ACC:ESS July 2016 by PLDT Media

JULY2016 NEWS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 02 PLDT 2016 fiirst half RESULTS consolidated revenues stable at p75-b, progress steady in digital pivot 05 PLDT GROUP BACKS GOVERNMENT PUSH FOR NATIONWIDE emergency HOTLINE 911 05 pldt to have 10 data centers by 2017 06 premier data center opens in makati, the biggest in ph

16 FEATURES////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 11 EPLDT ENHANCES NETWORK PERFORMANCE, DATA SECURITY 12 PLDT HELPS YOUNG ENTHUSIASTS TO EXPLORE VR REALITY WORKS 13 PLDT FLAGSHIP STORE GOES NORTH 14 MVP KEYNOTE SPEECH AT BUSINESS ECONOMIC WORLD FORUM 16 CELEBRATING MILESTONES THE JOY OF GIVING FOR MVP’S 70TH COVER STORY 18 LAUNCHING SMART MUSIC LIVE, CELEBRATING MVP’S 70TH SIDEBAR 20 EMPOWERING FILIPINO CRAFTSMANSHIP PSF SUPPORTs BANGAR, LA UNION WEAVERS

02 REGULARS///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 01 From the Editor 01 MAILBAG 09 Snapshots 24 The Bandwagoner 25 Life & ArtS- MVP: man of the hour

ABOUT THE COVER This issue’s cover, conceptualized by Media Graphic Designer Mark Daryll Sambat, celebrates the milestone of the man of the hour – PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. As MVP celebrated another great year, there are also countless opportunities that pave the way for more milestones to be looked forward to within and outside the Company. The cover itself epitomizes the PLDT Group’s efforts in creating these opportunities, while ultimately embracing change and growth.

For the win

EDITORIAL

f there was a page that you should read in this issue, it’s got to be page 26. This is the Slam Book page which our Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan answered in his own handwriting.

While many of his answers are expected, there are actually a few revealing and interesting surprises. One not so surprising answer is that he is a certified workaholic. For the question - “How do you unwind after work,” he answered, “Work some more.” I happened to get together with a friend recently whose husband worked for MVP in First Pacific in Hong Kong. And she told me that there was a time when they were in bed already at about 1:00 am, MVP called her husband and asked him to come to the office as he needed to discuss something with him. Her husband who’s used to the work habits of MVP dutifully complied.

MAILBAG

I had the chance to witness this kind of work ethic. When we were working on one of his speeches, we finished way past midnight. MVP was there to put the speech to bed. That’s how hands-on he is. An interesting bit which I gathered from the MVP Slam Book is the latest literary work that he has read. He answered “The Billionaire and the Mechanic” which is the story of the unlikely partnership between global software leader Oracle Founder and former CEO Larry Ellison and radiatormechanic Norbert Bajurin to win the America’s Cup sailing competition in 2010.

According to Forbes.com, the book will be a delight for anyone interested not just in sailing and radiator repair but also those who are into high-stakes competition, advanced design, audacious goals, decision-making, psychology, leadership, and philosophy. It appears that MVP is indeed a captive audience of this book. And he seems to agree with Larry Ellison in one of his quotes in the book: “Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing. Sure, there’s the talent, but there also has to be the will. Give me human will and the intense desire to win and it will trump talent every day of the week.” For me, this was essentially MVP’s message to all of us during a town hall. He asked us to work harder to win the game against competition, calling on us to win the market inch by inch and touchdown to final victory. On his 70th birthday last July 14, this was our wish for our Chairman – that he will continue on winning for he is a totally good person who deserves no less. Happy birthday, MVP! FTW! 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 816-8515. Email: jrencarnado@ pldt.com.ph http://issuu.com/ pldtmedia

LDT Las Piñas-Alabang Customer Service Operations Zone Field Service Engineer Jonel B. Beltran was commended by Imusbased subscriber Dulce Del Rosario for showing service beyond excellence after learning about Beltran Del Rosario’s concern through social media . “I was initially disappointed since my service was not set up on time as promised,” Del Rosario said. “Beltran saw my comment over a social media page and he extended his help. I believe he is not even from PLDT Imus but nevertheless, he did not hesitate and put all his efforts to help me. Thank you and more power.”. CC:

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Mon R. lsberto Public Affairs Head EDITORIAL Butch G. Jimenez Editor

Jay-Anne R. Encarnado Editor-in-Chief Sennen F. Lacsamana Managing Editor Olive O. Barrozo Literary Editor

Adrian T. Elumba Sarah Azucena-Reodica Katrina A. Mallari Raymond C. Co Writers Daniel G. Moratalla Jay F. Garcia Photographers Annie O. Salazar Arnel N. Samson Circulation

Carlo D. Gonzalez Mark Daryll P. Sambat Graphic Design Contributors Paul Edward Alvarez, Reggie Marie B. Barrientos, Karen Ann Camarao, Evelyn Espinosa, Danny Handayan, Mark Angelo L. Marapao, Theresa L. Mendoza, Marina Rowena I. Pumar, Winona Zerla B. Santos, Marjory C. Sy, Renelia L. Villanueva

Nonong F. Noriega Columnist

OUR 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

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In a lighter mood, the panelists, from left: PLDT Group Chief Financial Officer Anabelle L. Chua, PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan, and PLDT Regulatory Affairs Head Ray C. Espinosa discuss PLDT Inc.’s first half financial and operating results during the press conference.

CONSOLIDATED REVENUES STABLE AT P75-B, PROGRESS STEADY IN DIGITAL PIVOT :: SERVICE REVENUES (NET OF INTERCONNECTION COSTS) FOR THE 1ST HALF 2016 STABLE YEAR-ON-YEAR AT P75.8 BILLION :: CORE INCOME GUIDANCE UPDATED TO P30 BILLION :: INTERIM CASH DIVIDEND OF P49 PER SHARE DECLARED :: TOTAL DATA AND BROADBAND SERVICE REVENUES AT P29.3 BILLION, UP 25% :: MOBILE INTERNET REVENUES UP 55% VS 1H15 For the first half of 2016, PLDT Inc. recently reported that its Consolidated Service Revenues, net of interconnection costs, stable at P75.8 billion. Excluding international long distance (ILD) and national long distance (NLD) revenues, service revenues amounted to P72.1 billion, up two percent versus the same period last year. On the same basis, fixed line revenues rose nine percent to P27.9 billion while wireless revenues declined three percent. Consolidated Core Income for the period amounted to P17.7 billion, six percent lower year on year, as a P4.8 billion decline in EBITDA was moderated by the P7.4 billion net gain from the sale of the Company’s 25 percent stake in Beacon Electric Assets Holdings, Inc. Reported Net Income

reached P12.5 billion, 33 percent lower than the previous year, on account of a further provision against our investment in Rocket Internet. Consolidated EBITDA decreased 13 percent to P30.8 billion, mainly due to increases in subsidies and provisions for receivables and inventory, to support initiatives to grow the Group’s data and broadband businesses. These included the offering of affordable smartphones in order to raise the penetration of web-capable devices in the Group’s mobile subscriber base. EBITDA margin for the first half of 2016 stood at 38 percent, reflecting the impact of the changing revenue mix, as ILD and NLD revenues continued their long march towards lower levels.

As of end-June 2016, the Group’s consolidated net debt and net debt to EBITDA stood at US$2.7 billion and 1.96x, respectively. Gross debt stood at US$3.4 billion, 37 percent of which is US$-denominated. Taking into account the Company’s U. S. dollar cash holdings and hedges, only US$300 million or nine percent of the total debt is unhedged. The Group’s debt maturities continue to be well spread out, with about two-thirds of total debt due to mature beyond 2018. Maturing dollar loans, including the US$228 million dollar bonds due in 2017 shall be refinanced largely in Philippine pesos. As of end-June 2016, PLDT’s investment grade ratings remained unchanged.

resources required to support the transaction with SMC (San Miguel Corporation), and our efforts to manage debt levels, we have lowered our dividend payout to 60 percent of Core Income,” said Manuel V Pangilinan, Chairman and CEO of PLDT and Smart Communications. “We are, however, keeping our traditional look-back approach with regard to full year dividends, to determine then the appropriate dividend payment for the full year,” Pangilinan added.

The PLDT Board earlier approved an interim dividend of P49 per share.

Fixed line and wireless PLDT’s Fixed Line business remains firmly on the growth path, posting service revenues net of interconnection costs of P30.9 billion in the first half of 2016, up 7.4 percent from the prior year. The share of data and broadband to total fixed line revenues has risen to 59 percent of the total, up from 57 percent in same period of 2015.

“In view of our current elevated capital expenditures, the

Wireless service revenues amounted to P52.7 billion, 5.1 percent

less compared to a year ago, largely due to declines in SMS and voice revenues. Revenues from data, broadband and digital platforms increased by 29 percent to P14.1 billion, raising its share of total wireless revenues to 27 percent from 20 percent in the previous year. Rising data and broadband revenues Data and broadband continue to power revenue growth for the Group. Revenues from data and broadband rose to P29.3 billion, increasing its contribution to total consolidated revenues (excluding ILD and NLD) to 41 percent as of the first half 2016 versus 33 percent a year ago. Data-driven revenues accounted for 66 percent of fixed line service revenues (excluding ILD and NLD) in this period, while their share of wireless revenues (excluding ILD) reached 29 percent, up from 21 percent in the first half of 2015. From another perspective, data and broadband now make up 38 percent of the revenues of the Consumer Group, up from 30 percent the previous year. For the Enterprise Group, data and broadband account for 59 percent of the total, up from 53 percent. Mobile internet revenues led the way, rising 55 percent to P8.1 billion as a result of improvements in the monetization of data services. This accounted for 27 percent of total data and broadband revenues in the period. Fixed broadband revenues grew 16 percent to P9.0 billion as the number of subscribers grew 14 percent to over 1.3 million with net additional subscribers of over 162,000.

Corporate data and data center revenues grew 22 percent year on year to P6.5 billion as our Enterprise Business Group continued to popularize digital solutions and data center services for both large and small-medium businesses. Capital expenditures The Group’s consolidated capital expenditures for the first half of 2016 amounted to P20 billion, up 44 percent from the same period last year. The higher capital expenditure level reflects the Group’s continuing program to roll out highspeed data infrastructure on its fixed-line network – in the form of more fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) facilities – and on its mobile network – particularly through the expansion of its 4G/LTE mobile network. The full-year capex guidance for 2016 has been raised to P48 billion to fund the deployment of facilities that will utilize the frequencies covered by the co-use arrangement, relating to the transaction with SMC, as approved by the NTC.

Last month, PLDT submitted its three-year network deployment plan to the NTC as part of its commitments under the co-use arrangement. Under this plan, Smart will speed up the expansion of its 4G/LTE service using both existing and new spectrum to cover 95 percent of the country’s cities and municipalities with 4G/LTE by 2018. The plan also provides for the roll out of LTEAdvanced (LTE-A) which can deliver peak download speeds of over 200 Mbps by combining two or more frequency bands such 700 MHz and 1800 MHz. The massive expansion of the 4G/ LTE coverage complements the parallel strengthening of 3G coverage through the integration of

transport hubs like airports, seaports and bus terminals. PLDT is also fortifying its domestic and overseas fiber optic cable networks to carry the rapidly rising data traffic generated by subscribers. “Our comprehensive network improvement program highlights our commitment to deliver a higher level of internet service to both consumer and enterprise customers. This is being accomplished through the deployment of the most advanced network technologies – FTTH for fixed and 4G/LTE for mobile. This provides the foundation for our digital pivot, enabling the Group to deliver an increasingly rich array of digital services and solutions to Filipinos all over the country,” Pangilinan said.

Deploying devices and solutions Along with these efforts to strengthen its data infrastructure, PLDT is In line with its continuing to commitment make it easier to the National for its customers Ariel P. Telecommunications to adopt webFermin Commission (NTC) capable devices. under the co-use To its existing arrangement, Smart will Smart and portfolio of Orlando B. Vea equip by end-2016 360 Sun mobile web-connected cell sites with facilities networks. devices such as using the 700 MHz Moreover, the TelPad and spectrum to deliver 4G/ PLDT is TVOLUTION, LTE service in the Metro expanding the footprint PLDT Home is adding areas of Manila, Cebu and of its FTTH service and a Smart Watch to help Davao. To date, eight cell Smart is deploying a parents keep track of sites have been fired up. much more extensive their children. Smart has also switched WiFi network. As an on additional facilities in initial step, Smart Smart has followed up 2,221 cell sites in various just last week signed its well-received offers parts of the country using an agreement with of the MyPhone my28S the 1800 MHz spectrum the Department of and Smart Bro 4G Pocket to add capacity to its 2G Transportation (DOT) to WiFi (both for only P888) service. install WiFi hot spots with a new smartphone. in the country’s major It has launched a highly Eric R. Alberto

successful promotion offering prepaid users the Starmobile Play Click smartphone which has a larger screen and better features for only P1,288. To enable prepaid subscribers to use these devices more productively, Smart also introduced Giga Surf 50 (offering 1 Gigabyte of data for P50 for 3 days), a package which has already gained traction in the market. “We’ve just finished refreshing the logos of both PLDT and Smart with the change signaling the renewed efforts of the Group to bring the best digital experiences to our customers. In the coming months, we will unbox more new services and solutions that will delight people and enable them to change their lives,” said Ariel P Fermin, PLDT Executive Vice President and Head of the Consumer Group. Through its Enterprise business units – Alpha and SME Nation, PLDT is enabling businesses to embrace digital solutions that raise their efficiencies and let them serve their customers more effectively via M2M and ICT services – which include data center, Big Data, Cloud and other Managed ICT services. PLDT is engaged in a major effort to set up the country’s most extensive network of data centers, which are key building blocks of the digital economy. On 28th July, PLDT inaugurated its largest and most modern data center in Makati with a 3,600-rack capacity and is set to open its eighth data center in Clark this September. By next year, PLDT will have 10 data centers in different parts of the country with

Underpinning our digital pivot is a comprehensive program to improve our digital infrastructure. We are transforming not only our fixed and mobile networks, but also building a formidable system of data centers. an unmatched capacity of over 9,000 racks. “We are systematically putting in place the various pieces needed to create vibrant digital ecosystems. Our networks provide pervasive connectivity while our data centers serve as a solid foundation for the country’s digital infrastructure,” said Ernesto R Alberto, PLDT Executive Vice President and Head of the Enterprise Group. Digital platforms PLDT subsidiary, Voyager Innovations, Inc., pushed further its digital innovation platforms in the first half of 2016. Voyager’s freenet (formerly SafeZone) enabled Filipinos to participate through free live streaming in national events such as the Presidential inauguration and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament games of Gilas Pilipinas. freenet is the local community site with most hits (based on Effective

MVP exudes a positive disposition as he replies to questions from the press during the ambush interview.

Measure data) as of endJune 2016. It is enabling over 70 enterprise accounts to reach digital consumers through its sponsored data model. Voyager subsidiary FINTQ and Cash Credit introduced Pera Agad, a micro-credit lending service that utilizes credit scoring drawn from telco usage data. Pera Agad is showing positive uptake in the pilot target market with around 30 percent response rate and greater than 50 percent approval rate for micro loans. PayMaya Philippines continues to take the lead in digital financial services. Account base for its prepaid wallet PayMaya doubled by end-June 2016 and is accelerating with the launch of its #NowNation campaign targeting uncarded millennials. In June 2016, PayMaya also launched a partnership with Uber Technologies Incorporated (Uber), making it the only prepaid card accepted by Uber.

Conclusion “We continue to make progress in our digital pivot but at different paces for the Group’s various new businesses. Our Fixed Line and Enterprise businesses have gathered momentum in building their data and digital revenues, with the share of these revenues now reaching nearly 60 percent of the total,” Pangilinan said. “Our wireless business is also gaining ground – data is now 27 percent of the total, up from 20 percent. But it has much further to go, in an environment where competition remains very keen. And this is where we are focusing our efforts – in both the prepaid and postpaid segments,” he added. “Underpinning our digital pivot is a comprehensive program to improve our digital infrastructure. We are transforming not only our fixed and mobile networks, but also building a formidable system of data centers. This places PLDT in a unique position to lead in the development of the country’s digital economy. Within this context, we are maintaining our Core Income guidance of P30 billion for 2016,” Pangilinan concluded. CC:

Shown here during the signing rites are, from left: PLDT and Smart President and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan, DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno, FCP Chairman Jose Pardo, DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, and Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu.

PLDT Group backs government push for nationwide emergency hotline 911 PLDT, Smart and ePLDT are in full cooperation with the current administration in its plans to beef up the country’s nationwide emergency hotline 911. In a recent signing ceremony with other telcos and providers, PLDT and Smart, through its President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, has agreed to change the existing Patrol 117 number to the new

nationwide emergency hotline and help in the transition of the existing system to the new “911” system for implementation. ePLDT was also a signatory represented by its President and CEO, and PLDT EVP Eric R. Alberto. Taking effect last August 1, the agreement covers the transition to make “117” and “911” accessible to call for the general

public through each of the party’s respective networks, led by the different government agencies including the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Other signing agencies were the Foundation for Crime Prevention (FCP),

PLDT to have 10 data centers by 2017 PLDT has stepped up its roll out of data centers nationwide and will have a total of 10 data centers with unmatched capacity of over 9,000 racks by next year. Presently operating six data centers, PLDT will open four more until 2017. A new VITRO Data Center was recently opened in Makati central business district, (see story on pages 6 and 7), while a new one will be launched in Clark special economic zone. Plans are also afoot to put up its first data center in Mindanao to be built in Davao by next month while its data center in Cebu will be expanded by next year. “The explosion of digital technologies and platforms is changing the way we live and

work. Enterprises and consumers can only fully experience and benefit from the digital economy if the country has a solid foundation for its digital infrastructure. Thus, the PLDT Group continues to invest heavily in building this foundation to support a data-driven future,” said PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto. In its network of VITRO Data Centers, PLDT digital enterprise enabler ePLDT operates data centers located in Pasig, Subic, and Cebu that serve large enterprises, particularly banking and financial services, business process outsourcing, and online gaming firms. Meanwhile, ePLDT unit IP Converge (IPC) operates three more data center

facilities located in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and its biggest in Sucat, Parañaque, that primarily serve small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Data centers are critical facilities that house digital information of enterprises and government agencies. These facilities are designed to meet international standards to safeguard crucial information from cybersecurity threats, natural and man-made disasters, and ensure continuous operations. “Security is a top priority in building data centers. This requires implementing multiplelayers of security, and designing a very sturdy structure. It takes

Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP). The signing also covered the agreement of all parties to recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte for the issuance of a new Executive Order transferring the authority of the current Patrol “117” Commission to a new legal entity to handle the 911 system. CC: expertise and a lot of resources to keep these facilities secure against a wide range of threats. All these measures are needed to make these facilities suitable for companies that need to outsource their ICT and digital requirements to data centers,” Alberto pointed out. Aside from multi-level security, other critical components of a data center are telco diversity, precision cooling system, uninterrupted power supply and ample space on solid ground. This highly available and reliable infrastructure provides enterprise customers with the ideal environment within which they can collocate or host their IT platforms, instead of building complex and expensive structures on their own. CC:

Premier data center opens in Makati, the biggest in PH

The latest Vitro Data Center is currently the biggest data center in the country with a 3,600 rack capacity sitting on a two-hectare land property at the heart of Makati’s central business district.

PLDT and ePLDT officials formally open the Makati ITRO data center. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left: PLDT FVP and Head of ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto, ePLDT COO Nerisse Ramos, and ePLDT VP Dave Simon.

The elegant interiors of the data center include stylish furnishings and a welcoming reception area.

PLDT recently opened the country’s biggest data center in Makati City to serve a wide range of organizations, particularly those handling vital data such as banks, business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, information technology (IT) and content providers as well as government institutions. Set up by ePLDT, the newest VITRO Data Center sits on a nearly two-hectare property with 3,600 rack capacity. It is equipped with systems and facilities to guarantee continuous operations, ensuring that businesses can utilize robust and scalable digital infrastructure, as well as

world-class 24/7 technical support capabilities. “PLDT is investing heavily in our VITRO data centers as we believe that these facilities are one of the basic building blocks of the country’s digital economy. This data center will be a vital resource for companies as they ramp up their own digital services,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. The new earthquakeresistant, purpose-built data center in Makati is built on solid ground without seismic faults within its proximity. In addition, special architectural techniques

and materials planning were implemented to provide the data center with fire-rated concrete walls and flood-protected design. As a result, VITRO Makati is rated to withstand earthquakes up to intensity eight in the Richter scale. The data center is also compliant with global design standards. “‘PLDT recognizes how vital it is for enterprises to ensure stable operations despite changes in the external environment. The need for scalable and secure hosting facilities to house and manage critical platforms is also growing in importance as

the enterprise becomes more data-driven as a result of continuous digital transformation initiatives,” said PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto. To address the growing concern over digital security, VITRO Makati offers one of the most secure and impenetrable structures in the Philippines with an eight-layer security design, guaranteeing that

Leading the toast during the Makati VITRO Data center opening are, from left: ePLDT VP Dave Simon, PLDT FVP Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT COO Nerisse Ramos, PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, NTT communications Senior Executive VP Katsumi Nakata, and Japanese Embassy Economic Affairs Minister Makoto Iyori.

PLDT FVP and Head of ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez enlightens clients and guests on the benefits of the new data center to business enterprises.

PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto explains the value of data centers to help spur the country’s economic growth.

Also present during the event is Japanese Embassy Economic Affairs Minister Makoto Iyori.

The spacious lobby of the new Vitro Data Center.

The newest PLDT Innolab is set up at the second floor of the Makati data center where guests can try out new products and the latest technology being offered today. The Makati Data center control room boasts of the latest state-of-the-art facility to keep everything in-check and secured at all times.

data and applications will always be protected. Each major component of the facility is configured with redundant counterparts in place that seamlessly operate to anticipate adverse events, including power generators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units, among others. As part of the VITRO network of data centers, VITRO Makati also serves as a carrier-neutral

Internet Exchange facility that provides numerous IP-peering services, enabling access to local and international content. VITRO Makati is also a Nexcenter-certified facility, allowing its clients to use globally standardized Nexcenter services of world leader NTT Com at some 140 locations in 84 cities of 19 countries, in addition to NTT Com’s Arcstar Universal One privatenetwork service, which

is already available in the Philippines and which is largely used by the country’s BPO industry. “As the world becomes even more digitally connected, Filipino enterprises must leverage on new technologies to ensure the security and resilience of their operations. PLDT’s digital platforms can enable enterprises to take advantage of disruptive technologies, secure their operations, and

promote growth in their businesses,” said Alberto. The PLDT Group now operates seven data centers all over the country with a total rack capacity of nearly 7,000 to serve the needs of small, medium, and large enterprises across various industries, including banking, financial services, outsourcing, telecoms, and gaming. CC:

PLDT SME Nation bares quarterly winners in Easy Pay, Easy Win promo As PLDT SME Nation recently launched the “Easy Pay, Easy Win” raffle promo, several local companies emerged as lucky winners of premium prizes during the quarterly draw. Systems Plus Computer College of Caloocan (SPCC), Pivot-Hawks Manila Inc., Summit Home & Building Products Co., and Megamax Concepts Inc. took home exciting gadgets that would aid in propelling their business to the next level. The Easy Pay, Easy Win raffle promo is aimed at giving back to valued customers with more than just the fixed and wireless services enabling SMEs to achieve their limitless potential and drive success in their business.

With the “Easy Pay, Easy Win” raffle promo, PLDT SME Nation continues to support the thriving technology-driven SMEs of the country by striving to constantly look into and understand the needs of long-time customers and support them as they make it big in their respective industries. PLDT SME Nation Client Care Program Management Head Mark B. Leviste emphasized the importance of giving back to loyal SMEs as they play a key role in driving the industry forward. “We are happy to recognize our clients who have been with us for many years. Through the promo, not only do we offer our customers more ways to grow with technology and we become witnesses to their success, but we also

PLDT SME Nation Client Care Program Management Head Mark Leviste awards an LED TV to representatives of Pivot Hawks Manila, one of the lucky promo winners.

further highlight that our relationships remain at the very core of our business,” Leviste said. PLDT SME Nation’s Easy Pay, Easy Win raffle promo gives customers the chance to win premium items and international travel packages by simply

paying their bills in full and on time. By paying through PLDT Bills Online, customers are entitled to two raffle entry tickets. From other PLDT accredited paying channels, a raffle entry ticket is given. Promo runs until February 17, 2017. CC:

PLDT grants one-year scholarship to Iloilo tribe Millan, and Ati Tribe Mission, Inc. President Rogelio Elosendo. During the turnover, Del Rosario stressed that the scholarship program is Pupils from the Ati tribe proudly display their scholarship certificates. the Company’s With them are PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario, PBSP Visayas way of Regional Center Manager M. Amparo Angela Yulo-Millan and Ati Tribe Mission, Inc. President Rogelio Elosendo, back row. supporting education as it is one A turnover of the PLDT, through of the ways that can scholarship program Community Relations change the lives of poor took place on the first Division, in partnership communities. day of classes at the with the Philippine Tiu Cho Teg-Ana Ros Business for Social “We focus on education Foundation Integrated Progress (PBSP) and because PLDT believes School (TCTARFIS) Oriental and Motolite in the dictum that attended by PLDT Marketing Corporation, education is the best ComRel Head/Consultant recently provided equalizer. And we do Evelyn M. Del Rosario, scholarship grants to this by supporting PBSP Visayas Regional the Ati tribe relocated in PBSP’s goal of education, Center Manager Ma. Brgy. Lanit, Iloilo City. which is to ensure that Amparo Angela Yuloall children complete

free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education that will lead to relevant and lifelong learning opportunities for all,” Del Rosario said. The scholarship program will provide monthly allowances for the students’ school projects, meals, and transportation expenses. For college students, tuition is also covered by the scholarship for a year, which will be co-implemented by the Ati Tribe Mission, Inc. and the school staff of TCTARFIS. The school also launched the PLDT ICT Computer Room and School Learning Resource Center. Reggie Marie B. Barrientos, PBSP Visayas Regional Center

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PLDT Enterprise takes IoT show on the road

PLDT Enterprise, through their Disruptive Business Group-Digital Mobility was recently invited by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) to speak about the Internet of Things (IoT) and its effects to the industry during their association’s learning session held in Cebu. The event was participated in by executives from the various SEIPI Cebu member and non-member companies from the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ). Smart Digital Mobility Head Chet Alviz, center, led an IoT knowledge forum advocating the importance of digital transformation for the manufacturing industry. Companies present during the forum were: Teradyne, Fairchild, Knowles, Duck IL, GEMPHIL, Cebu Mitsumi, Mixed Gases, AMI, among others. Also in photo are, from left: May Pierette Nacar, Alliance Mansols, Inc. Assistant Manager; Glen Candia and Tayen Canoy, PLDT ALPHA Relationship Managers; Jacqui Briones, Teradyne Philippines Ltd. Site Director; Dan Lachica, SEIPI President and Raymond Chua, MEPZ Mixed Glass Vice President. SEIPI is the largest organization of foreign and Filipino electronics companies in the Philippines.

PLDT EmpDev head speaks at Rotary training convention

PLDT joins Kapampangans’ celebration of triumph in Pinatubo eruption anniversary PLDT Pampanga Service Operations Zone recently participated in the 25th anniversary of the triumph of the Kapampangans’ unity and resiliency during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991 held in San Fernando, Pampanga, During this event, PLDT was chosen as one of the outstanding awardees for its significant contributions to the collective efforts in saving Pampanga from the devastating effects of the 1991 disaster to the people and the province of Pampanga. Photo shows the awardees being honored on stage. Inset: the certificate of recognition awarded to PLDT.

High impact leadership is seen not when plans are chartered but when we execute everything with accelerated learning along the way. This calls for flexibility and an increased threshold for the unpredictable. This challenge was posed to an enlightened audience of esteemed professionals during EmpDev Assistant Vice President Nonong Noriega’s talk in the Annual Training Convention of Rotary International District 3790. Participated in by at least 600 Rotary leaders from eleven provinces in northwestern Luzon, namely, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Benguet and Mountain Province, Noriega was the Main Guest Speaker for the opening day general session followed by Solita Monsod the next day. Also in the audience was ClarkTel Chief Operations Officer Joselito Mercado.

PSF, TV5 Alagang Kapatid provide school kits for Pampanga pupils

PLDT’s efforts lauded by commission on indigenous people

As part of its Brigada Eskwela project, the PLDT Smart Foundation (PSF) recently distributed 120 school bags and dictionaries to the pupils of Dike Elementary School inside Angat Dam in Pampanga. This project was in partnership with TV5 Alagang Kapatid Foundation and One Meralco Foundation. Jasmine Curtis-Smith, far left, also helped in the distribution of the schools kits.

PLDT Community Relations Head/Consultant Evelyn M. Del Rosario, center, accepts the certificate of appreciation from the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Davao City Provincial Officer Cristito D. Ingay, in grateful recognition of PLDT’s valuable support as one of the partners in the delivery of basic services to the indigenous people through the “ Tabang Paeskwela sa Tribo Project” in seven IP community schools in Davao City, especially those in the hinterlands. PLDT ComRel employee-volunteers both in Manila and Davao City donated school supplies and slippers.Others in photo are, from left: NCIP staff Juanita Amban, PLDT Davao CSOZ Head Alan R. Abrina, and PLDT Mindanao Fixed Access & Trans Oprns Head Jimmy O. Pacete.

2G turns over construction materials to Muntinlupa school

Continuing its efforts on enhancing the learning spaces of students, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), through its flagship project Gabay Guro, turned over construction and building materials such as paints, cements, and hollow blocks as well as electric wires, fluorescent light, light switch, and hinges for Brigada Eskwela’s classroom maintenance program in Itaas Elementary School NBP-Annex. PLDT Group Controller and Smart Chief Financial Officer Chaye-Cabal Revilla underscored the importance of giving back to the people whose lives continue to change others. Five buildings including a guardhouse will be repaired, rebuild, and maintained through the construction materials provided by PLDT’s Gabay Guro.

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Partnering with Amazon Web Services

ePLDT enhances network performance, data security

oving to the cloud has ceased to become a novelty for enterprises as they recognize its many benefits, but as the number of innovative cloud solutions in the market increase, it is necessary for enterprises to thoroughly evaluate how to implement a proper cloud transformation strategy into their organization to ensure that they maximize their cloud investments. One important aspect of going into cloud is the connectivity to link to the resources. These connections should be fast, reliable, secure, and cost-efficient, if an enterprise were to implement an effective hybrid cloud strategy – that being having an on-premise infrastructure and multiple cloud services working harmoniously together. To spur enterprise hybrid cloud adoption, ePLDT has once again achieved a milestone in its capabilities to deliver cloud solutions, reliable and SLAdriven connectivity as well as expert support. ePLDT recently upgraded its partner level, achieving Amazon Web Services (AWS) Direct Connect Partner status. “Leveraging on the PLDT Group’s superior international data network as well as ePLDT’s cloud expertise, our elevation to AWS Direct Connect Partner reflects

our continuous commitment to help enterprises leverage on the cloud to drive business growth,” said Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer. “With AWS’ Direct Connect, enterprises can enjoy an enhanced cloud experience with reliable network performance and lower latency that only a dedicated connection to the Amazon Web Services cloud can provide.” Direct, secure and reliable connection As a Direct Connect Partner, ePLDT provides enterprises a direct, secure and reliable connection between their data center, office, or colocation environment to Amazon Web Services locations in a true hybrid cloud fashion. This, in turn, enables enterprises to reduce their data-transfer costs, increase their bandwidth throughput, and enjoy a more consistent network experience compared to Internetbased connections. ePLDT also enables enterprises to easily scale their connections depending on their business requirements. ePLDT can support bandwidth requirements from as low as 2mbps and up to 1Gbps for bandwidth-heavy workloads, as well as provision multiple

connection paths to ensure redundancy. With its AWS Direct Connect status, ePLDT not only provides safe and secure data transit, but also delivers real cloud flexibility. “Beefing up our cloud portfolio also means continuing to enhance our connectivity to the cloud and our people’s capabilities. This will ensure that we deliver reliable connections and expert support to our enterprise customers.” added Nico Alcoseba, Head of PLDT Disruptive Business Group. ePLDT’s cloud solutions portfolio includes various services delivered by ePLDT, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Bare Metal as a Service (BMaaS), Oracle as a Service (OaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), Microsoft Office 365, Desktop as a Service (DaaS), and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). ePLDT also provides professional consulting, migration, managed security, and sys ops services, as well as local technical support to enterprise customers, ensuring a seamless digital experience. CC:

Participants enjoy playing with the virtual reality (VR) gears.

Supporting the VR Community

PLDT helps young enthusiasts to explore virtual reality works

magination becomes limitless with sample immersive mobile virtual reality works from young and brilliant minds who converged during the recentlyconcluded three-day 1st Philippine Virtual Reality (VR) Conference at the PLDT Innolab making the event an inspiring success.

enthusiasts.” Limjap reiterated that PLDT Innolab’s support is one way to nurture the collaboration with promising VR app and game developers in the country. The VR Philippines, a non-profit community for the advancement of Virtual Reality technology, brought together over 70 attendees and divided into 11 teams comprised of university students and freelance or professional app developers.

Sponsored by PLDT, the VR Conference organized by Virtual Reality Philippines (VR Philippines) is the biggest gathering The teams created some of Virtual Reality of the most promising VR developers, including VR developments during the start-ups, independent PLDT VP for Mainstream 48-hour hackathon kick-off developers, programmers, Business Development and Research Joey Limjap (Samsung’s Gear VR-Philippine 3D animation specialists talks about the limitless Mobile VR Jam) through and enthusiasts in the possibilities brought by the their own VR game or app— country. The event is innovative VR technology. ranging from a horror game aimed to develop the to an educational and science country’s local virtual reference—for the Samsung Gear reality content and to help define VR using room-scale tracking and the promising future of this gamenatural input technology of HTC changing technology. Vive and StreamVR platform. “PLDT has always supported To illustrate the scientific yet funstartups, we believe in encouraging filled event, Ace Lobos, the leader creative ideas and creative of a group of young artists and entrepreneurs. Innovation has developers called Team Supremo, always been one of the driving appeared more like an excited forces for everything we do,” PLDT party guest—fist bumping and VP for Mainstream Business cracking jokes—than a grim and Development and ResearchJoey determined technician while Limjap said. “The virtual reality doing the finishing touches to his community in our country is now team’s entry, a VR game called “The gaining ground, and PLDT is here to show its all-out support. To say that VR in the Philippines is a promising innovation is an understatement. It is here, and it is now, and we (PLDT) clearly see that the youth is definitely not wasted on these young VR developers and Team VROS (Diwata VR) members are shown here with Limjap, 2nd from left.

Leaning Tower of Piza.’ “(We) aim to develop a game (that) would appeal to both gamers and developers, and to showcase our skills and creativity while learning and exploring the world of virtual reality,” Lobos said. Team Supremo’s work was awarded The Best Game in the competition. Team VROS (Diwata VR) was adjudged the overall winner as it was awarded the Most Innovative Use of VR and Best Application titles. The team is composed of Paolo Espiritu, John Hay Supetran and Mark Joseph Basibas who are now richer with Php50,000 worth of Samsung gift certificates plus Samsung Gear VRs and trophies. The team’s entry is the Virtual Reality Simulator for the Diwata-1 microsatellite, an app for students who wish to learn how to program the satellite by interfacing with an Arduino or Raspberry Pi over Bluetooth which, in turn, simulates accurate rotation movements and sensor measurements in space as well as a breathtaking view of the Earth. Espiritu, who was part of the group who helped build the microsatellite and spokesperson for Team VROS, said that “VR has a lot of potential for education, for learning, we can use it to teach physics, chemistry and other sciences. Not necessarily just

PLDT flagship store goes north By Olive O. Barrozo

The new SSC’s sleek interiors welcome customers.

Shown at the ribbon cutting ceremony during the opening of the new PLDT Sales and Service Center in Urdaneta, Pangasinan are HOME SSC Management Head Anna Fernando, presiding priest Fr. Ayoko Libangan, Business Development Head Louella Aquino, and VP and Cust Care and Sales Support Head Paolo Lopez, from left, respectively.

LDT’s innovative flagship store has reached Northern Luzon.

Crowds gathered in Urdaneta, Pangasinan’s CB Mall recently when PLDT inaugurated its newest stateof-the-art Sales and Service Center (SSC), the first flagship-inspired, mallbased store in North Luzon. Featuring the essential elements of PLDT’s iconic flagship stores, the SSC in Urdaneta enables subscribers and visitors to directly experience the latest PLDT products and services. “We are happy to open this brand new SSC which gives our customers in Urdaneta and its surrounding towns more opportunities to apply for fixed and digital services, pay telephone bills, and get updated on the hottest products and services as they experience them right at the store,” said PLDT Business Development Head Louella Aquino.

“This SSC in Urdaneta is an auspicious beginning as we continue to offer the best products and services to our customers in Northern Luzon,” said PLDT VP and CustCare and Sales Support Head Paolo Lopez. “Soon, we will be establishing more SSCs in other areas of Luzon, such as Imus, Santiago, and Angeles, as well as the rest of the country to enable more Filipinos to experience the latest multimedia products and services that would help them prosper in their respective businesses and their everyday lives.” Since opening its first flagship SSC in January 2015 in Pasay City, PLDT now has a total of five state-of-theart stores all over the country. CC:

The SSC’s sleek interior contains two 32” interactive screens with custommade PLDT games and apps, and a 50” LED TV designed to entertain visitors and their families with shows, movies, videos, and games while they wait for their turn to transact business. It also includes the upgraded Infotouch, a 24” HD-quality indispensable tool. Through its user-friendly digital interface, this ubiquitous device in every SSC makes it possible for subscribers to inquire about their bills, request for repairs, and learn about PLDT products and services on their own.

A crowd gathers outside the PLDT SSC to witness its opening.

The Urdaneta PLDT SSC Team pose with their head, Anna Fernando, 2nd row, 6th from left.

PLDT Cust Care Business Development Team is shown here with Head Louella Aquino and Cust Care VP Paolo Lopez, 4th and 5th, from left, respectively.

MVP Keynote Speech at The Business World Economic Forum

Charting progress to 2020:

Succession, sustainability, integration, disruption and capacity

ice President Leni Robredo; Secretary Sonny Dominguez, Ray Espinosa, Miguel Belmonte, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning. Today can be a momentous day. By the time this event ends, we hope to walk out of this beautiful new hotel, into the air of a vindicated, and stronger nation. News from the permanent court of arbitration at the Hague is expected – a decision against China for her intrusions into our national territory. We believe that history will be on our side today. When Manny Pacquiao lost to Mayweather last year, the then Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach tweeted: “Bawi tayo sa Miss Universe.” We take inspiration from such chutzpah. Talo man tayo sa China sa fiba – bawi tayo mamaya sa arbitration.

Introduction Speaking of fiba – a week ago, we hosted the olympic qualifying tournament for the rio olympics. Despite the spirited effort of 12 valiant men, we failed to break the glass ceiling. One blogger wrote – sayang. Almost. Muntik. Halos. But it occurred to me, as I watched president duterte toss the ceremonial ball to the cheers of 20,000 fans, how basketball can be a unifying force. The sublime pride one felt watching filipinos compete against the best in the world is indescribable. I hope there could be more. Just look what basketball has opened. Ramon ang and I are now business partners. If only I can get gina lopez to be interested in basketball. We support many teams. I was asked once, which of our teams I love the most. I replied: • Ateneo, of course, is my intellectual love • Talk N’ Text - my professional love

• Gilas pilipinas – my patriotic love • San Beda – my emotional, and now, politically correct – love • I support the u.P. Maroons, too. They say it’s my love for the poor. First thought – progress to 2020 My task today is to start the thought process for this forum. First, much of the interest in this event must be inspired simply by the times. Not only is this arbitration day, but we also have a new government, bringing new hopes. President Duterte, in less than a month, has given us a reassuring view of a viable economic program, driven by decisive leadership, and a bias for action. Change has come; we welcome it. We wish president duterte, and vice president robredo – or, shall I say, our dubredo nation – well. More than that, business should support and collaborate with them in nationbuilding, as we chart our way to progress by 2020. SECOND THOUGHT The first Executive Order of the president charged Cabinet Secretary jun evasco with supervision over 12 government agencies to find better ways to reduce the incidence and magnitude of poverty. Apart from regarding drugs and criminality as the enemy, this government has named poverty as a target as well. My second thought touches on poverty, and starts with this premise. Business is a partner to government in nation-building. Progress is best achieved when public and private sectors appreciate each other’s mandate, and work together in fulfilling the one and same purpose – improvement of people’s welfare.

What michael porter calls “shared value.” But there’s poverty standing in the way. Addressing it must be the business of business, not only of government’s. The optimum approach to poverty, in our view, is jobs – not just the quantum of jobs created, but jobs that lift families up from the bottom of the pyramid. Third thought My third point references the many soft parts of our economy begging to be addressed. The good news is that these gaping deficits represent investment opportunities. Since most are job-creating and situated in rural areas, they would help in promoting inclusive growth. What are these opportunities? First, businesses unique to their geographic and resource advantages, such as tourism and mining. Most of these are located in rural areas where poverty incidence is the highest. At around 40 percent, this is higher than the national average of 26 percent. Second, businesses linked to information and communications technology, to science and engineering. The world has already entered the 4th industrial revolution – a new digital economy, which deploys, and places a premium on, intellectual capital. Markets now value digital enterprises more than the smokestacks and steel and iron of yesteryears. It is also a world of disruption. Let me illustrate briefly how technology has started to make inroads in one of the more conservative sectors of our economy: financial institutions. We now have a digital platform to effect remittances – cheaper, and more efficiently. Our Smart Padala already handles about P100

billion of the P300 billion domestic remittances yearly. Smart e-money has disbursed over P5.2 billion worth of government’s conditional cash transfers to 1.5 million impoverished families online nationwide. Our mobile loansaver, with land bank as our financial enabler, has for the last 12 months disbursed close to P10 billion of salary loans online, to more than 65,000 government employees. Our next step is to apply this to private sector employees. We have as well a platform for consumer loans called lendr. These technology solutions can disrupt the industry dynamics, by enabling anytime – anywhere convenience for consumers of financial products. They can level the playing field, and neither size nor bricks-and-mortars will matter in the long run. And since it reaches a great majority of our people, they help in financial inclusion. Third, the list of infrastructure issues is long. In power, we badly need a national policy on fuel mix for our generation plants – apportioning what comes from coal, gas and renewables. This fuel allocation will impact both the cost of power and our environment in the long run. The recent heightened interest in renewables is understandable. But let me say this: for now, renewables cost more than conventional power, which means higher power prices. There’s a cost to protecting our environment – no such thing as free lunch. Power supply nationally is not a cause for concern. Based on power plants being built and to be built, we’re likely to have sufficient generating capacity over the term. But majority of these plants are coal-based. In tollways, the main deterrent has been the lack of relief in rate adjustments for the past three years – despite a parametric formula embedded in concession agreements allowing such periodic adjustments. These rate adjustments are necessary to fund the capex for additional toll roads to be built. In water, we need government to honor contracts. Government’s refusal to implement the arbitral award, and grant tariff increase, have held back the build out of more pipes, and the construction of sewerage treatment

plants – so important to ameliorate the discharge of pollutants into our waterways. I ask, where are the environmentalists who should take up this cause? The list goes on – light rails to fix and expand, subways to build later; heavy rails in luzon and in mindanao; airports – regional and international; and the ultimate dream – bridges to connect luzon with mindanao. Next, agriculture. Despite the critical place of agriculture in our economy, our attitude and laws on agricultural development are simply not investorfriendly. We need to rethink the agrarian reform law, and support large-scale commercial farms. Just look at the success of plantations in indonesia, malaysia, and thailand. Final point – mining Finally, the gorilla in the basketball court, mining. I just have two points: First, even if we operate on the premise that all mining are bad, our need for mining products will not stop. We will import the metals and minerals we refuse to mine ourselves. We would then be paying the Indonesians, Malaysians, Australians – everybody else – for their riches. We’d be paying not only their profit, but also the cost of protecting their environment. This makes no sense at all – paying somebody else to do the job we ourselves can, and should, do.

adopted by his childless uncle and aunt. His foster father is a carpenter. After high school, marlon was forced to work in order to feed his family. At 15 years old, he received his first pay – P160 a day – as a laborer carrying heavly loads of cements, sand and gravel. In 2010, he took and passed the pma entrance exam but failed the medicals twice due to scoliosis. In 2012, Marlon was accepted as a janitor in xavier university – ateneo de cagayan, collecting garbage in the school complex. But he took the entrance exam, and passed! It was tough, attending classes from 7:30 in the morning until noon, and doing janitorial work from 1:00 to 10:00 pm. With the help of a scholarship from our gabay guro foundation, he managed to graduate with a degree in education. Marlon will soon be a teacher at the lumad community in Lantapan, Bukidnon. Marlon’s inspiring narrative brings to mind what prime minister nehru

Business is a partner to government in nation-building. Progress is best achieved when public and private sectors appreciate each other’s mandate, and work together in fulfilling the one and same purpose – improvement of people’s welfare. .”

Second, providence has endowed us with an abundance of natural resources. We can choose to develop them to benefit our people, or let them just lie fallow. I say, we all have a sacred responsibility to our people to improve their welfare. The poetry of blue skied and tangerine sunsets should give way to the stark realities of poverty. And if we do develop these resources, we will have lived by these words of matthew – “well done, good and trustworthy servant. I will set you over much, and now enter into the joy of your master.” Conclusion In closing, let me tell you the story of marlon boro of cagayan de oro. Marlon’s parents separated when he was only two months old. He was

said in august 1947, on the eve of indian independence, and soon after the assassination of his mentor mahatma gandhi: “the achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. The service of india means the service of the millions who suffer. It means ending poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, our work will not be over.” While our work in this country is indeed far from over, may everyone in this hall resolve to wipe every tear in every eye of every Filipino. CC:

cover story celebrating milestones

the joy of giving for

mvp’s 70th By Katrina A. Mallari

Shaking hands with Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop-Emeritus Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, D.D. after the mass.

ecognizing the real gem of a well-lived life is rooted upon sparks of utter realizations, of an in-depth understanding of one’s authentic self. The rarity of this particular ability – one that focuses on the potentials of the self and its timelessness, despite the advancement of the world, allows an individual to know something that may still be unknown to some: that in taking one milestone after another, the greatest joy comes no longer in receiving and gaining, but in giving. For PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, celebrating another milestone in his life – his 70th birthday last July 14 – means giving back anew to his hometown Apalit, Pampanga with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Filled with so much gratitude, MVP started his day with a thanksgiving

Taking part in the digital classroom experience as he interacts with one of the students from Jose Escaler Memorial School. Also in photo is PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head and FVP Ramon Isberto.

mass held at St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church with Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop-Emeritus Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, D.D. as the main celebrant. After the mass, various MVP-led companies and partners made donations for the retrofitting of the church. “There’s no better way to start this day than with a mass,” MVP said. “The greatest joy is sharing what we have with others, and the greatest love comes from authentic and genuine service.” A special place There is no doubt that Pampanga

will always have a special place in his heart. Reminiscing his paternal grandmother’s time as an English teacher, MVP then visited Jose Escaler Memorial School for the groundbreaking of the MVP Digital Classroom School Building – a project led by PLDT and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Partnering with Samsung, which provided tablets and LED TVs, the digital classroom features Office 365 and bandwidth facility as well as Skype for business to enable teachers to do videoconferencing and remote teaching for the digital campus suite from PLDT SME Nation. TNT partnered with Vibal Group to come

Celebrating his 70th birthday surrounded by colleagues and friends he has worked with through the years.

Responding joyfully to the birthday greetings of the students from Jose Escaler Memorial School.

Leading the turn over of the water sanitation and hygiene station units. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony of the MVP Digital Classroom School Building in Jose Escaler Memorial School.

up with the V Smart application, an educational module especially designed for kids.

The greatest joy is sharing what we have with others, and the greatest love comes from authentic and genuine service.”

During MVP’s visit to the digital campus, kids read a story from the V Smart application. Smart also provided Technocarts for the kids to enjoy a digital learning experience. As part of the Company’s advocacies in propagating digital literacy and optimizing the use of technology, MVP also turned over training modules on digital literacy through PLDT Community Relations Division’s Infoteach Outreach Program as well as seven personal computers donated by the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), which he chairs. Creating more opportunities for the people to have a more sustainable lifestyle, solar lamps from One Meralco Foundation and water sanitation and hygiene station units by Maynilad were also donated to the school. In a room filled with MVP-led companies’ executives and

Turning over a check for the retrofitting of St. Peter The Apostle Parish Church. Others in photo are, from left: Rev. Fr. Emil Dizon, Parish Pastoral Council President Ding Mercado, PLDT HR Group Head Butch Jimenez, PSF President Esther Santos, PLDT EVP Eric Alberto, and PLDT FVP and Controller Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

Uttering a message of thanks to the people he has work with for the past years, MVP extends his gratitude to the people of Apalit as well.

employees, MVP joined in the simple luncheon. Reiterating his message at the church, MVP expressed his profound thanks to the many people he has worked with all through these years, wishing for more years of continuity and growth as he further leads the Company onwards and upwards. CC:

Turning over the digital literacy training modules to Jose Escaler Memorial School Principal Charito Perez, 2nd from left. Also in photo is PLDT ComRel Head Evelyn M. Del Rosario, 4th from left.

sidebar Crowd favorite Up Dharma Down sings some of their hits such as “Tadhana” and “Indak.”

Launching Smart Music Live, celebrating MVP’s 70th By Katrina A. Mallari

concerts. This time we wanted n line with celebrating the experience to be different. milestones, Smart recently So first – they listen to hits launched Smart Music Live, on the Smart Music tab in the creating more opportunities for SmartLife app. Then they take the rising and veteran artists to experience with them when they showcase their musicality watch the show live,” Carag to their adoring fans. said. “But to make it more As PLDT and Smart unique to Smart, we Chairman and want the attendees to CEO Manuel feel special through V. Pangilinan many perks. Thus, celebrated his subscribers would 70th birthday be even more in hometown enticed to watch Apalit, a show from the Pampanga, Smart Music Live Smart also set concert series because the stage at the they will feel more Big Dome for a privileged.” night of good music, talented artists, and an From bar scenes to the epic night to celebrate MVP enjoys the performances during Big Dome new chapters, new the launching of As opening act during the milestones. Smart Music Live. launching of Smart Music Live and performing among a roster Smart Masterbrand of well-known artists such as Ely Department Head and VP Kathy Buendia, Up Dharma Down, Aegis Carag underscored the importance and international singer Nathan of the unique experience that Sykes, Autotelic – a six-member Smart Music Live is set to bring band – felt an overwhelming to its audience. “Smart has sensation of nervousness and always been known to sponsor

excitement. Vocalist Kai Honasan, who also plays synth, expressed her eagerness to have been given the opportunity to let the audience hear their music. “This IS the biggest show we’ve ever played. So, coming from a band that’s used to play in the bar gig scene and for Smart, to have us join this roster of bands – this line-up – sobrang overwhelming and we are so excited to put on a good show and show what kind of new music is out there.” Through PLDT’s strongest connections, Autotelic thanked their fans who have been very supportive of them and their music since that fateful day they posted their video on YouTube. Honasan narrated how their fan base grew since posting videos online. “Our fan base really started online,” Honasan said. “So, for Smart to really have something like this – to make something like Smart Music Live, to take someone – take a band like us and then put them on a stage like this, it’s sort of full circle for us. We’re happy about that.”

Autotelic takes the stage as opening act during the Smart Music Live launch.

Aegis rocks the Big Dome.

British pop sensation Nathan Sykes entertains the audience with his hits “Over and Over Again” and “Kiss Me Quick”.

Veteran singer Ely Buendia pumps up the crowd with his lively performance.

Crwn impresses the crowd with his electro-vibe music.

A veteran’s hope Veteran artist Ely Buendia recognizes the importance of technology in the digital age, emphasizing on a faster and more convenient method of disseminating information, particularly on performance schedules and event venues. “This is the digital age where everything is just a button click away. Information dissemination is definitely a lot faster and easier these days,” Buendia said. “But I definitely am proud of the fact that I lived in the age before that. And we made music differently before, even if it could be a lot harder back then. So, I’m proud of that and I think that’s an achievement that my generation of musicians will always be proud of.” Asked about his hopes for the future of the music industry, Buendia admitted that it was a tough road for the industry to truly be firmly established, describing a time when it was all up in the air and seemingly vague. But he remained hopeful, saying that people have come to realize responsible music consumption. “I’m glad to know that people are taking responsibility again for the way music is appreciated or consumed. It’s also very nice knowing that we have the support of the big guys in the industry,”

Buendia said. “For Smart to introduce Smart Music Live is a very big thing in this digital era. It gives more avenues for people to truly enjoy music.” Talented all Newcomer Crwn showed off his electro-music artistry as well as crowd favorites Up Dharma Down and Aegis, wowed the crowd at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. British pop star Nathan Sykes also performed some of his hits such as “Over and Over Again,” a song featuring music sensation Ariana Grande. During his performance, Sykes expressed what a joy it was to be back in Manila to perform to the Filipino audience. “It’s so good to be back here in Manila and to be a part of the Smart Music Live,” Sykes said. “Thank you for your support. You’re a great audience!” It was truly one spectacular night as waves of sound reverberated along the walls of the Big Dome

FOR SMART TO INTRODUCE SMART MUSIC LIVE IS AVERY BIG THING IN THIS DIGITAL ERA. IT GIVES MORE AVENUES FOR PEOPLE TO TRULY ENJOY MUSIC.” eLI BUENDIA, ERASERHEADS and people sang along the very last song Buendia performed, pumping up the crowd – the ultimate Eraserheads hit, “Ang Huling El Bimbo.” And people left with huge smiles on their faces, still buzzing with excitement brought by epic performances. Indeed, it was quite a night. CC:

A young weaver demonstrates to PSF President Esther Santos and TV5 Alagang Kapatid’s Menchie Silvestre how the weaving process is done.

Empowering Filipino Craftsmanship

PSF supports Bangar, La Union weavers By Katrina A. Mallari

mpowering Filipino culture and craftsmanship, the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) supports the weavers of Bangar, La Union – a province known for its handloom weaving industry. Seeing the intricate work of the women and men of Bangar, PSF is sustaining the industry by way of purchasing blankets which will be distributed during PSF’s various relief operations. PSF President Esther Santos underscores the importance of preserving the handloom weaving industry by constantly promoting our own Filipino-made products. “PSF tries to make our business inclusive by sourcing our supplies from local producers, especially microenterprises. Since PLDT and Smart are into MSME development through internet and e-commerce, we hope that the weavers of Bangar would adapt to that scale,” Santos said. “We want them to have a wider market and a perceptive growth that will continuously allow the handloom weaving industry to flourish. We hope that more people get to appreciate and support our local micro producers.” Aside from patronizing local products, PSF helps to reassure that the centuries-old tradition of handloom weaving maintains its

Some of the products made by the Bangar weavers include table runners, shawls, and blankets.

rich history in the town of Bangar – one that its residents will truly be proud of for years to come. Intricacies of weaving There’s a gentleness that goes beautifully against the crackling of the leaves amidst strong winds. It is the same gentleness that Benita De Castro exudes. At 88, De Castro, a retired principal, is one of the oldest women weavers in Bangar, La Union. Sitting against the wooden bench, De Castro weaves the yellow blanket by hand and smiles, “Naglalaro na lang ako.” For four decades, De Castro has mastered the art of weaving, learning from her grandmother the craft that has allowed every member of their family to ultimately subsist. “My in-laws became rich because of this [weaving]. Knowing how to weave just simply runs in my own family as well,” De Castro said. “Within our town, everyone

automatically knows how to weave.” As a pioneer of the weaving industry in Bangar, De Castro hopes for the future generation to learn more about the intricacies of weaving. “Maganda talagang ma-preserve ito [weaving industry],” De Castro said. “Because it’s not only that you’re teaching these people how to work decently, maganda naman itong pagkakitaan ng pera.” Weaving as life Realmae Dayacus, 18, has been making woven blankets, hand towels, and shawl for two years now. Taught by her mother, Dayacus enjoys making the craft every summer and in her spare time, enabling herself to earn her allowance through the weaving she does. “Hand towel po ginagawa namin,” Dayacus explained. “Nakaka-twenty-five po kami sa isang araw.” Highlighting the significance of weaving, Dayacus provides the ultimate symbolism of life itself as a way to describe what weaving

Benita De Castro is one of the women pioneers of weaving in Bangar, La Union.

Sister duo: sisters Gilda Meynes, 55, and JulitaMalano, 66, have been weaving together for more than four decades.

meant to her. “Naihahambing ko ito [weaving] sa buhay mismo kasi kung wala talaga ito, parang mas nakahihigit ‘yung kawalan namin,” Dayacus said. “Parang ito na rin mismo talaga ang ikinabubuhay namin.”

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa PSF at sa lahat ng tumutulong sa amin kasi kahit papaano po, mas nakilala po itong kultura namin,” Dayacus said. “Sa pamamagitan po noon, parang mas naipakikilala na rin sa buong bansa itong kultura namin.”

their primary source of income. With their faces hidden among the shadows, the Maons reveal that in order to sustain their lives, they also resort to picking stones, which they sell for P10, amounting to P100 per ten pieces of stones.

Dayacus, an aspiring teacher, insists on the preservation of a culture that seemed to have faded away as time passed by. “Dapat po talaga sinasama sa curriculum sa school ang paghahabi. Kasi minsan, nawawala na rin ang kultura ng paghahabi rito. Iilan na lang ang may alam.”

Hopeful amidst challenges With every calculated movement, the Maons have mastered the craft with every careful motion seemingly out of habit as they slowly create their masterpieces. Danilo Maon, 60, and Anabelle Maon, 58 have created hundreds of woven pieces for four decades. In a day, the Maons are able to weave a total of ten varieties of product.

Coming from a huge family with four children and 14 grandchildren, the couple remains to be the family’s breadwinner. “Kaya itong paghahabi, ito talaga ang pag-asa namin,” Maon said. “Lubos kaming umaasa sa kinikita namin sa hanapbuhay naming ito.”

Despite the diminished enthusiasm shown towards weaving, Dayacus remains hopeful in its future.

The Maons consider weaving as

Often, people create their own versions of what a particular thing is supposed to be. Weaving, for the people of Bangar, is more than just a source of livelihood. For them, weaving is a way of life, constantly creating visions of hope that provides assurance for a better tomorrow.

De Castro, center, is joined in by her fellow weavers as they receive gift packs from PSF.

Through the constant support of PSF, the people of Bangar continues to thrive in a culture that may be unknown to some but one that they know like the back of their hands. CC:

The grand prize winners of two house and lots are shown here with Gabay Guro (2G) partners/donors and 2G volunteers and PLDT executives during the recent turnover ceremonies. They are, standing, from left: Ino Mandapat, Boy Castañeda, 2G partners and house & lot donors Finina Tugade and Paul Louie Tugade of the Perry’s Group of Companies, 2G Chairperson, FVP and PLDT Group Controller Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Grand Prize Winner Elsie Canlas and husband Saturnino Canlas, Grand Prize Winner Bryant Cababaro, and Robert Smith Vendivel. Seated – same order: Benedicto Perez, Jet Tabanera, Gil Garcia, Bong Padiz, Jojo Alonzo, Francis Bautista, Jess Astorga, and Roben Magsombol.

House & Lot Winners @ Gabay Guro Grand Gathering

“An unbelievable experience!”

oth of them were first-time attendees of the Gabay Guro Grand Gathering at the Mall of Asia Arena, excitedly looking forward to a day of fun and entertainment, a fabulous show with movie stars and singers. And they did enjoy the engaging program, a welcome breather from the day-to-day challenges of teaching young minds. But a greater surprise awaited them. Something that neither of them expected.

By Olive O. Barrozo A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education graduate, Teacher Bryant rediscovered his passion for teaching after several years of pursuing other careers, such as being a chef and later, a seaman. The desolation of life in a ship constantly sailing in the vast ocean for endless months and years saddened him. He missed the voices of his students and the din in the school corridors. So he returned to the country and began teaching again in 2014.

And being a teacher has its pleasant surprises, like winning a house and lot all of a sudden. “Parang hindi ko kakayanin ang “It was really an unbelievable reality na nanalo ako,” related experience! The stars must have Bryant Cababaro, one of the two aligned for me that day,” gushed Two dream houses – grand prizes at the Gabay Guro Grand Gathering event last year. Teacher Bryant. “I am very grateful to PLDT Gabay Guro (2G) and to the Perry’s Group of Companies who donated the house and lot which I’ll be calling my home soon.” grand prize winners of a house and lot at the Grand Gathering of Teachers in October last year. It was a surreal moment for him when his name was called onstage. “I never thought I would win an enormous prize like this, not even in my dreams!,” said the overwhelmed teacher of third grade pupils at Odelco Elementary School in San Bartolome, Novaliches.

The other big winner was Professor Elsie Canlas from Tarlac State University (TSU). Attaining the grand prize for her was a far-fetched notion: “I had mixed emotions. I couldn’t imagine that I, of all the thousands of teachers who attended the huge gathering, would win!” She reflected and prayed and eventually reconciled herself to the idea of winning a house and lot in an event she almost missed.

“I’m so thankful to PLDT 2G and the Perry’s Group of Companies for making it possible for me and my family to live in a brand new house which we will always treasure,” said Prof Elsie who teaches both college and graduate students in TSU’s College of Education. This dedicated mentor, who has been teaching for 34 years, has worked hard since high school, selling spices in the market to help augment her family’s income: “I was working during my entire student life. But it all paid off, all my nine siblings graduated from college and we’re professionals now.” Teachers Bryant and Elsie were the guests of honor recently at the ceremonial turn-over of the two house and lots led by 2G Chairperson, FVP and PLDT Group Controller Chaye Cabal-Revilla and 2G partner and donor Perry’s Group of Companies led by President Paul Louie Tugade. Hosted by 2G Volunteer and PLDT S&A Finance-1 Planning & Reporting Head Jet Tabanera, the event was also attended by Perry’s Group owners and employees, and PLDT executives and 2G volunteers. 2G is the teacher advocacy flagship program of the PLDT Smart Foundation (PSF). It is composed of volunteers from the PLDT Managers’ Club, Inc. (MCI) who support the country’s teachers through six significant pillars, namely, Scholarship Grants, Teachers’ Training, Teachers’ Tribute, Livelihood, Broadbanding & Computerization, and Housing & Educational Facilities. CC:

PLDT improves teleco

m services in

By Olive O. Barro zo

esidents and visitors in Camarines Sur, popularly known as CamSur, one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations, may now make local calls for free.

PLDT has recently set up interconnection links with Globe Telecom in CamSur, allowing free local calls between subscribers of the two service providers. The interconnection agreement covers PLDT and Globelines subscribers in the towns and cities of Nabua, Camaligan, Canaman, Naga, Iriga City, Libmanan, Pili, Buhi, Ragay, Calabanga, Baao, Goa, Sipocot, Caramoan, and Bula. This picturesque province in the Bicol Region is home to the CamSur Water Sports Complex, a world-renowned park designed for wakeboarding and water skiing, as well as the Caramoan Islands, celebrated setting of several editions of the reality TV show Survivor. According to PLDT Bicol Customer Service Operations Zone Coordinator Christopher Dizon: “PLDT subscribers in Camarines Sur may now call their friends, family members, and business associates – regardless of their telco connection - anytime without having to worry about long distance charges.” He said PLDT’s business office in Legazpi City, which covers the Bicol region including Camarines Sur, offers voice, video, and data or triple play services on a single internet protocol (IP) platform. The business office also serves walk-in telephone applicants, actual installation and repair, accepts bills payment, and

handles report repairs and billing concerns. “The IP backbone runs on PLDT’s Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON), the most extensive fiber optics network in the country which is now over 100,000 kilometers long. It facilitates the direct transmission of the internet data to our gateway, providing fast and reliable internet experience to our subscribers,” Dizon added. Earlier this month, PLDT has interconnected with Globelines covering seven municipalities in Camarines Norte, namely Daet, Labo, Talisay, Jose Panganiban, Basud, Paracale, and Sta. Elena. PLDT has also set up interconnection links in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon almost two years ago.

and Misamis Occidental which has enabled PLDT customers to call the other telco’s subscribers in the area for free. Last year, PLDT’s interconnection agreement included the province of Iloilo, covering the municipalities of 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 and Globelines have likewise 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, allowing subscribers to make free local phone calls. CC:

The free local calls to Globelines subscribers in Albay can be made in the following cities and municipalities: Daraga, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Oas, Polangui, Tabaco City, and Camalig. Sorsogueños are now likewise making free local phone calls to Sorsogon City and the surrounding towns of Bulan, Castilla, Gubat, Casiguran, and Donsol. PLDT has also linked up with Globelines in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Zambales,

THE BANDWAGONER

e take the cue from them. Their style of governance can set the climate for a work environment that can either enable or hinder productivity. They supposedly call the shots. In them rest the final decision. Some of them are consultative while others have clear, definite and exacting ways of executing game plans. We feel their passion when events unfold as foreseen but we also sense their lack of zeal when setbacks arise. We know when they are charged up or simply going through the motion. They are under the scrutiny of everyone’s magnifying glass. We call them Leaders. Managers. Supervisors. Team Heads. Vice Presidents, Higher Ups, Top Honchos… or what have you. The view from the top can be perplexing. The need to think conceptually has to be married with the devil in the details. Individual and team efforts should align with the big picture perspective. Here are just seven of the many harsh realities we leaders are prone to neglect when we’ve become much too overwhelmed by a flurry of deliverables and pressing timelines. :: We need our staff more than they need us. It takes humility to admit that. At the end of the day, we’re dependent on how they will support our aspirations. Be off with the macho game. We no longer work in a culture of entitlement. The leader must be the master motivator and cheerleader. :: Wisdom can come from the ground. Listen to the folks who are at the thick of real service encounters. Dignify inputs from interfaces where rubber meets the road. Let them take personal responsibility as well. :: The millennials have to be managed well. Sweeping to say that they are taking over but not hasty to conclude that from their

S ’ P I RSH

E D A LE

e D I S D N

BLI

generation, we must breed the next business shapers. Learn to speak the language. Learn to operate in their realm. Prepare for the eventual passing of the baton.

imperatives. Enable. Then get out of the way! But be available for coaching. There’s a right time to micro-manage and firm handhold. But the ultimate objective is empowerment!

:: Instead of fighting for the cause of one generation, be consumed with the cause of making the diversity work well for the organization. Build an ecosystem of talents where strengths are milked and peculiarities contribute to the workforce DNA.

Blind side? Don’t well all have our share? For the blind to see, wellmeaning feedback is in order. Brave is the leader who solicits it. Wiser even is the one who processes it and moves forward with fresh enlightenment. CC:

:: Do not peg ‘digital’ with age. While it is technology driven, digital has become the prevailing lifestyle that enriches connections between people. And the need for that transcends IT quotient. Accessibility has simply become a birthright. What’s more powerful that a legit citizen? A connected netizen! :: Don’t impose on your team what you won’t be willing to do in the first place. Be a playing coach. Be the first role model. :: And finally, don’t railroad your own agenda. People thrive when they’re given room to be creative and allowed to take intelligent risks. Communicate the goal. Communicate the strategies. Communicate the business

don’t impose on your team what you won’t be willing to do in the first place. be a playing coach. be the first role model.”

poetry | prose | artworks | photography

Artwork by Danny Handayan, PLDT Tondo Sales & Service Center

LDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V Pangilinan celebrated another milestone as he turned 70 last July 14. -

Known for his generosity as exemplified by his genuine support of various corporate social responsibility initiatives and his passion for Filipino sports, particularly basketball, MVP embodies brilliance in every little thing he does,

inspiring many and creating an even greater version of him each time. In this special edition of Life & Arts, we have compiled some selected poems from employees that evoke the exceptional qualities of our man of the hour. We have also included a slam book page on some of the things that he likes as well as the top tweets that reflect his distinctive wit and passion. To MVP, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CC:

Happy 70th Birthday, MVP! 25

e often see his signature as a final seal of approval for our projects, but in this special issue of Access Magazine, it will be penned to paint a different side to our beloved Chairman and CEO. Read on and get to know more about the man we call MVP.

WORK! WORK! WORK!

VIENNA

Brilliance in Resilience

By Mark Angelo L. Marapao, Financial Systems and Controls When destiny talks someway, somehow In your life and says not here, not now We will never really understand We fail, regret, we lose self-command

Then we realize a game of faith It is not by chance nor sit and wait We endure for a better version For triumph to come in our mission

We always wonder, we ask but why? We never got it on our first try We doubt ourselves, and we question how Others achieve goals as quick as now

That our life is just a one big test We always strive to give our best Brilliance is not having everything in one give Rather trying as long as we live

M.V.P â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Most Valued Person By Marjory C. Sy, ProdServ

Man of vision and action, driven by his passion for excellence A leader not afraid of admitting shortcomings and learning from them Not withdrawing from the battle though beaten and bruised Undaunted by the uncertainty and unpredictability of time Empowered by his foresight that the sun will rise once again Losing is not an option, but an ingredient to the success process Vast is the exuberance of his brilliant mind Encouraging people around, young and old, with words of wisdom Lighting the fire for customer delight like the Olympic flame Embodying the discipline of a true warrior, steadfast to the cause Zealous and determined, endurance forged through pain and fortified by faith Practical thinker, he inspires the youth to explore independence by moving Away from the comforts of home, and establish identity Nothing wrong with warm cocoon of family, he once said, but to Gain knowledge and hone the necessary tools, one should take some risk, Invest and find his niche, work towards realizing his full potential. Life is a matter of making choices, taking chances and embracing changes. Indeed, there are no shortcuts in attaining the purpose of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existence. Nothing big is achieved by thinking and doing small portions. A sports patron and philanthropist, he influences hope that the best is yet to come No less than a beautiful mind and a giving heart, he is certainly a true MVP

Kakaiba ka talaga! Ni Renelia L. Villanueva, Officer Payroll Administration

Bugbog ba sa trabaho kamo? Kaliwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kanan, ang sakit ng ulo Pero wag ka, ang stocks lumolobo Isang araw, sa MPIC na ang Meralco Tollways, Maynilad at Philex Smart, Cignal at TV5 lang naman Sobrang sipag at laging walang tulugan Sa kabila ng never ending load mo Naalala ko pa to the max ang ehersisyo Sa badminton court, palo duon; palo dito Energetic, non-stop; pang Olympic Ang kinang mo ay hindi lang pang negosyo Sa sports sino ang magtatanong ay sino Baby boomers to millennials, captured mo PBA, NCAA or FIBA, carry-ng carry lang Nuong Yolanda, hindi ka nagmatyag lang Pinakilos ang napakadaming mga kamay Tulong at kalinga, sa lalong madaling pahahon Social responsibility, sa tuwina; sa isip mo. Saludo kami sa iyo aming Guru, aming Big Boss! Kasa-kasama sa bagong mission at vision Mabilis at malinaw na connectivity sa lahat Kakaiba ang iyong stamina. Join din kami dyan. Adhikain mo ay adhikain din namin Pangarap mo ay pangarap din namin Pusong laging may pakialam at concern Pusong laging kumakalinga, nagmamalasakit Maligayang bati sa iyong kaarawan Sumaiyo ang malusog na pangangatawan Saan ka man tumungo, nawaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y kaligtasan Pagpalain lagi ng Mahal na Maykapal!

Twinkle Twinkle By Leopoldo Lalim

History says that a handful of people have reached the moon and no one has even come close to reaching the stars. I beg to disagree for Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown to love many many who have embraced the warmth of a distant star. How do you reach the stars? How do you cross lightyears? How can you even comprehend? Simple dirty your hands. Fill each cleft and chink with dust; dust that has fallen off from digging in the ground; dust that rested while you braved the sun to bring rocks from the quarry; dust that has melted your skin from molding diamonds and look closely. Hands that make diamonds shine. and, only with care do diamonds dream to reach the sky. with even more be ready to throw them up there If they cannot fly, And because of this truth, the sky is bright even without the sun It is even more beautiful with the stars up there Hands that make diamonds shine. And sir, yours are bright for mortal men understand brilliance to be the ability to give light. brilliant because with you and the things you do dreams are kept and made alive And when I come to learn and understand your story I would see a man that has reached the stars.

A Brilliant Boy

Brilyo

Ni Winona Zerla B. Santos, Regulatory Bagsik ng kaalaman sa negosyo ay mahirap pantayan. Respetado sa Pilipinas at maging sa ibang bayan Iba ang dating, seryoso ngunit malambot ang puso sa mga nangangailangan Labanan ng mga katunggali sa industriya ay hamon na hinaharap Yakap sa maykapal, ang panuntunan ng gabay Obra siya ng tagumpay, ang hirap ay hindi hadlang sa matiwasay na buhay

By Karen Ann Camarao, Revenue Audit Once there was a boy who has nothing but an armor of education at hand. A boy full of hope that someday he will confidently stand. A boy so vulnerable, he can be weak at times, But the God Almighty always assures him it’s just fine. There was a time when he stumbled and fell, Causing him to falter but still chose to be well. A single challenge cannot pull you down, he said to himself, Standing up again, he managed to focus on what’s still left. Not long after when all his hard works paved way. Leading him to be one of the best he can say. Successful, yes you can tell, But he stayed grounded like a deep well. The brilliant boy said, “Value your education, keep fighting and believing, For you don’t know what situation you’ll be heading”. Lastly, “Seek His guidance in everything that you do, For He will not let you down, that’s the truth”. I share you my virtues in life he uttered, Because I want you to be ushered, In a place where brilliance does not just speak about yourself, But above all, to Him whom we owe everything about ourselves.

Kinang Ni Tricia Blue Ikaw ay haligi ng malaking tahanan Salita mo ay batas sa aming upuan Hindi man mahawakan ang iyong mga kamay Nabibiyayaan kami ng iyong tagumpay

Katatagan ng loob mo ay inspirasyon ng marami Sipag at tiyaga babaunin palagi Sa puso at isip namin may kakampi sa lahi Pamilyang PLDT ika’y ipinagmamalaki

Iyong angking galing ay hindi matawaran Kahit saan dalhin kusang kumikinang Kahit ano pa man ang sa iyo ay dumaan Bigat ay gagaan at lahat may paraan

Salamat MVP sa iyong pagpupunyagi Ikaw ay biyaya sa hanay ng tagasilbi Dakilang kalooban at walang humpay na pagsusuri Adhikain ng puso nawa’y gabayan ng Diyos palagi

Talentado

Ni Marina Rowena I. Pumar-Regulatory

Magandang halimbawa ka sa aming lahat Punong-puno ng pag-asa at handang humarap Sa mga pagsubok di ka napasindak Sa araw-araw na pamumuhay na iyong tinatahak July 14, 1946 noong ikaw ay isinilang Sina Dominador R. Pangilinan at Soledad Velez iyong mga magulang Sa Apalit Pampanga na iyong kinagisnan Malapit sa Mt. Pinatubo na ngayon ay isa nang buhanginan Pangalawa sa magkakapatid na sina Rene at Teresa Sa kasalukuyan.. nakakalungkot si kuya ay pumanaw na Kayong magkakapatid lubos ang pagmamahalan Mahigpit na yakapan kasama ng iyong mga magulang Nagsumikap kang mag-aral, ikaw na din ang nagpasya Ang kahirapan sa buhay ay isinantabi mo muna Pinatunayan sa iyong sarili na kaya mo pala Abutin ang mga pangarap, tagumpay ngayon ay nakamit na Nagtapos ng elementary at high school sa San Beda Cum Laude-College of Economics sa Ateneo de Manila “Lucky charms” mo raw scholarship ng bawat isa (San Beda, Ateneo at P&G) Upang makapag- MBA ka sa Wharton School of Pennsylvania Sa pagmulat ng iyong mga mata ikaw ay abala na Sa pag-aasikaso ng mga papeles sa iyong opisina Kung week-end naman ay sa Hongkong iyong punta Sa First Pacific na kauna-unahang ipinundar mo noong una Sir MVP, nagpapahinga ka pa po ba? Telepono ng PLDT at Smart kelangan sa komunikasyon Ng bawat mamamayan sa pakikipag transaksyon Ang poste ng Meralco na liwanag ng bukas Kasabay ng bukang liwayway na hinuhugutan mo ng lakas Ang Makati Medical Center na primerang ospital De kalidad na serbisyo ng mga doktor ay ibibigay

Mga pasilidad dito ay makabagong teknolohiya Upang malunasan agad karamdaman ng bawat isa May Manila North Tollways Corp., TV5 Network Maynilad, Philex Mining, at marami pang iba Ikaw mismo ang Chairman ng bawat kompanya Lahat ng ito ay pinaghirapan mo wala na akong masasabi pa Di mo rin ipinagkakait pagtulong sa iyong kapwa Sa PLDT Gabay Guro marami sa iyo ay umaasa Sa bawat mag-aaral, edukasyon ay mahalaga Magandang kinabukasan sa bawat isa ay dala-dala Marami ang nawalan ng tirahan na iyong tinulungan Ang PLDT/Smart Foundation ang kanilang kasagutan Bawat pamilya ngayon may kanya-kanya nang tinutuluyan Salamat.. sila ngayon ay may sarili nang tahanan Noong 2005, laking tuwa naming mag-asawa Nakatanggap ng P20,000 ang anak ko na si Marina Paola Sa MVP Academic Excellence Award ay recipient siya Sama-sama kaming mag-anak paluwas ng Manila Punong-puno ng saya ang mahihilig sa basketball Mga player sa coliseum magaling mag-shoot at dribol Ang Gilas Pilipinas na di nauubusan ng lakas Manalo o matalo man galing ay kanilang ipinamalas Ang isang katulad mo’y mahirap pantayan Saludo po ako sa ‘yo Sir Manny V Pangilinan Maraming namamangha sa abilidad mo Meron yatang hiwaga sa buhay na dala mo Ang hiling ko sana sa Poong Maykapal Marami pang birthday ang iyong makamtan Maliwanag na pag-iisip at malusog na katawan Kasama ang buong pamilya na may pagmamahalan Happy Birthday Sir MVP!!! you are so great!!!

Bright

By Leopoldo Lalim

One day i chanced upon a night time portrait of our world taken from space I am a lover of the stars but at that moment i thought their view was more magnificent I saw the country where we were in; and the brightest parts were where i had expected. The brightest parts were where each one had his candle lit The brightest parts were where each one had his own truth. Each one was in transit and created moving constellations of their own It was beautiful, But, Each one bore only his own weight in light Each one did everything for his candle to be the brightest Each one had this longing to be seen And amidst this, my gladness turned to fear I could see the wax slowly burn fingers of the hands raised up I had questioned my presence there I wondered When everyone has naturally been afraid of darkness, when will they be afraid of too much light? For both should be the definition of blindness with the latter additionally so as the best time for lies to come in. In darkness, everything you meet, you meet with even just a bit of disbelief In light, the “brightest” opinions become truth because they are the only things you see we start believing that God chose destruction of ones who do not believe we start believing that salvation no longer rings a bell we start believing that flames in two candles are different we start believing that anyone else’s fire is different We should be afraid This brightness leaves books with only blank pages This brightness forces you to stand and cover your eyes This brightness becomes more important than being human

These lights we shine no longer show the way The candles become bonfires on torches We emit so strong a light that we push each other down We no longer move and are left to raise our voices to be heard We start hearing less and less from the ones who do not have tongues We no longer stand up for the little ones The little ones cannot reach the torches that we hold up high They can only stand beneath us, cover their eyes, and wait Till the torches run out and the fires start to consume our bodies Till the flame is no longer blinding The little ones would start their flames from charred remains The little ones could have talked to us We could’ve talked to us The lights we radiate will soon be accompanied with even brighter flashes Flashes bright enough to take away someone else’s light These flashes will come in hoards and they will be swift Swift enough that we would no longer burn but just die out My friends, embrace a little bit of darkness Be unsure of things but be sure of your humanity in darkness we can still see and even better That we’ve got people alive around us Move to the darker places Try to put two candles together

mvp tweets

rom promoting a stronger and better #InternetForAll to firing up tweets that display genuine passion for and unwavering support to #TeamGilas, PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan proves to be just one of us. Here are some of MVPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top tweets on FIBA Asia 2015, FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT), and the 700 MHz #InternetForAll.

on FIBA & gilas

700 MHz #InternetForAll