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2015 pldt Annual Report special issue
MAY2016 NEWS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 02 2016 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS CORE INCOME WITHIN GUIDANCE, DIGITAL PIVOT UNDER WAY 06 PLDT GLOBAL LAUNCHES MOBILE DATA, CONTENT SERVICE to JAPAN 07 ePLDT REINFORCES LEADERSHIP IN CLOUD SECURITY
18 FEATURES////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 11 FACEBOOK at WORK is here 12 PLDT INNOLAB HOSTS 2016 NASA SPACE APPS CHALLENGE PH 14 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION @ TECHISLAND 3.0 PLDT SMART SME NATION DRAWS TOP PH MSMEs IN BIGGEST TECH SUMMIT 18 ‘A QUIET DAY’ PLDT HELPS PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY FOR 2016 NATIONAL ELECTIONS COVER STORY 20 BEHIND THE SCENES: THE PLDT GROUP WORKFORCE BEHIND THE ‘QUIET DAY’ SIDEBAR
02 REGULARS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 01 From the Editor 09 Snapshots 24 The Bandwagoner 25 Life & ArtS
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ABOUT THE COVER PLDT’s role in nation-building is evident during the successful holding of the country’s third-ever automated elections as depicted in this issue’s cover conceptualized by Media student-trainee Krizel Amoyo from FEU. The smooth and fast transmission of a large majority of the voting results 18 hours after the polls closed is surely a feat that surprised many Filipinos. Thanks to PLDT Group’s fixed and wireless networks, which were fully functional during the transmission of the election results; as well as the hard work showed by the men and women who were behind the scenes during this national event.
EDITORIAL
T
Agents of change
he PLDT Group played a crucial role in the transmission of votes during the recently held national elections.
As a communications vendor of elections automation provider Smartmatic, we delivered 45,867 Smart and Sun SIMs to polling precincts nationwide, accounting for 60% of all SIMs used. We also powered the DSL broadband connection of 386 canvassing sites that reported 100% performance for the duration of the elections. We partnered with election watchdogs Philippine Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) which hosted the transparency server where all media agencies get their data and the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) for its connectivity requirements.
In both instances, it is the dedicated service of the men and women of the PLDT Group that largely made these happen. For the elections, most people at the command center were monitoring and checking on our facilities for more than 24 hours straight while network operations teams prepared for the actual election day months ahead. For the business results, network and marketing teams as well as operations and sales worked hand in hand to push revenues by delivering quality service to our subscribers. We are now in a middle of a major transformation. And all these efforts and results reflect the readiness of the organization to take on this challenge. For the PLDT Group, change is happening now. And we are all agents of this change.
On top of these, we also enabled the fast and digitally-enabled election coverage by media organizations. PLDT partnered with TV5 for its #BilangPilipino election coverage that is data-driven, fast, and interactive with the heavy use of social media, allowing netizens to participate in the discussions.
Jay-Anne R. Encarnado
The overall result: fastest transmission of results in election history. According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista, over 91% of wireless and fixed transmissions have already been accounted for in the Comelec and PPCRV servers in less than 18 hours since the close of the polling precincts. Alongside the frenzied election preparations, we also reported on our first quarter financial and operating results. The numbers were encouraging - double digit growth for both home and enterprise, sustained rise in data revenues, increased data adoption by mobile subscribers, and strong postpaid performance.
ACC:ESS is published monthly by PLDT Media Division for employees and friends. Address all communications to: The Editor-inChief, ACC:ESS, Ramon Cojuangco Building, Makati Avenue, Makati City. Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515. Email: jrencarnado@ pldt.com.ph http://issuu.com/ pldtmedia
Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor
Adrian T. Elumba Sarah G. Azucena-Reodica Katrina A. Mallari Raymond C. Co Writers  Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation
Carlo D. Gonzalez Graphic Design Contributors Cherry W. Alaban, Krizelle Amoyo, Melvin John Artugue, Evelyn S. Espinosa, Danny Handayan, April P. Kagaoan, Darwin L. Oriane, Patricia Ramirez, Marjory C. Sy, Bienvenido N. Timoteo II, Alice P. Tuazon, Maria Viktoria M. Viado
Nonong F. Noriega Columnist
OU R V ISION STATEMENT To be the proactive strategic communications partner of our stakeholders so that together we can inspire brand love and loyalty for PLDT. #SUPERMEDIA
news
2016 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
Leading PLDT’s announcement of its 2016 first quarter performance results during the press briefing are, from left: PLDT CFO Anabelle Chua, PLDT EVP and Head of EICB Eric Alberto, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT EVP and Head for Consumer Business Ariel Fermin, and PLDT Regulatory Affairs Head Ray Espinosa.
Core income within guidance, HIGHLIGHTS
:: 1Q2016 core net income at p7.2 Billion in line with full year guidance :: 1Q2016 reported net income at p6.2 Billion :: Consolidated revenues up 1% at p42.8 Billion :: Consolidated service revenues stable at p40.6 Billion :: Total data and broadband revenues at php13.7 Billion, up 22% :: Mobile internet revenues up 38% :: Consolidated ebitda lower by 14% at P16.6 Billion :: Ebitda margin at 41% :: Pldt group subscriber base at 72.1 Million :: Wireless subscriber base at 68.4 Million :: Total broadband subscribers 5.3 Million
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PLDT recently announced its unaudited financial and operating results for the first three months of 2016 with Consolidated Core Net Income, before exceptional items, at P7.2 billion, P2.1 billion lower than the amount recorded for the same period in 2015, and in line with the core income guidance of P28 billion for the full year 2016. The reduction from prior year was due largely to lower EBITDA reflecting higher product subsidies, higher depreciation, and higher financing costs. Reported Net Income, after including exceptional transactions for the period, declined 34% to P6.2 billion – the result of a reduction in Core Income and a rise in impairment charges related to the investment in Rocket Internet, offset in part by a rise in net foreign exchange gains. Consolidated revenues for the period were up by 1% at Php42.8 billion. Consolidated service revenues were stable
at Php40.6 billion. Broadband, corporate data and data center revenues rose by P2.5 billion or 22%; revenues from legacy businesses – cellular domestic voice, SMS, and international and national long distance (ILD/NLD) – dropped by P2.5 billion, negating largely the gains in data revenues. This revenue mix reflects the changing nature of PLDT as it shifts from legacy to digital. Excluding revenues from international and national distance (ILD/NLD) amounting to P4.4 billion, consolidated service revenues rose by 3% yearon-year to P36.2 billion. Excluding ILD and NLD, revenues from data, broadband and digital services comprised 38% of these revenues, up from 32% a year ago. This shift has been led by the fixed line business, with 66% of its revenues now coming from data and digital services. The wireless business has followed suit and increased the share of data and digital services
to 25% from 20% in 2015. Mobile Internet revenues set the pace, surging 38% to P3.1 billion on the back of enhanced data service packages and compelling video and other digital service offers. EBITDA and profitability continued to be affected by the shift in revenue mix from legacy and traditional businesses to data, and intense competition, particularly in the prepaid mobile business. EBITDA margin for the period was at 41%, compared to the full year 2015 rate of 43%. Consolidated EBITDA declined 14% to Php16.6 billion due to higher product subsidy and content costs, higher provisions and cash opex. Consolidated cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at end-March 2016 rose to Php48.5 billion from P47.9 billion at end-2015. As of end-March 2016, the Group’s consolidated net debt and net debt to EBITDA were higher at U.S.$2.5 billion and
PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Head Ramon R. Isberto facilitates during the press briefing.
digital pivot under way 1.68x from end-2015, respectively. Gross debt stood at U.S.$3.5 billion, 39% of which is U.S. $ denominated. Taking into account our U.S.$ cash holdings and hedges, only 13% of total debt is unhedged. The Group’s debt maturities continue to be well spread out, with over 60% of total debt due beyond 2018. Maturing U.S. dollar loans, including the U.S.$228 million dollar bonds due in 2017, will be refinanced mainly in Philippine pesos. PLDT’s investment grade ratings remain unchanged from yearend 2015. Capital expenditures Consolidated capital expenditures for the first quarter amounted to Php14.6 billion, more than four times the capex for the same period in 2015. Capex in this quarter was used to further increase the coverage, speed, capacity and reliability of PLDT’s fiber and DSL and Smart’s mobile networks.
Specific activities included the following: :: Continued expansion of 3G and 4G access networks :: Integration of Smart and Sun mobile networks to improve coverage and service quality for subscribers of both brands by anywhere from 50 to 100% :: Further deployment of fiber-to-thehome service and enhancement of DSL service :: Increased reach and capacity of the Group’s fiber backbone network to support both fixed and mobile networks :: Strengthened network resiliency and redundancy :: Increased capacity of international fiber cable links and enlarged local caching of popular international internet content to improve customer experience In April 2016, Smart introduced in the popular resort island of Boracay LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) which offers peak data speeds of over 200 Mbps. The next step in the development
of Fourth Generation mobile technology, LTE-A (also known as 4.5G) will raise the level of Internet service in the country. “Our significantly higher capex in the first quarter of 2016 underscores the seriousness of our efforts to strengthen our fixed and mobile networks as the first leg, indeed, the foundation of our digital pivot. “Our subscribers will progressively feel the impact of this network transformation over the next several quarters. “But this early, various network improvements are already enabling us to grow our data revenues more rapidly, and to position PLDT as the communications company uniquely positioned to give customers the total digital experience,” said PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. Digital devices The second leg of this
digital pivot involves the propagation of more digital devices. Both PLDT and Smart have been promoting the adoption among its subscribers of web-connected devices in order to accelerate the shift from legacy to digital. PLDT has deployed a growing array of webconnected devices for the home – such as its home security device FamCam; Telpad, a tablet that serves as the hub of digital services for the home; and TVolution Stick (in partnership with Microsoft), a device that turns TV sets into personal computers. In the first quarter of 2016 alone, revenues derived from the sale of these devices have reached about P700 million – and are likely to exceed Php 2.0 billion for 2016. Aside from its attractive smartphone offers for postpaid subscribers, Smart launched two compelling promos for prepaid subscribers – a
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MyPhone my28S with a Smart Prepaid SIM that comes with free 100MB of monthly data and load rebates, and the Smart Bro 4G Pocket WiFi – both devices for only Php888. Both offers have been received warmly by the market. In this effort to populate its network with digital devices, Smart proactively raised the level of subsidy for these devices. Hence, the elevated subsidy costs recognized for the quarter. As a result of these initiatives, smartphone penetration in the subscriber base of PLDT’s wireless subsidiaries is now at 45% compared with 30% last year. In addition, the percentage of paying data users has grown from about onethird last year to around 50% of smartphone owners this year. Digital services and platforms The third leg of this digital pivot is comprised of the highly differentiated services and platforms running on devices in PLDT’s fixed and mobile networks. The Consumer Group has combined data connectivity with a growing array of compelling services for PLDT Home and Smart and Sun mobile subscribers under the themes of Entertainment Everywhere, Convenience Everywhere and Peace of Mind. The Group now offers, for example, the widest choice of video material available through all the windows of content – linear IPTV as in the case of Cignal TV, catch up TV in the case of Fox and video on demand as offered by iflix. These services are available at home
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PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan fields questions from the media.
and on mobile. This approach has enabled the Consumer Group to grow its combined revenues slightly to P26.6 billion, as strong gains in mobile Internet, fixed line data and wireless broadband plus fixed line voice more than compensated for declines in SMS, wireless voice and other revenues. Revenues of the Enterprise Group on the other hand increased by 10% to P7.6 billion also by combining connectivity and enterprise digital services. Fixed line data revenues rose by 17%, while other services grew by 41% and mobile internet revenues doubled. While the growth of enterprise fixed and wireless services are solid, digital and IT solutions are setting the pace. These include Data Center, Big Data, Cloud and mobility solutions like MarketBuilder, the country’s first mobile application that enables small and medium businesses to reach out to their customers using dynamic profiling through geo-fencing or location-based marketing. This feature enables entrepreneurs to target a specific group of potential customers depending on their predicted proximity to a store.
“Digital innovations such as these are significant not only for PLDT but also for business and industry in general. The growing acceptance of digital services coupled with data connectivity are boosting the efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness of Philippine companies – large and small,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise Group Ernesto R. Alberto. In addition, the breakthrough digital services and platforms of Voyager Innovation and its recent spin-offs PayMaya Philippines (formerly Smart eMoney, Inc.) and FINTQ have gained traction. PayMaya has taken the lead in the country’s fast-growing mobile money business with a throughput of Php29 billion in the first quarter. Its prepaid mobile wallet, PayMaya, posted a 79% increase in users, making it the No. 1 financial app in Google Play Store in the country. Smart Padala, PayMaya’s mobile money transfer service posted a 52% increase in revenues. FINTQ’s Landbank Mobile Loansaver, the Philippines’ first fully electronic salary loan service which was initially offered to
government employees, continued to grow robustly. A collaboration with the Landbank, the paperless service processed and released salary loans amounting to more than Php1.9 billion in the first three (3) months of 2016. In March 2016, the Landbank announced that it is expanding the loan facility to cover salary loans for private sector employees, loans for small and medium enterprises, farmers and fishermen, and, overseas Filipinos. Meantime, Lendr, the country’s first fully digital, end-toend consumer loans marketplace, went live in March 2016 with China Bank Savings (CBS) as its inaugural partner initially offering automotive loans. Several other partner banks and financial institutions have also signed up and will soon offer auto, home, salary and other loans to their customers via the platform. “We’ve turned our advantage of being the first mover in this fastmoving market into a dominant position in the mobile money space. We are gaining more momentum as industry adoption picks up,” said Voyager President and CEO Orlando B. Vea.
we are investing heavily in our network to deliver the best quality service. We are working to make it much easier for our customers to use our services. We are propagating smartphones and web-connected devices for the Home. - MVP Fixed line and wireless PLDT’s fixed line business continued its steady upward movement, raising revenues by 8% in the first quarter to P15.4 billion. Data and broadband and domestic voice grew strongly, overcoming declines in international and national long distance. Data and broadband increased its share of total fixed line revenues to 59% from 56% in Q12105.
The transition The shift to data is evident in both fixed and wireless businesses, but the transition in the former started much earlier, in the early 2000s. The tipping point came in 2011-2012, when the fixed line business started on its current growth path, riding on the steady growth of consumer and enterprise data and broadband which crossed the 50%mark in its share of total fixed revenues in 2013.
The wireless businesses of Smart and Digital Mobile Philippines posted revenues of P26.7 billion, 4% lower year on year. Revenues of mobile data, broadband and digital services increased 23% to P6.2 billion. However, SMS, cellular domestic voice and other revenues went down 8% to P18.2 billion while cellular voice international fell 23% to Php2.3 billion. Data, broadband and digital services now account for 23% of wireless revenues, up from 18% a year earlier.
“A similar transition process is now underway in wireless, which is likely to be more rapid because of the fast-growing digital ecosystem in the mobile space where more and more compelling services such as social media, digital messaging, entertainment, news and information, payments and financial services are being accessed via mobile devices,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Consumer Group Ariel P. Fermin.
The total subscriber count of the PLDT Group amounted to 72.1 million, with cellular and wireless broadband subscribers accounting for 68.4 million, down by only 0.6% from yearend 2015. Fixed line subscribers grew by 2% from year-end 2015 to 2.3 million, inclusive of fixed broadband subscribers of 1.3 million.
promoting the adoption of smart phones, and combining the reach and power of fixed line and mobile services to deliver the best and most complete digital experience,” he added. Conclusion “Our results for the first quarter confirm our view that the digital pivot will be a difficult and complicated process,” Pangilinan said. “That said, PLDT has posted strong gains in data, broadband and digital services, compensating in large part for the continued declines in long distance and SMS revenues. But competition remains intense and the shift to lower-margin revenues continues. We are thus maintaining our guidance for Full Year Core Earnings at Php28.0 billion,” he added.
“Our experience in the fixed line business shows how growth can be restored by progressively building up our data and broadband revenues to critical mass. We aim to achieve that same critical mass in the wireless business by accelerating data adoption and usage, even at the price of renewed deceleration of our legacy revenues. “To that end, we are investing heavily in our network to deliver the best quality service. We are working to make it much easier for our customers to use our services. We are propagating smartphones and webconnected devices for the Home. We are tapping internal innovation and forging partnerships with global tech leaders to deliver compelling digital services. Finally, by combining the strengths of our fixed and mobile networks, and the resources of our Consumer and Enterprise Groups, PLDT is uniquely positioned to deliver B2B2C services, and thus become the truly digital telco of everything – not just a digital mobile service provider,“ Pangilinan said. CC:
Answering questions are Eric Alberto, top; Anabelle Chua, lower left; and Ariel Fermin, lower right.
“We are accelerating that transition by assembling best-inclass digital services through partnerships and internal innovation,
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PLDT Global launches mobile data content service to Japan PLDT has recently partnered with NTT Communications to bring a uniquely Filipino mobile internet service to Japan, which is now home to about 240,000 Filipinos. Through PLDT Global Corp. (PGC) unit PLDT JP GK, the new service was called SMART World. PLDT President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said that PLDT JP GK’s partnership with NTT Communications ensures that the new service provides nationwide coverage via NTT DOCOMO’s extensive LTE network. SMART World also connects Filipinos
in Japan to the 70-million-strong wireless subscriber base of PLDT mobile subsidiaries Smart and Sun Cellular. “Our new offering — SMART World — empowers the digital lifestyle of Filipinos in Japan through a mobile data SIM bundled with a pocket WIFI in a monthly prepaid subscription,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Eric Alberto. This prepaid subscription service allows subscribers to choose from four monthly base plans of 10GB + monthly freebies,
of up to JPY100,000 once a month, plus free calls and text messages to the Philippines, and, free calls to 11 other countries.
7GB + monthly freebies, 5GB + monthly freebies, or 3GB + monthly freebies. Prices start at JPY 4,200 excluding consumption tax. Alberto explained that the new mobile data service comes bundled with a set of very relevant and useful services for free. These include a free remittance transaction
PLDT HOME gives kids more reasons to love Telpad with Batibot app Following its partnership with Disney, PLDT HOME Telpad — the Filipino family’s all-in-one entertainment device and kids’ favorite gadget at home — adds another content platform to its growing portfolio. After the inclusion of 50 free Disney games, e-books, and apps including fun puzzle games like Frozen Free Fall and Where’s My Water? 2, and story theatre apps like Disney Princess: Story Theater, PLDT HOME Telpad now features another children’s classic, Batibot. More than 200,000 Telpad subscribers, many of whom grew up watching Batibot, can now let their children enjoy lessons from the
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homegrown educational TV show through a mobile application. Launched last year by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, the Batibot educational app can now be found in the Telpad’s Knappsack store under the ‘Games’ category. Designed specifically for kids in kindergarten up to Grade 3, the Batibot app features fun-filled games that help develop essential thinking skills. Children can learn basic concepts like matching, sorting, and grouping. They are shown how to identify shapes, colors, numbers, the alphabet, and letter sounds, and can also practice tracing letters with the proper strokes.
The Batibot app, which can be downloaded on Android devices for free, also supports early literacy by nurturing children’s love for storytelling. Developed in collaboration with the Community of Learners Foundation (COLF) and start-up partner OrangeFix, the Batibot app is the first learning app in Filipino that is aligned with the national kindergarten curriculum of the Department of Education. The Batibot app has interactive features like the classic game “Alin Ang Naiba,” where children are asked to identify what
SMART World also offers a free Philippine mobile number subscription which allows family members and friends in the Philippines to call and text Filipinos in Japan at Philippine rates,” “With all these attractive features, SMART World makes it so much easier and more convenient for Filipinos in Japan to keep in touch with their loved ones back home and 11 other countries,” PLDT SVP and PGC CEO Alex O. Caeg added. CC:
is different from a group of objects and pictures. Kindergartners can also practice writing by tracing letters on their device, and sing along to Batibot songs via the app’s videoke feature. Meanwhile, the “Kuwentong Batibot” feature provides children with access to stories in Filipino, with the aim of establishing a firm foundation for early and emergent literacy. “Beyond watching their favorite shows and movies and playing exciting and educational games, the Telpad’s upgraded suite lets kids expand their learning horizons with apps like Batibot,” PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Director Gary Dujali said. “The Telpad serves as a digital portal designed to be part of a child’s upbringing, and Batibot is an ideal avenue to help enrich it.” CC:
ePLDT reinforces leadership in cloud security with CSA STAR certification ePLDT, the digital enterprise enabler of PLDT Inc., has reinforced its security capability for cloud computing as it attained Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Security, Trust and Assurance Registry (STAR) certification. The industry’s most powerful security provider certification program, CSA STAR is a three-tiered provider assurance program encompassing rigorous auditing, transparency principles, standards harmonization, and continuous monitoring.
It was established and is operated by CSA, the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. With this new status as a CSA STAR registered service provider, ePLDT assures enterprise clients that the PLDT Group’s cloud services adhere the global industry’s security best practices. “We understand our customers’ need for
transparency and visibility in terms of the security controls provided by our cloud computing solutions, as these services handle sensitive, missioncritical data that must be safely guarded and protected” said Nico Alcoseba, Head of PLDT Group’s Disruptive Business Group “As a CSA STAR registered service provider, we ensure our customers that the cloud solutions we offer are not only secure but consistently comply with globally recognized standards.”
“This certification solidifies our position as a trusted provider of cloud services for the enterprise, as well as demonstrates our increased cloud computing maturity,” added Dave Simon, ePLDT Group CTO and Service Delivery & Operations Group Head. “Through continuous applications of the different security controls set by CSA on our own cloud operations, we as a provider can in turn educate our customers on the best practices in the cloud.” CC:
PLDT employees support the Dugong PLDT program by donating blood for the indigent patients of PCMC.
PLDT supports open heart surgery mission PLDT Community Relations, in partnership with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), has continuously conducted “Dugong PLDT” bloodletting in various PLDT offices in Pasay, Grace Park-Caloocan and Marquez. “PLDT constantly tries to find ways in order to give the best resources we have to others, especially to those in
need,” PLDT Head/ Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario said. “This established partnership with PCMC is a testament on how the impossible things are achievable, despite all the odds.” PLDT is one with PCMC and the Department of Health in the crusade of saving lives through safe transfusion and having adequate safe blood.
“The generous PLDT Community again, even on a short notice, was mobilized to donate blood to the Open Heart Surgery Mission of the PCMC. A more than 10year old partner agency of the center, PCMC was able to collect more than 60 blood units that were used in the successful operations of children with heart diseases,” PCMC Blood Bank Head Dr. Ma. Lourdes U. Concepcion
said. “Maraming salamat PLDT at pagpalain nawa kayo ng Panginoon ng malusog at mahabang buhay!” Beneficiaries of this project are the indigent patients of PCMC. This time, the blood collected were used to support the Open Heart Surgery Mission of the said hospital. Alice P. Tuazon, PLDT Community Relations
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Standing 13th from left in the second row, PLDT ComRel Division Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario joins the student graduates of Baguio National High School. With her, standing 10th from left, are: PLDT Baguio CSOZ Head John Gerald Marasigan, Supervising TESDA Superintendent Roger Dancel, UPOU Chancellor Dr. Melinda Bandalaria, Baguio National High School Principal IV Romula Flora, and OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Atty. Augustin Labanan III.
PLDT Infoteach Outreach Program welcomes 6,207 new graduates
PLDT Community Relations (ComRel) in partnership with University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA, Intel and local government units (LGUs) recently led the graduation of its flagship project PLDT Infoteach Outreach Program in different schools within 20 DepEd school divisions from across the country. With PLDT ComRel Head/ Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario at the helm, the Infoteach Outreach graduation rites kicked off in two municipalities in Alaminos and Nagcarlan, Laguna, making its rounds to the next 19 areas including eight municipalities from Quezon; five each from Bauang, La Union and Capiz; and three from Antique. The graduation was also held in one municipality each in the following DepEd school divisions namely, Pili, Camarines Sur; Vigan City; Calamba, City; San Fernando, La
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Standing 10th from left, Del Rosario is joined by PLDT-Davao Engr. Alan Abrina, 8th from left, Davao City National High School Principal IV Dr. Wenefredo Cagape, 11th from left, Talandang HS Principal Zenaida Batingana, and DepEd EPS Jonas Piore.
Union; Baguio City; San Pablo City; Bacolod City; Silay City; Talisay, Negros Occidental; Angeles City; Iloilo City; Oton, Iloilo; Tuguegarao City; Davao City; and Muntinlupa City. On its 19th round of graduation rites, the Infoteach Outreach Program has produced
Infoteach outreach
3,189 teacher graduates and 3,018 student graduates. “PLDT has always recognized the importance of technology in nation-building,” Del Rosario said. “Through the PLDT Infoteach Outreach Program, these
6,207 new graduates are given the opportunity to truly adapt to the everchanging landscape of technology.” Katrina A. Mallari
Standing 9th from left, Del Rosario joins the newly graduated students of the Infoteach Program in the City of San Fernando, La Union. Standing 6th from left, PLDT Ilocos – CSOZ Head Gerardo Soriano, PLDT North Luzon Home Sales Territory Sales Management Executive Mary Ann Carillo, TESDA La Union Provincial Director Marissa Alcantara, San Fernando South Central Integrated School Principal III Bernardo Rombawa, San Fernando City Schools Division Superintendent Fatima Boado, and City of San Fernando, La Union Mayor Pablo Ortega.
snapshots Subic Bay millennials listen to EmpDev head’s talk on leadership journey Members of the millennial generation have their learning preferences. They blog. They post. They like. They trend. They are web commuters and real-time digital hash taggers. The Leadership Journey club under the Rotary Club of Freeport Zone (Subic Bay), District 3790 through its youth arm Rotaract organized a learning event designed to address this blend of learning styles with EmpDev Assistant Vice President & Head Nonong Noriega as featured motivational speaker. Dubbed as “Missing Ingredients in Today’s Leadership, the session employed interactive techniques interspersed with experiential activities that cater to the learning disposition types of young professionals. Shown here during the culmination rites is Rotaract Club Freeport Zone President Edmon Balingit reading the citation for Noriega on the token that was awarded following his talk.
PLDT ComRel turns over PCs to Tagum City defense group
PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario, standing, 4th from left, recently turned over five units each of refurbished personal computers to the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) Army Reserve Command in Government Center, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City. The PCs will be used for the group’s administrative and operational requirements. Members of the group are all volunteer Army officers and men from all walks of life coming from the different municipalities, considered as ready response units available to respond for whatever contingencies such as natural and manmade calamities. Receiving the PC units is Col. Lyndon V. Paniza, Commander, 11th RCDG. Alice P. Tuazon, PLDT Community Relations
PLDT, Smart provide load to SWS for exit poll survey PLDT and Smart recently provided load to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) for a more efficient exit poll survey. Photo shows PLDT Enterprise Subsidiaries & VIP Acct Mgmt. Senior Manager Dennis Donato, 2nd from left, shaking hands with SWS President Mahar Mangahas. Witnessing the event are, from left: SWS Director Gerardo Sandoval and PLDT Subsidiaries/VIP Acct Mgmt. Executive Anthony Lim.
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feature A Digital Take Off
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AirAsia soars higher with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise
irAsia’s success journey is well-documented in the annals of enterprise history. In a span of just over a decade, Tony Fernandes turned around a debt-laden Malaysian airline into one of Southeast Asia’s largest low-cost regional carriers. In the process, the transformed airline has won sustained recognition such as the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for seven consecutive years. Its presence in the Philippines began in 2011 with their hub located in Clark, Pampanga. Two years later, the company formed a strategic partnership with Ambassador Alfredo Yao’s Zest Air to form AirAsia Zest. This prompted a move to the more accessible Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The joint strengths of these two landmark carriers allow them to serve top destinations here in the Philippines as well as throughout the Southeast Asian region. According to AirAsia Philippines CEO Atty. Joy Cañeba, their transfer to NAIA back in 2013 came at an opportune time to demonstrate their added dimensions in value. “It allowed us to better promote ourselves not only as a low-fare carrier, but also one that values the customer experience throughout all points of the journey– from the purchase
Shown here 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 VP and Head of Corporate Relationship Management Precy Katigbak, PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, AirAsia Philippines CEO Atty. Joy Cañeba, AirAsia Philippines CFO Franz Lopez, AirAsia Philippines Commercial Head Gibby Peñaflor, and PLDT Project Manager Vener Mendoza.
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of a ticket to ultimately reaching the destination.” And she fully believes in using ICT to help enhance the customer experience. “We are constantly investing in technology to make flying easier, more enjoyable, and comfortable for our guests,” she said. She added that as an airline, they rely on multiple channels of communication running 24/7 to help them immediately respond to any concern whatsoever. To further realize that goal, AirAsia Philippines teamed up with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise as key digital enablers. This was formalized in a contract signing ceremony held at PLDT’s office in Makati City. “We needed a partner who can provide the right infrastructure to enhance the services we provide to our customers,” she said. “PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise have the capability to make our connection become seamless.” Through the newlyformed partnership, solutions from PLDT (led by its IP VPN and iGate solutions) and Smart (with its mobile plans and Smart Messaging Suite solution) buttress the AirAsia Philippines IT network. These greatly contribute towards better communication with more discerning customers.
Atty. Cañeba praised the people behind PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise for their dedication and expertise. She noted that they fully understood AirAsia Philippines’ requirements, mindful of the never-ending stresses and demands on her organization. She also values the team’s engaging and forthcoming attitude. “They kept us updated on every step and alerted us on what to expect in coming days,” she said. They were pleased that through the collaborative process, their vendorclient relationship evolved into a true collaborative partnership. During the contract signing ceremony, PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez thanked Atty. Cañeba and the rest of the AirAsia team for trusting the company as their trusted expert end-to-end ICT partner. “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.” CC:
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k r o W t a Facebooskhere i
HR Division led the recent launch for Facebook at Work at the RCB Cafeteria and was open to all employees, who enjoyed some fun activities and exciting games. Simultaneously, two other launches were held at the Smart Tower, and the Voyager office.
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By Sarah G. A
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n its unwavering commitment to pursue a complete digital transformation, PLDT recently launched Facebook at Work to over 17,000 employees of PLDT, Smart, and Voyager, literally taking business online. With its useful productivity features that instantly connect colleagues to each other like the Groups and the Work Chat app, meetings and work-related discourse are elevated to an entirely different level. For events that are happening in different physical locations, employees can now be updated through real-time sharing of status and event photos—no room for #FOMO (fear of missing out) in this space.
Voyager PR and Communications team try out the Work Chat feature during their Facebook at Work launch in Ortigas. Photo By John Mark V. Tuazon
With the launch of Facebook at Work, employees are riding the digital shift, that elusive mechanical bull, with one hand on the handle, and another one up in the air. cc:
At the launch at Smart Tower are Smart PLDT CFO Anabelle Chua, Meralco SVP and Head of Corp. Marketing and Communication Al Panlilio, PLDT Business Transformations’ Ricky Vargas, PLDT Chief Technology Advisor Joachim Horn, PLDT EVP and Head of Consumer Business Ariel Fermin and Meralco Chief Technology Officer Gavin Barfield. Photo by Smart People Group
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A team of app developers and programmers, who created TrypoTrypo Sense Puncture The team behind the appthe called Sense Puncture Sensor, winsSpace the NASA Apps sensor wins the NASA AppsSpace Challenge/ Challenge hosted by PLDT Innolab.
Supporting Developments for Interstellar Solutions
PLDT Innolab hosts 2016 NASA Space Apps Challenge PH
By Katrina A. Mallari and Patricia Ramirez, Student-Trainee, Far Eastern University
P
LDT recently hosted one of the nationwide run of the 2016 NASA Space Apps Challenge at PLDT Innolab in Mandaluyong to support the country’s vision of a space program and developing creative solutions for outer space explorations by local app developers and programmers. Organized last month, some 40 university students, app developers, and programmers participated in the three-day challenge to create digital solutions from categories including Technology, Aeronautics, Space Station, Solar System, Earth, and Journey to Mars. The NASA Space Apps Challenge is an international event, simultaneously held at 121 cities in 55 countries. 99 of which are located outside of the United States. The local winner of every leg of the space apps challenge will have a chance to be included among the roster of global winners to be chosen by NASA. With amateurs and experts collaborating in order to come up
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with the best app ideas, finding digital solutions proved to be an enjoyable challenge – one that enables an individual to think outside the box, embodying a unique quality. Potentials in digital innovation Taking the path towards a digital transformation, PLDT supports the continuous exploration of new technologies, seeing potential in the growth of digital innovations that people coming from different parts of the country has the ingenuity to create.
PLDT ICT Research and Development VP Joselito Limjap encourages the innovative ideas presented during the hackathon.
Mithi Sevilla, a Robotics Enthusiast from Nanica. io, discussed the possibilities of their solutions as she gave examples of ongoing projects that may inspire participants in creating their own apps. One such project includes ArduSat, which is a miniature cube micro satellite
launched in 2012 composed of the open-source hardware Arduino that uses the same program as Diwata-1, which was launched last March of this year. “Arduino is a rapid electronic prototyping platform. It’s so popular because it can be easily used by beginners. But at the same time, it is technical enough for advanced shooters,” Sevilla said. “And because it has open-source software and hardware, it encourages exploration and can be modified.” Ten teams competed to design solutions viable for NASA with the solution developed by a team of app developers and programmers, consisting of Emerson Benoza, Robin Salazar, and Adrian Vergel Viar, were hailed as the winning
The NASA Space Apps challenge is a 3-day hackathon event participated by students and app developers.
A participant closely examines the object for possible space apps idea.
A group of students explain their space app idea.
project. Their project Trypo Sense Puncture sensor allows astronauts to detect and pinpoint pressure changes and punctures on space suits and equipment for them to immediately repair the problem. Their project creates a sensor network that detects punctures on inanimate objects such as spacesuits or for the International Space Stations (ISS). Emerson Benoza, an Electronics & Communications Engineer, shared his thoughts for their team’s plan, discussing certain limitations that are foreseeable in the process. “Even if we have the particular technology we need, there’s still a problem with reliability and repeatability,” Benoza said. “That’s what we needed in order to reach the particular aims we have for our ideas – we needed to think of the problem to the solution we are trying to create.” PLDT Technology Specialist Pet Arnaldo talks about the role of PLDT Innolab as it becomes an avenue in finding the next big idea, which may eventually inspire the creation of future
products and services. “PLDT has always given its utmost support in the continuous propagation of information technology through practical display of innovative ideas,” Arnaldo said. “In partnering with the Mobile IT 4 Youth, PLDT enables these certain communities to succeed. Their achievement in creating these various innovations also speaks of a wider success, especially for PLDT, which ultimately becomes a home of these truly inspired new technologies.” PLDT ICT Research and Development VP Joselito Limjap emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential of every new innovation. “PLDT Innolab has always recognized the growth of technology,” Limjap said. “By partnering with these organizations that bring in innovative ideas, we are continuously fueling the sparks of creativity in light of taking progressive steps towards a digital pivot.” Despite being the only Southeast Asian country without a space
program, Filipinos have always found ways to be non-conformists by creating a mindset that is always forward-looking. Aiming to finally create contributions when it comes to digital space innovations, co-founder of Mobile IT 4 Youth Wilson Censon took an opportunity to spearhead the NASA Space Apps Challenge in the Philippines. Heading the organization which is based in Nueva Ecija, Censon understood the consequences of having taken such a leap in order for the project to finally be realized. Censon speaks of timing as a factor in weighing his decision to move the project forward. “It’s about time that we gain interest and become curious about how things happen in space – how they work and ultimately, how we could make it better,” Censon said. “PLDT is very supportive and hopefully we will be known for the potentials of the space programs that the IT industry aims to give,” Censon added. CC:
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DI G ITAL T R ANS F O R MATION @
T E C H I S L A N D 3.0 PLDT Smart SME Nation draws top PH MSMEs in biggest tech summit
From left, PLDT EVP and Head of EICB Eric Alberto, PLDT Chief Strategy Advisor Winston Damarillo, Facebook PH Interim Country Director Alfredo Tan, Merlee Jayme of DENTSU Jayme Syfu, and UBER Philippines Country Director Laurence Cua.
Participants join the games during the Tech Island plenary session.
PLDT VP and Head of PLDT Smart SME Nation Mitch Locsin is being interviewed during the press conference of Tech Island held at the Sofitel Plaza.
TechIsland 3.0 really put light on strategies and modern takes of running a business, which our SME clients and those who attended freely were able to learn from and appreciate,” said PLDT VP and Head of SME Nation Mitch Locsin.
Bossings participate in the breakers during the Tech Island conference.
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LDT Smart SME Nation capped off the summer season as it again successfully organized its annual technology-business convention for entrepreneurs that aims to help more Filipino MSMEs take advantage of digital solutions necessary in today’s business landscape. Focused on the theme “Conquering
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new territories in today’s dynamic business,” TechIsland 3.0 drew more than 1,500 MSMEs from various industries listening in on key insights from some of the most respected leaders in business today. “We are very fortunate to have our line-up of speakers this year who are quite supportive of our objective in empowering the Filipino SMEs to better compete in business.
Speakers from the plenary during the morning session included newly appointed Interim Country Director for Facebook Philippines Alfredo Tan, Uber Philippines Country Director Laurence Cua, Silicon Valley veteran and PLDT Chief Strategy Officer Winston Damarillo, PLDT EVP and Head of EICB Eric Alberto, and DENTSU Jayme Syfu CEO Merlee Jayme. Tan emphasized the digital disruptions that businesses around the world are experiencing and are challenged with. He pointed out disruptive forces and shared how mobile devices have been more pervasive than any other technology
from decades surpassing television and radio. “There are 7.5 billion mobileconnected devices in the world today which means that as of 2015 there are currently more mobileconnected devices on the planet than there are human beings,” shared Tan. This year’s theme for TechIsland is a story of overcoming challenges, embracing change and conquering opportunities. TechIsland aims to educate, enable and empower MSMEs to solve real life business challenges through technology. In the past years, the forum focused on introducing
Tech Island officially holds its 4th year with an even bigger crowd and more exciting products for MSMEs.
More participants attend this year’s Tech Island.
MSMEs to ICT solutions for business. According to VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin, TechIsland 3.0 will now focus on “conquering new territories and markets in today’s dynamic business by harnessing digital tools and platforms.” PLDT EVP, Head of EICB and ePLDT CEO Eric R. Alberto led the highly esteemed group of speakers as he shared insights based on his experience in guiding the PLDT Group’s Enterprise and International activities, in both fixed and wireless businesses. Formally opening the event, Alberto welcomed game changers in the field of IT as well as innovators in the fields of marketing, finance and operations, among others. DENTSU Jayme Syfu’s ‘Chairmom’ and chief executive, and one of Philippine advertising industry’s most renowned practitioners, Merlee Jayme tackled digital marketing trends and how successful companies have adapted to the modern digital landscape.
Entertainment fills the networking dinner as SMEs, owners, and other attendees revel during the party.
Meanwhile, PLDT Chief Strategy Officer Winston Damarillo shared strategies on how businesses can go digital through specificallydesigned business solutions for MSMEs. Uber Manila General Manager Laurence Cua shared with the audience real-life application of digital technology. The breakout sessions were divided into four categories designed to target specific segments of an organization— the CEOs and owners (The Captain); sales and marketing (The Navigator); finance and procurement (The Trader); and operation and IT (The Engineer). The Captain focused on global expansion through digital while The Navigator highlighted digital trends and market activations. Delegates attending The Trader learned about streamlining systems, while those in The Engineer listened in on learnings about software security.
Held at the Harbour Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the highly anticipated business-to-business ICT forum drew in participants which included industry leaders, multinational organizations, startups and MSMEs from various industries. Unlike in previous years where participation was limited to IT practitioners, TechIsland 3.0 welcomed more people including professionals in the fields of marketing, sales, engineering, finance and procurement. Locsin added, “We’ve already established that digital is here and it’s here to stay. Now that everyone is on it, it’s time to challenge the standard business mindset and give our MSMEs a new perspective in managing their businesses, capturing and expanding their markets and handling competition. Online is where the action is, and we’re giving MSMEs the tools to thrive and survive in the digital arena.” CC:
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Ms. Universe on her new PLDT HOME TVC:
"This is my story."
M
iss Universe 2015 and Filipino pride Pia Wurtzbach is being featured in the latest TV commercial of PLDT HOME, representing the digital services leader’s flagship DSL brand. An ambassador of PLDT HOME since she became a Bb. Pilipinas titleholder in 2015, Pia remembers how much fun she had, going around the country promoting PLDT HOME DSL even in the remote areas of Mindanao. In the TVC, Pia is seen backstage as pretty little girls, all aspiring beauty queens, go through the rigors of beauty pageants with their number one fan and supporter—their mothers. Pia was teary-eyed during the preproduction for this commercial revealing that the story “felt really close to home.” She said, “This is my story. I feel that this was specifically written for me. I should have brought my mom with me today. I left her in the hotel. I want her to see this, too,”
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she told those around her during that meeting. According to PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali, the heartwarming video is in honor of mothers and the beautiful connections they help create for their children. “The perfect combination of a mother’s unwavering support and the power of technology which allowed her to connect with the world, helped pave the way for Pia to achieve her goal,” he said. “With this new TVC, we hope to inspire and empower people in their own journeys towards their dreams. It is certainly an honor to have no less than the reigning Miss Universe help us spread the message that the strongest and most beautiful connections begin at home.” The partnership between Pia and PLDT HOME DSL began when she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe in 2015. Since then, PLDT HOME has been a
steadfast supporter of Pia’s Miss Universe journey. As PLDT HOME ambassador, she traveled around the country to help families create beautiful connections through the reliable family-sized connection of PLDT HOME DSL. Her powerful story also served as an inspiration to millions of Filipinos who were captivated by her journey and perseverance despite multiple setbacks. As the country’s number one broadband, PLDT HOME DSL connects future Filipino achievers, like aspiring beauty queens who wish to follow in the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach and newly crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2016 Maxine Medina, to opportunities and resources online. It also helps them stay connected to their families and loved ones wherever their journey leads them, especially now with PLDT HOME DSL’s CIO Asia Award-winning data sharing service through the Speedster Fam Plan 1299. This plan offers speeds of up to 10 Mbps and a monthly data allocation of 50 GB. Subscribers who upgrade their Speedster Plan with a Smart Mobile Plan 399 or Plan 600 can share 6 GB of the 50 GB monthly data allocation to their smart phones so they can always easily reach out to the people that matter most. CC:
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cover story
The PLDT Group provides PPCRV (top) and NAMFREL (bottom) connectivity and hosting services that enabled fast and efficient delivery of election results.
‘A QUIET DaY’
PLDT helps provide connectivity for 2016 national elections
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he just-concluded national elections were “largely uneventful.”
“Amid all the excitement, Election Day was quiet for us. Our fixed and wireless networks were fully functional,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman and CEO of PLDT and Smart. That helped the transmission of elections results to proceed rapidly. As Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Andres Bautista said, election returns from over 91% of the country’s 92,509 clustered precincts were successfully transmitted to the COMELEC and its citizen’s arm, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) within 18 hours from the close of the polls. Timely transmission to the PPCRV transparency server in turn enabled media organizations to quickly report the results, helping dispel fears that political tensions would flare up in the aftermath of the heated political campaign.
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“The fact that the elections from a telco transmission point of view was largely uneventful was welcome news to all of us. We were happy to do our share in making this possible,” Pangilinan said. “To make that happen, our entire organization prepared thoroughly for this very important national event, and was on full alert priot to and on election day itself. As it turned out, our network performed smoothly, enabling voting precincts to quickly transmit election returns,” said PLDT Group EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Ernesto R. Alberto.
also powered the DSL broadband connection of 386 canvassing sites. To ensure problem-free transmission of results to the national board of canvassers, the company deployed technical support teams to the canvassing sites. Further, the PLDT Group donated fiber-optic cable connectivity and hosting services to the PPCRV for their transparency servers which supplied election results data to the various media organizations, Alberto added.
PLDT, Smart and Sun provided high bandwidth voice and data connectivity to Smartmatic, which handled election automation services for the COMELEC, Alberto explained.
PLDT also partnered with media organizations to support their fast and digitally-enabled election coverage. It provided some of the connectivity requirements of GMA7 for its coverage and of ABS-CBN in its hosting of the presidential debate at the University of Pangasinan.
Smart and Sun accounted for 60% of the pool of SIMs used by Smartmatic to transmit election returns from precincts. PLDT
Moreover, PLDT supported the data-driven coverage of TV5, resulting in its lag-free reporting of live events, clearer presentation
Standing 3rd from left, PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan is joined by Comelec Chairman Andy Bautista, 4th from left. With them are from left to right: MediaQuest President and CEO Noel Lorenzana, Voyager Innovations President and CEO Orlando Vea, NAMFREL Chairman David Balangue, Meralco SVP Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT Group EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Ernesto Alberto, and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Executive Director Rafael Lopa.
of collected data, and interactive reporting via use of social media. “About a year ago, we (TV5) started planning for this election coverage. We wanted to improve on the 2010 and 2013 record of TV5 and for PLDT and Smart to provide the access and connectivity to TV5. Most important for TV5 is the data and how that data is reported. That’s why you’re seeing the kind of description of the events on a national level, local level, all the way down to the precinct level and the councilor level at almost real-time,” said Pangilinan who is also Chairman of TV5, a unit of Mediaquest Holdings which is owned by the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund. “This is real convergence at work - the telco providing the connectivity, the access to the data that the TV network gathers, curates and presents to the public in an understandable manner,” he said. TV5 President and CEO Noel Lorenzana said their efforts were focused on giving their audience a truly data-enriched coverage of the national elections. “We are all connected to the transparency server of PPCRV so we are able to download the raw data from PPCRV. But for TV5, we made sure that we are able to process this data at faster pace and to translate it to information that enrich our viewers’ understanding of the election results,” he noted. CC:
MVP speaks of a faster transmission of election returns during the 2016 elections as well as his thoughts on the economic impact of the next administration.
The fact that the elections from a telco transmission point of view was largely uneventful was welcome news to all of us. We were happy to do our share in making this possible,” - mVP PLDT and Smart support the PPCRV for a faster and better electoral system. Seen in the photo are from left: Smart Brand Activation Jr. Operations Manager Richard Goce, Subsidiaries/VIP Acct Mgmt. Executive Anthony Lim, PPCRV Communications Director Anna De Villa-Singson, Enterprise Subsidiaries & VIP Acct Mgmt. Senior Manager Dennis Donato, and Smart Public Affairs Senior Manager Wo Rosete.
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sidebar Behind The Scenes:
The PLDT Group workforce behind the ‘Quiet Day’ By April P. Kagaoan, Smart Public Affairs
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oting the fastest transmission rate in the history of Philippine automated elections and now even a world-reference for its successful turnout, the much anticipated May 9 elections was yet another opportunity for the PLDT Group to maximize convergence and harness its best practices in network operations and customer experience.
PLDT - Smart Network & Enterprise teams have set-up service boosting equipment in strategic areas to ensure strong coverage in various pre-election events.
The teams that manned the 24-hour command center which was dedicated to oversee network operations before, during and even after the transmission of votes.
The 2016 Elections Core Operations Group
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feature
#GreenEnvironmentGawingForever
PLDT supports Earth Day 2016 celebration
By Katrina A. Mallari and Maria Viktoria M. Viado, Student-Trainee, Far Eastern University
W
ith its outpouring of support and concern for a better and greener environment, PLDT with Community Relations at the helm recently participated in the Earth Day 2016 celebration highlighting the covenant signing of the Paris Agreement and the launching of the Trees for the Earth campaign. The Company is supporting the initial solutions presented in the Philippine Earth Day 2016 Covenant and believes that these will help in resolving the threat Mother Earth is currently facing. Taking part in this event, PLDT reflects how it evidently creates solutions to problems concerning the environment. This particular leap that the different parties involved had undertaken symbolizes a hopeful vision of a better environment for future generations. PLDT was one of the sponsors in the Pro-Earth Run 2016 which was attended by more than 50 PLDT participants at the SM Mall of Asia. For the first place in the 5K run category, a PLDT finisher proudly placed, while two PLDT participants finished second and third, respectively, in the 3K run. On the 10K run of the women’s category, PLDT finishers got the 10th and 11th place. “PLDT has always been an active partner in concretizing steps and realizing vital changes in our environment,” PLDT Community Relations Head/ Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario said. “We need to be able to make every effort to make the Earth we live in a better and greener one.”
PLDT ComRel Head/ Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario supports the covenant signing of the Paris Agreement.
PLDT employee-volunteers and runners participate in the Pro Earth Run 2016.
The Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP) headed by Country Coordinator Isagani Serrano, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), organized the covenant signing of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change. PLDT supports the campaign of the Paris Agreement in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by the year 2030. Moreover, the covenant also discussed the launching of Trees for the Earth Campaign by the International Earth Day Movement which aims to plant 7.8 million trees, one of the five major goals the organization attempts to achieve within the five-
year countdown to the 50th year of the Annual Earth Day celebration. In addition, the covenant also contains information on how the Paris Agreement welcomes nonparty stakeholders, including the members of the civil society, private sectors, financial institutions, and other subnational authorities as long as they are willing to address and respond to the fight against climate change. The ongoing campaign for a clean environment establishes longterm efforts and support from various partners and stakeholders, ultimately creating a path towards a progressively better and greener Earth. CC:
PLDT employee-volunteers and runners gather together for a photo opp.
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Members of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) perform for the audience during the press conference.
PPO at Carnegie Hall
PSF takes Filipino talent to the world stage By Katrina A. Mallari and Maria Viktoria M. Viado, Student-Trainee, Far Eastern University
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Raul Sunico talks about how the Filipino talent has flourished through the years.
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nriching Filipino culture through its support for musical artistry, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) contributes to making a dream into reality while simultaneously creating history for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). Together with PLDT Alpha Enterprise, SMART Infinity, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) and other renowned partner institutions, PSF brings the Filipino culture and art in the forefront of world-class performance as the Philippines’ premiere orchestra, PPO, performs for the first time ever in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City on June 18. As an advocate of the continuous growth of the country’s culture and the arts, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan immediately supported PPO’s ultimate dream of performing in Carnegie Hall. PSF President Esther O. Santos invites everyone to support PPO as they perform in Carnegie Hall, encouraging support for the artists from Filipinos here and in the United States of America. “Part of the proceeds of the concert in Carnegie will be given to the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF), which is one of our partners,” Santos said. “We have embarked on projects together for the Typhoon
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At the event are, from left: PDRF President Butch Meily, Philippine Airlines (PAL) Marketing Manager Sylvia Domingo, PSF President Esther Santos, CCP President Sunico, Smart Infinity Business Department Head Julie Carceller, PPO Musical Director Maestro Olivier Ochanine, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) President Jeffrey
Yolanda survivors. And we’re very happy that this concert will be able to aid some of our projects.” PPO Musical Director Maestro Olivier Ochanine expresses his gratitude for the once in a lifetime opportunity given to the country’s leading professional orchestra. Ochanine recognized the overwhelming support from the project’s sponsors. “Today we see partnerships between the arts and important Filipino companies whose leaders are not only committed in promoting Filipino business and identity here and abroad, but they are also committed in promoting the Filipino artists,” Ochanine said. Narrating the personal roots the project has on him as a musician, Ochanine initiated the project three years ago. Strengthened by his trust in PPO, Ochanine believes that
the Filipino talent is something that the world must simply witness. “Being able to take that stage in Carnegie Hall is not just for the orchestra or for me,” Ochanine said. “Of course I’m very happy to be a part of it, but at the end of the day, it’s for the Filipinos. And it’s truly a great way to showcase the Filipino talent.” The PPO will perform together with Ms. Cecile Licad (piano) and Mr. Diomedes Saraza (violin). PSF and the rest of the MVP Group of Companies continuously give opportunities for the Filipino talent to be recognized. As PPO fills the entire 2,804 seats of Carnegie Hall, there is no doubt that this concert will be a milestone in Philippine culture and arts. CC:
In jovial spirits in between team modules.
With PLDT EmpDev’s Team Dynamics Session
Maynilad’s top management team firms up next gen strategies
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t all starts at the top. The work culture takes its cue from the leaders. Show them a united force in the upper hierarchies and we’ll have great followership inspired by powerful role models. This became the prevailing imperative during EmpDev’s conduct of a Team Dynamics session for the Top Management Team of Maynilad with President & CEO Mon Fernandez at the helm of cascading business transformation goals. Dubbed as “Unity in Diversity: Leading the Maynilad Next Gen, the session which was facilitated by EmpDev Assistant Vice President Nonong Noriega reinforced the principles of teamwork as a source of competitive advantage. This learning event also highlighted a portion where OD Consultant Cor Suarez engaged leaders in defining the Enterprise Balanced Scorecard to assure Maynilad’s long term viability and business performance. This covered four dimensions, namely: customer, financial, internal business processes, as well as organization and people, Experiential activities helped surfaced elements of winning teams when congruence in goals, roles and relationships is achieved. These were strengthened by an appreciation of various personality profiles and
individual temperaments which lead to a collective commitment in pursuing the company’s Next Gen strategies. Embracing change has become a recurring theme during simulation drills. Foreseeing the need to manage transitions well, role plays on moving parts, multiple hat wearing and critical cross-functional team playing got everyone in a reality-check mode. Introspections on how well everyone is coping proved enlightening on where each team player finds himself in this challenging journey. Many realizations surfaced all throughout the situational team encounters. At one point, Chief Operating Officer Randy Estrellado observed, “You can plan. You can practice. But
sometimes, you just have to trust” to which Nonong quipped, “It’s all about being in the lookout for each other’s welfare and not being confined to isolated acts of productivity. Synergy is crucial.” In many respects, it was a session that married the cerebral with the motivational. After unearthing norms in behavior and culture, leaders were able to see what attitudes and mindsets can enable vertical alignment and horizontal integration at the division level. Nonong’s team is presently crafting a customized version of this learning event for the next line of leaders that directly report to this Top Management Team which will run simultaneously with a series of sessions they’ve been entrusted to cascade down the line on championing change. CC:
The momentous commitment rites with EmpDev Head leading the symbolic declaration of affirmation with Maynilad President & CEO Mon Fernandez and COO Randy Estrellado.
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THE BANDWAGONER
G
ame plans look good on paper. Chartered courses look good on powerpoint presentations. But the moment of truth happens when we execute everything. We can plan on contingencies. We can be on the lookout for possible hurdles. But who can accurately predict real pain points during implementation? Maturity in an organization’s work culture is seen when the people don’t lose heart when disruptions take place or when there is an eleventh hour need to shift gears and change priorities. No showstoppers when it comes to championing the cause for meaningful transformation!
By Nonong noriega
Rhythm ters Bus
Rhythm is very important in teams. It sets the momentum for winning. It gives the members the impetus to talk shorthand and be quick on the take when it comes to what needs to be delivered. Even in sports, rivals try to bust each other’s rhythm. It’s a clever way to spoil the opponent’s focus and get him upset with his crafted manoeuvres. Here is a list of possible rhythm busters. Let’s take charge of them before they take charge of us.
1. Factions 2. Too much small talk on trivialities 3. Excessive micro-managing 4. Analysis paralysis 5. Majoring in the minors 6. ‘Reply to All’ email reverts 7. Unhealthy politicking 8. Leaders not walking the talk 9. Hecklers (external & internal) 10. Complicated processes and systems 11. Passing the buck 12. Whiners 13. Shifting market trends 14. Naysayers 15. ‘Turfy-ness’ / Silos 16. Generational diversities 17. Goals & strategies not well communicated 18. Goals & strategies that do not resonate 19. ‘Outdated’ practices 20. Unclear direction
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We can plan on contingencies. We can be on the lookout for possible hurdles. But who can accurately predict real pain points during implementation?” Let’s face it. These are here to stay. We can attempt to combat or at least neutralize them with rhythm enhancers that are the exact opposite of each syndrome stated above. Best to manage the culture with more than enough programs and initiatives that will indoctrinate the right values to preserve the rhythm that enables meaningful transformation. One that would push forth the high impact attainment of our business goals! CC:
life
arts 2015 Annual Report
poetry | prose | artworks | photography
Virtual is Real.
p atriotis m
Pinoy-stagram Artworks By Krizelle Amoyo, student trainee – Far Eastern University
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watawat Ni Tricia Blue Ilang dekada na ang sa ati’y nagdaan Labanan ng pula at dilaw ay natanaw Iisang lahi, ngunit magkaiba ang tinahak Sariling interes ang nanaig, kaya nagka watak watak Ating balikan ang panahon ng kasimplehan Ordinaryong pamumuhay sa kabila ng kasipagan Pagkain sa lamesa kayang kaya ng bulsa Pag-aaral na libre, de kalidad at pambihira Saan man naroon, hindi malilimutan Ala-ala ng Nutriban sa ating dating paaralan Mga kalaro sa kalsada at mga kabiruan Ito’y nakatatak sa ating murang isipan Ating mga guro, na galing ay itinago Nanilbihan ang iba upang makamit ang progreso Nakibaka sa buhay kahit sa kabilang dako Maisalba lamang ang buhay at makamit ang asenso Hindi ko mawari kung saan nagsimula Malugmok ang Pinas bagama’t sagana sa laman dagat at lupa Ating kasipagan dinadala sa ibang bansa Kapalit man ang lungkot at iwanan ang pamilya Sa kabila ng lahat, bansa nati’y nakatindig Nagmamasid at naghihintay na mapansin Sa dulo ng pagsisikap, ito ay babalikan mo rin Upang ialay ang tagumpay na nakamit
Photography by Darwin L. Oriane, IT Operations Support Systems
Bansang Pilipinas babangon ng muli Ating iwagayway bandila ng pagpupunyagi Ipadama ang respeto sa ating mga kalahi Ipagmalaki ang ating bayan sa lahat ng sandali Watawat na simbolo ng ating katapangan Huwag nating sayangin araw ng kalayaan Pagiging makabayan ipamana sa kabataan Na siyang magtutuloy sa ating inumpisahan
Para Sa’yo at sa Bayan Mo Ni Maria Viktoria Viado, student trainee – Far Eastern University Dumating na ang araw ng paghatol at pagpili Boses ng taong bayan; malakas, nakakabingi Nag-iisang boto, mahalagang pag-isipang mabuti Sino ang dapat maupo sa trono na nais ng marami? Ang lahat ng magaganap ay hindi basta-bastang laro Bayan sa susunod na anim na taon ang nakasalalay dito Isama na rin ang ikauunlad ng bawat tao. Pumili, makialam, ‘yan ang dapat, Pilipino.
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Huwag sayangin ang minsanang pagkakataon Bansang Pilipinas tulungan nating umahon Huwag pabayaang lumaban mag-isa sa mga hamon Tayo rin ang makikinabang pagdating ng panahon.
p.i.l.i.p.i.n.a.s By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ Patriotism is supporting your country all the time. And your government when it deserves it. -Mark Twain This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. - Elmer Davis Pearl of the Orient Sea was how they described you then Islands of more than 7000 in number, shaped marvelously Lush hues of green and blue seen from the sky I am privileged to see the first light of this world with Philippines as my homeland, a country of beautiful smiles Inspiring hospitality that warms the heart of anyone Notably a culture influenced by mixed nations A unique heritage, a legacy marked by valor and Spirit anchored with the strong faith in the Almighty
Artwork By Krizelle Amoyo, student trainee – Far Eastern University
p.i.n.o.y. ako Ni Cherry W. Alaban, Enterprise Service Assurance Mgt Puso’t isip, sa salita at sa gawa. Sa kulay kong kayumanggi, ‘di maipagkakaila. Pilipino ako sa damdamin ko’t diwa. Sa husay at talino, buong mundo’y napapahanga. Isang lahi na aking maipagmamalaki. Saan man mapadpad hinding-hindi pagagapi. Sa ano mang laban, tapang ay ‘di maikukubli. Kahit buhay ay iaalay, makamit lamang ang minimithi.
My heart longs to see my country rising like the phoenix Ashes of shattered dreams from where it emerges are but Historical entries or lessons learned from the past Another dawn will shine from where tears of the night fell Leaving nothing but traces replaced with lasting elation Know the right and fight for the truth, I will never give up On the battle to defend and support the land of my birth Never will I wave the white flag to any mighty forces Gallantly will I face every chance given to embody True Filipino – fearless, independent and unwavering Undeterred by the strong winds and unpredictable waves Not easily swayed by sweet talk of unfulfillable promises A soul steadfastly rooted in Him alone, I will not Yield to pursue the easy path in expense of the freedom fought for
Noon hanggang ngayon patuloy na namamayagpag. Mga kontribusyong nagawa’y ‘di malilimutan, panahon man ay lumipas. Sa bawat henerasyon, bandila ay patuloy na iaangat. Patutunayang tatak Pinoy ay may dangal at ‘di magwawakas. Ondoy, Yolanda, kahit ilang bagyo o lindol pa ang dumating. Sa bawat unos ng buhay, hinding-hindi padadaig. Babangong muli, magpapatuloy sa hangarin. Hindi mauubusan ng pag-asa, may liwanag pagkatapos ng dilim. Yan ang Pinoy, tapat na nagmamahal sa Inang Bayan. Sa bawat pagsubok, matapang at may paninindigan. Sa tuwing may kalamidad, bawat isa’y nagtutulungan. May pusong Bayani, kahit sa mumunti mang paraan. .
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patriotreachery By Masayang Buhay
It has been ages since then An Indio asked, “Freedom is when?” “When will these shackles burn?” “And when will the lost glory return?” The requested end started When the heroes lamented His death was the trigger Awakened every Filipino fighter And so freedom was achieved Far from what the books can conceive Generations have told their stories Who died for our lives of less worries For the glory that is less felt By all the discords from right to left How did it become like this Are we really born selfish? As soon as someone reaches the peak Pulling him down is what we hunt and seek Does anyone here deserve the freedom they’ve died for? Are we really worth dying for? And look at the so-called leaders Who only think of how they can deceive their followers How they can assault using their machineries Just to preserve their stolen prosperities As change is about to enter They are looking at how it will be dismembered When will we ever learn from the mistakes of the past To make the smiles of our children last? As she gently weeps from the quarrels of her children Nursing the wound that is three centuries old Will we have the guts to face the patriots who died? And say “This is our pearl” with pride?
Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan, PLDT Tondo Sales & Service Center
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hiling po namin
Ni Patricia Ramirez, student trainee – Far Eastern University Bayan kong kinamulatan, Ipaglalaban hanggang kamatayan Ngunit ngayon puso ko’y nagsusumamo Sa pagbabagong hatid ng bagong pangulo Ibigay ang dapat para sa lahat Upang tayo’y muling umunlad Itong nalalabing pag-asa Wag sana maupos sa kawalan Hinalal para sa karapatan Tutulong sa tama, susupol sa katiwalian Wag na sana matulad pa sa mga mali Di makausad, walang pupuntahan Patuloy na pagtatanong Bayan o Sarili? “O kaya’y ikaw lang ang uunlad o tutulong sa lahat Subalit naisip mo rin ba Na ang Pilipino ay para sa Pilipinas Kung ganoon ang Sarili ay parte ng Bansa Kaya’t sa mumunting pag itim ng bilog Mas magandang kinabukasan ang binubulong Isang tamang boto para sa bayan ko Sa mga mapipili naming maglilingkod Nawa’y maisip na hindi ito sakripisyo Sapagkat ito’y pinangako ninyong serbisyo Masarap mag alay sa lupang sayo’y nagkupkop Isang pagmamahal katumbas ay di masasalop Dalangin na lamang matupad ang kahilingan Mapatunayan platapormang ipinagkalandakan Lahat nga ba ay matutunton inaasam na kaginhawaan ‘O taon muli ng hamak na kagipitan
makabayan
Ni Melvin John Artugue, FMA, ESAM Team C Tila nakakalimutan na ng lahat ang ibig sabihin nito “Ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo” Marami na rin kasi ang mga impluwensyang dumating Ang kinahinatna’y makalimot na sa sariling atin Ang ibig sabihin na raw ng maganda ay maputi At pangit na ang tawag sa itim at kayumanggi Naglipana nga ang mga nagpa-ayos ng ilong May masama ba sa pango? ‘Yan ang aking tanong May ilan nama’y nangibang-bayan lang ay ‘di na Pilipino Sa kagustuhang umunlad ay pinilit maging kano At pagbisita rito’y akala mo kung sino umasta ‘Di na raw marunong magtagalog, paislang-islang pa Pati mga babasahin galing sa mga dayuhan, pinipilahan Mga mang-aawit na ibang lahi’y tinitilian Ang titik ng mga awit na ito’y ‘di maintindihan Subalit sila pa ri’y kinababaliwan Kung ‘di pa lalagyan ng angas at mura ang ating mga pelikula Tiyak na baka ‘di pa tumabo ang mga ito sa takilya Kapag gawa sa ibang bansa raw ay matibay Ngunit ‘pag dito raw ay mabilis maluray Nagiging Pilipino lang kapag may nakilalang kalahi sa buong mundo Sila yung mga sumabak na ang bandila nati’y itayo Tapos susulpot ang mga nagmamagaling Sasabihi’y sila raw ay bilib sa mga bayaning magigiting Pagkaraa’y lilitaw pa rin ang tunay na ugali Sa mismong bansa’y ayaw manatili Sa mismong bayan nga ay nagiging dayuhan Makarinig ng malalim na tagalog, ‘di na raw niya alam Pinapayabong ang kaalaman sa ibang wika ‘Di ba’t mas masahol pa iyon sa bilasang isda? Binabastos nga pati larawan ni Gat Jose Rizal Katatawanan ang idinikit at kagimbal-gimbal Pagkatapos ay tatanungin ninyo kung nasaan na ang mga tunay na Pilipino Pinalitan nga ng letrang “F” ang titik “P” sa salitang ito Pati alibata’y kinalimutan na nga rin natin Ito sana ang ating naging pambansang baybayin Saan na nga ba papunta ang Pilipinas ngayon? Maibabalik pa ba ang dignidad ng kahapon? Kay tagal mo nang nawala, bakit ‘di ka pa rin bumabalik? Mas masarap ba ang yakap ng ibang bayan pati ang kanilang halik?
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Entre Las Paginas
Rizal: Makata ni Virgilio S. Almario A book review by Patricia Ramirez, student trainee – Far Eastern University
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yon sa Republic Act No. 1425 o mas kilalang Rizal law, lahat ng institusyong pang edukasyon pribado o pampubliko ay inaatasang isama sa kurikulum ng pagtuturo ang buhay at mga panitikang ambag ng ating pambansang bayani na si Dr. Jose Rizal. Layunin nito ay magsilbi si Rizal na imahe ng inspirasyon at maipalaganap sa kabataan ang pagpapahalaga para sa mas mapag-alab na pagmamahal sa bansa, wika’t kultura. Bilang isang mag-aaral sa kolehiyo na katatapos lang masungkit ang tatlong yunits para sa kursong ito, sa aking palagay hindi lubos natalakay ang pagiging makata ni Rizal gamit ang kanyang piling tula’t sanaysay na aming pinag-aralan. Ngunit sa kabutihang palad ako’y nagkaroon ng pagkakataon upang Artwork By Krizelle mabasa ang akda ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining para sa Panitikan na si Virgilio S. Almario na pinamagatang Rizal: Makata. Aminado akong nahirapan sa simula dahil sa lalim ng pagkakasulat lalo na sa mga ginamit na salita. Sa unang pahina pa lamang nasabi na ni Ginoong Almario ang pagkakahambing sa aking karanasan na hindi naiintindihan ang mga orihinal na sulat ni Rizal dahil ito ay nasa Espanyol at kakaunti na lamang ang may alam ng wikang ito. Una ko agad binasa kahit nasa may bandang dulo ang paksang “Tumula Ba si Rizal sa Tagalog?” Ako din ay napaisip at naalala ang nabanggit ng aking dating guro na isa ring historian tungkol sa tulang Sa Aking Mga Kabata. Mas naliwanagan ako na maaaring hindi nga si Rizal ang sumulat nito dahil sa inconsistency ng taon, pahayag at kaugnayan ni Rizal sa mga taong pinagmulan ng orihinal na kopya ng tula. Sumunod ko naman nabasa ang paksang “Makata Ba si Rizal?” Dito mas naipaliwanag ni Almario ang kanyang puntong nais ipahatid sa pagsulat ng buong libro – ang maipakita sa mga Pilipino na hindi lamang sa pagkamatay para sa bayan matatawag na bayani si Rizal ngunit pati na rin ang malaking ambag niya sa sistematikong paglalatag sa palatugmaang Tagalog. Nariyan ang pagsasaayos niya ng Patinig at Katinig para sa organisadong pagsusulat pati na ang maayos na
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Amoyo, student trainee – Far Eastern University paliwanag na ating nagagamit hanggang ngayon. Habang sa “Paano Dapat Isalin ang Tula ni Rizal?” sang ayon ako na mahihirapan nga tayo sa pagsasalin tulad sa orihinal na anyo dahil napapahaba o naiiba ang tumbas ng salita sa Filipino mula Espanyol. Kaya’t kung mababasa ang mga gamit na salin sa Filipino na gabay pangturo sa mga paaralan, minsan iba ang kahulugan dahil ito’y may iba’t iba ring bersyon ayon sa sumusulat, dagdag pa na ang istraktura ng tula o mga nobela ay di na rin mapapanatili tulad na orihinal pag sinalin. Subalit maaari naman daw ito masalin sa halos parehong pagkakasulat kung mag sasaliksik sa anyong kailangan ilapat pati na rin sa angkop na salitang gagamitin. Panghuli ay ang aking paboritong naisulat ni Rizal na Canto del viajero na binigyang pansin sa paksang “Nagbiyahe Ka Na Ba?” Sa pamamagitan nito, naiparating sa atin na hindi lamang dahil sa pagalis sa sariling bansa ang maaaring dahilan kung bakit nasaktan si Rizal. Marahil ay patungkol ito sa pag-ibig. Kung iaangkop din sa panahon ngayon, ito siguro’y isang hugot ni Rizal dahil habang nasa ibang bansa, siya’y nakatanggap ng balitang ikakasal na ang mahal niyang si Leonor Rivera. Kaya’t mas masidhi ang lumbay niya. Nawalay sa pamilya, wala sa lupang tinubuan, pati dilag na minamahal ay mawawala pa: mas nanaisin mo nga na wala na lang maramdaman.
Y le envidian al triste viajero, Cuando cruza la tierra veloz… !Ay! no saben que dentro del alma Existe un vacio do falta el amor! -Dr. Jose Rizal
Canto del viajero Inggit sila sa kawawang biyahero Kapag siya’y tumatawid nang mabilis sa daigdig… Ay! di nila’ batid na ang kaluluwa Niya’y basyo hanggang ubod, walang laman ni pag-ibig -Salin ni Virgilio S. Almario Awit ng Biyahero ni Dr. Jose Rizal
Sa kabuuan, mas lumawak ang kaalaman ko sa ating bayani na siguro’y di ko matututunan sa isang sem sa kolehiyo. Isang libro na puno ng pananaliksik at puntong maaaring hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataon na mapag-usapan sa publiko. Sa aking palagay ang mga museo na makikitaan lamang ng mumunting gamit panulat o damit ni Rizal ay nangangailangan din ng seksyon na makikitaan ng mga malawak na obserbasyon patungkol sa mga iba pang sulat likha ng ating pambansang bayani. Sabi ng nakatatanda: “ ‘Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bansa. ” Kaya’t sa kusang pag-alam sa nakaraan at sa pagbabahagi tulad ng mga ganitong kaalaman ay di mo lang naipapahayag ang pagsunod sa batas na Republic Act No. 1425 o Rizal law ngunit naisasabuhay mo rin ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagkaPILIPINO. CC:
Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan, PLDT Tondo Sales & Service Center
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American Dream By Olive O. Barrozo
T
all, athletic Eric with his expressive eyes and an electrifying smile could win the heart of any girl on his own without much effort, but his aunt who just arrived from the United States insists on finding one for him. She’s showing him a photo of the girl she has chosen. “Look at her Eric, isn’t she charming?” “Ahh, she’s quite ok, Auntie.”
Intent on carving a bright future for their son in the prosperous land of milk, honey, and green bucks, Eric’s parents couldn’t believe it when five years later, he married a former college classmate whose only association with the world’s most powerful country was when she joined protest rallies in front of the US Embassy as a student. They couldn’t fathom his reasons for choosing this reticent slip of a girl who doesn’t cook, seldom engages in small talk, and works in an obscure non-government organization. But like unwavering politicians running for high offices, his parents are single-mindedly pursuing their dreams for their eldest son, come hell or high water. His sister, who had left for the US after graduating with a nursing degree, has found job openings for Eric.
“What? Just ok? She’s actually pretty. What do you think Minnie?”
“Why don’t you apply for a working visa?” his mother asked as she handed him some printouts of job prospects.
“Yes, she looks good. Eric is just shy, especially around girls,” his mother Minnie replied.
“Maybe later, Mom.”
“Why should you be shy? A handsome guy like you with a double degree in Math and Physics should never be shy. Why don’t you send her an email? I have already told her about you and she’s excited to meet you.” “Auntie, I just started in this new job so I’m really busy attending orientations and trainings, I don’t have much time for anything else.” “You have to make time for other things Eric. Don’t you want to go to the US? Succeed as a scientist? Raise a beautiful family? Live in a gorgeous house? And drive the latest model cars?” “I’ll get there Auntie, but not now. Someday.” Someday is a nebulous timeframe and uncharacteristic of Eric who runs his life on a rigorous schedule with the precision of an unfaltering original Swiss watch. “Your son doesn’t seem to fancy that girl,” his mom told his dad after her balikbayan sister left. “Maybe she’s not his type. Eric is quite choosy with girls,” dad Leo answered. “But the girl looks good, don’t you think? And she’s an American citizen!” “Oh, well. Eric may realize that one of these days.”
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“What are you waiting for Eric? There’s this great opportunity to work in the US, why don’t you take it?”
“Mom, I have a job here, a family… but I’ll go over these materials and think about the possibilities and decide sooner. Or later.”
“Because this is where I need to be at this point in my life.”
“You better make it sooner, the job opportunities will not wait for you. I can’t understand why you’re having such a hard time making a decision when a lot of people the world over are scrambling to go to America,” his mom said in exasperation.
“The stars!”
Unfortunately, the decision was not made sooner as his mother had hoped. And the American dream was fulfilled in the original dreamer. Eric’s parents flew to the US after several years to join his sister. Before leaving, his mom pleaded with him for the nth time. “You really have to go to the US, Eric. It’s the place for you and your line of work. You will have a thriving career, I’m sure, and a more comfortable life. Everything else will fall into place once you get there, you’ll see. You can petition your wife and kids once you get settled. All our family and relatives are already there and they’re waiting for you.” “I’m really happy to hear that Mom, but living abroad is not my priority right now. I have a life here, why would I go somewhere else?” “Is it your wife and her impractical ‘sense of country’ mindset?” “No Mom, I have my own views. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be alright. You and Dad should go and enjoy the wonderful California weather. They say it’s the best. Who knows, I might show up there someday!” On the way home from the airport, Eric’s wife Elise asked him, “Honestly, why don’t you want to join your family in the US? I know they’ve been imploring you to go for years now.”
“Sez who?”
“What about the monstrous traffic jams, among other inconveniences?” “A traffic jam is only a large group of cars stranded together on a highway or a street. How can this frighten you? It’s not a life-threatening disease nor does it signify the end of the world.” “How do you deal with these things then?” “They are part of the challenges that spice up our lives, wherever we are in the world. They take on a different form overseas but they are there too, amid the picturesque landscape, the beautiful houses with gleaming kitchens and well-stocked refrigerators.” Eric can lecture for hours when the mood arises: “Even complaints and rants have their function. They fuel our lives and ward off boredom. Imagine a place where there is nothing to complain about because everything runs perfectly like a well-oiled machine. Only this one doesn’t need a change in oil every so often. Before long, people will be complaining of boredom. Missing the challenges of their former life, they will be creating problems that would challenge them. And the cycle continues…” “But wait, tomorrow’s a Sunday. We have to go home now so we can sleep early. I need to make a run for the freshest fish in the market at dawn tomorrow. They’re the best in the world!” And he slowly eased through the humongous traffic at EDSA in the gathering dusk, driving steadily towards home, looking forward to the exhilarating market day. Tomorrow. CC:
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