ACC:ESS February 2017

march 13,

2017

g n i c a r b em

About the Cover As PLDT takes a leap towards the digit pivot, it ultimately marks a year of big changes and new beginnings.

The ACC:ESS magazine, the official publication of the PLDT Group, takes part in the Company’s digital transformation journey as it transitions into a new platform.

Embracing this generation’s period of digitalization, the ACC:ESS magazine opens its new chapter – creating a progressive tool in communicating the Company’s future endeavors within the organization and towards its valued consumers – ultimately engaging employees as ambassadors in delivering better customer experience.

ry a u r b fe

2017

news 03 PLDT to expand FTTH reach by 80% 04 P1-B fiber optic cable link in Mindanao to be completed this year 05 Data Privacy Office created 06 PLDT Group opens Vitro data centers in Davao, Clark

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features 08 Designing the New Workplace New PLDT execs talk about culture transformation 10 MVP Group converges with Solar for 2016 Miss Universe pageant 12 Embracing Digital ACC:ESS unfolds new chapter, embarks on a transformation journey Cover Story 14 Faster internet speed enriches Panagbenga 2017 experience 15 Living the Filipino culture in annual Dinagyang festival 16 A look at PSF’s Yolanda initiatives 18 Making Life Better Through Helping Hands PLDT launches CSR projects in Arakan Manobo village 19 Help in a Time of Chaos PLDT Bicutan, PSF provide relief goods in Sitio Pag-asa 20 Building Homes of Resilience USAID, PDRF turn over 100 houses in Tacloban

10 16 24

regulars 01 From the Editor 02 delivering Awesome Customer Experience 23 The Bandwagonner

20 PLDT MEDIA VISION STATEMENT

To be the proactive strategic communications partner of our stakeholders so that together we can inspire brand love and loyalty for PLDT. #SUPERMEDIA

ACC:ESS is published monthly

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

Telephones 810-3190 and 8168515.

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

Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head

Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor

Nonong F. Noriega Columnist

EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor

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

Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers

Carlo D. Gonzalez Mark Daryll P. Sambat Graphic Design

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Ederic P. Eder Social Media Officer

Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation

Contributors Cherry W. Alaban, Melvin P. Artugue, Jan Lester E. Bisco, Dulce Casaul-Escol, Laemar John V. Chavez, Farah Coyoca, Evelyn S. Espinosa Danny Handayan, Christian Imperio, Jayson Ibañez, Emily S. De Leon, May M. Ginete, Luis C. Maglanoc, Katherine Marajas Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Rheb Rosales, John Paul M. Soriano, Mary Grace. O. Sze, Loy Verdadero-Nardo

From the

Editor

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado

Reset

S

We are very

tarting this year, ACC:ESS magazine has

excited about this

pivoted into a digital format.

development. In a way, this is also

Aside from the need to support

a reset for the

the Company’s cost-cutting

ACC:ESS team.

measures, this move reflects the

We are eagerly

corporate direction to embrace digital. As our Chairman and CEO

awaiting the

Manny V. Pangilinan has said: “We

results of our Readership Survey so

have revamped our organization and

that your input will be part of the

are undertaking efforts to implant a digital corporate culture that will enable

new ACC:ESS.

us to better serve our customers in this digital age.”

Right now, you can access ACC:ESS via our Issuu account http://issuu.com/pldtmedia.

The transition will not be painless. We will also miss the printed magazine. But we hope that

It’s still a work in progress but we are hoping to give

putting ACC:ESS online will allow it to have more

you soon a better and more engaging version of

content and reach more people. We will make it

ACC:ESS.

as shareable and as engaging as possible.

Talk to you all again very soon!

But this won’t happen without your help. We need your contributions. We need your ideas.

We would love to talk to you once the full digital format is launched. And we would appreciate it very much if you share our stories to your friends.

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Delivering Awesome Customer Experience on social media...

Compiled by Ederic P. Eder

from the mailbag...

Here’s another proof that the awesome service we provide our customers does not go unnoticed.

Subscriber John Rodas commended customer service assistant Marilyn Dela Cruz, who assisted him in a recent transaction at the PLDT Makati Sales and Service Center.

Rodas described Marilyn as “very helpful, pleasant, knowledgeable,” and “a wonderful employee with an engaging disposition.” He added that she is an asset to your company. CC: De la Cruz

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NEWS

PLDT to expand FTTH reach by 80% PLDT will expand the reach of its fiber-powered fixed line network by about 80% to 4.4 million homes passed by the end of 2017, making available ultra-fast internet connection via its fiber-to-thehome (FTTH) service accessible to Filipino families in more areas of the country.

“We are stepping up our efforts to deliver unrivalled internet services to more homes in various parts of the country, from the Ilocos provinces in the North to Zamboanga in the South,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Late last year, PLDT’s fiber network covered 2.5 million homes passed nationwide after an aggressive roll out of fiber facilities. This year’s expansion plan will add 1.9 million homes to the market that can be served.

The FTTH service will be delivered through PLDT HOME Fiber, the country’s most powerful broadband, that can deliver internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) which allows browsing of multiple websites, uploading of hundreds of photos, and downloading of a full-length movie in just seconds.

PLDT FVP and Home Operations Head Oscar Enrico Reyes said PLDT HOME Fibr also features the country’s first symmetrical speed service which provides equal upload and download speeds.

This feature enables families to better enjoy entertainment from renowned digital partners like iflix, Fox Networks Group, Netflix, Roku, and iWant TV, and also popular multiplayer online games like League of Legends, Vainglory, Super Mario Run and Dota 2.

“PLDT Home Fibr also provides a more robust platform for a growing range of Smart Home services. For example, home security services such as FamCam, the monitoring device that makes it possible for parents to watch over their family wherever they are, as well as FamZone which allows them to keep their children safe online,” Reyes added.

Among the areas now covered by fiber-powered internet connections are Laoag, Baguio City, Vigan City, and Tuguegarao in Northern Luzon; Tarlac, Cabanatuan City, and San Fernando, Pampanga in Central Luzon; and, Puerto Princesa and El Nido in Palawan, down to the Bicol region cities of Sorsogon, Naga, and Legazpi.

Also fiber-ready are major urban areas in the Visayas region, with the most extensive footprint in the cities of Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Tagbilaran. In Mindanao, PLDT’s fiber has already reached key provinces and cities, including Cotabato, Davao, General Santos City, Koronadal, and Zamboanga.

Complementing its accelerated rollout of FTTH services, PLDT is starting to deploy hybrid fiber technologies that can deliver super-fast broadband service through regular phone lines in buildings and residences.

PLDT is utilizing the hybrid fiber technologies of KT Corporation (formerly Korea Telecom) called GiGa Wire and Huawei Technologies’ G fast that can provide data speeds of up to 600-700 Mbps per user. Both technologies work by connecting buildings and dwellings with fiber optic cables and using special equipment to enable the internal copper wiring of these structures to deliver fiberlike data speeds.

PLDT has invested P300 billion or $6 billion over the last 10 years to roll-out the country’s most expansive network infrastructure. In 2016, it set aside P48 billion or about $1 billion for capital expenditures, a significant portion of which was allocated for the domestic fiber infrastructure. Olive O. Barrozo

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For Reliable Connectivity in More Homes and Businesses

P1-B fiber optic cable link in Mindanao to be completed this year

PLDT is set to complete this year the nearly P1 billion fiber optic cable link that directly connects the provinces of Agusan to Davao. This will boost the capacity and strengthen the resiliency of its network, providing reliable connectivity to more homes and businesses in Mindanao.

Spanning nearly 320 kilometers, the fiber infrastructure will run through four provinces in Mindanao – Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur. “In line with the government’s thrust of accelerating economic growth in Mindanao, the fortified FOC, which is part of PLDT’s Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON), will provide unrivalled communications services to our fixed and wireless customers, including homes and businesses in these provinces,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

He pointed out that the reinforced fiber network can provide reliable service even under disruptive conditions such as typhoons and earthquakes.

“The underground fiber optic cables that we are installing here are less susceptible to cuts caused by strong winds, falling

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The underground fiber optic cables that we are installing here are less susceptible to cuts caused by strong winds, falling trees, and utility poles.

With a more resilient and reliable connectivity in Mindanao, our customers in the area will be able to experience high quality voice, data, and multimedia services as they connect with their family, friends, and business associates in other parts of the country and the world.

trees, and utility poles. With a more resilient and reliable connectivity in Mindanao, our customers in the area will be able to experience high quality voice, data, and multimedia services as they connect with their family, friends, and business associates in other parts of the country and the world,” Pangilinan said.

To further stimulate economic growth in southern Philippines, the telco leader has also recently completed three major ICT projects in Davao, namely, PLDT’s fourth cable landing station, a state-of-the-art Innovations Laboratory (Innolab) – the Company’s seventh, and the PLDT Group’s eighth data center – the first in Mindanao.

According to PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and ePLDT President and CEO Ernesto R. Alberto, the projects will greatly expand PLDT’s network capacity and quality of services which will benefit industries and consumers located in the Visayas and in Mindanao. He said these will enable them to participate in the emerging gigabit society.

“We have accelerated the necessary investments that will help build and strengthen the regions’ enterprises, and enable them to become not just locally but globally competitive, armed with new digital tools and innovative solutions.

Additionally, consumer home subscribers in these regions will growingly enjoy broadband connectivity that would allow use of the internet and all its contents with better and more reliable experience,” Alberto said. Olive O. Barrozo

Data Privacy Office created across the PLDT Group. It will likewise lead the establishment of applicable systems to support data privacy compliance operations; represent and liaise with data privacy regulatory organizations in behalf of the PLDT Group; and ensure regular compliance reporting to NPC and PLDT Group Data Privacy steering committee.

In a memorandum issued by President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, the Data Privacy Office (DPO) was recently created aimed at handling the compliance initiatives of the PLDT Group with the Data Privacy act of 2012.

The DPO will ensure compliance of the PLDT Group with the national data privacy laws, ordinances, and acts. It will also provide top level direction and coordinate closely with PLDT Group business units to ensure effective implementation of data privacy strategies including but not limited to policies, procedures, and processes; legal aspect of data privacy; and compliance review as well as collaborate with data privacy regulatory organizations such as the National Privacy Commission (NPC) on behalf of the PLDT Group.

Leah Camilla R. Besa-Jimenez was appointed Chief Data Privacy Officer. She will be responsible for spearheading compliance initiatives of the PLDT Group with Republic Act 0173 or the Data Privacy act of 2012.

Besa-Jimenez is also mandated to orchestrate data privacy programs and initiatives across the PLDT Group to reinforce adherence with set privacy policies and standards. Lastly, she shall manage standards and policies covering the handling of costumer information and data.”

Besa-Jimenez has over 20 years of experience in Digital, Data, CRM/

Data Privacy Process & Compliance Meanwhile, the Data Privacy Process & Compliance (DP Compliance) will handle the implementations and disseminate information about “group-wide data privacy compliance programs, processes, policies, and initiatives with all concerned organizations.”

Besa-Jimenez

CVM, Marketing, Media, Product and Social. She has consulted for global brands for industries covering FMCG, Technology, Telecommunications and Healthcare.

Data Privacy Strategy Functioning under the supervision of DPO, the Data Privacy Strategy will establish compliance strategy with data privacy laws and implementing rules and regulations set by the NPC and the Government for the PLDT Group.

The DP Strategy will also design corresponding compliance implementation programs aligned with overall Company directions

It will manage data privacy compliance review and consolidate compliance results of all entities such as consent, business look up for transactions, internal policies, NPC prescribed laws and implementing rules and regulations and will also ensure all documentation and standardized data privacy policies are in accordance with NPC implementing rules & regulations; and manage review of Business Use-cases of entities and provide recommendations and improvements to ensure data privacy compliance.”

The DP Strategy and the DP Compliance will be under the newlycreated Data Privacy Office. CC:

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VITRO Clark is the latest addition to the VITRO Data Center line with a 1,500 rack capacity ready to serve enterprises in North Luzon.

PLDT Group opens VITRO data centers in Davao, Clark PLDT and ePLDT made historic milestones last week as it inaugurated two VITRO data centers further bolstering the PLDT Group’s leadership in data center adoption, IT security, and professionally managed ICT services for the country’s enterprises.

Both launched last month, the eighth data center is situated in Davao and is the first such facility to be built in Mindanao, while the ninth data center located in Clark is a purposely-built 5-storey facility with a capacity of more than 1,500 racks to help meet the

ICT requirements of the growing BPO and other thriving industries in Central Luzon. Both are now operational and are ready to serve as premiere secondary back-up facilities for mission-critical data for both local and foreign enterprises.

In total, these two facilities increases the PLDT Group’s total rack capacity to nearly 9,000 - by far the biggest from any local service provider.

“More than simply investing for business, the PLDT Group firmly believes that data centers will serve as the critical foundation for the emerging data-driven enterprise of the future. There is a distinct

enterprise momentum toward digital transformation, which makes the proposition of outsourcing to trusted third party data centers such as VITRO even more compelling,” said PLDT Chief Revenue Officer, and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.

“With the robust and secure facilities operated according to global standards, combined with a growing and highly capable workforce, players in these industries particularly the IT-BPO and finance industries will find doing business in Central Luzon and in Mindanao a sound strategic choice,” added ePLDT COO Nerisse R. Ramos.

Investing in Mindanao The newest VITRO Data Center in Mindanao is a Tier 2 facility designed to meet global data center standards required by industries with heavy Formally opening the VITRO Data center in Clark are, from left: ePLDT Group Chief Technology Officer Dave Simon, ePLDT Chief Operating Officer Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT President and CEO and PLDTSmart Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto, and FVP and Head of PLDT-Smart Enterprise Groups Jovy Hernandez.

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With the robust and secure facilities operated according to global standards, combined with a growing and highly capable workforce, players in these industries particularly the IT-BPO and finance industries will find doing business in Central Luzon and in Mindanao a sound strategic choice.

- Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT COO

data-security requirements like banks and financial institutions.

It will serve hosting, collocation, and business continuity services for enterprises in Mindanao, and can serve as a secondary backup location for businesses with data already housed in other data centers across the country.

Aside from the data center, PLDT also completed the Davao cable landing station project that links Mindanao to PLDT’s three existing international gateways located in Nasugbu, Batangas; Bauang, La Union, and Daet, Camarines Norte.

This further improves the network resiliency in Mindanao through PLDT’s international managed network providing high bandwidth global connectivity with automatic re-routing and switching capability through different international cable routes in the event of cable faults.

PLDT has also opened the upgraded Innovations Laboratory housed in PLDT Davao, where products and digital services are showcased for customers, and enterprise clients can experience and test out new offerings from PLDT. It also serves as a venue for collaboration with the local ICT community and educational institutions, thereby spurring technopreneurship and building the region’s ecosystem of developers.

“As part of our commitment to help the government achieve broadbased, nationwide growth, we are working to strengthen and nurture that digital hub in the southern Philippines to further enable businesses and serve the need for a stronger and more robust digital infrastructure,” said Alberto.

Furthermore, VITRO Clark is 194 meters with reference to sea level, and is 55 kilometers away from the nearest body of water. This minimizes risks relative to flooding and tsunamis. The new data center facility is also just a few minutes away from an international airport, making it an ideal hub for foreign enterprises to collocate their back-up infrastructure.

VITRO Davao is a welcome addition in Mindanao to support the growing ICT demands of local industries in the region.

A data fort in North Luzon The new VITRO Clark is the PLDT Group’s ninth data center is purposely-built to provide local enterprises a highly robust production site and a disaster recovery facility for Manila-based or other Luzon-based businesses.

“Many companies in various sectors have been looking to expand their operations north of Manila, and VITRO Clark provides them with the best support facility to grow their presence in the region,” said Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer. “With the robust and secure facility operated according to global standards, combined with a growing and highly capable workforce, players in these industries particularly the IT-BPO and finance industries will find doing business in Central Luzon a sound strategic choice.”

Built from the ground up, VITRO Clark assures co-locators of structural robustness as it is designed and built based on seismic zone 4 standards.

This enables the facility to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. VITRO Clark also employs eleven layers of physical security equipped with vein-scanning biometric devices to ensure the highest level of confidence to clients.

Over and above its features, VITRO Clark is managed by certified data center experts, guided by ISO standards that are globally recognized such as Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2008), Business Continuity Management System (ISO 22301:2013), Information Security Management System (27001:2013), IT Services Management System (20000-1:2011), and Environmental Management System (14001:2004).

“We want to ensure that enterprises, wherever they are in the country, are able to tap into global quality data center services for their businesses,” shared Eric Alberto, ePLDT Group President and CEO and PLDT Group Chief Revenue Officer.

“Thus, we continuously expand the VITRO network to deliver the highly scalable, reliable, and secure infrastructure that enterprises need.”

VITRO Clark is the first Rated-3 data center facility outside Metro Manila, based on the TIA-942 standards. This certification is given to data centers that are concurrently maintainable in design, which means each component that is part of the distribution path can be removed, replaced or serviced on a planned basis without any disruption in the client’s ICT capabilities. CC:

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FEATURE

rkplace o W w e N the Designing about

lk a t s c e x e New PLDT

n o i t a m r o f s n a r t culture . Mallari

A

By Katrina

L

eaping towards the digital pivot, the PLDT Group continues to ignite innovation within the organization, enabling a culture that thrives on an agile work environment and delivering awesome customer experience.

Delivering on the customer promise PLDT Chief People and Culture Officer Liza Sichon shares new perspectives and insights in transforming the Company’s culture. Having worked in Silicon Valley equipped with a diverse background in HR looking through the lens of both a practitioner and as a consultant, Sichon emphasizes how the ongoing business transformation needs to run parallel with a culture transformation roadmap that will draw from the collective strengths of our people to hasten our momentum in re-establishing undisputed market leadership.

Furthermore, Sichon also emphasizes the need for a strong customer promise that engages employees to become brand and culture ambassadors in propelling the Company to greater heights. Sichon shares that together with the top management team (TMT), she is committed to help enable our people to deliver awesome customer experience across all touch points through a superior network and reliable products, services, and touchpoints. Change starts from within and the kind of employee experience shaped by the corporate culture will also determine the kind of customer experience the Company offers.

Taking the steps “We need to be focused to create an ideal on our strategic roadmap corporate culture For us to be relevant in the new digital world, we need to so we can have the certainly takes time. It is critical adapt and learn new ways. As our Chairman says, we need culture and talent to make us the top to first assess the to have the humility and mental honesty to learn new ways employer in the country,” current culture – Sichon added. what works and of delivering our customer promise. what needs to - Liza Sichon, PLDT Chief People and Culture Officer Admittedly, Sichon says change. Sichon that transforming the and her HR team Company culture will be recently launched a challenge that requires a culture survey team effort, persistence, and continuous collaboration. to help determine the Company’s three-year culture For her, having clarity in terms of the Company’s goals transformation roadmap. “Based on the results of our and objectives is key for this turnaround. In this digital survey, we will implement plans to take us to our ideal era, she believes that being consistent with the Company’s culture,” Sichon said.

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transformation efforts will enable significant changes to eventually happen within the company.

“For us to be relevant in the new digital world, we need to adapt and learn new ways. As our Chairman says, we need to have the humility and mental honesty to learn new ways of delivering our customer promise,” Sichon said.

We’ll measure the impact we have with customers on a Customer Value Scorecard, which will include customer experience and incremental revenue measures. In short, we’ll partner closely with the Business and Network teams to deliver a strategic business system for advanced data analytics and customer experience, measure results, and celebrate victories together with our partners.

- Ralph Brunner, PLDT Chief Customer Experience and Data Analytics Advisor

Fostering a customer-centric culture With an extensive background in advanced data analytics (ADA) and customer-centric marketing, PLDT Chief Customer Experience and Data Analytics Advisor Ralph Brunner reveals his key strategic priorities in line with the PLDT Group’s digital transformation. “I see a tremendous opportunity for enhancing the partnership and collaboration across the companies in the Group, and creating new, exciting value propositions that bring together benefits from different lines of business to make an even bigger impact on the customer’s life,” Brunner said.

Brunner divulges the current state of the Group’s customer experience efforts and commended the great work of the employees. He also underscores the importance of mixing well data analytics with these efforts to champion a personalized customer experience. “’Personalization’ is another critical theme. We can leverage ADA tools – such as advanced data modelling, behavioral economics, and dynamic learning – to help personalize and improve our customer experience,” Brunner said.

As he takes on the role, Brunner aims to make a real difference in the lives of the customers. Anchored on partnership and collaboration, he plans to work closely with the businesses to create data insights and deliver more personalized and relevant customer experiences. “We’ll measure the impact we have with customers on a Customer Value Scorecard, which will include customer experience and incremental revenue measures,” Brunner said.

“In short, we’ll partner closely with the Business and Network teams to deliver a strategic business system for advanced data analytics and customer experience, measure results, and celebrate victories together with our partners,” Brunner added.

Reigniting growth through better customer understanding With a rich background on the telecommunications industry, Transformation Adviser Keith Walter pores on the prevalent situation in the Company, which faces a challenge in its continuous growth. Despite the rapid change in technology, Walter underscores key strategic plans in order to bring advancement and development in the Company.

“My experience tells me that the secret to success is being clear on where you want to finish and getting there as quickly as possible with as few changes as possible. Changing an organization is hard work,” Walter said. “Everyone needs to understand two key success factors – why we need to change and how we are going to accomplish the change.”

“In PLDT’s case, we have a rich history and great brands.

We simply need to do a better job of understanding our customers and then align our execution to re-ignite our growth,” Walter added.

Collaborating on leadership, Walter emphasizes the need for a strategic alignment of visions and goals, ultimately enabling further growth in the Company. “I hope to gain leadership alignment on specific milestones and metrics that support our growth and transformation; assisting PLDT in solving any problems that stand in the way of our success; and facilitating internal and external communications that give our employees and investors’ confidence that PLDT is on the right path in its digital pivot journey,” Walter said. CC:

Everyone needs to understand two key success factors – why we need to change and how we are going to accomplish the change. In PLDT’s case, we have a rich history and great brands. We simply need to do a better job of understanding our customers and then align our execution to reignite our growth.

- Keith Walter, Transformation Adviser

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missuniverse.com

MVP Group converges with Solar for 2016 Miss Universe pageant

P

LDT and Smart together with broadcast station TV5 brought the much anticipated Miss Universe 2016 closer to Filipinos everywhere through the country’s most extensive and robust fixed line and wireless networks.

In partnership with the Miss Universe Organization and official Philippine broadcast partner of Miss Universe 2016 Solar Entertainment, the PLDT Group has enabled the best viewing experience of the pageant in the Philippines through its various terrestrial and digital channels, across multiple screens at home and on-the-go.

“With the Miss Universe crown held in our homeland, the enthusiasm for and connection of Filipinos to the global pageant got stronger than ever,” PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan said. “With the combined reach of PLDT, Smart and TV5, we have provided our countrymen more ways to enjoy the pageant. We have given them exclusive access to behind-thescenes and key events such as the very popular swimsuit and

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long gown competitions, and of course, real-time viewing of the much-awaited coronation night. With our robust network capabilities and the largest consumer base of over 75 million Filipinos, millions of fans were able to watch the pageant events via multiple platforms, whether on TV, laptop or mobile—whenever they wanted, wherever they wanted. For years, we have been revolutionizing the way entertainment is consumed in the nation, offering our subscribers an extensive entertainment portfolio featuring top digital entertainment partners. Miss Universe was one platform we would not miss out on.”

Shown in photo during the contract signing event are, from left: Miss Universe Organization Business Development and Marketing VP Shawn McClain, Solar Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Wilson Tieng, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, PLDT and Smart Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto, and TV5 President and CEO Chot Reyes.

PLDT and Smart provided fixed broadband and mobile connectivity that powered the Miss Universe pageant throughout their stay in the Philippines. With the country’s widest Fibr broadband network which delivers symmetrical speeds of up to 1Gbps and Smart’s superior mobile LTE network, consumers had the best realtime Miss Universe experience.

missuniverse.com

PLDT and Smart provided fixed broadband and mobile connectivity that powered the Miss Universe pageant throughout their stay in the Philippines. With the country’s widest Fibr broadband network which delivers symmetrical speeds of up to

“The Internet and social media undoubtedly played a substantial role in Miss Universe in the Philippines,” PLDT and Smart Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto said. “We contributed our top notch products and services to make it a more engaging experience for everyone. Miss Universe 2016 used PLDT and Smart’s services throughout their entire journey, while fans were able to immerse themselves not only on the coronation night, but also on all the exciting events leading up to it. True to our promise of bringing the ultimate Miss Universe experience, our subscribers got a chance to witness the coronation night live via free ticket promos.”

On top of the complete broadcast coverage of the coronation night, TV5 gave viewers access to the preliminary show, specifically the swimsuit and long gown rounds. “Filipinos watched their favorite contestants compete even before the grand finale, offered only by TV5,” TV5 President and CEO Chot Reyes said. “We aimed to bring the pageant to life by bringing it closer to the hearts and enthusiasm of every Filipino.”

1Gbps and Smart’s superior mobile LTE network, consumers had the best real-time Miss Universe experience.

TV5 signed with Solar for the partnership which encompassed on-air, on-ground, and PR values—the blocktime airing of the Coronation Night on January 30, the exclusive airing of the long gown and swimsuit preliminary competitions on January 28 and 29 which were also available online on the same day, powered by PLDT and Smart.

Solar Entertainment took pride in collaborating with TV5, PLDT, and Smart to deliver the optimum broadcast quality coverage of the momentous event which showcased the wonders and beauty of the Philippines, and gave our fellow Filipinos the ultimate Miss Universe experience.

“Bringing Miss Universe to the Philippines was one of the top events that we have ever invested in. It was an opportunity that we did not want to miss,” said Solar Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Wilson Tieng. “For Miss Universe, we had jam-packed activities that happened at the same time and we shared it with the viewers.” CC:

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COVER STORY

ACC:ESS unfolds new chapter, embarks on a transformation journey

By Christian Imperio , Student-Trainee, Cavite State University

T 2009

1998

2011

2015

1939

2017 12

he onset of technological breakthroughs is paving the way for humanity to scratch the surface of enlightenment; anchored on the idea of a great digital journey. As the Company heads towards digital transformation, ACC:ESS, the official publication of the PLDT Group, dives in the uncharted waters as it begins to unfold a new chapter in its decade-long existence.

Through the years, ACC:ESS magazine has undergone a series of remarkable changes. As PLDT transitions to the digital age, the new publication aims to propel the Company to greater heights by bringing innovative and effective means of communication; far-reaching and customer-centric.

Finding a new home within the spaces of the world wide web, ACC:ESS’ new platform becomes an avenue that chronicles the milestones of the largest multi-media company in the country.

This digital transformation enables ACC:ESS to showcase shareable content in multimedia formats and reach audiences beyond the PLDT Group.

As this new chapter unfolds, it is but fitting to go through memory lane as we recall the journey of the Company’s official publication all through these years: Good Transmission: Humble beginnings Good Transmission, which started in 1935, witnessed the humble beginnings of PLDT’s efforts in gaining a foothold in the country’s telecommunications industry. Its early editions published grainy black and white photos against rows of paragraphs — a layout that resembled that of paperback books.

Despite the publication’s mundane appearance, Good Transmission had a lot to offer during its infancy. It provided a variety of sections, aiming to spark interest among employees as well as create a culture of employee engagement. It rolled out full-length feature stories on the commendable services of its employees, as well as articles about the various departments of the Company.

It also had pages dedicated to the “News of the Month in Pictures,” featuring the various events including special gatherings and parties every month.

Good Transmission introduced, including the Opinion and Commentary sections. It ran an editorial together with R. Abrahan’s “PECCA Views,” E. M. Portacio’s “Your Safety Corner” and A.T. Magno’s “Potpourri.”

Other improvements which Dialtones made were the activity photos, “Welcome to the PLDT Family” section, “Tele-Laugh” and “Industry Newsbites.”

ACC:ESS: Rebranding in the new millennium At the outset of the new millennium, which entailed a myriad of technological improvements, the publication rebranded to its present name, ACC:ESS. The new brand was launched in 2000, when the Media Division conducted a month-long contest dubbed as “Name the new publications contest.”

While preserving the old layout, it finally included colored photos alongside the usual write-ups.

ACC:ESS has served as the official monthly publication of PLDT and its subsidiaries and affiliates — Smart, Piltel, ACeS, Infocom, Mabuhay, Home Cable, Clark Telecom, Subic Telecom, ePLDT, and Telesat Inc — with 18,500 copies distributed to offices as far as Laoag, Ilocos Norte in the north and Zamboanga in the south. It also reinvented its design, adapting a magazine type of publication that featured PLDT’s celebrity endorsers such as Angel Locsin, Kris Aquino, Robin Padilla, and Whattamen’s Marvin Agustin, Dominic Ochoa, the late Rico Yan and a host of other celebrity endorsers of the PLDT and Smart brand products.

Finding a new home within the spaces of the world wide web, ACC:ESS’ new platform becomes an avenue that chronicles the milestones of the largest multi-media company in the country.

Good Transmission also delved into opinion and commentary by running columns like M. Fernandez’ “Commercial Reports,” Jose V. Habana’s “Accounting Brevities,” A.A. Alcantara’s “Plant Activities” and A.D. Sison’s “Echoes from the Provinces.”

Also part of Good Transmission’s monthly edition was the Sports section, which featured the employees as they participated in numerous sports tournaments in the Company.

DIALTONES: Fitting tribute in building telephone lines As the publication reflected the zeitgeist of the 1970s, it marked the decade with a few major improvements. One of the changes it made was renaming the publication from Good Transmission to Dialtones — a fitting tribute to the Company’s efforts in building telephone lines across the country.

Although the articles were still printed in black and white, the pages became wider and longer and resembled that of the major dailies. Furthermore, apart from the new nameplate, a banner headline and photo graced the front pages of Dialtones every month.

The publication’s rebranding was not all about discarding the old parts, as it had also kept some of the sections that

An addition in its latest version was the inclusion of a literary section dubbed “Life & Arts” Providing the employees with an avenue to showcase their great command in literature through their short stories, poems, and essays based on monthly themes.

Digital pivot The PLDT’s official publication has always been in the forefront of reporting and recording the Company’s history. As PLDT continues its digital pivot, the fully digital ACC:ESS magazine is expected to accompany its readers in their journey. And as it sets a new course of action this year, a more innovative approach is in the offing in delivering the latest updates on the Company’s achievements.

From flipping the pages of the printed copies to browsing through the web pages, the call for a new transformation enables employees and internet users alike to access the new contents of digital ACC:ESS. Embracing the digital transformation doesn’t only mean overhauling the outdated version of ACC:ESS magazine.

It also means gleaming in the future that entails limitless possibilities.

ACC:ESS now goes digital! CC:

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FEATURE One of the floats featured during the festival is PLDT HOME with Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza.

Faster internet speed enriches

Panagbenga Festival experiences

By Katrina A. Mallari

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LDT recently celebrated the beautiful blooms of Baguio during the 2017 Panagbenga Festival.

Drawing loud cheers from the crowd, the Panagbenga Festival highlights include the Grand Street and Grand Float Parades held at the Baguio Athletic Bowl and Melvin Jones Football Grounds, respectively.

Various schools also participated in the street dancing.

As one of the festival’s sponsors, PLDT has truly made its presence felt throughout the event. Making the event more vibrant, PLDT HOME showcased the new Home Fibr Plan 1699 with an exclusive Panagbenga Offer at the Baguio Athletic Bowl and Ganza parking area during the Exhibitors’ Day and Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio event. Located at the PLDT Sales and Service Center in Baguio Session Road, the experiential Home Fibr lounge set-up also highlighted the different SmartHome Security Devices. The product enables parents to watch over their loved ones at home, online and on the go, allowing everyone to get added Peace of Mind at Home with Fibr.

“We strive to create stronger connections by providing greater and faster internet speed to enrich the Panagbenga

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experience,” said PLDT Baguio Customer Service Operations Zone Head John Marasigan.

Showing its solidarity with the Panagbenga festivities, the PLDT Baguio office was beautifully landscaped and surrounded by various flowering plants. PLDT also hosted breakfast for its Baguio employees, in support of the local government unit‘s Session Road in Bloom event.

“The culture exhibited in the Panagbenga festival is one that truly transcends time. It is always a privilege to be a part of this wonderful event,” said PLDT Community Relations Head and Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario. CC:

PLDT ComRel Head/Consultant, seated, center, is joined by the PLDT Baguio City employees during the “Session Road in Bloom” event.

PLDT Home shows its support in the Dinagyang Festival by setting up booths to encourage its customers to sign up and avail of their Fibr Plans.

dinagyangsailoilo.com

Living the Filipino culture in annual

Dinagyang Festival

By Farah Coyoca, Student-Trainee, De La Salle- Lipa

its customers with the endorsements of its Fibr 1899 and 2899 plans, in line with PLDT’s continuous efforts for technological advancements.

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illed with vibrant colors, astounding performances, and remarkable exhibits, this year’s Dinagyang festival was truly one-of-a-kind. Celebrating its 49th year, the festival has never failed to amaze many Filipinos – tourists and locals alike.

And PLDT joined the celebration of the annual event glorifying the culture, religion, and tradition of the Ilonggos.

The annual celebration created a contagious atmosphere of some sort, casting a spell over the sea of people taking part in the cheers and chants of “Hala Bira” and “Viva Señor Santo Nino” while the loud banging of the drums reverberated in the background.

Museo Iloilo President Virginia Segovia and PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario award the On-the-spot painting contest category 3 Grand Prize to Evangeline Punzalan.

Indeed, the yearly spectacle of sights and sounds is one of the country’s most-awaited festivals. Tourists fill the streets of Iloilo solely for the myriad of activities such as the fireworks display, music festivals, fluvial-foot procession, Kasadyahan sa Dinagyang, and the Ati-atihan grand parade.

But what makes Dinagyang Festival special besides the “Dinagyang Fever” is the various performances and dramatizations in honoring the Santo Nino.

More vibrant Painting the town red, PLDT made the celebration more festive with its PLDT Home booths and blimp displays. PLDT Home provided face paint and exciting booth games, making the festival more vibrant and fun. PLDT Home likewise engaged

PLDT also supported the festivity by joining the parade with the Mardi Gras dancers and drum beaters. PLDT ComRel Head and Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario served as judge during the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2017 Beauty Pageant – one of the major events of the festival. The Miss PLDT Special Award went to Merry Grace Tubelleja, a student from Central Philippine University (also won the title Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang-Iloilo City). Her prizes included P5,000 cash and a PLDT red trolley bag from PLDT ComRel and a one-year PLDT Home Fibr subscription and Fam Cam from PLDT Home.

Jekka May Prudente won the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang 2017 title, while Renee Ellise Abaygar bagged the title of Miss Iloilo Dinagyang-IDFI (Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc.).

Propagating arts and culture Supporting Filipino creativity and artistry, PLDT ComRel also sponsored the 2017 Dinagyang onthe-spot painting contest aimed at realizing Museo Iloilo’s mission of Museo Iloilo of propagating arts and culture among the broader sectors of the society.

Shown here are, from left: Search for Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2017 Chairman Alex Soncio; Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog; Iloilo City Councilor Love Baronda, Del Rosario; Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2017Jekkah May Prudente, Ms. Iloilo Dinagyang 2016 Vanessa Caro, Binibining Pilipinas International 2015 Janice Lubina and City Councilor Dr. Candice Tupas.

Del Rosario awards the Miss PLDT Special Award to Merry Grace Tubelleja.

Organized by the Iloilo Cultural Research Foundation, Inc.-Museo Iloilo, the Dinagyang on-the-spot painting contest invited grade and high school students from public and private schools as well as individual artists.

CC:

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Building Pathways towards Resilience

The MVP Tulong Kapatid multi-purpose and evacuation center is designed to withstand more than 250 kph winds.

A look at PSF’s

Yolanda initiatives

By Katrina A. Mallari

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ursuing its advocacy of disaster preparedness and resilience, the PLDTSmart Foundation (PSF) with support from One Meralco Foundation and Ciena Communications, recently turned over the MVP Tulong Kapatid Multi-Purpose and Evacuation Center to the Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte – coinciding with the second anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to the people of Leyte.

Shown in photo during the ribbon-cutting of the MVP Tulong Kapatid Multi-purpose and Evacuation Center are, from left: Alagang Kapatid Foundation Executive Director Menchie Silvestre, PSF President Esther Santos, Archbishop John Du, One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey Tarayao, and Ciena Communication Country Head – Philippines Fairie Faith Flores.

Designed to withstand more than 250 kph winds, the MVP Tulong Kapatid Multi-Purpose and Evacuation Center can accommodate 1,500 people in its spacious 1,200 square meter interior space. The Center also serves as a venue for community gatherings and events.

PSF President Esther Santos underscored the Center’s importance symbolizing the community’s solidarity and camaraderie. “The MVP Tulong Kapatid MultiPurpose and Evacuation Center creates a greater sense of community among the people of Palo. It is truly an

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embodiment of their resilience as they continue to rebuild their lives,” Santos said.

PSF, together with MVP Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) consortium of the companies headed by PLDT-Smart CEO and Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, conducted a series of initiatives to provide assistance to the families affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

Making landfall on November 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda was one of the world’s strongest typhoons with sustained winds of 235 kph with gusts of 275 kph. Super Typhoon Yolanda made a devastating impact in the areas of Cebu, Samar, and Leyte.

Journey towards recovery PSF’s participation in the long journey towards recovery began with relief operations in various areas severely affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda, with some 7,800 families in Cebu, Capiz, Samar, Leyte and Mindoro receiving relief goods, blankets and hygiene kits.

In partnership with the Salubong Movement, 50 families who sought refuge in Manila, were given shelter kits consisting of corrugated sheets, MVP Tulong Kapatid team with some of the beneficiaries of the multi-purpose and evacuation center. plywood, nails, and other carpentry tools. To further alleviate the situation of the families, In 2014, PSF, in partnership with Caritas Manila, staged PSF also sponsored the return of the families to their a benefit concert entitled, “RISE! Rebuilding from the respective hometowns in Leyte and Samar in partnership Ruins,” which showcased the religious works of Maestro with DSWD-NCR, City Government of Pasay, and the Ryan Cayabyab. The concert aimed to raise funds for the National Anti-Poverty Commission. reconstruction of chapels that were destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda. Five out of the 20 chapels in the Continuing its advocacy to provide quality education to project, were donated by PLDT, Smart, PSF and PLDT the youth, PSF and PLDT’s Gabay Guro donated eight and Smart CEO and Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, classrooms through DepEd’s Adopt-A-School Program. who also chairs PSF. The chapels were also used as These classrooms were donated to Dr. A. P. Bañez evacuation centers when Leyte was indirectly hit by Memorial Elementary School and Manlurip Elementary Typhoon Ruby.

School in Tacloban and Pawing Elementary School in Palo, Leyte.

Manifestation of God’s love The MVP Tulong Kapatid Evacuation Center also As part of its Yolanda Rehabilitation Program, PSF, serves as a community gym to the people of Palo. PSF in partnership with Banco De Oro Foundation and donated the basketball rings and backboards while the supported by Red Knee Solutions of Canada, donated a MVP Sports Foundation gave away 50 basketballs and two-storey, four-classroom building at Pis-anan National equipment.

High School in Antique.

Enabling communities with livelihood opportunities, PSF, as a development sponsor assigned by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR), turned over 50 fishing boats, an ecotourism boat and a community boat to Capiz. Ten fishing boats were also turned over to a community in Isabel, Ormoc through the help of Cong. Lucy Torres-Gomez.

The project was a partnership between the MVP Group led by PSF, and the Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte.

During its inauguration, Archbishop John Du relayed a message of gratitude to the people behind the Center. “The MVP Tulong Kapatid Multi-Purpose and Evacuation Center is a concrete manifestation of God’s love for us,” Du said. CC:

Interior of the MVP Tulong Kapatid Center

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PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario, center, hands over a sweatshirt for patrolling to indigenous forest guards from Arakan, North Cotabato. The sweatshirts were received by BenidoTumanding, 2nd from right, and a fellow forest guard, far right, in behalf of the BantayKalikasan – Tumanding Cluster. Also present during the ceremonial turnover are, from left: Arakan Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO) Officer Jimmy Montero and the Philippine Eagle Foundation Research and Conservation Director Jayson Ibanez.

Making Life Better Through Helping Hands

PLDT launches CSR projects in Arakan Manobo village

T

By Jayson Ibañez, Philippine Eagle Foundation Research and Conservation

he responsibility to take care of the rich natural resources against threats of exploitation and destruction looms large.

The need to ensure that the nation’s ecosystem will benefit future generations, while addressing the country’s current environmental issues.

As a result, the locals of Sitio Macati in North Cotabato took it upon themselves to protect the forest inside their ancestral domain, when they pledged to be the custodians of Philippine eagles.

PLDT believes that each child has great potentials for contributing to nationbuilding. They’re like seeds that will grow into productive plants only if nourished in fertile soils.

Through PLDT’s generous support, a modest school for kindergarten as well as Grades 1 and 2 students was opened. PLDT also provided travel and food allowances to the four volunteer-teachers stationed at Macati. In turn, the Department of Education (DepEd) and LGU Arakan matched PLDT’s support.

Contributing to nation-building When the village completed their five-year community development plan (CDP) in 2011, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) brokered community access to outside support, apart from the elementary school from PLDT. Since then, a string of assistance to Sitio Macati from various organizations poured in.

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An on-site grade school was a priority in the CDP, including a potable water system, reforestation and agroforestry to reclaim unproductive, “cogonal” (grass) lands, a decent farm-to-market road, and foot patrols against outsiders poaching timber and wildlife inside the ancestral domain, among others.

PLDT’s sponsorship of a multigrade school was the top village accomplishment under the CDP. In 2016, PLDT added a Grade III school-building. Recently, no less than the former Vice-President Noli “Kabayan” de Castro funded the construction of a two-room, Grade IV building.

Next year, PLDT will sponsor the Grade V classroom.

“PLDT believes that each child has great potentials for contributing to nation-building.

They’re like seeds that will grow into productive plants only if nourished in fertile soils. Our support to the education of Macati’s kids and their parents’ livelihood are our lasting contribution to their well-being,” said PLDT Community Relations Head/ Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario.

But a lot more needs to be done to completely get the Manobo Tinananon families out of the poverty trap.

Fortunately, PLDT is committed to support PALUPA’s education and other livelihood goals. CC:

PLDT Bicutan employees and PSF prepare the relief packages.

Help in a Time of Chaos

PLDT Bicutan, PSF conduct relief operations in Sitio Pag-asa

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By Sarah Azucena-Reodica

t the heart of every PLDT employee is the value of malasakit. This core value was evident one fine Tuesday morning, when the employees of PLDT Bicutan collaborated with the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) to provide care to a community in need – the firestricken Sitio Pag-asa, Brgy. Sun Valley in Bicutan, Parañaque.

A fire broke out last January 17, 2017 which razed many homes in the community, leaving 231 families without a proper place of rest. PSF prepared blankets, dental kits, and canned goods to donate to the community, while the employees of PLDT Bicutan raised funds to buy rice, canned goods and noodles.

A PLDT Bicutan employee gives a relief package to a fire survivor.

With their noble dedication to provide immediate help to the fire survivors of Sitio Pag-asa, PSF and the employees of PLDT Bicutan sparked hope in a time of loss, and offered comfort at a time of restlessness. CC: Shown here are the PLDT Bicutan Employees headed by Rolando Cusi, Coordinator FSNQA; Peter Rallos, Coordinator FNBQM; Karen Tiay, Head South Luzon MTCE Eng’g and Employees from Engineering Information Management, GMM MTCE Eng’g, PDFAN Business Office.

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Building Homes of Resiliency

Jim Anthony Adonis, a beneficiary of the butterfly houses made from 100% recycled materials that can withstand 195kph of storm winds, poses in his unit given by USAID and PDRF.

USAID, PDRF turn over 100 houses in Tacloban

By Katrina A. Mallari

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innovative housing units are fire-proof here is hope even in the and water-proof, and, can withstand darkest of times. Almost storm winds with speeds of up to 195 four years after the kph. Each butterfly houses measures tragic Super Typhoon Yolanda, 18 square meters, which is good for a the people of Tacloban have family of five, adhering to the sphere opened new chapters in their standard for housing which is 3.5 square lives. Exhibiting the resiliency meters per family member. of the Filipino spirit, they have held on to light and optimism “These smartly-designed homes will despite chaos and grief. Last help the beneficiary families to move February 24, over a hundred forward,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO families in Barangay Suhi Manuel V. Pangilinan, who also coof Tacloban City who were chairs PDRF. displaced by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 were given PDRF President Butch Meily talks about the eco-friendly houses under a significant changes that have happened in Tacloban “We hope this project becomes a means for the people of Tacloban to realize their program jointly run by the since Super Typhoon Yolanda. dreams of rebuilding their communities,” Philippine Disaster Resilience said PDRF President Butch Meily.

Foundation (PDRF) and the Tacloban City government, with the generous support These dwellings are the second batch of butterfly houses of USAID. turned over to families in Tacloban under the program called Building Resilient and Economically Adept Called “butterfly houses,” these transitional dwellings are Communities and Households (BREACH) of USAID. made from eco-boards which consist of 100% recycled materials – 80% plastic and 20% aluminum. These

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“We hope this project

USAID Contracts and Agreement Officer Sandra Jensen speaks of USAID’s efforts in rebuilding Leyte through continued partnerships among different sectors.

becomes a means for the people of Tacloban to realize their dreams of rebuilding their communities,” -PDRF President Butch Meily

PDRF,” Adonis said. He remains hopeful for the future as he dreams to open his own bakeshop someday.

Under a two-year cooperative agreement, USAID has tapped PDRF to deliver an integrated package of assistance to families in Northern Tacloban. PDRF works with local and international partners to mobilize resources to expand the benefits of the USAID support by leveraging existing resources, fundraising activities and provision of pro bono expertise.

BREACH supports the development of a transitional community by providing individual shelter units, access to basic services, transport systems to facilitate mobility of goods and people, and economic opportunities, and capability building for disaster preparedness and strengthening risk mitigation for the community.

PDRF conducted consultations with partners and the Tacloban LGU and identified Barangay Suhi as the community to be developed through BREACH. The completion of the BREACH Transitional House units includes installed solar kits, water and sanitation facilities, to start the transport system operation, to Last February 2016, 44 butterfly houses establish community cooperative, were turned over to selected beneficiary and to implement livelihood families, 30 of which were provided projects within the area. through donations raised by about 1,800 Meilly gives the certificate of PLDT employees through their “House of As part of the program, PDRF has appreciation to PLDT for being Joy” project. partnered with the Negros Women one of the donors in buiding for Tomorrow (NWT) to set up a butterfly houses in Tacloban.

29-year old aspiring baker Jim Anthony transportation business using 12 Receving it on PLDT’s behalf is Adonis, one of the beneficiaries of the multi-cabs as a livelihood project for PLDT Media’s Katrina Mallari. butterfly houses, expresses his gratitude to the community. The multi-cabs were PDRF for the opportunity given to him to turned over to NWT, which will serve start anew. “Nang dahil po sa PDRF, nakapag-aral po at least 14,000 families relocated in the Northern area ako ng baking. Nakuha ko po ‘yung NC2 ko sa tulong ng of Tacloban. CC: “The US government is pleased to be your partner in rebuilding Leyte and we look forward to our continued partnership with the Philippine government to achieve our goals of inclusive and resilient world,” said USAID Contracts and Agreement Officer Sandra Jensen.

Jensen and Meily turn over the symbolic key to some of the members of the association in Tacloban.

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PLDT STEPS:

PLDT Steps members perform at the 2016 Service Awards event.

PLDT in Action

, PLDT in Motio

By Melvin P. Artu

gue, ESAM Team

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LDT Steps is currently the sole club within PLDT that focuses on DANCE. The club is under the umbrella of Employee Relations (EmpRel) and as such, supports and participates in sports, recreational, and wellness programs and company events in general. PLDT Steps is responsible for all activities related to DANCE – development, practice, performance, and recreation.

The club started out with a group of employees, composed of Katrina Camille Guerrero, Karen Colot, Jay Mark Isais, and Christian Villar, who eventually gathered and unified the dancers within PLDT to lead all dance-related events and activities.

Initially, dancers were individually selected and invited by the founding members to perform for internal events and join in EmpRel activities (e.g. dance camps). When it became difficult to accommodate all requests with just a small number of available dancers, the founders decided to organize a club that would address this need. One of the team’s main objectives was to come up with a pool of dancers that could easily be called upon to perform for internal events.

The first meeting of the club was set some time in the last quarter of 2012 with just ten to twelve members. PLDT Steps was first recognized at PLDT’s “Tuklas Talino” singing contest in December 2012 at the RCBC Plaza. Since then, the club has been invited to perform in several internal events, such as the Service Awards, Resource Person Awards, and internal marketing

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n

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campaigns, and lead in dance activities like PLDT Dance-athon, Dance Camp, and dance fitness programs.

PLDT Steps has evolved from a performing group to one that now pursues the holistic development of the dancers’ skills, as well as the promotion of dance culture and lifestyle. It has also become an avenue for free expression, healthy living, development of talents, and sharing of talents with the rest of the PLDT community. It aims to produce skilled performers who can represent the Company in various external dance competitions and events.

Currently, PLDT Steps is led by Denise Ann Reyes, her sister, Paula Rae, and Katrina Camille Guerrero who is also the author of the dance club’s original constitution. With the aid of executive adviser Angie Dela Cruz, PLDT Steps promotes different genres of dances which are supervised by the following: Reymond Alberto and Ruzel Rae Santorcas, hip-hop and street dance; Rafael Guerrero and this writer, ballroom and dance sport; and Girard Philip Bautista and Lyka Rabino, cheer dance.

The dance group is shown here with adviser and EmpRel Head Angie Dela Cruz.

PLDT Steps also promotes fitness and wellness thru various fitness programs headed by Mary Joy Aguilar and Alfren Espejo.

Meanwhile, Katrina Rose Mendoza takes care of the club’s financial assets, while Efraim Pintuan handles promotion and social media affairs. CC:

Collaborate to

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lignment, convergence and synergy of all initiatives that would drive growth and strengthen our stature as the undisputed industry leader has become the crying need to get the act together. Our passion now should rest in the creative fusion of talents, concerted execution plans and synchronized infrastructures that would Nonong Noriega enable us to further expand our territory in the market battlefield.

The

Collaborate to Win Competencies that enable the high impact practice of this value:

Bandwagonner

Meaningful manifestations that would attest to high impact practice of this value: No gatekeeping when it comes to processes and information that are vital to deliver results that impact bottom line aspirations in business growth.

Teamwork skills specifically for cross-functional and inter-work unit processes

Negotiation skills for mediation and management of differing views and interests when mapping out action plans or during decision-making processes Conflict Resolution skills to manage various work disposition styles, team chemistries, generational diversity and individual temperaments.

Process Consulting skills – ability to integrate information and prescribe a plan of action or intervention that would be beneficial to all parties that need to collaborate. CC:

Transparency in reports. We keep communication channels open and seek to constantly clear the air to ascertain that we’re all in the same page as to: a) where we are in the transformation journey and b) what are the critical imperatives to win Ease of interface with cross-functional teams. No to turfs.No to silos. We’re in the lookout for ways to strengthen alliances and support each other. We celebrate each other’s success. We resolve each other’s problems. We’re only OK if we’re all OK.

VMV Power Encounter workshop facilitator & EmpDev Training Officer Dome Gonzaga enlightens participants on incidental learnings on the imperative to collaborate during a recent session with Technology Operations.

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life arts february 2017

“L.O.V.E.�

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

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Within a Limit

Disregard Forever

Within a limit of a lifetime A sense of endlessness exists Within a transient rhythm A symphony seemed so boundless

“Forever” is nothing but lies, expectations.

It feeds on full trust and hopes A monster that will leave you hanging.

By Farah Coyoca, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa

By John Paul M. Soriano, Subsidiaries and Facilities Audit Division

“Forever,” a label of misconception.

Self destroying bomb, That everyone appreciates.

Yet, its uncontainable nature permeates Encapsulating our senses Within a frontier so long But short enough to withstand

Can’t they get it?

They are becoming prisoners Caged in the walls of “Forever.”

How could infinities be felt In a timed and consumed presence While seeking for an eternity Which will only be condensed as a mere memory And soon…forgotten

Pag-ibig o pantasiya Ni Tricia Blue

Finding Forever

Minsan napaisip, may “forever” pa ba?

Pagmamahalan ba’y may expiration date na?

Pagod na damdamin, sasaya pa kaya?

Hiling sa langit, ikaw na ang bahala Lahat ng umiibig iisa ang pakiramdam Walang pinipili, bata man o may edad Kapag puso’y tumibok, ito’y walang humpay Hindi mapigilan, tapatan man ng sibat May mga pangyayaring hindi maiwasan Katapatan ay dadaan sa hamon ng kalungkutan Wagas na pagtangi ay tiyak masusubukan Huwag kang bibitiw upang walang masugatan Puso ay ingatan at di dapat pabayaan Hayaang sumaya at umiyak kung kailangan Makapangyarihan at walang sinusukuan Lalo’t nararapat ang inaalayan Ngunit may panahon na puso ay nalilito May oras na ang pag-ibig ay nag-iibang anyo Sa panahon na nalulumbay, hugis ay nagbabago Ito’y pakaingatan baka maubos sa dulo Pagtangi ay ihandog ng busilak at buo Gintong pagmamahal hindi dapat isuko Huwag magpadaig sa tawag ng tukso Pantasiya ay isantabi, at talikuran ng taas noo

By Laemar John V. Chavez, FSQM-Simple Products & Services

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orever is a word that has become enormously popular nowadays. It’s poetic but sometimes cannot be grasped by the human mind for lack of solid basis. A funny joke of commuters goes: “Sa EDSA lang may Forever.” Well you know what it means: Travelling in EDSA is a struggle. The long stretch of road is always choked by traffic, taking so much time for people to get to their destinations every single day.

The word “Forever” also relates to “Love,” the most powerful emotion on earth. We measure love by human standards, so it is difficult for us to imagine what it is to be loved unconditionally. We understand passionate love, young love, and first love. Yet all of these go back towards the ability to sustain that love and to most people, love eventually fades. The endorphin rush run low and daily life begins to wear down the sparkle. The ones who make it are those who hold on despite the strains and challenges. CC: 27 26

Moments of Forever

By Mary Grace O. Sze, Enterprise Auxiliary Contact Services Laughter shared, tears shed Time and distance are never too wide Friends from childhood and for life Ten twenty-three ten, a day of vows “I found the one whom my soul loves” It was a promise of faith and commitment Tears on the cheek followed by a kiss Dancing, twirling as a little girl with her father That last embrace I will treasure forever A sudden wail and my heart burst Relief, joy, excitement and then wonder The world has suddenly become Technicolor Hand in hand, heart to heart Love outpouring despite the hurt Chaos threatens but we stood together A dainty flower, a rowdy toddler Totally different but complimenting each other These are two parts that form most of my heart Clear blue skies and there beyond the horizon The future lies ahead and it promises good weather But whatever mysteries, we could discover together.

Inay, ikaw ang aking forever

Ni Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Regulatory Ikaw ang ilaw ng ating tahanan Nagbigay lakas sa aming kahinaan Ang yong mga kamay nagsilbi naming gabay Upang mapaganda ang aming mga buhay Grade four pa lang ako naulila na sa ama Nagtaguyod sa amin ikaw mahal na ina Labing-isa kaming anak mo na sa iyo ay umasa Ramdam ko ang iyong pagod pero di mo ito alintana Gumawa ng paraan ang mahal kong ina Nagluwas ng produkto galing sa aming probinsiya At sa likod bahay namin kami pa rin ay nagkarinderya Upang madagdagan ang maliit na kita Maraming bagay ang iyong isinakripisyo Upang matugunan pangangailangan ng mga anak mo Sinikap mong harapin ang hirap ng buhay Hindi ka sumuko kahit balikat mo ay lumaylay Hindi man kami lahat nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral Lumaki naman kaming naging marangal Binusog sa dasal at mga pangaral Nitong aming inay na lubos kung magmahal Naging inspirasyon kita sa aking buhay Labis na pagkalinga ang iyong ibinigay Sayang maaga kang pumanaw... miss na kita o inay Sana’y nakita mo ang nakamit kong tagumpay Salamat o inay di mo kami pinabayaan Sinikap mo kaming buhayin na ikaw lang Salamat sa pagkalinga at walang hanggang pagmamahal Ikaw ang aking FOREVER na mamahalin magpakailanman

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

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“I’m Flying!”

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

May forever ba?

By Emily S. De Leon, Recovery Collection Management

D

ifferent interpretations linger. Depending on one’s upbringing and experienced situations.

The news and the powerful social media feed us with threat and fear. But we should have courage to live life to the fullest.

As a parent, we should educate our children about “Forever.” How? By being an example. Children look up to their parents, expecting guidance and enlightenment. They should! Where else can they go to? And we should work hard to begood examples.

Let children dream and hope that there is Forever, because there is! Here on earth and even beyond. Because God promised eternity for those who follow Him. Children should look at it with hope because they will never know unless you tell them: “Take one step and hope for the better.” It is important not to look for “the one” but “be the one.”

Let us show our children that we respect their father and teach our sons to respect women as they respect us.

Let’s teach them well, every single moment. Let’s hope reasonably and love without losing ourselves. FOREVER starts from there. CC:

Meron nga!

Ni Melvin Artugue, ESAM Team C Ang hirap sagutin ng tanong na ito, “May forever nga ba sa buhay ng tao?”

Eh bakit nga ba kailangan itong masagot ‘Pag wala ba’y may malalagot?

Naglipana ang nagpapanggap na dalubhasa Iniwan ng minamahal, ‘di naman nila eksperyensya Kung makahugot, akala mo’y nasaktan talaga ng husto Pero ang totoo, nakikiayon lang sa uso Malawak kasi ang salitang “forever” ‘Di lang naman ito tungkol sa mga bitter Kung single, mamundok daw para happy Pagtungtong ng summit, panay naman ang senti Magkakaiba tayo ng mga opinyon Pero paghahanap ba ng forever ang solusyon?

Matuto kasing maghintay ng tamang panahon Puro ka fling, ‘wag ganon!

Forever single, forever paasa Forever sawi, forever binata’t dalaga Forever martir, forever torpe Forever stalker, friend-zone eh Hays, ang hirap nga naman talaga Pero may magagawa ka ba?

Meron ngang forever kaya ‘wag limutin Masarap mahalin bunga ng panalangin

#AngTunaynaForever Photography by Dulce Casaul-Escol FNetRes-Access

Clarissification

By Masayang Buhay

I hate to start it now about, How I met your mother.

It may cause a doubt Or some unnecessary bother.

But you really do remind me Of how she used to be.

And how life is filled with uncertainty, Like this meeting that we did not foresee.

The way she always utters, Every word in her SMS. Her smiles perfectly captured by every wink of the shutter.

This heart knew it best.

Somehow I thought if I could take her by the hand, Like the Alice who fell in wonderland.

Unfortunately, I never got a place to stand, A lost soul in Kimberland.

You could classify us as asymptotes.

We got closer but we’ll never be together.

Her dreams, her promises, her hopes, Memories that I will always remember.

As you are now venturing the same path she took, All I can say is not everything is by the book.

Forever is a word you should not take for granted.

Love your groom would be all she would have wanted.

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Paglaho

Ni Rheb Rosales, Business Process Assurance Lagi mo sanang tatandaan Na para sa ating dalawa ang aking paglayo Hindi dahil sa mayroon na akong iba Kundi para hanapin ang sagot sa tanong na “Mahal pa rin nga ba kita?”

Kung tutuusin nasa sa’yo na ang lahat Ikaw ang nagbibigay saya sa malungkot kong mundo Karamay sa lahat, kaibigan sandigan ko Pero bakit unti unting naglalaho ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo Ayaw kitang bitawan dahil alam kong ikaw na nga Lagi kong ibinubulong sa puso ko na mahal na mahal kita Inaalala ang mga araw na tayo’y magkasama Nangarap at nangako na habambuhay tayo Masakit ang sa’yo ay magpaalam Anong dahilan hindi ko rin alam Pero lagi mong tatandaan na ikaw lang Hindi ako nagtaksil o kung ano pa man Tatanggapin ko ng maluwag kung sa aking paglayo may mahanap kang iba Dahil nararapat lang na ikaw ay sumaya Ipinapa sa Diyos ko na lang at bahala na ang tadhana Kung ito’y isang pagsubok lang at sa dulo’y tayo pa ring dalawa

The Road to Forever-est?

Nganga

When I was a child, I chose to believe For every girl, there is a boy destined to be The perfect match to complete the “You and Me”…

And I hold on to this promise for as long as I live

“May forever ba?”

Tanong niya sakin habang kinakalikot ko ang ilong ko

By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ

I never doubt the love the Almighty GOD has for me Even as I wade through the toss and turn of anxiety and uncertainty Tied to the days, weeks and years swiftly passing me by Where people in my inner circle start to bid singlehood good-bye

Ni Katherine Marajas, student-trainee, De La Salle Lipa

Sumagot naman ako “Malamang meron” “Eh nasan naman?”

Ani niya habang patuloy pa rin ako sa pagdial ng aking ilong

Yes, there are crazy days when I feel I am left behind Alone to face the music, with growing pains and rippling cares to mind I wave to the Lord and ask with curiosity: “When will my lifetime partner come?”

Looking back on how pseudo-love in the past has somehow made me numb

Sumagot ulit ako..

“Be patient, My Child,” He assures me in His Warm Embrace “I know how tough Life has been and how you want to get out of the maze…

Do not seek approval from people who never enjoy your company.

I am here for you, no matter what. Seek and you will find Me.”

Sabay pitik ng kulangot sa bunganga nyang nakanganga.

True love exists because GOD is real.

It is more than a feeling as it requires commitment + action The road to forever may not be the same path for everyone to take Some get to the destination faster while others take the detour I trust the Lord has His Best Plans for me, single or attached And I will live each day in joyful hope and surrender To be with You forever, my Lord, is what my heart desires For You love me best and show Your Great Love even before I was born.

“Alam mo kung nasaan? Ganito gawin mo. Pumunta ka ng EDSA. Nandun ang forever na tinutukoy ko”

I love you…goodbye

By Loy Verdadero-Nardo, Fixed Service Network Quality Assurance Too many sleepless nights and tears I’ve cried How can I let go of this hurting pain kept inside I’ve loved you so much but my heart is tired Got no better choice but to let this feeling subside.

How long I have wished to be caressed by you To be locked in your arms and feel the nearness of you Yes you seemed to be near but your heart’s so far I guess it’s time to say, I Love you…goodbye…

For once in my life you mean everything to me Just the thought of you, brought me ecstasy But I need to wake up and live in reality I love you…..goodbye the only way it has to be.

I love you so much but it really hurts to know That this wonderful dream could never come true It hurts, it really hurts, but I must learn to live without you I LOVE YOU..GOODBYE, there’s nothing more I can do.

Artwork by Danny “Bimbo” Handayan PLDT Tondo Sales & Service Center 29

That thing called “Forever”

W

By May M. Ginete, Int’l Cable Systems Operations

alang forever.

Isa ako sa milyong-milyong taong naniniwala na walang forever.

Sabi nila totoong meron, pero paano nga ba tayo maniniwala sa forever kung sa bawat sulok, pader ng building, at upuan ay may mga nakasulat na #walangforever. Sa pagbukas mo ng social media account mo bubungad sa’yo ang mga posts na puro #walangforever.

Katatapos lang ng Valentines Day. Yung iba sa atin napaka espesyal ang araw na ito, yung iba isa syang #hugot. At kahit na ano man ang sitwasyon mo sa araw na ‘yon, tila may maliit na boses na bubulong at magsasabi “iiwan ka rin nyan. Walang forever”.

Hindi ko alam na ever since pala, nand’yan na s’ya sa buhay ko.

Kahit ganoon pa man, madalas ko s’yang nakakalimutan, madalas ko s’ya balewalain at gumagawa ako ng mga bagay na ikakasakit ng damdamin n’ya. Maraming beses ko s’yang sinaktan, pinagdudahan at sinisi dahil sa mga bagay na dumating sa buhay ko na hindi maganda. Pero, ayaw n’ya matinag, nandyan s’ya lagi sa tabi ko. Ayaw n’ya ako iiwan. Ilang beses ko nang naitanong sa kanya kung pagod na s’ya sa akin?

At ang sagot nya? “Hinding-hindi ako mapapagod sa’yo. Forever akong nandyan para sa’yo kasi mahal na mahal kita….”

Forever?...

Photography by Laemar John V. Chavez, FSQM-Simple Products & Services

Totoo nga ba sinasabi nya? Di ba walang Forever?

Buong buhay ko hindi ako naniniwala sa salitang ito.

Hanggang sa nagkaroon ako ng matinding problema sa buhay, nagkasakit ako, nawalan ng saysay ang buhay at gusto ko nang mag-give up, hindi ko

Technically, walang forever. pinaniniwalaan ang salitang forever.

Buhay nga natin may katapusan. Lahat ng bagay ay binigyan ng LIFE SPAN, at ang pasensya ng tao nauubos, PAG-IBIG pa kaya?

Parang yung pagmamahal n’ya sa akin. Sabi n’ya, forever n’ya akong mamahalin at hindi kami maghihiwalay. Pero tingnan mo ngayon, ‘di na kami yung dati . Nasaan ang pinangako n’yang forever?

Ilang beses na akong nagmahal. Ilang beses na ring nasaktan. At ilang beses na akong nabigo sa sinasabi nilang “forever” na ‘yan.

So I stopped believing.

Pero nang dumilat ulit ako, nakita kong nakangiti s’ya sa akin , hindi n’ya ako sinukuan, dama ko yung pagmamahal n’ya sa akin.

Naiyak ako sa harapan n’ya. Naalala ko ang mga nagawa ko sa kanya.

Buong puso pa rin n’ya akong tinanggap. Hindi n’ya ako iniwan hanggang sa huli. Pinalitan n’ya ng saya ang dating malungkot kong mundo , doon na ako naniwala saforever.

Ang pagsasabi ko na walang forever ay para na ring pagsasabi na nakalimutan ko s’ya.

Naniniwala akong walang pagmamahal ang tumatagal ng “forever.”

Siya ang forever, eternity, walang hanggan.

Wala nga kasing forever, ‘di ba?

May forever.

Not until dumating ka sa buhay ko.

Wala na akong pag-asa noon. Wasted na wasted na ako. Hindi na ako naniniwala sa pagmamahal ng mga tao. Pero hindi n’ya ako sinukuan.

Hindi n’ya ako iniwan, palagi s’yang nasa tabi ko. Kapag umiiyak ako, s’ya ang nagpa-pacify sa akin, kapag nalulungkot ako, s’ya ang nagpapasaya sa akin.

Meron, maniwala ka lang. Hindi mo naman kailangang intindihin. Ang kailangan, maniwala tayo.

Kaya salamat po, God. Salamat sa pagmamahal mo ng pang habang buhay. Naniniwala na ako na hindi lahat ng bagay ay may katapusan.

Ikaw ang forever ko. CC:

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Walang Hanggang Pag-asa Ni Luis C. Maglanoc, CustSvcOp Business Partner Management

Nangako ka ng isang pang-habang buhay?

Naniwala ako, sa akalang pag-ibig mo ay tunay.

Inasahang sa mga darating nating bukas.

Ikaw at ako, walang katapusan, walang wakas.

Masasayang araw bakit ko nabibilang?

Pakiramdam ko’y sa tagal walang patutunguhan.

Kay bilis mo namang magsawa, wala pang isang taon!

Iba na talaga takbo ng panahon.

Sadya bang ipinagpalit dahil salat sa yaman?

O baka naman iniisip na ako sa iyo’y alangan?

Hindi pa nga kita nakilala ng lubusan, Unti unti kang lumalayo, masakit na paalam!

Sa mga sandaling ika’y kasama’t kapiling.

Wari ako’y naglalakad sa langit, may ibayong damdamin!

Pero bakit mga mata mo, parang nanlalamig?

Ako lang yata, sa ati’y kinikilig?

Pilitin ko mang unawain, hahantong rin sa pagsusuko!

Sa pag-ibig, mainam na minsan tanggapin ang pagkatalo.

Tuloy pa naman ang pag-ikot ng mundo!

Dahil balang araw, makakasama ko rin ang magmamahal ng totoo!

Ako Po Si Kristian Miguel 84139173 15Feb2017

Magic

By Cherry W. Alaban, EPLM It’s the first time your eyes meet mine.

It’s the first time we hold each other’s hand.

It’s the first time you lay in my arms.

It’s the first time, this unusual feeling touches my heart.

Is this what they call magic?

Strange, but a smile can be seen on my lips.

Amazing, I can’t find the words to explain.

I am starting to enjoy the pleasure it brings.

I don’t know what’s happening, I am stunned.

The emotions are so strong and I feel so helpless.

Unbelievable, everything has changed just this moment.

And I like it exactly the way it is.

Undeniable, the mutual sensation we have.

It is something new only our hearts can understand.

An extraordinary experience meant for just the two of us.

For the first time, just you and I, this moment is ours.

Wish that this fairy tale won’t end.

If this is just a dream, hope it won’t cease.

Because if this is indeed magic, The power might fade, I’m afraid.

“Thank You For The Music” Photography by Jan Lester E. Bisco, Financial Business Intelligence Warehouse

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Cecille and Jeff Part 2

By Olive O. Barrozo

T

he intrinsic calm and freshness of early morning look surreal to Cecille, having gotten used to the noise, long queues, and traffic snarls that define the days in Metro Manila.

She is visiting her hometown after more than a decade. The bus she is on just crossed the arch that welcomes visitors to the relatively new city. Her heart skips a couple of beats. No other place gives her such fanciful anticipation. Not the big city with all its beguiling attractions nor the unprepossessing suburbs where she now resides.

She only lived in this place until her early teens but the memories of those early years are indelible. The familiar sights buoy her spirit: The schools she attended, her teachers and friends, the picturesque church that reminded her of a fairy tale castle in high school. And there’s Jeff, whom she met when she was 14 and he was 17 and he told her they were perfect for each other. It’s been over 30 years since then, Jeff has married another girl but Cecille remained single, having been preoccupied with a thriving career in foreign affairs.

The bus turns right and they arrive at the town proper that’s just starting to stir. People, rubbing off sleep from their eyes, are heading to the nearest bakery to buy the breakfast staple – pan de sal or tasty bread – which largely depends on available budget. The once bucolic town she left so many years ago has evolved into a small disorganized city, teeming with commerce, vehicles, people,

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the trappings of progress. But the streets leading to their house are shabbier than ever, looking sad and neglected in the midst of a growing locale that’s fast getting citified.

Waiting at the entrance of their home is her mother whose big sunny smile lights up the dark interior of their age-old house with its wooden antique furniture. Incredibly happy to see Cecille, her mother eagerly welcomes her like someone who just arrived after spending a lifetime in the desolate landscape of Antarctica: “Cecille!

How are you? How was your trip? Did you sleep on the bus?” her questions pour out in quick succession.

“I’m okay Mama. The trip was a bit delayed by so many stop-overs in wayside canteens. But I’m here now!”

“Let’s have breakfast. Is pan de sal okay with you? We usually have these for breakfast but if you want, we can buy biko, your favorite, remember?”

“Pan de sal is good. We’ll have biko tomorrow or the day after. I’m attending the reunion on Saturday and will be staying until Sunday.

It’s only Wednesday today, so there’s enough time for biko,” Cecille smiles, thinking of the soft, succulent, sweet-tasting rice cake.

“Everybody seems excited again about this general alumni

homecoming. But you know how I feel about doing these reunions on Black Saturday when we’re supposed to intensify our fasting and prayers, more than we do on Good Friday, because Jesus is still dead on this holiest of days,” her mother stresses.

“I’m okay. Did you go home last Holy Week? Haven’t seen you there.”

Cecille’s younger sister Ellise emerges from her bedroom, thick with sleep: “Hello Ate Cecille! Been waiting for you.” Later on, as she munches one of the donuts her sister brought home, she says: “These donuts are really yummy. I wonder when they will open a store here. Oh by the way, Ate Cecille, have you heard the news?”

“Haha! Are you in a hurry? Would you like to have some coffee so we can catch up? We’re right in front of Starbucks. It’s asking us to go in…”

“What news?”

“Ohh, okay. Can I get your number?”

“Your long-lost love…”

My number? My cellphone number? OMG! I can’t remember the freakin’ numbers! In her extreme excitement, Cecille almost forgets the numbers she could have recited in her sleep any day. Except this very moment!

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You better finish that donut, there’s more in my bag.”

“Jeff has separated from his wife,” Ellise announces theatrically.

“What?”

“Yes! My friend who’s close to Jeff’s family told me. It seemed that they have grown apart after so many years of marriage. Maybe Jam realized that Jeff was really boring after all…”

“Who is Jam?” “Jeff’s wife. Don’t you know her name?”

“Why on earth should I be interested in her name? It’s none of my business, you know.”

Several days later, Cecille is walking along Paseo de Roxas when she sees what she imagines to be a mirage coming towards her direction.

My sense of sight must be deceiving me, she philosophizes as a tall, dark man, with an intent gaze and salt and pepper hair, approaches. He has grown older and heavier but he’s still unmistakably Jeff! Cecille’s mind is suddenly running in various directions: OMG! What should I do? Turn around, so I don’t meet him? Cross the street? But that’s not allowed where I’m currently walking, there’s no pedestrian lane. God, please tell me what to do. I can’t decide on my own. He’s getting nearer and I can see he’s smiling that heart-melting smile of his. He has seen me! I could die this very moment. I’m at a loss. I’m totally numb!

“Hi Cecille! I knew it was you even from afar, you haven’t changed much,” Jeff says.

“Oh, hi Jeff!” Cecille answers, trying to be as nonchalant as possible.

“How are you? It’s been a long time.”

“I did this year. We never see each other there, do we?” Cecille replies, trying to gain composure.

“Thanks, but I’m in a hurry now, let’s do coffee next time.”

When they finally have dinner a few days later, Cecille learns that Jeff’s marriage had indeed been annulled and he lives alone now in a Makati highrise: “Would you like to see my condo? It’s on the 35th floor, it has a fantastic view of the Makati skyline especially at night.

It’s quite nearby, just a few blocks from here.”

An image of her mother suddenly flashed in her mind: Cecilia, you’re a single girl. This is inappropriate! How can you even think of going alone with this man to his condominium? Que horror!

“That would be nice Jeff, but I need to go home early tonight. I have to fly to Australia tomorrow for a conference,” she tells Jeff and hopes he’ll understand. Maybe, this time around he won’t leave her for another woman.

Seems like he didn’t because they are still together several months later, walking side by side along Ayala Avenue, holding hands – with fingers intertwined - like they used to when they were 14 and 17.

Cecille still couldn’t believe these magical walking-on-air moments are happening in real time but they are and she really must believe them, hold on to them. They could be fragile and might melt with the gathering dusk. Suddenly, she hears a familiar contralto: “Cecille…

Cecille…” Mama? She’s here in Makati?

“Cecille, wake up! Your classmates are here. They say you have a meeting this morning for the reunion on Saturday. You’ve been dreaming, haven’t you? What was it about? It must be wonderful, you were smiling in your sleep…”

Cecille opens her eyes, sees her mother, looks around at the bedroom in the old house where she grew up, did her homework, read books, wrote to Jeff, fell for him. She closes her eyes again, hoping to catch up with Jeff. CC:

“I’m good, and you?”

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