ACC:ESS March 2016

m a r c h 2 0 1 6

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PLDT GROUP

MARCH2016 NEWS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 02 PLDT Group, Meralco, Bayad Center launch one-stop-shop in Bacoor, Cavite 04 bicol region now has improved access to quality education 06 PLDT opens flagship store in Panabo, Davao del Norte

14 FEATURES////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 08 PLDT Media holds first ever basic journalis seminar 10 Tulong Kapatid turns over MVP Homes 12 PLDT, USAID, PDRF’s BREACH Building pathways towards hope 13 PLDT Media holds second executive media training 14 2016 MVP Olympics Fueling sparks of camaraderie and teamwork Cover Story 19 Celebrating National Women’s Month Cheers to the MVPO’s women athletes sidebar

02 REGULARS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 01 07 24 25

From the Editor Snapshots The Bandwagoner Life & ArtS

25 ABOUT THE COVER

PLDT again bagged the overall championship trophy in the recentlyconcluded 2016 MVP Olympics twice in a row. PLDT first won in the 2012 Olympics. Beyond any doubt, this certainly is a manifestation of the Company’s strong camaraderie and teamwork. Suffice it to say, it clearly demonstrates anew its brand of putting heart into everything it does – “Pusong PLDT” it is. Through outwardly showing the strength and the acts of valor, “Pusong PLDT” likewise determines a greater cause – one that is no longer anchored in the individuals’ courage and bravery alone but rather in the collective moments of togetherness brought about by efforts of a united team.

These efforts build camaraderie that leads to winning – not counting how many gold, silver, or bronze medals are won. It is rather the willingness to pursue a craft that holistically shapes individuals transcending into teams and treating one another like family.

Win as a team

MAILBAG

EDITORIAL

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8 golds. 13 silvers. 8 bronzes. 3 championships.

I’ve read somewhere that, “In unity, there is strength. In the strength of the unity, there is success.” The Tagalog translation actually speaks better to me: “Nasa pagkakaisa ang lakas, nasa lakas ng pagkakaisa ang tagumpay.”

Given the display of #PusongPLDT with this medal harvest in the 2016 MVP Olympics (MVPO), we can definitely say that company unity is stronger than ever.

It is noteworthy that many golds came from teams and not just individuals such as volleyball, bowling, and golf. The camaraderie between the employees and executives has also been often mentioned as an inspiring force among the athletes.

To borrow the words of PLDT Account Analyst Rysabelle Devanadera of the volleyball team: “Seeing a huge crowd rooting for us such as our officemates, supervisors, managers, and even our VPs was what truly kept me going.”

Not everybody can be a player, but the support shown by the whole PLDT community really spelled the difference in delivering this sweet success at the recent MVPO. Meanwhile, this group has always been tightly knit due to shared experiences and videoke nights under a unifying leader. But the recent completion of their Media Training further strengthened their bond as they learned together the rudiments of facing the media, especially during a crisis (which many of them face on a regular basis).

As zone heads representing the company in their respective areas, they are usually the ones invited to town halls and even press conferences of local government units which would likely have media coverage, particularly during service outages.

Their camaraderie was evidently unshakeable as one of their recommended projects after the workshop was a grand party for everyone!

As PLDT faces yet another challenging year, this unity will be put to a test. We can either rise together or fall in pieces. With our showing at the recent MVPO and our everyday relationships, I am hopeful that #PusongPLDT will prevail and emerge victorious.

ubscriber Crisalve Manzano sent an email to PLDT thanking Mandaluyong Cust Serv Oprns Zone Field Service Associate I Adrian M. Gesalta for his time, effort Gesalta and patience in installing subscriber’s WiFi router and telephone. “I have no idea what to do with most of my concerns but he has the initiative of helping me, which customers like me Palapal really deserve,” said Manzano. ************************** Subscriber Juan Carlos Gonzalez wrote to commend the very helpful and professional service rendered

by PLDT RCB Home Sales and Rosales Service Center Management Customer Service Assistant Ermelyn C. Palapal. “She was very helpful in expediting my PLDT HOME DSL line application that was delayed for a few weeks due to a communication problem,” Gonzalez said. “Palapal informed me that a PLDT technician will drop by five days after my visit at the business office.

I was very surprised that three days later, Jaypee Tabayoyong arrived (on a Sunday!) to install our modem at home.”

Gonzalez, thus, expressed his profuse thanks for the dedication and efforts exerted by Palapal and Tabayoyong. “We are now enjoying a faster and much stable internet connection at home. Kudos and keep up the good job,” Gonzalez said. ****************************************** For a job well done, customer Elizabeth Atilano commended PLDT Las PiñasAlabang Customer Service Operations Zone Field Service Engineer Resty A. Rosales regarding her telephone concerns. Atilano said she is really appreciative of the help extended by Rosales. CC:

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado

ACC:ESS is published monthly

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

Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515.

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

Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor

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

Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation Nonong F. Noriega Columnist

Carlo D. Gonzalez Archibald P. Marajas Graphic Design Contributors Paul Edward V. Alvarez, Melvin Artugue, Jan Lester E. Bisco, Raissa Buitizon, Noime Covacha, Fritz Justin C. Crisostomo, Edgar Dominic Diaz, Evelyn S. Espinosa, Pinky G. Lising, Luis C. Maglanoc, Grace S. Munchua, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, John Paul M. Soriano, Bienvenido N. Timoteo, Kristine Rivadelo, Marjory C. Sy

news

The new one-stop-shop facility at the Bacoor Government Center which serves the transaction requirements of residents includes the Bayad Center, PLDT Sales and Service Center, Sun Shop Satellite Branch, and Meralco Customer Center.

PLDT Group, Meralco, Bayad Center launch one-stop-shop in Bacoor, Cavite

By Olive O. Barrozo PLDT together with its mobile subsidiaries Smart Communications and Sun Cellular, the country’s largest power utility Meralco, and the pioneer and leader in the outsourced payment collection industry Bayad Center led the launch of the new one-stop-shop facility at the Bacoor Government Center (BGC) recently to serve the various transaction requirements of Bacoor City residents and neighboring areas in Cavite.

An initiative of the Bacoor City Government, the first serviceoriented payment and processing center in the country enables residents to conveniently conduct in one location their usual transactions, such as applying for PLDT, Meralco, Sun/ Smart services and paying for utility bills and other services.

BGC is a client of PLDT ALPHA through CRB

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Present during the ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the opening and blessing of the brand new facility are, from left, Bayad Center President and CEO Manny Tuason, Meralco SVP and Head of Customer Retail Services and Corporate Communications Al Panlilio, Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla, Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla, and PLDT HOME Operations Head Oscar Reyes Jr.

South Luzon Head Benedicto Perez, CRB Government Head Ino Mandapat, and Relationship Management Executive Arlyn del Prado who helped facilitate the realization of the onestop-shop project.

“The PLDT Sales and Service Center (SSC) in this facility is actually

the first in Bacoor City.

With the opening of this SSC, our subscribers in Bacoor who used to go to PLDT SSCs located in other towns in Cavite to make transactions will no longer have to do that, saving them time, effort, and money,” said PLDT HOME Operations Head Oscar Reyes Jr. “This will allow us to bring our service closer

to our subscribers, serve more communities, and improve customer experience.”

The PLDT SSC in Bacoor will accept new applications for PLDT products and services, including Telpad, Famcam, DSL, Ultera, and TVolution. It will also entertain inquiries, request for repair

and other after-sales services, and accept bills payment of existing and new subscribers.

The Sun Shop Satellite Branch in this one-stopshop will provide Smart and Sun’s existing and prospective subscribers access to postpaid line applications, bills payment, and prepaid transactions for both cellular and broadband services, ensuring that every value-seeking customer gets a convenient end-to-end experience of wireless services.

With the opening of the Meralco Customer Center in BGC, more than 120,000 Meralco customers in Bacoor now have an alternative site for filing inquiries and service application. It will also improve service application processing since necessary LGU permits may be secured from BGC and submitted to Meralco in just one visit.

“Meralco is very glad to be part of this partnership. This innovative concept of a one-stop-shop is a first among LGUs in the Philippines, and we are happy to support this worthy initiative,” said Meralco SVP and Head of Customer Retail Services and Corporate Communications Al Panlilio. “We hope to

put up more of these customer centers with other LGUs, as this is a perfect example of delivering better, more convenient service to our customers.”

Complementing the services of utility partners PLDT, Meralco, Smart and Sun and the government agencies at the BGC, Bayad Center extends its overthe-counter services, enabling customers to claim remittance from other provinces and abroad, reload their mobile phones, book their domestic or international flights, and even secure their CTPL and/or micro-insurance policies in one location.

“Bayad Center is owned

by Meralco and together with PLDT, Smart and Sun, we are part of a bigger group, the MVP Group of Companies. All of us are one in bringing the service closer to our customers,” said Bayad Center President and CEO Manny Tuason.

“Dito po sa Bayad Center, we don’t collect only for the top corporations but all the government agencies as well, such as SSS, Pag-Ibig, Philhealth, DFA, NBI, NSO, and more to come. Thank you to Mayor Strike Revilla for allowing us to bring our services closer to your constituents in Bacoor.”

CC:

With Mayor Strike Revilla, center, are PLDT ALPHA RM Arlyn del Prado and CRB Government Head Ino Mandapat.

PLDT HOME Operations Head Ren Ren Reyes with Cavite CSOZ Head Arnel Guinto, Luzon Customer Serv Operations District VP Gerry Castro, and Retail Store Project Coordinator Mar Aguilar, from left, respectively.

The PLDT Bacoor SSC team with HOME executives.

PLDT executives with Mayor Strike Revilla and Congresswoman Lani Mercado.

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Rev. Fr. Arvin Olivan blesses the classroom donated by PLDT to Colegio de Sta. Rita Foundation, Inc.

Bicol region now has improved access to quality education PLDT recently turned over two classrooms intended for the special education (SPED) pupils of Banquerohan Elementary School in Legazpi City. A one of a kind project for PLDT, the new classrooms will benefit at least 70 SPED pupils and teachers who, for the past years, have been utilizing the school’s makeshift structures for their daily classroom sessions.

Continuously supporting the propagation of quality education, the turnover was attended

by PLDT Community Relations Head and Consultant Evelyn M. del Rosario, Legazpi City Vice Mayor Vitto Roces, Department of Education-Legazpi City Schools Division Superintendent Dr Cecille Rivera, Motolite’s CSR Officer Connie Deligero and PBSP Luzon Regional Center Manager Kristine Rivadelo.

Grade 3 student Danica Mae Arias, who is visually-impaired, delivered a beautifully

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written poem extending her thanks on behalf of the classroom beneficiaries. “Hangad ko po lamang sa inyo maging bantayog ang gusaling puti at pulahan sa Mga lugar na lubos na nangangailangan…

Salamat, buong puso naming sinasambit…

Hinding-hindi ko malilimutan PLDT ay nariyan.”

A day earlier, another classroom was turned over to Colegio de Sta Rita in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. This is the second classroom donated by PLDT to help support the completion of its two-storey 24-classroom building.

Run by the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters led by its school directress, Sr. Irene Anapi, the school caters to students from average to poor households of the different barangays of Del Gallego.

PLDT’s support to the school is its response to improve accessibility to quality education through supporting private institutions

Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremonies during the turnover of a two-classroom building to Banquerohan Elementary School in Legazpi City, Albay are, from left: Legazpi City Vice Mayor Vittorio Roces, CESO V School Division Superintendent Cecille Bernadette Rivera, PLDT ComRel Head/Consultant Evelyn M.del Rosario, and Legazpi City Councilor Lilian Ramirez. Witnessing the event are St. Joseph the Worker Parish Priest Fr. Ronald J. Saculsan, Motolite CSR Officer Connie Deligero, PBSP Education Portfolio Manager Riza Verano with the school teachers/other guests.

to absorb pupils and students that could have been additional children for the public school system.

“Nothing can ever replace the beauty of learning,” Del Rosario said. “There is nothing more precious than the gift of education. Having the opportunity to give back to this young generation is one of PLDT’s main advocacies.

It fills our hearts with so much happiness, knowing that these two new classrooms will be fully utilized by these children.”

As of February 2016, PLDT has turned over 23 new classrooms that were made possible by its donation to the Motolite- Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Balik Baterya Program. PLDT

remains the biggest donor of the program with almost two million kilos of used lead-acid batteries amounting to P45 million. PLDT’s Balik Baterya projects range from classrooms donation to reading

corners and computer laboratories to urban road and drainage projects to reforestation projects in the Marikina Watershed. Kristine Rivadelo, PBSP Luzon Regional Center

PLDT ComRel Head /Consultant Evelyn M.del Rosario and Municipal Councilor, Del Gallego, Camarine Sur Rosendo Malinao lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the turnover of a classroom for the students of Colegio de Sta. Rita Foundation, Inc. Witnessing the simple ceremonies are: FAS, School Directress/ Principal, Sr. Irene C. Anapi, CSRFI; FAS School Treasurer and Registrar Sr. Cristy Digal; FAS , Sr. Armely Nieves, and School Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Arvin Olivan and other school teachers/guests.

SPED pupils happily pose in front of their newly-inaugurated classroom building at Banquerohan Elementary School. With them are, 1st row, from left: School Principal Elizabeth Lara, CID Chief Imelda Caunca, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Norma Samantela; Del Rosario, Rivera, CESO V; PBSP Luzon Regional Center Manager Kristine Rivadelo.

Second row, same order: PBSP staff Nilo Tunac, Brgy. Kgd. Joanna Valladolid, Deligero, Verano, GPTA President Maria Valladolid, Legazpi District VI Supervisor Zorayda Revelo, Rev. Fr. Saculsan, Roces, and Ramirez.

AGS named top SAP Business One partner of the year Leading business management solutions provider ABM Global Solutions (AGS) and global enterprise application software market leader SAP jointly enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country to operate more efficiently and seamlessly through business management software SAP Business One. SAP Gold Partner AGS bagged the Top Partner of the Year for Business One award in the recently concluded SAP Partners Kick-Off Meeting held at the Makati Shangri-La last March 9, 2016.

“This is another inspiration and motivation for us to do what we do best— optimizing businesses!

We thank SAP for this recognition. This would have not been possible if not for our valued clients.

We dedicate this award

AGS receives the award for Top Partner of the Year for SAP Business One from SAP. AGS is represented

by General Manager Luigi Lopa, and Country Sales Lead for SAP Business One Angel Denopol, 4th and 3rd from left. The award was handed over by Elaine Liew, SAP Asia’s Vice President for Global Channels and General Business for SAP Asia Pacific, 2nd from left, and Aldo Sanico, SAP Philippines’ Channel Sales Manager.

to them,” Angel Denopol, AGS Country Sales Lead for SAP Business One shared.

Also present to receive the award for AGS was General Manager Luis Ignacio A. Lopa. “This award will serve as a constant reminder for us to continue driving the business of our clients forward by providing them value-creating ERP such as SAP Business One. I am very thankful for this recognition and

I am certain that this award will push us to work harder and deliver quality implementation and support services to our clients with our trusted partner — SAP,” said Lopa.

The SAP Partners kick-off meeting is an annual event held

by SAP Philippines to present the roadmap of the company and its solutions and to give recognition to its outstanding partners.

This year’s event was attended by other value added resellers (VARs) of SAP in the Philippines and executives from SAP Asia. CC:

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PLDT inaugurated its Sales and Service Center (SSC) in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, the first flagship store in Mindanao, offering state-of-theart facilities that will enable subscribers and visitors in the area to directly experience the latest PLDT products and services.

“We are glad to open this new flagship store in Panabo, the first mall-based SSC in Davao that will aid in servicing the telecoms and multimedia requirements of PLDT subscribers in the province,” said PLDT HOME Cust Care Strategy & Performance Mgt Head Weng Aquino.

“Like our flagship stores in other areas of the country, the Panabo SSC embodies the retail store

PLDT opens flagship store in Panabo, Davao del Norte concept while offering a redefined customer care experience for subscribers and visitors.”

Located at the ground floor of the Gaisano Grand Mall of Panabo, the new PLDT SSC features the Video Wall and the 32” Interactive Table with its custommade PLDT games and apps that can keep both adults and children busy while waiting for their turn to transact business at the counter.

It also contains the Infotouch, the HD-quality 24” touchscreen monitor where subscribers can learn more about PLDT products and make transactions such as bill inquiries and repair requests, among others, from its user-friendly and well-designed digital interface.

Offering state-of-the-art facilities for subscribers and visitors, PLDT’s first flagship store in Mindanao is conveniently located at the ground floor of the Gaisano Grand Mall of Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

“Although we have been serving our Panabo subscribers for the past 28 years in another location, we have now transferred to Gaisano Grand Mall, one of the largest shopping mall chains in the entire Philippines. The main thrust moving forward is to bring the PLDT SSCs closer to the customers thereby enabling them to conveniently access our

products and services as they visit the malls to shop, watch movies, dine, and meet with friends,” said PLDT HOME SSC and Retail Mgt VP Paolo Lopez. “With its stylish, comfortable interior and cozy atmosphere, this PLDT SSC will be providing a very refreshing experience to Panabo subscribers.”

Olive O. Barrozo

Shown at the blessing and inauguration of the new flagship store in Panabo are PLDT HOME SSC and Retail Mgt VP Paolo Lopez, HOME Cust Care Strategy & Performance Mgt Head Weng Aquino, HOME SSC Management Head Anna Fernando, and Fr. Edwin Casa, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th, from left, respectively. With them are HOME CC & SS Strategy’s Gladies Caylao and Jhoycee Simbulan, extreme left and right, respectively.

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snapshots

PSF, Bernidos support 8 professionals in Semana de Trabajo Inspired to contribute to nation-building through the promotion of technology, PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) President Esther Santos, in partnership with the Bernidos, designed the Semana de Trabajo program for experts from different universities to gather and focus their passion and energy on an agreed topic. Themed “Large N Analytics: where N represents the number of data points in a set,” this year’s focus was on Big Data, acknowledging its potential of this technology to transform businesses and, at the same time, address the shortage of skills in this area. Standing 6th from left, PSF President Esther Santos joins partners from Bernidos and eight participants from different universities during the Semana de Trabajo program.

EmpDev head speaks during medical practitioners’ forum An enthralled audience of medical practitioners all over the country have undergone their own personality check-up to uncover individual temperaments. Through an interactive exercise peppered with hard hitting and humorous simulations, physicians were enlightened on behaviors of peers in the profession, fellow employees in organizations, hospital staff, patients and even families. This talk delivered by EmpDev AVP Nonong F. Noriega became one of the highlights of the 38th Annual Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Inc. (PCOM). This is the second time Noriegahas been invited to lead a plenary learning session for this convention, the first time being last year. Shown here in photo during the appreciation rites with Noriega, center, following his overwhelming talk are, from left: National Director Dr. Gilbert B. Gille, National Vice President/Overall Convention Chair Dr. Ricardo T. Balagot, National President/ Honorary Overall Convention Chair Dr. Oscar B. Santiano, and National Director/ Scientific Program Chair Dr. Edmyr M. Macabulos.

ComRel consultant/head receives Cebu mayor’s special award PLDT Community Relations Consultant and Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario was recently given a special award by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama in recognition of her achievements as an effective community relations officer responsible for financially supporting the Sinulog Foundation community outreach programs and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. The award was conferred to Del Rosario on the occasion of Cebu City’s 79th charter day anniversary.

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feature Learning the basics:

PLDT Media hosts

basic journalism seminar The Standard City Editor Joyce Pañares talks about the significance of news writing in delivering accurate information to readers as well as emphasizing the importance of writing leads in attracting readers.

By Katrina A. Mallari

I

t takes a great deal of patience and an openness to learn to be able to gain more knowledge and skills, despite today’s ever-changing world. With the turnout of events happening in a day, it is possible for people to find different ways in understanding things happening around them.

By looking at things in a different light, one is able to perceive them anew and come up with even better ways of identifying particular coincidences.

As a way of looking things in a different lens, PLDT Media recently held a basic journalism seminar for communications specialists with a pre-work training entitled, “Basic Photography Workshop” that aims to aid communications specialists from various PLDT groups and business units with the necessary tools in capturing great photos. Creative director Manny Angeles and senior lecturer Ador Pamintuan from Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) tackled the basic skills in photography during the pre-work seminar.

Both Angeles and Pamintuan emphasized that the best camera is

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Seminar participants head to Binondo for their practical training in photojournalism as facilitated by The Philippine Daily Inquirer Photo Editor Rem Zamora.

the one that an individual has with them at the time they are to capture a particular moment or object.

Communicate what words can’t Pamintuan describes a good photograph as having the ability to truly express the photographer’s intention and communicate what words cannot.

“A good photograph must be able to engage the viewer, generate sympathy and empathy, depending on what the photograph entails,” Pamintuan said. “A good

photograph must also be able to ‘retain’ itself, allowing other interpretations and meanings to unfold.”

Pamintuan facilitated trainings on both workshop days. The first practical training includes the participants’ test of skills involving a panning shot, capturing moving vehicles and motorists. The second practical training includes the over-all principles learned from the workshop, which include ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

Senior Lecturer Ador Pamintuan of FPPF teaches one of the participants during one of the after session consultations.

Conferring the awards to winning participants is PLDT Media Division Head Jay-Anne Encarnado, 3rd from left. The winners are, from left: James Dilag, Tes Santiago and Archie Marajas.

Social media expert Ederic Eder of GMA Network expounded on some social media features and principles that are relevant today.

Due to the concept of making things go viral, Eder suggested for people to truly think about the things they say and do online, emphasizing accountability in handling their respective social media accounts.

Voyager Innovations’ Video Content Supervisor Jason Domantay talks about the importance of mobile video for online posting, especially in today’s technologically advanced world.

Four parts The seminar is a four-part lecture session consisting of photojournalism, social media, mobile video for online posting, and news writing.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer photo editor Rem Zamora discussed the importance of visual storytelling in photojournalism. Much like art, visual storytelling entails a three-photo story consisting of wide, medium, and close-up shots. Zamora said that a good photograph is one that ultimately moves you. “A good photograph tells a story,” Zamora said. “It tells something about life. It makes you stop, think, and ponder.”

Voyager Innovations video content supervisor Jason Domantay shared his expertise in providing mobile video content for online posting, emphasizing the need to tell a story while capturing the attention of a particular audience.

In facilitating the mini-contest for “most liked”, “most commented”, and “most shared” videos on Facebook, Domantay based the winning videos on its authenticity, the ability for the medium to connect to viewers, and its visual appeal and aesthetics.

The Standard City Editor Joyce Pañares taught the participants the basics of news writing, discussing the elements of news which include timeliness, proximity, prominence, consequence, impact, or relevance, human interest or emotion, conflict, and novelty or oddity. Pañares also shared the

Smart Public Affairs’ Kat Rubio captures moving vehicles and motorists for the panning shot practical activity.

concept of the inverted pyramid in writing a news story with the lead paragraph in the beginning, the more important information about the topics to be found in the middle of the story and the less essential details to be seen in the end.

In learning the basics, one more often than not take a step back from what we already know and open our minds to what is yet to be unraveled by the new set of knowledge and skills one has yet to gain. It is in knowing that one has many more things to learn that one truly enables himself to jump in every possibility of self-growth. CC:

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The Resiliency of the Filipino Spirit

Tulong Kapatid turns over

MVP Homes

By Katrina A. Mallari

The 266 MVP Homes

by TulongKapatid are disaster-resilient, withstanding 250 kph of wind during storm.

T

he human spirit in itself is a mystery. It The Añascos share a sweet creates innumerable kiss while standing in front of pathways towards their new home. building back better.

The establishment government of Davao of the MVP Homes Oriental, formally turned

by Tulong Kapatid over 266 housing is an embodiment units to the families of such resilience rendered homeless — the indefatigable when Typhoon Pablo spirit that truly devastated the province MVP Homes beneficiaries stand with executives during the ceremonial turn-over of the houses. forms character, the in December 2012. ability to open new Gennaline, 38, Estelito’s wife, said, chapters, and re-write new stories.

The five-hectare resettlement “We lived with two other families site in Barangay Lambajon that inside that truck. We did everything Estelito Añasco, 47, a fisherman, was donated by the provincial we could to help each other. We had stands in the middle of his new government was developed with to survive.” home. He pushes the curtains of the assistance of the PLDT-Smart the left room to the side and beams, Foundation (PSF) with support from The three Añasco boys were “This is where my three children all Tulong Kapatid organizations, playing outside by the tree. A sleep.” Car toys fill the entire room namely: TV5’s Alagang Kapatid hopeful Estelito looked at his with soft, colored blankets piled up Foundation, One Meralco children reveling in the daylight. on the far right corner of the room.

Foundation, First Pacific Leadership “Now that we have this new home, Academy, MPIC Foundation, First we only wish for our children Four years ago, the Añascos lived Pacific, North Luzon Expressway, to grow up well and finish their in a humbled down old nipa hut Makati Medical Center Foundation, education. That is our hope.” until Typhoon Pablo left them with Philex Group Foundation, Inc. and a ramshackle of a house. Estelito Maynilad.

The making of the new MVP Homes narrates the devastating aftermath MVP Tulong Kapatid, the corporate of Typhoon Pablo, retelling the story Aside from the provincial social responsibility consortium of having lived inside a big truck government, Tulong Kapatid’s of the companies led by MVP in just so they could survive. partners in this project included D.M. partnership with the provincial Consunji, Inc. (DMCI), the National

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Housing Authority (NHA), and Philippine Constructors Association (PCA).

Immediately after the typhoon, Tulong Kapatid deployed relief teams to the hardest hit areas and then raised over P100 million in donations through a telethon program in cooperation with the Alagang Kapatid Foundation and through a text donation campaign done by Smart and Sun Cellular.

At the suggestion of Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, who chaired the government task force coordinating relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims of Typhoon Pablo, Tulong Kapatid decided to use the funds raised via the telethon for the construction of a model resettlement site.

In line with the Movement’s objectives, Tulong Kapatid adopted innovative approaches in designing and building the resettlement project. For example, the design for the housing units exceeded the usual specifications for social housing.

Each MVP Home housing unit stands within a 60 square-meter lot with a 26.8 square-meter floor plan area. The houses are built duplex-style – rather than as bunk houses – with each unit equipped with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen. They are designed to withstand up to 250 kph winds.

Overseeing its technical aspect, PLDT and Smart engineers and architects dedicated their services for the design and technical monitoring of the MVP Homes housing project.

PSF President Esther Santos said all the partners worked doubly hard to realize this endeavor.

“From the companies under the MVP Tulong Kapatid to our partners – DMCI, NHA, PCA, and

Collaborating with other Tulong Kapatid members,

Every family has a chance to start anew in the MVP Homes Village

by TulongKapatid. Seen here is a family riding a tricycle which they also use as their source of income.

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, PSF Vice Chairman Napoleon Nazareno, Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon, PSF President Esther Santos, PSF Trustee Rene Bañez, and DMCI President and COO Jorge Consunji pose for a souvenir shot with the MVP Homes as background.

“Working hand in hand with the provincial government of Davao Oriental, we have turned this tragedy into an opportunity to ‘build back better’ by helping set up a disaster-resilient community,” said, Pangilinan who is the Chairman and CEO of PLDT and Smart.

Building back better In the aftermath of the storm, Gov. Malanyaon launched the ‘Building Back Better Movement’ to provide strategic direction for the rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in the province.

“Building Back Better started as a promise to the people of Davao Oriental – of the three towns namely Boston, Cateel, and Baganga,” Malanyaon says. “But Building Back Better, through the MVP Homes, is now truly a symbol of hope. It is a venue where each family can plan for the future and build on their children’s dreams.”

PSF ensured that the resettlement site is equipped with all the necessary utilities. Electric power was provided by the Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO) with the assistance of the One Meralco Foundation (OMF).

Water filtration devices from Maynilad were also distributed during the first phase of house construction.

Land development was taken care of by NHA, while the provincial government handled the provision of the water and waste system and land acquisition. The construction of all 266 houses and the community clinic was funded

by Tulong Kapatid.

Makati Medical Center, through its partner organization Makati Shangri-La provided medical clinic equipment/instruments and furniture for the community health clinic.

the provincial government of Davao Oriental – everyone really took part in turning this project into a reality,” Santos said. “We hope that this will be a stepping stone for the beneficiaries to start anew and make wonderful beginnings.”

While the MVP Homes can withstand 250-kilometer per hour winds, the architecture of the community itself can withstand life’s challenges, ad infinitum.

It is the gentle soul amidst the struggle, the iridescent display of character despite one’s darkest hour, and the relentless pursuit of a better tomorrow that gave every resident in Barangay Lambajon, Baganga Davao Oriental the courage to start anew. These houses are a semblance of what it means to build back better – not simply because of its concrete walls and firm foundation, but because of the ability to constantly find hope in the dustiest corners of a devastatingly painful tragedy.

It is through this that the spirit becomes resilient, and it moves along through life with bravery stitched in every inch of one’s body. CC:

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Measuring 18 square meters, the butterfly houses are made from 100% recycled materials. The materials used were eco-boards, which were made of 80% plastic and 20% aluminum. Withstanding an estimated 195 kph of winds during storms, these innovative housing units are both fire-proof and water-proof.

PLDT, USAID, PDRF’S BREACH Transitional Houses in Tacloban

Building pathways towards hope

By Katrina Mallari

W

ith the continuous relocation efforts of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and the Tacloban Local Government Unit (LGU) through the generous support of USAID, despite the challenges brought by land access issues, availability of basic services, mobility and economic opportunities, the transitional housing project in Barangay Suhi, Tacloban Leyte was finally turned over to 44 families.

PLDT has turned over 30 butterfly houses, known as the “Village of Joy,” in Tacloban, Leyte for the benefit of the families who were victims of Superyphoon Yolanda.

Starting out as a “Sack of Joy” project initiated by Group Human Resources Head Butch Jimenez, the “House of Joy” project is the PLDT employees’ response in providing aid to the Typhoon Yolanda victims in Tacloban. With a minimum of P150 as donation, the “House of Joy” project encourages employees to donate for a “brick” of the house. An estimated 1,800 employees engaged in the project, resulting in the establishment of 30 butterfly houses.

Jimenez expresses his gratitude to the thousands of employees who made the “House of Joy” project a real success. “It really is a testament to Pusong PLDT,” Jimenez said. “This would not have happened without the support of thousands of PLDT employees and Group Heads that

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have embraced the campaign. We will call the village, the PLDT Village and the different groups that have raised money for the houses will be recognized.”

Under the PDRF and USAID’s joint housing project, families in Leyte are being helped to get back on their feet through the Building Resilient and Economically Adept Communities and Households (BREACH) which supports the development of transitional communities with provisions for individual shelter units, access to basic services, transport system to facilitate mobility of goods, people, and economic opportunities, and capability building on disaster preparedness for the beneficiary community.

PDRF President Butch Meily notes the importance of this project in seeing remarkable changes in Tacloban. “Nagbabago na ang Tacloban. Sana itong project na ito ay maging daan para sa inyong mga pangarap.”

USAID Office of Economic Development and Governance Deputy Chief Stephen Andoseh emphasizes the importance of its collaborative project with PDRF as well as its renowned partners and the Tacloban LGU in bringing about a successful growth and change in Tacloban. “It is very important to us representing the US government that we can partner with very capable local organizations in the business of advancing development work in the Philippines,” Andoseh said.

Surging with overwhelming joy,

initial beneficiaries during the turnover ceremony of certificates of ownership also received buckets containing a few household necessities such as the PLDT 2016 tent calendar, dipper, small sack of rice, and small shovel.“Napakalaking ginhawa ito para sa amin.

Malaking halaga ‘yung nabigay sa amin na libreng house and lot,” Nenita Tiu, who was among the initial beneficiaries, said.

PDRF also launched various facilities that aid communities in developing better health systems as well as its disaster preparedness. Last February 8, PDRF launched the Multi-Purpose Hall and Evacuation Center at San Jose Central School, which is a venue of onstage training of the early language literacy and numeracy program cascading from Kinder to Grade 3 students, used by a total of 120 teachers for eight consecutive Fridays.

Two e-health centers were also launched on February 15 and 16 at Naval, Biliran and Tacloban, Leyte.

Through a mobile and video conferencing platform, these e-health units target to serve communities within the disasterstricken region, and offer free medical consultation services, diagnosis, and early treatment of diseases. These e-health centers are in partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), the Makati Medical Center Foundation (MMCF), and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).CC:

Participants and organizers pose together with PLDT Head of Public Affairs Mon Isberto, standing, fifth from right.

Spotlight on APD and CSOZ Heads:

PLDT Media holds second executive media training

By Sarah G. Azucena-Reodica

I

n an age where simple events can easily be amplified into an issue, wise is the executive who knows how to utilize different media platforms to his advantage.

With many years of experience as one of the Company’s prominent faces, it is only fitting for PLDT Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Mon Isberto to share personal insights and pointers to the group.

PLDT Media Division Head Jay-Anne Encarnado passes on her expertise in PR and communications in creating an effective communications plan.

The group pose together with Damn Good Advice, the facilitators of the Executive Media Training.

This is why PLDT Media, together with the help of PLDT Vice President for CSOM/Home Sales and Distribution Marco Borlongan, and PLDT Vice President and Head of Organizational Development Alexander “Deng” Kibanoff, mounted a specialized media training for Asset Protection Division (APD) and Customer Service and Operations Zone (CSOZ) Heads.

With interactive discussions led by veteran print journalists, broadcast reporters and social media specialists, the two-day training course was packed with learnings and insights from the experts themselves.

Filled with collaborative workshops on crafting key messages and communication plans, to mock “ambush” interviews and even mock social media “bashing”, the Executive Media Training armed its participants with the know-how in managing crisis situations and more. After the training, these deputies of the Company—the APD and CSOZ Heads—now possess the media-savvy that is required to communicate the goals and programs of PLDT to its stakeholders. CC:

PLDT CSOZ Heads Arnel Hernandez of Bulacan, Boyet Dizon of Bicol, and Mike Mejia of Laguna put their learnings to the test during mock interviews.

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cover story

ari

a A. Mall

By Katrin

M

uch has been said about the heart – its intricacies and its constant motion of pumping blood to the vessels. But more than anything, the heart has been most people’s pillar of strength – the way one would beat his fist against his thumping heart out of sheer excitement. And upwards it goes – pointing way above the clouds and up to the sky – to a God who made everything possible for him. That’s what the heart does – turning weaknesses into strengths, creating memories kept inside treasured boxes hidden in the most precious box of all – the heart.

Through outwardly showing strength and the acts of valor, the

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heart determines a greater cause – one that is no longer anchored in an individual’s courage and bravery alone but in collective moments of togetherness brought about by efforts of a united team. These collective efforts build camaraderie and it is through this that one ultimately wins – not because of the quantity represented by any gold, silver, or bronze. But the willingness to pursue a craft that holistically shapes individuals transcending into teams and treating one another like family.

Back-to-back champions Clad in red, the PLDT contingent gathered together as they awaited the results of the MVP Olympics. The PLDT crowd made up of executives

and employees grooved to the music playing in the field as they raised their glow sticks and red balloons. It was an unceasingly overwhelming feeling of support — the winning spirit exuded by every individual in red and white, the genuine smiles they carried around that hang in their lips as they speak of moments that have happened during the MVP Olympics.

Hailed as over-all champions twice in a row, PLDT has dominated the 2016 MVP Olympics. Garnering a total of 28 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 8 bronze medals, PLDT has won the over-all championship three times. The first time was in 2010 and the second time was in 2014.

After 12 days of passion, relentless effort, and bringing together over 2,000 athletes within a roster of 23 different companies under the umbrella of the MVP Group to take part in 50 different sports and other events, the 2016 MVP Olympics officially came to a close last March 5 at the Meralco grounds.

PLDT Employee Relations Head Angelica Dela Cruz talks about some of the highlights during the 2016 MVP Olympics. Citing that despite the challenge of having to top the excellent performance done back in 2014, this year’s athletes proved that with hard work and determination, it is truly possible to achieve one’s goal. “Each time we get a medal is a highlight in the MVP Olympics. With 28 Golds 13 Silvers and 8 bronzes, that is the highest medal count a company got in the history of the MVP Olympics,” Dela Cruz said. “Other highlights are the PLDT Broadband retaining the title winning 4 golds in a row as well as the PLDT Cheerdance team finally breaking the Meralco winning streak and the Company’s first time to win the gold. Both Ladies and Men’s Volleyball teams got the gold for the first time after always ranking second to either Maynilad or Meralco. Finally, there is also the Basketball Team beating Meralco twice. This is a first since ESAP days.”

“Our Ttrack and Field team dominated the Meralco tracks. The band was also so far ahead of the other company bands. They really did play like professionals. And of course, the Bowling Teams have always given us our first medals in the competition – both golds,” Dela Cruz added.

MVP Sports Foundation President Al S. Panlilio underscored the message

Hailed as over-all champions twice in a row, PLDT has dominated the 2016 MVP Olympics.

Garnering a total of 28 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 8 bronze medals, PLDT has won the over-all championship three times. The first time was in 2010 and the second time was in 2014. of solidarity that has enabled each one to truly achieve anything they have set their hearts and minds to.

“We have shown solidarity in every game,” Panlilio said. “Our collective strength as seen in our passion emboldens us to be who we can really be. With our isang puso, we become one in mind, action, and spirit. In the next MVP Olympics, we can only hope to be better, dream bigger, and strive for better victories.”

MVP congratulated the athletes and the people behind the successful 2016 MVP Olympics. “I would like to have my thanks in all of the 2,000 athletes and of course, the organizers particularly to Roy Evalle and his team,” Pangilinan said. “I understand that First Pacific Leadership Academy has been re-appointed to host the next MVP Olympics. Congratulations and see you in the next two years.”

Winning 13 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals, Maynilad was hailed as first runner-up, followed by Meralco ranking second runner-up with 6 gold, 16 silver and 15 bronze medals.

All out cheer, a winning spirit A crowd that cheers out loud with

All-out support is displayed by Company employees during the Olympics

all their might and heart is vital in any competition. It is through their relentless spirit of camaraderie and support that paved the way for every athlete to thrive. By continuously embarking on a path towards becoming a great support system for a team that holds on to every decibel of a cheer, the crowd manifested the heart of what it is to embody a winning spirit.

After rounds of intense matchups and hard-hitting spikes, PLDT Account Analyst Rysabelle Devanadera and her team brought home a gold medal for PLDT after being hailed as champions of the women’s volleyball. Devanadera attributed it to the inspiration that sprang forth from a widespread audience made up of PLDT executives and colleagues.

“Seeing a huge crowd rooting for us such as our officemates, supervisors, managers and even our VPs was what truly kept me going,” Devanadera said. “Likewise, when you have great camaraderie among your teammates, you get inspired to give your best shot. With cooperation and teamwork as a whole we are standing towards reaching our goal which is to focus our mindsets into never settling for anything less. That is how we rise together.”

Bagging a gold medal for the Company, women’s track and field athlete and PLDT Account Analyst Jennyrose Rosales shared the same sentiments. Undoubtedly, the PLDT teamwork and camaraderie within the Company are true testaments of how collective efforts can hit a winning streak. “I came to witness the teamwork among different teams during the MVP Olympics. I cannot be any more proud and fulfilled that I was part of this event,” Rosales said.

“Among the crowd’s loudest cheers, PLDT’s strength and cooperation

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were visible in each game. We didn’t settle for mediocrity. As PLDT employees and athletes in the MVP Olympics, we have always strived our best for the team and for the Company.”

the over-all camaraderie of the PLDT employees that you can sense the support of the crowd for every athlete,” Katigbak said. “The spirit of wanting to be the ‘champion’ was very much felt.”

Prayer as an integral aspect of winning Winning a silver medal for the executive golf category, PLDT VP for Enterprise Service Assurance Management Gene De Guzman related his experience on how prayer has been an integral aspect of winning. For De Guzman, knowing that everything one does is for the greater glory of God gives one an opportunity to be at peace and simply do one’s best. “Prior to actual tee time, we took time to huddle together and discuss a few mandatory pointers that we needed to take note of. It also gave us the opportunity to say a short prayer – “Amaze us Lord with the results of our game”,” De Guzman said.

“I was pretty nervous at the first four holes of the tournament; very tentative with my game, trying to avoid mistakes. I had a certain fear in my heart that we might be “shut out” of the medal race. But then I remembered our prayer.”

Embodying Pusong PLDT Pusong PLDT was made alive by every athlete, employee, and executive in the entire duration of the MVP Olympics. Embodying Pusong PLDT was never solely about becoming champions, but it is the process one has gone through in order to become one.

With a courageous heart, anything is possible. But with a team that beats bravery, passion, and dedication, greater things could be achieved.

Taking home a gold medal for executive cosplay, PLDT VP and Head for Corporate Relationship Management Prescy Katigbak banked on the camaraderie between the crowd and athletes as a way to strengthen the athletes’ morale and thrive to be better. “It was through

Taking part in bringing yet another gold for PLDT, men’s volleyball athlete and Account Analyst Ron Galang regarded Pusong PLDT as one’s pride. Pusong PLDT is the love we have for the Company. It is the things that we do in our work – all the sacrifices, satisfaction and victory during our games and trainings,” Galang said. “It is the support we got from everyone.

Because of the good relationship between our colleagues, we treated each other like family and offered everything we do for the greater glory of God. These are the core of our foundation – the reason why we have a heart of a champion, the Pusong PLDT!”

Apues described Pusong PLDT as being well-dedicated, passionate, and having the willingness to do certain sacrifices and exert efforts for the Company. Rosales shared the same sentiments saying, “Pusong PLDT is playing with dedication for the Company. One does not only strive for the best, but rather, one hopes to be the best.”

On the other hand, De Guzman said Pusong PLDT is simply believing in the Company – through ups and downs and all the in-betweens.

“For me,” De Guzman said, “it is #webelieveinpldt.”

So, what makes a heart worthy to be called a champion? It’s the understanding that while one may be able to do wonderful things alone, it is even better to stand by a team that can achieve far better things. It is the notion of having been able to master one’s craft in solitude, but the equal notion of creating boundless ties that will transcend a lifetime.

A heart of a champion does fairly well as it nestled in an individual’s core. But often, as it is fueled by the sparks of camaraderie, togetherness, and teamwork, the heart of a champion can do so much more. CC:

As he brought home a gold for PLDT, men’s track and field athlete Abdul

PLDT HEROES’ OATH I am a PLDT athlete, the training schedule and practices.

I commit to hone my skills and adhere with exercise and good healthy diet.

I will take care of my health with good daily because I believe e advic h’s coac I will follow my of the team. that and good own my for is it ard of sportsmanship and fair play.

I will always be guided by the highest stand co-employees who are I will dedicate my games as service to my honor. counting on me to raise PLDT’s flag with . I will serve PLDT and its stakeholders First and foremost, I am a PLDT employee example to other employees. by doing my best at work and show good mitment, Service and Innovation.

Com of s I will keep in mind and practice the value games, ributing my best efforts to both work and I will aspire to be the best I can be – cont with, play and rs I work making sure I am a true team player to othe innovation at all times. and ce, servi t, itmen comm ting nstra demo O. I am a PLDT athlete, therefore I am a HER .

PLDT I am proud of my PUSONG

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DODGEBALL DARTS

DANCESPORT

FOOTBALL

TABLE TENNIS

Varied display of emotions in the photos during the 12-day MVPO.

MUSE

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BASKETBALL

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL

LAWN TENNIS

EXECUTIVE COSPLAY

ATHLETICS

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Celebrating Wome

n’s Month

Cheers to the MVPO ’s Women Athletes!

By Olive O. Bar

S

ports teach us some of the valuable lessons in life. We can learn from the athletes who participated in the recentlyconcluded MVP Olympics where PLDT emerged over-all champion for the third time. Of the 28 gold medal haul, more than half were won by women who worked just as hard as the other players to attain the most coveted gold in their respective games. As we celebrate the National Women’s Month this March, Access Magazine is featuring five of the lady athletes who formed part of the teams that contributed to the gold medal tally.

Defeating the big white wall Garnering the top slot in lawn tennis mixed doubles with Gary Dujali, HOME marketing director, is Trudy Gine Amoranto, analyst at the policies and procedures development division. She began playing the sport at four years old in a summer camp and has gotten hooked to the game since then: “Unlike most kids who watch cartoons, I preferred tennis.

And unlike most kids who asked their parents to read them their favorite bedtime stories, I asked my dad to read me the biography of Serena Williams, Martina Hingis or Monica Seles,” relates Trudy.

rozo

“When I was five, my parents got separated. But I still continued to play tennis every day, against a big white wall near our house.

Looking back, I don’t know why I did that – maybe at that age, there was something about tennis that I really enjoyed. When I was eight, I asked my mom if I can join tournaments.

joining tournaments. But I still continued to play tennis every day after school, against the same white wall.”

One day in 2001, a tennis parent saw her playing and told the Philippine tennis team coach, “I saw a really tanned young girl playing tennis. She grunts like Monica Seles.” The tennis coach said, “Bring me that girl.” Thus, she started to play tennis for the very first time with a coach.

Trudy considers joining her first international tournament in Malaysia in 2002, where she bagged four medals, the turning point in her tennis career. The years 2003 to 2008 saw her travelling to 32 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, to compete for the Philippines.

Trudy Amoranto

Unfortunately, for two straight years, I did not win any match.

So my mom got discouraged. She wanted me to stop competing. As we all know, tennis is such an expensive sport (especially for a single mom of two). So I stopped

Diligence and determination led her to the highest rank in the national juniors division (12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under). She reached the top 600 of the world junior ranking and became the number eight women’s singles player of the Philippines in 2007, and the number one women’s doubles player of the Philippines in 2009.

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Homeschooled from 1st to 4th year high school as she participated in international tennis matches, Trudy went to De La Salle University for college where she was a University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) player for four seasons.

Despite having an impressive 45 tennis-related medals and trophies at home – the MVPO 2016 gold is the 46th in her collection – the 25-year-old tennis star, who shapes up for the games by jogging and walking every other day if not everyday, says tennis is not really a passion for her but “more of an opportunity to be able to give God glory and honor. The skill of being able to compete as a tennis player is only through God and with God, and should only be for God.” Apart from playing, Trudy also works as a coach: “My future plans as a tennis player is no longer centered on improving my tennis skills but more on sharing these skills to aspiring tennis players and enthusiasts.”

Attached to volleyball Like Trudy, steadfast volleyball player Maruja Banaticla has been engaged in her sport for more than half her life: “I can’t imagine myself without volleyball.

Volleyball enabled me to get a scholarship from high school to college to graduate school at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST).”

She has been playing for her schools, starting with Banlic Elementary School in Calamba City, Laguna to the UST high school and college. Also a UAAP player, she was part of the team that competed with other Asian universities in Thailand in 2012.

An inherent talent could have connected her to the sport which none of her relatives played.

Her interest in volleyball started in grade school when she watched older children playing in the schoolyard. She must have followed the game with great seriousness because she was eventually invited to join the team.

What followed was an endless round of trainings. “My grade school volleyball coach taught me the basic skills, later on improved

by Coach Francis Vicente in high

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Maru Banaticla

Photo by Jan Lester Bisco

school and continued by Coach Shaq Delos Santos in college.”

Maru is not quite sure of her medal count: “I’ve been playing volleyball for quite a long time already, I haven’t counted the medals. I won some of them when I was still in high school, some in college and graduate school, both for indoor and beach volleyball.”

Inspired by her dad who advises her “to do well in trainings so I can likewise excel in the games,” she also acknowledges Coach Roger “who keeps on pushing each and every one of us in the team to give our best in every game.”

This analyst at the financial systems and controls division considers being part of the PLDT volleyball champion team as “my best achievement so far since this was my first MVPO experience.”

Her most memorable moment took place when her team scored the last point at the championship match: “I saw how the PLDT employees were supporting, cheering, and screaming their hearts out to show how proud they are as employees of PLDT. It was heartwarming!”

Owning the dance floor Winning the gold for dancesport – Latin Discipline Grade C consisting of chacha, rumba, and jive was an emotional moment for Jocelyn Feliciano, bid and offer executive of corporate bid & offer management 2: “I was super happy that I cried. The months of training finally paid off!

Nothing beats the ecstatic feeling

of winning gold.” This was her initial foray into dancesport and, with partner Jan Jan Eledana, they won the glorious gold.

Asked to describe her feelings while performing at the competition, Joy says, “I felt like I owned the dance floor during the contest. Though there were other competitors, it seemed to me that my partner and I were the only ones dancing.”

To keep fit for the competition, Joy and Jan Jan had to rehearse their dances around six times a week and strictly followed a healthy diet.

Dancing has always been a passion: “I started loving dance since I was a kid, actually trying most of the different genres including cheer, modern, and folk dances. In college, I did a little dancesport but I was more focused on cheerdance then. My first formal training was during

Joy Feliciano, right, with dance partner Jan Jan Eledana

PLDT’s Project FAME: Dancing with the Stars in June 2015.”

Joy was member of the PLDT Cheerdance that bagged the silver medal in 2014. She also plays football with the PLDT team for corporate leagues.

To further hone her talent and skills in dancesport, she plans to “continue training at least once or twice a month. There are constraints like schedule and budget, since hiring professional coaches is expensive but together with my teammates, we’ll definitely try to have regular trainings.”

With their never-ending stream of goals and aspirations, people can sometimes be daunted by challenges that lurk around. But women like Kim, May, Joy, Maru, and Trudy can always find meaning and fun in challenges, winning invaluable medals along the way. The challenges are tough but they show us the way to top ourselves.

Incredible smashes Being at the forefront of the badminton court in a championship match is not exactly the most relaxing place in the world. Especially if your opponents are the formidable lady players of Meralco. But May Laurece Pamorada of enterprise service resource management and Katherine Kim Mayono, enterprise and credit management, stood their ground and fought with unflinching resolve, one incredible smash after another, eventually taking the gold in women’s doubles for PLDT.

Kim Mayono

Both May and Kim began to play badminton in grade school, continued to train and compete in high school, and achieved greater heights in college when they joined the UAAP, May representing the University of the East, Kim, the Far Eastern University.

For May, badminton is an energizer: “It keeps me going. I always look forward to a match – either a competitive one or just a friendly game.”

Winning the MVPO gold for badminton is her best achievement at the moment, “I was happy and proud not only for myself but for the team and the Company as well.” She intends to continue her training in the near future as she maintains good health and keeps the fire burning for her favorite sport.

Meanwhile, inspired by her six-month-old son, Kim gives her best to every game. But she

May Pamorada

doesn’t consider her recent badminton triumph as her best achievement. “I think I would prefer to be recognized as one of the best employees of PLDT,” she says, smiling.

Like her badminton partner, Kim has lost count of her numerous medals and awards, having been competing since grade four. An all-around sports enthusiast who took after her mom, Kim also plays billiard and volleyball.

She hopes to take part in open tournaments in the future to further polish her badminton skills.

With their never-ending stream of goals and aspirations, people can sometimes be daunted by challenges that lurk around.

But women like Kim, May, Joy, Maru, and Trudy can always find meaning and fun in challenges, winning invaluable medals along the way. The challenges are tough but they show us the way to top ourselves.

And remain in the game much longer. CC:

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feature

t I e k a M l l i W k c i h C t s e l g Thi a e e n Philippi

h t 6 2 e h t Hatching

By Raissa Buitizon, Student-Trainee, FAITH-Batangas

W

ith its continuous pursuit of nurturing life, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has recently witnessed a breakthrough development for the adopted Philippine eagle – the hatching in captivity of an eagle chick, yet another addition to the critically-endangered species providing hope for the conservationists. This “adopt-aneagle” project is in partnership with PLDT Community Relations headed by Evelyn M. Del Rosario.

The eventful occasion happened December 7 last year at exactly 1:20pm. It was the 26th Philippine Eagle chick, an offspring of natural pair “Go Phoenix” (female) and “MVP Eagle” (male), among 34 eagles that are currently being kept in a massive enclosure at the center. Only about 400 of the species are thought to be left in the wild.

Filled with an overwhelming sense of hope, PEF and PLDT

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filled with an overwhelming sense of hope, the philippine eagle foundation called the EAGLET “a breakthrough” in their breeding program...the birth is indeed a hopeful vision for the philippine eagle population.

ComRel called the eaglet “a breakthrough” in their breeding program with curator Anna Mae Sumaya saying that the birth of the eaglet is indeed a hopeful vision for the Philippine Eagle population.

“At two days old, this baby eagle can already lift its head and get food from forceps,” Sumaya said.

“It’s also very active, attentive and observant of its surroundings.

This chick responds to some bird calls heard from the background sound. We are proud of our conservation breeding team

for their perseverance at this challenging task.” Sumaya also added.

Highlighting the species rarity, the Philippine eagle is currently documented on just four Philippine islands – Leyte, Samar, Luzon and Mindanao.

Conservationists are dedicated to providing the national bird a secure home. PEF in Mindanao hopes to save the species from extinction through its conservation and education efforts. CC:

Mightier – the Second Time Around

EmpDev’s Team Workout for Service Operations Center

Participants pump up the drive!

T

he art of cascading goals and strategies is always being pursued creatively this side of the workforce. The right mix of the theoretical and experiential learning methodologies is foremost in crafting program elements. Marrying the cerebral with the motivational can be quite empowering.

EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega has lost count of the times he has served as workshop facilitator for the Technology Group but the team composition brought about by constant reorganizations give him room tojudiciously attempt on twists, tweaks and turns to adapt to the dire needs of the hour.

With Service Operations Head Debbie Hu at the helm of strategic planning and partnership with EmpDev the second time around, there were activities on assessment of leadership styles particularly on conflict resolution, plus a back to basics review on interfaces that both enhance and impede productivity. Reality checks on rising performance standards were articulated and found resonance with a team of leaders and key staff whose zeal were intensified by the challenging drills.

EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega and the participants are engrossed in the simulated drill on creative and collective ‘imagineering.’

The uncovering of individual temperaments stirred insights on how to manage diversity in learning disposition types and natural inclinations. It was an eye-opener for many to see how personalities shaped through heredity and environment surface especially in the thick of intense encounters.

A lively team activity on exhibiting rhythm proved exhilarating. The first level dealt on executing a game plan with minor obstructions.

The second level called for focus when forces to bust the rhythm started to threaten quality and

thwart team agreements. The third became a compelling resolve to try out new ways and break free from comfort zones without aborting goals. Then the ultimate final round became a test on creativity, threshold and stamina.

Meaningful affirmation rites that allowed responsible interpersonal feedback became the highlight of the program where projections in the form of symbolic gift giving got everyone bombarded with aspirations to level up team performance and win the service battle with renewed vigor! CC

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THE BANDWAGONER

By Nonong noriega

GENERICS? NOT FOR

SERVICE EXPERIENCE

N

ow that customer centricity has become the oxygen by which service providers ensure that their organizations gravitate towards the growth path, the assessment on brand loyalty becomes more heightened to stay ahead of the game.

It will not help at all when your product is seen as the same as everyone else’s. In our attempt to bundle services and their accompanying features, we cannot really bundle customers.

We cannot put them in boxes to suit our operating systems. When we’re too technology-driven, there might be a tendency to push forth technological capabilities that wow at first instance, but do not resonate with meaningful use to customers later on.

Generic service does not place us on a competitive advantage.

The tall orders revolve around mass diversification. Is it really the burger in Jollibee that distinguishes it from the patty in McDonald’s? Is it really the promo airfare that differentiates PAL from Cebu Pacific or the peso bills that make one bank the preferred choice over another? I rest my case.

It’s all about the service experience.

If Caltex is pushing forth the impression of caring for your vehicle by crews that voluntarily wipe off dirt from the windshield when you gas up, and Shopwise grocery attendants on roller skates play up on brisk response while Pharrell Williams’ Happy is playing on the background, what kind of service experience is your organization capitalizing on?

In our efforts to strategically segment our markets to individual, residential, retail, micro, SME and high end corporate, we might unwittingly fail at a unifying feel that the customers can easily connect to and say, “Yes, that’s what

they’re all about!” Ah, managing diversity can be very challenging and fascinating. In our intentions to enlighten and educate users, we sometimes get them perplexed and frustrated. If we script everything, we kill spontaneity and eventually, sincerity – which after all is said and done - is the very thing customers really warm up to.

I am one in evangelizing customer experience as the foundation by which all transformation initiatives must take their cue from. It’s the age of two dimensions that come to play to make the equation work - business analytics and flexibility.

The first one gives us data to crunch and munchas we design an intelligent dashboard for mapping out strategies. The second one lies on how we execute change – radical and drastic if need be, with the least equilibrium.

The digital experience becomes more interesting to manage because it’s not your traditional commodity. It is in this realm where real-time interfaces enhance or shatter service reputation in a single post.

Once upon a time, viral was only used for medicine. Now it’s about information. Once upon a time, trending was about fashion, music and culture. Now, it’s about late breaking news. Once upon a time, to poke meant to stab. Now it’s about harmless kibitzing.

Get ready, Webster and Thesaurus. We will be rewriting new definitions.

And the ones that will prevail are the ones that will be the most used online. CC:

Customer experience is a recurring theme during the Team Workout and Goals Cascade for Technology Operations Center in Cebu.

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life

arts

poetry | prose | artworks | photography

Down and Up Photography by Jan Lester E. Bisco, Financial Business Intelligence Warehouse

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delucination

unrequited

By Kuyang – JSQS – FSQA

By John Paul M. Soriano Subsidiaries and Facilities Audit Division

Life is definitely filled with uncertainties Like how I met you under the vast starry seas You are the most beautiful when you are you Sometimes I even don’t believe that it is true

The crispness of your stare cuts my throat in a hymn of lullaby pinches my heart with strikes of no care and silences me with a glimpse of goodbye

You often rant about things that don’t go your way River-like dilemmas that would make anyone go away Yet you always shared those thoughts to me That for you, I am no longer a nobody

The scent of your skin flutters my core in euphoria a succulent breeze blowing from deep within an unbearable hallucination of endless enigma

We’d often meet up on our secret rendezvous In which, I often feel a certain deja vu I can’t help being captivated by your smile I do not mind because it’s so worthwhile

The innocence of your face I dared to touch with my bare hands yet I hold a bone of cold elegance and neither felt a single warmth

But every dream has a certain end Before it breaks something you can no longer mend How often it had occurred to me When the one I love already belongs to somebody

The ripeness of your lips the heaven outside my consciousness and the hell I see in its reddish tip caused me to burn in its lifelessness The curves of your body I desired to embrace but I grasp the spikes of your entity and cut my breathing out of the race s

Somebody who I do not have a clue Someone who appeared out of the blue Somebody who cast an imperceptible wall Someone who made me doubt your call You are still showing that uncanny smile of yours Unprecedented, ephemeral and it drives me off course But I think it is already time to return To the world where delusions burn

hanggang kailan Ni Tricia Blue Hindi ko mawari, kung kailan nagsimula Isang tawag sa telepono, kabanata ay nag-umpisa Hindi man perpekto ang ating pagkikita Unti unting nabuo ang wagas na pagsinta Paligid ay lumiwanag nang makilala ka Buhay ay nabago nang makasama ka Tamis ng suyuan, wala nang hihigit pa Pag-ibig na nadama, naglalaro sa gunita Kay daming pagsubok ang ating naranasan Hindi biro ang mamuhay na pasan ang nakaraan Ngunit hindi nagpatalo, ipinaglaban ng lubusan Upang ipadama, ang wagas na pagmamahalan Ikaw man ang pinili, walang pagsisisi Laman ng aking puso, ano man ang mangyari Hirap ng kalooban, pilit isinasantabi Upang maibigay, kalayaan mong minimithi Kalimutan kang pilit, ay hindi ko magawa Masakit pakinggan ang salitang mag “move on” na

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Halos dinurog mo ang puso kong umaasa Na sa ating dalawa ay mayroon pang umaga Hanggang kailan, ito ay hindi ko pa alam Tila nagdidilim ang liwanag na aking natatanaw Mundo kong buong buo, unti unting nagugunaw Dasal ang tanging gabay upang tuloy sa paglakbay Sadyang mapaglaro sa atin ang tadhana Sa kurap ng mga mata, lahat ay naglaho na Naisin mang mabuo ang kristal ay may lamat na Kung hindi mag-i-ingat, baka sugat lang ang makuha Ako ay simpleng tao, na may kaunting inaasam Buuin ang nawasak na pinagsamahan Magagandang alaala ating pahalagahan Upang maging handa sa ating pupuntahan Ang tunay na pagmamahal, hindi sumusuko Ngunit kailangan dalawa ang siyang bubuo Walang mararating kung isa lang ang may gusto At kailangan panindigan ang salitang “I love you”

D e ception

F

By Anonymous itzgerald said, “There are many kinds of love in this world, but never love the same twice.”

When two people who love each other decide to take a sacred vow, the commitment involves being loyal and faithful in every way. The thought of breaking up the two halves that make a whole could leave a scar for eternity.

There have been so many times in the last five or more years that my mind felt chaotic. I would be fine and then one stray thought would send me into a panic, making me feel neurotic. So much of my journey was wrapped in the magnitude of the pain I felt. I went to work feeling disappointed, angry and sad. I hated everything about life.

One of my biggest struggles was dealing with disappointments in my marriage. I was disappointed with myself for not being a better wife, and for not being strong enough to prevent disturbing things from happening. I was ashamed of my marriage and how it reflected on me and my children. The truth is, we are two imperfect people in a lifelong relationship and there will inevitably be highs and lows. I know that I should be carrying this burden alone.

My instinct tells me not to say anything with the hope of

giving this “New Life” a New Definition.

My healing stems from understanding my emotions, being honest about my story, ignoring emotions and memories stirred by unpleasant events in my life.

I’ve spent the last five years rebuilding myself and learning to accept failures, including marital problems because they form part of my story. I’ve learned that I can never go back to who I was or how I felt before. The experience broke me but I am persistently rebuilding, reconstructing myself to become stronger, smarter and live more passionately without regret. I have to let go of the fear that I was broken, I am working on a new story and I am all in. I am well now.

This journey is about patience and understanding that an emotional relapse is not to be taken personally.

With the passage of time, memories will begin to fade and the emotions will no longer trigger my fear.

After all, all of us are fighting…fighting for something over happiness, our marriage, ourselves, our freedom. #hugotpamore

to a certain flower

By Ambisyosong Antukin - FSNQA Remember the moments when we were just so close On nights when you were like a wither-less rose Since when did I begin to think of you again?

Even if you can’t see me as more than a friend At times when you felt like running away Never did you feel you had a place to stay Never did I feel that you have left me behind On that day when your heart to another entwined Goodbye for now was my lingering thought Even though that was never the thing I sought Regardless of how the both of us now stand Once again, I will hold your hand Needless to say, I am still attached to you It doesn’t really matter if it is out of the blue May you realize that I’ll always be there In moments when you feel that he doesn’t really care

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heartaches make us stronger

M West/CSO-BPM

By Luis C. Maglanoc, GM

en you’re totally alone!

You only remember me, wh py moments?

Why can’t you share your hap you miss me when I’m gone?

Am I just too jealous? Will doesn’t make sense.

For now, the way I feel for you whenever we’re together.

Your mind seems to wander, I too scared to admit?

Can’t help but notice or am k one going nowhere.

So many roads to take, I too dark though never lit!

Held you like a candle in the never be?

Tell me a reason why we can , lonely I flee.

Wake up from this nightmare is no WE. Accept and realize that there rt scarred deeply!

Defeated in a battle, my hea e meeting you?

Asking myself, was it a mistak could be mine?

Have I erred in assuming you everything I do!

Served as my inspiration in l my wounds thru time.

Now, badly beaten, let me hea to blame for I am at fault.

No tears shall be shed, no one nd I will try.

A hurtful lesson learned, sta h a lightning bolt!

Reality to face, am struck wit a river running dry.

No more flow of emotions like h a reflective smile.

One day I will look back, wit g eone, though it will take a lon With a heart beating for som while! t yet triumphant in the end, I will come out ravaged at firs t a thing to contend!

Love will come around withou ys with your heart.

Love is confusing when it pla t it is a risk from the start!

Yet, we must remember tha . ing in sharp shattered pieces There may be heartaches end out life’s creases.

A gamble taken to smoothen I Am Kristian Miguel 84138173

isang ama

Ni Noime Covacha, Luzon CSOD ROMEO ang pangalan ng aming AMA, Asawa ni JULIET na aming INA. Wala man sa tabi nang kami ay lumaki, Sakripisyong ibinigay ay super laki.

Sa ibang bansa piniling magtrabaho Para kinabukasan ay masigurado.

Isang AMA na dapat IPAGMALAKI, MABAIT na tunay di yan maitatanggi.

Di malilimutan tagpo ng nakaraan, Nababalot ng takot sa kuwartong makipot.

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Nakadama ng kaba nang makita ka, Madilim ang paligid, wala nang nakikita.

Naalala ko pa salitang tinuran “Wala na, wala na, nahihirapan na.”

O aking AMA, MAHAL KITA Bantayan mo ako kasama ng Kuya Ikaw ang aking liwanag sa langit na maulap Higpitan ang yakap iyong ipadama sa muli nating pagkikita.

Confessions of an FMA to an RM Part 2

By Melvin Artugue, FMA – ESAM Team C And now our friendship was established And so I pray it will not vanish Nor would it come to an end For its sake, my heart might bend I treated you as a dear friend and as my sister in faith You sought my advice when your hurts came after you like a wraith We opened the books of our lives to each other, Even the failures and frustrations that we have suffered I looked at you without an iota of malice No ulterior motives or touch of avarice That is why we got along that easy Though sometimes we both found our jokes corny We laughed, we cried, we sent SMS and prayed We shared, we cared, and the bond stayed Though our worlds were entirely different We came across each other and our souls met But suddenly you disappeared without a trace You left me hanging on the edge with this look on my face You were gone without any prior notice What happened to the undying friendship we have promised?

Our friendship came to an E-N-D You left me behind like 1-2-and-3 This is the confession of an FMA to an RM part 2 I pray that we can rebuild our friendship and continue

Contributed by Pinky G. Lising, IT Customer Support 29

miss a

By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ Most misunderstandings start with prejudice Inability to discern between truth and malice Such judgment restricted on the preset options in the mind Sadly, the heart is affected by the misconception that left him blind Average girl with big dreams - that is how she describes her being Given the tough life since childhood, survival to the fittest has been the calling Grace under pressure she has been taught, as if there is no room for mistake Reserve the tears or signs of pain in silence for there are more hurdles to take Even if the body is weakened by the daily toils of life, she endures She longs for the normalcy of life’s journey, to have a better future She hopes to find someone who will accept and love her for whoever she is Indeed she may not be the conventional girl for his eyes to be pleased Vulnerable she is deep within, although she maintains a strong front Every time someone comes, she wishes that he will be His Planned one Most men who came into her circle never made the first move It is hard for any girl to guess what’s on their minds or get into their groove She took the challenge of being different, making the initiative A gesture misunderstood, they gave her the adjective

W hen I found you… I found love

By Grace Sanchez-Munchua, Enterprise Svc Order & Resource Mgt (original hugot lines from our wedding vow…11.21.2015)

H

ugot #1 – kaya pala may nawala, may umalissabuhaynatin… dahil may dadatingpalanainilaansi Lord para sa atin.

Hugot #2 - Hindi man ikaw ang kahapon ko, ikaw ang aking ngayon at gusto kong makasama pang habang panahon! Totoo palang may FOREVER sa TAMANG PANAHON… :-) I am a widow for almost 21 years with 3 kids. I was able to raise my kids on my own without the help of anybody not even a single centavo. Not knowing that I am his ultimate crush since 1998. And the rest is history #lovelovelove

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si ate nida Ni Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Regulatory Siya si Ate Nida‌ mabait at maganda Nagsilbing ikalawang magulang namin na isang Batanguena Ang panganay na si Kuya Rolen ang kanyang naging asawa Nag-gabay at nag-kalinga sa amin noong siya ay nabubuhay pa Magandang pangyayari sa buhay ikinukwento ko sa kanya Kung may problema lubos ang pagpapayo niya Mabubuting aral mapupulot mo sa kanya Na makakatulong upang buhay ay gumanda Isang araw ay dinapuan siya ng isang matinding karamdaman Ang daing niya palagi ay panghihina ng katawan Pagkain na masasarap halos di na niya malasahan Kay bilis ng pangyayari pagkakasakit ay di inaasahan

Luha at pighati para sa aming pamilya Ang kuya kong si Rolen ay na-mild stroke pa Sobrang sakit kina Roxan at Ronna na mga anak niya Harapin ang pagsubok na pinagkaloob NIYA.

Base sa CT scan na sa kanya ay isinagawa Maingat ang kanyang doktor sa pagbasa ng resulta Agad siyang kinausap pakiramdam ay naparalisa Lung cancer sakit niya at anim na buwan taning sa kanya

Ramdam ko kung gaano katapang si Ate Nida Paninindigan sa sarili ay ipinaglaban niya Anumang pagsubok dumaan sa buhay niya Maging si kamatayan ay sinalubong niya

Sa mga araw, linggo at buwan na nagdaan Dasal namin palagi ang lubos niyang kaligtasan Pilit namin siyang pinasasaya upang lungkot ay maibsan Malasakit at pagmamahal kanya namang naramdaman

Sa huling sandali ng kanyang paghinga Huwag daw namin pababayan maiiwan niyang pamilya Lumuluha siyang nagpaalam labis na lungkot aming nadama Pero ngayon ay okey na rin sa piling ni Bathala siya ay mas masaya

Artwork By Edgar Dominic Modina Diaz, Student Trainee – Lyceum of the Philippines University

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B eing Filipinos

By Leopoldo Lalim

(Spoken word piece in light of the coming elections)

T

here are a few things I believe: forever does exist, It’s more fun in the Philippines, and we are a very healthy nation.

Kailangan nang tumahimik ng mga nagkukunwaring may pakialam sa ekonomiya Wala DAW pagbabago; patuloy tayong naghihirap; ang pag unlad DAW ay hindi dama.

Hindi nila alam na limang porsyento ang ating ipinagmamalaki sa mga karatig bansa BULAG ang Pilipino: marami tayong nagagawa na hanggang panaginip lang sa iba hindi nila alam na sa buong mundo tayo ang isa sa pinakabusog at matataba araw araw dama ng upuan natin ang ating pagbigat - masarap ang luto natin, ika nga Masasabi mo pa bang naghihirap ka kung malaman mo na sa araw araw mong pagtatrabaho ang tanging naghihirap ay ang iyong upuan?

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Where else can you find a people so eager to stretch out their hands to help other countries?

Nagmamadali tayong bigyan ng pagpapala ang mga dayuhang bansa ng galing na hinasa sa sariling bayan yun na lang ang natira nating gawain sa kasalukuyan - ang idipa ang mga kamay Sa sobrang taba sila’y hindi na maibaba sa sobrang laki ay parang may suot tayong payong kung nasaan ang ating tiyan hindi na natin natatanaw ang lupa kung nasaan ang ating mga paa hindi na natin nararamdaman ang lamig at init ng lupa hindi na natin nakikita ang mga gutom na bata na namimilit kumapit at humila at sa dami nating gustong tulungan, ang ating pagsisigaw ay hanggang isang araw lang We are a people who can instantly change, as if driven by heavenly force, their pictures in social media to a flag of a country they suddenly care for!

Handang handa tayo tumulong kung saan wala kang magawa kundi magsalita lamang Ninanais natin ang sa malayo para hindi natin kayang maabot

ang mga kinakailangan Ang hugot natin ay hanggang puso lang, nakalimutan natin na may ibang parte pa ang ating katawan ninanais mo ang ganyan dahil hanggang dyan ka lang, maghugot ng damdamin puro ganun lang sa sobrang laki ay hindi na magawang tumayo sa sariling prinsipyo o magtanong kung ano ang totoo hindi na natin nabubuhat ang sarili pero iniisip pa natin buhatin ang ibang tao hindi na natin ipinagmamalaki ang sarili kundi hinahanap ang karangalan hindi na natin pinipili, kahit kuko lang ang pilipino basta’t sikat ay handa nating angkinin at sa bilis nating pinipilit magbago, wala tayong natatapos We are a people that is growing free from our bonds and will soon be flying higher than any other nation!

Patuloy mo isinisigaw at hinihingi ang pagkawasak ng simbahang naging bandila noon ng ating mga ninuno, nagawa mo na bang pumunta sa simbahang iyong kinukutya at tiningnan ang mga mukha ng mga nanlilimos?

Tanging simbahan lang ang bubong na kanilang masisilungan Nagawa mo pang magpaskil ng mga salitang panatiko at sinungaling sa kanilang mukha Naranasan mo na bang walang ibang makapitan? - ang bibilis nating maghusga Sila ang nakakalimot magdasal dahil sa gutom - tayo ang nakakalimot magdasal dahil sa dami nating nais igala Sa sobrang laki ay hindi na natin naiintindihan ang mga payak na pangungusap na hindi hinaluan ng pagmumura hindi na natin ikinahihiyang magsalita ng mga nang aalipustang kataga laban sa ating mga ina hindi na natin pinapahalagahan ang bono ng pamilya hindi na natin kinikilala ang diyos kahit sa ating pagsisimba at sa pagpili ng batayan ay kung saan may pinakamalaking benepisyo lamang We are a people who are brave enough to call for drastic change in the world and within ourselves to get things done!

Ipinagmamalaki ng mga namamahala ang lahat ng kanilang mga nagawa Ang mga pilipino ay dahan dahan nang umaaklas laban sa mga sigaw ng media Dahan dahang sumisigaw ng katarungan at reporma Malubha na at wala nang solusyon kundi karahasan Tinubuan na ng pangil ang mga kamay ng mga magnanakaw sa lipunan At mabilis ang pagdaloy ng lason sa bawat mahawakan Sa sobrang taba ay hindi na kayang hawakan ang panulat yari sa pakpak na minsang lumilipad hindi na natin mahihintay ang makatarungang daanan ng paglilitis sa nagkasala hindi na natin inintindi ang nakaraan at pati ang kinabukasan ay binabalewala hindi na natin inilalagay ang ating sarili sa kinaroroonan ng mga paa ng iba at sa desperasyon na nakasalalay ang pagkaroon ng pangyayari sa ating buhay We are a people of patriotic heritage and we stand as one like no other in the world! ang kinabukasan na nasa puso natin lahat pero hindi na naipasa ang pinakamalaking korupsyon sa Pilipinas ay hindi sa gobyerno, hindi sa mga gusali na sobra sobra sa presyo, hindi sa mga daan na patuloy na inaayos kahit wala namang sira, ang pinakamatinding korupsyon sa Pilipinas ay nasa puso ng bawat Pilipino Nalulunod ang bawat nilalang sa tamis ng buhay sa Pilipinas Hindi na natin naramdaman ang lamig ng hangin sa pagitan ng ating sariling mga paa nakatingin lang ang inang lupa na hindi halos makahinga dahil sa kanilang laki ay walang sikat ng araw na makalagpas, nakatingin ang inang lupa at patuloy na bumubulong sa kanyang isipan ng isang pangako na siya din ang babaon sa lahat ng nagpapahamak sa kanya at hindi na siya mamimili Bulag ang karamihan sa Pilipino ngayon na kaya nating ipagpaligsahan ang sukat ng ating tiyan. CC:

shooting stars and mending hearts

By Paula R

If only a heart could be mended as easily as it was broken, Then maybe I wouldn’t be writing right now.

No memories to look back to and drive me insane, Only plans of a fun filled future, no worries or pain.

But I met you, and fell for you, no regrets there, Not even after you purposely hurt me and decided not to care.

I wish I could be like that, heartless and cold, Then maybe I’d just be plain happy and not rhyming at all.

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