ACC:ESS December 2015

DEC 2015

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

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04 36 This month’s cover is a celebration of commitment, service, and innovation by every

PLDT employee. In sustaining the values imparted by the Company, every employee embodies the spirit of “Pusong PLDT” – that of always having a sense of togetherness amidst adversity.

And at this time of the year, as we spend the holiday season with the spirit of unity and belongingness, the Company expresses its utmost appreciation and respect to the people behind its success and growth. There is no better way of celebrating the holidays than by recognizing the extraordinary efforts given by every employee in constantly choosing to commit to and serve in the Company. In this Yuletide season, may each of us be reminded of these values that empower us to become our better selves. Happy holidays!

our cover

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From the Editor Snapshots Best of Mailbag 2015 The Bandwagoner Life & Arts

news

02 PLDT organizational changes bared 04 PLDT bags PSE 2015 Bell Award for corporate governance 05 PLDT Global partners with Uniteller Financial Services 07 PLDT named Retail Service Provider of the Year

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13 AIM Management Development Forum Sparking a revolution 14 NLN: The heart of a leader 16 Living, working with PLDT for 25 years and more!

Cover Story 18 A Heart That Gives Knowing the essence of service Cover Story 20 Decades of Commitment, Service, and Innovation Celebrating accomplishments of 2015 service awardees 26 Paskong Kapatid Spreading the spirit of generosity

staffbox Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head

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ast December 2, PLDT recognized 691 individuals for their loyal service to PLDT for 25 years and more. Our president, Polly Nazareno, thanked them for the time that they gave to the company which he said was more precious to people than wealth.

“Wealth is something you can lose and win back. In the case of time, however, once you use it, you simply can never get it back,” he said.

Indeed, the decades spent by the service awardees with the company are priceless. But these years are made more meaningful with their dedicated service stamped with Pusong PLDT. I believe that one cannot last long in a company if you’re just counting the years. They have been here for decades because of their love for the company. And that love is demonstrated in the Pusong PLDT values of commitment, service and innovation.

To cap the year, please allow me to also acknowledge the loving team behind ACC:ESS who goes beyond working hours and spends their vacation leaves just to put the magazine to bed.

My heartfelt thanks goes to our bastonero Managing Editor, Sennen Lacsamana, who badgers everyone to submit their stories and photos with complete caption, and our layout artist, Carlo Gonzalez, who gives us

up to a fourth compre layout which is beyond what his contract calls for, backed up with newly-minted graphic artist Archie Marajas who usually does the cover design.

My sincerest gratitude also goes to our prolific writers – Olive Barrozo (also Literary Editor), Adrian Elumba, Sarah Azucena, and Kat Mallari - who work long hours just to fill the pages with readable content, and our professional photographers – Jay Garcia and Dan Moratalla.

Finally, we have our support team – Mailbag compiler Mon Co, admin maven Annie Salazar, all-around auxiliary Wine Velasco, and circulation man Arnel Samson. Their contributions are nothing short of crucial in the production of ACC:ESS. Special shoutout also goes to our partner photographers at PLDT LENS whose beautiful images grace our 2016 calendars and writer contributors for Life & Arts section whose poetry and prose inspire us that there’s more to our work here in PLDT. Keep the contributions coming!

Of course, we would like to thank our bosses, Sir Butch and Sir Mon, for always reminding us the reason for our being as a service company – to change the lives of our people for the better.

Merry Christmas and a love-filled 2016 to all!

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado

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

Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation Nonong F. Noriega Columnist Carlo D. Gonzalez Archibald P. Marajas Graphic Design CONTRIBUTORS Paul Edward V. Alvarez, Cherry W. Alaban, Melvin Artugue, Raissa G. Buitizon, Laemar John V. Chavez, Danilo C. Escabarte, Evelyn Faustino, Nette A. Flores, Danny Handayan, Luis C. Maglanoc, Ma. Leonora S. Malenab, Kristine L. Jimeno-Rivadelo, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Rebelyn Rosales, Marjory C. Sy, Mary Grace O. Sze, Bienvenido N. Timoteo II

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

Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515.

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

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News

PLDT organizational

changes bared

The Company recently announced the retirement of Napoleon L. Nazareno as President and CEO of PLDT and Smart effective December 31, 2015, and his subsequent appointment as Strategic Advisor to the PLDT Group. Nazareno was due for mandatory retirement in 2014 but was requested by the PLDT Board of Directors to stay on so that he could launch the Group’s digital transformation program and work on a succession plan. Polly will retire as well from the Board of Directors of PLDT but will remain as nonExecutive Director of First Pacific Company Limited and a member of the Board of Directors of Rocket Internet.

Under his leadership, PLDT and Smart achieved unprecedented success in becoming the country’s leading telecommunications companies. Nazareno led the transformation of the landline

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business from an overwhelmingly voice-driven service to a broadband data-powered business. This formidable task required not only converting PLDT’s legacy landline system into an all-internet protocol next generation network but, more importantly, reinvigorating PLDT’s structure and culture into a much more market-driven, customercentric organization. On the wireless side, he led Smart’s successful climb from third player to market leader, as far back as 2006, a position that the company maintains to this day. He was also instrumental in restructuring Piltel’s debts in 2001, the largest debt restructuring in the country that was done on a consensual basis. He oversaw the integration of both Piltel and Digitel with Smart, ensuring that the expanded organization sustained its position as the foremost wireless service provider.

His achievements have been recognized, both here and abroad, through numerous awards and citations for individual and corporate performance and deservedly so.

PLDT and Smart Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan assumes the position of President and CEO. In his 12 years as Chairman, Pangilinan has played an active role in the companies’ strategic goal setting and operations.

With the guidance of the Board’s Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC), Pangilinan will assume and manage the search, through the GNC, for the new PLDT President and CEO – a process initiated by Nazareno in 2014.

Further to this announcement, and in addition to the senior management changes announced last April 2015 the Company also bared the following senior management appointments effective January 1, 2016. All

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changes Nazareno

Reyes

these changes are being made to accelerate the digital transformation and enhance the technological capabilities of the PLDT Group.

Under Ariel P. Fermin’s Consumer Division (which includes PLDT Home and the Wireless Group of Smart, Sun Cellular and TNT) Katrina Luna-Abelarde takes on the role of Wireless Consumer Operations Head, overseeing marketing, sales and operations, including product development, analytics, customer care and credit and collection.

Oscar Reyes, Jr. assumes the position of PLDT Home Operations Head, overseeing marketing, sales and operations, including product development, analytics, customer care and credit and collection.

Under Eric R. Alberto’s Enterprise Division Albert Mitchell Locsin is now Head of SME Business, replacing Luna-Abelarde.

Under Chief Technology and Information Advisor Joachim Horn Under Horn’s leadership, a major upgrade was also undertaken in all aspects of network and IT, especially in their re-organization and staffing. The major elements

Pangilinan

Locsin

Luna-Abelarde

Vargas

to the technology organization are: planning and engineering, build, operations, project management, service platforms, and IT. Horn will be assisted by a team of experienced staff and advisors, culled from internal Network staff and from global telco operators.

Under Victorico P. Vargas of the recently formed Business Transformation Office (BTO) Victorico P. Vargas was appointed officer of First Pacific Company (FPC) effective January 1, 2016 with the mandate of handling the business transformation efforts of companies within the FPC group. As such, he will head this BTO and, in the first instance and as priority, drive the transformation-related activities of the PLDT Group, including the organization and human capital requirements of a digital company.

In this regard, the Chief Strategy Office (CSO) under Winston Damarillo and any other strategic transformation-related initiatives will be fused into the BTO, and accordingly should form an integral part of the BTO. Under Chief Strategy Advisor Winston Damarillo The CSO, under Winston Damarillo, spearheads the acceleration of digital platform and delivery initiatives to improve the consumer experience.

PLDT Capital was also established

Jimenez

to serve as an innovation gateway between Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and the Philippines.

Under Orlando B. Vea, CEO of Voyager (PLDT’s Digital Innovation Unit for New Businesses) Duane Williams has been named Voyager Group Chief Financial Officer. Duane has worked with SAP, Boston Consulting and has had extensive experience in Silicon Valley. He brings a fresh perspective to our digital initiatives and a contemporary view on the value and contribution of these initiatives. Jun Calica remains as Chief Financial Officer for Voyager Philippines, reporting to Duane.

Under Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr., Group Human Resources (HR) Head Management has consolidated all major groups of Fixed and Wireless under single leaders to accelerate integration and synergy efforts. Following this principle, all HR units of the PLDT Group will now report to Jimenez as the Group HR Head. Jimenez’ mandate is to ensure that our manpower rebuilding strategy will support the digital pivot. This will entail a review of culture, policies, skill sets, procedures and workplace environment, aligning them to fit the requirements of a digital company. CC:

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Receiving the award for PLDT are PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and PLDT Group Chief Financial Officer Anabelle L. Chua, 5th and 6th from left. With them are, from left: PSE Director Edgardo G. Lacson, National Treasurer Roberto B. Tan, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines Kok Li Peng, PSE Chairman Jose T. Pardo, De La Salle University President and Chancellor Br. Raymundo B. Suplido, FSC, and PSE President and CEO Hans B. Sicat.

PLDT bags PSE 2015 Bell Award for corporate governance PLDT continues to excel in implementing good corporate governance practices as the Company was recently recognized by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) during the 2015 Bell Awards among the top five listed company awardees.

Recognizing the good corporate governance practices of trading participants and listed companies, the Bell Award was launched in December 2011. Advocating a continuous pursuit towards higher levels of corporate governance standards, PSE confers the Bell Award to deserving trading

participants and listed companies who stood out from 80 shortlisted nominees. Undergoing a rigorous screening process, the Bell Awards panel of judges had a difficult time selecting the winners. However, five trading participants and five listed companies were announced as this year’s Bell awardees.

successful at it,” PSE Chairman Jose T. Pardo said.

“Tonight, having the PSE Bell Awards is celebrating the achievement of corporate governance practices which are once again accounted in trading participants that have decided to excel in this field and to actually become

Winners of trading participants include Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities, Macquarie Capital, Credit Suisse Securities Philippines, Inc., RS Lim & Company, Inc., and Deutsche Regis Partners, Inc. Katrina A. Mallari

Recognizing a culture that is prevalent among trading participants and listed companies, Pardo commends their willingness to implement the best corporate governance practices among their respective companies.

ePLDT tops Microsoft Office CSP program for PH PLDT, together with ePLDT, led the local enablement of enterprises in the country as the latter was recently recognized as the number 1 Microsoft Office 365 Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) program among local partners in the country, and ranks 5th CSP in the APAC region.

into their operations. We plan to continue this momentum of forging stronger partnerships with industry leaders in beefing up our services to the enterprise market, and sustain our leadership as the trusted cloud solutions provider in the country,” said ePLDT Group COO Group Nerisse Ramos.

The Microsoft Office 365 program enables local providers to customize its cloud service packages combining Microsoft Cloud services with its own product offerings to scale and meet requirements, directly handle billing, as well as directly provision, manage, and support the solutions delivered to customers.

ePLDT, which enables PLDT’s business units PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and SME Nation with top-of-the-line digital business solutions for their respective markets, was recognized as a top performer in the Microsoft Officer 365 CSP program this year based on customer uptake for its cloud services, making the group a leading driver for cloud growth among emerging markets and the Asia Pacific.

Since ePLDT partnered with Microsoft as Cloud Solutions Provider this year, PLDT has been servicing the needs of enterprises for an end-to-end cloud solutions partner through its PLDT Cloud offerings.

PLDT’s cloud solutions portfolio includes various services delivered by ePLDT, such as Microsoft Office 365, Desktop as a Services (DaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). ePLDT also provides local technical support to PLDT customers, ensuring a seamless digital experience for the enterprise. Adrian T. Elumba

“We’ve already seen the interest and need among local enterprises in utilizing the advantages of integrating cloud technologies

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Backed by its robust fiber backbone and network of data centers in the country, PLDT has heavily supported the adoption of cloud services among leading businesses from various industries such as the BPO, tourism sector, retail, government, as well as the MSME sector (micro, small, and medium enterprise).

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New business partners PLDT International & Carrier Business Head and PLDT Global President & CEO Alex O. Caeg and UniTeller President & CEO Alberto Guerra shake hands after signing the partnership agreement.

PLDT Global partners with UniTeller Financial Services for FilAms’ online money remittance PLDT Global recently partnered with UniTeller Financial Services in developing an online portal and mobile application to enable US-based Filipinos to send money to their family and relatives in the Philippines easily and at affordable rates.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of improving the lives of our overseas Filipinos. This partnership with UniTeller empowers our fellow Filipinos in the US to conveniently and securely send money to their loved ones in the Philippines using their mobile phones,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise and International & Carrier Business and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto. “This new service will be a welcome solution for our FilAm market as it fits well their digital lifestyle. With this mobile remittance app, they can send money anytime and anywhere they are.”

updating our Facebook status. It doesn’t take much time, expense and effort, unlike the conventional way that entails going to a bank or a remittance center.”

He also announced the special Christmas Promo which qualifies FilAms to avail of the Free Transaction Fee for money remittances to the Philippines from November 1 to December 31, 2015.

“It is an honor for us to serve the US-based Filipinos’ money remittances requirements with PLDT Global as partner,” said UniTeller President & CEO Alberto Guerra.

“As an international money transfer processing company in the US for

over 20 years, we can assure our customers of our fast, secure, and convenient service.”

UniTeller Financial Services, a New Jersey based Corporation, is one of the market leaders in International Remittances, with a network of more than 30,000 paying locations around the world. It has an office at Bonifacio Global in Taguig City that takes care of the money remittance fulfillment to recipients in the Philippines. Olive O. Barrozo

FilAms in the US can avail of the new money remittance service by registering to the online portal at www.uniteller.com/smart. They just need to key in the bank account, credit or debit card details, type in the Philippine beneficiary, and send the money instantly.

According to PLDT International & Carrier Business Head and PLDT Global President & CEO Alex O. Caeg, “We would like to make the practice of money remittance easier, faster and more convenient for our relatives in the US who have always been there for us. With this new mobile app, sending money would be as easy as texting or

Shown at the signing ceremonies are seated, from left: Caeg and Guerra.

Standing, same order: PLDT Global Product Manager Marlon Eusebio, PLDT ICDev Product Development Specialist Shyr Amador, PLDT Global Product and Marketing Head/SME Marketing Head Amil Azurin, UniTeller International & Wholesale Business SVP Oscar Moreno, UniTeller Business Development Director Fernando Gutierrez, UniTeller Philippines Country Manager Felipe Roque, and PLDT ICDev Product Development Head Andy Santos.

DECEMBER 2015

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PLDT, Voyager join rural bankers in economic development thru mobile tech interest with the quickest processing and credit decision response. Ultimately, the consumers are the winners,” said PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan during his keynote speech on the occasion of RBAP’s 58th Charter Anniversary Symposium held recently.

PLDT Smart SME Nation and Voyager Innovations have joined forces to enable the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) in realizing its vision of promoting economic development by leveraging on mobile technology.

Together with RBAP, Voyager formally launched Lendr, PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, 3rd from left, is shown here with, the country’s first multi-channel, from left: Voyager Innovations VP and Head of FinTech Lito Villanueva, telco-agnostic and fully digital Voyager Innovations President and CEO Orlando Vea, RBAP President platform that aggregates various Enrique Abellana, BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla, and RBAP “As the leader in digital consumer loan products of different Executive Director Vincent Mendoza. financial innovation, we’re banks, financial institutions or committed to helping the credit providers into a single businesses and enterprise clients harness unbanked and underserved segment of “marketplace.” Consumers wanting to technology to make their businesses the population so they can participate in avail of loans will now be treated to a new relevant and stand out amid the the economic mainstream,” said Voyager digital experience in the most convenient, competition President and CEO Orlando B. Vea. efficient, affordable, secure and quickest way possible. Simply put, it’s the “Uber” “PLDT and Smart strongly believe in “PLDT Smart SME Nation remains of consumer loans. This will not only be enabling broader financial access to committed in supporting RBAP in deployed in the Philippines but in key Filipinos. By bringing digital services delivering its digital financial services growth and emerging markets in Asia, at the grassroots, we help our partners to its clientele. Our connectivity, cloud, Latin America and Africa. like RBAP extend their reach and and mobility solutions will help equip enhance their efficiencies. Technology them with the means to respond more PLDT Smart SME Nation, which has unleashes its immense benefit in levelling effectively to the needs of their respective been a long-time partner of RBAP, also the playing field where small players customers and be abreast with market offers its wide range of connectivity could now compete head-on with trends,” said PLDT EVP and Head of solutions that include fixed and wireless industry giants in just one marketplace.

PLDT Enterprise Eric R. Alberto. CC: data access bundled with the latest Consumers could now choose which devices and gadgets to help small banks offer the best deals and owest

PLDT Smart SME Nation ties up with DTI to boost PH startups PLDT, through its small-and-medium enterprise arm PLDT Smart SME Nation, has reinforced its support to the country’s growing SME sector as it recently signed a joint project with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to power its more than 100 Negosyo Centers nationwide which aids micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs in starting their business and open opportunities for their potential expansion.

Through PLDT Smart SME Nation, the 131 existing DTI Negosyo Centers will have Smart Wifi connectivity available for all its guests and will be fitted with a video monitoring security solution as part of its support. Under the collaboration, SMEs can also participate in community trainings, specialized talks and digital trainings organized by PLDT Smart SME Nation and DTI throughout the year.

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Establishing a strong collaboration, Senator Bam Aquino and PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto shake hands after the contract signing of the Negosyo Center Project. With them are, from left: DTI – BSMED Dir. Jerry T. Clavesillas and Wireless Consumer Operations Head Kat Luna-Abelarde.

PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto emphasized how important it is to enable entrepreneurs to become solid and robust as they serve as primary pillars of the country’s economic development. “We have always been one with our partners in promoting entrepreneurial empowerment among Filipinos and fervently supporting the country’s thriving SMEs. With this Negosyo Center collaboration, PLDT Smart SME Nation can further help local

entrepreneurs get started, grow, and contribute to the economic progress for our country.”

DTI-Bureau of SME Development Director Jerry Clavesillas underscored the importance of providing fast services to MSMEs through online transactions and access to information, thus welcomed PLDT Smart SME Nation’s assistance in providing Wifi connectivity in the Negosyo Centers. Katrina A. Mallari

07 PLDT Domestic Data Senior Product Manager Irene de Guzman, 4th from left, receives the Retail Service Provider of the Year – APAC award for PLDT. With her are industry analysts and other winners in the Retail Service Provider of the Year category (EMEA, CALA and Global).

MEF 2015 Excellence Awards

PLDT named Retail Service Provider of the Year PLDT won the Retail Service Provider of the Year –Asia Pacific (APAC) in the recently-concluded Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) GEN 15 Excellence Awards Night held at the Omni Hotel Dallas, Texas. Also awarded at the event as the MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (CECP) of the Year was PLDT Network Engineer for Product & Services Network & Platform Solutions Marjory Sy.

the continuous improvement of our infrastructure and services, supported by our people’s dedication and expertise,” said PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

PLDT was also a finalist in the Enterprise Business Applications, Wholesale Service Provider of the Year – APAC and Best in Marketing categories, while Sy was likewise nominated as finalist in the Industry Person of the Year category. PLDT is the only Philippine company cited in the MEF Excellence Awards for the past five years.

“These awards inspire us to try to outdo ourselves every PLDT Network Engineer for Product & Services Network & Platform year, to reaffirm our commitment Solutions Marjory Sy, center, receives her award as the MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (CECP) of the Year in Dallas, Texas. She in giving our customers reliable, is shown here with MEF Director and Chairman & AllStream President internationalMichael Strople, P. Eng, and MEF President & CENX Executive Vice grade Carrier Chairman Nan Chen.

Ethernet 2.0 network solutions suppliers, and solutions, together with unmatched other stakeholders to achieve Carrier high-quality services. We remain Ethernet (CE) 2.0 certification and focused in adhering to the evolving Lifecycle Service Orchestration global industry standards on innovative (LSO) development and globalization telecommunication services, as it objectives. provides the foundation towards enabling the digital enterprise,” GEN15 is the global gathering of said PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT networking professionals that President and CEO Eric R. Alberto. enables the future of agile, assured and orchestrated services powered The MEF Excellence Awards recognizes

by CE 2.0, LSO (Lifecycle Service the best services, technology, Orchestration), SDN and NFV. professional excellence, leadership, and innovation in the global Carrier Serving on the judges’ panel were Ethernet community. senior analysts from Current Analysis, Frost & Sullivan, IDC, IHS Infonetics, MEF is an industry alliance consisting Metanoia, Ovum, SDxCentral, Vertical of nearly 220 member organizations Systems, and independent judges. CC: based in 43 countries. It operates through a powerful collaborative framework of service providers,

According to MEF President Nan Chen, “PLDT has consistently been an active contributor to the Carrier Ethernet industry, and has shown strong leadership in propagating the adoption of Carrier Ethernet in the Philippines. Being a consistent winner in the MEF Excellence Awards yearon-year, PLDT clearly recognizes the value of expanding its network capacity and reach, fortifying its network capabilities as well as equipping its Carrier Ethernet end-to-end service team to deliver excellence to its clients.

Congratulations to PLDT for the job well done.”

“We are again honored by these recognitions from the distinguished MEF. We shall endeavor to sustain this tradition of excellence through

DECEMBER 2015

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A PLDT employee fixes the wired network made to be available for the first time in Bailen, Cavite.

One of the PLDT customers who availed herself of the newest wired network.

PLDT launches wired network roll-out in Cavite Enabling the nation with more convenient network connectivity, the PLDT roll-out in Cavite marks another milestone in empowering the country’s technological advancements. PLDT recently launched the wired network in Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo (Bailen), Cavite resulting in a total of 73 applications vis-à-vis an expected initial take-up of 60 to 100.

Various sales activities such as motorcade, recurida, and booth setups were conducted in coordination with PLDT Home Sales and SME. The Bilis Kabit event during the roll-out provided a more practical means for an immediate installation of service after the completion of the application.

Among those who attended the event were Mayor Danilo M. Bencito, Cavite Customer Service Operations Zone (CSOZ) Head Arsenio J. Guinto, Territory Sales Management Executive for Cavite Upland Manuel M. Figueroa, and Cavite Area Sales

Supervisor for SME Nation Josephine A. De Vicente.

Various groups were also present during the event. This included the Cavite Customer Service Zone personnel led by Normel B. Talon, Fiberhome contractor personnel led by Jessie De Luna, Home Sales personnel led by Ronnie R. Alamag, SME personnel led by Ma. Anna Romea C. Aranzaso, and South Luzon Asset Protection led

by Vicente B. Della.

Cavite CSOZ Head Arsenio J. Guinto was extremely happy with the successful turnout. According to Guinto, “Bringing the wired network in Cavite is another leap for PLDT. The roll-out [in Cavite] is PLDT’s continuous service of providing reliable network connectivity to its customers nationwide.”

PLDT is the first and only wired facility to provide service in the area. Katrina A. Mallari

Shown here are, from left: Cavite Customer Service Operations Zone Head Arsenio J. Guinto, Jr., SME-South Luzon Account Associate Ma. Anna Romea C. Aransazo, Municipality of Gen. E. Aguinaldo Mayor Danilo M. Bencito, SME-South Luzon Area Sales Supervisor Josephine A. De Vicente, and South Luzon Home Sales Territory Sales Management Executive Manuel M. Figueroa.

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PLDT completes cable facilities relocation ahead of projected timeline PLDT has facilitated the early relocation of the underground cable facilities affected by a drainage project at the Quezon City Elliptical Road – a supposedly 21-day project which was effectively accomplished for only 12 days. This was made possible by the efforts of the team of South QC Customer Operations Zone Head Armando Dodjie Lim. Through the help of Project Engr. Ricardo R. Lumasac of the Office of the QC Engineer, who coordinated all activities performed, including on-site variations of works to be done and Retired Gen. Elmo San Diego, who handled traffic management, the project was implemented with great adequacy.

With close coverage by various media networks, the people behind the early accomplishment of the project worked 24/7 in order to guarantee the citizens’ convenience. Furthermore, with good traffic maintenance due to proper management, motorists were appreciative of the hard work done by the people behind the project implementation while allowing a steady traffic flow.

Katrina A. Mallari

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PLDT turns over 2 classrooms in Camarines Sur school Shown here during the event are, from left: San Antonio Punong Brgy Arnulfo B. Ricafort, Pili Municipal Mayor Alexis S. San Luis II, PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario, Public Schools District Supervisor Carlos P. Fajardo, Camarines Sur Chief School Governance & Operations Division DepEd Sueño S. Luzada, Jr., and Pili West Central School, Camarines Sur Principal Neria M. Verdejo.

Joining them, at the back, right is Coordinator and PLDT Bicol CSO Sub-Zone Christopher Dizon.

PLDT recently turned over two classrooms in Pili West Central School situated in Camarines Sur led by PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn del Rosario. The construction of the classrooms was made possible through PLDT’s Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya program fund.

With PLDT’s Motolite-PBSP Balik Baterya program, the funds generated by the Company’s donated used lead-acid batteries has built and repaired at least 19 classrooms

nationwide. PLDT remains to be the program’s biggest donor and has turned over for proper recycling almost 1,600 tons amounting to P36 million.

Present also during the turnover were Pili, Camarines Sur Mayor Alexis San Luis, West Central School Principal Neria Vernejo, PTA officers, teachers and students and other local government officials.

Established in 1903, Pili West Central School was the first

elementary school in the municipality. The school is composed of 38 regular-permanent teaching personnel serving 1,661 students not only from Barangay San Antonio but also from neighbouring barangays. The number of classrooms has become inadequate to service the students’ needs and the growing number of enrolees thus PLDT saw the need to respond to this problem.

Kristine L. Jimeno-Rivadelo, PBSP Luzon Regional Center

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Leading the ribbon cutting ceremonies are PLDT HK General Manager Edith Gomez, Consul General Bernardita Catalla, together with Go Negosyo Executive Director Ramon Lopez, 1st row, 5th, 4th and 6th from left, with the rest of the Go Negosyo team.

PLDT Global partners with Go Negosyo to encourage OFW entrepreneurship PLDT Global Corp. (PGC) has partnered with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) to bring to overseas Filipinos the Smart Pinoy-Go Negosyo caravan that aims to provide entrepreneurial ideas and insights on possible business opportunities which they can explore in the Philippines.

“This is our way of providing our overseas Filipinos a viable option when they return home and decide to start a business in the country,” said PLDT and Smart EVP and Head of Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Eric Alberto.

The caravan included talks on financial literacy, basics of franchising, and developing the right mindset by Go Negosyo Executive Director Ramon Lopez, Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. Chairman Armando Bartolome, and Abrea Consulting Chief Strategy Officer Mon Abrea. A forum featuring the successful entrepreneurs was led

by Myrna Padilla, a former OFW and the founder of Mynd Consulting – a BPO company based in Davao, Celestino Reyes, Chairman/CEO of Reyes Haircutters and Ginger Aganon, owner of Lagalag Outdoor Co. who have successfully expanded their businesses through the digital platform. An exhibit also showcased the various Philippine businesses where caravan participants can signup for more information or possible franchising.

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Gomez gives the opening remarks.

Aside from vast data and voice offers, Smart Pinoy empowers its customers to prepare for their return to the Philippines. “Through our Load & Save Program, our customers earn peso rewards for every reload which is credited to their Smart Money account. Peso rewards can be remitted to their loved ones in the Philippines or save it for future business engagements” said Gomez.

PLDT HK’s advocacy on OFW Reintegration program started in 2013.

PGC hopes to bring the Smart Pinoy-Go Negosyo caravan to other territories where it operates, namely,

Lopez talks about the Go Negosyo advocacy and the need to develop the right mindset and what it takes to be a Smartpreneur. in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Guam, Macau, UK, and the US. Go Negosyo is the advocacy of the PCE, which was organized by top business leaders, to popularize entrepreneurship among Filipinos as an alternative to unemployment, jobseeking or migration.

“The Smart Pinoy-Go Negosyo caravan for our overseas Filipinos is actually an expansion of our partnership with Go Negosyo as we both aspire to empower our people by providing them the tools that they need to start their own business,” said Alberto. CC:

snapshots

PLDT provides early recovery assistance to Quezon farmers

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PLDT recently turned over sphere-standard food packs with vegetable seeds to at least 100 farming families of Brgy. Cawayan, Real in Quezon as early recovery assistance to those affected by typhoon Lando. At least 400 units of fiber glass reusable multi-purpose boxes were also turned over to the farmers. In Real, particularly in Barangay Cawayan where Samahan ng Mangingisda at Magbubukid ng Barangay Cawayan (SMMBC), one of the four PLDT-assisted people’s organization in southern Quezon is located, significant damage was recorded in their agricultural crops wherein 90% or 22 hectares of their harvestable rice lands, 2 hectares of planted vegetables and 3,000 planted bananas are all destroyed. PLDT has recently completed its five-year reforestation program in the area. PLDT, through its partner Philippine Business for Social Progress, continues to monitor the area and assists the farmers groups sustain PLDT’s program. Present during the distribution were PLDT employees led by PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn del Rosario , PLDT Lucena CSOZ Coordinator Rex Osio and PBSP Luzon Regional Center Manager Kristine Rivadelo and staff. Kristine Rivadelo, PBSP Luzon Regional Center

EmpDev head speaks at employee summit Employee Development Head Nonong Noriega was recently invited to be one of the guest speakers during the Philippine Labor, Industrial and Employee Relations Summit. Preceded by a roster of resource persons who lectured on the best practices and trends in safeguarding industrial peace, employee discipline, labor disputes and resolutions, Noriega’s portion was akin to the final stretch of a baseball home run which packed a punch of inspiration that rallied HR’s role in humanizing organizations through value empowerment and crisis management. He is shown here being awarded the plaque of appreciation by Powermax Consulting, Inc. President Rene Espinosa whose organization, together with the Philippine Daily Inquirer sponsored this annual learning event.

CCBSM team bags PLDT Group A basketball championship trophy The Consumer Credit & Business System Mgt (CCBSM) team emerged champion in the recently-concluded PLDT Group A basketball championship games. The victorious team is composed of, seated, from left: Arvin Balares, team captain Edmer Imanil, Abraham Alzona, and Armand Anthony Malana. Standing, same order: John Paul Martija, Dennis Ladion, Martin Enrie Ramos, Aldrin Añano, finals most valuable player, Jumel Louie Chien, coach Robert Sarte, Apolinario Rio III, FVP Ricardo Sison, Christian Joseph Dela Paz, Ranilo Jose, Eduard Paul Paler, and Jorge Vergara.

DECEMBER 2015

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FEATURE

CCIE R&S Lab Certification:

A Journey. An Adventure

By Marjory C. Sy, PRODSERV

I

dream a dream in days gone by, when hope was high and life worth living. – From the song I Dream A Dream

Since PLDT launched the Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert Routing & Switching (CCIE R&S) internal program in 2008, it has produced six certified experts. These employees have served as technical consultants, who have been instrumental in ushering PLDT towards its digital transformation.

The Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) is one of the most prestigious globally-recognized certifications any network engineer or IT person would aspire of achieving. The program spans six different tracks – Routing & Switching, Collaboration, Data Center, Design, Security, Service Provider and Wireless.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Routing and Switching (CCIE Routing and Switching) certifies the skills required of expert-level network engineers to plan, operate and troubleshoot complex, converged network infrastructure. To obtain this certification, you need to hurdle two major milestones – the written exam, which qualifies the candidate to take the laboratory exam on the technologies and concepts, and the actual laboratory exam, which tests the candidate’s skills in configuration, diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Answering the need to produce more CCIEs to sustain market leadership, PLDT TechTrain Head Juan D. Manlapaz Jr. started the second batch of the CCIE R&S program in November 2014 where certified network engineers from different teams in PLDT and Smart took the prequalification exam that simulated the laboratory requirements and environment. The top twelve candidates made it to the boot-camp program. The written exam was successfully completed in December 2014, while the preparation for the actual lab started in January 2015.

Half the world sleeping, half the world awake. Half can hear their hearts beat, half just hear them break. – From the song The Journey The preparation towards achieving the CCIE dream was a journey only the strong-willed can survive as it meant personal sacrifices and reprioritization, sleepless nights and time away from home and usual daily routine, and countless hours of dedicated reading and laboratory exercises. It meant more than eight hours of “romancing” the virtual routers and switches, taking laboratory questions even in the short slumber time of rest. Weekends were reduced to half-days of recharge and reinforcement, most of the candidates losing track of the days that went by.

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These preparation efforts would not be possible without the untiring support and encouragement from Management to allow these engineers to go “offline” from physical presence in the office and concentrate on the hurdles of monthly and weekly assessment activities leading to the exam schedule.

This is the moment, this is the day when I send all my doubts and demon on their way. Every endeavor I have made ever is coming into play is that here and now today. – From the song This is the Moment All the grueling months of hard work, perseverance and persistence paid off when 11 candidates from PLDT and Smart emerged victorious in the exam held in the last quarter of 2015 at the Cisco Hong Kong Office.

The road to achieving the CCIE R&S certification was both a journey and an adventure – a journey of faith, and an adventurous rollercoaster ride of emotions while struggling to stay motivated and inspired to take on the challenges along the way.

Some dreams live on in time forever. Those dreams, you want with all your heart and I´ll do whatever it takes. Follow through with the promise I made. Put it all on the line what I hoped for at last would be mine. – From the song Reach The adventure called CCIE certification made me realize a lot of things: Nothing is impossible with the Lord, especially when I was on the brink of breaking down during the actual exam. It is true that “the Lord listens even to the silent whispers of your heart. Have faith, take courage.”

No man is an island and life is a process of learning, re-learning, unlearning things to improve. I am grateful to my Chayots (our internal term of endearment for this batch of CCIE R&S candidates) for the learning through sharing of ideas. We cannot claim the monopoly of knowledge. Everyone has something to contribute to make tasks more understandable and memorable.

The greatest hurdle I need to face is myself. Every day is a challenge to get ready for combat – wake up early, start the day right and get the lab mode on. When I felt like throwing in the towel and calling it quits, I remembered the reasons why I pursued this dream. As Colin Powell said, a dream does not become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination and hard work. CC:

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ogram

nt pr e m p o l e v ent de

n o i t u l o v e r a g kin em

aim Manag

Spar W

By jay-anne r. encarnado

thinking, encourages the leader not just to think out of the box but to get rid of the box altogether.

e were called revolutionaries.

As the first batch in PLDT to take the Management Development Program (MDP) conducted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), we were challenged to ignite a movement that would drastically change the way PLDT does business.

With 37 PLDT team leaders as students, the five-day executive program involved lectures by topnotch AIM professors, fun workshops, and a walkabout that aimed to teach us empathy. All these learnings culminated in a presentation of a business model that provides a drastic solution to a universal issue that any company may be facing.

For me, the most striking revelation in this learning program is that our customers seem to not have a voice in most of the things we do. Thus, the off-site exercise on empathy was most meaningful for me.

Among my classmates, a favorite topic seems to be Systems Thinking which was introduced by Prof. Antonio Ma. C. Perez. “I’m here to make you crazy,” according to him, as systems thinking, while meant to augment linear

Prof. Perez lectures on systems thinking.

For Jes Honrubio of Customer Service Operations Multimedia Development Management for HOME Business, “Being a manager, systems thinking changed my mindset with a totally new perspective on how to deal with challenges and solutions. It enabled me to see new things that help me in my day to day activities on a professional and even personal level.”

Liza Jacala, Head of Program Delivery for Fixed Access Network, said that the importance of systems thinking is best captured in the quote by Albert Einstein: “Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them.”

While the AIM-MDP planted the burning desire to instigate change within the organization, we cannot wage such revolution by just sitting inside the classroom. All these learnings should translate into a compelling mindset and credible actions that will inspire others to emulate until it has reached every cozy corner of PLDT. Only then we can call ourselves, revolutionaries.CC:

Group 5 studies their casual loop diagram.

Lead professor Richard Cruz hands out the certificates of completion to the author.

DECEMBER 2015

14

a tribute to the man

NLN: the heart of a

By katrina a. mallari

T

here are those rare moments when we immediately recognize greatness. And when we see it, we will simply know. Perhaps, it is in the rarity of these moments when true greatness is most exemplified. In those moments, a particular character emerges in, standing out among the crowd. In an industry that pioneers technological innovation and digital advancements, one such rare personality is Napoleon “Polly” L. Nazareno.

Being the President and CEO of PLDT, the country’s leading multi-media company, since February 2004, and its wholly-owned wireless subsidiary and the largest mobile operator in the country, Smart since January 2000, Polly has been an inspiration to his colleagues and peers. His achievements have been recognized locally and internationally, receiving numerous awards and citations for both individual and corporate performance.

But what makes Polly a character is highlighted by more than just the many things he has achieved.

Polly embodies greatness because of the way he is – a man who shows compassion towards the people around him, who loves his family, who dedicates many years of his life to work, and who recognizes the glory of God in everything he does.

God-fearing, genuine person Working with Polly for 35 years, Sally Fontelera, one of his two senior executive secretaries, noted the man he perceives Polly to be – God-fearing and familyoriented. “I’ve known Polly as a very religious person. He always visits the church whenever possible. He is a good family man. For him, family comes first,”

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Sally said. “He is soft-spoken and humble and in those 35 years of association with him, he still is.”

Kathy Sapul, Polly’s other senior executive secretary, has known him for 16 years. In those years that she has been working for Polly, she has witnessed how much of a genuine person Polly is. Whether it is injecting humor during most of their serious conversations or just a simple chat, Polly really takes the time to get to know the people he works with. Work is never just work for Polly. He is someone who truly cares about the people around him. His kindness extends to the people most loyal to him. Even then, these acts of kindness are never for show, but these come from a heart only a true character and leader may possess.

Kathy recalls her fondest memory of Polly, saying, “When I was four months pregnant with my first child, our office was undergoing a small renovation. There was some smell of paint or chemical that he noticed, and this prompted him to approach me,” Kathy said. “He, then, asked me to go home early because he thought it was not safe for the baby. This fatherly image of him and his sincere concern was such a kind gesture that I will never forget.”

Mon Isberto, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head, regards Polly’s ability to turn his limitations to strengths – a characteristic which he considers to be one of Polly’s best. “Polly went down to the trenches when it was needed. He mixed it up with the troops.

That’s because he avoided taking himself too seriously,” he said. “He was aware of his limitations. That became a source of his strength.”

Polly is a man who unfailingly shares his wisdom to the many people he comes across with. He leaves his mark in the lives of the many people whose lives he has touched.

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Sally particularly remembers these strings of words spoken by Polly, “To remain number one, we must keep thinking that we are number two. We should take this as a reminder to prevent us from falling into complacency.”

Mon also shares one of Polly’s remarkable words of wisdom – one that evidently shows how humility encompasses greatness: “Don’t seek power. Let power come to you.”

It is people like Polly that reminds us how greatness is clearly heard even in the quiet. It is greatness springing forth from humility and simplicity that leaves people with a sense of wonder and hope – one that creates within them the many possibilities of seeing their own potentials. It is people like Polly that inspires people to give their all and to become the best person they could possibly be.

Mon also recalls one of his fondest memories with Polly. It was the time when he saw the perseverance that is visible in Polly’s character. It was one of those moments when one sees the ability of another to do everything one can in order to build something extraordinary through commitment and sheer determination.

“In his first year at Smart, he joined the team-building program designed to unite the workforce in the drive to win GSM leadership for Smart in 2 years’ time. At that time, Smart was playing catch up to Globe which had a five-year headstart in the GSM business,” Mon said. “So for 27 weekends, Polly joined the team that met with the employees in groups of 100-150. That took so much of his time and effort that he got into trouble with his wife. But he completed the team-building program. Two years later, Smart was No. 1 in GSM.” With consistency and hard work, Polly has become an icon in the digital industry. Leading a company that strives to provide the best quality services to the Filipino people, he has embodied the spirit of true greatness – constantly reminding the people around him that with the best intentions and a heart that is committed in serving a thriving nation, everything is possible.

To our dearest Sir Polly, thank you for your many years of service in the Company. We are grateful for the many times that you have brought this Company to the peak of its success. With its continuous growth, we are thankful for your spirit of innovation in transforming PLDT to the company that it is today. CC: “Polly, it has been a lifetime working with you these past so many years. As you assumed one position after another, it became a challenge for me to adapt with the change, but with the help of our friends and colleagues, it made those tasks easier than at first glance. Through the years, I have developed a close relationship with your mother as well as the mother of Cecille. I was truly saddened by their passing. However, fond memories abound of my fellowship with them.

Polly, I consider this journey a fruitful one and I thank God for this wonderful opportunity to work with you in a number of companies and my association with good people in and outside the company.

Thanks to you and to Cecille for considering me an integral part of your family.

I wish you continued good health, happiness, and peace of mind as you start to open a new chapter of your life. Enjoy!!”

– Sally Fontelera, Senior Executive Secretary, Office of the President and CEO “To our Dear Boss NLN, I would like to sincerely thank you for the last 16 years that I have spent in your office. I have learned many things and faced many challenges at work that I have overcome and I know has contributed to my personal growth and capacity. Your work ethics has made me strive to give my 101% all the time. It is truly leadership by example.

More importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to know you as a person and learn important life lessons from the way you work and live. It has been a great privilege to work with you, Sir. Thank you for your mentorship and more importantly, your friendship.”

– Kathy Sapul, Senior Executive Secretary, Office of the President and CEO

“Boss, enjoy your newfound freedom. Learn to fly, literally. And be the best grandfather you can be to your grandkids!”

– Mon Isberto, Head, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs

DECEMBER 2015

16

cover story

ROWENA PUMAR

LIZETTE EMBUSCADO

»30 YEARS SERVICE

»25 YEARS SERVICE

RJ ABAD

»35 YEARS SERVICE

Let’s hear it from three service awardees:

Living, working with PLDT for 25 years and more!

By Olive O. Barrozo

I

t seemed not very long ago when, for the very first time, they stepped inside the tall gates of PLDT in Malugay St., Makati, then the recruitment department of the company.

They were wide-eyed, credulous, and nervous but raring to vie with fellow applicants to get that longed-for job in the country’s premier telephone company.

So many years have passed since that auspicious day in Malugay. Time, like ice on water, melts so fast, it vanishes before you even notice. They have recently received awards for having worked with PLDT for the past 25 years and up. Giving their best in their respective work assignments, three of the service awardees this year share their stories and experiences that reflect their unwavering dedication and commitment to their job more than two decades after first setting foot inside the PLDT compound.

25 years of inspiration Her life is the stuff of teleseryes without the hysterics and face slapping scenes. Hers is a quieter struggle, a steady effort to hurdle the obstacles that could have blocked the way to the attainment of her dreams. Seventh of 11 children, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Weng to friends and acquaintances, grew up worrying about her large family whose sole breadwinner was their widowed mother, assisted by their eldest brother.

“Mahirap talaga ang buhay namin noon, palagi akong balisa at maraming tanong. Paano na ang buhay namin? Saan kami kukuha ng pambili ng pagkain? Makakapag-aral pa kaya kami? Eh ang makain nga kulang pa sa amin,” Weng wrote in one of her pieces for the Life & Arts section of Acc:ess Magazine.

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Determined to finish college, she left her hometown in Rizal, Laguna to live with relatives in Manila where she enrolled at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). In exchange for the free board, lodging and school allowance, Weng did the domestic chores in her uncle’s house and took care of his children. To augment her allowance, she sold Laguna delicacies at school. Her bestselling goodies included espasol, uraro, macapuno, yema, and shing-a-ling: “Bata pa lang ako noon pero parang pagal at pagod na agad ang aking katawan. Di pa rin ako sumuko sa hamon ng buhay at patuloy na nagsilbi… What a life!”

Weng graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management major in Advertising and Public Relations, the second among her siblings who finished college and the only one who works in a large corporation.

Her prayer for a stable job was answered in 1990 when she got the chance to apply in PLDT: “Ilang araw bago ang exam, kinundisyon, pinaghandaan, at ilang beses kaming nagpamisa ng Nanay ko. Natatandaan ko pa, halos seven hours akong nakipaglaban sa digmaan ng exams kung saan bala-balatong ang tumulong pawis upang malagpasan ko ang maliit na butas ng karayom sa pagpasok sa PLDT.” She first worked as a Clerk at the General Legal Services Department and rose to Executive Secretary in the Regulatory Group. In her 25 years with PLDT, she has learned a lot from her boss, Atty. Fernando Sobierra III, as well as Regulatory Strategy and Support FVP Alfredo Carrera. Weng is also thankful to her officemates who have always been supportive and kind. She recalls their office Christmas parties where she

was voted Star of Night and Best in Costume two times in a row.

PLDT for her is an inspiration and a friend: “Sa 25 years na ating pinagsamahan, sa lungkot at saya, sa panahong hinarap natin ang maraming kalamidad ay di tayo sumuko, pinilit nating tumayo at patuloy na nagsusumikap na maabot ang mga pangarap.”

“I take pride in having been part of PLDT for the past 30 years of my life. It has not only been my source of livelihood, but it has been a second home, my extended family. PLDT has been a witness to the many highs and lows in my life, and through it all, not once did I feel alone.”

Taking pride in 30 years with PLDT Fresh out of college in 1985 with a Bachelor’s — Lizette Degree in Industrial Management Engineering, Ana Lizette M. Embuscado opted to join PLDT because she knew that she could never go wrong with her choice, “Anyone was blessed to be a part of the PLDT family not only for the benefits but for job security.

There used to be a saying that with PLDT, ‘para kang nakasandal sa pader.’”

Her admirable work ethics, excellent performance and the drive to learn new ideas and apply them accordingly have led to her steady ascent in the corporate ladder. From her initial position as a Systems Analyst under the Management Services Division, Systems Department, she was promoted over the years to the posts of Staff Assistant, Strategic Projects Executive, Executive Assistant and recently, Center Head of Customer Services Support Management.

As a leader, Lizette strongly believes in the value of teamwork “because the failure of one impacts the entire group. There should be a sense of involvement for everyone so each one appreciates his role in making things happen.” Believing that actions speak louder than words, she tries her very best to practice what she preaches: “To this day, my values and work ethics have somehow remained consistent, primarily when adhering to the rules and regulations of the Company.”

A considerate and understanding head, she tries to be sensitive to the needs of her staff: “Not everything is work because there are different facets to a person. If one is not happy or content with an aspect of his life, his job gets affected. So we try to enjoy our work despite the pressures. Adding spice and humor helps ease the tension. We consider ourselves a family and we believe that when each one of us enjoys what he does, he becomes more productive and creative.”

On her 30 years with PLDT, Lizette says: “I take pride in having been part of PLDT for the past 30 years of my life. It has not only been my source of livelihood, but it has been a second home, my extended family. PLDT has been a witness to the many highs and lows in my life, and through it all, not once did I feel alone. More than work, I feel the genuine concern of the Company for my welfare. It is not all about what I can offer PLDT but it is also about what the Company can give me in return. It was in PLDT where I have grown as an individual with the learnings from the people I have worked with and the friendships I have established through the years. To this very day, I could not imagine myself without PLDT because it is and will always be a part of who I am.”

Man for all seasons at 35 In his job as a Sr. Telecom Technician, Roger John Abad or RJ has repaired innumerable telephone troubles and met all kinds of people – from the kind-hearted to the fuming mad - but he takes them all in stride and learns valuable lessons from a trove of experiences in his 35 years with the Company.

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Embuscado, 30 years of service When he joined PLDT in 1980, there was only the Makati General Offices (MGO), RCB hasn’t been built yet. Office buildings stood along Ayala Ave. only, the flourishing inner streets that we see today were then covered with wild tall grass. As a PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) Technician, he installed and repaired the PABX switchboards of the offices along Ayala Ave. He enjoyed his new job, “Challenging ang pag-iinstall ng mga equipment kasi bagong experience yun para sa akin.”

Rj attended the Meralco Foundation Institute (now MFI Foundation, Inc.) as a full scholar where they undertook intensive training in electrical technology, with Meralco’s power plant serving as classroom. He continued his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Technology in TUP’s Manila Technician Institute, Taguig campus.

His current assignment involves the inspection of DSL and telephone lines installed by PLDT’s contractors. By his lonesome, he takes on the inspection task for the entire Makati area, from Bonifacio Global to Jupiter. It’s not easy driving the length and breadth of Makati under the unpredictable weather conditions and the equally unpredictable traffic jams but patience and perseverance have become inherent in this man who has experienced life’s many seasons.

Rj’s talent is not limited to the technical field. He is also into the performing and visual arts, having won the grandslam in PLDT’s Tuklas Talino dance competition in the 80s. He is a member of the PLDT Divers’ Club, the Mountaineering Club, and the PLDT LENS Camera Club.

Recently named LENS Photographer of the Year, Rj’s award-winning shots were displayed, together with other LENS Club members’ prize-winning photographs, at the Local Edition Café in Makati.

He cites three important ingredients to enjoying your job.

First element is the type of job: “Para sa akin mahalagang gusto mo talaga ang ginagawa mo para mag-enjoy kang gawin yun araw-araw.” Second is the place of work: “Kailangan maayos ang lugar ng trabaho para maayos din ang output.” Third are the co-workers: “Sa amin, masaya ang samahan ng mga tao. Sa umaga bago kami pumunta sa mga assignment namin, masigla kaming nag-uusap. Sa hapon, pagbalik namin, masaya uli kaming nagkukumustahan.”

And they don’t get tired of each other’s company, having been together for over three decades. Like members of one big family, they stick together in good and bad times. With familiar people around to get support from, difficult work assignments become fun. And they get done in record time.

CC:

DECEMBER 2015

18

cover story

A Heart That Gives

Knowing the essence of service By katrina a. mallari

P

eople often try to get just a little bit closer to the essence of time. Minutes, hours, days, weeks, and years pass when people forget the presence of time.

Perhaps, there is a grain of truth with what most people say, “When you enjoy what you’re doing, time will simply pass.”

There even comes a point when people even become it. Through time, people evolve into becoming their own better versions – continuously growing and learning.

The stories of Jesus ‘Jess’ Castro and Hermilo ‘Milo’ Ignacio manifest four decades of untiring service in the Company which they have already considered to be their second home.

JESS CASTRO »45 YEARS SERVICE

Infinite gratitude, well respected Jesus, known to his family and friends as Jess, started out his dream on November 27, 1970. There was much to be thankful for, and Jesus exclaims with infinite gratitude, “I can’t really thank the good LORD enough. I was very much elated at the very wonderful blessing HE has given me. Imagine – I am now a part of one of the best Philippine companies even during those days and up to now.”

Known for his inclination towards details and determination to achieve goals, Hermilo or better known as ‘Milo’ is a well-respected individual with peers and colleagues, alike, admiring his extraordinary work ethic.

When it all began The entire premise of applying in a company that has its roots grounded in commitment and service paved the way for Jess to establish his own personal goals. It created the opportunity for him to give back to the people who have been with him throughout his journey. Pursuing a career in PLDT marks a new chapter in his life – one that he is extremely grateful to have begun.

“Upon hiring, I said to myself, ‘Now, I can help my parents and siblings live better lives.’ But even more than that, there is also the desire to be a part of the growth of PLDT,” Jess said.

Making realizations gave room for Milo to realign himself with his priorities. There came a point when it was no longer just about earning money. Applying in PLDT became an

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avenue for him to get a good head start in his career. “[Through PLDT] I could gain work experience and credentials while studying, which could make it better for me in the long run. I also thought it was fortunate that I already had a job while I was still in school.

I wanted to do well and made sure to keep it,” Milo said.

Milo is currently the only legitimate Section Supervisor of Network Project Implementation & Provisioning group with 73 personnel under his team.

Staying with PLDT Jess emphasizes solidarity and camaraderie as one of »40 YEARS the reasons why he chose SERVICE to stay with PLDT. He has considered his co-workers and bosses as his own family.

“With PLDT treating me as its own, the abundant benefits, the feeling of belongingness, of creating a second home in the Company – these are more than enough for me to serve my whole life in PLDT,” Jess said.

MILO IGNACIO

“The decision to stay happened a long time ago,” Jess said. “I will forever be thankful to PLDT for giving me the chance to be a part of its growth through the years. Above all, I thank God for giving me this blessing.”

“From a practical point of view, it was in 1986 when I solidified my decision to stay with PLDT,” Jess said. With 1986 being a year of change, Milo saw changes in the labor force which greatly benefit the employees. “There was a dramatic improvement in the quality and quantity of our benefits and work program. I chose to stay because I saw that there will be long-term stability and security if I did.”

Milo’s stay in PLDT is not measured by its length, but by the memories he accumulated in his stay in the Company.

Admitting that 40 years is quite a long time to stay in just one company, Milo finds contentment in what he does. There is a sense of fulfillment and happiness that is continuously created as he commits and serves in the Company he has been with for four decades.

Through dedication, hard work, and innovation, there is an intense growth that is continuously cultivated within Jess and Milo. As they reach far greater heights in PLDT, they have undoubtedly recognized a culture where they can both thrive, mastering the courage to persevere amidst challenges and the changing times. CC:

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FEATURE On behalf of the awardees, Ruel Brual, with his 25 years of service in the Company, expresses his utmost appreciation and gratitude to PLDT.

Decades of Commitment, Service, and Innovation

Celebrating accomplishments of 2015 service awardees By katrina a. mallari

P

eople are always working towards progress. Often, people believe in taking steps towards changing their lives, ultimately, creating ripples of change outwards – unto others and into the world.

The PLDT 2015 Service Awards marks decades of commitment, service, and innovation. This year, there are 448 25-year awardees, 103 30-year awardees, 138 35-year awardees, and one 40-year and 45-year awardees each. During the service awards, PLDT-Smart President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno called each batch of service awardees and asked the audience to give them a warm round of applause.

In his speech, Nazareno expressed his gratitude for the years of service every employee present in the gathering has committed to PLDT. Urging everyone to celebrate years of hard work and perseverance, Nazareno said, “So tonight, let’s celebrate what we’ve accomplished in the years that we have spent working together. Working towards a common purpose.To improve the lives of the Filipino people by offering the best possible communications and digital services. PLDT is all about connecting people. It’s about changing lives – for the better.”

colorful stories each employee has in the duration of their stay in PLDT. “Gusto ko pong sabihin sa inyo at sa ating lahat na naririto na tayo ay may puso na nagmamahal sa ating mga trabaho at responsibilidad. Ang tawag po natin dito ay ‘Pusong PLDT.’” Brual added, “Pusong panalo na puno ng tunay na sinseridad at malasakit sa kumpanya.”

“Gusto ko pong sabihin sa inyo at sa ating lahat na naririto na tayo ay may puso na nagmamahal sa ating mga trabaho at responsibilidad.

Ang tawag po natin dito ay ‘Pusong PLDT.’” — Ruel Brual,

Also serving in the Company for 25 years, Leoncia Perez hailing from Laguna, expressed how thankful she is for PLDT. Despite changing career paths from taking BS Forestry at the University of Los Baños (UPLB) to currently becoming a Customer Service Assistant under Home Sales and Service Center Management, she managed to thrive in her work and continuously commits to the Company that has given her so much. “I made a promise to myself that I will do everything that I can to improve my craft and make myself an asset to this prestigious institution,” Perez said.

35 years in service, PLDT Career Management Head Angelie Dela Cruz spoke of Pusong PLDT as the reason for staying in the Company. Furthermore, it is the people around her that continuously inspire her to achieve greater heights.

“I love working with people. I love the leadership role. I enjoy motivating the younger generation working in the Company. HR is something that you get better at as you age – just like wine,” Dela Cruz said.

25 years of service

With 25 years of service in the Company, Ruel Brual spoke on behalf of his batch – narrating his experience as an Engineering Assistant in his early days, rising through the ranks and becoming a Coordinator under the Cagayan Valley CSOZ. He expressed his immense gratitude towards the Company that has provided him and every employee with plenty of opportunities, highlighting the

Telecom Associate Reynold Sarte has been with the Company for 35 years. He is thankful for the many learning opportunities PLDT has given him. “Thank you PLDT for giving me a chance

DECEMBER 2015

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PLDT President and CEO Polly Nazareno gives an inspiring speech on the importance of time and service, as he recognizes the dedication, effort, and hard work of this year’s 691 awardees.

to become one of your employees.” Exuberating high spirits, he added, “Magtatrabaho ako sa PLDT kung saan aabot ang katawang lupa ko! So, help me God.” With decades of commitment, service, and innovation and countless exhibition of Pusong PLDT, every awardee regards PLDT as a second home – a place where co-workers become like

family, where work never feels like work because there is a sense of joy that is imbedded in it.

As every employee continues to become partners of growth in the Company, they envision a country that allows room for change; thus, PLDT continues to change the lives of people with colorful stories and hearts that are fueled by the sparks of creativity, openness, and transformation. CC:

Congratulations

to all service awardees!

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PLDT Group Human Resources SVP Butch Jimenez honors PLDT President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno for his years of commitment, service, and innovation that has greatly contributed to the growth of the Company.

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DECEMBER 2015

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Focus on employees for satisfied, delighted customers

compiled By Raissa G. Buitizon, First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities--batangas

“D

oing what you like is freedom.

Liking what you do is happiness.”

– Frank Tyger

o f5 t s B e g 201

As employees, we do what we can in serving ba Mail our customers. Without any expectations from them, we exhibit service in the best of our ability. In moments when customers reciprocate our service with their appreciation, there is a sense of fulfillment that swells in our hearts.

Before the year ends, satisfied and delighted customers take time to commend a job well done by the PLDT staff who were courteous and prompt in their service. These happy customers find ways to e-mail, call, and send text messages in order to show their appreciation to the PLDT staff.

January 2015 Subscriber Jennifer Laplano Rodriguez has commended Aurelio R. Gatchalian, Sr. Telecom Technician from Marikina CSZ, for his steadfast service and excellent manners. Following is an expert from Rodriguez’s post on her FB account:”…A. Gatchalian was very polite and really sounded that he wanted to assist me. He Gatchalian greeted me and my mother as soon as he arrived in our house and immediately changed the modem. I liked how he handled his job and the way he talked to us, so I think he deserves to be commended for that.

I hope you have more technicians like him because a customer without internet connection is really inconvenient, especially for work-at-home people like me…thanks again.”

April 2015 Time and again, satisfied subscribers take time to commend a job well done from PLDT staff Capiral Gabica for being courteous and prompt in their dealings with them. These satisfied customers find a way to send emails or call the efforts of Arleen Capiral and partner technicians Renante Gabica of Cavite Customer service Operations Zone were left unnoticed.” Their actions were based on our thrust of providing the best customer experience that they deliver to our valued clients,” said Cavite Customer Service Operations Zone Head Arsenio J. Guinto, Jr. has sent an email to Guinto expressing how grateful their foundation is with the way Capiral and Gabica handled their telephone concerns.

“We, at academy of World Healing Foundation, are truly grateful for having Ms. Capiral and Mr. Gabica to be of helping hand whenever we need assistance. This we would like you to know,” Balicha said.

July 2015 For exerting efforts in restoring the DSL connection normalizing

the operations of the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR), PLDT Enterprise Care’s Marilyn T. Pastorizo and Smart Public Affair’s Ma. Noemi P. Concepcion were commended by CNDR Executive Director Monette Flores.

Pastorizo

Concepcion

Aguilar

“On behalf of the CNDR staff, I wish to thank you and your team from the bottom of our hearts for the great assistance that you have extended to our office,” Flores said.

“Thank you for truly caring and responding to our concerns with speed.” Excellent customer service. This sum up what customer Ronald Masterson had to say commending PLDT PampangaBataan-Zambales Customer Service Operation Zone Field Service Engineer Jesse C. Aguilar and the Belcoon staff to Pascual Village and attend to their concerns. “This is a great triumph for all of us and it couldn’t have happened without the dedicated team effort put forth by all of you. Thank you so much… and be sure to give Jesse and Belcoon crew a pat on the back from us here…”

August 2015 “I must formally put on record just how good this technician was and that I was really impressed– he was professional, competent, very thorough, customer focused, helpful and he exuded confidence. This man deserves some recognition Josef and bonus for his good work. We cannot forget all the technicians who have come, but would not listen to the intermittent and persistent nature of the faults we had to put up with, and just looked at the modem for a couple of minutes, did nothing yet declared everything to be ok and then left only for the faults to recur shortly thereafter.” These were the words from very satisfied customer Narcisa and Ian Snow. They were referring to Senior Telecom Technician Carlito M. Josef from PLDT Marikina Customer Service Operations Zone for fixing their DSL Connection. The Snows said in their email to Customer Care that Josef really wanted to help them and he knew what he was doing.

And they would like to extend their gratitude to Josef because of his hard work and great customer service that the Company was spared from mediation from NTC. September 2015 Happy subscriber Queenie Matienzo’s telephone line request has been served with the help of PLDT GMM North/ East Customer Service Operations District Head Reynaldo A. Simon and it was well appreciated.” Big thanks to Mr. Rene Simon for assisting us,” said Matienzo. CC:

DECEMBER 2015

24 Rev. Fr. Manuel Quiban, DCS, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Del Carmen, Siargao Island blesses the new PLDT school in its groundbreaking, with PLDT ComRel Head and Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario initiating the ceremony.

d n a l s i o a g r a i s r o f l o o h c s t d l p new C. Escabarte

By Danilo

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here is a certain kind of joy and excitement that is visible among students and residents of Del Carmen in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte during the groundbreaking event held last November 5, 2015 in the campus of Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT).

A single-story school building composed of two classrooms will soon rise in this part of the island.

PLDT has bankrolled the construction of the new school building that will house high school students who used to share classroom space among the school’s college students.

The classroom construction project is a collaborative effort by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with the administration of SSCT and the Parents Teachers Employees Association (PTEA).

nao , PBSP-Minda

nter Regional Ce

corporate partner supporting government’s efforts to respond to classroom needs across the country. The implementation of K to 12, with its worthy intention of preparing our children and youth to be better and productive citizens of this country, has led to the different stakeholders’realization of enormous education needs particularly in terms of infrastructure,” she added.

Included in the construction package were 90 students’ chairs, two teacher’s tables, two teacher’s chairs and two blackboards. Gracing the event were Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Corro II, PBSP Mindanao Regional Manager Garibaldi Alvin Enriquez, Campus Director Dr. Carlos Donoso and PTEA President Randy Petallo.

With the blessing given by Rev. Fr. Manuel Quiban, DCS, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, students and stakeholders witness the groundbreaking event with hope ignited in their hearts. CC:

Speaking with much enthusiasm in front of parents, students, and teachers of SSCT, PLDT Community Relations Head and Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario emphasized the value of education in shaping the future of children in the island. “It is heartwarming to know that you are taking active involvement and participation in this undertaking. Your presence shows how much value you invest in the education of today’s generation. Your presence already defines your commitment in addressing education issues and concerns that your province faces,” Del Putting in every effort to make a difference, from left: PBSP Mindanao Regional Manager Rosario said.

Garibalde Alvin Enriquez, Fr. Quiban, Municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao Del Norte Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II, Del Rosario, SSCT PTEA President Randy Petallo, and SSCT Campus “PLDT who is a member Director Carlos Donoso. company of PBSP is a strong Simon

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JAN LESTER E. BISCO

ROGER JOHN R. ABAD

PABLO C. APOSTOL

ARNEL B. GABILAN

ROGER JOHN R. ABAD MANUEL DEL ROSARIO

lens photo exhibit

The most memorable shots of 2015

by Olive O. Barrozo JAN LESTER E. BISCO

MARC EDGAR J. SEVILLA

LAEMAR JOHN V. CHAVEZ MANUEL G. DEL ROSARIO ROGER JOHN R. ABAD

MANUEL G. DEL ROSARIO

RODNEY S. PAYUMO

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RANSCENDENT is the word that comes to mind when you see these photographs. They are some of the best shots, taken by the prolific members of the PLDT LENS Camera Club that recently transformed the walls of a coffee shop called Local Edition into an avant-garde artists’ alcove.

Led by Club President Macky Sevilla, the LENS Photo Exhibit ran for a week, delighting customers who frequented the place.

Macky’s soothing shots of incandescent horizons and other memorable photos have placed him in the Hall of Fame, but he remains modest despite his accomplishments: “If one of my shots gets a place on that wall, I’d be very happy with it.”

LAEMAR JOHN V. CHAVEZ

Showcased in the exhibit were the award-winning photographs of Pablo Apostol, Jan Lester Bisco, Photographer of the Year Roger John Abad, Manny del Rosario, Anthony Arnel Gabilan, Rodney Payumo, Laemar John Chavez, Edmund Munchua, Jaime Dilag, Mary Eileen Viernes, Marites Santiago, Alvin Santos, Natalie Nicole Lim, Arjae Nuisa, Robert Francis David, and Joanna Dizon.

An affiliate of the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF), the PLDT LENS Club has been holding this annual photo exhibit for five years now, featuring the top three winners of the club’s monthly contests, as well as those that won in the FPPF competitions.CC:

DECEMBER 2015

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Maynilad displays a puppet show called, “Daloy Dunong” as part of the program.

PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, 4th from left, spread Christmas cheer to the children beneficiaries. Helping him do that are the First Pacific directors with PSF President Esther O. Santos, One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey O. Tarayao, PLDT ComRel Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario, Meralco mascot, and Makati Medical Center Foundation Executive Director Marge Barro, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th from left.

S preading the spirit o f gener o sity By katrina a. mallari

S

Bringing smiles to children, the various companies and institutions Meralco, Maynilad, Cardinal Santos, Makati Med, and Caritas Manila “reared” them. Some beneficiaries were cancer patients from the AFP Medical Center through the Makati Medical Foundation.

preading the Christmas cheer has always been one of the most precious moments in this holiday season. And what better way to show love than by giving more to the least of God’s brethren.

PLDT, headed by the Community Relations Division and its employee-volunteers and the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) join the Paskong Kapatid – a project spearheaded by PSF in collaboration with other companies of First Pacific, particularly the MVP Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Council.

The three children smile brightly as they pose with TV5’s Hi-5 cast.

Paskong Kapatid started in December 2012, initially a way of celebrating Christmas with PSF’s partner communities. Usually celebrated on the 5th of December, Paskong Kapatid is a way celebrating International Volunteers’ Day and the efforts of the employee-volunteers.

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For its part, PLDT brought joy to 20 children from the Sandiwaan Learning Center, catering to out-ofschool youth (OSYs). These children are aged 7-10 years old, with a knack for art. Creatively drawing and painting, these children showcased their skillful talent for visual art as they enjoy their time in Paskong Kapatid.

It was a day of celebration and fun as these children were given bags filled with delightful surprises given by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and the First Pacific Company Limited Board. Also given were backpacks with t-shirts from PSF, sanitary and dental kit from Cardinal Santos Hospital, hygiene

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Kids gamely strike a pose with Tarayao and Azkals’ Simon Greatwich and Phil Younghusband.

PLDT ComRel and employee volunteers enjoy their time spreading the Christmas spirit as they interact with the kids.

Kids during the Paskong Kapatid event are greatly entertained by the performances by the Hi-5 cast and the puppet show, “DaloyDunong”.

kits and tubee stuffed toy from Maynilad, 100 loot bags from NLEX and hand kit from Makati Med as well as tumblers, kiddie shirts, and caps from PLDT. One Meralco Foundation also gave lanterns and loot bags.

Furthermore, snacks were sponsored

by PSF. With a colorful display of creative backdrop and balloons flying about, Paskong Kapatid brought an overwhelming sense of joy among the children. The event also included educational segments in which Maynilad displayed a puppet show called, Daloy Dunong – an informed learning mixed with comedic timing that was able to draw laughs from the audience.

There was also TV5’s Hi-5 Show, which featured upbeat dancing and catchy sing-alongs, ultimately entertaining the audience, particularly the children.

PLDT Community Relations Head and Consultant Evelyn Del Rosario speaks of the spirit of volunteerism and utmost effort which resulted to the smiles on the children’s faces.

“PLDT has always been committed in reaching out and helping the youngest members of our society,” she said. “By spreading happiness all around, there is no better way to celebrate Christmas than by teaching and showing these children the importance of love and compassion.”

PSF President Ma. Esther Santos, who leads the Paskong Kapatid program said, “Although giving is a year-round activity for the various corporate foundations and CSR groups, our Christmas tradition of bringing joy to children always adds a heartwarming note to end the year. This also fulfills the desire of MVP and our Board. We are happiest when we bring joy to others.”

Del Rosario joins a kid for a photo-op during the event.

A gift coming from a genuine heart calls upon the spirit of generosity – bringing in hopeful visions within the youth; it is a vision where they can ultimately make a difference in the future, giving back to a nation that has given them more than enough in their time of need. CC:

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Mr. C and ‘Pure Energy’ Gary Valenciano perform Christmas ballad to the delight of the guests.

xperience E ’ ig il ‘K y l 2015: A Tru t h ig N t a m ala PLDT Pasas

s e g a t s e s i r p r e t n E A H P L A PLDT s t n e i l c r o f t r e c n o c M P O

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he 2015 PLDT Pasasalamat Night Manila continued with last year’s winning formula, once again inviting the Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra together with some of the country’s most talented performers for an unsurpassed concert performance featuring original Pilipino music (OPM).

The guests, dressed in their best Filipiniana attire, filled the theater’s lobby, savoring delectable hors d’oeuvres masterfully whipped up by Chef Billy King of Le Chef.

Drinks and conversation flowed freely to the sound of a serene musical set by violinist Princess Ybañez.

At the ushers’ cue, everyone proceeded to the main theater, where the PPO was already on stage, tuning up in preparation for their performance.

OPM at its finest This year’s PLDT Pasasalamat Night concert, entitled Kilig, was performed through fourteen spectacular suites that featured the best of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). It opened with Mr. C and the PPO playing a grand instrumental interpretation of the Kapampangan

folk song Atin Cu Pung Singsing. They were joined after by Lara Maigue and Joshua Cadeliña who sang a heartwarming kundiman called Anak Dalita. Theater stars Jerald Napoles, Nicco Manalo, Kim Molina, and Jett Barrun then went on stage to first perform a number of songs from Katy! The Musical, followed by a rockin’ rendition of Bobby Gonzales’ Hahabol Habol. They were followed by the Ryan Cayabyab Singers with their exuberant medley of ‘60s OPM songs.

The show’s second act, the decidedly more Kilig portion, began with the “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala” Hajji Alejandro, followed by Ogie Alcasid (accompanied by the Whiplash Dancers) to perform songs made famous during the ‘70s.

After Mr. Alcasid’s performance, he joined Mr. C in thanking PLDT Group Chairman Manny V Pangilinan for inviting them once again to create another astounding PLDT Pasasalamat Night concert. “It has been an absolute honor and pleasure doing this for the last two years,” said Mr. C. “We hope to join you again in the years to come.

Maraming salamat po, Mr. MVP.” Alcasid was then joined by Janno Gibbs for a stirring tribute to OPM’s most romantic vocal trio, the APO Hiking Society.

MVP enjoys the night’s musical performances.

Jovy Hernandez, Eric Alberto, MVP, Gary Valenciano, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano, Al Panlilio, Dingdong Avanzado, Ogie Alcasid and Leo Posadas pose backstage.

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29 The PLDT Pasasalamat Night performers pose for the company bow after the finale number.

The good ‘ol kilig days Rachel Alejandro soulfully sang Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin.

She was then reunited on stage with Dingdong Avanzado, joining her in performing Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin. OJ Mariano, Daryl Ong, and Leah Patricio then went on stage to join Mr. C and the PPO in a one-of-a-kind rendition of famous ‘80s and ‘90s OPM love songs. They were then followed by The Philippines’ premier vocal ensemble, The Company, who performed a medley number of their greatest hits.

Gary V at His kilig best “Mr. Pure Energy” himself, Gary Valenciano, performed this year’s penultimate number. The audience was superbly spellbound as Gary V, with the Maestro and the PPO, sang three of his most famous ballads: Ikaw Lamang, How Did You Know, and Sana Maulit Muli.

“It has been a glorious 2015 for all of us; and we wish you even more success this 2016,” said Mr. Valenciano near the end of the concert. Then he began singing the first few lines of Umagang Kay Ganda with the rest of the night’s performers joining in. Accompanying the night’s finale was a slideshow, featuring photos of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise clients through the years— symbolic of the organization’s utmost gratitude for the wonderful relationship it has built and sustained with the Philippine enterprise community.

At the conclusion of the number, the audience gave the

Antonio Dacalos, Edgar de Jesus, Ino Mandapat, Ikuo Yoshida, Eric Alberto, Hiroshi Okamura and Freddie Pancho, from left, enjoy the cocktails.

performers of this year’s PLDT Pasasalamat Night not just a standing ovation, but also joined them in singing Umagang Kay Ganda’s chorus during the encore.

Celebrating relationships The festive evening continued well after the show as guests returned to the lobby. A bountiful spread of gourmet dishes and refreshments again beckoned, accompanied by Da Capo’s smooth and soulful jazz performances.

“Tonight’s fine selection of the best of Filipino music through the years—brought to us once more by Mr. C and the PPO—clearly express how much PLDT ALPHA Enterprise values its relationship with the Philippine enterprise community. We thank them for their continuous support and we look forward to working closer with them this coming 2016,” said PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez.

“The PLDT Pasasalamat Night has always been an event when we are given the opportunity to sincerely express our gratitude to you, our valued customers and friends, for your unwavering partnership and patronage of the PLDT Group.

The strong relationship we have built and cultivated with all of you throughout the years is truly the reason why we remain committed to continuously winning your trust as your preferred ICT partner and leading digital enabler,” said PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan. CC:

In photo are, from left: Jeff Mendoza, Munish Mahajan, Jovy Hernandez, Saurabh Bhaksar, Abhi Anand, Pushkar Misra, Anant Singh and Mitch Locsin.

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A Cherished Golfing Tradition This MVP Cup participant showcases his perfect form.

Having fun are, from left: Peng Perez de Tagle, Frankie Baretto, Arthur Tugade, and PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto.

PLDT ALPHA Enterprise celebrates valued partnerships at

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he manicured greens of the golfing venue once again hosted the biggest names in the Philippine enterprise community in a day-long affair full of eagles, birdies, and under-pars. As always, these players brought their A-Game.

Now on its 14th year of celebrating relationships and demonstrating excellence, the MVP Cup has become an honored tradition of first-rate sportsmanship and camaraderie between PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and its valued clients. The day started off as participants registered for the tournament through a new digital process, with their flight schedules displayed on LED screens. Once signed up, they received their shirts and caps and picked a prize before digging into a hearty breakfast to fuel their golf exploits.

musical entertainment, serenading everyone as they feasted on a delicious dinner buffet spread.

After dinner, the 14th Annual MVP Cup tournament winners were called on stage to be duly recognized and awarded for their outstanding performance on the course. This year’s class champions were Gene de Guzman for the PLDT Class, Matthew Squires of International SOS for Class C, Willy Maldia of Banco Alabang for Class B, and Pepito Angeles of the Senate of the Philippines for Class A. Jamie Fernandez of Benlife Insurance was named this year’s overall tournament champion.

Of course, the MVP Cup wouldn’t be complete without superb raffle prizes.

And this year did not disappoint.

PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and Alberto inspire Some lucky participants bagged raffle participants, underscoring the significance of the event .

It was certainly a perfect day for prizes such as several two-night-stays approaching the greens as everyone at the Forest Lodge in Camp John teed off to a beautiful November Hay, hover boards, vouchers for Samsung Gear S2, 48” Samsung morning. As they proceeded to the course, participants passed Curved UHD TVs, and the personal transporter, Ninebot. by the hole-in-one prizes that encouraged players to give their all on the course: a Lexus IS 350, a Nissan Juke, a Mercedes-Benz This year’s MVP Cup tournament also officially launched Smart C 220, and a Mini Cooper Hatch. Throughout the tournament, Enterprise’s iPhone 6s and 6s plus plans. Throughout the day, participants showcased excellent swings, drives, and putts. As interested participants visited the Smart Enterprise booth and each golfer played through eighteen thrilling holes, they remained signed up for exclusive plans that were offered only that day. refreshed and energized in the tee-houses that provided drinks During the fellowship night, Smart Enterprise Senior Manager and snacks. As they submitted their scorecards at the end of their for Segment Marketing Debbie Ledesma talked a bit about flight, each participant received their fun hole prizes as well as a Smart Enterprise’s iPhone plans before welcoming on stage all brand new GoPro camera. those who signed up, and handing them their brand-new units— making them among the first in the country to possess Apple’s Following the tournament, participants stayed on for the latest smartphone. An additional number of units were also fellowship night at the clubhouse. Da Capo provided the night’s raffled that night.

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Munish Mahajan, Jeff Mendoza, Brett Medel, and Ranie Velasco ham it up on the greens.

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These fine gentlemen show their Go Pro Camera giveaways and their fun hole prizes.

Two Toyota cars were this year’s grand raffle prizes.

Jamie Yu of BDO went home with a brand new Toyota Altis and Puskar Mishra of Hinduja Global Solutions won a brand new Toyota Camry.

“Our participants are getting better every year.

Their excellent performance on the course is a clear reflection of the competitive spirit they bring to their respective organizations,” commented PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez. “We hope that our clients and partners enjoyed being part of this year’s tournament and I personally look forward to their participation in succeeding MVP Cups.”

“The fourteenth annual MVP Cup once again showcased the Philippine enterprise community’s wonderful camaraderie,” said PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto. “On behalf of the PLDT Group, I thank everyone who joined us this year, especially our sponsors: CATS Motors, Autohub, Nissan, Lexus, Republic Surety, Samsung Enterprise, and Cignal/Bloomberg Philippines.”

Toyota Camry winner Pushkar Misra and Toyota Altis winner Jaime Yu pose with the cars they won during the event.

“This yearly tournament is one of the many ways we express our gratitude to the Philippine enterprise community for continually choosing PLDT ALPHA Enterprise as their trusted partner,” said PLDT Group Chairman Manny V Pangilinan.

“We look forward to 2016 and the many opportunities it presents for Philippine enterprise organizations. And we wish everybody a Merry

Celebrating with MVP Cup 2015 overall tournament champion Jamie Fernandez, 4th from left, are, from left: Jovy Hernandez, Raymond Lacdao, Napoleon Nazareno, and Eric Alberto.

DECEMBER 2015

32 Winners of the BoltOut team consisting of Roel Chan, Carlos Libosada Jr., and MikeMonroe Yu explain the different aspects of their idea and startup business during the judging competition.

PLDT Innolab Startup Studio Cebu Challenge

Boosting tourism enterprises, enhancing industry thru digital solutions

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LDT Innolab recently gathered startups in Cebu to vie for the top spot in its Startup Studio challenge dubbed “A Travel to Disrupt.” The competition, aimed at finding unique digital solutions for the tourism industry in the country, gave the participants the opportunityto present their qualifying entries.

Joey Limjap, PLDT vice-president and head of ICT Research and Development said: “Our goal is for Innolab to be at the forefront of technology, which is why we want it to be a hub where thinkers, researchers and visionaries are gathered under one roof.”

Limjap, who welcomed the audience, talked about Innolab’s longtime partnership with IdeaSpace Foundation and its support for events for developers such as the recent Google Developer Group Philippines DevFest and Android Masters as part of PLDT’s thrust to be a pioneer on the digital front.

He said the focus for this second event in the Startup Studio series is on tourism. “PLDT plays a major role in

nation-building and economic growth. We see a lot of potential and opportunity for our tourism market because the Philippines is a very beautiful country. All over the world, ICT has been transforming the tourism industry, through technology we (PLDT) can help enhance the tourism experience and attract a bigger share of this lucrative market,” Limjap said.

Wide range of innovators The event drew a wide-range of innovators seeking to address various needs of the different segments of the tourism industry such as competitiveness of tourism providers, supply and demand of packages, and customizing and individualizing the tourist experience.

Paul So, one of the judges for the competition, also gave an overview of the tourism landscape which is a $5.5 billiona-year industry for the Philippines. Mr. So who is the executive vice president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) lauded PLDT’s initiative for creating the event. “It is very good for PLDT to do such a thing for tourism. It shows they are very serious about it. I hope PLDT will continue to sponsor and support tourism events.

We can even look into a forum with the industry people,” he said.

Participants, judges, and teams from PLDT Innolab pose for a group shot after the awarding ceremonies.

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Team BoltOut, standing, show off their award. With them are the competition’s judges, from left: PLDT VP and Head of R&D Joey Limjap, PTAA Chairman Paul So, PLDT Disruptive Business Group’s Nash Sevillo, PLDT Smart SME Nation’s Josh Montecillo, and Andy Santos.

The day-long event also included talks from Andy Santos, head of PLDT ICT-ICDev, who gave an overview of the OFW market and John Dave del Rosario, Associate for Community Development of IdeaSpace, who discussed the startup ecosystem.

Rolling out solutions Seven teams who qualified for the competition explained the concept behind their different enterprise solutions (Tara, JuanBox, Flybout, PHTourPal, Lakbay Asia, Outpax and BoltOut), talked about its key features and functionalities, discussed its target market, monetization and business models, and why their team is the best team to roll out the solution.

The teams’ pitches were then judged based on the actual presentation, general appeal, viability, technology, and features. Judges were Nash Sevillo of PLDT Disruptive Business Group, Joshua Montecillo of PLDT SME, Andy Santos, Joey Limjap and Paul So. The winning group that bagged first place for Startup Studio ‘A Travel to Disrupt’ was the BoltOut team consisting of Roel Chan, Carlos Libosada Jr., and Mike Monroe Yu who all came with a tourism background and substantial experience in the field.

Placing second was Lakbay Asia, a platform that allows different tour providers to upload their tour packages in order to ensure value for money packages for travelers.

In third place was Outpax, a platform that creates a social network for outdoor enthusiasts where users can choose or organize their own travel adventures.

Winners were given free Innolab co-working space for three months; giveaways from Innolab, IdeaSpace, Zinergi, and PLDT SME; gadgets; and a chance to partner with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, PLDT SME and PLDT Global.

According to Chan, who is a marketing tourism faculty at the University of the Philippines Asian Institute of Tourism, the country’s tourism market is underserved with only 721 accredited tour guides serving a market of over 50 million tourists.

The group’s platform BoltOut which they have planned and worked on for ten months, aims to develop supply and promote demand simultaneously. The app already in the pilot phase of its first version, gives qualified tour guides direct access to the market where they can access the details and location of the tour, and the number of participants. Tour guides have to undergo accreditation, helping flush out fly-by-night guides, and are paid based on value and not the participant head count.

For the day-tripper they simply have to pick a tour, pay for their slot, invite their friends through Facebook who will then be notified. As more people join the tour the cost for each individual drops, and after the trip, participants can rate their tour guide. The performance-based algorithm and feedback mechanism allows them to see if tour guides need to be recalibrated for training. If users are not satisfied with their experience they are given their money back.

Chan said that they joined the competition because they know how relevant the sector is and they are exposed to the issues and opportunities because of their background. “All trends and economic forecasts will tell you that tourism is the next big thing and we are probably at the right place, at the right time, and with the right vision,” Mike Monroe Yu, founder of Hack &Hustle Digital Inc., said they are looking forward to collaborating with Innolab and PLDT in general. “I think PLDT plays a big role in the connectivity of the tour guides. PLDT has the infrastructure and we can leverage on the infrastructure that they have to help it (our platform) grow faster.”

“For a startup like us, no matter how simple or grand the activity, the influence of PLDT is there. We believe PLDT has the means, the resources and most especially the vision. We are of a generation right now where corporate citizenship plays a big role. Issues on tourism are not news, it’s about time we try to find a solution ourselves and stop complaining. The backing and resources of PLDT is going to be the accelerator that everyone needs for these problems to be solved,” added Chan. CC:

DECEMBER 2015

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Technology leaders revel in rich team affirmation during a town hall meeting for South Luzon Fixed Access Transport Operations in Bicol. The Bandwagonner facilitates commitment rites with Center Head Edwin Pascual, Division Head Fernando Camaclang and Technology Operations Head Emer Hernandez.

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rends are tricky. What can work for one organization may fail in another. My job as workshop facilitator has brought me meaningful engagements not just with PLDT but with the subs & affiliates like Smart, ePLDT, Maynilad, PLDT Global, AGS, Business World, TV5, Philex, IP Converge and most recently, Philippine Star. This has given me a wide reference by which one can examine the extent, depth and dynamics of recent HR practices being trumpeted for benchmarking.

While mobile-learning is being pushed as the new vehicle for learning due to its swift accessibility feature in contrast to the PC or laptop-dependent set-up for e-learning, in my experience as corporate educator, the key still lies in blended approaches that just the same, milk technology to good measure. Critical here will be unearthing specific individual learning preferences, then customizing learning execution strategies. Simulation can be a winning differentiator.

The use of Linked-In for hiring should be done with caution.

While this form of social media supposedly presents a talent bank of prospective hires, the need to authenticate what’s stated is in order. The site has even been populated with posts that do not truly relate to business. It’s an engine for networking like crazy but there are risks when it comes to integrity of data.

Web commuters have become omnipresent. In some sales organizations, it’s a sin to post an automated out-of-office reply. Virtual presence has become more valuable than physical presence when updates are being pressed. There is no excuse not to revert to a message sent. The big argument is about working at home. And this question has been popped up by the digital natives time and again. While at the end of the day, we look for output, the conservative leaders in our midst might find this practice a tad permissive.

The idea of hiring entire teams is not yet widespread, although we see it looming already. The practice that

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

unfolds before us is not of the drastic type. The hiring usually happens in installments. The risk here is that these teams might force-fit solutions that worked in their previous environment with nevertheless good intentions of replicating successes.

Corporate social networks especially in facebook and twitter have gained a lot of followers. In fact, one gets more fresh updates on products and employee-engagements here than the internal e-mail boxes. Aside from the realtime element, posting here becomes devoid of rank in the company. Everyone appears to be on equal footing with the moderator. Challenge here is in the possible abused freedom of expression. Round-the-clock scrutiny must be exercised when you have a smorgasbord of reactions that might not enhance company image.

Work life flexibility is happening but balance should never be taken out of the equation. The lines may have blurred but that flexibility may have accompanying stress triggers especially in our culture where we prize family as priority.

While I’ll be the first to preach that we’ve got to be gung ho with work deliverables, they should never rival quality time dedicated to loved ones. I’ve personally witnessed good talents throw in the towel when they could no longer achieve this balance.

There’s actually more to see on the crystal ball for HR. May I mention about the imperative for HR practitioners to grow in their business quotient or the compelling need to breed more crisis managers amongst us? In the end, there is no one formula, trend or forecast that will work for all organizations. Speaking from an OD perspective, we should be able to map out our own unique recipes for the organizations we help and eventually co –lead.

And that too, is an aspirational forecast. CC:

Mary Grace Sze

Guest Speaker Marily Orosa

Event host Kat Mallari

Paul Alvarez

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Luis Maglanoc

Melvin Artugue

B reathing

PLDT Media Division Head Jay-Anne Encarnado

By Olive O. Barrozo

I

and even had a fall. / You have always been a steadying force; / The rock I cling to weather it all. (See page 37 for the complete poem.)

Marily is the guest speaker during the gathering of Acc:ess Life & Arts writers, artists, and photographers, held recently at the RCB PressCon room. She stressed the importance of reading books, magazines, and other significant literature where we can learn the art of writing well.

Civil Engineer and poet Luis Maglanoc touches emotions every time he reads his stirring poems. Last year, he squeezed hearts with his rendition of Imortal Ang Aking Ina. This year, tears poured once again as he recited I Am My Father’s Son, an ode for his Dad who is currently bedridden. He ended with …My fervor of making poems, I definitely took from you!/ You even let me sing for a peso or two./ And as I try to end this poem, I don’t care if people see me cry./ “I Love you Dad!” this won’t end with a goodbye. (See page 36 for the complete poem.)

t’s finding the vital first sentence that makes writing difficult, said writer and design studio owner Marily Orosa, a remark that resonates with many aspiring writers because that attention-grabbing lead sentence is indeed, more often than not, as elusive as your first crush.

The award-winning author of coffee table books also advised her audience to write simply, “Let’s leave the complex writing to the seasoned authors in the likes of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. But for us, writing should be simple and readable.”

Encouraging everyone to be upbeat and persistent in submitting their works for publication despite the risks of rejection, the speaker mentioned J.K. Rowling whose now phenomenal work was originally rejected several times by clueless publishers to which Mark Jason Teves, big fan of Rowling’s Harry Potter series, nodded in agreement. MJ is an ardent reader who writes insightful book reviews for Acc:ess.

She said writers should continuously hone their talent by setting aside time to write. “And when you write, you have to create something that you would love to read yourself.”

The event also featured poetry readings by three of the regular Acc:ess Life & Arts contributors, starting with Mary Grace Sze whose piece, entitled Retrospect, is remarkable for its vivid imagery and smoothly flowing lines that tell a story. …The road has never been a steady course, /We had sometimes tripped

And there was Paul Alvarez a.k.a. Leopoldo Lalim who writes with unfettered passion. His piece at the event was about sleeplessness: Tonight i find myself unwilling to sleep,/ Unwilling to dream of anything,/ Unwilling till i paint stars on the ceiling/ Until my eyes have traced my fingers long enough for/ me to imagine them there shining…

Strange how writers can be inspired by anything – like insomnia for Paul or the delicious home-cooked meals of Cherry Alaban’s mom in her scrumptious poem Mga Luto ni Nanay which starts with Lunes pa lang, pambato na ang Sinigang ni Nanay./ May asim na nakakakilig, gaganahan kang tunay./ Pinasarap pa ito ng labanos, gabi at iba’t-iba pang gulay…

These seemingly ordinary things turn extraordinary once they become the inspiration of artists and writers in their works of art.

Everyday things that may even be enough to help writers find the evasive first sentence that could unlock the floodgate of ideas.

And yes, more sentences.. CC:

ACC:ESS Life and Arts Christmas event attendees are, front row, from left: Annie Salazar, Sennen Lacsamana, Sarah Azucena-Reodica, Ren Villanueva, Melvin Artugue, Cherry Alaban, Weng Pumar, Evelyn Faustino, Marjory Sy, Mark Jason Teves, Marily Orosa, Jay-Anne Encarnado, and Kat Mallari. Second row, same order: Adrian Elumba, John Paul Soriano, Fides Pasumbal, Aldwin Estrada, Mary Grace Sze, Luis Maglanoc, Rebelyn Rosales, Paul Alvarez, Jan Lester Bisco, Roger John Abad, Jeffrey Quilatan, Marti Zurriel Mercado, Danny Handayan, and Archie Marajas.

DECEMBER 2015

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life+arts

#L

y oyalt

Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan, Tondo SSC

I am my Father’s Son

By Luis C. Maglanoc, GMM West/CSO-BPM When you were lost, I accompanied you home.

Along the way, you seem not to recognize me.

Shamefully remembering hours that had gone As your tears flowed down, I held back mine for no one to see!

I know now the meaning of sacrifice, of endless anxieties!

You have taught me well, with love and patience.

Your face seem to reflect ravages of time and worries.

So please, Dad, give me a smile, your advice makes perfect sense!

You were my strength when people cast doubts Held my head up high, you were the first to believe!

Savoring my victories, of life’s so many bouts.

I am here now, look what I have achieved!

My fervor of making poems, I definitely took from you!

You even let me sing for a peso or two.

And as I try to end this poem, I don’t care if people see me cry.

“I Love You, Dad!” this won’t end with a goodbye.

A baby you cradled back then, you served as my light!

When I hurt, you re-assured, clutched my hands real tight.

My journey would mean nothing if it were not for you.

Our world may be imperfect, but my loyalty is true!

I Am Kristian Miguel 84139173 3December2015

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37

Attorney Doh Ni Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Regulatory Meron akong boss mahusay na abogado Nagmula sa Region VI doon sa Jaro, Iloilo Kanyang mga magulang sina Purificacion at Fernando Ang lahi nila ay matatalino, maganda at gwapo

Nelson Dichoso, PLDT NPIP plant combinationman, does a real-life spiderman feat for the Skyway Stage 3 project.

Manong ang tawag ng mga kapatid niya sa kanya Pawang mga professional na katulad din niya May negosyante, accountant, doctor at engineer Halos lahat sila tagumpay sa kani-kanilang career Unang araw pa lang ng pagiging secretary ko sa kanya Nakikiusap pang mag-utos at tila nahihiya pa Ramdam kong magaan loob ko sa kanya Di ako nagkamali mabait palang talaga Sa mga ka-opisina madali siyang makisama Simple lang kung mag-joke pero mag-eenjoy ka Kapag nakaaway mo siya malamang ikaw ang may diperensiya Sa sobrang bait niya wala na akong masabi pa Tahimik na tao at talagang sobrang bait Isang beses ko lang siya nakitang magalit Sa isang credit card agent na sa kanya ay nangulit Di niya nagustuhan ang araw niya ay nabuwisit Ayon sa kanyang magandang misis na si Tess Sobierra Dating traffic operator na assigned sa Sampaloc, Manila Paborito daw ni Attorney Doh ay relo na maganda Camera , gadgets at iba’t ibang bagong teknolohiya Minsan naisip ko ring lumipat ng ibang departamento Sinubukan kong mag-apply doon sa San Pablo (Laguna exchange) Talagang ang pagkakataon mailap na totoo Na kay Atty. Doh na talaga ang loyalty ko Kailan ma’y di ko naramdaman matakot ako sa kanya Di tulad ng ibang empleyado na di komportable sa boss nila Masaya akong naglilingkod na walang pangamba Magkasundo kami sa trabaho at bawat oras na magkasama Sa 25 taon na aming pinagsamahan Iba’t-ibang aspeto ang aking natutunan Tungkol sa trabaho, batas at personal na kaalaman Naisi-share ko naman kung kinakailangan Magaling na abogado, regulatory matters halos master na niya Ang departamentong hanggang ngayon ay hawak niya Kapag may dokumento na hinihingi sa kanya Agad agad na isa-submit at ang lahat ay okey na Mahirap makatagpo ng isa pang katulad niya Tiwala sa isa’t-isa’y subok na subok na Ang kalusugan niya ang dasal ko sa tuwina Maging malusog parati at malayo sa disgrasya

Retrospect

By Mary Grace O. Sze, Support Management Auxillary Services A seed was sown when first we met; The spark of friendship at once ignited.

The blossoming bud has been the onset For two beings who would be forever united.

The road has never been a steady course, We had sometimes tripped and even had a fall.

You have always been a steadying force; The rock I cling to weather it all.

Fate had sometimes dealt us with an unlucky card.

Perhaps to test the strength of our bond.

Human failings can often mar our ties; It may make us wish to just abscond.

The time in our lives that I thought was the bleakest Was the moment of temporary weakness.

Eyes opened we were able to clearly see That we are not as perfect as we thought to be.

One may falter and may seem to lose the struggle Hateful lies would have one’s trust to falter.

Facing the battle not alone but as a couple Renewed hope and trust is all for the better.

Despite the scars and unpleasant memory, We chose to move on and continue with our journey.

Because love and devotion to each other will be Our guiding light to what life has to offer for you and me.

We may still stumble and sometimes lose our way; But life’s challenges will always make us remember.

The pledges we made that one special day To love, cherish and remain faithful to each other.

DECEMBER 2015

38

loyalty

By Ma. Leonora S. Malenab, Cauayan SSC

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-oyalty – to be honest and to be true O -ver all relationships, that’s all we should do.

Y -our faithfulness, and your truthfulness, A -lways matter, if you want to stay through.

L -ove, above all plays the greatest role, T -ime is of the essence for this to grow, Y -ours to behold and to forever uphold!

The backbone of all values, loyalty is tested through time and not gained overnight. As relationships begin with love, loyalty will soon be earned.

The longevity of relationships, in any form, is tested by loyalty.

Love, patience, kindness and faith will follow through. CC:

Loyalty Check (Last One. You Are Lost. Thank You)

By Marjory C. Sy, PRODSERV When the heart grows tired of listening To alibis you make to keep me from whining You know it is time for you to head on Out of the door of my life and move on Love, you have grown tired of giving Honesty depleted from your being All that encompass you now are lies and deceit Brought by fame, power and conceit They say a woman’s loyalty is tested When she stands by her man when he has none to offer While a man’s integrity is tried or contested When he has everything and dreams bigger I am the same girl who admires you from a distance Maybe regarded by you as a mere acquaintance You have collected hearts in glass jars for display With masks to wear for the roles you portray It is sad to see how distance and time have torn us You have gone your way up high, too far to reach Our aspirations together become things of your past As you have chosen to be surrounded by those beautiful and rich Be careful not to have the spotlight blind your eyes Or let the good fortune maim your soul to realize How integrity and transparency are leaving you That you will soon discover the alien has taken over you.

This is the last one; I am saying good-bye with finality You are lost and I am in no capacity to save you Thank you for the cold shoulder, the unanswered calls that shake me You are no longer the one to whom I said “I love you”

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Mawawalang Tiwala Ni Rebelyn Rosales, Business Process Assurance Sampu sa matagal ko nang kahilingan ay ikaw Na sana balang araw ika’y matanaw Nakatingin sa mga bituin sabay sabing Sa tamang panahon magtatagpo rin Sa pagdaan ng panahon may ilang pagsubok Pagsubok na mahirap labanan pag ang puso’y tumibok Ang magkaroon ng minamahal o manatiling mag-isa Alin sa dalawa, mamili ka Salamat sa mga bulaklak at ngiting iyong hatid Sa walang sawang paghihintay at paghatid Pero ito’y nais kong wakasan Dahil ang mali ay dapat tuldukan Isa kong kaibigan ang iyong kasintahan At para sa akin mas matimbang ang isang kaibigan Ang kilig pansamantala lamang Pero ang tiwala’t respeto habang buhay kong pahahalagahan Sa isang banda ako nama’y nagkamali Pagmamahal na tunay luha ang naisukli Ang paghingi ng tawad hindi ko nagawa Umaasang sana ako’y napatawad na Sabi nila ang suwerte ko Dahil ako ang napili mo Oo aaminin ko Dahil bibihira na lang ang isang tulad mo Ilang taon daw ang iyong hinintay Para maamin ang iyong nadarama Pero patawad dahil hindi ko kaya Ang suwayin ang mahal kong lolo at lola Ako lang ay nagpapakatotoo Dahil wala rin talaga akong nararamdaman sa’yo Ayokong lokohin ka at ang sarili ko Maaaring may higit pa na laan para sa’yo Nasaktan ka raw sa ’king nasabi At napaluha sa bandang huli Sa ilang mensaheng sa iba’y iyong ipinarating Ni isang sagot sayo’y walang dumating Lumipas ang taon minsan ika’y naaalala Gusto ko talagang humingi ng tawad sa aking nagawa Lubos akong nagalak ng naipamalita Ikaw raw ay ikakasal na Minsan mahirap mamili Sa kung ano ang sinisigaw ng puso Sa dinidikta ng utak Ang maging masaya na may naaapakang iba O di baleng mag-isa basta malinis ang konsensiya

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solving the hardest test in the world

By Leopoldo Lalim

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he hardest test in the world is LOYALTY. It is a constant scrutiny of a person’s willingness to be counted among the “followers” of the object of one’s loyalty. It covers matters beyond simply intellectual and physical manifestations.

This test reaches towards relationships: it covers the self, someone you know and any third party that does not particularly know you which I like to call brands. You could say that a person is a construct of different “loyalties”. Everyone has his own mix which makes everyone unique. These relationships require meticulous management and we are constantly mixing and matching the structures at which they hold each other in place.

People do not realize the extent of their being tested and are often caught off guard not knowing what to do or how to react in ways that go against their loyalty. We don’t usually see the strain that one “loyalty” might have but move to one side enough and you will feel the difference. All three types of loyalty could leave you a particular mess at any moment in time, anywhere in the world, in the worst possible situations. The strain is the collection of questions in this test. It becomes so easy sometimes to turn around and simply leave.

Loyalty is the hardest test but what actually is its core? What is actually being tested? What is the secret?

Loyalty is not blind. Those who seek and those who promise their loyalty must keep this in mind. The core of loyalty is FAITH. Being loyal to a particular relationship is an offering of faith. In

journeying together with the object of our loyalty, we have faith in that relationship to grow and become better. It is that faith that will keep us going.

Our faith gives us a sense of gratitude at the forces that be for letting us create this relationship. Loyalty is NEVER just being there for a long time – especially when you yourself benefit! Beyond personal gain, you believe that the relationship is the reason for your own growth and not because of yourself alone!

Our faith brings trust to our relationship. You want to bask in its light and you will do everything in your power to protect that light. You will want others to feel its warmth by either reflecting the light or pulling people right under its influence. You believe that this relationship you have has a future and a purpose in this world!

Our faith seeks the betterment of the object of our loyalty. This helps us to be bold. You will want that light to shine as bright as it can for as long as possible. You will want to be always a part of its story.

From that faith grows gratitude, a sense of fulfillment in honoring our promise, and a happiness that can only be given by a risk that has grown dividends. Loyalty is having FAITH in the relationship for a journey that will last the tests of time.

Keep loyalty. Have faith in our company. Be faithful to what you need to do. Be faithful and bring more than what is needed! Merry Christmas and happy New Year! CC:

Loyalty Reverse

By Masayang Buhay – JSQS - FSQA I was told that loyalty can be found with your group of friends, Who would never leave you no matter how it ends.

But why does someone always bend?

Is hiding guilt and betraying plots that are so intense.

Why does it always have to be?

As we are faced with a formidable enemy, Bound by its flowery words of hidden cruelty, Snared with its traps of concealed debauchery, Yet why do we remain as its company?

Can this be considered as loyalty?

Is it something as wide as the sea?

Or is it something as deep as a valley?

Or is it something that the eye cannot see?

I hope someone could tell me.

Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan, Tondo ssc

Or is it like the vow sworn to the God above, That not one of you shall break your mutual love.

But why does one want more than what he has, Concealed in front of the loyal who is being robbed.

Is this what you can call infidelity?

How do you understand loyalty?

DECEMBER 2015

40

Spell LOYALTY: I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y

Pieces of Loyalty

By Laemar John V. Chavez, Fixed Service Network

By Melvin Artugue, FMA – ESAM Team C

The stronger the bond, the harder to break And being stronger, there’s so much at stake A relationship that gives more than it takes Whatever problem may come could be easily solved

When you remained faithful to your spouse amidst the temptations of the world, That is loyalty.

Loyalty is an all important piece That can be armor for your loving souls A defender for your love in joy That surely gives you an enormous smile In any relationship, loyalty is what you need True belief in your heart for a dear one It’s like a difficult puzzle with pieces intact When broken it’s very hard to rebuild It’s like a sword that you both carry And use when threatened by forces that envy But it should never be a mask that you will wear Because it can start something not beautiful to dwell

When there is a paradigm shift on your clique’s friendship yet you never leave your best friend, That is loyalty.

When all of your co-workers are practicing mediocrity and complacency yet you autograph your every work with excellence, That is loyalty.

When you are always there when your siblings need your attention, That is loyalty.

When you care for your parents through the years, That is loyalty.

When you wish only the best for your company, That is loyalty.

Sometimes loyalty will put you into a test On a conflicting unrest Possibly to prepare you for something That is yet unseen but a disguised blessing

When you give something without expecting anything in return, That is loyalty.

Ikaw at Ako

When you hold onto your faith despite adversaries forcing you to deny your God, That is loyalty.

Ni Tricia Blue Sa dako pa roon, may kabiyak na nag-aabang Sa isang minamahal naroon sa ibang bayan Maraming pangarap, na nais matupad Kay daming mga plano na pinaghandaan Apat na taon ang kanyang pinaghintay Katapatan ang puhunan upang magtagumpay Ibinuhos sa trabaho ang panahon na dumaan Ginamit na sandata sa oras ng kalungkutan

When you give unrequited love, That is loyalty.

When you choose to worship the Lord amidst all the pain, hurts, rejections, trials, and struggles, That is loyalty.

When you love God above all with all your heart, mind, and strength, That is loyalty.

That is also our identity.

Kanyang mga anak ay naging inspirasyon Asawa ang naging pakpak sa kanyang ambisyon Sa buong pamilya itinuon ang atensiyon Upang maging gabay sa lahat ng desisyon

Tao lamang tayo na may kahinaan Hindi lahat panalo sa mga labanan Masusubok lamang sa oras ng kagipitan Kamalian ay maaaring ituwid sa kinabukasan

Ngunit isang araw, tila pag-asa ay binawi Nang umuwi ang mahal na may bitbit na pighati Katuwang sa buhay ay tila atubili Laman ng kanyang puso ay ibinahagi

Kailangan maging tapat sa lahat ng oras Upang mga landas ay hindi magkawatak Prinsipyo ang gagawa ng tamang paraan At doon masusukat sa oras na nalulumbay

Sadyang kay bilis lumipas ng panahon Ang apat na taon, animo’y kahapon Hindi namalayan, nasayang na pagkakataon Katatagan ng kabiyak ay tila hinamon

Kuwento ng ating buhay, tayo ang may akda Kung ano ang nilalaman, malungkot man o masaya Nawa’y kapulutan ng aral ng iba Upang madama, na mayroon pang pag-asa

Katapatan ay sadyang mahirap tuparin Lalo’t may balakid ang mga landasin Pag-ibig ang liliwanag sa daan na madilim Paninindigan ang sandata upang makatawid

Mahirap man gawin, ating pahalagahan Ang inalay na buhay sa atin ng Maykapal Binuo ng tiwala at pusong busilak Sa dugo nanalaytay ang tapat na pagmamahal

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the price of loyalty

By Nette A. Flores, EmpDev

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his year is PLDT’s 87th anniversary. I am privileged and honored to have been part of it after it turned golden 50. Yes, I’ve been loyal to PLDT for the past 37 years and have loved and cherished every minute of it, as a regular employee for 34 years and as a Consultant for about 3 ½ years.

PLDT has been my second home and its personnel, my second family.

As in any home and as with any family, it has not been ‘smooth sailing’ all the way. I’ve encountered ‘rough seas’ from time to time. But I’ve let perseverance, patience, understanding of people and circumstances prevail to make me last this long and stay loyal to PLDT. There is no perfect organization, as one of our HR bosses would always remind us.

And I agree.

I’ve never regretted my decision to stay put, no matter if sometimes the grass seemed to be greener on the other side. PLDT enabled me to grow professionally and personally. From being a department (yes, it’s now called a ‘division’) secretary to an executive secretary to a training specialist to a training team head, PLDT has enabled me to acquire and hone a lot of skills and competencies e.g. writing, speaking, facilitating, presenting, negotiating, consulting, managing training – related projects and, as team head, managing or supervising staff. I find that these are put to good use not just in the corporate world but also in my personal life.

But, more importantly, my years of PLDT experience has taught me how to deal with different kinds of people with diverse personalities, backgrounds and profiles, thus, enabling me to flex, understand and better communicate with them.

And it’s another blessing that PLDT is a generous employer. At the mention of PLDT, you can hint a bit of envy from others who exclaim that its annual increase in salaries and benefits are unparalleled! It also helps to keep in mind that PLDT, by the nature of its business and now being a multimedia company, contributes to the progress and development of our nation.

And so you feel proud. With that sense of pride and gratitude, you try to give back by doing the best you can, striving to help accomplish the objectives and directions set by PLDT. A ‘quid pro quo’ -reciprocal, symbiotic - relationship. And rightfully so!

As I leave PLDT, I thank my colleagues for the happy and wonderful times we shared. I thank all my PLDT clients and participants who, as I was helping them achieve their objectives , also taught me lessons on leadership , management and dealing with challenges . I also feel fortunate to have been able to forge friendships with some of them along the way.

And I especially thank my HR bosses – from Mr. Dindo Buhay to Mr. Nonong Noriega, Mr. Deng Kibanoff and Mr. Emil Tanchico who have been supportive of my professional and personal development pursuits. I remember completing my master’s degree in communication management with my thesis entitled “A Communication Audit of PLDT’s Quality Improvement Circles Program “.

Needless to say, I would not have accomplished this were it not for the support and cooperation of my Program clients who became my thesis respondents and the blessings of my HR bosses. Truly, I could count on my PLDT family. And certainly, my HR bosses served as my ‘guiding light’ in having a fruitful, meaningful, productive and memorable PLDT career.

I can only wish the best for PLDT in the years to come. May God continue to bless this company!

The price of loyalty? Professional and personal growth and a good retirement to look forward to.

Thank you, PLDT. You will always have my love and gratitude. CC:

You are my Song

By Cherry W. Alaban - FMA (ESAM) “How did you know” that my heart is alone and sad.

That maybe “someone like you” would fill my life.

You’ve shown me the “way back into love.”

You’ve made my life complete, “just the way you are.”

You don’t need to say yes ‘coz I “love the way you lie.”

Maybe someday ‘til we meet again “on the same ground.”

I will prove to you, I’m not the one collecting a “jar of hearts.”

I will just be right here, “waiting for your love.”

When I first saw you, I felt like I’m in “halo.”

“Just give me a reason,” I can’t help myself but love you.

I know it has purpose when “God gave me you.”

“To love you more” every day, this I promise you.

I may not be a “billionaire” but I can give you everything.

I can’t buy you a “diamond” but my admiration will keep you shining.

I only have “all of me” to offer to keep our love standing.

“I love you like a love song” I will say it again and again.

You can “count on me.” if you need a friend to listen.

“Call me maybe” ‘coz for you I will do anything.

I can be your “umbrella” against the falling rain.

In the dark, I am your “flashlight” that will guide your way.

“Maybe this time” it will last to forever.

“If tomorrow never comes” I will never get bothered.

“Let it go,” all your fears, doubts and worries.

Just hold me tight and we will “let the love begin.”

DECEMBER 2015