ACC:ESS October 2015 by PLDT Media

OCT 2015

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

acc:essOCTOBER2015

02 25 This year’s FIBA championship has remained part of the learning curve for Team Gilas Pilipinas in getting

back to world-class level of play from the sports feature penned by Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, publisher of The Filipino Connection. Still, the team did the unthinkable after hurdling through all the games before bowing down to China. For genetically small players, to put a shock to global cage powers speaks of the leaps and bounds of Philippine basketball. And in Asia, two straight silver medals are leaps of faith, of heart. The Philippines is, indeed, a passionate lover of the sport.

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02 PLDT, Smart ink deal with GMA7 for connected elections coverage 02 TV5 launches “Bilang Pilipino” 2016 elections coverage 03 PLDT launches PLDT Capital for innovation gateway betwen Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Southeast Asia 06 PLDT Global partners with iflix Malaysia

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11 PLDT opens flagship store at SM City Lipa 12 PLDT SME Nation, Bossings gather support for rising tech start-ups 13 TNT launches TNT Extend promo 14 Gilas in FIBA Asia Finals The road to basketball’s world stage is about learning Cover Story 16 Mighty China isn’t unbeatable Sidebar 19 PLDT Media and PLDT LENS Club Photo Contest Six Lensers make the cut for PLDT 2016 desk and tent calendars

staffbox Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor

Heart of a leader

ational pride was again boosted when the much older Filipino cagers with an average age of 31 stood against the much younger and taller Chinese players at the finals of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship. Their journey to the FIBA finals was nothing short of spectacular, starting off with the highly-charged player selection process to the bitter losses at the tune-up games in Estonia, sterling silver finish at the Jones Cup in Taiwan, top slot at the four-way MVP Cup practice games here in Manila, and finally, the glorious rally to the finals after their hard-earned victories over favorites Iran and Japan in Changsha, Hunan in China. #PUSO has been the official hashtag of Gilas Pilipinas which encapsulates the passion and commitment of the team to give pride to our basketball-loving nation. And the loudest heartbeat comes from its leader, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Manny V. Pangilinan. Under MVP’s leadership, the Philippines’ national basketball team moved up to the third best in Asia and 28th in the world under the FIBA rankings. His unselfish contribution to Philippine basketball was recognized with a flood of the #SalamatMVP hashtag in Twitterverse after he announced his intention to step down as SBP head to honor an eight-year

MAILBAG

maximum directorship rule which he himself helped put in place. However, MVP announced that he will remain committed to the national team and will continue to support it. In his Twitter account @iammvp, he said: “I will continue to render my support – moral and financial – to SBP…Tough for me to accept but I will be there supportive of Philippine basketball all the way.” In another arena, we are about to choose the political leaders that will govern our country for six years. Many of us may already have our own preference for the government posts that will be opened for voting on May 9, 2016. To help us choose our next leaders, perhaps we can subscribe to what our chairman MVP considers to be a good leader. In a conversation with him, he said that all management books will tell you that there are just two things that a good leader should possess. And those are honesty and competence. Both must be present for an individual to be considered a good leader. We hope that our candidates possess these qualities. Let us not be swayed by survey results or candidates’ campaign slogans and vote according to our conscience, based on metrics that make a good leader.

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor Adrian T. Elumba Sarah G. Azucena-Reodica Raymond C. Co Writers Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation Nonong F. Noriega Columnist Carlo D. Gonzalez Mark Daryll P. Sambat Graphic Design CONTRIBUTORS Cherry W. Alaban, Paul Edward Alvarez, Melvin Artugue, Laemar John V. Chavez, Lawrence de Guzman, Evelyn Faustino, Danny Handayan, Joaquin Henson, Ronald Ibarra, Liza del Rosario-Jacala,Luis C. Maglanoc, Joanna Marie M. Muldong, Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, Cora Perez, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Jeffrey S. Quilatan, Erlinda S. Ramos, Kristine L. JimenoRivadelo, Rebelyn Q. Rosales, Myra Saturnina S. Sanchez, Marjory C. Sy, Mary Grace O. Sze, Alice P. Tuazon

ACC:ESS is published monthly by PLDT Media Division for employees and friends. Address all communications to: The Editor-in-Chief, ACC:ESS, Ramon Cojuangco Building, Makati Avenue, Makati City. Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515. Email: jrencarnado@pldt.com.ph http://issuu.com/pldtmedia

Subscriber Ella Kintanar sent an appreciation note to PLDT CTAABMT Customer Service Operations Zone Field Service Supervisor Carter Abad, through PLDT Int’l Network Engineering & Project Management Network Facilities Specialist Irma Beato, for restoring her voice and DSL services in the usual nick of time. “Thank you very much for the great customer service,” Kintanar said, who is particularly most elated for the prompt response of the PLDT crew who came to their house in less than 24 hours after she called in her concerns. CC: Abad

News PLDT, together with other GMA 7 partners, band together to support the network’s elections coverage next year. In photo: standing 4th from left, PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno, GMA 7 Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon, and Comelec Chairman Andy Bautista lead the stand with other heads of the different organizations from different sectors that will enable GMA 7’s “Eleksyon 2016.”

PLDT, Smart ink deal with GMA7 for connected elections coverage PLDT and Smart recently signed a partnership with TV network GMA 7 to become the telecommunications and connectivity provider for the station’s extensive coverage of the presidential elections next year. PLDT will provide the TV station’s fixed and mobile connectivity requirements for its most high-tech broadcast of “Eleksyon 2016.” “PLDT and Smart are one with GMA7 and its other partner organizations including leading broadsheet Philippine Daily Inquirer in making a significant contribution in the country’s efforts for clean and honest elections next year,” said PLDT and Smart President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno.“PLDT’s extensive fixed and mobile networks

will help GMA 7 gather and report the most accurate and latest news on the coming polls on a timely basis.” Marked by a ceremonial signing of partners staged at GMA 7’s network center, PLDT joins the other partners in business, government, socio-civic organizations, digital media, and academic institutions, which will help secure a credible and simultaneous coverage of the regional polls. “This election is happening at a crucial period when the flow of information is more dynamic, freer, and faster than ever before. We will witness an elections coverage that is online, on social media, mobile, quick, up-close,

and personal, in addition to traditional media,” said GMA 7 Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon during the launch of Eleksyon 2016. “Our partnership has been tested and proven to be rock-solid over the years. We are very confident that while we may have a formidable task ahead of us, together we will succeed as before to deliver our commitment to each and every Filipino who continues to believe in the power of democracy.” The next elections will be held on May 9, 2016 when more than 18,000 positions will be voted on including the presidential and the vice-presidential seats. CC:

Fastest, Deepest Election Coverage Over All Platforms:

TV5 launches ‘Bilang Pilipino 2016’ TV 5 recently launched its election coverage campaign, promising unparalleled engagement with Filipino voters via data-driven content pushed over broadcast, digital, mobile, and social platforms. In partnership with PLDT, Smart, Cignal, Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Radyo Singko, Interaksyon.com, and Bloomberg Philippines, Bilang Pilipino will deliver news, information, opinion, and insights about the elections wherever and however Filipinos consume content. Bilang Pilipino 2016 will be mounted in cooperation with Comelec, NAMFREL, PPCRV, CBCP, KBP; academic communities of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Ateneo, UP, FEU, UST; the Social Weather Stations, Makati Business Club, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Chamber of Business Commerce and Industry. TV5

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TV5 President Noel Lorenzana and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan lead the launch of TV5’s elections 2016 coverage “Bilang Pilipino.”

will also have as technology partners PLDT Alpha, Voyager, and Talas. News5 Head Luchi Cruz Valdes said that “Bilang” means a number of things, and ‘Bilang Pilipino’ signals three things about the coverage. “First, it speaks to the content: It will be heavy not just with facts, but with numbers. ‘Bilang’ commits to data-driven content so the audience are assured of reliable information

and insights. Second, ‘Bilang Pilipino’ speaks to their mission: in an election, every vote, every voter, every Filipino counts. Finally, ‘Bilang Pilipino’ is a call to action. In English it literally also means ‘As Filipinos…’ “Thus, Bilang Pilipino, as Filipinos, we are all called to be responsible, to take these elections seriously, to think beyond the elections for the betterment of our nation,” Cruz said. CC:

PLDT launches PLDT Capital for innovation gateway between Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Southeast Asia PLDT recently announced the formation of PLDT Capital, the newlycreated investment arm of the PLDT Group. Its mission is to connect the PLDT Group of Companies with leading companies in Silicon Valley and around the world.

Philippines, in the rest of Southeast Asia, and other developing economies of the world.

Damarillo

PLDT Capital will be led by PLDT Chief Strategy Officer Winston Damarillo and PLDT Chief Financial Officer Anabelle Chua as managing directors. PLDT Capital expects to invest up to $50M in 2015 to support PLDT business units—which include Smart, ePLDT, Digital5 and Voyager—grow their portfolio of digital services in the

“The PLDT Group serves more than 70 million mobile and internet customers in the ASEAN region,” said Damarillo. “In addition to investments, PLDT Capital aims to become the gateway for the most promising startups to expand their opportunities to the fast growing digital consumers in the ASEAN region.” The PLDT Group has recently made investments through its corporate development initiative, notably in Rocket Internet, among others. PLDT Capital is specifically created to focus on investments that support PLDT’s core businesses.

“PLDT Capital serves as an important pillar to sustain our Digital Pivot,” said PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. “To provide the best possible Digital Experience to our customers, we must collaborate with world class companies. We look forward to bridging the best of Silicon Valley talent with our own Filipino innovators to expand the opportunities of PLDT.” PLDT Capital will be supported by a team of strategists, engineers, and product managers who will also be identified from the Group. PLDT Capital has formally started operations in El Segundo, within Los Angeles County, California, and has presence in Silicon Valley. CC:

PLDT Capital invests in US mobile platform leader Phunware PLDT Capital recently entered into a joint venture with Phunware, whose world-first integrated applications platform enables companies to engage and manage relationships with their customers worldwide: anytime, anywhere, on any PLDT President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno and Phunware device. Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder Alan Knitowski, seated, formalize the partnership between the PLDT Group and Phunware during The new partnership a signing at PLDT Capital’s offices in El Segundo, California. Also involves a total investment in photo are: standing, from left: PLDT AVP Nico Alcoseba, PLDT of $10 million that will Strategy Office’s Irene Licas, PLDT SVP and Chief Financial Officer enable PLDT’s subsidiary, Anabelle L. Chua, PLDT Chief Strategy Officer and PLDT Capital ePLDT, to market and Managing Director Winston Damarillo, Phunware EVP for Global exclusively distribute Operations Scott Kenyon, Phunware VP for Engineering, Matt Phunware’s targeted mobile Lindenberger, Phunware CTO & Co-Founder Luan Dang, and and multiscreen solutions Phunware Director of Marketing Amy Hawthorne. in Southeast Asia. Through its pioneering Multiscreen as a Service (MaaS) platform, Phunware gives companies everything they need to engage seamlessly with their customers through mobile devices, from indoor and outdoor locationbased marketing and advertising to content management, notifications and analytics, to indoor mapping, navigation and wayfinding. “Filipino and ASEAN consumers are among the most engaged users of mobile and digital services in the world,” said PLDT Chief Strategy Officer and PLDT Capital Managing

Director Winston Damarillo. “We see mobile phones as an essential part of our daily lives and expect new experiences to pique our digital curiosity. The partnership of the PLDT Group and Phunware will also enable our corporate and SME clients to address the growing needs and appetites of their digital consumers.” Phunware currently supports more than 500 million monthly unique users globally on its multiscreen cloud platform, including branded application portfolios and infrastructure for hundreds of

enterprise customers across more than 40 billion indoor and outdoor user events. Phunware’s impressive list of top-tier customers includes CBS Interactive, NBC Sports, Dignity Health, GameStop, Mandarin Oriental and WWE amongst many others. Highlighting the value of Phunware’s partnership with PLDT, Phunware Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Alan S. Knitowski said, “With more than 70 million subscribers, PLDT instantly provides a large base of audiences and communities that will enjoy new and unprecedented levels of realtime engagement both indoors and outdoors across their favorite brands and venues. At the same time, we look forward to expanding PLDT’s product portfolio.” ePLDT CEO and PLDT EVP Eric Alberto said the joint venture will provide an edge for companies that do business in retail, travel, hospitality and real estate. “ePLDT is constantly seeking ways to provide strategic digital advantages for our customers,” he said. “Phunware’s market ready solutions - together with our other digital solution sets in the domains of Data Center, Cloud and Big Data - will enable ePLDT to accelerate the ongoing digital transformation of large enterprises and small and mediumsized businesses.” CC:

OCTOBER 2015

Smallest desktop computer with power-packed entertainment bundle

PLDT HOME collaborates with Intel to bring new TVolution Stick

PLDT HOME Business EVP Ariel P. Fermin, Intel Philippines Country Manager Calum Chisholm and PLDT HOME Marketing VP Gary G. Dujali are shown here during the launch of the new TVolution Stick, above. PLDT HOME has collaborated with global technology firm Intel to bring the game-changing TVolution Stick that turns an ordinary TV into a fully functional personal computer. Taking off from the country’s first overthe-top (OTT) device TVolution—a small device which turns an ordinary TV into an Internet TV, the TVolution Stick takes it a step further by transforming any HDMI-ready TV or monitor into a fully operational computer. No bigger than a dongle, The TVolution Stick is considered the smallest desktop that allows families to enjoy a movie together or play games with each other. “We’re very happy to introduce the most advanced TVolution, in collaboration with Intel. Apart from providing our consumers entertainment, it gives them a full suite of PC functionality on their TV screens backed by PLDT HOME’s most trusted broadband services.” PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Head Gary Dujali said. Intel Philippines Country Manager Calum Chisholm added, “The TVolution Stick collaboration between Intel and PLDT provides a complete computing experience compared to other ordinary streaming sticks. When paired with the strong and reliable broadband connection of PLDT, the TVolution Stick by Intel will serve to augment the home entertainment experience offered by PLDT by also bringing full PC capabilities to the home, so Filipinos can both consume & create thus connecting to their potential with technology.”

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The TVolution Stick runs on Windows OS, letting users stream movies and videos, search the web, send and receive emails through their television sets. The ultra-slim stick also packs 32 gigabytes of storage and two gigabytes of memory, allowing users to save documents and even photos in the device for easier access. Offering integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, the TVolution Stick sports a powerful quad-core Intel® Atom™ processor and Intel® HD Graphics to ensure smooth performance and vivid picture quality. “Its pocket-sized body is designed to be portable and space-efficient, with a USB 2.0 port and a Micro SD card slot for easy memory expansion,” Chisholm noted.

entertainment company and Asia Pacific’s leading broadcaster FOX International Channels and Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service iflix. Apart from these, PLDT HOME partnered with various digital lifestyle applications to complement the needs of its consumers.

PLDT HOME Voice Solutions VP Patrick S. Tang explains the features of the new product.

Users simply need to plug the TVolution Stick into the TV’s HDMI port to activate the computer on screen, and can easily charge it via DC wall charger or powerbank. On a limited run only until November 30, new subscribers of DSL Plans 999 and up and all PLDT HOME Fibr plans who apply online (www.pldthome.com) will get this nifty gadget for free, along with popular content from Fox, iflix and Spinnr. This groundbreaking collaboration with Intel comes at the heels of the breakthrough partnerships with global

PLDT HOME commands a market share of over 70% in the first half of the year Its robust fixed and wireless networks supported by the country’s most expansive fiber optic network, spanning more than 100,000 kilometers. “PLDT HOME’s partnership with Intel in introducing the new TVolution Stick lets Filipino families integrate Fox, iflix, and other digital applications in one small but powerful device enabling a richer and a more convenient digital lifestyle as we forge the strongest connections at home,” Dujali concluded. CC:

PLDT improves telecom services in Iloilo PLDT has recently opened up interconnection links with another telco service provider in the province of Iloilo in the Western Visayas region to allow free local calls between their subscribers.

to worry about long distance charges,” said PLDT Panay Customer Service Operations Zone Head Rene Lescano.

This interconnection agreement enables PLDT customers to make local calls to Globelines subscribers for free, covering the following municipalities in Iloilo: Ajuy, Alimodian, Banate,Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan, Calinog, Dingle, Duenas, Dumangas, Estancia, Iloilo, Janiuay, Leganes, Leon, Oton, Passi, Pavia, Pototan, San Miguel, Sara, Tigbauan, and Zaraga.

PLDT’s business office in Iloilo which covers Panay Island serves walk-in telephone applicants, installs and repairs telephone and DSL lines, accepts bills payment, services report repairs and billing concerns. It also offers voice, video, and data or triple play services on a single internet protocol (IP) platform.

“With this new interconnection, our subscribers in Iloilo may now call their friends, family members, and business associates, regardless of their telco connection, anytime without having

“Enabling the IP backbone is PLDT’s Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON), the most extensive fiber optics network in the country which now spans more than 100,000 kilometers long. DFON

facilitates the direct transmission of the internet data to our gateway, providing subscribers fast and reliable internet experience,” Lescano said. Earlier this year, PLDT has set up interconnection links in 17 Capiz municipalities, namely: Mambusao, Pontevedra, Roxas City, Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Maayon, Mambusao, Panay, Panitan, Pilar, Pres. Roxas, Sapian, and Tapaz. Last year, PLDT has also set up links in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Zambales, and Misamis Occidental which has enabled PLDT customers to call the other telco’s subscribers in the area for free. In July and August last year, PLDT’s services in Pangasinan in Northern Luzon as well as the Bicol region in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon were also interconnected with Globelines, allowing subscribers to make free phone calls locally to various towns and cities. Olive O. Barrozo

PLDT HOME reinforces broadband leadership with Uber partnership PLDT HOME has partnered with the world’s leading ride-sharing tech company Uber to bring the trailblazing transport service for Filipino families to experience a richer digital lifestyle.

up with mobile applications and online platforms that will compliment their lifestyle needs.

PLDT HOME and Uber recently formalized a strategic partnership where the telco’s broadband subscribers can more easily enjoy the benefits of the innovative transport service when they download the Uber app on their computers, Telpads, and any smart devices at home.

“We are honored to be working with a company that continues to change the way we look at urban mobility,” he said. “PLDT HOME and Uber share the same vision of providing our customers with digital solutions that add value to their daily lives, in this case, safe, reliable and affordable rides within Metro Manila. We are confident that this partnership will break new ground in the country’s digital landscape.”

As part of the exclusive offer, PLDT HOME Fibr subscribers who are firsttime Uber riders will get two free Uber rides worth up to P500 each, while Telpad and DSL subscribers using Uber for the first time will get one free ride worth up to P300, all starting October 1. According to PLDT VP and head of HOME marketing Gary Dujali, the partnership is part of PLDT HOME’s commitment to enhance the digital lifestyle of its consumers by teaming

PLDT HOME commands a market share of over 70% in the first half of the year which is continuously growing as it boosts its broadband service with an array of digital services. Its robust fixed and wireless networks supported by the country’s most expansive fiber optic network, spanning more than 100,000 kilometers, allow PLDT HOME

to provide the digital lifestyle needs of its subscribers. PLDT HOME’s partnership with Uber expands the collaboration between the PLDT Group and Uber. PLDT’s mobile subsidiary Smart earlier introduced and continues to roll out free in-car WiFi in Uber vehicles and offered special promotions for Uber riders on its mobile network. This partnership is the first in a series of agreements with the most soughtafter global and local digital lifestyle applications and platforms. This ground breaking tie-up with Uber is expected to fuel PLDT HOME’s digital leadership and comes right after its recent partnership with Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service provider iflix and the region’s leading broadcaster Fox International Channels that provide an enormous library of movies and TV shows to the PLDT Group’s over 75 million subscribers. CC:

OCTOBER 2015

PLDT Global partners with iflix Malaysia

Shown at the launch of the partnership between PLDT Global Corp. unit PLDT Malaysia (PLDT MY) and iflix are, from left: PLDT MY Head of Marketing and Chairman of Filipino Businessmen and Professionals Caucus Jimson Dator, Consul General Medardo Macaraeg, PLDT SME Nation AVP & Head of Marketing Jerameel Azurin, PLDT MY CEO and GM John Palanca, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Hon. Eduardo Malaya, iflix CEO Azran Osman-Rani, PLDT MY CFO Mohd Kahairuddin Arshad, and PLDT Head of ICT-ICDev Leandro Santos. PLDT Global Corp. (PGC) unit PLDT Malaysia has recently signed a partnership agreement with iflix, Southeast Asia’s leading internet TV service, to enable PGC subscribers in Malaysia to enjoy iflix’s vast library of tens of thousands of hours of top TV and movie entertainment wherever they are in the country. “Committed to serving the OFWs and migrants not only in Malaysia but the rest of the world as well, PGC has been creating innovative services for our OFWs and has gone beyond providing affordable call, SMS, data, and other value-added services,” PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise and International & Carrier Business and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto said. “This partnership with iflix will enrich our data package offering with compelling content. But this is only the beginning of more exciting things to come for our subscribers. In the near future, we will be rolling out amazing datacentric packages not only in Malaysia but all the other PLDT Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services around the world,” Alberto added. “We would like to offer our customers the best entertainment experience wherever they

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are,” said PLDT International & Carrier Business Head and PGC President & CEO Alex O. Caeg. “The convergence of PLDT Global’s services with iflix’s Internet TV service will deliver unlimited movie and television entertainment from the best content providers around the world, such as top Hollywood, European, Asian, even Filipino studios. This will be a delightful treat for our diligent OFWs in Malaysia.” To obtain the iflix internet TV service, OFWs in Malaysia can avail of the reasonably-priced new data plans starting at 3 Malaysian Ringgits (RM3) per day. “This partnership with iflix will enable our subscribers in Malaysia to watch unlimited entertainment wherever they are across the broadest range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, as well as

television,” said PLDT Malaysia CEO and General Manager John Gregory Y. Palanca. Azran Osman-Rani, Group COO and CEO of iflix Malaysia, said: “We are extremely thrilled to be extending our ongoing partnership with PLDT in the Philippines across to Malaysia. Combining our massive content offering and seamless platform with PLDT’s Global expertise in the OFW market, Filipinos in Malaysia can now enjoy binge-watching on Malaysia’s most awesome Internet TV service”. Earlier this year, the PLDT HOME and Smart Communications have also launched an exclusive partnership with iflix, delivering unlimited entertainment to families and individuals wherever they are across a broad range of devices. Olive O. Barrozo

PLDT MY CEO and GM John Palanca and iflix CEO Azran Osman-Rani shake hands after signing the Partnership Agreement. Witnessing the event is Ambassador Malaya, center.

07 PLDT FVP and Head of ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez welcomes guest and gives a quick preview on the Filipino market’s demand for digital services.

PLDT boosts digital presence of PH enterprise with

PLDT, through PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, in partnership with Voyager Innovations, is bringing the free-access platform SafeZone to local enterprises to help them expand their online reach and boost their digital profiles to their customers.

Large industries that are vigorously ramping up their digital presence such as banking and finance, BPO, retail, travel and tourism, and entertainment, are seen to benefit from incorporating SafeZone’s free data access feature for their customers.

SafeZone will enable enterprises to open their websites and mobile applications to mobile data users for free, increasing customer engagement in their digital channels.

“Mobile banking is clearly penetrating customers’ lifestyle, while mobile users have also become adept at booking their flights and hotels more often going to their sites and online platforms. BPO companies are heavily investing in their digital platforms to help them recruit and hire the best employees while online retailing is catching up and gaining popularity in the market,” said PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez. “The online market is growing in the Philippines. Enabling these online customers to access their sites for free with SafeZone will exponentially connect them to more customers that have limited online data access.”

“In today’s increasingly B2B2C ecosystem, companies need a complete digital strategy to maximize their online presence and connect deeper with their consumers who are becoming more tech-savvy and price conscious. With SafeZone, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise is enabling enterprises to drive traffic and increase usage into their digital assets, allowing them to form a more intimate relationship with their customers, and thereby creating stronger affinity to their brand and business,” said PLDT/ Smart EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto.

PLDT and Smart Enterprise’s Chet Alviz highlights the features of Safezone and the potential return it could give to enterprises’ digital strategies. “SafeZone allows anytime anywhere information transactions. For enterprise this means relationships with customers are extended 24/7. Services are delivered by the enterprise through its digital assets in an effective and cost efficient manner,” said Benjie Fernandez, Voyager Innovations Chief Operations Officer.

Currently, local and global entertainment, online commerce, travel, transportation, and news sites have already partnered with SafeZone, including Babble Messenger, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Carmudi, Foodpanda, Gamex, Inquirer.net<http://inquirer.net/>, Interaksyon.com<http://interaksyon. com/>, Philippine Airlines, Philstar. com<http://philstar.com/>, Popslide, SPINNR, and Zalora, among others. “Through our sponsored data access model, SafeZone allows more Filipinos to experience and participate in the

Zalora Marketing Director Tolian Gjika discusses the advantages of making the Zalora site accessible to offline users at the Safezone app. digital life. We are excited to work with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise in enabling business to reach out to their customers through the free side of the internet,” said Heidi M. Garayblas, business unit head for SafeZone, Voyager Innovations. SafeZone is fueled by Voyager Innovations, the digital innovations unit of PLDT and Smart. It recently became the most visited local mobile community site in the country according to report released by Effective Measure, a leading global provider of digital audience, brand and advertising effectiveness measurement. Drawing in more than 17 million page views for August, the innovative sponsored data access platform allowed customers access to a variety of mobile apps and websites of corporate partners and businesses already hosted in SafeZone. Adrian T. Elumba

PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto and PLDT Head of Corporate Business Solutions Nico Alcoseba field questions from invited media during the roundtable press briefing.

OCTOBER 2015

PLDT SME Nation urges e-Commerce for SMEs at 3rd Digital Commerce Summit

PLDT SME Nation recently supported the efforts of the Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines (DCOM) to help SMEs and entrepreneurs go digital through e-commerce during the 3rd Digital Commerce Summit held in Makati. The two-day conference featured global leaders and renowned digital “game-changers”

PLDT SME Nation Community Services Engagement Head Gabby Cui discusses the benefits of tapping digital means to connect online consumers with Takatack and solutions that help SMEs easily promote and manage their products online with the TackThis! concierge service.

such as AirBnb, and Spotify as they shared key insights on how the Philippines is an attractive market for digital commerce. Local tech industry experts also shared their views on the advantages of digital innovations and ideas that are challenging current business models with the changing behavior of the consumers. These were just a few of the online solutions that can greatly give SMEs and entrepreneurs an

edge in marketing their business online. “Digital consumers are now more empowered than ever, and new technologies are changing the relationships between consumers and businesses. Small businesses need to step up in providing better services and means to their business and knowing their customers better,” Cui said. The event was participated in by more than 200 business owners, retailers, digital, and mobile marketers, developers, bloggers, content providers, and suppliers involved in the business of e-commerce. Adrian T. Elumba

PLDT co-presents 2015 uEA summit in iloilo PLDT was recently one of the copresentors during the 2015 Urban Environmental Accords (UEA) Summit held in Iloilo City. PLDT joined the 730 attendees which included UEA member city mayors international, League of Cities of the Philippines local mayors and city representatives, local and international organizations and professionals, delegates from the national government, non-government organizations, academe and the youth. With the theme “Green City, Livable City,” discussions and sharing of best practices revolved around climate change, disaster risk reduction, transport and waste management, water security and low carbon development. PLDT Community Relations Head Evelyn M. del Rosario delivered the keynote message for PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. His message underscored the challenge of maintaining economic growth and improved living standards while addressing environmental sustainabilityand environmental damage from increased human activity. During the summit, one of the breakout sessions was facilitated by PLDT and the Philippine Institute of Environment Planners (PIEP). In the session on Private Sector Engagement for Social Urban Development, it was highlighted that “a framework for sustainable urban development is necessary, one that not only cuts across various

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Joining hands for a successful summit for urban environmentalists are, from left: USAID Philippine Representative Marian Cruz Navata, Sinaia Romania Mayor Vlad Oprea, PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario, UEA Co-President and Gwangju South Korea Mayor Janghyun Yoon, UEA Co-President and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog, Melaka State Malaysia State Executive Councilor YBhd. Datuk Wira Hj. Md. Yunos bin Husin, Regional Office in Asia Pacific & United Nations Environment Programme Regional Coordinator Sabin Basnyat, and Bamenda III Council and Cameroon Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe. sectoral and spatial concerns, but also considers the complex process of citizen engagement and decision-making.” Speakers in this breakout session included Environmental Planner Elmer Mercado, Environmental Planner Saviniano Perez, Jr., Antonio Oposa, Jr. and PLDT’s Customer Service Operations Zone Head for Panay Island and Palawan, Rene Lescano, who was tasked to present the position paper prepared by the PLDT Community Relations’ division. The report included an overview of PLDT’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and highlighted the Company’s contribution to urban development through these various

initiatives: Motolite-Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Balik Baterya Program, Marikina Watershed Program, and Road and Drainage Construction Activities in Malabon. The presentation ended with recommendation for the private sector to invest on strategic, needs-based and innovative activities for urban environment development. For the past years, PLDT has been supporting Iloilo City through mangrove planting projects, river clean-up activities, various CSR programs and the 1st Philippine International River Summit in 2012 which was held in Iloilo City. Kristine L. Jimeno-Rivadelo, PBSP Luzon Regional Center

The master trainers pose in jubilation to express their gratitude to PLDT for the Training of Master of Trainers.

PLDT ComRel pays tribute to Filipino teachers with Infoteach Outreach kick-off PLDT Community Relations recently paid tribute to Filipino teachers with the 2015 Infoteach Outreach Program kick-off training at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. The two-day training was participated in by 17 divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) from all over the country. Dubbed Training of Master Trainers, the participants consisted of an ICT coordinator and a teacher (as tandem) per division. They will, in turn, serve as trainers for the teachers in their respective areas. The program spearheaded by Community Relations Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario will be implemented in 36 municipalities under 20 DepEd schools division. These municipalities are: Calamba City; San Pablo City; Nagcarlan/Alaminos, Laguna; Quezon; Tuguegarao City; Angeles City; San Fernando, La Union; Baguio City; Pili, Camarines Sur; Vigan City; Talisay City (Negros Occidental); Silay City; Antique; Oton Iloilo Province; Iloilo City; Davao City & Muntinlupa City. The training program culminated with the presentation by each division on their respective training plans, their own contribution

to the capability building of their fellow teachers. Dr. Melinda de la Pena-Bandalaria, professor of communication and Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies, UPOU, served as the trainer. She, likewise, developed the training curriculum of the 2015 Infoteach Outreach Program that will expand in terms of coverage. It will be “Digital Literacy PLUS.” The training curriculum consists of two components: the digital literacy component; and the “PLUS” component which are the additional modules which the training participants can choose from: digital literacy component: Intel module “Getting Started” for teachers; Intel module “Skills for Success” for students and other sectors (OSYs; ALS); electronic media Publishing; Digital Literacy for Lifelong Learning; Effective Communication

PLDT Laguna Area Manager Mike Mejia, left, congratulates IT Officer Yvonne Alba of Muntinlupa. Also in photo is Infoteach trainer, dean and professor Dr. Melinda D. Bandalaria.

Skills; Effective Use of social media; media literacy: selecting materials from the internet; global citizenship (including computer ethics, cybercrime law and social responsibility); green IT. The additional component will be in the form of several modules which will be made available to the training participants and from where they can select from. These are massive open online courses offered by UPOU and TESDA. The training participant will receive an additional Certificate of Training completion after completing any of the modules which will be made available. From UPOU, these modules include: basic English communication course, business communication, business process management 101, development of apps ssing the Android platform, technopreneurship, child rights promotion and protection. These modules will be rolled-out to more than 150 public high schools from October to December 2015. The 2015 Infoteach Outreach Program also has other new features such as the inclusion of the learners of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and the out-of-school youth (OSYs) through the Community eCenters. This move to conduct the Infoteach Program outside the formal school system (public high schools) is in line with PLDTComRel’s continuing effort for a more inclusive digital literacy training program.CC:

OCTOBER 2015

snapshots

EmpDev conducts team empowerment workshop for GMM Fixed Access & Transport Operations

The team empowerment workshop conducted by PLDT Employee Development for GMM Fixed Access & Transport Operations was a case of collective team focus and concentration, an amazing race that tested physical stamina, a situation that called on everyone to manage resources, a military drill that required sharp synchronicity and discipline... and yes, the boodle fight! Such became the exhilarating routine during the event with rich process-checks per segment that yielded timely realizations on excellence in execution, adaptability to change and the desire to take a proactive lead in conquering the digital war. The conclusion ended with the traditional boodle salo-salo led by Vice President for Technical Operations Center Emer Hernadez, 3rd from left and EmpDev Head and AVP Nonong Noriega, 3rd from right.

PLDT donates PCs to Tolosa, Leyte development center PLDT recently donated six units of personal computers (PCs) to St. Michael Development Center of Tolosa Inc.,Tolosa, Leyte. Shown here during the turnover rites are, from left: PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario and School Director Rev. Msgr. Alex T. Opiniano. At the back are the faculty members headed by school principal Agneda C. Lauzon, 2nd from right.

PLDT divers, mountaineers tie up with PNRC for basic life support course The PLDT Divers Club and the PLDT Mountaineering and Outdoors Club recently collaborated with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) in mounting a re-training course on basic life supports (BLS)-adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for volunteer-rescuers. The training course was an attempt to answer the readiness questions when the “big one” occurs. It was participated in by 14 members of the two clubs and was facilitated by PNRC’s Nerie Villacorte and Bambi Ocampo. All 14 participants passed the written and practical exams with flying colors, and are now certified rescuers prepared to do volunteer work. Both clubs plan to pursue the complete course on first aid soon. Inset, the men and women behind the worthwhile activity. Seated, from left: Larry Rojas, Adelle Naig, Erlites Ramos, Nerie Villacorte, Ocampo, Mai Viernes and Myra Nicolas Standing, same order: Francis Bautista, RJ Abad, Jun Salting, Julius Salting, Hernan Castaneda, Abel Arevalo, Rey Liwanagan, Jun Tan and Gerry Cordero. Erlinda S. Ramos, Enterprise Outbound Contact Services ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

FEATURE

PLDT Opens Flagship Store @ SM City Lipa By Olive O. Barrozo

LDT has recently inaugurated its 3rd flagship store. This time, it’s at SM City Lipa in Batangas and it’s PLDT’s first regional flagship store.

From left: Fr. Eugene Echanova, Home Customer Care Business Development Head Weng Aquino, HOME Customer Care VP Paolo Lopez and Home SSC Management Head Anna Fernando prepare for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Like its predecessors – PLDT Pasay and SM Southmall Sales and Service Centers (SSC) which opened earlier this year – this latest PLDT SSC has all the hallmarks of a 21st century store which combines retail with entertainment and experiential components to enable subscribers to experience firsthand the latest in telecoms and multimedia products and services. Its trendy interiors include a cozy and luxurious customers’ lounge where guests are encouraged to explore a variety of digital screens, such as the Interactive Table, a 32” touch pad where customers can play custom-made PLDT games and apps that can keep them busy while waiting for their turn to transact business. It also has a Video Wall, a 48” LED TV that entertains visitors with shows, movies and videos, as well as the Infotouch which is a 32” monitor where subscribers can learn more about PLDT products and make transactions such as bill inquiries and repair requests by simply making a few taps on the screen. Leading the flagship store project is the HOME Customer Care Business Development team headed by Weng Aquino, “My team and I are very proud to open these flagship stores that embody our focus on excellent customer care and a positive experience in the Sales and Service Center. We’re excited to bring the flagship store experience closer to more subscribers as we open more SSCs in SM and Ayala malls next year,” she said. “This is only part of our continuous efforts to proactively and efficiently address our subscribers’ needs,” added PLDT HOME Customer Care VP Paolo Lopez. “We want our customers to feel at ease and confident in the products and services we provide from the moment they step inside our Sales and Service Centers. We will continue to roll out new stores with the latest technologies throughout 2016 for our subscribers to explore and enjoy.” CC:

PLDT SSC SM City Lipa team

PLDT Home Customer Care Business Development team

OCTOBER 2015

12 PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto, MVP, Bossing Carlos Chan of Liwayway Marketing Corporation, Bossing Arthur Tugade of Perry’s Group are shown here in a posterity shot.

Helping Build a Nation of New Entrepreneurs

PLDT SME Nation, Bossings gather support for rising tech start-ups at Bossings Banquet

“B

ossings Go Digital.” This year’s advocacy proves to be close to the Bossings’ hearts as five digitally-enabled start-ups, including ideaspace Foundation – were provided the opportunity to showcase their unique businesses to the Bossings present during the event. The other four companies were Salt, WattSmart, MobKard, and Heat Stress Analyzer. The event was the Bossings Banquet organized by PLDT SME Nation graced by the Company’s select executives led by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan as they called on the country’s top entrepreneurs for a social gathering.

In photo are, from left: Bossing Bernie Liu of Golden ABC, Philex Mining SVP for Public and Regulatory Affairs Mike Toledo, and PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head Mon Isberto.

Now on its sixth year, the “Bossing Ako” campaign continues to celebrate Filipino entrepreneurs who have achieved business success through the use of technology, and hailed as role models for budding business owners to aspire.

The founders of Salt presented how water and salt can be key ingredients for sustainable and cost effective lighting. Wattsmart on the other hand, is an innovative real-time electricity-monitoring platform, while the Heat Stress Analyzer is a device that uses data analytics to improve agricultural harvests.

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MobKard developers demonstrated how customers could use the location-based application for the nearest merchant discounts and promos.

The founders of S.A.L.T demonstrate their salt water powered lamp and charger.

More than mere exposure of these new business ventures, the event opened doors for more opportunities. Throughout the banquet, Bossings expressed optimism for these innovative local start-ups.

“Being a Bossing is an embodiment of what a successful Filipino entrepreneur is: championing innovative values and inspiring fellow Filipinos to do the same,” said PLDT FVP and Head of SME Business Kat Luna-Abelarde. With recognized and respectable business owners making up the growing list of Bossings, these business leaders continue to serve as stewards of positive entrepreneurial spirit who empower and support small and medium enterprises. They are iconic inspirations to fellow entrepreneurs who continue the dream and aspire for similar or greater heights. CC:

Also seen during the event are, from left: Bossing Samie Lim of Automatic Center, Bossing Bobby Claudio of Toby’s Sports, Toby Claudio of Toby’s Sports, and PLDT SME Marketing Head Amil Azurin.

Featuring the Hit

Endors w e N s a b u D l A Love Team

e rs

promo d n e t x E T N T s e h c n u a l T N T By Lawrence

ent Managem y it u q E d an , Smart Br de Guzman

NT, the country’s largest value brand under Smart Communications, formally launched AlDub as its newest endorsers, bannering TNT Extend, its latest promo that allows subscribers nationwide to extend their existing favorite promo subscriptions for only P5 per day. With TNT Extend, mobile users now have the most affordable way of stretching their bonding moments with their katropas and family, as well as prolonging their exchanges with their loved ones be it through call, text or mobile internet – all without worrying about promo expiration. TNT subscribers simply have to text EXTEND to 4545 to enjoy the promo. AlDub as TNT Katropas “If there is a couple who can show the true value of TNT Extend, it is certainly the phenomenal split-screen love team of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub, whose exciting and challenging noontime-show romance has captivated the Filipinos here and abroad,” said Evelyn Jimenez, Prepaid Marketing Group Head at Smart.“Every day on their show, AlDub effectively shows us the great challenges of having limited communication with the people we care about. That’s where TNT Extend comes in – with this affordable promo, you can extend your existing subscription such that nothing can stop you anymore from making that call, text or social media update for your loved one anytime you want.” This scenario is perfectly captured in TNT’s latest promotional ad, which shows how the couple keeps their sweet exchanges through TNT Extend.

Fun-loving, inspiring brand Aside from being the perfect tandem for the TNT Extend, “both Alden and Yaya Dub genuinely embody what TNT stands for, which is to bring hope and happiness to Filipinos through very affordable promos and services,” said Carlo Endaya, head of Brand Strategy and Communications at Smart. “TNT is a very fun-loving brand with a very inspiring message, that’s why I’m very happy to finally be a certified TNT Katropa,” said Alden, an award-winning actor and singer. “Through TNT, I welcome the opportunity to inspire and touch the lives of more Filipinos and give back to them for all their love and support.” On the other hand, true to her character, Yaya Dub, also known as the country’s Dubsmash Queen, could only write her heart out to express her excitement and gratitude for being part of the country’s largest mass market prepaid brand. Star-crossed lovers In keeping with their onscreen and off-screen tale, Alden and Yaya Dub did not cross paths while making the TNT Extend commercial. Will they finally get to bond together, sneak a date, or meet unexpectedly now that they are both TNT Katropas?

Smart employees pose with Alden Richards of AlDub fame during his visit at the Smart Tower.

“One thing is for sure: through TNT’s special promos and events, you can expect more of the star-crossed lovers extend their story beyond their noontime show and excite all the TNT Katropa all over the country,” said Endaya. CC:

OCTOBER 2015

cover story

The road to basketball’s world stage is about learning By Jeremaiah M. Opiniano, publisher, the filipino connection community newspaper

Photos courtesy of fiba.com

hilippine basketball returned to the global radar screen on Aug. 15, 2014. In the eyes of the world at that time, the Philippines is unknown.

Against then FIBA Europe champions France at the start of the four-nation Antibes International Basketball Tournament, the small cagers from Asia do not know how they can fare against a Tony Parker-less French squad. France got surprised: with some six minutes left in the game, a Gary David getaway and a Jimmy Alapag triple put the Philippines ahead 60-55. Not surprisingly, the French used their height and their experience in international play to survive the gritty Filipinos, 75-68. Until that meet in the French city of Antibes, never had a Philippine team joined an international pocket tournament. (The last one was 2002, in Sondrio, Italy.) The wall of mystery that is global basketball’s intimidation unto the Filipino player tumbled.

The Antibes experience and the FIBA World Cup breakthroughs brought the Philippines there. Never mind if Iran and China had faced American and Spanish Olympic and World Cup teams, and the Philippines isn’t there yet. But for genetically small players to put a shock to global powers, especially Argentina in 2014, speaks of the leaps and bounds of Philippine basketball.

Whether or not the Philippines miraculously tops one Olympic qualifying tournament and qualifies for Rio, that is not the end goal. It is about getting back the form that made the Philippines, amid the height of its players, a global force during the old days.

The 2014 FIBA World Cup a month after Antibes then affirmed a place for the Philippines in world basketball. Losing to Latino powerhouses Argentina and Puerto Rico were not without positing double-digit leads at first. And just when Argentina and Croatia thought their double-digit leads over the Philippines were safe, the Filipinos clawed back and almost scored upsets.

It took the country more than three decades for players to achieve such global stature, and for fans to realize the level of Filipino play doesn’t pale with the rest of the world. The Philippines’ loss to China in this year’s FIBA Asia Championship remains part of the learning curve to get back to world-level play. After all, China is 14th in the world; prior to

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the finals in Changsha, the Philippines did the unthinkable and upset world no. 17 and three-time Asian titlists Iran.

In Asia, two straight silver medals are leaps of faith, of heart (puso). The Philippines is a passionate basketball country. Its players are fond of the American style of play despite Filipino players’ size. The Philippines’ “football” (in terms of fanaticism) is even a subject of conflicts in the national basketball federation previously, or in the local professional league currently.

Basketball is so crazy a pop culture phenomenon here that there’s a dedicated cable channel for the sport; there’s an enduring professional league whose overall profits are not as big as the salary of a role player in the NBA; there’s 365 days of basketball news in newspapers; and there are sidewalks -even portions of a sidewalkthat are the Filipino hoops fans’ arena. The ring and the basketball are small for such evening sidewalk play, but not too small to reflect a national passion. All these, over-30 years hence, have brought back -finallythe Philippines to a level of world play that, fans hope, will see the “three stars and a sun” up there for long. A top 20 world ranking will be forthcoming.

That is, if the Philippines continues to play and learn from the best. Losing is a part of the learning. Like in Antibes, France, in Sevilla, Spain, and more recently in Changsha, China. Losing to top-caliber countries, be it in the FIBA competitions or in pocket tournaments, made China and Iran what they are today. So Asia is China’s (and once Iran’s) cakewalk. Soon, the continent can be the Philippines’ fort once again. The silver medal finish in Changsha brings the Philippines to participate in one of three Olympic qualifying tournaments this July 5-11, 2016. The second-to-fourth placers in Africa and Asia, the third-to-fifth placers in the Americas, the third-toseventh placers in Europe and the runner-up in Oceania will be scattered into three tournaments where champions there get the final three slots to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Philippines, amid the height of its players, a global force during the old days. Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James’ eras after, the world wants to watch more of these Filipino guards slashing in the land of the giants. More of Jimmy Alapag’s bold threes from the parking lot, of Jayson William Castro’s court generalship and scoring, of Ranidel de Ocampo’s role playing, of Calvin Abueva’s defensive energy, of Terrence Romeo’s or Paul Dalistan Lee’s outside sniping, of Jordan Clarkson’s slashing moves, and more. The Philippines almost made a top five team, Argentina, cry — a feat not even China or Iran did in either the Olympics or the World Cup. But a nation and its fans would cry if their national basketball team stops learning, be it from losing, from hanging it there, or better yet from pulling upsets.

With higher stakes, it is a chance to meet the top European teams like 2014 FIBA World Cup silver medalist Serbia, again France, Greece and Italy; former FIBA Africa champion Angola; and FIBA Americas champions Mexico. No pocket tournament offers such a stake: an Olympic berth, a higher level of play that not even the annual Jones Cup can provide.

Asia-Pacific (now with the inclusion of Australia and New Zealand starting 2017) can be the Philippines’ cakewalk in the future. The world? Top basketball pundits may be surprised a nation with a diehard basketball culture — especially if the Philippines will learn more lessons the hard way through pocket meets and soon the Olympic Qualifying Tournament — had emerged and will give highlight reels that only a small nation can provide. CC:

Whether or not the Philippines miraculously tops one Olympic qualifying tournament and qualifies for Rio, that is not the end goal. It is about getting back the form that made the

The writer is the publisher of the Filipino Connection, a new Philippine newspaper based in Batangas. He is also an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.

OCTOBER 2015

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ENSON UIN M. H E STAR) By JOAQ E PHILIPPIN TH FROM D (REPRINTE

lthough China led most of the way in beating the Philippines for the gold medal at the recent 28th FIBA Asia Championships in Changsha, the consensus along Gilas row was the final game was winnable and despite a lineup boasting of four 7-footers, the host team wasn’t invulnerable. “I’d like to think that if we were together a few more weeks or months, the outcome would have been different,” said Gilas point forward and lock-down defender Gabe Norwood yesterday. “We could have trusted our system a little more. But that comes with familiarity.” While Gilas had less than two months to prepare for the competition, China enjoyed a training period of close to six months. China even went to Italy, Russia and Serbia on an 18-day Europe trip that included playing in an international pocket tournament. Another advantage for China was a pool of 35 to 40 players from where to pick in forming the national A team. Mother clubs in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) had no hesitation to second players to the national squad. Because the CBA allows each club to recruit an Asian import and two non-Asian reinforcements, there are restrictions on playing time. Only one non-Asian import is allowed to play in the fourth quarter and two nonAsian imports may play together on the floor in only two

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of the first three periods. An Asian import, however, may play without restriction. The thinking behind the limitations is to give more chances for Chinese players to get involved in critical game-winning situations. A source said the ultimate beneficiary is the national team. “It’s not a learning experience for Chinese players if the imports handle the ball 70 percent of the game,” said the source. Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes said there was no one real thing that decided the outcome of the final. “A part of it was the experience of playing China,” he said. “It was the first time for most of our guys to play China, including Jayson (Castro). Offensively, despite providing them information on how it will be different trying to finish inside and having to attack close-outs multiple times, it still takes a feeling out period to really understand how it is and how real the adjustment should be.” Reyes pointed to national team first-timers Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva as finding it difficult to adjust to China’s size advantage. “Terrence and Calvin failed to get their regular shots off before the need for adjusting sunk in,” he said. “Dray’s (Blatche) inside presence could be improved, too. Attacking them the right way will come with experience.” CC:

A customer checks on PLDT promos and sales during the Peñafrancia festival in Naga.

The PLDT booth with the Telpad blimp adds attraction to the Tuna festival in GenSan.

A PLDT agent discusses various PLDT promos during the Tuna Festival.

T wo Festivals

PLDT supports tuna festival, Our Lady of Peñafrancia feast By ALICE TUAZON, COMREL

LDT has once again made its presence felt in two major festivals reflecting its consistent involvement in various community and corporate social responsibility (CSR) events. PLDT, through its Community Relations, participated in the celebrations of the 2015 Tuna Festival in General Santos and Our Lady of Peñafrancia Festival in Naga. These festival events are just two of the many festivals that PLDT has been making itself a part of through the years as part of the Company’s CSR initiatives. PLDT’s presence in these festivals is certainly making a big difference for the organizers as they believe that the Company is one with their ideals in extending the muchneeded helping hand to their fellowmen. Blessings from the sea This year’s 17th Tuna Festival is a celebration of the blessings from the sea that has not failed to attract tourists eventually improving the city’s economy while working on the theme “Beyond the Waves. Countless Possibilities.”The celebration coincides with the city’s 47th charter anniversary. PLDT Home booths were visible at the festival major areas. The presence of the huge Telpad blimp display attracted both locals and tourists. The new PLDT products and services likeiflix and FOX demonstrated Via TVO were enjoyed by the customers.

Other PLDT promos and sales include DSL-Family sized PLP, Ultera, Telpad and Famcam. Applicants and tourists enjoyed the face-painting activity and the exciting presence of the cosplayers. Around 103 applications were recorded during the event. Mercy and compassion for the poor The Archdiocese of Caceres through the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore once again celebrated the annual feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. With this year’s theme “Living out God’s Mercy and Compassion in the Year of the Poor,” the Bicolanos displayed their unity manifested by their pious devotion to our Lady of Penafrancia or Bicol’s loving” Ina” with special masses, fluvial processions and other religious events. Known for its religiosity, PLDT gave its support to this meaningful celebration. PLDT showcased its various products and services. Home DSL, TelPad, Ultera, KaAsenso, FamCam. Cyberya were offered in different PLDT Home booths situated in the main venues of the festival. The applicants and guests were treated with different interactive games and demos with corresponding prizes. With this festival, PLDT was able to welcome 254 applicants. The people of General Santos and Bicol were indeed very thankful for PLDT’s continued support and for sharing its resources to make the festivals lively and meaningful. CC:

OCTOBER 2015

Photo by Ronald Ibarra, PLDT Telecom Consultant, EPM-C Cebu

PLDT employees in Cebu march to honor press freedom

LDT employees recently walked in solidarity with the media practitioners of Cebu to honor 29 years of press freedom since the abolition of Martial Law under Marcos’ regime. An annual affair organized by the Cebu media community, PLDT once again showed its staunch support by gathering its Jones and Mabolo employees to join the Cebu Press Freedom Walk, a two-kilometer stretch that aims to remind the people of their muchenjoyed freedom of speech. After the parade that went around a scenic route in the city, all the participants assembled at SM City Cebu where a special mass was heard. This then opened the program to a spectacular talent show where the Cebu media practitioners gamely showcased their dancing prowess and represented their publications.

The contingency of Cebu Daily News bags the Star of the Parade award.

The group of the Kapisanan ng Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) bagged the top plum Star of the Show for their very entertaining number that showed different dances through different generations, while Cebu Daily News won the Star of the Parade award with their contingent’s creative use of props during the Walk. “The celebration of Cebu Press Freedom Week has become a much-awaited event for PLDT employees, as it allows the Company to engage with our media friends in a very meaningful way,” said PLDT Cebu CSOZ Head Elmer “Bong” Lintag.

The Walk officially kickedoff the Cebu Press The members of KBP entertain the audience Freedom Week, with their very lively dance number. which is a weeklong celebration of press freedom PLDT SME Nation Business that’s filled with educational activities both for the media Development Head for VisMin Niño Nanquil sat on the and the citizens of Cebu. CC: esteemed panel of judges, together with Smart Senior Engineer Neil Abueva.

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Shown at the opening of the photo exhibit of the finalists in the photography contest jointly organized by PLDT Media and PLDT LENS Camera Club (PLCC) are, from left, judges and veteran photojournalists Rhoy Cobilla, and Jes Aznar, PLDT LENS President Macky Sevilla, PLDT Public Affairs Group Head Mon Isberto, judge and graphic designer Carlo Gonzalez, and PLDT Media Head Jay-Anne Encarnado.

PLDT Media and PLDT LENS Club Photo Contest

Six LENSers make the cut for PLDT 2016 desk and tent calendars

stunning combination of creative composition, iridescent colors and astonishing vitality characterize the winning photographs of six LENS Camera Club members who topped the photography contest conducted recently by PLDT Media and PLDT LENS Club. Culled from over 260 entries from club members and a longlist of 60 finalists, the winning pieces will be showcased in the 2016 PLDT desk and tent calendars, visuals of which will cover the four categories of the photo tilt, namely, New Relationships, Summer Fun, Helping Hands, and Family Reunions, embodying the over-all theme of Enriching Connections.

By olive o. barrozo Photographers Foundation’s monthly contest with the theme ‘Vanishing Trade’ where my entry won second place in the national level. Also memorable is my silhouette shot that made the cover of Acc:ess March 2015 Issue.”

PLDT Public Affairs Group Head Mon Isberto

Achieving three spots each in the PLDT calendars are the successful entries of Jan Lester E. Bisco, Ronald S. Catalan and Alexander G. Mempin, while the winning works of Consuelo Arcilla Anton, Natalie Nicole T. Lim, and Marti Zurriel L. Mercado will each have a place in the calendars as well.

PLDT Media Division Head Jay-Anne Encarnado

Bisco’s riveting photos got the judges’ nod in three of the categories – summer fun, helping hands, and family reunions. An analyst at the financial business intelligence warehouse division, Bisco has also caught the travel bug, taking photos of interesting places and people ever since he bought his first DSLR almost four years ago. “I am fascinated by silhouettes and shadows,” says this certified public accountant who considers photography a hobby, a most worthwhile one because he has been winning photo tilts: “My most memorable contest would be the Federation of Philippine

Likewise winning in three categories is Catalan, staff supervisor at business partners valuation division. He developed his attachment to photography during his term as LENS president in 2011: “At that stage in my journey I made it a point to take the best images. Photography brings a sense of balance to my life and I believe that’s a great PLDT LENS motivation. It fills a void in me, Camera Club giving me time for myself. It enables President me to walk the tracks, explore and Macky Sevilla discover.” He is into portraits, “I love to photograph people when they are not looking. I think that’s when I could capture their essence. To me, the eyes are the reflection of character, the only part of the body that permits us to see the person within.”

Mempin, a software engineer at IT – OSS inventory/ assurance, also won three times for his sharp, well-defined shots. Passionate about photography which is also a stress reliever for him, this consistent winner in various photo contests specializes in weddings and portraits as well as landscape and street photography. He is inspired “most of the time by the mood of the subject and the drama of the lights.” Taking a different angle of a relief goods distribution event earned for Arcilla Anton a slot in the helping hands category. She has been dabbling in photography for almost five years now, preferring portraits and landscapes for subjects. This HOME SSC management Delighted photo contest finalists raise their gift mugs.

OCTOBER 2015

customer service assistant at Jones, Cebu believes that she can further improve her skills by having “more experience in photography and using the best equipment which would enable me to shoot amazing landscapes and portraits.” Lim’s eye-catching photo of a toddler and an older kid at play made it to the family reunions set. “I think I may have other photos that are better composed, with better exposure and colors, but this photo is probably one of the best candid moments of kids interacting that I’ve captured so far,” she says. A young analyst from policies development division, Lim takes to kids as favorite subjects. She considers photography “a hobby that developed into a passion.”

For his resplendent sunset shot of a fishing boat being moored to the shore by two fishermen, Mercado, another award-winning Lenser, joined the summer fun group. This coordinator at fixed network IT system administration says his winning entry is “one of my best photos and I thank the judges and PLDT Media, of course, for organizing this tilt.” He is inspired by the idea of taking photos “of people and places, particularly rural areas where I learn more about the rich culture and traditions of rural societies. The people and places – my favorite subjects – actually motivate me to shoot more photos and continually learn more.” Comprising the board of judges in this photo contest were international photojournalist Jes Aznar, veteran photographer Rhoy Cobilla, graphic designer Carlo Gonzalez, and PLDT Public Affairs Group Head Mon Isberto. CC:

W I N N E R S’ G A L L E RY Journey to Happiness By Alexander Mempin

Bida ng Salbabida By Jan Lester Bisco

La Amistad (Friendship) By Alexander Mempin

Tara, Let’s Go By Ronald Catalan

Summer Saya By Alexander Mempin

Fun at Sundown By Marti Zurriel Mercado

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Winners of the photo contest for the PLDT 2016 desk and tent calendars are LENS Club members Alexander Mempin of IT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OSS inventory/assurance division, Ronald Catalan, business partners valuation, and Jan Lester Bisco, financial business intelligence warehouse, second row â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2nd, 3rd, and 7th from left, respectively; Marti Zurriel Mercado, fixed network IT system administration, and Natalie Nicole Lim, policies development, front row (not in photo is Consuelo Arcilla Anton, Home SSC management Jones, Cebu ). With them are judges - PLDT Public Affairs Group Head Mon Isberto, graphic designer Carlo Gonzalez, veteran photojournalists Jes Aznar and Rhoy Cobilla, and PLDT LENS President Macky Sevilla.

Bayanihan ng Taong Bayan By Jan Lester Bisco

Bond of Brothers By Natalie Nicole Lim

Help Knows No Boundaries By Consuelo Arcilla Anton Unli Kamustahan By Ronald Catalan

Sama-sama sa Salu-salo By Jan Lester Bisco Kanin at Ulam By Ronald Catalan

OCTOBER 2015

hat’s up with the ink stain?

For those not familiar with Philippine elections anecdotes circa 2007, some folks were said to have been convinced to sell their votes (or non-votes) to certain candidates the night before Election Day. Their fingers were allegedly branded with the indelible ink to ensure they won’t renege on the agreement. This ink is used during elections to mark the fingers of those who have voted, and therefore, prevent double voting.

quite extensive, possibly even beyond the country. Trust is the vital factor in all these traits and values. The US country studies establish this as the platform of a Filipino’s relationships; logically, an alliance cannot blossom without trust. Pakikisama, along with hiya, delicadeza, etc. thrive on placing trust in the self and others. Where and when then did the “untrustworthy” tag come from?

Anthropologist F. Landa Jocano concludes that historical governance By Myra Saturnina S. Sanchez, The day after Election Day, votingin the country had to feature PLDT Tech Group age Filipino wear this ink stain indoctrination of standards that on their fingers like a badge of would enable those governing to have community – even of patriotism. ascendancy over those governed. Most forget that this stain is the same scarlet letter that brands As time passed by, native values were either watered down or one who cannot be trusted. portrayed as the basis, say, for the Filipino’s indolence. In time, close kinship resulted in nepotism, social acceptance condoned The tag “high corruption index” condemns everyone in the graft and corruption, and sensitivity endured the ink stain. country – whether one is an active participant or a fence-sitter in the corruption. Government is immediately blamed. Others Filipino fingers made the Banaue rice terraces say it is our colonial past. The tag though, like the indelible ink, The 25 May 2007 editorial of a local newspaper, The Daily Tribune, does not say much for the Filipino’s character and is generally started with: “The massive and organized cheating in the justunderserved. Will the day comes soon when both the ink and the concluded elections says nothing of the true culture of Filipinos tag disappear? which is based on honesty and hard work.” The author concludes: “Filipinos are now being conditioned to accept fraud and deception Will the real Filipino stand up please? in the electoral process.” Scholars, both local and foreign, agree on the sketch of the Filipino psyche. While they refer to them with different terms, Within a Filipino’s personal alliance system, trust, security and the characterization is consistent. Two core values appear well-being of each member are key objectives. These must inherent in Filipinos: manifest too in the way a Filipino governs and shall want to be governed. Each Filipino must believe that a bad governance Social acceptance, characterized by need for smooth system is not his way of life and must believe he can be better. relationships and conceding (pakikisama, bayanihan, Storming the Palace though is not the solution. Refusing to bribe bigayan). Anthropologist Fr. Frank Lynch, SJ describes this as and be bribed, voting for conscientious qualified leaders, and the SIR value – smooth interpersonal relations. He looked at helping raise the standards of service delivery in the country should the Filipino’s facility in getting along well with others and his be the agenda. remarkable ability to deal with stress and tension. Pakikisama and hiya are strong positive commendation on the Sensitivity, whether to personal affront (delicadeza and amor Filipino. The familism is premised on a harmonious supportive propio) or to others (hiya and utang na loob). Loosely translated, network that is not exemplified by having one or four clans the Hispanic words “delicadeza” and amor propio” are propriety dominating the Philippine legislature – because that results in a and love for own brand, respectively. limited network of beneficiaries and not the true alliance system which is far and wide. Pakikisama is a strong sense of nationalism Psychologist Fr. Jaime Bulatao, SJ defined “hiya” as an anxiety and concern for the family that is the Philippine nation. One of being exposed, unprotected and unaccepted, premised on fear surname does not make the nation. of losing the self. Sociologist Mary Racelis explains “utang na loob” as a principle of emotional reciprocity where repayment Pakikisama is not turning a blind eye to wrong doings and then terms are implicit and unwillingness to repay is “nakakahiya” joining the fray too – since, as you will justify, everyone else is (shameful). doing it. That is what they would want you to believe so the act of staining can continue. The overriding characterization is the value placed on kinship. Even Wikipedia lists “close familial ties” as the first entry under Then there is hiya – the one Filipino value that seemed to have “the Filipino cultural psyche.” been way too sidelined for a long time now. Hiya alone should deter the Filipino from allowing his self to be a global joke. Hiya The US Library of Congress’ Philippine country studies yield alone should compel him to be a good leader to his countrymen. more illustrations of the Filipino’s “personal alliance systems” – Hiya alone should make him cringe at the indelible ink being a starting with the nuclear family, to bonds developed from rituals part of his legacy to his children. (ninong-ninang), and even in the commercial “suki” (patron) relationship. Thus, it is not a surprise that when one charts a My dream is for a stain-free Filipino. CC: Filipino’s personal alliance system, the resulting chart can be

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Strengthening

23 Maynilad HR Head Levi Diestro challenges his team to embrace change.

e r u t l u C ip h s r e d Lea

eadership competencies need to be revisited time and again. What’s been taught and learned years ago could wither in relevance in the light of changes in the needs of the organization and the accompanying market trends that determine workforce culture. Proactive HR teams are always in the lookout for areas where they can improve and serve their clients better. Just like in PLDT, Maynilad engaged Tower Watson in an employee opinion survey and the findings served as sound reference for EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega to customize a learning intervention that would raise the bar of performance and brush up leadership prowess for their allies in Maynilad’s Human Resources Group headed by Levi Diestro. The workshop design focused on coaching as a means to ensure transfer of skills, the imperative to communicate effectively to get everyone on the same page when it comes to performance standards and the need to appropriate the best EQ practices during work interfaces. Interspersed with experiential drills, the rich insights that surfaced were germinated to resonate with envisioned applications on the job.

Reggie Indon concurred, “A team is a smorgasboard of different personalities. To be effective, it is important to understand the different personality types or attributes and to leverage the strengths each individual brings to the team.” For Mikoy Arciana, “it is important to put the concept of ‘feed-forward’ into good use, so we have to handle it responsibly. Be tough pero kailangan lagging may puso. In the process of serving our clients, let’s not forget to care for the people who work with us. Together, we can achieve more. No one is better than everyone else. Learn to harness the power of teamwork.” Nancy Espenilla also offered her inisghts. “Coaching should be embedded in every leader’s system of management. You are not a good and effective leader if you don’t coach your people for their development. You show value to your people if you find time to coach them.”

EmpDev Head Nonong Noriega profiles ‘learning disposition types’ during the module on coaching.

“As a member of the team, we should be reminded that our own performances contribute to the success or failure of our goal”, said Lolita Bautista. “Whether we fully agree or not with the decisions being made, we must make it a point to fully get clarified and cooperate with the execution.”

Maynilad’s ‘return-enagement’ of sorts with EmpDev jumpstarts a series of more interventions which include a vision formulation session, a strategic planning workshop and more teambuilding and values rah-rah boosters.

Finally, in their parting shots, both Diestro and Noriega expressed optimism in how momentum was set given the challenges of the changing business dynamics that has come to play, and how all the learnings will translate to meaningful milestones. CC:

Maynilad HR is blazing the path to lead out loud!

OCTOBER 2015

SERVICE

DNA

ronounced identity. Distinct characteristics. Clear cut attributes. Marketing experts invest a lot on building service reputation through hybrid branding. Products are packaged in strategic ways to stir excitement and invade wallet share. It’s everywhere - billboards that capitalize on competitive edge, ad placements that compel you to buy and the flood of online blasts in social media that challenge your choices to purchase.

What’s in a logo? Does the Coca-Cola trademark signal refreshment? Does the SM insignia convey sprawling bonding space for families? Is the Mercedes Benz emblem a stamp of prestige? Will the Disney badge ensure you of happy memories? Consumers have symbolically associated qualities that resonate powerfully with the flash of a logo. The challenge lies in living up to what’s being hyped and promoted. It becomes the ‘moment of truth’ encounter that either enhances or shatters service strategy. One research in Janelle Barlow and Paul Stewart’s book, Branded Customer Service states that 66 percent of the preference for a brand is driven by emotional elements – even if consumers believe they are making rational decisions. Consider buying condiments in a grocery. The ingredient of soy sauce and vinegar that’s available on the shelf is literally the same for all. But one housewife will be quick to select a certain brand simply because it’s the same brand her mother used for cooking when she was growing up and she claims that it’s actually akin to experiencing the culinary delights of her childhood days. In this case, guess what she was actually buying? Pleasant memories.

By nonong noriega

the countless times he had hearty laughs with Bubble Gang… and yes, that also stuck! Intelligent and would-be patrons are tired of useless sloganeering. The Customer is King, The Customer is no. 1, Kayo ang Boss, to name three, because they’re merely seen as hype. Staff behavior of the service organization must be consistent with what’s being advertised. They directly comprise the service DNA. If not, it will be very difficult for your target audience to distinguish what you do from what everybody else does. It’s all about ‘who you are’ and ‘what you stand for’ and the reality of ‘what you do’ and ‘what you deliver,’ to quote further from the same book mentioned above. Some have taken risks in their branding strategies. One local FM radio station that plays a lot of old jazz and throwback music has the tagline, “not for everyone.” At first, this may sound a bit alienating. But probably they were aiming for a consistent and sustainable point of differentiation. This is in contrast to SM’s “we’ve got it all for you” matched by 30-minute intervals of on-the-job chanting‘happy to serve’ punctuated by three claps at their Hypermart stores. This becomes customer service brand in action. The brand warfare is certain to intensify with industry leaders and challengers to the throne trying to outdo each other when it comes to high impact packaging and strategies to trumpet their messages in the market arena. For big service establishments like ours, the ideal equilibrium is achieved when we in essence, we can tell the customer that we are big enough to meet his business needs and at the same time, small enough to know him by name. But when push comes to shove, as service guru Ron Kauffman teaches, “Lousy service undermines great product while winning service overcomes weak product.” The sad story is when people know you exist but do not have strong opinions of your strengths. Satisfaction is uneven. They do business with you when experience is good but can be easily lured by competition when matched or offered more. What we’re gunning for is preference which evolves later on to loyalty. The kind where the customer can confidently endorse you already to others.

Consider the Kapuso and Kapamilya network competition. If you are a fan of ABS-CBN, chances are you’d flip channels and indulge in all the hoopla of the Aldub phenomenon but something in you will tune back to channel 2 afterwards. This is prompted by your loyalty to the station, perhaps because many times in the past, you’ve been emotionally moved by the inspiring stories of ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya?’ and it simply stuck! In the same vein, a die-hard Kapuso will have fun lurking on an episode of Your Face Winning practices in customer care have become a recurring theme during Sounds Familiar in EmpDev’s conduct of the Team Empowerment Workshop for Smart Service the rival network but would eventually revert Management Group.Service Management Group. to channel 7 because of

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All customer interactions matter. Let them be spectacular moments that make them feel great about doing business with you and make you proud to belong to a winning service culture. CC:

life+arts

Leaders

“Blazing Trails” Medium: acrylic on canvas Painting by Jeffrey S. Quilatan, IT Mediation & Settlement Systems

OCTOBER 2015

Strength in Diversity

By Laemar John V. Chavez, Fixed Service Network Understanding and accepting diversity Enable us to begin to think About recognizing the strength of others Admitting that we cannot know everything Recognizing diversity helps us to understand That a leader needs to possess a lot of positive traits To see what is needed, in order to lead For equality and identity Being a leader entails many responsibilities Such as identifying, developing and nurturing future leaders Encouraging constructive opinions, Setting a good example

Servant-Leader

By Melvin Artugue, FMA – ESAM Team C I was a sinner, Then I became a worshiper I was a doubter, Then I became a believer I was a cynic, Then I became a follower I was a disciple, Then I became a soul-winner I was a hater, Then I became a lover I was a student, Then I became a teacher I was an apprentice, Then I became a mentor I was a servant, Then I became a leader I never became a master, For even though I am now a leader, I humbled myself down and remained a servant ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

Being a leader means providing and maintaining momentum Which comes from a clear vision, With a well thought-out strategy And clearly communicated direction Leaders must possess a certain maturity Expressed in a sense of self worth A sense of belonging, A sense of responsibility, accountability, and equality Leadership is an art, Without color there is no spectacular result It’s a combination of personality with effectiveness A result of hardship, involvement and unity Leadership is not learned overnight It doesn’t inflict pain but can bear pain It celebrates achievements Finding strength in everyone.

on being a leader By Cora Perez, CSA-Cainta Home BO

It takes GOD and fear of HIM to be a good and eventually a Great Leader… A good leader should meditate on HIS WORD (THE BIBLE) for daily guidance… The word of God gives wisdom & instruction beyond compare.

Leading Essentials

By Mary Grace O. Sze, Support Management Auxillary Services Leaders are sometimes feared, While some of them are revered. Others may be loved by many, While some had become an enemy. What makes one standout from the rest? Does it suffice that he is considered the best? Or is a leader a whole lot of something else; One who moves forward instead of resting on his laurels? The role of a leader is like that of a mentor; A teacher who has her students as her center. Just like a shepherd to its flock, One who guides his fellow to keep them on track. He inspires people and elicits support for his vision; Together working as one in achieving their goal. He encourages feedback and open communication; He sees his people as individuals but also as a whole. A leader is someone who nurtures his people One who helps and develops them to be better. Whether it is skill or character building, A leader would always complement on what might be lacking. We are always told to lead by example. It is said to be a leader, become a follower. Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good traits and valuable talent may be ample; But remember that the core foundation of a leader is Character.

A True Leader Within

By Luis C. Maglanoc, GMM West/CSO-BPM Peace spurned by difference in ideologies Wars spread fast with advanced technologies! International or local, it breeds hatred and rage Where did mankind go wrong in this day and age? Do we let children suffer, their future compromised? Burn through towns, with long surrendered hope. Nights on end, victims pray for a new sunrise Let us offer prayers for this madness to stop! But let me throw a question, why is this so? Is it because we are a divided people, nowhere to go! We find ourselves faultless, this I disagree. When change simply starts with ME! Everybody is a hero, a leader within! For embers of passion will rapidly burn. Need not wait for the right time Cause when we do nothing, that is a crime! Find your leader? He is hanging by the Cross To save us from damnation, sinners the most Go by His Words and Follow in His Footstep A promise of Salvation He had Lovingly Kept! OCTOBER 2015

the leader in you

By Rebelyn Q. Rosales, Business Process Assurance

et me tell you a story about a girl whom I have known for so long. She came from a simple, average family. The hardship in life, her family’s struggles to make a living made her push harder. The things that she thought were impossible were made possible by her determination and drive to succeed. She made it in one of the well-known universities in the country, purchased through installment her longtime dream house and lot (I remember how happy she was telling me this news), and travelled out of town and out of the country with selected family members. She keeps on reminiscing the past with a teary eye, and never thought that this probinsiya girl, who used to write her dreams in a piece of paper which she crumpled and threw in the trash bin, will make her own name. She knew only four places then: school-home-work-church. Years ago, I asked her: Are you not bored? I mean, hey your parents are not with you, you’re all alone, cheer yourself once in a while. Do you not envy other teenagers who live their lives to the hilt? Her answer silenced me: “They are financially blessed and I’m not.They are lucky because, unlike me, they don’t need to work in order to live. My parents gave me their full trust and I don’t want to waste it, it’s a hard earned thing. Their words are enough for me though their presence is more important. We’re poor and if I mess my life like these teenagers, I’ll end up being a loser and hurt my parents the most. My failures are theirs too and I don’t want it to happen.” What’s with this story? Simple.You do not need to have subordinates to be called leader. You can be a leader of your own self like this girl. The decisions that you make in life speak of your leadership abilities. Always consider and put the welfare of everybody ahead of yourself. Feel for your subordinates because that’s the most important thing that will keep them committed to their work and to you as their leader. They will then love and respect you as a person not because of your position. CC:

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Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan, Tondo ssc

The Leader Alphabet By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ

A leader is not someone extra-ordinary But someone who shows compassion Caring for the people around him, big or small Determined to achieve goals not for his own good Emphatic to his team, encouraging them to do their best Faithful to the Purpose for which he is called GOD is the Core of his values in life He steers his soldiers to battle, Equipped with Inspiration and integrity, Exemplifying excellence in every way Just and true, he attentively listens and evaluates based on facts Kindness and understanding are shown in his sincere smile Lovingly and joyfully he goes the extra mile without complaints, Motivating the band to treat each other with respect, Never letting personal issues and frustrations get in the picture Open-minded, he does not boss his ideas around but accepts opinions Patient and unbiased, everyone has a fair share on his table Questions there are none regarding his identity Recognition for others’ contributions he gives wholeheartedly Sharing with his soldiers the fruits of success and achievements Taking time to reach out and thank each one for the job well done Unveiling little giants and nurturing them to be super heroes too Value of the leader is not on how much he knows but on how he cares Willingly sacrificing himself for the greater good eXpecting nothing yet delivering eXceedingly Young at heart and mind, he never stops learning Zealous, a leader is up to date and relevant despite the changing times

Photography by Joanna Marie M. Muldong, Finclose

“Namumuno” Ni Tricia Blue

Ang pamumuno ay isang sakripisyo Kailangan unahin ang iba bago ang sarili mo Buhayin ang katatagan at palakasin ng prinsipyo Upang maging huwaran sa nasasakupang tao

Lider kung tawagin, mabigat ang pasanin Lalo’t uunahin, ang bugso ng damdamin Talino ay hindi sapat, siguradong kukulangin Kailangan buo ang loob at samahan ng dalangin

Pag-isipang matindi ang makakabuti Hindi lang sa kasalukuyan, kundi sa uusbong pa na lahi Bandila ay iwagayway at ating ipagbunyi Gawing inspirasyon sa lahat ng sandali

Magbalik tanaw tayo sa ating nakaraan Kung kailan nasilayan ang ganda ng ating Bayan Dito masasalamin, mayroon tayong pagkukulang May oras pang nalalabi, hindi dapat sukuan

Ang pagdedesisyon kailangan may puso Hindi lamang dinidikta ng sino mang nasa puwesto Sa mga tagasunod, kailangan may pulso Upang maramdaman ang pangangailangang totoo

Huwag magpadaig sa makamundong paraan Ating gunitain panahon ng kabataan Kagandahang asal huwag nating kalimutan Turo ng mga magulang, ating balikbalikan

Hindi dapat kalimutan ang iyong pinagmulan Kung sino ang nagluklok sa iyo sa upuan Ito’y hindi mararating ng mag-isa ka lang Ibaon sa isipan, “no man is an island”

Tayo ang gagawa ng ating istorya Pinuno na matatawag, napili ng masa Maging ehemplo ng kabutihan at magbigay ng pag-asa Tiyak aani ng tagumpay at papuri ay dadagsa OCTOBER 2015

how to give roses By Leopoldo Lalim

can hold onto your hands. She will try to understand why you hate the only way for you and her to be one – her only appendage for you to show your willingness to let her be remembered The moment you’ve plucked her, she had started dying the rose would’ve cried silently for you to give just a little blood to extend her reach to possibly clasp your hands. She would ask why she needs to keep on giving up the thorns she loves to be loved?

(Spoken word performed at Selda Dos, TandangSora, Quezon City – October 4, 2015)

hat if a rose tells you that its thorns are its flowers? You wouldn’t believe it. Thorns were made to cut through flesh, They come with nature’s understanding of pinpointing forces at the minutest end to ensure entry into unwilling skin. This is what we know. But perhaps the rose requested nature for a pointy end to express just how much she needs from us - a small sharing of the pain she endures as we pluck flowers from its branches. She will say that the flowers are only her means to shade herself from the sun. We would not understand or even hear her Brilliant as we all are, even if we can’t take away the thorns yet, we clasp our hands around them and wait for the shears to come. We will pluck her like a chicken ready for roasting She is decimated. She is made naked. She would now be incomplete, bleeding to the last drop of sap in her body through the holes left by her thorns But, the rose, being a good rose, will try to understand how you grew to like her And the rose would be silent as you “trim” and “arrange” her into a bouquet. Without a choice, she will try to understand why we seek and love the flowers and not the thorns - beauty that she understood herself to have had. She will try to understand why you hate the only way she

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- We would not understand or even hear her We venture into the dark side of love being blind - wanting the best for the flowers but not the thorns - but how could you listen with words already in your mouth? Yes, you give roses vowing with the

sweetest verses You show her to the world as a sign of endless love Yet before you’ve given her, you’ve already denied the rose’s simple request for her, there was no love in this show of affection We discard the thorns that carry the same DNA as her entire body because they could hurt us. We disregard pity, almost instantly, at the arrival of thoughts of our own bleeding We would all rather have petals that wilt and dry up, than thorns that stay sharp even when life has gone. They hurt but they are not meant to kill, my friends It is not her that wards us away with her thorns. We are the unwilling ones that dare not to grasp every part of her The rose will no longer have thorns the next time it grows. CC:

Ma’am Nena

Ni Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Regulatory Sa lalawigan ng Laguna ay may isang bayan Tahimik na lugar Rizal, Laguna kung turan May isang guro na doon ay isinilang Catalina V. Alcantara ang kanyang pangalan

Sa mga mag-aaral baon pag-uwi ang mga natutunan Pilit ka niyang uunawain at matiyagang tuturuan May dunong man o mahina ikaw ay gagabayan Mapagmahal, mabait, masipag, malambing, Maasikaso, matiyaga, mapagkumbaba, matulungin Matalino, listo at mahusay na guro Lahat ng kabutihan sa mag-aaral ay itinuro Iba’t-ibang karangalan ay kanyang natanggap Sa district, division at minsan pa ay naglevel up Napili siyang Philippine Outstanding Mother of the Year (national level 2005) Karapat dapat lang dahil seryoso naman sa kanyang career

Sina Mateo at Petra Vitangcol kanyang mga magulang March 9, 1933 ang kanyang kapanganakan Pang-pito sa magkakapatid na nagmamahalan Simpleng buhay lang kanyang kinagisnan Maagang na byuda sa sundalo niyang asawa Tatlong anak na lalaki ang naiwan sa kanya Sina Arsenio, Carlo at Xavier na noon ay maliliit pa Di malaman kung paano itataguyod ang pamilya Maaga pa lang nag-aasikaso na sa kanyang mga anak Pagpasok nila sa eskwela ang unang inaatupag Sabay na trabaho pagtuturo at pagsusumikap Kanyang ginampanan sabay na tinatahak

Dahil nga sa masinop at nag-iisang bread-winner Pinagkalooban siya ng dalawang anak na engineer At ang isa naman ay mahusay na abogado Sulit lahat ang pagod na kanyang isinakripisyo

Kapag sabado at linggo may ekstra siyang hanap-buhay Paghuhugas ng mga bote sa kanilang kapit-bahay Pagtitinda pa ng kalakal sa iba’t-ibang barangay Upang maragdagan ang kita at mairaos ang pamumuhay Apatnapung taong guro sa isang pampublikong paaralan

Dala ng kawalan at sobrang pagod ng katawan Matapos ang maraming taon ng pagpupunyagi at kahirapan Siya ay iginupo ng matinding karamdaman Di na nagtagal at mapayapang lumisan Sa piling ng ating Poong Maykapal

Thank You Lord

By Cherry W. Alaban, Enterprise Service Thank You Lord, because you’ve never left me. In the times I felt so alone you sat right beside me. When no one heard me and my feeling was empty. You had your way to remind me that I didn’t have the reason to worry. Thank You Lord, because You’ve given me strength. You’ve made me strong for the times I felt so weak. When things got difficult and complicated. You had your way to remind me that after the rain the rainbow appears. Thank You Lord, because You’ve never failed to forgive. For my countless sins You’ve never got even. When promises were broken and I had no one to blame. You had your way to remind me that everybody deserves second chances.

Thank You Lord, because I have family and friends. Who will always be my inspiration in crossing the obstacles. For the times I felt so depressed and betrayed. You had your way to remind me that everything in this world exist for a purpose. Thank You Lord, because you’ve led my way towards Your Kingdom. For so many times I’ve been blinded, You’ve pulled me out of the dark. For the times I almost gave up, You’ve embraced me and lifted me up. You have Your way to remind me that You’re always there to carry the burden of those who are tired. Thank You Lord, because You’ve made me who I am. You’ve sent me hindrances to make me more confident. You let me feel rejected but Your power brought back my belief. You always have your way to remind me that nothing is impossible if you have faith. OCTOBER 2015

20 Quotes from a True Leader: Mahatma Gandhi Compiled by Liza del Rosario-Jacala, Program Delivery- Fixed Access Network

1. I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people. 2. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. 3. An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching. 4. You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind. 5. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. 6. The only tyrant I accept in this world is the ‘still small voice’ within me. And even though I have to face the prospect of being a minority of one, I humbly believe I have the courage to be in such a hopeless minority. 7. An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind. 8. You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no results. 9. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. 10. The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems. 11. A man is but the product of his thoughts; what he thinks, he becomes. 12. A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble. 13. You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. 14. Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment. 15. First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. 16. Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory. 17. A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. 18. Be the change that you want to see in the world. 19. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. 20. Glory lies in the attempt to reach one’s goal and not in reaching it.

ACC:ESS MAGAZINE

meeting a leader in the backstage By Leopoldo Lalim

n the same vein as the sun is a star but we call it the sun, we are all stars but there are some of us who come up close enough to bring life and brighten days. Lumps of space rock and debris orbited the sun and become planets, each turning majestic and beautiful in its own right. Pluto would dip in and out of planetdom but the thing is, he would keep coming back. Why would Pluto keep coming back? Each one of us already has his own definition of a leader but for the most part it is a definition based on the latter’s habitat, his playing field where he excels. There are so many kinds of leaders - those who output the most from his people, those that can come into a room and change the atmosphere, those who have crazy ideas and many more. To give the reader something to think about, I would like to point out some things that often do not show blips on our radars: Is a leader supposed to be in the background? Do you see the state of your leader’s hands behind his back in times of trouble? Would you possibly even imagine bruises or calluses around your leader’s hands and feet? Have you even seen his notebook that may leave clues of a reclusive artiste? What do we not see? • Let’s start from the most glaring thing, achievements. Leaders do great things but they do not do it all at once. We often ask ourselves how leaders can do so much compared to us. It’s simple, they do not do it all at once. Doing something while having your thoughts in different places messes up your handwriting. You’ll still be able to write but you might forget to dot your i’s or even cross your t’s . People would forget that leaders are people too, they forget the paradox of a leader’s time - the more hands to do work for you the less time you have for yourself. • It is all about sacrifices. People get blinded by the achievement but do not realize the effort that is put into them. I do not believe in people being naturally gifted, they just have advantages. But, in any team sport, in any place that requires a leader, individual advantages do not generate the most benefit when used alone. Sacrifices entail hard work and practice. The leader sacrifices a piece of himself every time he accepts a role or another person in the group. This sacrifice would be the bond that would keep the group together much like the subatomic forces in an atom

that binds the protons, electrons and neutrons – unseen, massless, pure energy. People would forget to sacrifice then call themselves helpless when they could’ve done something better. • They learn. Samurai believe deeply in this Japanese proverb - “Uttehanseiutaretekanshya” – reflect on your successful strikes, show gratitude for the strikes against you. What could I have done better? How did I win? Was I simply lucky? You could call a leader the one with the most knowledge and the biggest pessimist. He makes it a priority to know the people. The leader goes behind the scenes a lot to know the best and worst parts of his team, accepts them, reflects, plans, attacks, and reflects again. Leaders move forward and backward. They take time to sharpen their sword and even pick up a new one when they see fit. People would forget to build further foundation when they move up and crumble when the weight becomes too heavy. • The best leaders find leaders. The true mark of a leader. Sometimes, they do not even know that they are doing it. If you would find something natural in a leader this would be it.They do not take energy from the planets but let life thrive. If you read about the Aurora Borealis, you should note that these beautiful lights enjoyed on earth come from the interaction of the harshest solar winds from the sun that bombard our planet every day. Much as they see the strength that they can gather, they understand much more their own weakness. Beyond how we see stars today, where the ones with the planets pique the most interest, it would take a “Sun” to understand that the energy he produces is meant to support life. They understand that they own only a segment of time and not infinity. They mold people to be leaders, they get the angriest at mistakes yet keep guiding.They know when to let other people lead. People, sadly, forget that leadership requires succession. When you look around what do you see? Try to look at leadership in a different manner. Try to understand that the leader is the biggest and most hardworking servant that pursues the improvement of everyone. Try to understand that we are in a company that is striving for the lead in the most cutthroat of markets today. Each one is a leader in his own right. The most basic thought that comes to mind when writing about leadership and PLDT in the same sentence would be that “we are a company of leaders”. You don’t need to be the biggest star with the most planets where you are. Be the sun that gives life. This is a call - don’t be stars out of reach, be the sun. CC: OCTOBER 2015