ACC:ESS August 2016

a u g u s t 2 0 1 6

AUGUST2016 NEWS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 03 PLDT BEEFS UP DIGITAL INFRA FOR MINDANAO 04 NTT Com to boost int’l connectivity with 100Gbps ultra-bandwidth 05 pldt home fortifies leadership in FIXED BROADBAND 06 NEW PLDT BILL, PAY EXPRESS ONLINE IMplementED 07 BUSINESS OWNERS SET FOR GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH PLDT ENTERPRISE, ACASIA 08 EPLDT EXPERTS PROVIDE CYBER SECURITY ASSESSMENT TO PH BUSINESSES

12 FEATURES////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 10 pldt sme nation powers #thinkph 2016 11 new pldt innolab opens in makati 12 the backbone of light and resiliencE COVER STORY 15 KEEPING AFLOAT THROUGH ONE MAN’S KINDNESS MVP RECEIVEs TROPHY OF APPRECIATION FROM PPCRV 16 2016 student campers rave over immersive experience

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06 REGULARS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 01 From the Editor 02 social media shoutout 09 Snapshots 20 The Bandwagoner 21 Life & ArtS

ABOUT THE COVER Building the nation’s digital infrastructure starts with the creation of a solid and firm backbone that provides opportunities for innovative transformations. This issue’s cover depicts a level of increased awareness in the country’s digital growth. With continuous technological breakthroughs and advancements, there are even more possibilities for the digitalization process and initiatives to rise above another level of greatness.

EDITORIAL

Great expectations

P

LDT starts the 88-day countdown to its 88th anniversary on September 2.

This anniversary celebration brings with it PLDT’s promise to be the “Telco ng Bayan”. To achieve that, we have embarked on a digital pivot to proactively respond to the increasing shift of our customers towards digital services.

We have disrupted ourselves as we see the decline in our traditional services such as voice calls and SMS. We are now providing not just connectivity but also content, mobile services, and even cable TV. To do that, we have progressively built our network infrastructure to handle bigger data volumes at greater reliability and resiliency. We have actually constructed the most expansive fiber optic backbone in the country with over 100,000 kilometers of fiber footprint. For our domestic fiber optic network (DFON), we built loops with a third leg to ensure 100% connectivity. We also have the most number of international landing stations for our connection to the world.

We are also laying the foundation for the country’s digital economy as we put up more data centers across the nation.

We expect to have 10 data centers by next year, with unparalleled rack capacity of around 10,000.

Indeed, we have taken huge strides in fulfilling this promise to serve our nation and change our people’s lives for the better.

However, all these initiatives will not be felt by our customers when their internet connection becomes intermittent, if not totally disconnected, during the exam week of their children. Not when we have fiber breaks that cripple a city’s operations for days. Not when a call to our customer service hotlines takes hours and response to complaints takes months. Not when the delivery of our services is much delayed.

We have done a lot but there is still much to be done. And I believe that given PLDT’s history and its people, we can do it. As our Chairman and CEO MVP has stated: “Since our founding 88 years ago, PLDT has served our people longer, and better, than any other telco. Our history with this nation, our affinity with what’s Filipino, and yes, with our size and presence touching everyday lives,

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 EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor Adrian T. Elumba Sarah G. Azucena-Reodica

PLDT ang tunay na Telco ng Bayan. We’re committed to transforming our business. We’re committed to providing great customer experiences. We’re committed to our mission of leading and inspiring Filipinos to see a better tomorrow.

This will demand an enormous effort, which goes beyond changing our name or refreshing our logos. But we will reclaim the promise of our potential and, after the dark days of decline, we should see again the sunlight of growth and prosperity for the company.”

Happy 88th anniversary to us all! Here’s to a victorious 2016 to us all!

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado

MAILBAG

V

ery much appreciated. Such encouraging words from a satisfied client. Delnet International Corporation President and CEO Klaas Oreel initially sent an email to Simple Services Fulfillment Management Head Marian Josephine P. Estrada requesting her to check his slow or intermittent internet connection, which he was experiencing for several days already. “My download speed is supposed to be 50Mb down but it is just half of that. Furthermore, upload speed is minimal,” Oreel wrote. But after two technicians had visited his house to have it checked, the connection was all working again. “We had some issues on the way but were resolved before 12nn. They did a great job. Thanks so much for the speedy help,” he said. The technicians commended were Las Pinas-Alabang Customer Service Operations Zone (CSOZ) Field Service Engineers Joseph M. Benedicto and Francis Kent P. Cadao. CC: Katrina A. Mallari 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

Estrada

Benedicto

Cadao

Contributors Cherry W. Alaban, Melvin Artugue, Jan Lester E. Bisco, Edel Viray-Cabiles, Ma. Luisa G. Cipres, Dannilyn C. De Castro, April Louise V. De Leon, Dulce Casaul-Escol, Evelyn Espinosa, Liza Shiela J. Fernandez, Pinky G. Lising, Elvin Luciano, Leonora S. Malenab, Fides G. Pasumbal, Maria Rowena I. Pumar, Landrito C. Santiago, Winona Zerla B. Santos, John Paul M. Soriano, Marjory C. Sy, Bienvenido N. Timoteo II, Loy Verdadero

O U R V I S I O N STAT E M E N T To be the proactive strategic communications partner of our stakeholders so that together we can inspire brand love and loyalty for PLDT. #SUPERMEDIA

social media shoutout

Compiled by Sarah G. Azucena-Reodica and Adrian T. Elumba

Relentless Service

PLDT employees brave strong currents Despite the knee-high flooding, gushing of the winds, and strong rain currents, PLDT Head Noel Alcantara and Jr. Telecom Associate Gilbert Basan from PLDT East GMM Fixed Access & Transport Oprns as well as non-organic Diars staff Benedict Seda and Roland Emillado and FOCQM contractors Jerry Arqueza, Randy Diaz, and Louie Briagas displayed unstoppable commitment and service as they braved their way through the storm.

On August 14, Alcantara’s team headed to Barangay Dulongbayan, Bankers Village in San Mateo, Rizal to work on the restoration of a damaged FTTH fiber optic cable affected by the explosion of a transformer.

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In his Facebook page, Seda, who was part of the team assigned in Bankers Village, posted the team’s hard work with a simple caption that encapsulates how working never stops.

“Tuloy ang laban kahit baha,” Seda said.

PLDT Marikina Customer Service Operations Zone Coordinator Romerico Gonzales and team also provided their support as they did some house to house repairs.

Some of the areas affected were houses in Modesta Village, Sta. Barbara Subdivision, Dreamhomes, Gloryville and Tierra Monte Ph4A, totaling to around 400 subscribers. Due to the speedy restoration done

by Alcantara’s team, only about 35 out of 400 subscribers reported

complaints, which they experienced due to the strong currents.

After the restoration, Gonzales’ conducted a call-thru on each subscriber based on reported fault tickets, and they confirmed network lines, cables, and

connectivity restarted operations once again.

Working for 12 hours, the team exhibited a remarkable example of Pusong PLDT, anchored on the values of commitment, service, and innovation. Katrina A. Mallari

news

PLDT is set to complete three major ICT projects in Mindanao

by September to enhance the region’s digital infrastructure and support economic growth in southern Philippines.

Located in Davao City, these vital ICT projects are PLDT’s fourth cable landing station, an Innolab or innovation laboratory, and the PLDT Group’s eighth data center.

These form part of PLDT’s programmed capital expenditures of P48 billion for the year.

“We are putting in our collective efforts to provide Visayas and Mindanao a solid ICT foundation to help boost the regions’ businesses and growing industries. It is within our short and medium-term mission to accelerate the necessary investments to help build and strengthen the regions’ enterprises, and enable them to become locally if not globally competitive via digital tools and solutions,” said PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto. “These projects will help fortify our network to carry and serve the rising data traffic from our subscribers, both in the enterprise and consumer spaces.”

Link to existing international gateways The cable landing station in Davao to

PLDT beefs up digital infra for

By Adrian T. Elumba be fired up by end of September will directly link PLDT Group’s network in Mindanao to all three existing international gateways in Nasugbu, Batangas; Bauang, La Union, and Daet, Camarines Norte.

This will improve resiliency and latency of international data traffic going in and out of Mindanao.

This also connects Mindanao to PLDT’s international managed network that has pointsof-presence (POP) in Hong Kong, Singapore, US and United Kingdom, and provides a fully-managed, high bandwidth global connectivity with automatic re-routing and switching capability through different international cable routes in the event of cable faults, providing even greater resiliency in the network.

Newest IT hub The Innolab facility, located at Poblacion in Davao City, will serve as the PLDT Group’s hub for available services and technology innovations for the region’s businesses and local communities. It will help showcase how these new technologies can benefit

commercial operations and improve efficiencies in businesses, and will also offer educational tours to schools, beneficial especially for engineering and IT students.

This showroom can also serve as a venue for local hackathon events to support local programmers and developers.

PLDT currently has seven Innolab facilities across the country, including the recently opened showroom at the Makati central business district.

Designed for global standards Like most of the data centers in the PLDT Group’s network, the data center in Davao will be designed to meet global data center standards and will obtain the certifications required by industries with heavy data-security requirements like banks and financial institutions.

The data center can accommodate hosting, collocation, and business continuity services for enterprises. It will also be a suitable secondary back-up location for businesses with data

already housed in other data centers across the country.

The PLDT Group currently operates seven data centers in the country with the recent addition of its largest data center situated in Makati City. It targets to expand its data center facilities to 10 by 2017 with an unmatched rack capacity of over 9,000 – the largest by any provider in the country. These data centers offer various hosting, colocation and business continuity services, among others, primarily serving large enterprises, particularly banking and financial services, and business process outsourcing.

“With PLDT’s overarching objective of enabling businesses nationwide to be globally competitive in an evolving digital environment, we are nurturing a digital hub in southern Philippines. We will continue to beef up our network across the country to better serve the Philippines’ growing need for a stronger and more robust digital infrastructure,” said Alberto. CC:

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NTT Com to boost int’l connectivity with 100Gbps ultra-bandwidth PLDT has recently partnered with NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group, strengthening the Company’s global network infrastructure by leveraging the 100 gigabit-per-second (100Gbps) connectivity powered by NTT Com’s Tier 1 Global IP backbone.

This ultra-high capacity will help PLDT improve internet speed for both individual and enterprise customers.

According to global statistics reports, the Philippines along with the rest of Asia has seen an upsurge in demand for international bandwidth, with a significant 300% growth over the last four years.

“Strengthening our connectivity with NTT Com’s industry-leading Tier 1 IP backbone provides a solid foundation for PLDT and

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our customers to adopt new business models that will enable all to transform digitally and to connect the Philippines with the global market seamlessly,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. “We chose NTT Com because of our long-standing strategic partnership that goes back many years.

NTT Com has been a leader in the global telecoms space, having made significant investments in network infrastructure and the delivery of highly reliable services.”

“We are thrilled to take our partnership with PLDT to the next level, by deploying the ultra-high capacity 100Gbps link for PLDT to carry large volumes of global IP traffic. In this increasingly connected world, bandwidth has become a critical accelerator for business and individuals, which

is the reason why we continually invest in upgrading our network technology and infrastructure. We believe the enhanced connectivity for PLDT will largely increase its capacity in handling the anticipated massive explosion of data driven

by the rise of disruptive technologies such as Cloud, Big Data, IoT and video streaming,” said Hideaki Ozaki, President and CEO of NTT Com Asia Limited.

With the 100Gbps ultrabandwidth connectivity, PLDT will be able to handle traffic bursts and scale-up faster to accommodate subscriber demands.

“Higher speeds translate to faster data transmission and thus,

improve efficiencies for PLDT and its customers,” Pangilinan added.

“Coupled with PLDT’s initiatives to expand and upgrade its access and transport networks, this network infrastructure enhancement will definitely help PLDT improve internet services in the Philippines.”

Backed by top-ranked Tier 1 IP backbone, NTT Com Global IP Network Service provides high-speed, high-capacity IP connectivity covering Asia, North America, Europe and Oceania. As a pioneer of the industry, NTT Com successfully deployed the world’s first 100Gbps digital coherent technology on the company’s transpacific submarine cable system PC-1 and Asia Submarine-Cable Express (ASE) in 2013 and 2014 respectively, to support the ever growing high-bandwidth data demand globally. CC:

with sustained subscriber growth

PLDT HOME fortifies leadership in fixed broadband

PLDT HOME fortifies its leadership in fixed broadband as its subscribers grew 14% year-on-year to almost 1.3 million in the first semester.

PLDT HOME has further pulled away from competition with its fixed broadband subscribers rising by 4% quarter-onquarter as it boosted its broadband programs with successful activations and superior digital products and services.

PLDT is one of the very few telcos in the world which continues to grow its fixed line business despite challenges from over-the-top players and increasing shift to mobile devices.

“One of our significant successes is PLDT HOME’s continuous growth for five consecutive years now with its unmatched digital products, innovative services and compelling content,” PLDT HOME Operations Head Oscar Enrico Reyes Jr. said.

“Our most recent offering is the Smart Watch which helps parents keep track of their children.

This cool gadget for kids will enable them to take photos, play music, and when paired with the Telpad or a smart phone, they can also receive notifications, calls, and text messages,” he said.

He added that: “We program to roll out highprovide customers speed data infrastructure with the most number on its fixed-line network of home entertainment – in the form of more services running on fiber-to-the-home broadband led by (FTTH) facilities – PLDT HOME and its mobile DSL and network – PLDT HOME particularly Fibr. These through the are the expansion foundation of its 4G/ for valueLTE mobile added network. services such as linear IPTV “As we with Cignal TV, strengthen PLDT HOME Operations catch up TV with Head Oscar Enrico Reyes our data Fox, and video infrastructure, on demand as offered we also make it easier by iflix – all of these are for our customers to available at home and on adopt web-capable mobile devices.” devices such as the Telpad, FamCam, and the “We have also introduced TVolution Stick as they Data Sharing which start to live the digital enables our customers to life,” Reyes pointed out. access the Smart HOME through their mobile The all-new Telpad is devices. This is best a tablet that serves as experienced with the the hub of the digital country’s most powerful services for the home. broadband PLDT HOME It can control home Fibr with speeds of up to appliances thru WiFi 1Gbps.” and Infrared as well as the FamCam, a home The PLDT Group’s monitoring security consolidated capital camera that transmits expenditures for the first live footage to mobile half of 2016 amounted devices. to P20 billion, up 44% from the same period last The TVolution Stick, year. The higher capital launched in partnership expenditure level reflects with Intel and Microsoft, the Group’s continuing is a device that turns

an ordinary TV into a personal computer.

“The TVo Stick, Telpad, FamCam, and Smart Watch are Smart HOME devices that are best experienced with PLDT HOME Fibr which can now reach 2.5 million households and is available in 3,000 areas nationwide,” Reyes added.

“In the coming months, we will unbox more new services and solutions that will delight people and enable them to change their lives.”

Last year, PLDT established partnerships with international content providers like iflix, Fox International Channels, and Da Vinci Learning to provide customers with a unified experience that brings together both content and connectivity. Other integrated content and services offered by PLDT include Cignal on Telpad which allows subscribers to access select kid-friendly Cignal programs on Telpad, and Cignal on Broadband (Cignal over Fibr, and Cignal over DSL), the only IPTV service in the country. Olive O. Barrozo

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New PLDT Bill, Pay Express Online implemented Constantly finding ways to meet customers’ expectations, the Pay Express Online and the new PLDT Bill or Statement of Account (SOA) were recently implemented. Aimed at ensuring that the problems and issues raised by the customers are properly addressed, these projects under the customer experience initiatives were spearheaded by Consumer Credit and Collection Management VP Jonel Ladaban.

Pay Express Online, headed by Collection Assurance and Information Management Head Dennis Dalmacio and Payment Management Head Rosenie Flores, is a payment facility that accepts credit card & debit /ATM card for PLDT bills payment sent to its subscribers on either QR code on PLDT Bill, a link included their eSOA sent through email, SMS once they’ve updated their contact details, askPLDT mobile application, and Redirection page.

It was designed to be user-friendly, such that customer information is pre-filled. This gives PLDT customers convenience to pay anytime, anywhere with guaranteed near real time posting. This initiative was made

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possible by Customer Service Assistant Jocelyn Yamon. IT application development and management team includes Lenie Yumang, head; with staff Louie Dulnuan, JM De Leon and Irene Tan. PLDT customer Ssaera Cadabra posted in her blog satisfied remarks on the new online payment facility. “Following the recent changes in PLDT, I appreciate how they upgraded their payment system,” Cadabra said. “I’m done in less than five minutes.

Thank you, PLDT! I just love this upgrade.”

The New PLDT Bill or SOA, headed

by PLDT OIC for Billing Administration Management Imelda Nogoy, has undergone several modifications in the last two years to meet customers’ expectations. The layout has gone through a complete makeover to address the problems and issues raised by PLDT customers. The new SOA now has a cleaner look, simpler design and easier to read text. Another added feature is the “Important Information” page dedicated at the second page of the new PLDT bill,

Responsible for the implementation of the new PLDT bill and the Pay Express Online are, 1st row, from left: Edna Icalina, Jocelyn Yamon, June Alcantara, Kathleen Jose, April de Leon, Kaye Gacno and BAM OIC Imelda Nogoy. Second row, same order: CCAIM Head Dennis Dalmacio, Christian dela Paz and CCCM VP Jonel Ladaban.

including PLDT contacts, payment reminders, and list of payment channels. Teams under this project were: communications unit composed of Kathleen Jose, Christian De La Paz, Kaye Gacho and April Louise De Leon; and IT Home Business Systems comprising of Beng Pama, June Alcantara and Edjie

Icalina. Bill printing process was coursed through ePDS. The change in layout of PLDT’s SOA is in time with the Company’s change of logo design and name. Katrina A. Mallari with inputs from April Louise V. De Leon, Payment & Information Management

Enabling Global-Ready Businesses

Business owners set for global expansion with PLDT Enterprise and ACASIA

Shown here are, from left: PLDT SME Nation SME SAPM 2 Head Malou Labung-Talosig, AVP and Head of SAPM Wireless Sales Jecyn Chua-Teng, Dipolog City Mayor Darel Uy, Bossing Myrna Yao of Richwell Trading Corp., PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez, and AVP and Head of SME CMC Gabby Cui.

The upcoming ASEAN integration is bound to open opportunities for businesses to expand their reach beyond the local market landscape, prompting cooperation and competition for the region’s diverse range of industries.

With this in mind, PLDT Enterprise, together with ACASIA Communications Sdn Bhd, brought together business owners and entrepreneurs with ASEAN presence for a night of informative and insightful discussions featuring leading business experts from various regions of Asia.

compete at the same level of international companies,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation. “As long as you have the support from the right partners, the ASEAN integration can take your business to new heights.”

As one of the key players in the ASEAN collaboration among the seven leading telecommunication

providers in the region, PLDT looks ahead in preparing the Philippine enterprise landscape for the forthcoming regional integration.

By being connected to telcos in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Vietnam, PLDT will be the single portal for businesses in the Philippines who plan on expanding to the other ASEAN member nations,

reinforcing its mission of enabling Filipino enterprises with both technology solutions and best practices.

In collaboration with ACASIA, PLDT remains committed in making available enterpriselevel technologies that empower communication and expand possibilities to make it big in business.

CC:

Business owners listen to the discussions on the challenges of meeting global demands.

“With the goal of global expansion for local businesses, we at PLDT strive to equip our customers with seamless connectivity and revolutionary ICT solutions that will drive them to

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ePLDT experts provide cyber security assessment to PH businesses In line with its thrust to help Philippine businesses implement reliable cyber security measures, ePLDT recently introduced the ePLDT Managed Security Solutions in its product roster. It is a suite of security services that cover the devices, systems, processes, and expertise needed to protect vital IT infrastructure from most security risks, evolving threats, and malicious software attacks.

enough— enterprises need to check for vulnerabilities and respond accordingly,” said Bernice Pineda, Business Development Manager for PLDT Disruptive Business Group.

“Many businesses find security overly complicated and thereby put it off to deal with later when a breach has occurred. Our goal is to simplify it for them, giving more incentives to make security a priority to minimize the cost of these breaches.

Having protective measures is not

Following the launch, ePLDT is offering free vulnerability assessment for a limited time, providing critical insight into specific details of a company’s IT system such as bandwidth usage, infected computers, and possible security gaps within the network.

A part of the free assessment will be the installation of a tool

that can automatically analyze network traffic.

This assessment is open for enterprises within Metro Manila and will be free for those who apply untilAugust 31, 2016.

“The vulnerability assessment, which we are currently offering free of charge, will help enterprises understand cybersecurity in greater depth. We will help them test their current security and recommend the appropriate adjustments tailored for their needs,” said Francis Arjonillo, Head of PLDT Business Development for Enterprise Cloud and Managed Security.

“In matters of security, being proactive is a must. One shouldn’t sit around and wait for a breach before taking action.” CC:

Retirees’ group renamed; holds 12th general assembly Former PLDT employees, who have since changed their association’s name from PLDT Retirees Association (PRAI) to Association of Former PLDT Employees, Inc. (AFPEI) following Security Exchange Commission (SEC)’s recent approval, gathered for their 12th general assembly recently at PLDT TelTec.

at work inspiring the audience with his heartwarming message.

The event started with an invocation from Fr. Ramon U. Merino, parish priest of San Felipe Neri, Mandaluyong City who was also the head of the PLDT Building & Maintenance Division prior to his early retirement in 2001 to join the seminary.

The change in the name of the association addresses the clamor of other resigned PLDT employees who wish to join the association although they are not retirees. With this change, the AFPEI Board of Directors is confident that most of the former employees of PLDT will eventually join the association.

Guest speaker was retired PLDT Senior Vice President Cesar V. Campos who underscored the importance of discipline

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During the general assembly, Ex-Officio Officer Mandy Reyes announced the revocation of the PRAI registration by the SEC and its approval of the registration of the new name.

The first board members of the new AFPEI are:

Newly-elected board of directors are, seated, from left: Clarisse Bernard, Tess Carino, Mandy Reyes, Edel Cabiles, and Babes Ledesma. Standing, same order: Bobby Roque, Manny Viardo, Ver San Buenaventura, Tony Ballesteros, BernzGalupe and Jun Poligratis.

Mandy Reyes, Tony Ballesteros, Manny Viardo, Bobby Roque, Jun Poligratis, BernzGalupe, Ver San Buenaventura, Clarisse Bernardo, Tess Carino, Babes Ledesma, and this writer.

The newly elected AFPEI Directors expressed their appreciation and special thanks to the following for gracing the occasion: Campos and George N. Lim, former PLDT Senior Vice

President and First Vice President, respectively; Fr. Merino, Romy Ranjo, a pioneer member of PRAI; Ramon Araquel, ex-PLDT Golfers’ representative; Mulong Garcia, master of ceremonies; to PLDT, PECCI, TELESCOOP and Muenchen Corp. for their constant contributions and support to the projects and activities of the association; and J.C. Premiere, sponsor. Edel Viray-Cabiles, AFPEI

snapshots

MVP Group CSR units co-sponsor PPO concert at Carnegie Hall

One Meralco Foundation together with Smart Infinity, Rustan’s Commercial Corporation and Philippine Airlines were the main sponsors for the recent staging of the concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) at the Carnegie Hall in New York City. This marked the first time that a Filipino orchestra has performed in the US. It was a dream for all the musicians that came true through the hard work of many, but especially the untiring efforts of CCP trustee Nedy Tantoco and Maestro Olivier Ochanine, who ended his term as PPO music director with the Carnegie debut. The Carnegie Hall concert was also made possible

by PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), Federal Land Inc. and Metrobank Card Corp. Proceeds from the concert will go to a housing project of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) in Tacloban, Leyte for Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

PLDT awards computer package to DSL broadband quiz Capiz winners

EmpDev head participates in Cebu HR summit A sprawling function room filled with of 1,100 HR practitioners became the venue of EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega’s riveting talk that summarized the learnings from experts during the Civil Service Institute Summit held in Cebu. Reinforcing the need to balance change and continuity, Noriega engaged a full house audience with a massive interactive simulation rituals on strengthening linkages between allies across the disciplines of organizational development and work culture management.

Photo shows the momentous commitment rites with the leadership team headed by Civil Service Institute HR Director Arturo Florentin, 2nd from left, on stage.

PLDT recently awarded the computer package to Capiz-based winners Jarah Ann Balgos and Hadjie Bernas, 3rd and 4th from left, grand champions during the PLDT DSL Broadband Quiz held last May 27 for their school Comsr.

Luis R. Asis National High School. Photo shows PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario, 5th from left, turning over the four computer units in the presence of DepEd ICT Coordinator Emmanuel Lati, 6th from left. Witnessing the event are, from left: PLDT ComRel’s Alice Tuazon and Annie Ferrer, teacher-coach Celeste Bering, and PLDT Panay Customer Service Operations Zone Customer Service Assistant Rose Borce.

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PHOTOS BY RAPPLER

feature

Leading Disruptive Thinking in Enterprise

PLDT SME Nation powers

#ThinkPH 2016

By Adrian T. Elumba reach their new market of online customers and empower digital innovation among businesses.

PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin sits in as part of the panel discussing the challenges of Filipino business owners today.

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he expanding digital culture is propelling businesses to adapt to the growing data-driven consume – and long-established corporations including PLDT Inc. are no exception.

Following TechIsland 3.0, the third annual tech-for-business conference organized

by PLDT SME Nation last April, as well as the collaboration with TechTalks.PH’s SlingshotPH Cebu and PLDT Enterprise’s Philippine ICT Leadership Convention in June, the PLDT micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) group continues to present opportunities to help local entrepreneurs

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In its most recent initiative to equip MSMEs for the digital age, PLDT SME Nation, together with Rappler.com, invited business owners for the 2016 #ThinkPH summit. The tech summit, now on its third year, featured renowned industry experts who shared insights and tackled the accelerating trend of innovation to shed light on the role of technology in the greater vision of nation building.

This year’s #ThinkPH focused on disruptive thinking and how businesses can leverage on the power of innovations to drive

success. PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin expressed the need for even traditional corporations like PLDT to embrace the digital culture.

“The challenge for seasoned businesses is to stay relevant to the new online market.

The reality is that if you’re not online, then you don’t exist,” Locsin said. “We at PLDT SME Nation continue to find ways to help MSMEs make it big amid the disruptive digital culture in business by enabling them to expand their market reach with innovative solutions made specifically for their growth.” CC:

Kalibrr CEO Paul Rivera, Rappler’s Maria Ressa, Xurpas’ Nix Nolledo, and Manny Ayala share insights on digital trends.

PLDT corporate clients try an app that provides an estimate of an individual’s age.

PH’s Lair of Digital Smarts

New PLDT Innolab opens in Makati CBD MVP tours the newlyestablished PLDT Innolab Makati.

generation technology and applications.

The opening of this cuttingedge facility marks PLDT’s seventh Innolab nationwide after Manila, Clark, Subic, Cebu, Davao and Baguio.

P

LDT recently opened its newest Innovation Laboratory (Innolab) at the Makati CBD taking to a higher level its pioneering commitment to define the future of telecommunications in the country.

“In these times of mind-boggling advances in technology, Innolab is the perfect venue to identify trends and business models, and facilitate mutually beneficial exchanges within the dynamic digital community,” Limjap said.

PLDT Innolab is a world-class facility where innovative products and business solutions are tested and developed, and where PLDT’s field experts provide training, ICT services and other technical assistance to the digital clientele.

PLDT Innolab is a host to a mixture of techies in the digital community in a cross-section of demographics―from the telecom industry, academe, software and gaming industry, and service providers in government―all engaged on new technologies and solutions as stakeholders of the digital economy.

“The newest lair of digital smarts is the PLDT Innolab,” Joey Limjap, PLDT vice president for ICT Research and Development, said, citing that Innolab set the standards in building a world-class ICT research and development center for new

“Since 2003, Innolab has had a positive and lasting impact in providing innovation in ICT services and technology in the country,” Limjap added.

PLDT Innolab in Makati CBD is primed for the testing and simulation of technological advances along with the periodical conduct of skills training aimed at enhancing the PLDT Group’s business performance and competitiveness.

Along Makati’s central business district, the facility is situated inside a premier PLDT data center equipped with intensive security system and disasterresilient infrastructure. CC:

PLDT CFO Anabelle Chua tries the VR gear.

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In partnership with PSF and Gawad Kalinga, the student campers help build houses as part of their CSR activity.

Some student campers enjoy a good time under the sun as they participated in their day-long team building activity.

year that we’re doing this particular program for the Company and we’re grateful to all the campers for joining us and I do hope we could see all of you to be part of the PLDT family when you do graduate from school. So congratulations and maraming salamat,” Pangilinan said.

PLDT executives were also present during the project revalida presentation, including PLDT EVP and Consumer Business Head Ariel Fermin, PLDT FVP and HOME Operations Head Ren Ren Reyes, PLDT FVP and Controller Chaye CabalRevilla, and PLDT Information Technology (IT) Head Arvin Arbolado.

Top seed Hailed as top seed during the project revalida presentations, Josiah Eufemio, 19, a BS Industrial Engineering student from the University of the Philippines – Diliman, was assigned under the Technical and IT Recruitment. Eufemio

presented a project that merges two seemingly unrelated disciplines – lean technology and recruitment. “Lean technology is a manufacturing principle from the Toyota manufacturing system.

I particularly looked at our OJT process because we are the top choice for OJT in the Philippines.

As of the moment, 70 applications are processed by HR per week,” Eufemio said.

Asked about his experience in presenting his project to MVP, Eufemio considers it a rare opportunity. “The experience of presenting my project to MVP was something that I would take with me for the rest of my life,” Eufemio said.

“During our meet and greet as well, he said something quite notable about being yourself when asked by a fellow student camper on how to be him.”

“Of course, it will be good to have someone to be your model or to have him as a good example

to your path. But basically, it boils down to everyone being themselves and creating their own path towards their goals,” Eufemio added.

During the student campers’ graduation, PLDT HR Management and Development FVP Emiliano Tanchico congratulated the student campers on an immersive experience during their twomonth internship. “We’re very glad that a lot of you have learned and experienced something different. And I hope that your experience here in PLDT will be something that you can build upon as you finish your course and grow as professionals,” Tanchico said.

PLDT HR Management and Development FVP Emiliano Tanchico congratulates the student campers on their twomonth internship experience.

Indeed, it was an experience like no other. Ending the student campers’ graduation on a high note, these 54 students will bring home with them a two-months-worth of memories and a lasting friendship. CC:

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int’l submarine cable station

cover story

of light AND resilience

By Olive O. Barrozo

I

n 1997, a fascinated world watched the Hale-Bopp comet shining brightly in the skies as it passed close to Earth.

Discovered by amateurs, the record-breaking Great Comet of 1997 was cited as probably one of the most viewed comets in history, having been visible to the naked eye for a record 18 months.

Likewise flying into outer space that year was the Philippines’ first communications satellite called Agila II which made world-class telecommunications services possible not only in the country

but in the Asia-Pacific rim as well. Leading the consortium that launched Agila II was PLDT, along with seven other companies.

rapidly transmitted to hundreds of miles. Fiber optic cables can send more information much faster than the old copper cable.

Beginnings of a Backbone It was also in 1997 when PLDT started the construction of the Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON), the first telecommunications network that used fiber as backbone that will cover the entire country from Luzon to Mindanao.

The $187 million PLDT project consisted of 2,600 kms. of submarine fiber optic cables and 3,000 kms. of land cables covering major cities and provinces in the country including San Fernando La Union, Dagupan, Tarlac, Cabanatuan, Subic, Malolos, Sampaloc, Makati, Calamba, Nasugbu, San Pablo, Lucena, Guinayangan, Pasacao, Legaspi, Roxas, Calbayog, Tacloban, Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis, Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga.

Linking most of the islands on a loop basis, DFON had a capacity of 2.5 gigabit/s per second. It aimed to improve inter-island communications by adding 30,720 channels to the existing capacity.

The fiber network can be upgraded and almost triple the capacity of the system by simply upgrading the optical line terminal equipment installed in the landing stations.

The DFON, which has since become PLDT’s main backbone, gives clearer signals and accommodates a higher volume of traffic among the covered areas. Comprising the network is the glass-made fiber optic cable which carries lasergenerated light impulses containing digitized data such as video, audio, and text information that can be

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Its cable landing points were located in Nasugbu, Pinamalayan, Roxas, Banate, Jara, Cadiz, Daanbantayan, Liloan, Ormoc, Calbayog, Legaspi, Pasacao, Guinayangan, Naga, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Maasin, Ozamis, Zamboanga, Tucuran, and Cotabato.

Cable laying of the submarine fibers started in Liloan, Cebu.

PLDT has contracted the services of international suppliers for the equipment and cables. Siemens provided the submarine cables and

transmission equipment while Alcatel of France, Ericsson of Sweden, and Marubeni of Japan took charge of the land cables.

Configured with seven loops, the network has a “self-healing” capacity which means that if one of the loops or rings is cut, the system automatically reroutes calls through the other loops.

The DFON offers a wider bandwidth capacity for internet users as well as faster response time for the installation and provisioning of facilities for leased lines. This network is also designed to service the interconnection requirements of other telephone companies.

Linking the Philippines to the World Complementing the DFON are the international submarine cable networks that connect the Philippines to the rest of the world. Currently, PLDT is part of a consortium that owns four cable landing stations located in different parts of the country. These are the Asia-America Gateway (AAG) in La Union, the Asia Pacific Cable Network 2 (APCN2) and Southeast Asia-Middle East-West Europe 3 (SEA-ME-WE3) both in Nasugbu, Batangas, and the Asia Submarine-cable Express (ASE) in Daet, Camarines Norte.

A new cable station will soon be launched in Mindanao.

These international cable stations provide the information infrastructure that builds up the country’s links to the rest of the world. The latest of the four is the ASE, which started operations in August 2012. It is the biggest capacity international submarine cable ever to land in the Philippines. With its enormous capability, new bandwidth hungry broadband applications requiring international access, such as IP-based data, external video content, and other external multimedia services can be offered by the PLDT Group and accessed easily by its customers.

The ASE more than doubles the country’s existing international bandwidth capacity, benefitting the whole spectrum of businesses including banks, call centers, and BPO companies, as well as small and medium

enterprises and entrepreneurs who would like to conduct business through the internet.

PLDT’s Digital Pivot As PLDT heads towards the digital path of the 21st century, its network infrastructure is continually upgraded and enhanced to provide the changing requirements of various customers.

“Our first task is to raise the level of our network capacity and resiliency in order to meet the rising demand for data services, particularly increasingly rich video services,” said PLDT Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan. “This effort is vital not only for the continued prosperity of our Company, but also for the competitiveness of our country in a global economy that is rapidly going digital.”

According to the PLDT 2015 Annual Report, the Company stepped up its investments in network infrastructure to support the rapidly rising demand for data services. The allocation for capital expenditures in 2015 was raised to P43 billion and the same amount was set aside for 2016. The funds were utilized to further expand the reach of PLDT’s domestic fiber optic transmission and distribution network to over 100,000 kilometers.

In 2015, projects were also undertaken to strengthen the

the international cable stations provide the information infrastructure that builds up the country’s links to the rest of the world. the latest of the four is the asia submarine cable express, the biggest capacity international submarine cable ever to land in the philippines.

resiliency of the network in various parts of the country.

This included burying the fiber cables underground in areas like Northern and Southern Luzon to protect these from damage due to accidents or natural disasters.

Transforming its network into a more efficient, data-capable, high-speed system, PLDT has completed the nationwide migration of its landline network to a purely Internet Protocol (IP)based Next Generation Network (NGN) system.

Data-Driven Future In a major effort to set up the country’s most extensive network of data centers which are key building blocks of the digital economy, PLDT is currently operating seven data centers and will open three more until 2017.

The recently-inaugurated VITRO Data Center, with its 3,600-rack capacity, is the largest and most modern data center in Makati’s central business district.

New data centers will soon rise in three locations nationwide which include one in Clark Special Economic Zone, one in Davao – the first in Mindanao, and the expansion of the data center in Cebu.

“Underpinning our digital pivot is a comprehensive program to improve our digital infrastructure.

We are transforming not only our fixed and mobile networks, but also building a formidable system of data centers,” Pangilinan said.

Powered by its impressive network and designed to meet international standards, PLDT’s data centers can only be the most reliable and secure facilities especially created for its customers. CC:

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feature PSF President Esther Santos, PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn Del Rosario, and PLDT Technical and IT Recruitment Head Rose Simeon, from left, congratulate a recipient of the MVP Academic Excellence Awards scholarship.

12th MVP Academic Excellence Awards

Redefining the essence of excellence

F

ueling the dreams of the next generation, the PLDTSmart Foundation (PSF) awards academic scholarships to 257 children of PLDT and Smart employees in all school levels, including the four awardees enrolled in SPED during its 12th MVP Academic Excellence Awards with the theme “Gratitude.”

PSF President Esther Santos redefined what excellence truly is – one that extends beyond a student’s capability of getting high grades. “Grades are often used as a measure of learning, but don’t let grades be the only measure of your personal excellence,” Santos said. “Being a good son or daughter, a good apo, a good friend, a good citizen – hopefully, these will also form a part of your own benchmark of excellence.”

PLDT and Smart employees were encouraged to join a social media contest, answering the question, “What are you grateful for?” Three students or parents, who participated in the social media contest, were declared winners and were awarded with gift certificates. They are Edsel Espada, Hanna Sophia Berdido, and Hector Adia, who was named as the grand prize winner.

Christian Peralta, Senior Service Lead for Voyager and proud parent to awardee Timothy Christian Peralta, extended his message of thanks to PSF and to everyone who has made the grant possible for his son and the rest of the awardees. “Thank

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By Katrina A. Mallari

Beneficiaries of the MVP Academic Excellence Awards happily display their certificates.

you for being selfless. For you to provide this blessing to our family, without really asking for anything in return… thank you for helping us ensure a better future for our kids,” Peralta said.

Guest speaker Delfin Villafuerte, who graduated class valedictorian of Batch 2013 at the Ateneo de Manila University, highlighted the essence of gratitude as he shared his experiences during his fellowship in “Teach for the Philippines.”

According to Villafuerte, the bigger question one must answer comes after the recognition of gratitude – of having been thankful for the countless blessings and opportunities these awardees have been given. ”Gratitude always hinges upon the fact of hope – that after being thankful, there is always something else to look forward to. After being thankful, there is something bigger to achieve,” Villafuerte said. “Do not forget that we are here to be grateful, but what comes after gratitude – it will always hinge upon hope, for a better tomorrow not just for ourselves but more importantly, for our children.”

Since the program’s establishment in 2004, the MVP Academic Excellence Awards has granted scholarships to students with outstanding academic records, ensuring a brighter future for the children of PLDT-Smart employees while providing them a platform to become future leaders of the nation. CC:

Keeping Afloat Through One Man’s Kindness

MVP receives trophy of appreciation from PPCRV

By Katrina A. Mallari

T

here has been a longlasting partnership that exists between PLDT and the Pastoral Parish Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

Even when the automated elections were tracing its roots back in 2010, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan has been extending his support to PPCRV since its early years.

“The PPCRV and PLDT partnership has been going on for as long as I can remember. Since there were no automated elections back then, we didn’t need servers or any of those technical things,” De Villa said. “We are the masa. So I have to beg for every activity we underwent – voters’ education, poll watching, and always, I’d ran to Mr. Pangilinan, to MVP. And he’d help.”

“That’s how we were kept afloat – by the help of the people like MVP and the resources of PLDT and Smart,” De Villa added.

On a Monday afternoon, De Villa took some time off to personally visit Pangilinan in order to present to him PPCRV’s trophy of appreciation. With a radiant smile, she tells the story behind the gold encrusted trophy. “I wanted it to be very special because this is for very special people – for MVP and to everyone in PLDT and Smart,” De Villa said.

Inscribed in the trophy was Pangilinan’s name hailed as PPCRV’s “beloved champ”. The trophy of appreciation was given to Pangilinan for his efforts in supporting PPCRV’s vision of a clean, honest, accurate, meaningful, and peaceful elections, or ‘CHAMP’.

“That’s why I’m very, very grateful for him. Not just of the things he has given for PPCRV but the lessons I learned from him about

PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, 3rd from left, receives the trophy of appreciation from PPCRV Chairman Ambassador Henrietta De Villa. Witnessing the event are, from left: Subsidiaries/VIP Acct Mgmt Executive Anton Lim and PLDT Group EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Ernesto R. Alberto.

inclusiveness – it doesn’t matter if you are big or small, or prominent or unknown. But if he could help, he helps,” De Villa added. citizens’ arm With a legion of faith as its backbone, the PPCRV has been the citizens’ arm during elections since its establishment in 1991. For 25 years, Ambassador Henrietta De Villa has chaired the organization, fondly calling it as her own.

During the 2010 elections, a new day unfolds for the Filipino people – it was the first year of the automated elections. PLDT direct lines, internet connectivity, via IP-VPN and i-Gate, together with Smart Prepaid load credits for poll watchers were crucial technological tools for a successful first time automated elections.

With a stronger build on its information technology (IT) backbone, PLDT again responded to the needs of PPCRV for an even more successful second year of automated elections. In an effort to protect the route of PLDT’s copper and fiber optic cable facilities in the different election command centers including PPCRV, all CoreNet and CSOZ-identified priority manholes were secured and welded.

But on its third year, the 2016 automated elections was by far the most outstanding. Fixed and wireless networks were stable and fully functional, contributing to a rapid election returns. The PLDT Group donated fiber-optic cable connectivity and hosting services to the PPCRV for their transparency servers which supplied election results data to the various media organizations. solid support Without a doubt, the PPCRV now has a solid technological support backed by PLDT and Smart.

Despite its ongoing digitalization, PPCRV continues to operate in good faith. De Villa recognizes the efforts of a man whose kindness has brought PPCRV to its peak.

“MVP is the wind beneath our wings. And I think his goodness extends to both PLDT and Smart, where a culture that embraces people is very much prevalent,” De Villa said. “It is where people are simply a call away when you need help and they always respond. It is where they are very much available to reach out and simply help.” CC:

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Student campers celebrate in a night filled with laughter as they end their stint on a high note.

ending on a high note

2016 Student campers rave over immersive experie nce

By Katrina A. Mallari

“T

he classroom setting is really different from the real world,” said Jethro Arroyo, 20, a student camper from the University of Sto. Tomas assigned under MSME. While experiences come and go, there are those, which will always be one of a kind. The student camper experience, as told by 54 students who recently graduated from the program, is one of their many experiences that will certainly stay with them.

Chosen among a roster of 191 students who tried it out in the 2016 student camp program, the students were accepted to take on the experience of what it’s like to immerse themselves in the Company’s culture. Assigned in the Company’s different divisions and business groups, these student campers were mentored by some of PLDT’s best leaders.

Learning and discovering the culture fueled by commitment, service, and innovation, these student campers embodied Pusong PLDT during the duration of their student camp stint.

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Some of the activities these student campers underwent include a Kamustahan catchup session with HR; a leadership training session with two renowned speakers namely, Atty.

Marc Castrodes and Francis Kong; a whole-day teambuilding activity in Bulacan; and a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity, in partnership with the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) and Gawad Kalinga, through a house-building project in San Pablo, Laguna.

During the student campers’ revalida last July 26, the top three project expo and top three project revalida winners were chosen by five judges and one online judge.

Student camper Josiah Eufemio stresses a point during his project revalida presentation as MVP listens intently.

Last July 27, the top three project revalida winners were provided with an opportunity to present their projects to PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

the experience of presenting my proJect to mvp was something i would take with me for the rest of my life.”

“To all our student campers this year, this is our 14th

josiah eufemio, student camper

Celebrating Life and Culture

PLDT joins 31st sa Dabaw Festival

By Katrina A. Mallari

C

ontinuing its advocacies of empowering life and culture as well as preserving nature, PLDT Community Relations, in partnership with PLDT Home, recently participated in the weeklong celebration of the annual Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, now on its 31st year.

PLDT ComRel sponsored the community event and supported the marketing efforts of PLDT Home, which offered a “Special Kadayawan Sale” highlighting the Company’s free WiFi modem, free installation for all Home DSL High Speed plans with no cash out. A PLDT Home DSL blimp was also displaedy during the festivities.

PLDT Home booth set-ups were also mounted in major festival venues with exciting activities and prizes for everyone such as freedom/ photowall, gifts galore, face painting and free ice cream. Lamp post banners were also displayed along the festival’s parade route.

A total of 357 sign-ups were generated during the entire Kadayawan celebration.

Similar to Cebu, Iloilo, and other cities nationwide, PLDT ComRel has been continuously supporting Kadayawan. Creating opportunities

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PLDT ComRel Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario poses with the Hiyas ng Kadayawan 2016 winner and finalists.

for their presence to be strongly felt throughout the festivities, PLDT ComRel emphasized the celebration’s community-based efforts.

“It is a privilege to have been part of this beautiful celebration,” PLDT ComRel Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario said. “PLDT has always advocated the preservation of life, culture, and nature. It is truly inspiring to see the community continuously thrive as they champion the ideas of creativity, passion, and innovation.”

Outreach. Donation of refurbished personal computers (PCs) to various Army Reserve Command, communities, and schools as well as donation of school supplies and slippers to indigenous peoples (IPs) took place in the city. Brigada Eskwela activities such as the donation of paints and other school materials were also part of PLDT ComRel’s agenda in providing better quality education to the youth of Davao City. The donation of a senior high school building in Sitio Butay, Paquibato District, Davao City is also in the works.

Alongside PLDT ComRel’s support throughout the festivities, they have also been championing different CSR programs in Davao, including the Company’s flagship CSR program, the PLDT Infoteach

With its continuing partnership with Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) , PLDT ComRel supported the Bantay Kalikasan (BK) in Barangay Tumanding, Arakan. Volunteer guards iniate forest patrols,

keeping Philippine eagles and their habitats secure. These volunteers who are tribes from Arakan also implement their own biodiversity and environment projects. There are over 200 BKs mobilized from the five barangays surrounding Mt. Sinaka, but PLDT ComRel mobilizes its efforts in assisting indigenous BKs in Brgy. Tumanding.

Through PLDT funds, 30 active BKs from Tumanding were provided with sweatshirts for monitoring.

These shirts were turned over to them at a ceremony during the Kadayawan sa Dabaw festivities at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City. Present to receive the shirts were six representatives from BK Tumanding led by their Chairperson Benido Tumanding.

Arakan’s MENRO Jimmy Montero and PEF Research and Conservation Director Jayson Ibanez and staff also attended the event. The shirts were personally turned over by PLDT ComRel’s Del Rosario.

Del Rosario, center, is presented with a plaque of recognition.

With her in photo are, from left: Davao City 2nd District Councilor/ Tourism Committee Chair Hon. Al Ryan Alejandre; Davao City Mayor Chief of Staff Atty. Raul A. Nadela Jr.; Kadayawan 2016 Ways and Means Committee Chair Jasper P. Huang and Kadayawan 2016 Co- Chair Arturo P. Bonifacio Jr.

One of the creative floral float displays wins grand prize for the traditional category during the festival.

PLDT’s commitment to give CSR programs extend to the far-flung areas and different communities across the country.

This year’s Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of life, thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, wealth of culture, bounties of harvest and serenity of living. It was focused on the multicolored mix of Davao and Mindanao’s indigenous communities as well as migrant settlers, whose identities make up the rich cultural heritage of the island. The City Government of Davao has assured that it would be a simple but meaningful and enjoyable celebration. CC:

Del Rosario and staff Alice P. Tuazon and Anita J. Ferrer join the PLDT Home Marketing Brand Activations Team Rapha Nava ; PLDT Mindanao Fixed Access & Trans Oprns Engr. Rey Cayunda ; PLDT agents and models for a souvenir photo at the PLDT Kadayawan photo wall to attract customers and enjoy PLDT promos.

Customers enjoy the PLDT Home sales promo blitz.

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THE BANDWAGONER

What We Won’t Learn in Seminars or the Scholarly Way

W

e are like sponges.

We soak in what’s in the environment and they help shape our decisions, strategies and behavior.

I’d be the first to recommend training to get us equipped for the job. I don’t think twice about endorsing a good competency development program to get people armored to deliver first rate output.

We attribute a lot of our successes to the experts who have shared their knowledge, which definitely found meaningful manifestations in the way we carry on with the tall orders of managing performance and growing the business.

However, there are certain lessons that are best learned through experience. I prize the crash courses to maturity learned from the school of hard knocks. It’s the day to day rigors that prune us to perfection or at the very least, get us seasoned in the craft. Here are a few of these realities best mastered outside the walls of a function room. In this age of reality talent contests and survival races, a new generation of corporate educators are placing a premium on ‘reality-training.’

1. Malasakit. More of attitude than aptitude. It’s going the extra mile. It doesn’t keep a tally of the working manhours logged in. No feeling of being shortchanged. Yes, there may be more enticing offers outside the organization but a person with malasakit cannot just be lured by more lucrative packages.

His commitment to the company borders on the religious.

2. Emotional Investment. To be cerebrally stimulated by challenges is expected and natural to the goaldriven individual who will likely thrive in an environment where his intellect gets stirred constantly.

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But the higher plane of commitment happens when the ‘stickiness’ to the organization transcends mental assent and penetrates the need to feel connected to a cause or shared convictions in the culture that strongly resonate with personal values. Deeper self-actualization needs are getting satisfied here.

It’s the compelling need to connect to the vine.

3. Managing Exceptions. The seminars will teach us the importance of standardization.

Quality management systems will enforce compliance to processes.

And proof of this will earn us coveted certifications. But life is hardly black or white. Puzzling shades of gray heighten the call for flexibility. How does one execute exceptions without demeaning the intent of a policy? How does one implement exceptions without belabouring the rationale for a rule? You tell me.

4. Managing Aftermaths. While there are trainings on planning contingencies, risk analysis and preventive action, let’s face it – plans look good on paper and power point. How does one not lose steam when events do not unfold

as programmed or predicted?

Can one truly future-proof the business? I would adhere to the best attempts at ensuring that strategies for the ambiguous and disruptive be firmed up, but the mettle and dexterity of leadership gets tested when you have to keep on top of the consequences of decisions you’ve owned up to, most especially when these decisions are controversial.

I am sure that there are many other lessons out there that we didn’t learn the scholarly way.

Great if we can put science into everything so that we can track with empirical data. But many of the lessons learned beyond the confines of the classroom are more art than science and hardly formulaic. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be pursued. Because after all is said and done, they may be the lessons that separate the substantial from the cosmetic, the talent from the tinsel, the brilliant from the adequate, the spontaneous from the scripted and yes, the great from the mediocre. CC:

poetry | prose | artworks | photography

Of Rains and Rainbows

“Business As Usual�

Photography by Jan Lester E. Bisco, Financial Business Intelligence

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Can’t Rain Forever

By Loy Verdadero - Nardo, FSQA

Rain, Rain, Rains keep on pouring Tapping the walls of my hapless being Rivers overflow, can’t hold on I’m drowning It’s dark and it’s cold, I am shivering!

No, don’t give up gather strength and swim Because the mighty sun never says I quit, Those dark clouds will soon be drained And will pave the way for those beaming rays.

Don’t look down, but look up and pray And let the rain wash away the pain, Stormy weather cannot be forever A new day will be born, have faith in God our Father.

Photography by Jan Lester E. Bisco, Financial Business Intelligence Warehousing 22

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

Here Comes the Rain (Bow)

By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ

又下雨了 It rains again Not a fan of getting wet Drenched and soaked I frown at the slightest sign of it coming 天黑又冷 As dark clouds and cold weather set in I feel bitter, somewhat angered by The pitter patter sounds of the rain dancing As though happily mocking my being single and alone 孤独寂寞 The rain makes my loneliness more pronounced and relevant Singing my blues with its rhythmic hum and thundering plucks Intoxicating me slowly and surely with its drowsy spell Inviting me to stop what I’m doing, give in to the tempting bed 累碎的心 As the deluge bombards my windows outside I ponder on the status of my broken heart Its pieces torn, shattered and scattered By secrets people used as alibis as not to hurt me

在乎自己 I wish I had never loved but I can’t stop my heart From hoping, or from caring for others more than myself In the long run, they surprise me by leaving me out in the cold And I felt like a fool not to see what the reality is, or the last to know 发现彩虹 They say the rainbow comes after the downpour When every pain, every fault has been washed away That’s when we see the beauty of the colors radiating The beauty in the suffering, on this journey called Life. 主是一切 Through the erratic torrents and menacing tempests Only Christ remains constant, faithful and true He is my Rainbow, shining brightly and clearing the skies Red as His Blood shed for my sins Orange as the warmth of His Unwavering Love Yellow as the assurance of His Promise with every sunrise Green as the vibrancy of His Strength when I am weak Blue as the calming sound of His Voice when I am troubled Indigo as the Wisdom He imparts through His Word Violet as His Mercy and Grace will see me through

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Sky Tears, Sky Prisms

By Masayang Buhay

Sa Pagtila ng Ulan Ni Tricia Blue

I look back at the years I’ve taken, And remembered what my grandpa used to tell me: “When life gets hard and you’ve been slowly beaten, It’s okay to give up and go back to what you used to be.”

Aking natatanaw sa kabilang ibayo Liwanag ay naghihintay ng ilang segundo Halos padilim na dito sa aking puwesto Sa ganda ng tanawin, ako ay nakuntento

There are still those times when I often wondered.

Why on earth did she suddenly leave me?

But on her last breath, she had whispered.

“You have to carry on and set me free.”

Hindi nagtagal, bumuhos ang ulan Tila walang tigil at aabutin ng kinaumagahan Ngunit nang tumila na, ako ay biglang nasiyahan Bumungad ang bahaghari, na siyang nagbigay kulay

As life goes on and this obscure rain falls on my soul, I am reminded unexpectedly of what my late Uncle used to say: “When your world turns to monochrome as you reach your goal, Color it rainbow using what is left of your pastel.”

Ganda ng paligid ay sadyang kakaiba Nabuhay ang kalangitan at dilim ay naglaho na Binubusog ng pananabik ang aking mga mata Tila bata ang pakiramdam at puso ay lumulundag pa

And somebody who once educated me imparted: “You only live once so you have to enjoy life’s rhymes.”

But what are you saying now after we have separated?

“You only live once so you could die infinitive times.”

O kay gandang pagmasdan ng bahaghari Parang nangungusap at may dala dalang suwerte Hudyat na ang paligid ay ligtas na sa biyahe Iyong mararamdaman, kahit walang pasabi

In a world where kindness may sometimes deliver the reverse, A world where rain is soothing whenever the sun shines the fullest.

“You could always crave for the rainbow’s pot of gold as you traverse” I now know that it is only a well-composed illusion by you, my dearest.

Sa kabila ng dilim, liwanag ay matatanaw Bumuhos man ang ulan, ito’y panandalian lang Huwag magpadaig sa hamon ng kalikasan Palaging manalig, na lahat ay may hangganan

So, “I’ll be leading my life the way I see fit.”

And “I shall carry all the memories of the ones I know.”

Then, “I will ponder why rains do fall on times when I never needed it.”

And “I will try to understand why people are like the rainbow’s glow.”

Hindi man mabiyayaan ng makulay na kapaligiran Basta’t malinis ang hangarin at busog sa pagmamahal Magsilbing bahaghari sa nangangailangan Upang maipadama ang ganda ng kinabukasan

On That Day

By John Paul M. Soriano, Subsidiaries and Facilities Audit Division I walked on that passage clouds of grey engulfing the day heaven is to cry on a dark, gloomy afternoon Alone, on that corner stood on the same space with me waiting in silence gazing on the sad sky We conquered that silence decided to share my umbrella narrow space separated our breaths The drizzle of the rain as countless as the beats of my heart fluttering in awe with you, walking to somewhere

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Photography by Dulce Casaul-Escol, FNetRes-Access

Photography by Landrito C. Santiago, Regional 2 Horizontal Access Projects

Pag-asa…

Ni Dannilyn C. de Castro, ESFM-GMM Aking iniisip na sa tuwing umuulan, may pusong nalulumbay… may dinaramdam o hindi mapalagay.

Ang ulan, simbolo ng katatagan.

Bumabalangkas sa pagsubok at maaaring kahirapan.

Sabi ng iba, masaya ang ulan, babalik sa pagkabatang, nais mong magtampisaw.

Ngunit kadalasan dulot ay kalungkutan, hindi mo magawa ang mga nakagisnang layaw.

Para sa ilan maganda ang ulan, lalo na kung nais mong umiyak at sumigaw.

Tipo kasing walang makakarinig o makakaalam.

Ilang ulit ka mang maghinagpis at maghumiyaw.

Kasabay ng pagdaloy ng luha sa’yong mata.

Kasabay ng pagbagsak ng bawat tubig mula sa kalangitan.

Samu’t saring kaisipan at emosyon ang iiral. ‘wag ka lang mababaliw at mawawala sa katinuan.

Tapos, pagkatapos, isabay mo sa pagtila ang iyong pagtahan… ngumiti ka’t bigyang puwang ang pag-asang may bukang liwayway At muling sisikat ang haring araw sa iyong buhay.

Mapapawi ang lumbay at mababawasan ang bigat ng kaulapan.

Rain Rhythms

By Fides G. Pasumbal, Enterprise Inbound Contact Svcs Cold and dreary. These words are always associated with rainy days. And why not? When heavy rain pours, you have no choice but to stay home, look out the window, feel forlorn that you can’t go out and watch that movie you’ve been meaning to watch for the weekend. What to do? Listen to good music, that’s what.

Numerous songs have been written about rain, and almost always, it deals with heartbreak, darkness, loneliness, pain and sorrow.

Everything sentimental. Songs like “Rain,” “Basang Basa sa Ulan,” “Lagi na Lang Umuulan,” “Rhythm of the Rain,” “Set Fire to the Rain,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” are guaranteed to make you feel depressed and melancholic. But then again, there are the songs that talk about being thankful, happy, or lucky even, when it rains.

Songs such as “ Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka,” “Sukob Na,” “Swerte Swerte Lang,” and “Umbrella” are some songs that are

about being with someone you care about despite the gloom that the rain brings. Then there are the songs that just talk about the mood when it rains, like “Pumapatak na Naman ang Ulan” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” There are others about triumph and never giving up, like “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” and “I Made it Through the Rain.” And still, there are songs with obscure meaning, like “Purple Rain” and “Here Comes the Rain Again.”

It would seem like the rain brings out the creativity in these musicians. Rain evokes feelings not only ofdepression and despair, but hope, relief and happiness. It can bring not only tears, but laughter and inspiration. No matter how dark the present situation may be, we must learn to smile, dance and sing in the rain. Like everything else, the storm shall pass. As the song goes, “ There’s a rainbow always after the rain.” CC:

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Pagasa ng Tag-ulan

Ni Ma. Leonora S. Malenab, Cauayan SSC

By Melvin Artugue, ESAM Team C

Naalala ko nung ako’y paslit pa lamang, Naliligo sa ulan, kasama ng mga kaibigan.

Minsan nga ay napapagalitan ng magulang Pero ito’y balewala lamang, Ako’y naging masaya, nagalak ng lubusan!

It was in the stillness of the night When I got my boat and sailed with all my might Then the waves guided me to a light Where I might have a catch, so I held on tight

Ang ulan ay bahagi na ng ating buhay, May dalang biyaya sa nangangailangan, Nagbibigay buhay sa mundong ibabaw.

But the cadence of the waves shifted All I have caught were wasted A ferocious storm was crafted In the hands of the sea, I was busted

Pagbuhos ng ulan, madarama ang ligaya, Ng kakaibang pakiramdam, pagpatak pa lang niya.

Ngunit ang iba’y ayaw sa kaniya, Di man mawari, ang dulot sa kanila’y pighati at pag aalala.

Pana-panahon lang, ang sabi nga nila, May panahon ng kalungkutan at panahon ng saya.

Maihahalintulad sa araw at ulan, Ang kailangan lang ay laging maghanda!

Di man natin matanto ang kadahilanan, Ang alam ko lang, tayo’y sinusubok lang din ng Poong Maykapal, Tulad ng bahaghari na kaniyang ipinapatanaw, Pagkatapos ng ulan, may pag asa tayong natatanaw!

A Mother’s Rainbow

By Winona Zerla B. Santos, Regulatory Restless cries fill the silence Reckless falls break the fun One naughty tot is a lot Oh gosh! I thought I was ready, I was not.

Yonder years I ought to see.

Yes, I know there’s a bulge in my tummy.

Goodness, gracious ! Another is about to come.

God is good all the time ! I’ll remain calm.

Bound by the cord until afterbirth Beauty of life surrounded my whole earth.

Intricate details of their fragility Inexplicable acceptance of their complexity.

Vibrant angels tickle my days Vague is my rainbow until they snuggle in my embrace.

Inspired by my daughters Skye and Rainbow.

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Anchor

Ang panahon ay dumating na, Tag-ulan na naman, ako’y nabibigyan ng saya!

Kung iisipin, ito’y ayaw ng iba, Subalit sa aki’y ito ay pagpapala!

Amidst the storm I saw a silhouette From the horizon, my eyes were set As I gazed upon His clothes, I was so wet As He walked upon the waters, I thought I would melt “Lord, if that’s You, let me go there.”

“Jump from your boat, set your feet on the water.”

“Wow, I was actually walking without a scare!”

But I was distracted by the waves as the winds got stronger So I was slowly sinking Then I thought I was already dying He reached out His hand for me to cling He can really save me, what was I thinking?

Nang dahil sa ulan

Ni Maria Rowena I. Pumar, Regulatory Nagsimula ang lahat sa malakas na ulan Ang ating mga payong parehong nakalimutan Isang waiting shed lang ating nasilungan Lamig ng katawan pareho nating naramdaman Matagal na kitang nakikita noong una pa lang Ang ating opisina halos magkatabi lang Lagi kong napapansin ang iyong pagdaan May paghanga ako sa yo pero di mo lang alam Ipinagtanong ko sa guard ang iyong pangalan Malayo din pala ang probinsiya mong inuuwian Marami pang sakay papunta sa Bulacan What a coincidence sakayan natin ay iisa lang Sa ikalawang pagkakataon nagkita tayong muli Sa bus station na pinipilahan natin palagi Ang ating sinasakyan ay tumigil sandali At doon ko napagmasdan matamis mong mga ngiti Agad akong nagpakilala oras ay di inaksaya Sa aking sarili, sabi ko …hmmm….”eto ay pagkakataon ko na” Masarap siyang kausap at super kwela Ang buhos ng ulan di na namin alintana Isa pala siyang secretary sa boss na abogado Tamang tama kelangan kong magpanotaryo Deed of Sale, Affidavit at iba pang dokumento Sa yo ay dadalhin bitbit pati payong at tsokolateng pang regalo Niyaya ko siyang lumabas at agad namang nagpaunlak Dumaan ako sa flower shop at bumili ng bulaklak Dama ko damdamin niya ay malinis at busilak Sa araw na ito puso ko ay galak na galak Lumipas ang mga araw at buwan ay nagdaan Sa bawat pag-uusap namin maraming natutunan Madali kaming nagkasundo at agad nagkaibigan Sinagot ako ng “OO” ngayon kami na ay magkatipan Love ko siya ….. siya naman ay gayundin sa akin Di na namin naitago ang aming feeling Ngayon naka-schedule na nalalapit naming wedding At kung magkaanak kami ang ipapangalan namin ay “RAIN.”

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

Oceans (Song by Kari Jobe)

By Melvin Artugue, ESAM Team C You call me out upon the waters The great unknown where feet may fail And there I find You in the mystery In oceans deep, my faith will stand I will call upon Your name And keep my eyes above the waves when oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine Your grace abounds in deepest waters Your sovereign hand will be my guide Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You’ve never failed and You won’t start now I will call upon Your name And keep my eyes above the waves when oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine Spirit lead me when my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters whenever You call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Saviour I will call upon Your name And keep my eyes above the waves when oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine

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Just Like Rain

By Cherry W. Alaban, CCFM Sitting beside the window and watching the rain outside I can’t help but reminisce, mixed emotions come.

Suddenly, the past automatically flashes back.

Laughter and tears gently come to mind.

When I was young I still remember I used to pray, “Oh Rain please go away.

‘Coz when you’re here, I have a lonely day.

I will never have a chance to go out and play.”

But rainy days didn’t stop me from going out with friends.

I knew my father will get mad but it didn’t matter.

It was so much fun to play with the rain, I discovered.

And it was a wonderful experience I will never forget.

Happy moments ended and my tears quietly fell.

Out of the blue I found myself crying without any reason.

No matter how I tried, I couldn’t stop nor break the sensation.

Just like rain, tears poured without permission.

Raindrops keep falling as memories keep going.

Pressure has no sign of subsiding but is getting stronger instead.

Hope is not visible as the wind seems to be saying.

Cold is embracing me with sympathy and understanding.

After the monsoon, finally the sun started to give light.

The rainbow appeared and brought my courage back.

Time will move on and heal the tragic episode of the past.

But history will leave a priceless treasure of your life.

Just like rain, life has thunderstorms and flashfloods.

Just like rain, we can forecast but we cannot predict the outcome.

Just like rain, it has an end but debris will be left behind.

Just like rain, it will stop but will nevertheless come back.

PHOTOGRAPHY by Pinky G. Lising, IT Customer Support

Rain and Rainbows

By Ma. Luisa G. Cipres, Medical Support Svc, Billing & Data Mgt The continuous beating on the roof, here it is again, always in queue to a proof.

Waiting when it will refrain, the melancholy knocks, always feels like everything is in a box.

To put this to an end, is beyond a vagrant me.

Perhaps patience should i befriend, will it agree?

The clock ticks and beating seems to subside not, regrets come, why do i always blink on that.

Foreign colors appear when i tilt my head.

The sky is not all blue, other colors i see ahead.

Where it lies and heads is still enigmatic.

Just the beauty of the sight, makes the dreams authentic.

“Teardrops of Life” Photography by Liza Shiela J. Fernandez, Command Center and Special Operations 28

Standing close to apathy, should be in refrain everything is uncomfortable but still dance through the rain.

Timid eyes never see the radiant skies Hardly can you see rainbows with eyes of those.