ACC:ESS July 2015 by PLDT Media

JUL 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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02 26 “The Big One.” This is certainly one topic that we dread to hear as it summons all kinds of fear with the unimaginable danger this impending 7.2 magnitude earthquake can bring to lives and properties. Now, the government, the private sector and the various organizations on disaster preparedness are exhausting all possible means to create awareness for the public to know what to do, how to react, or where to go. With the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July, this issue of ACC:ESS magazine is featuring “Red Alert” – all about preparing for disasters including the impending earthquake and the onslaught of typhoons that the country is now experiencing, and unity in the face of these calamities.

our cover

regulars

01 From the Editor 01 Mailbag 10 Snapshots 25 The Bandwagoner 26 Life & Arts

news

02 2015 PLDT Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Offering more converged products in fixed line, mobile, data and content 04 PLDT strengthens fiber optic cables in Southern Luzon typhoonhit areas 04 PLDT wins Finance Asia awards

featureS

11 MVP@69 14 Stars converge in PLDT and Smart’s #Entertainment Everywhere launch with iflix 16 Red Alert Unity in the Face of Calamities Cover Story 18 PLDT participates in earthquake resilience forum Sidebar 19 PDRF, MMDA to hold Shakedrill activity Sidebar 20 Two-Classroom Building Donation at Ivisan NHS Responding to MVP’s call to help typhoon victims

wenty-five years ago northern and central Luzon was shaken by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that left over 2,400 people dead and brought down the iconic Baguio Hyatt Terraces and few other hotels in the country’s summer capital. The Philippines is considered the third most disaster-prone country in the world, being located along the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire” and having five major fault lines that run from northern Luzon to Mindanao.

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earthquake drill called Shakedrill that’s led by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

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

We have already fortified Northern Luzon and just recently, we have initiated the fortification of Southern Luzon, particularly the areas hit by Typhoon Glenda. These efforts are on top of our regular donations of classroom buildings to schools hit by disasters, donations of relief goods, and tree-planting activities.

Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor

Preparedness

We also earned the distinction of having the strongest typhoon with Super Typhoon Haiyan on November 8, 2013 that was said to be the strongest storm recorded at landfall and left at least 6,300 people dead in the country.

Seismologists say we are due for another “Big One”. Thus, there’s a lot of talk lately on our level of preparedness for a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. PLDT and the MVP Group are at the center of these discussions and preparations. PLDT, Smart, and the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) participated in the earthquake resilience forum where local governments and the private sector shared best practices in preparing for disasters.

There is indeed a lot to be done but it helps that we belong in an organization that contributes in a meaningful way to all these efforts to support our communities in preparing for and during disasters. We believe that this corporate social responsibility is inspired by our top boss, MVP, who has always shown a giving heart to the Filipino people. And as he celebrates his birthday this month, we also wish him the best of health and unending blessings he richly deserves!

On July 30, the PDRF also co-chaired by MVP is the lead convenor for the private sector for the Metro Manila-wide

Adrian T. Elumba Sarah Azucena-Reodica Raymond C. Co Writers Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation Nonong F. Noriega Columnist Carlo D. Gonzalez Mark Daryll P. Sambat Graphic Design CONTRIBUTORS Cherry W. Alaban, Melvin Artugue, Jan Lester E. Bisco, Margaux Heather C. Chavez, Aldwin P. Estrada, Anita J. Ferrer, Evelyn E. Faustino, Danny Handayan, RM Jaurigue, May D. Jimenez, Helen B. Lacro, Hannah Beatriz T. Lajara, Luis C. Maglanoc, Kevin Learned I. Martinez, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Rebelyn Q. Rosales, Lilandra Grace M. Santiago, Marjory C. Sy, Mary Grace O. Sze, Alice P. Tuazon, Mark Jason B. Teves, Renelia L. Villanueva

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado

spotted! Nice to know that ACC:ESS magazine is still a good source of information even for a man on the street. Photo by Annie O. Salazar

MAILBAG

Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head

In his speech at the earthquake resilience conference, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan said we are fortifying our facilities by putting more and more of our fiber optic cables underground, particularly in typhoon-prone areas.

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. “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.”

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

Pastorizo

Concepcion

Aguilar

Excellent customer service. This sums up what customer Ronald Masterson had to say commending PLDT Pampanga-Bataan-Zambales Customer Service Operations Zone Field Service Engineer Jesse C. Aguilar and the three Belcoon associates for the completion of the cabling and rehabilitation works in their village. In his email to PLDT Pampanga-Bataan-Zambales Customer Service Zone Head Ernest Roland D. Mendoza, Masterson sent his heartfelt thanks for sending 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 Belcoom crew a pat on the back from us here…” CC:

News

Inset: PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, center, leads the Company’s directors in presiding during the 2015 annual stockholders’ meeting. Also in photo are PLDT and Smart President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno and PLDT Corporate Affairs & Legal Services Senior Vice President Ma. Lourdes C. Rausa-Chan.

2015 PLDT Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

Offering more converged products in fixed line, mobile, data and content By Lilandra grace m. Santiago and Hannah beatriz t. Lajara, student-Trainees, u.p. Manila “The year 2014 has brought home the message that transformational shifts are taking place in our industry and that major changes in our Company are needed to ensure its continued success in the emerging digital world,” PLDT and Smart President Napoleon L. Nazareno said in his report to stockholders during the annual general meeting in Makati. Nazareno likewise noted that 2014 was indeed a challenging year for PLDT in two fronts: price competition in the cellular business, and the impact of new digital communications services by over-the-top (OTT) players on some of its traditional services. Quoting PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan during the announcement of the first quarter results, Nazareno also said, “While our core revenue sources undergo this transition phase where the erosion of our high-margin legacy businesses still outpaces the growth of our newer initiatives for now, we are taking significant steps to ensure that we are ready and prepared for the digital future. This future will require looking at our customers from a different set of lenses, as both individuals and enterprises embrace a digital life.” Growing, mature, declining To provide the stockholders a better understanding of what’s happening in PLDT, Nazareno said that PLDT’s service revenues can be classified into three categories: growing, mature and declining.

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For the first time, the PLDT Canzonet Chorale performs the Philippine national anthem, a welcome change for the annual gathering of stockholders. “In 2014, about a quarter of revenues from where our data and broadband businesses continued to grow very strongly.” said Nazareno. “These registered a combined year-on-year growth of 18% to 41.7 Billion pesos.” “However, 60% or 98.7 billion of our 2014 revenues are what we classify as ‘Mature’. These include revenues from SMS, cellular and fixed domestic voice services. These registered a 3% decrease compared with the previous year which was mainly due to the sharp decline in SMS revenues reflecting the price competition as well as the availability of the alternative messaging over-the-top (ott) services.” Nazareno added. Meanwhile, with callers shifting to Skype, Facetime and other VOIP options, wireless service revenues declined by 4% to 7.9 Billion pesos, consolidated EBITDA 2015 was lower by 2% year-onyear at 19.3 Billion pesos and core income dipped by 5% to P9.3 billion. In anticipation of the expected rise in data traffic, PLDT has decided to increase its investment in capital expenditures

in order to provide more than sufficient network capacity greater coverage and better quality of service. New, exciting developments Nazareno was also proud to say that the PLDT Group still leads the market with 69.9 million cellular subscribers, 4.5 million broadband subscribers, and 2.2 million fixed line subscribers or 76.4 million combined subscriber base by the end of March 2015. This success can be attributed to the Group’s more converged product offerings that include mobile, fixed line, data, and content. “On the enterprise side,” Nazareno said, “we would like to be the strategic enabler of digital enterprise transformation. We have a leadership position in enabling infrastructure with our data center operations having the largest rack capacity in the country, which we are growing to 8,000 racks by the end of 2016.” He also pointed out that the Company is the pioneer in big data platform and

03 Hideaki Ozaki, Tony Tan Caktiong, James L. Go, Helen Y. Dee, and Juan B. Santos. Completing the list are the three independent directors: Former Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban, Pedro E. Roxas, and Alfred V. Ty. Also one of the highlights during the event is the exhibit mechanism with the theme “Enriching Connections.” enterprise insight solutions as it leverages the digital footprints from its 76.4 million subscriber base. “We are proud to inform you that PLDT is the only Asian founding member of open data platform initiative, a shared industry effort on promoting and advancing the state of Apache Hadoop, an open-sourced software framework written in Java, and big data technologies for the enterprise,” he said. The PLDT Group, according to Nazareno, also offers various M2M or machine-tomachine, efficiency enhancing mobility solutions to its enterprise customers apart from its strategic partnerships with other industry bigwigs such as IBM, NEC, SAP, Cisco and others that will allow it to bring value beyond connectivity. On the retail side, PLDT is uniquely positioned to offer a unified customer experience to the connected individual and the connected home. “As such, we have combined the leadership of our consumer and home business in order to pursue a more cohesive digital strategy to maximize this unique opportunity,” Nazareno said. In content, PLDT has achieved success in shaping the digital multimedia landscape with Cignal TV becoming the country’s premier and largest pay TV provider with over 868,000 customers at the end of March this year. The PLDT Group continues to grow with its new services that will be available to the public soon, such as: :: In partnership with Rocket Internet, Smart E-Money will be re-branded as “Pay Maya” which is envisioned to be the mobile payments mode for unbanked, unconnected, and uncarded markets beyond the Philippines.

:: In tandem with Tack This, a Voyagerproduced online storefront to help small and medium enterprises create their own online shop, PLDT has created Tackatack, a centralized marketplace for all the online shops (20,000 on TackThis with 100,000 produced featured on Tackatack). :: LockByMobile is another Voyagerdeveloped solution. It allows users to protect his credit card or bank account from rampant fraud by using his mobile phone to lock and unlock his accounts :: Voyager also has developed a G2P solution, which in the first quarter of 2015, processed 38% of the government’s conditional cash transfers amounting to Php1.6 billion. Finally, with change in the business in step with the evolution of PLDT Group’s customers, a reorganization of some of its senior executives was announced as part of a refresh of its leadership team. Salient in the reorganization are: the unification of the leadership in the consumer and home business under Ariel Fermin, appointments of a new strategy officer Winston Damarillo and chief technology and integration advisor Joachim Horn, centralized management of digital assets and media resources across all the Group’s many platforms under Orlando Vea working closely with Noel Lorenzana in charting the digital course. Anabelle Chua assumed the position of PLDT’s chief finance officer as Christopher Young moved on to First Pacific as chief finance officer. Chaye Revilla was named Smart’s chief finance officer concurrently as PLDT comptroller and Leo Posadas as PLDT treasurer.

:: With Safe Zone, customers get free access to company websites within safe zone. PLDT will be paid for their access by the companies.

Elections of directors, independent directors During the meeting, 13 nominees were elected to the Board of Directors, including three who qualified as independent directors.

:: Power App makes mobile data within reach of all through a sachet model. In low peso denominations, one can buy internet access in small time blocks or by apps.

Elected directors are: Nazareno, Pangilinan, Ray C. Espinosa, Ma. Lourdes C. Rausa-Chan, Setsuya Kimura,

Members of the Advisory Committee, who will be appointed by the newlyelected Board at their organizational meeting, are: Oscar S. Reyes, Roberto R. Romulo, Benny S. Santoso, Washington Z.Sycip, Orlando B. Vea, and Christopher H. Young. Other highlights For the first time in the history of the Company’s annual stockholders’ meeting and deviating from the usual practices, the PLDT Canzonet Chorale sang the Philippine national anthem and for the invocation, the Company’s esteemed choir sang the “Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.” The group also performed a couple of entertainment numbers after the meeting to the delight of the audience partaking of the meals provided for the attendees. At the foyer area, the stockholders, guests and Company employees saw a different exhibit area with a revolving mechanism featuring images that capture the PLDT Group’s various business segments: individual, home, enterprise, and community with this year’s theme “Enriching Connections.” These images were culled from photographs used in the 2014 PLDT Annual Report with talents chosen from in-house pool including employees’ dependents. The exhibit mechanism allowed the event participants to be in a place and time where connections are enriched in ways only PLDT can – where individuals can enjoy the limitless possibilities of technology, where distances are inconsequential and connections are more meaningful, where collaborative ideas take shape in a digital cloud of shared knowledge, and where people come together and lives are changed for the better. Indeed, PLDT is enriching connections now more than ever. Also for the first time, two touch screens courtesy of PLDT Innolab were prominently displayed at the exhibit area complemented by four other LED screens showcasing TVC loops from all the four business units – ALPHA Enterprise, HOME, PLDT SME Nation, and Smart/ Sun – including still shots from the Company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. CC:

JULY 2015

PLDT strengthens fiber optic cables in southern luzon typhoon-hit areas PLDT is set to complete a P216-million project to strengthen the resiliency of its network and provide reliable connectivity to homes and businesses in southern Luzon by putting more and more of its fiber optic cables (FOC) underground in the areas hit by typhoon Glenda last year. This will serve both fixed and wireless customers in these areas and complement the existing aerial cables in the affected provinces. “Learning from our experience in past typhoons, this project will help fortify our fiber optic network in Luzon, particularly the southern part which is often affected by calamities,” said PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno. The fortification project covers the FOC links in the Laguna towns of Calamba, Los Baños, Calauan, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Liliw, and an ongoing construction in San Pablo. Nazareno pointed out that underground cables are less vulnerable to fiber cuts due to typhoons and landslides.

“Underground fiber optic cables are more resilient because they are not susceptible to cuts brought about by strong winds, falling trees, and utility poles. A resilient network can provide and maintain reliable service even in disruptive conditions such as typhoons.” He stressed that this project is PLDT’s way of helping Southern Luzon get back on its feet after the unnerving force of Glenda, one of the strongest typhoons in 2014 with turbulent winds of up to 185 kph that caused far-reaching damages to people’s lives, properties, and businesses. “As we establish a more resilient and reliable connectivity to the affected areas in Southern Luzon with the rest of the country and the world, our customers in the area will be able to experience high-quality voice, data, and multimedia services,” Nazareno said. The southern Luzon fortification project is included in the P39 billion capital expenditures program of PLDT for the year.

By the end of 2014, PLDT has already rolled out 619 kilometers of underground fiber optic cables in Northern Luzon, strengthening its capacity to provide multimedia services to some 11 million subscribers of PLDT mobile subsidiaries Smart and Sun Cellular and around 450,000 PLDT HOME customers. PLDT’s domestic fiber optic network (DFON) has also linked Palawan province to the world last year through undersea and inland cable links that run from Puerto Princesa to Taytay in Palawan and San Jose de Buenavista to La Paz, Iloilo City. Last year also saw the installation of over 150 kilometers of PLDT’s submarine and inland fiber optic cables that linked the island of Bohol with the major urban centers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. These fiber links support the increasing demands for reliable telecoms and data services in two of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Olive O. Barrozo

PLDT wins Finance Asia awards, cited most committed in paying good dividends in PH PLDT was recently cited in five out of eight award categories at the FinanceAsia Asia’s Best Companies Awards, including the top spot in the Most Committed to paying good dividends among Philippine companies for its seventh consecutive year. PLDT was also cited among the ranks of the Best Managed Public Companies, Best Corporate Governance and Best Investor Relations. PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno also received one of the Best CEO awards after topping the Philippine poll last year. “We are grateful for these recognitions that

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PLDT Group Controller and Smart CFO Chaye Cabal-Revilla, 2nd from left, receives PLDT’s plaque during the awards night held in Makati. Handing her the award are, from left: ATR KimEng Financial Corp. President Manuel Tordesillas, ATR KimEng Financial Corp. Chairman Ramon Arnaiz, and ATR KimEng Securities President Lorenzo Roxas.

affirm our efforts in creating greater value for our shareholders and our customers,” said Nazareno. The annual investor poll is conducted by Hong Kong-based regional

publication FinanceAsia, which identifies the best companies in the region based on responses from investors and analysts who specialize in the region. Adrian T. Elumba

05 PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO, and ACASIA Chairman Eric Alberto, together with ACASIA officials lead the unveiling of the organization’s re-branding and online portal during its launch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

PLDT, ACASIA launch regional business portal for SMEs With PLDT driving the support to enable Filipino businesses, regional SMEs are well on their way towards digital competitiveness as the ASEAN telco consortium, ACASIA, recently launched the ASEAN Market Place (aMP) portal for the region.

one-stop community portal to create business expansion opportunities for ASEAN SMEs via business matching and market regionalization. It contains comprehensive information needed to assist any ASEAN SME to expand regionally.

PLDT, together with six other telco-members in the consortium, is a major contributor in enabling ACASIA’s re-brand and re-imaging to update the organization’s new business initiatives, including the aMP, in line with their tagline “One ASEAN, One Service.”

Using one single portal, aMP houses multiple ICT solutions that digitize the traditional way of doing business and features an extensive e-directory of SMEs from the 10 ASEAN countries to catalyze business-tobusiness (B2B) partnerships and business relationships within the ASEAN SME communities. It will soon store basic ICT applications and cloud services, online advertisement

Launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aMP is designed as a

as well as financial information and services. In the future, aMP will continue to evolve to meet demands of ASEAN SMEs. “ACASIA firmly believes that through ICT, ASEAN will be able to accelerate its vision of becoming a region with single market and production base characteristics,” said PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO, and ACASIA Chairman Eric R. Alberto. “Through ACASIA’s initiatives, we hope to empower the respective business communities in the ASEAN region helping empower this integrated economy to be more competitive for the benefit of its people.” Adrian T. Elumba

Nerissa S. Ramos, ePLDT Group COO and AGS President (second from left) shakes hand with Frederick T. Siy, EPEI President (second from right) after agreeing to share the promise of the future with the recent AGS and Epicurean contract signing. Also present during the event were Luis Ignacio A. Lopa, AGS General Manager (extreme left) and Rea Enrica V. Cruz, EPEI General Manager (extreme right).

ACASIA officials and the different members of the consortium gather for a posterity shot.

JULY 2015

PLDT SME Nation fully supports Bohol’s thriving business community with digital solutions during the Digital Caravan Tour. Shown here are, from left: PLDT SME Nation Community Engagement Services Head Gabby Cui, Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants President Rommel Gonzales, Bohol Provincial Administrator A E Damalerio, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head, Smart Enterprise AVP and Center Head John Eric Alviz, and PLDT SME Nation Business Development Head for VisMin Niño Nanquil. In partnership with Smart, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the local government of Bohol, PLDT SME Nation recently rolled out the first in a series of its Digital Caravan Tour that aims to engage business communities on the significance of getting digitally ready and connected in today’s business with Boholanos getting the first crack at the digital drive. Launched in Panglao Island, the Digital Caravan Tour was witnessed by Bohol’s leading tourism businesses and communities. Bohol Provincial Administrator, Alfonso Damalerio formally welcomed the guests and opened the program with his remarks noting how businesses, especially tourism, can benefit from the digital mindshift of running and doing businesses today. Executives from PLDT, Smart, and DOT powered-up the partnership with a ceremonial “lighting of the switch” enabling businesses to fully utilize the power of ICT and digital solutions to help promote their business and help them become more efficient in their operations. PLDT SME Nation Business Development’s Francis Oliva and Smart Enterprise AVP and Center Head John Eric Chet Alviz discussed the correlation of a digital mindset and its effect on the growth of the Philippine economy. The country’s banking industry has seen significant growth drivers in the past year

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Digitalizing Businesses in Bohol

PLDT SME Nation, Smart partner with DOT for digital caravan tour including emerging trends in ebanking and cloud, while Retail is estimated to reach $28 billion in spending for 2015 with eCommerce, M2M, and big data analytics contributing to the drive. The local BPO and Call Center industry has since grown 15% in size thanks to the network build out of ICT infrastructure in the country, and viable business solutions that support efficiency and cost-savings in their operations. PLDT SME Nation Product Specialist Ian Calimbahin emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the

their own “retail” sites by partnering with Tackthis and ensure strong online market reach through Takatack, as presented by PLDT SME Nation Community Engagement Services Head Gabby Cui. Highlighting the opportunities to go full-on with digital, tourism businesses can also opt to accept payments either online or through the mobile devices with the Smart M2M Pay platform. These solutions help ensure businesses can maximize their profits by not missing out on the opportunities to service their customers.

“Our Digital Caravan Tour aims to promote awareness of opportunities of going into digital that our Filipino entrepreneurs can take advantage of. The opportunity to succeed and prosper is there and the Cui showcases Tackthis to Bohol entrepreneurs as a digital platform that time is ripe for them can help them increase online presence for their business. to take the plunge in the wave of digital changes just as our consumers have,” ICT infrastructure laid out by PLDT in said PLDT FVP and Head of SME the region and in the country. Just last Business Kat Luna-Abelarde. year, PLDT announced its Bohol fiber link that directly connects the island Other digital caravan tours are also to PLDT’s domestic fiber optic network in the works with Rizal and Laguna, (DFON) loop ensuring faster connectivity to help build the awareness to more for businesses in the region. business communities in the region. CC: Backed by a strong digital and ICT infrastructure, SMEs can now have

PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, Smart Enterprise partner with ADP-PPC and AirAsia PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise have forged partnership with ADP Pharma Corp. and Pascual Pharma Corp. (ADP-PPC) as the pharmaceutical firm has made the SMARTer switch migrating all its mobile voice lines to Smart Enterprise. The switch was formalized with a contract signing at the ADP Pharma Corporation office in Ortigas, which was attended by top officials from ADP-PPC, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, and Smart Enterprise. “On behalf of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise, I thank ADP-PPC for switching to Smart Enterprise for their mobile communication requirements. We value the ever-growing partnership between our organizations and we look forward to continuously collaborating with the organization for further enhancement of their business as their trusted expert endto-end ICT partner,” said PLDT VP and Head of Corporate Relationship Management Jay Lagdameo. ADP-PPC is the owner and trader of known products such as Propan TLC food supplement and Glucolyte Plus oral rehydration salts, Releaf, and Oncology medicines. With the switch to Smart Enterprise, ADP-PPC will now use Smart-powered plans to communicate within and outside the organization. Meanwhile, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise

PLDT VP and Corporate Relationship Management Head Jay Lagdameo, 2nd from left, shakes hands with ADP-PPC Chairman of the Board Atty. Martin Pascual sealing the partnership between the two companies for the latter’s mobile communication requirments. Witnessing the event are, from left: PLDT Corporate Business Head Jeff Mendoza, PLDT Corporate Relationship Manager Eena Samonte, ADP-PPC President Virgilio S. Gomez, and ADP-PPC Chief IT Consultant Felix C. Narito, Jr. and Smart Enterprise also partnered with AirAsia Philippines for the provision of end-to-end ICT and wireless solutions such as IPVPN, Dedicated Internet Access Service (iGate), Smart Messaging Suite, and Smart Mobile plans, among others, for the airline’s operations. AirAsia, recognized as the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years by Skytrax, an international airline review and ranking site, began its Philippine operations in 2011 in Clark, Pampanga through a joint venture agreement with Filipino investors. Two years later, the company formed a strategic partnership with

Ambassador Alfredo Yao’s Zest Air which has been rebranded as AirAsia Zest and subsequently moved its operations to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The combined strengths of these two carriers now operates a combined fleet of fifteen (15) aircraft servicing top destinations in the Philippines and stretching across ASEAN, Korea and China. “The digital world presents a paradigm shift in how we work, serve, and engage with our customers. As the digital enterprise enabler, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise look forward to further collaborate with AirAsia in finding new and better ways to use digital technologies to optimize business and enhance customer experience,” says PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez. CC:

Shown here during the signing rites with AirAsia Philippines are, from left: PLDT Corporate Relationship Business Head Ben Melasa, PLDT Relationship Manager Luis Asistio, Smart Enterprise Senior Manager for Segment Marketing Debbie Ledesma, PLDT Vice President & Head of Corporate Relationship Management Precy Katigbak, PLDT First Vice President & Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, AirAsia President & CEO Joy Cañeba, AirAsia CFO Franz Lopez, AirAsia Commercial Head

JULY 2015

08 The PLDT employee-volunteers ready the textbooks to be used by Brigada Eskwela beneficiaries in Nangka Elementary School. They are joined here by PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario and PBSP Executive Director Rafael C. Lopa, 9th and 7th from left.

PLDT employee-volunteers support PBSP “Ready for School” campaign The PLDT employee-volunteers led by PLDT Community Relations (ComRel) Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario recently supported Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) “Ready for School” campaign in Nangka Elementary School in Marikina, one of the three schools in need of assistance in its division. In times of disaster, the school also serves as an evacuation site for the nearby low-lying barangays. The “Ready for School” campaign was inspired by the “Brigada Eskwela” 2015 campaign of the Department of Education (DepEd), also known as National Schools Maintenance Week.

The campaign was aimed at highlighting the Filipinos’ “bayanihan” or collective spirit by engaging employee-volunteers of its member-companies in the preparation and renovation of public school facilities in time for school opening. For the past years, PLDT ComRel and its employee-volunteers had been very active in the “Brigada Eskwela” project because they truly value education. “Aside from our adopt-a- school program, we see to it that every year we share our time, effort and resources to this project. We also want to continue promoting the spirit of volunteerism, Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario work hand in hand with a six-year-old volunteer to finish painting a desk chair. In the PSBSP campaign, the PLDT employee-volunteers painted 50 school chairs and covered more than 200 books. Earlier, PLDT ComRel also extended its Brigada Eskwela efforts to Ivisan National High School in Ivisan, Capiz, who were affected by typhoon Yolanda, by donating 90 pieces students’ steel chairs and 4 sets of teachers’ tables and chairs. Some of the areas PLDT ComRel has supported for the past years include Muntinlupa, Catmon Malabon, Apalit, Pampanga, Cebu, Bacolod and Quezon Province. Alice P. Tuazon, PLDT Community Relations

PLDT supports PRC mobile kitchen project PLDT recently provided assistance to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Iloilo Chapter for the construction of a Mobile Kitchen, which forms part of PRC Iloilo Chapter disaster response retinue to provide hot meals to various communities during mobile blood drives – in times when such communities are at their most vulnerable and are in most need of assistance. This also includes medical and dental missions and other community services. PLDT had been supporting PRC Manila in some of its major charity events and also had been a long time partner in blood-letting activities in the Visayas and especially in Iloilo City. The mobile kitchen provided hot meals during the PLDT medical and dental mission in Dumangas. Iloilo coinciding with the 117th celebration of Philippine

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independence on June 12 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo led by President Benigno Aquino. “Our support for the mobile kitchen is a very worthy and timely project because whether for a disaster relief operation or for a special community event this mobile kitchen is always ready for action, ready to bring hot meals to the hungry. Bringing PLDT more close to the hearts of the needy,” said PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario. Alice P. Tuazon, PLDT Community Relations

PLDT ComRel Evelyn M. Del Rosario,4th from left, hands over the check donation to PRC Iloilo Chapter Board of Directors Chairman Ramon Cua Locsin,3rd from left. Also in photo are other board of directors Ernesto Borromeo, Jess Sio, Dr. Paul Francia, M.D. and Jigger Latoza.(1st,2nd, 6th & 7th) and PRC Iloilo Chapter Administrator Gilbert Paul Valderrama, 5th from left. Inset: one of the feeding sessions.

09 Shown during the opening and inauguration of PLDT’s newest contact center in Pamplona are, from left: PLDT Customer Care and Sales Support VP Paolo Lopez, PLDT HOME Online and Other Channel Services Head Rose Dalisay, SPi Operations Head Ehdnariloyd Gutierrez, PLDT HOME Outbound & CSE Coordinator Mimay Villegas, Rev. Fr. Ting Samson, S.J., and PLDT Contact Center Project Lead John Paul Fernandez.

PLDT opens newest contact center in Pamplona

Fr. Samson blesses the new workstations. PLDT’s newest Contact Center was opened recently in Pamplona, Las Piñas to serve more customers in this bustling city in Metro Manila. Located in front of the Las Piñas City Hall, the state-of-the-art contact center offers a variety of services catering to PLDT’s Churn and Retention programs. These are geared towards making sure that new customers are well taken cared of during their first months with PLDT, ensuring that the concerns of the new subscribers are addressed, and that they will be able to pay their bills in full and

Photo shows the PLDT HOME Retention team with SPi partners. on time. The contact center will also implement programs like the SAGIPOL, and other related services which aim to veer customers away from disconnecting their PLDT service. The newly established PLDT Contact Center is composed of highly-trained employees under SPI agency, with 60 answering agents, four team heads, an operations manager, two quality assurance personnel, and a training officer. Managing the operations is the PLDT HOME Outbound and Customer Service Escalation (HOCSE) Division led by Mimay Villegas.

“This is the first call center that PLDT has opened this year and we’re very happy to have it in Las Piñas. The opening of this contact center is just one of the many ways in which we further strive to take better care of our customers - guiding them in their first few months with PLDT, helping them understand their bills, guiding them where to pay, and addressing their concerns to ultimately prevent churn,” said PLDT Customer Care and Sales Support VP Paolo Lopez. CC:

JULY 2015

snapshots

PLDT ComRel awards PLDT Home DSL broadband quiz grand champion PLDT Community Relations Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario, 2nd from left, awards the four computer units to Willford Abunas, grand champion teacher of Tanque National High School of Roxas City, 4th from left. Witnessing the event are, from left: Tanque National High School Teacher Gemma Agustin, Tanque National High School Principal Trinidad B. Aquino, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Roel F. Bermejo and DepEd ICT Coordinator Jose Richard Lachica. Annie J. Ferrer, PLDT Community Relations

PLDT retirees celebrate faithful service through the years A celebration of faithful service through the years. The Retireesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fair became a momentous gathering of seasoned veterans who were very grateful for all the blessings PLDT has brought to their lives. Motivational speaker Francis Kong delivered a rousing talk. He was followed by other resource persons who enlightened our employees with promising business opportunities and financial investments. But what proved to be the highlight of the event was the tribute segment under the leadership of Career Management Angelie dela Cruz where interactive rites heightened nostalgia and rich affirmations. Captured here is the knockout rendition of a medley of ditties that resonate with the changing times and seasons experienced by the audience through the pipes of EmpDev Head & AVP Nonong Noriega, Career Management Specialist cum corporate campus diva Ethel Araullo, TrainServ Team Lead & Events Management Specialist Malou Tabuzo and OD Head and VP Deng Kibanoff.

PLDT receives citation from Siargao Islands mayor PLDT was recently conferred a plaque of appreciation from Municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte for providing exceptional support to 21st century teachers and learners of DepEd Siargao Division. The municipality of Del Carmen,Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte was PLDTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneficiary of the PLDT 2014 Infoteach Outreach Program. Photo shows PLDT Community Relations Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario receiving the plaque of appreciation from Municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II. Alice P. Tuazon, PLDT Community Relations ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

FEATURE

mvp@69 S

tarting the day right, MVP celebrates his 69th birthday with family, close kin and friends as well as some PLDT Group top executives with a prayer for a more blissful life ahead of him at the San Beda Church. A thanksgiving mass was also held in honor of MVPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special day at MGO Chapel sponsored by the PLDT Eucharistic Community and the PLDT employee-volunteers. CC:

JULY 2015

Shown cutting the ceremonial ribbon at the inauguration and blessing of the first mall-based PLDT Flagship Store are PLDT HOME Customer Care and Retail Management VP Paolo Lopez, HOME Customer Care Business Development Strategy and Performance Management Head Weng Aquino, EVP and Group Head of Consumer Business Ariel P. Fermin, and HOME SSC Management Head Anna Marie Fernando, from left, respectively.

PLDT inaugurates flagship store By Olive O. Barrozo

t’s the only store that gives you feel-good thoughts.

An amusing enormous tab called the Dynamic Bubble Thought greets visitors and passers-by near the entrance of the newest PLDT flagship store. It generates upbeat thoughts for people in its vicinity, such as “I feel great today,” “PLDT just got even better,” “This is cool,” and other smile-inducing lines. The first of its kind in the country, the Bubble Thought is only one of the latest technological innovations that offer a more enjoyable experience for PLDT customers at the first mall-based flagship store which was inaugurated and blessed as it formally opened for business recently, a milestone event attended by PLDT President Napoleon L. Nazareno, EVP and Group Head of Consumer Business Ariel P. Fermin, as well as other company executives and employees.

PLDT President Napoleon L. Nazareno with HOME executives try out the Dynamic Bubble Thought.

Easily accessible and conveniently located at the 3rd level, Cyberzone area of SM Southmall in Las Piñas City, the flagship store is the most recent PLDT Sales & Service Center (SSC). It features state-of-the-art facilities that will enable subscribers and visitors to directly experience the latest PLDT products and services. Leading the flagship store project is the HOME Customer Care Business Development Strategy and Performance Management team headed by Weng Aquino. “My team and I are very proud to open this first mall-based flagship SSC that embodies the retail store concept and a redefined customer care experience in the SSC,” she said. Compact, cozy, and complete with all the PLDT SSC equipment and gadgets, the Southmall SSC houses two 32” interactive screens with custom-made PLDT games and apps, as well as a 50” LED TV that will entertain visitors and their families with shows, movies, videos, and games while waiting for their turn to transact business. Also included in this brand new SSC is the upgraded 24” HD-quality Infotouch. Its userfriendly digital interface will make it possible for subscribers to inquire about their bills, request for repairs, and learn about PLDT products and services, among many others. The store buzzed with activity as customers explored the new technologies on opening day. To celebrate the event, children had the chance to win prizes by playing games with the Telpad HC7 tablet while the game was projected on the 50” LED TV. Freebies were also given to the first 50 customers. Asked what they liked most about

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@ SM Southmall

Above photo shows NLN with executives who graced the event. Below, NLN with SSC employees.

HOME Customer Care Business Development Strategy and Performance Management Head Weng Aquino thanks her team and other PLDT groups who helped make the Southmall Flagship store a reality. the store, customers excitedly replied: “The new and relaxing ambience, the interactive screens, and the accommodating staff.” “This is a great day for all of us as we continue giving grade A service to our customers in this new, cozy and refreshing environment,” said PLDT HOME Customer Care and Retail Management VP Paolo Lopez in his remarks during the event. “As our boss APF said, there is no finish line in providing excellent customer service.” CC:

JULY 2015

The iflix team with Heather Morris, PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and EVP and Head of Consumer Business Ariel P. Fermin.

Stars converge in PLDT and Smart’s launch with iflix By Olive O. Barrozo

nlimited entertainment and fun defined the night as movie and TV celebrities, topbilled by Glee’s Heather Morris, walked the red carpet recently for the star-studded PLDT HOME and Smart’s #EntertainmentEverywhere launch, featuring iflix, the country’s biggest video-on-demand service provider. Heather, who played cheerleader Brittany S. Pierce in the hit musical TV series Glee, was flown in from the US by PLDT HOME and Smart to grace the launch of a significant partnership that will enable families and individuals in the country to enjoy over 11,000 hours of TV serial titles and updated catalogue of Hollywood, European and Asian releases, as well as shows like Sherlock, Doctor Who,

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Homeland, and The Big Bang Theory. “It doesn’t happen so often that three number ones in different spaces get together to offer a converged project. You’ve got the #1 broadband at home with PLDT and the undisputed leader in mobile Smart, teaming up with the biggest video on demand provider, iflix, to offer what is now Entertainment Everywhere,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Consumer Business Ariel P. Fermin in an interview during the event. Available on five devices, such as smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, and even TV screens, the movies and TV series will be streamed through PLDT and

15 The PLDT HOME and Smart teams

Celebrity guests at the event include MJ Lastimosa, Solenn Heusaff, Victor Basa, Iza Calzado, Tom Taus, Raymond and Ruffa Gutierrez

Smart, the country’s biggest multimedia networks. “From small escapes like whenever you’re stuck in traffic, to binge-watching rare moments when time is on your side, subscribers now have the access to the widest library of entertainment content with iflix. It gets so much better because you are able to gain access to these titles through PLDT HOME and Smart’s strongest and largest multimedia platforms wherever you are in the Philippines,” Fermin said. Meanwhile, iflix chairman Patrick Grove said, “In PLDT we have found a like-minded partner who is committed to changing the way entertainment content is consumed in the region. We look forward to building an extraordinary business in the Philippines together.”

the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines and, indeed, one of the region’s leading companies, to offer iflix to PLDT’s enormous customer base. With well over 75 million Filipinos communicating and being entertained using PLDT services, they are the absolute perfect partner for iflix in the Philippines,” he added. iflix is free for all Fibr and TVolution plans and for subscribers who upgrade to a new Telpad Plan. It is available for P129/month but PLDT HOME/Smart subscribers get to enjoy an exclusive price of only P99/month. Register now at pldthome.iflix.com to enjoy your complimentary 14-day trial. CC:

“We are extremely proud to have come together with

JULY 2015

cover story

unity i n the fac e of cal amit i e s By sarah azucena-reodica

n 1999, former President Joseph Estrada has issued an Executive Order declaring the month of July as the National Disaster Consciousness Month, and this year’s celebration seems to be very timely. For the first week of July alone, the country has already experienced the onslaught of typhoons Egay and Falcon, as well as the continuous rains brought by the strong winds of Habagat. Certainly, July ushers in a gloomier, cloudier weather forecast. Nonetheless, it is not only typhoons that citizens need to watch out for. The Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned that the West Valley Fault can potentially generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake (almost as strong as

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With EmpRel’s timely reminders and safety tips, PLDT employees are armed with knowledge and hopefully can prepare themselves for impending disasters.

Nepal’s recent 7.8), which can strike “in this lifetime.” In these times of calamity, the key to survival is the knowledge on disaster response: what to do, how to react, or even where to go matters. This is what the National Disaster Consciousness Month aims to instill in every Filipino, and through the initiatives of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), this year’s observance will have the theme Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa. OCD will hold trainings on disaster preparedness, understanding flood early warning systems, contingency planning and media fora across the country. But the culminating event will happen at the end of July; a metro-wide earthquake drill led by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Disaster and Recovery Foundation (PDRF). A first of its kind, this initiative aims to unite citizens

MMDA and PDRF join hands to signify the unity between the government and the private sector to make the first-ever Metro-wide earthquake drill successful. In photo are, from left: PDRF President Butch Meily, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, PDRF and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and MMDA Undersecretary Corazon Jimenez.

her– for

toget is h t in l l a s ity puts u n a m u h d e r us all.” h c u “Our sha o t d l u o of one sh y d e g a r t e h t

Employees brave the rains to implement immediate restoration when typhoon Egay’s strong winds knocked down a tree in Baguio’s Upper Session Road, affecting PLDT poles, CAFAC, and FITL.

and prepare them for a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. (See page 19.) “The essence of the month-long observance is to promote public awareness on natural hazards and disseminate information on the steps to be undertaken to mitigate the adverse effects of such hazards,” a statement on the OCD’s website reads. What happened to Tacloban and Nepal was heart-breaking and at the same time, eye-opening. The country is in the best position now to come together and thoroughly prepare for calamities. Because if Filipinos are to apply that patriotic virtue of bayanihan or cooperation to orchestrate efforts in disaster and risk reduction, perhaps the country can prevent loss of lives. No unity without ‘U’ As PLDT employees, it is certainly a good thing that they are armed with the proper know-how when it comes to disasters through PLDT Employee Relations Division’s “Master Every Disaster” campaign. Featuring useful tips on natural calamities such as storms and earthquakes, to safety tips on diseases such as the MERS-CoV and Ebola, the advisory can be every employee’s quick reference, conveniently accessed through e-mail. Committed to servicing the Company’s subscribers, PLDT employees play an important role in carrying out initiatives on disaster preparedness. The very crucia l and difficult

task of ensuring that communication lines are open falls into the employees’ laps. This is ensured by courageous employees who brave floods, strong winds, and dilapidated infrastructure as they check the facilities and initiate repair, or just to get to the office and monitor wide-scale damages. These unparalleled efforts all help uphold the Company’s commitments, and will substantially contribute to a bigger sense of nation-building. For instance, restoration teams from PLDT SFU-Baguio braved the heavy downpour in laying out fiber optic cables and getting rid of fallen trees after storm “Egay.” Bigger than calamities “We simply cannot wake up to see the injury and death of many thousands of our people—and the realization that when we had the chance to take action, we did not. Our shared humanity puts us all in this together—for the tragedy of one should touch us all,” PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said in his closing remarks at the recent Earthquake Resilience Forum (see page 18). If every individual does his part in disaster and risk reduction, together with the help of the government, institutions, and the private sector, the results will be more sustainable and the goals more attainable. Because while the Philippines is known to be a nation of resilient people, perhaps now is the time to be known for something else: a well-prepared and unified force in the face of these calamities. CC:

JULY 2015

PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R. Isberto shares the initiatives being undertaken for the facilities of PLDT and Smart to withstand calamities.

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PLDT participates in

earthquake

resilience forum

By Hannah Beatriz T. Lajara and Lilandra Grace M. Santiago, student-Trainees, UP Manila

t was all about the impending 7.2 magnitude earthquake that is likely to hit the country with 4.5 million informal settlers to be affected. And so, business leaders, government officials and other stakeholders recently gathered in an earthquake resiliency forum in preparations for this man-made calamity.

MVP also said that PLDT will be doing “pre-disaster research, planning and preparedness and post-disaster business continuity planning to ensure rapid recovery ‘beyond the fence’ of their operations.”

During the same forum, Meralco said that should the earthquake happen, MVP underscores the about 70% of their facilities significance of bridging connections as one of the could be down. Its main PLDT Chairman Manuel V. most important factors to focus then will be to clear Pangilinan and PLDT and be resolved at the earliest the roads and restore Smart Public Affairs Head power in the shortest span time possible. Ramon R. Isberto were of time possible. Meralco among those invited during President Oscar M. Lopez proposed a the earthquake resilience conference National Preparedness Day to increase participated in by various companies and awareness and proactive actions. representatives from the private sector. For PLDT and Smart, Isberto said The event, organized by the Carlos P. that they are presently implementing Romulo Foundation, Zuellig Family improvements in their facilities that Foundation and Manila Observatory, can withstand such calamity. was supported by Philippine Disaser Recovery Foundation (PDRF) and the The conference is one of the first steps National Disaster Risk Reduction and that the private sector has undertaken Management Council (NDRRMC). that aims to inform and prepare the country for inevitable calamities such In his speech, MVP assured that PLDT as earthquakes. will help not only on the precautions before and during the earthquake but “We simply cannot wake up to see the also after its occurrence. The Company injury and death of many thousands will assist in restoring life services such of our people – and the realization as power, water and especially telephone that when we had the chance to take communications. action, we did not. We encourages everyone to start their preparations In calamities like this, the Company while they still have the chance to do believes that bridging connections is so,” Pangilinan said. “We can only be one of the most important factors to be effective if we work collectively, setting considered and resolved in the nick of aside our differences, our slights, our time. The Company will provide basic disagreements.” CC: needs such as food, bottled water, shelter and sanitation to the victims. INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN BY KEVIN LEARNED I. MARTINEZ, DLSU-CSB

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Convenors for each quadrant, seated, 1st row, and the audience listen attentively to the resource persons presenting the guidelines for the Shakedrill activity.

PDRF, MMDA TO hold QUAKE DRILL By Lilandra Grace M. Santiago, student-Trainee, UP Manila

t 10:30 am of July 30, Metro Manila experiences a strong jolt followed by a series of severe ground shaking. This lasts for 45 seconds causing panic among people. Electric power is down, there is no communication, and damages are seen everywhere. By 11:00 am, PHIVOLCS announced that it was earthquake and it originated from the West Valley fault. Its estimated strength is 7.2 magnitude. Albeit a make-believe scenario, the thought of it can certaily send shivers and that this can certainly pose a grave danger and threat to lives and properties as the West Valley fault can be hit by a massive earthquake anytime. With this in mind, the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spearheaded the Shakedrill. It is the first metro-wide earthquake drill that aims to raise awareness and consciousness on the impending disaster and how citizens should handle the situation. “If Filipinos are well-prepared and have the right mindset in the middle of a calamity, it will be easier for us to recover and return to normalcy. PDRF, together with the help of our local government and the cooperation of the private sector, aims to do just that through the Shakedrill,” said PDRF President Butch Meily. Spearheading this initiative from the private sector together with PDRF are MVP-led companies such as PLDT, Smart, Meralco, Maynilad, and Philex. In a briefing attended by representatives from the business sector at the MMDA Office, MMDA Undersecretary Cora Jimenez and MMDA Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Adviser Mon Santiago explained the guidelines of Shakedrill to the lead convenors. Santiago said that they have divided the cities into four quadrants based on the damage estimation that was the result of the study with the help of the Japanese government through the JITCO Program. ”In these parts of Metro Manila, they will have some difficulty in accessing each of these quadrants from one quadrant because of the anticipated breakdown of lifelines, roads,

networks, bridges, and also the debris. For better communication and response, Metro Manila was divided into North, East, South, and West,” he said. There were also areas assigned for each division that would be the base point of all assistance for that quadrant. What to expect during the Shakedrill • When the alarm sounds at 10:30 am, perform DROP, COVER, and HOLD. • While on the floor, look around for possible materials that might fall, break or collapse, and avoid them • After 45 seconds, the alarm will stop and that will signify that you can now stand up. • Proceed to evacuate the building to a safer area based on the company’s evacuation plan. Afterwards, each company should assess the process of the drill conducted. They should make sure that everyone is accounted for, and help those who are injured and hurt. Aside from an earthquake drill, the MMDA and PDRF also tasked each quadrant with a thematic activity. For instance in the West quadrant, fires will break out everywhere and smoke will cover different buildings and structures. In the North quadrant, a lot of people will be injured by the disaster. Meanwhile collapsed structures will be found on the East, and debris will be spread around the South area. This is to test the skill required when such events happen. Each quadrant can coordinate with its members and simulate this catastrophe. USec Jimenez has urged everybody to participate. “Through SMS, you will be getting an alarm. You’ll hear a sound also, so open your radios and televisions, you’ll hear this alarm by 10:30, for 45 seconds. This is the time you will do the drill.” With this initiative, everyone will be alerted and would be reminded to take part of the drill that would possibly save their lives and their co-workers. CC:

JULY 2015

INHS students are full of excitement with their new school building from PLDT as they pose at the façade with their benefactors, LGU representatives and school officials.

TWO-CLASSROOM BUILDING DONATION AT IVISAN NHS

Responding to MVP’s call to help typhoon victims By Alice P. Tuazon, PLDT Community Relations

t was a call, a mandate from PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, that changed the lives of super-typhoon Yolanda victims.

And PLDT, through its Community Relations headed by Evelyn M. Del Rosario, responded right away to this call, to this mandate. Together with Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) through its president Butch Meily, construction works for the two-classroom building for Ivisan National High School (INHS) immediately started. INHS, located at Barangay Poblacion Norte in Capiz, was one of the schools heavily damaged during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in Capiz with most classrooms on the north wing damaged, four of which were damaged beyond repair. It has an estimated number of 1,730 students. The two-classroom building was eventually named “Paaralang Laan sa Dunong at Talino” after construction was completed and recently inaugurated. Del Rosario named the two classrooms, MVP English Room and PLDT Math Room for students who excel in English and Math subjects. The turn-over of the classrooms came at the most opportuned time for the opening of classes for 2015. INHS principal, faculties, parents and

teachers were very happy with the new school building and promised to take care of the building. The teachers promised to give their best to give the best education to the students and the students promised to study hard given this great blessing to them. Grateful to PLDT The governor of Capiz, Ivisan mayor and DepEd Capiz were very grateful to PLDT and to MVP with all the help extended to them and especially the school building. The Company has been donating classrooms for various beneficiaries for the past years. Along with the two-classroom building, PLDT also donated 90 steel chairs for the students and four sets of teachers’ tables and chairs. The blessing and inauguration was an event filled with distinguished guests who took the time to be a part of the momentous occasion. They were Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., Ivisan Mayor Felipe Neri Yap, Vice Mayor Marita Mestidio and councilors; Poblacion Norte barangay captain and kagawad and other local government officials.

Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left: INHS Principal Leorico Fundal, PDRF President Butch Meily, Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Sr., PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. del Rosario, Ivisan Mayor Felipe Neri Yap, Ivisan Vice Mayor Marita Mestidio and Sangguniang Bayan Chairman Catherine San Antonio.

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Also present were Schools Division Superintendent Miguel Mac Aposin, Ivisan school principal, PTA president, faculties, students and some PLDT high valued clients. CC:

11th MVP Academic Excellence Awards:

Smart People Experience Senior Manager Anna Manlapit, PLDT Community Relations Head Evelyn del Rosario, PLDT SVP and Head of HR Division Butch Jimenez, PSF Treasurer Chaye Cabal – Revilla, PSF President Esther O. Santos, and PLDT Recruitment Head Rosalie Simeon join the grantees and their proud parents on stage.

By Hannah Beatriz T. Lajara and Lilandra Grace M. Santiago, student-Trainees, UP Manila

ith over a thousand scholarships granted to deserving dependents of PLDT and Smart employees in the last decade, the MVP Academic Excellence Awards (MVPAEA) continues its commitment to providing educational assistance to the parents of both companies.

PLDT SVP and Head of HR Group Butch Jimenez also believes that the PSF MVPAEA grantees will be the next generation of leaders. “Hopefully one day the top leaders of this country, whether it be in the government, academe, or business, we hope one day these leaders will be you.”

Now on its eleventh year, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) brought an international flair to the MVPAEA by encouraging the 259 grantees – 153 from PLDT and 106 from Smart – to come dressed in ASEAN countries’ national costumes during the awarding ceremonies. To further highlight the ASEAN theme, PSF invited PLDT-Smart Group Chief Information Advisor Lawrence Goh to address the winners.

Jimenez added that “this is the Company’s way of saying thank you to the employees, the Company’s way of investing in the future of the young people.” PLDT is doing a lot of social civic works outside of the Company and it realized that it is not doing enough for its employees. “And so we decided, bago tayo tumulong sa labas, tulungan muna natin yung mga empleyado natin.” he said.

Through a short video, Goh inspired the grantees by telling the story of his experience as a student. “The first thing our teacher told us has remained in my heart and continued to guide me until today,” He said: ‘You used to be the best of the worst, now you are the worst of the best. What will you now be doing about it?’ Now, that is a reminder to me that I am no longer swimming in a small pond. I will now be swimming in a big ocean with the fastest fish. I have to learn fast and to adapt fast, have to basically play the best and if I can play the best I need to set my benchmark higher.”

This year, along with the scholarship grants, PSF decided to give away exciting prizes to students who came in remarkable South East Asian costumes. Of course, the grantees and their parents did not disappoint. The Best in Costume award was brought home by John Bryle Magpantay, a grantee from the elementary level who came all the way from Lipa, Batangas with his mom, Maria Belen Magpantay of PLDT SM Lipa Business Office.

He added, “I encourage you today to think about what it means for you to be getting these awards and how you set your sights higher with a higher benchmark and try to reach them in all your endeavors.” PSF Trustee and 2014 ASEAN Business Awards Winner for ASEAN Centricity Bernie Liu also extended his warmest congratulations to the grantees. “This scholarship is only the beginning of an exciting and lifesaving path for all of you. So I hope you use this opportunity wisely. Go out and be true citizens of the ASEAN region and of the world.”

The Part Four performers serenade the grantees and their parents in the theater.

To their surprise, they went home not only as a scholarship grantee but also as the champion of the best ASEAN costume contest. This is the first time Bryle and his mom applied to PSF for a scholarship, and they were fortunate enough to have been selected in their first try. The Company, through PSF, has definitely helped numerous families with the annual MVP Academic Excellence Awards. After eleven successful years, it still looks forward to another decade of granting scholarships and providing opportunities to the youth of tomorrow. CC:

Jimenez talks about how the MVP Academic Excellence Awards started 11 years ago.

Del Rosario awards the top three best in costume grantees. John Bryle Magpantay, center, bags the first place.

JULY 2015

The Google Developers Group Baguio Chapter with the PLDT Innolab team.

The Magic and Innovation of Google An exciting event for Baguio Google developers By RM Jaurigue, ICT Research and Innolab

hrough live streaming, members of the Google Developers Group (GDG) Baguio chapter got connected with Google’s international chapters and enabled them to experience Google’s magic and innovation. All this courtesy of PLDT Baguio Innolab and Google San Francisco USA.

streaming was really very impressive and we thank PLDT for providing the wonderful connection and the welcoming and cozy atmosphere of the PLDT Innolab in Baguio,” said Reymart Canuel, GDG representative and head organizer. Activities during the event also included a tour of the different technology solutions showcased at the PLDT Innolab, conducted by ICT Research and Innolab’s Gino Francisco and this writer. CC:

In his keynote address, Google Senior Vice President of Products Sundar Pichai pointed out the advantages of optimizing Android, making it easier to develop apps. The live stream ended at about 3AM but other activities were still lined up on Google I/O’s event page. The Innolab visitors thought that it was already very late so they decided to just watch it individually. Impressed with PLDT’s fast and reliable internet connection, the visitors were also thankful for the venue provided by the host. “The live

PLDT Technology Specialist Danilo June Francisco explains the technology solutions as he conducts a tour of the PLDT Innolab.

PLDT Technology Specialist Mel Reamico welcomes the Google Developers Group – Baguio chapter to the PLDT Innolab.

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HEALTH CARE STEWARDS

t can be argued that the most prized customer of all times could be the doctor’s patient. What’s being preserved here is life itself. The milestones being scored in technology, operating systems and digital infrastructures are best achieved when the people making them happen are in good health. So when we talk about the ultimate service experience, ‘moments of truth’ interfaces can define the relationship between the patient and the health care practitioner. The gathering of 800 physicians across the country for the 37th Philippine Occupational Medicine Annual Convention became a memorable learning event which highlighted a talk on Leadership & Upbeat Customer Care practices delivered by PLDT EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega.

Shown here during the awarding of the token to PLDT EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega, center, are Dr. Oscar Santiano, President of the Philippine College for Occupational Medicine and Dr. Margarito Hernandez, National Director.

Most of the speakers featured were experts in the different fields of medicine to articulate breakthrough in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment of diseases and drug administration. The 90-minute session on patient care by Noriega was facilitated in an interactive way employing Ron’s Kauffman’s model on service levels, anecdotes that resonate and a hard hitting message on home grown values that capitalize on our nurturing spirit. The Philippine College of Occupational Medicine is a specialty society of the Philippine Medical Association under the division of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. Seen in the audience were Clinical Services Head Dr. Jun Limjoco and Company Physician Dr. Edgie Ryan Salarda. At one point during the talk, Noriega asked the audience to leave their seats and tables and gather in one big circle for a simulation exercise on how everyone in society gets interconnected and interwoven in the medical sphere.

He elaborates, “It’s not really about you trying to fit in a company’s corporate culture or get into the mold of the digital enterprise. You are actually the great equalizer that settles the score when it comes to mortality. From the president down to the rank-and-file, all have had bouts with their health. Titles and designations cannot alter medical findings and diagnosis. In that realm, you command our respect. When you speak, we are captive audience. True, your orders get defied by hard headed patients like me, but they will always return when the need for wiser resolve in safeguarding one’s wellbeing cannot be escaped anymore and has to be ultimately dealt with. In this era of automation and swift intelligent systems, health practitioners are the ones who can truly humanize the organization.” CC:

JULY 2015

Employees enjoy the day-long activities during the fun day event.

HOME Contact Center, Outbound hold Fun Day event By Aldwin P. Estrada, HOME Outbound & Customer Service Escalation

ith much anticipation, HOME Contact Center and HOME Outbound employees geared up for a day of fun activities.

Inspiring everybody was a welcome message from PLDT HOME Online and Other Channel Services Head Rose Dalisay. The group then formed four teams, each of them prepared lively chants, and Team Yellow eventually won for most spirited cheer. Battle for Best Muse was a real cliffhanger. Representatives from the four teams showed off not just their curves but their wits as well. When the smoke finally cleared, Tawny Bartolome of Team Pink was named Best Muse. They paraded on the open field and competed in the Obstacle Course where six players from each team ran a course of different obstacles. Blue Team got the best time. In the Japanese Gay Walk event, players balanced fans and walked as fast as they can, amidst spectators’ giggles and laughter. This time, Pink Team was the fastest. After a quick break and change to swimwear, the teams headed to the pool for the

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second leg of the games. In the Pool’s Edge event, players balanced themselves at the pool’s edge as team members hurriedly traversed from behind. Team Yellow won this event. In Get your Balls, players picked and gathered the colored balls scattered in the pool. The team with the highest number of balls was declared winner, which was the Blue team. Overall winner was the Blue Team, headed by Tess Rasay and Che Santos, followed by Pink and Green teams. Bringing up the rear and bagging the Never say die award was the Yellow Team. All participants received corresponding medals from Emprel. Everybody was indeed a winner that day. After the awarding of medals and certificates and endless picture taking sessions, it was time to bathe in the pool, hit the slides, and enjoy the rest of the day. With unending laughs and smiles as the day dwindled down, the participants said goodbye to Island Cove. The activities renewed and uplifted everybody’s spirits, as they prepared to face the new challenges of the changing times. CC:

emotional anesthesia C

oping skills. They vary from individual to individual. Certain realities happen to be more difficult to cope with for some folks whereas the same scenario gets breezed through by others. In the battle between heredity and environment, the latter becomes the stronger determinant of how we behave, react or plod through the ‘pressure squeezes’ of the daily toil. It’s the story of nature vs. nurture being retold for the nth time. Let’s look at how we camouflage the real score with personal strategies that have already felt like second skin. It was inspirational author John Powell who wrote that sometimes, one’s behaviour can indicate the opposite of what’s really inside. There are healthy devices that work but this same author also said that when we keep things to ourselves, we don’t bury them dead. We bury them alive and they remain active inside us. Now if I may add, such is the case unless we honestly open up to a trusted sounding board of a friend. Dare I say that the best support system is still a non-judgmental listener? Here are some of these behavioural mechanisms in an attempt to preserve self: :: Laughter. Pop psychology says that it’s the best medicine. Laugh the blues away. Those who find humor even in the most serious and mundane stuff are real troupers. Drawback here would be excess superficiality. Lack of depth can be frustrating when real concerns get dismissed through witty wisecracks meant to keep people in stitches. You’ll never know when destiny might just play its funniest trick and eventually, the joke is on you. :: Hobbies. Great diversion. It taps your creativity.

You’re in a beehive of activities that stimulate the senses. Sports. Arts. Collections. Danger here is that when all these turn into a compulsive obsession, real issues get side-tracked and you’re caught in a cobweb of unproductive R & R. :: Alcohol and drugs. The temporary ‘high’ is a way to gratify but the payoffs are much too risky. In rehabilitation centers, they refer to these as emotional anaesthesia. I’m not talking about harmless social drinking. We’re gunning at the compulsive urge that later on takes its toll on your focus and body clock. :: Promiscuity. Fleeting pleasures of the mating instinct of the prohibitive kind. The mother of hedonistic indulgences. A temporal boost for your esteem can result to a lingering disease that haunts you big time. :: Domineering Stance. Whether done at home or work, the stance can be expressed through anger, agitation at the slightest provocation, self-serving machinations to draw attention, overbearing authoritative presence – all meant to mask feelings of inadequacy, unresolved hurts and loneliness. :: Finally, prayer. The pipeline to the divine Source of wisdom and strength. Usually the last recourse when in truth, should be seen as the first resort. True peace can only come through the divine connection between Creator and creation. And our specie has been long declared as the crowning glory of His handiwork. At the risk of sounding preachy, this supersedes the concept of emotional anaesthesia. When you deal with the Truth Himself, the other realities simply bow down to His glory. For the joy of the Lord is our strength! CC:

JULY 2015

life+arts

#redstories

PART 1

Little Whistle Photography by Jan Lester E. Bisco Financial Business Intelligence Warehouse

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Color Blind

By Melvin Artugue, FMA – ESAM Team C

red

By May D. Jimenez, Laguna Customer Service Operations Zone

I was born with a Taurus zodiac sign Is this the reason why they say I’m color blind? I don’t think this is the reason why I just stared at the scarlet sky Red for target, red for courage, red for a Ferrari car Red for blood, red for the wound and for the scar Red for a riding hood, red for a Power Ranger Red when you’re mad as a sign of your anger Red for stop, red for warning Red for attack, red for flaming Red for apple and for Christmas time Red for watermelon, but not for a lime Red for Red Ribbon, Chowking, and Jollibee Red is also the color for PLDT Of all the colors, red is the only one I clearly see Its vibrant hue really amazes me And as I look at the stars above, I realize that red is the color of love I say do not color the world with war and pain Color it with love so all of us could gain The same color shed on the cross A Savior King was slaughtered very gross Red and dim, He did not leave us behind I see His love though I’m color blind

ED represents many things. It is hatred and rebellion. It is adventure and love. Its complexity is what makes RED my favorite color.

Growing up, I was raised in a traditional and conservative family. People expected me to be kind, respectful, religious, and considerate. Name all the nicest words in the dictionary and that was who I was told I should be. Though we were not rich, life was pretty easy. We ate three times a day and sometimes, we even had dessert or we ate at restaurants. As a normal teenage girl, I had my share of crushes and kilig moments. But the memory I can’t seem to forget was when I met him, my ex-boyfriend. This is where my RED story began. My ex-boyfriend is not the “boy next door” type. He is not the boy you would want your mom and dad to meet because you know they would not approve. My family and friends didn’t seem to like him. But despite all that, I loved him. We fought for our love. We struggled. We waited for my family to see his real self which is essentially wonderful. After seven long years, we succeeded. Seven years of being in the RED line, filled with hatred, rebellion, and adventure. Finally, I saw RED again as a symbol of love. Now, my ex-boyfriend is my husband for twelve years and counting. I am again reminded why RED is truly my favorite color. CC:

When you Fall in Love with a Star By Rebelyn Q. Rosales, Business Process Assurance October 2012 when I first saw you You were playing volleyball that time What made me happy is to know that this is the sport that you love Oh! we both love

You like Xander and Agnes and I love them too You believe that there’s forever as much as I do Thank GOD your status is in public so I got to know And believe that there’s still chance to find each other and a love will grow

You are a star and I’m just a fan You are one of the “crush ng bayan” My question is how can I be noticed by you If beautiful girls already surround you

Yes I am chasing a rainbow in the sky And my illusion is so high What I can only do is to whisper and say Thank you for making me smile everyday

Glad that we work in the same company But it’s once in a blue moon when I see you What I can only do is to stare and smile Hoping that one day we will say to each other “Hi” JULY 2015

Dugong Kulay Pula!

Ni Renelia L. Villanueva, IT Application Development & Mgt Sumadsad nuon ang barko ni Magellan sa isla ng Cebu Dugo ng Portuguese ay humalo sa dugo ng mga Pilipino Ang tapang ni Lapu-lapu at kampo, sila ay hindi nagpatalo Nagbunyi ang mga Pilipino, nagbunyi ang mga katutubo Nuon si Gat Andres Bonifacio ay sumigaw sa Pugadlawin At ang mga naging kasunod ay mga labanan at pasanin Bata, matanda, babae at lalaki walang sinuno hagip mandin Kakatakot, kakalungkot yan ang sabi nina lolo at lola sa akin Duon sa Bagumbayan, si Gat Jose Rizal ay binaril nga nila Dugo, ang dumilig sa uhaw na kalayaan ng Bayang sinta Panahon ng Espanyol at Hapon; ilan ang nalagas nga ba? McArthur bumalik ka.. dugo, dugo ang meron sa kalsada Kamay na bakal, curfew, Martial law, nawawala si Kuya Di na nakabalik si Nanay at Tatay sa mahal na pamilya Si Ninoy, sa Tarmac ay pa-traidor na pinatay ng sino nga ba? Galman ang gunman, sino kayang nag utos, bakit nga ba? Iyong massacre sa dako ng Maguindanao, kakahilakbot talaga At nasundan pa ito ng labanan sa Zamboanga, at nag ka giyera Ang Fallen 44, Mamasapano, malilimutan ba? Masakit talaga Ang daming hirap, ang daming dumanak na dugo, sobra-sobra Tapang, kabayanihan, sakripisyo, pagmamahal at pagtitiis Lakas, kapangyarihan, malasakit, sandaang hirap at pawis Hinahanap hanap ang sinta, ang sakit sa kanyang dibdib Sa dugong pulang pula, pighati at dusa sa lahat ang hatid Mahigit dalawang libong taon na ang tunay ngang lumipas Merong dugo na nuon ay sumambulat, nabubo at tumagas Pinarusahan, pinagdudahan, naghirap, inalipusta, sinibat Bakit nga ba nagtiis, para ang makasalanan ay mamulat? Dugo sa ulo, mga kamay, tagiliran at sa Kanyang paanan Tiniis ang lahat dahil sa pinapalaganap ay pagmamahal Nasalba ang liko sa sigurado at sakto na sablay na daan Salamat sa dugong Iyong pinadanak, ako sa Iyo ay laan. Anong ningning at liwanag ang dulot nitong dugong kulay pula Salamat kasalanan ko, kasalanan mo ay tunay na napawi na Sa walang patutunguhan, nagiging bagay at tunay na pag-asa Kung may kasakitan, sa ngalan ng Dugong pula, gagaling ka!

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

Wishful Thinking

By Aldwin P. Estrada, HOME Outbound & Customer Serv I often wondered how it would feel like to talk to you Hear your sweet voice Be mesmerized by your chinky eyes Melted all over by your radiant smile I often wondered how it would feel like to stroke your hair To feel the warmth of your embrace To kiss your tender lips Smell your heavenly scent I often wondered how it would feel like to sing to you Express my deepest feelings for you Whisper words of love into your ear Show you my all and much more I often wondered how it would feel like to be loved by you Share moments together Build dreams around each other Promise of the future never ending I often wondered I often wished I often dreamed Then you came along…thank God.

MY JOURNEY OVER THE “C”

By Helen B. Lacro, HOME Outbound & Customer Serv Escalation

014, a year that greatly challenged my life. I was diagnosed with “invasive ductal carcinoma” on my left breast. The surgeon said, “Ma’am, we need to remove the whole left breast, the result was not good.” I felt like a fast blow of air passed through my ears. I had a lot of questions. They kept on coming one after the other--What stage is it in? Do I need to undergo chemotherapy? What are my chances?-- I felt like doomsday has come. I looked at my family, my loving husband, and our two young children, only 8 and 13. They shed so many tears over my condition but I knew I had to be strong for them. Being a Christian, I have a strong faith in our God. I know He is in control and He is the one who will see me through and in Him I drew my strength. “Never will I leave you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5 “I will always uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 “This sickness is not unto death but to glorify God that the son of God will be glorified through it.” John 11:24 The comforting presence of the Holy Spirit enveloped me, assuring that all will be well, all by the grace of God. July 18 of the same year, it was time for my Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM). I was already in stage 2B. A six-month chemotherapy is around the corner and so are 33 sessions of radiation. I knew this will be a tough journey, the ultimate test of my courage.

During the first cycle of my treatments, the feared physical changes began - I lost hair, I looked pale, lost my appetite and lost a lot of pounds. I remember being able to fit into my nine-yearold son’s jeans. I was too thin even for my own clothes. There were days when I felt sad, depressed, and scared yet I felt that God had never left my side. I have friends to comfort me, pray for me, and assure me that “His blood heals my disease.” The journey I was on made me realize that “C” does not only stand for “cancer” or “carcinoma”. C is for COURAGE to face this life-threatening disease. C is for CARE for our life to remind us how little time we have, how meaningful it is to spend it with our loved ones, and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. Most of all, C is for CHRIST, our Savior, Healer, and Redeemer. Deuteronomy 30:3 “He will restore back what was lost.” Psalm 118:16 “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” Verse 17: “I will not die but live and will proclaim what the Lord has done.” Today, I am involved in the Asian Hospital Cancer Support Group. I have decided to encourage other women who are also going through the same journey that I had. I will try my best to be the voice that shares the goodness of God all the time. I will be turning 48 years old this July 31. I praise God for letting the big C, Jesus Christ, live in my heart. His blood that shed on the cross has healed me. The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Blessings! CC: JULY 2015

Kasal

Ni Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Regulatory June 2, 1991, 10:00 am ang araw na iyon Handa na ang lahat para sa isang selebrasyon Ang St. Michael Arcangel Parish (Rizal, Laguna) ay meron na ring dekorasyon At sa Kawayanan Restaurant (Nagcarlan, Laguna) gaganapin ang reception Nerbiyos na siguro pakiramdam ng ikakasal Ang groom na si Mario sa pagsasalita ay nauutal Ang mga magulang na sina Gleceria at Conrado Labis ang katuwaan ikakasal na ang kanilang bunso Ang excited na bride na si Marina Rowena Isleta Simple lang ang wedding gown kasi yun ang gusto niya Magkahalong takot, lungkot at saya Sa gaganaping kasalan na pinakahihintay niya

Sabay bulong sa akin pakiramdam daw niya ay maiihi (hahaha)

Inihatid ni Lolo Rufo at Inay Flor na maganda Habang lumalakad...tinutugtog ang isang musika Sa altar ng simbahan si Mr. Pumar ay handa na Ipagkaloob aking mga kamay at agad nagmano siya Sa palitan ng”I DOs” na aming binitiwan Sa harap ng Diyos ay sabay naming sinumpaan Magmahalan palagi at walang iwanan Sa hirap at ginhawa magsasama magpakailanman (Forevermore) Sa sermon ng pari na aming napakinggan Ang buhay may-asawa raw iba’t -iba ang kahihinatnan Ang dalawang pinagsama di dapat paghiwalayin Ano mang problema magkatuwang na haharapin Sa halos dalawang oras sa naganap na kasalan Pinakahihintay ng lahat ang matamis na halikan Ramdam na ramdam ko ang manipis niyang labi

After ng kasalan ay sa reception naman Masasarap na pagkain sa mga bisita ay inilaan Kay kumpare, kumare, ka-opisina at mga kaibigan I’m sure enjoy ang lahat at nabusog naman Di pa pala tapos at may kasayahan pang naganap Sa bago kong pamilya ako ay mainit na tinanggap Sa gitna ng kalsada mga bagong kasal ay pinagsayaw Sina lolo, lola, tiyo, at tiya kasiyahan ay umaapaw Ang pinaka-exciting sa lahat ang unang gabi namin Bilang mag-asawa na kami ay magkasiping Nagkakahiyaan pa kung ano ang unang gagawin Mahigpit ang yakapan noong kami ay nagising Sa panahon ngayon masaya ang aking buhay may asawa Sa naganap na kasalan wala akong pagdududa Pinagkalooban kami ng anak guwapo at magaganda At higit sa lahat maayos at masayang pamilya Sa susunod na taon (2016) ay sasariwain naming muli 25th year wedding anniversary na pinakamimithi Hiling ko sa Poong Maykapal lagi kaming healthy Upang i-celebrate ang silver wedding anniversary

“Love” Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan, Tondo ssc

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“From Batanes with Love” Photography by Caroline A. Umali, FinClose

R.E.D. (Random Emotional Drama) By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ

Remembering crazy and carefree days of high school life On one particular moment during senior high You suddenly sang “Lady in Red” while talking to me And had me wondering what that song meant

A Tribute To My Dad By Cherry W. Alaban, Enterprise Service Assurance Mgt

Time has since passed and we never had the chance to meet You have been busy with your travel adventure, exploring the world While I have my hands full with goals to achieve and tasks to complete Falling out as they would say, we are no longer in each other’s world I sometimes wonder how different our present will be, my friend If we never had to take different sides of that crossroad and just move back We would be revolving in unison, running about the same track Yet we may find ourselves choked up with each other in the end

There is no day I never think of you. Every time I sleep I dream of you. I always remember you wherever I go. I couldn’t imagine life without you.

We were young and naïve years back to vainly wish it will always be US As the cliché goes, all things in this life will come to pass I am no longer the shoulder you chose to lean on when the noise got loud As you are now a stranger I would never recognize from the crowd

I used to run to you whenever I’m sad. You always offer your hand every time I fall down. Now that you’re gone, I don’t know whom to run. I feel so hopeless, alone and tired.

Randomly and unexpectedly, I saw you in my dream last night Taking me back to the time when red was the color of our light Full of amorous love, the fiery hue of our unspoken dreams together Funny because I hated that color ever since we said good-bye to forever

I’ve learned to be strong like you always taught. I’ve stood by myself and live my own life. Your values have become my strength and inspiration. Your legacy will always be my power and motivation.

“Walang forever” (nothing is forever), you said in jest, “You will find someone else more deserving to have your yes. I hope he will have your confirmation every time he asks, And in time, you will forget me and whatever happened in our past”

Wherever you are, I know you are proud. I am no longer your little girl that cries every time I hurt. I am a woman now, stronger and ready to face any trials. Maybe GOD has reasons why HE took you from us.

Red reminds me how you sounded like a warrior to many Who could not comprehend the temper of your passionate heart We did not need to please them, you said, we have “us” Yes, that “us” thing was nothing but an imagination of our past

I have been through a lot of crossroads in my life. But I never forget you, and you’ll always be in my heart. I miss you and I love you so much. Words are not enough to thank you my Dearest Dad! JULY 2015

Courage To Sacrifice The Golden Girl By Tricia Blue

The red carpet is waiting And the lights are all sparkling Elegance is in the air Waiting for that simple golden girl She is too nervous to come out Full of doubt if everything’s all right Fear on her face has weakened in a glance Replaced by excitement in a short period of time What a beautiful surprise! Her family is standing outside All smiles and reaching for a hug To let her feel comfort and love Time is too precious for all Like a star in the sky at dawn A diamond that glitters everywhere And a heart that feels for the others Life is short as they say Fill it with love and bliss everyday No amount can buy you fame But a pure heart will make a difference

By Luis C. Maglanoc, CSO-BPM

Please excuse me for my sudden nostalgia Do I need a reason to let my emotions show? My expertise might not hear love’s aria, But permit my feelings for you to grow. Too far away, I tried to watch from a distance. Is this my sacrifice, my ultimate penance? I want to reach You but I’d rather not This heart bleeds from a terrible shot! Every line memorized, I want to sing You a song. With kisses in the air, tell me where I really belong? Where will I gain strength, to even know your Name. Felt so unworthy, this cycle is a vicious game! Yes, this is how I was before! Amazing, isn’t it to show You what I am now. Been through many changes in my sacred coure! Hurdled life’s challenges, I have won and how. Never shall I doubt my capacity and will. The shadow of my old self is absolutely nil! Be knowing, it was He who changed me. And I, a pawn for Him yet I am truly free! Everyone desires what they think is good for them. It is with this thought why we love so much! And as we end our prayers with a heartfelt “Amen”. You could feel His presence when your soul is touched.

Hues of Red

by Mary Grace O. Sze, Customer Service Support It is said we all have that fire within A kindling that God had put before we ever begin. It is of desire, pain; of ire and resolve Embedded in the spirit; a strong will to win. For some, the red hue gives rise to fear It is bloodshed, suffering and agony severe. While for others, the red is to be revered. Passion as fierce and danger is unfeared.

A deep crimson splashed across the breast Bravery and courage put to the test Marching onward, hearts pounding in the chest Perfectly still when laid to rest.

The color red denotes love for many One’s a-blush, the flushing of the cheeks The shade of a rose, a sweet memory Feather-light kiss on rouged lips.

The bold standout from the throng of ordinary As would a scarlet in a vast white sea. One would say it is a thing of beauty When it is primeval, strong and fiery.

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book review THE CASUAL VACANCY: WITH OR WITHOUT MAGIC By Mark Jason B. Teves, Cash Accounting & Assurance Division

ome people ask me about my process in choosing material to write about. Simple. Whatever compels me to write. It’s not always a matter of whether I like something or not. It can be a single admirable character (insert cuteness/hotness factor). I may hate an ending so much I just need to rant about it. It also can be construction. I am nowhere near the level of a bona fide grammarian, but from time to time, I feel like I appreciate other books because they are written more interestingly than others. I read because I want to feel. I write because I want to be felt. Now, this article is to sort out what there is to feel about J.K. Rowling’s “The Casual Vacancy.” Apart from this being her first major publication after the Harry Potter series, this is Ms. Rowling’s first venture in the adult novel genre. Imagine the hype that that entails. Can’t picture it? Hmmmm…..Visualize a fan base that bought more than 450 million books, salivating for something to sink their teeth into from her for at least five years since the release of HP 7 and more than a million pre-order placements. That’s what awaited this book. How can anything live up to that? Opting for a non-magical format, the book is set in a fictional town called Pagford, populated by regular people (or muggles - HP fans unite!). It is a place small enough for everyone to know everyone. It opens with the Death of Barry Fairbrother, a parish councilor and a well-known “good Samaritan.” It is this very simple jump-off point that links the affairs of every character in the novel (and there are a lot). The book veers toward a very political standpoint since the main issue that opens everything is the death of a town officer, leaving a seat in the assembly, thus the title, The Casual Vacancy (casual as in “by chance”). As for quality, I will say that J.K. Rowling is untarnished. The book is written just as good as any of her earlier works, if not better. The manner that the author changes from one character to another in the same single paragraph is just enviable. It’s like spooling different colored threads

in a single skein. She also made another good choice in handling the theme: what else would make a political issue intriguing but through a big, fat, red secret. How else could these things be elevated to another level than by putting this vat of big, fat, red secrets in public through the small town’s local website being accessed by practically everyone in Pagford. The wit in the HP series is very much present in this book. Its brand of observation is just so keen. These things however were not the lingering motifs for me. Finishing it, I cannot seem to place what I feel towards it. I know though that it is wrong that I started the book with the idea of categorizing Ms. Rowling as a children’s writer instead of simply a writer, one who can choose any material by heart and just go from there. It is relatively not vulgar to start a book with a description of a heavy man and how the male genitals would have been for those on the weightier side. To read it however from someone who has enthralled me with the idea of Hogwarts and chocolate frogs just felt quite uneven. Do not get me wrong. She has all the right to do so and she did. The book is pockmarked with others like rape, pornography, prostitution, self-cutting, public sex, student molestation and drug overdose. It’s like all the pent up ideas that she cannot put in the HP series were strewn in this book through the stream of cuss words and the mention of genitalia (both genders). Honestly and as much as I hate to say it because I am a huge fan, Ms. Rowling has left me wanting. What’s worse is that I do not want any more of the book because I know it cannot give me anything more. It felt hollow and as titled, vacant. The end leaves no character to root for. It just seemed really bleak. Is this how real life is? Is this the supposed transition to adulthood? A pointless, pitiless depiction? It’s like the author is saying: wanna see me write something without magic? Then read this. Writers have the right to choose their materials, yes but so does readers. If this is how real life is, I will gladly choose the magical world anytime. That is because I believe that real magic is found only in a life that has hope and redemption. This book has very little to none of it. CC:

JULY 2015