let me be at peace with the wind And embrace what tomorrow may bring.

21 26

Bagong umaga

Then And Now

Ikaw o ako Sino ba ang totoo Turo dito, turo doon Kaya bansa ay magulo

Back then, we can feel and enjoy the breeze of fresh air Now, smog and air pollutants disgust our nostrils

Ni Tricia Blue

Sa gitna ng tagumpay Sa mali laging nakaabang Bakit di muna pagbigyan Upang maiayos ang daan Ilang dekada na ang binilang Huwag nang magbulag-bulagan Tama na ang pagpapanggap Na inuuna ang ating bayan Ano ba ang adhikain?

Tulong ba ay nakahain?

Bakit hindi maisalin Sa masa ang yaman ng bansa natin Mga grupong nasa tuktok Likas yaman ni Juan ay kinontrol Mga papet na sa kapangyarihan ay gutom Hindi ba kayo nabubusog?

Nakakasawa na Mga trapo ay naglipana Madadala nga ba nila Salaping galing sa pawis ng iba Napaisip ang bawat tao Naghanap ng tunay na pagbabago Upang sa darating na siglo Maramdaman na pantay lahat tayo Kapit bisig sa ating hanay Kinabukasan ay naghihintay Sana’y hindi na sumablay Upang haligi ay tumibay Pagpapala ng langit ay namnamin Kasama ng taimtim na panalangin Pag-ibig sa kapwa ang unahin Upang bumalik ang lakas natin Kapag malinis ang hangarin Bagong umaga ay darating Tagumpay ng masa ay makakamit Tiyak grasya ay bubuhos at di mabibitin 22

By Melvin Artugue, ESAM Team C

Back then, we were captivated by songs with deep meanings and simple tunes Now, music is corrupted with audio effects and the message is taken for granted Back then, toddlers were polite, courteous, and respectful of the elderly Now, the millennials have become rude, hurting even their own parents Back then, we wore decent dresses Now, revealing clothes are the fashion trends Back then, we ate fresh vegetables and meat Now, fast food and junks deteriorate our diet Back then, we watched classic movies and love stories Now, we cheer for superheroes, vampires, and violent protagonists Back then, we walked, rode mules, and sailed for travel Now, we ride fast trains, ships, airplanes, hover boards, and big bikes Back then, we communicated thru snail mail Now, mobile services and e-mail ease our daily conversations Back then, we didn’t mind having bubbly bigger physiques Now, we have become so conscious of what to eat to be slim and fit Back then, dark skin was not equal to ugly Now, white complexion is the new definition of beauty Back then, we lived a plain, simple, but happy life Now, we would die without internet, social media, and gadgets Back then, innovations were good Now, changes may hurt

Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan PLDT Tondo Sales & Service Center

Note to Self

By Paula R Dear, Everything happens for a reason.

You will learn to accept this as time flies by.

You will question many things, And the answers may not come right away, But keep curious, keep wondering, and keep believing.

You will find people can be evil and hurtful and confusing, But be patient.

You may get tired of them, but stay understanding and respectful.

You will learn how to deal with people, in time.

I warn you, there will be many trials along the way.

Many challenges that may seem impossible to overcome.

It will be difficult at times, but you can handle it.

Pray.

Believe in yourself.

Keep positive. Optimism will take you far.

Life is tough, but know that you are tougher.

All these experiences will change you.

But whatever happens, have no regrets.

The Only Permanent Thing

By Emily S. De Leon, Recovery Collection Management

E

verybody may say “we must adapt to changes,” and almost everybody will respond “easy to say but it really depends on your situation.”

If we can’t leave a certain situation we are in, then let’s make an inspiration out of it.

In darkness a spot of light is hope, look for it …

Adversities are merely blessings in disguise.

We may not know now but soon we will realize that difficulties make us accomplish seemingly impossible feats.

If the challenges seem endless and tiring, ponder, walk away for a while, unwind. Nature will nourish us.

If changes strike you hard… ENDURE. The sun rises every morning and new HOPE begins. CC:

No matter what, know that you will survive.

I know. I’ve seen you do it.

And I’m proud of you.

23

Embracing Changes

By Mary Grace O. Sze, ECSM

T

hey say the only thing constant in this world is change and yet sometimes we resist or oftentimes fear it. I think more than change itself, it is the fear of the unknown that is causing worry. But if we don’t take a dip into the water, we would not know how deep it is and if we will be able to wade or swim across.

What would our world, our lives be without change? Given our different perspectives, some may be thoroughly content with being in a routine, day-in day-out. No disruptions, everything doing what it’s meant to do, everything in place. But won’t that feel monotonous? At first, it gives quite an appeal but what if the current situation isn’t as idyllic? Won’t we crave for changing something, someone for the better?

I know someone who has problems with self-esteem. She had the habit of buying new clothes that look good on her every time her morale hits low. She goes shopping to make herself happy. It became a cycle and a very expensive habit. It came to a point when she had to get loans to pay her credit card bills. This went on until she got married and when they had to come up with funds in preparation for their growing family, she had to tell her husband everything - that she was neck deep in debt and she needed help. It was a difficult time for them and it put a strain on their marriage which pushed her to change. It was not easy but she had to do it. In the end, it became the catalyst that changed her opinion of herself and her husband and the entire family eventually paid attention to her needs, having realized that all of them have to work together to make a better future.

Life has dealt me with quite a few changes too. Some of which happened when I got married and had a family. I had to change my thinking which used to be quite selfish as I cared only about myself. I had to shift priorities. Heck, even the way I season our food had to change (no MSG, please!). Did I have a choice? In some instances. Do I resent these changes? No. Because whatever inconvenience they caused me, they were all worth it. You see the rewards of your action and somehow, you hope that that subtle change can send a positive repercussion on people’s lives.

Each of us had gone through (or maybe going through) changes that could be physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual. The change may not be what we would have wanted but we have to trust God who knows what is best for us. We need Faith to overcome our fears and guide us through all the changes in our life. CC:

24

Artwork by Katherine Marajas, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa

That is Life!

By Cherry W. Alaban, EPLM What if the sun never sets or nights don’t turn into days?

Or perhaps colors don’t fade and rainbows don’t end.

So many questions that have never been answered.

So many mysteries that no one can unravel.

I wish I could be a child forever.

When I was still so innocent and didn’t care about anything.

When sadness and pain could easily turn into laughter.

When I was just beginning to learn and discover.

As I grew older, life has become increasingly complicated.

Some things you have to sacrifice before you could get ahead.

God has way to make me realize that, He’s just waiting for me to knock on His door for help.

Really life is full of surprises.

You wouldn’t know what will happen next.

Things you don’t have now could be yours in just a click.

But they could vanish as well when you least expect.

You did your best but things you wish for remain elusive.

It could be because the things you want are not the things you need.

At this point in my life, I have learned to enjoy whatever I have As I give thanks to Him for everything, for that is LIFE, after all.

Pagbabago

Ni Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Regulatory Pagbabagong nagaganap sa ating kapaligiran Mga bagay at pangyayari ating nararanasan Ginawaang iba sa modernong pamamaraan Upang mapaunlad ang ating kinabukasan Yung dating mahirap ngayon ay yumaman na Kaya lang may nagbago, ugali ay dinamaganda Guminhawa lang ang buhay siya ay nagging suplada Madamot, matarayat mapormang-maporma Sa abakada tayo unang na tutong bumasa Kelangang listo pag sagot sa maestra Tanging magulang natin sa atin ay umaayuda Di kailangan ng tutor estudyante kaagad ay marunong na Ang tanging libangan natin noong tayo ay bata pa Bahay-bahayan, manikang-papel, luksong-tinik, luksong-baka Ibang-iba sa ngayon computer ang kaharap niya Kaya naman si bunso di makausap dahil abala sa gadgets niya Ang kapaligiran noon na may sariwang hangin Ngayon marami nang polusyon ang nalalanghap natin Pagkain, gulay at prutas sa mesa ay nakahain May kemikal na rin at di makakabuti sa kalusugan natin Mga lupang dati ay may luntiang tanim Ngayon may subdivision na at commercial building Mga magsasaka natin tinamad na ring magtanim Kalabaw nila ay napagod traktor na ang ipinalit Sa panahon ngayon maraming bagong teknolohiya Saiba’t-ibang gadgetsmgatao ay nagingabala Pagku-kuwentuhanng pamilya minsan nalilimutan na Bonding ng mag-anak saan na napunta?

Gustuhin man natin o hindi dumarating ang pagbabago Isipin na lang natin walang permanente ditto sa mundo Minsan nasa ilalim, minsan na sa ibabaw at iba pang anggulo Natural lang mangyari dahil umiikot ang mundo.

You don’t have to

By Katherine Marajas, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa It’s okay, darling Let them steal your spotlight Let them ruin your soul Let them Just let them Coz at the end of the day Not everyone is going to like you And that’s okay That’s really okay…

You don’t have to change yourself You don’t have to…

What Could Have Been

By Luis C. Maglanoc, CustSvcOp Business Partner Management Meeting you again in such opportune time Was it by chance? Are you going to be mine?

No second thoughts, yes, you had to know.

I would never wait for another tomorrow.

Our minds had reached one frequency.

Or did we like what we see?

Didn’t bother to ask, as if overwhelmed!

Past mistakes, I should have considered them.

Words entwined, it weaved our emotions!

Though no doubt, we must suppress what we feel.

Afraid that love will come in few rations.

And now I’m left hanging, asking, wondering still?

It was only I, I dared to try!

Risking everything, more than I imagined.

As I realized, defeat is just nearby.

Let me take my heart back yet bleeding.

We believed a world is set for us two!

Threw away caution, it got the better of me.

I had let you walk in, you opted to let go!

Better to show nothing than to feel pity.

More than anything, more than anyone Less than nothing, less than no one It hurts to know, I should have seen this coming!

Too much hope on what could have been!

I Am Kristian Miguel 84193173 2017March 25

Be on top: A chance to change

By Laemar John V. Chavez, FSQM-Simple Products & Services

“C

hange is the only constant in life.” The ever-famous line when we talk about “change,” they say there is nothing permanent in this world. Everything goes on and whether you’re ready or not, we need to get through it. I remember when I was a beginner in mountain hiking, it was all new to me. I kept asking myself, am I ready for this new endeavour? But there was a silent prayer in my heart that I wanted a little change at that point in my life. Something that will give me thrills: a life outside my comfort zone. Then there came a desire to see for myself, and experience the feeling when one reaches the top of a mountain: Is it fulfilling? Is it worth it?

Change has always awed and inspired me and the following principles are useful guides in my life’s journey: • Transform yourself as an individual We have a choice to stay in our old self or transform into someone better, even though there is pain in the process.

Accept change and begin to focus on what you want. The pains and struggles will make you stronger as an individual.

• Open your heart for learning “Bitter-sweet and strange, Finding you can change, Learning you were wrong,” so goes a song in the film Beauty and the Beast.

When you open your heart for change, you are also willing to change your attitude. Sometimes change can manifest in your attitude towards your loved ones, you learn to be more patient, you learn to control your anger, you learn to forgive more.

• Progress is ahead If you want something you’ve never had, then you’ve got to do something that you’ve never done. It is scary to have big changes in our lives but it is scarier when you face REGRET. By these principles, someday I want to see myself on Top of my life. After getting through it all, I could look back and say to myself “so that’s why it happened” with a grateful smile because I took a chance at change. CC:

26

“Sunset Along Sunrise” Artwork by Gilmarie Silva, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa

Big word

By Abigael I. Chua, Home BO Management Calamba

“C

HANGES,” a simple word that affects a large part of our daily lives.

Changes in what? Maybe changes in your work, in your body, in your surroundings, in your relationship…

We need to face these changes. Like it or not, we, the Millennial Generation, need to face and embrace change with open arms. CC:

The Past’s Dropbox Photography by Farah Coyoca, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa

改善 (Kaizen)

By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Change is the only thing in this life that is constant.

However we try to avoid it, we cannot escape its stance.

As we progress in our journey, we realize we move Not knowing where the future may take or bring us…

GOD will provide His Best, the Assurance we hold on to Ever-steadfast, unconditional is His Great Faithfulness.

People often say change is good as it is inevitable.

As often as change happens, pain accompanies the cycle.

Good things seldom come with the easy way But pain is not meant to stay, for as long as we learn a thing or two A time for everything, a chance to let go of the past in order to enjoy the present.

Beautifully woven in His Timing are every turn and each twist of our path As we surrender to the process the good Lord has planned out for us.

Give our GOD the steering wheel of our engines and the pen to our books.

Only in our brokenness and silence of the hearts do we hear His Voice clearly.

Change poses challenges that enable learning more about ourselves..

How we cope with releasing the control knobs…

How we accept the mysteries of the great unknown…

How we sharpen our senses to follow His Directions…

When the only answer is Change

By Rheb Rosales, Business Process Assurance

D

o you have a nice voice but don’t want to sing? A swag but don’t want to dance? A writing skill but don’t want to write? If your answer is yes then why don’t you let the whole world know that you have an amazing talent?

Ah, I got you. What makes you afraid? Probably you do not have the confidence because one, for you, your talent or skill is not exceptional, two, you get intimidated, three, you’re afraid of rejection, four, you fear being judged, and five, you’re shy. That’s why you just sing, dance or write in a closed area where the only person who can witness your God given talent is you.

You want to color your hair then do it, you want to climb mountains, discover new places, then go for it. Document your journey, write a blog and publish.

With these, you might inspire other people. You might earn money thru blogging or you might even become a writer, a star in the future. People around you will immediately notice this change in you, if they ask then tell them you’re changing for the better. I’ve read that: “You are under no obligation to be the same person a year, month, or even 15 minutes ago. You have the right to grow. No apologies!”

Change is constant. You have a very big playground to discover. Explore it.

CC:

Change the world by changing the universe within us.

27

book review The President’s Hat by Antoine Laurain

Changing Fates

By Olive O. Barrozo

I

n Antoine Laurain’s award-winning novel, The President’s Hat, Paris is a picturesque 80s city, a cellphone-free whimsical world where people dine in elegant brasseries, enjoying a tete-a-tete over seafood platters, entrecote steaks, and a bottle of PouillyFuisse. It’s the era of the Walkman, a precursor of the MP3; the Minitel, a French forerunner of the Internet; and Francois Mitterrand, president of France from 1981 to 1995, whose fictional hat changes the lives of the major characters.

Finding the hat is one of the luckiest strikes of fate for Daniel Mercier, a diffident accountant in a Paris firm who has issues with his boss and his work.

Hoping to unwind and “put his worries right out of his mind,” he spends a “bachelor evening,” in a pricey brasserie after his wife and son go out of town for a short vacation. To his utter amazement, he finds himself seated next to Mitterrand’s table and after relishing his seafood platter royale and wine, he pays his bill and is about to go when he discovers the president’s hat lying around, having been inadvertently left behind. Mercier decides to put it on and leave the brasserie. One surreal thing follows another and Mitterrand’s magical fedora enables the once timid accountant to suddenly become confident. He speaks out his mind in the office, gets promoted, and starts to live as comfortably and happily as he could manage. He accidentally leaves the hat on a luggage rack of a train and another person in need finds it.

This time, it’s Fanny Marquant’s turn to change her life. A secretary at the tax office in Le Havre, Marquant has been having an affair with Edouard Lanier, a married man. She “had been sucked into a bittersweet ‘relationship’ which revolved around

28

seeing her loved one for a quickie a few times a month. She wished she could find the courage to end it with Edouard the next time she saw him, but she knew she didn’t have it in her.” Wearing Mitterrand’s black felt hat which she retrieves from a train’s luggage rack, the love-weary Marquant gathers the courage to confront her abusive boyfriend and finally end the hopeless relationship. She later writes about the affair, enters her piece in a literary contest and wins. The hat also finds its way to the lives of Pierre Aslan, a dispirited former inventor of the world’s finest perfumes, and Bernard Lavalliere, a crestfallen art collector who realizes the inadequacy of his bourgeois beliefs.

At a glance, The President’s Hat looks fantastically light and airy like an idyllic Parisian flat on HGTV. Even the cover, a simple illustration of a fedora with the Eiffel Tower in the background, suggests whimsy – a fairy tale tucked inside the pages. It is indeed decidedly entertaining, relevant, and readable. You can enjoy it while travelling the traffic-choked streets of the Metropolis or lying on the sandy beaches of La Union or Daet in the coming holidays. But like a charming Parisian apartment, Laurain’s novel has character – a nuanced life of its own that can send messages to anyone who may want to unravel the codes. The hat could symbolize power such as the far-reaching influence of Mitterrand, the French president who had the longest term in office. It could also signify our instinctive realizations that could make us change our decisions and lead us to the life we’ve always dreamed about but never quite mustered the courage to fulfill. CC:

movie review Beauty And The Beast: 1991 vs 2017

By Farah Coyoca, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa

T

he Beauty and the Beast modern film adaptation’s release came as a pleasant surprise to most Disney fans, especially millennials like me who grew up watching Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella, Ariel, and Belle. We, of course, are great fans of animated movies that feature amazing fairy godmothers, princes, dancing sea creatures, and talking teapots and books. For a fan like me, it is very nostalgic to see a remake of one of these beloved animated films.

Beauty and the Beast version 1991 is not that far from the 2017 version. Except for the former being an animated movie and the latter, a live action film, there are no changes in the characters, setting, and plot. I must say, however, that Emma Watson was perfect as Beauty in the 2017 edition. Both films contain the mob scene, the well- loved “Provincial life” sang by Belle, the same beginning with the audience getting to know the prince more, and of course the happy-ever-after

ending. They are both lovable and worth watching for the 2nd and 3rd or more times.

I’d give the 2017 remake a thumbs up for meeting my expectation of an animation turned into a modern film. But nothing can beat the love I have for the animated classic of my childhood.CC:

Maraming nagaganap sa isang Kisapmata Ni Ma. Katherine P. Marajas, student trainee - De La Salle Lipa

K

ung isa ka sa mga taong mahilig manood ng classic dark films, kailangan mong panoorin ang Kisapmata.

Una sa lahat, gusto kong bigyang pugay ang isa sa mga pinakamahusay na direktor sa Pinas, na si Mike de Leon.

At syempre pati rin si Nick Joaquin na sumulat ng “The House on Zapote Street,” ang orihinal na kuwentong pinagmulan ng pelikulang Kisapmata.

Ang pelikulang ito ay ekstraordinaryo dahil ito ang kauna-unahang incest film sa Pilipinas. Syempre hindi lang yun, humakot din ito ng 10 major awards sa FAMAS! Ngunit bago ang lahat, narito ang istorya ng pelikula. *ehem ehem* Si Dadong (Vic Silayan), isang retired police officer at tatay ni Mila (Charo Santos), ay mahigpit sa kanyang anak at sobrang seloso pagdating sa mga manliligaw nito. Nahulog ang loob ni Mila kay Noel (Jay Ilagan) at nagdesisyon sila na magpakasal. Nalaman ni Mila na buntis sya at pumayag ang tatay nya na magpakasal siya kay Noel pero kailangang magbayad ng binata at maghanda ng isang magarbong kasal. Pumayag naman si Noel at nagsumikap na ibigay lahat ng gusto ni Dadong.

Pagkatapos ng kasal, nagpasya si Dadong na manirahan si Mila at Noel sa kanyang bahay ngunit bawal sila magtabi sa kama dahil sa napakaraming dahilan. Hindi na nakatiis ang dalawa sa ugali ni Dadong kaya pagkaraan ng ilang buwan, umalis ng bahay ang mag-asawa ngunit bumalik rin sila upang kunin ang iba nilang mga gamit. Hindi inaasahang nakita sila ni Dadong at biglang nabalot ng tensyon ang buong bahay.

Ang Kisapmata ay hindi isa sa mga pangkaraniwang pelikula na may happy ending. Marami itong simbolismo kaya naman ang bawat eksena ay kaabang-abang. Ipinakita ng pelikulang ito ang malalim na koneksyon at kahulugan ng kulturang Pilipino sa mga tradisyon ng pamamanhikan, pagpapakasal at pamilya. Ipinakita rin ang matinding pananampalataya na nagpapahiwatig na ang mga Pilipino ay hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa at palaging nagtitiwala sa Diyos.

Sa kabilang banda, ang pelikulang ito ay nagpakita din na kayang baguhin ng kasamaan ang isang nilalang. Bawat tao ay pwede maging Dadong na kahit may mabuting anyo ay meron din palang itinatagong kasamaan. Kung hahayaan natin itong mangyari, hindi lang sarili natin ang ating sinasaktan, hindi lang sarili natin ang nagbabago, maging ang mga tao sa paligid natin. Nasa atin ang desisyon kung tayo ay magpapalinlang sa kasamaan o pipiliing magbago para sa ikabubuti natin at ng ating mga mahal sa buhay.

CC:

29

The power to choose the direction in life allows for one’s reinvention - to change one’s future and to powerfully influence the rest of creation.

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION BY MARK DARYLL SAMBAT