Tambuli October 2008 Release

Message

Our core values of Integrity, Innovation and Commitment kept us on track of our goals and priorities this year.

In 2009, we unfold our 30th year. The challenges are extreme but we are confident. The unstinting commitment of the TIPIer for outstanding performance and world-class standards will see us through even beyond our three decades.

This Yuletide Season, let us celebrate the Lord's unending providence and goodness. Our accomplishments for the past year are just a few reasons for a Yuletide Season full of gratitude and thanksgiving.

From my family to yours, a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Bing A. Viera President and Managing Director TI (Philippines), Inc.

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Message

As the year comes to a close and we celebrate another Yuletide Season, we look forward to TIPI's 30th year of achievements and growth.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the TIPI family for the admirable tenacity we showed as an organization. Guided by our values of integrity, commitment and dedication, TIPI Management leads everyone in welcoming the coming year with more vigor and pride amidst the bigger challenges ahead.

Let's all join hands to continue making our valuable contribution to business growth and market leadership especially during this trying times...

On this glorious Christmas season, let our Yuletide Celebration center on the gifts of life and love and God's wonderful blessings.

Des T. Sanil Human Resources Director

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Beneath the Pages EDITORIAL Competitively Frugal

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HEADLINES TIPI recognized for 2008 GOLD QUALITY AWARD

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TIPI Wins in ASEMEP 5th BENCHMARKING CONVENTION

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NEWS 3Q and 4Q Service Recognition Awards Night

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Employee Volunteerism

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RECOGNITIONS BQT Legacy: It can be done!

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Green Team

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FEATURES My Texins

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New Hires

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T D UPDATES

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TECHNICAL REPORT 2 TIPI'ers Showcased their Innovation at Japan Technical Conference 14 COLUMN HEALTH REMEDY

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PHOTO RELEASES

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SPORTS 24 Hours of Endurance in Subic

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BodyBuilding Club on the run at 32nd Milo Marathon

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TIPI Bags the Mens Double Gold on the 1st PMA Badminton Tournament

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TMS Revisits Wonders of Ifugao and Mountain Province

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LITERARY The Christmas I Will Never Forget

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EDITORIAL Competitively Frugal "Choose to protect during a time of difficult choices…fools make feasts and wise men eat them"…

Thrift and wise spending are buzz words we hear these days. People are becoming conscious of spending habits and are simplifying in the workplace and at home.

Indulgence is an unacceptable act, unwritten but selfimposed.

If this trend is due to the economic forecasts, analysts say otherwise…today, people are shifting out of the consumerist mindset in recognition that it is more important to show not how much you earn, but your ability to show what you don't spend.

It isn't enough just to gain revenue. Companies have to be smart on what to do with its gains. With the economy on a downhill slide, workplace austerity is hip, to be frugal is cool.

Success in business and in our personal lives requires disciplined spending. Frivolous purchases should be avoided. We need to stay away from affluence and instead spend time to develop habits that will make us a better organization during this leaner times... a wise man once said : "a fat kitchen makes a lean will".…

From the Tambuli Staff and the 1AT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP: Cheers to a Merry Christmas and a Glorious TIPI 30th Year!

Editorial Staff Editor-In-Chief- Emily Gacad News Editor- Borricks Ramirez Features Editor- Jonathan Mondero, Rady Angeles, Kristine Mangaliag Literary Editor- Chanda Nacua Sports Writer- Larry Serafin Columnist- Eve Dayot Contributing Writers: wCathy Olivete wLanie Pare wAya Aurellado wJanet Casaña wGary Estacio wJean Garcia wLove Lagadan wKaye Calixterio wYvette Cayabyab wRey Orille wAllan Olipane wJong Ignacio wArt Bayot wDolly Olimpo wAnne Valmonte wLorie Pascua Managing Editor- George De Leon

TAMBULI is the official in-house publication of TI (Philippines), Inc. It is published quarterly by the Human Resources Department.

Contributions in the form of essays, letters, written opinions, book reviews, poems and other articles are welcome. Interested parties may submit their contributions to the Editor at e-gacad@ti.com.

HEADLINEs

TIPI recognized for 2008 GOLD QUALITY AWARD

In September 2008, the annual Quality Awards were presented to the factories that consistently achieved the TMG quality priority of ZERO Customer Disruption.

Gold Quality Award is given to TI sites with zero customer disruptions for three (3) consecutive years, while Silver Quality Award is granted to factories with no customer disruptions for two (2) consecutive years.

This year's Gold quality award recipients for wafer fabs are Dallas Metal Oxide Semiconductors (DMOS6), HIJI-FAB, Freising Wafer Fab (FFAB), MIHO and D-LAB. Awardees for assembly-test sites are TIPI (4 years), TUA, Dallas Flip Chip Assembly (DFCA) and HTF. Commendable highlights were also cited for wafer fabs and ATs that achieved 5 years without Customer Disruptions - DMOS6, HIJIFAB, FFAB, HTF and DFCA. Silver Award Recipients for wafer fabs are Sherman Wafer Fab (SFAB), Tucson Wafer Fab (TFAB), Houston Wafer Fab

- Cathy Olivete -

(HFAB) and Dallas Wafer Fab (DFAB).

Awardees for assembly-test sites are TI Mexico, TI Taiwan, HIJI-AT, DTF and East Building Test (EBT).

Bing Viera personally received the award

during the AT Managers' meeting in Denver Colorado.

TIPI has gone far by reaching Gold status for Quality due to four consecutive years of zero customer disruptions.

Bing Viera proudly poses with colleagues as he receives the GOLD QUALITY AWARD for TIPI. (Left to Right - Kevin Ritchie, Sr. VP, TMG; Takahiro Yoshimura, Miho Plant Mgr; Sima Salamati-Saradh, DM6 Mgr; David Lassiter, TFAB Mgr; Bing Viera, Baguio Plant Mgr; Tom Weichel, SC Quality Audits Mgr; Paul Fego, VP, WW Make; Marc Mydill, Mfg Infrastructure Test Technology Mgr; Mark Drosche, DFCA DMAT Mgr; Uwe Leithaeuser, FFAB Mgr.)

TIPI Wins in ASEMEP 5th BENCHMARKING CONVENTION TIPI team wins the SEIPI Choice Award (TOP Award) and VOX POPULI Award for their paper “Die Attach Cure Oven Management System (OMS): Bringing Intelligence to the Ovens” at the ASEMEP Quality and Productivity Council 5th BENCHMARKING

Lanie Pare, Ami Monis, Gilda Damayo, James Baello, Chester Palongdias and Ed Dela Rosa pose with pride with the AQ&PC Officers as they receive the VOX POPULI Award

The OMS team...

- Lanie A. Pare -

CONVENTION held at The Bellevue Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Oct 23 - 24, 2008.

The team is composed of: Lanie Pare (Team Leader), Ami Monis (QRA), Gilda Damayo (Manufacturing), James Baello (PE), Chester Palongdias (IT) and Ed Dela Rosa (EE). Their paper qualified under the “Breakthrough and Innovations” category.

The other category is “Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement”.

This year's benchmarking convention theme is "Acquiring Quality and Productivity Competitiveness through Global Technical Excellence" where 19 successful continuous improvement and breakthrough projects using various tools and techniques like TPM, Six Sigma, 8D, QC Story, Root Cause Analysis, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) and Statistical Methodology Analysis Reporting Technique (SMART), were showcased.

The special awards given to the teams with outstanding performance were the 3 Major Awards: SEIPI Choice Award (Top Award), ASEMEP Choice Award and ASEMEP Quality and Productivity Council (AQ&PC) Choice Award, which were given at the end of second day and VOX POPULI (Voice of the People) Award, given each day per category where the participating companies

and delegates cast votes for their choice.

This year's major sponsors are SAS Philippines and Cytek Solutions Inc. together with the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc (SEIPI) through the Association of Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing Engineers of the Philippines (ASEMEP) and ASEMEP Quality and Productivity Council (AQ&PC).

The event featured plenary speeches from the industry by Mr. Arthur Young, SEIPI Chairman and PSi Technologies Inc. President, who provided highlights on global economic outlook in 2008 and world wide market forecast until 2012 for electronics products and Dr. Antonio Villaflor, ST-NXP Calamba QRA Director, who provided insights on how the industry can cope with the current semicon industry business trend through cultural transformation and manufacturing excellence.

The convention was participated by 16 companies and more than 200 delegates and SEIPI, ASEMEP and AQ&PC officers, and also featured Jingle contest which contained "AQ&PC" or Quality & Productivity in its lyrics with any musical instrument as accompaniment.

It is important to note that proceeds of the national technical symposium will support the Children's Joy 5 Foundation.

NEWS

3Q and 4Q Service Recognition Awards Night "Paying Tribute to People of Commitment and Dedication" - Aya Aurellado -

The TIPIers are at it again!

In a time of global economic crisis, TIPI just had 196 reasons to celebrate.

Last November 5, 2008, 196 TIPIers old and not so new have come together to celebrate a momentous occasion, the 3Q and 4Q Service Recognition Awards Night.

The event, which boasted the theme "Paying Tribute to People of Commitment and Dedication", was well attended

by TIPIers from all areas.

In a video presentation, employees attested their commitment and gratitude to the company by sharing just how much TI had helped enrich their lives as well as that of their

family's. They also celebrated TIPI's stability in times of global turmoil as well as the good work ethics and valuable trainings imparted to them by the company.

Owning up to its mission statement that "People are it's most important asset", TIPI paid tribute to it's workforce by treating the 5, 10, 15 and 25 year service awardees to a night of good food, great entertainment, warm camaraderie and generous gift certificates at the Baguio Country Club Ballroom, making it truly, a night to remember.

Amidst the awardees letting their hair down, TIPI's Managing Director, Bing Viera still managed to impart, on a more serious

note, the value of hard work that each and every TIer brings to the company. He also stressed the need for TIPI to grab every business opportunity that comes our way and to put more focus into 2009 as we wait out the economic downturn.

The 3rdQ and 4thQ Service Awards Night was hosted by TPE's Colleen Bernardez and Burn In's Jeffrey Rafales and was graced by the presence of our ever supportive Quality Steering Team as well as select members of Management. Kudos also goes out to the program's director, Ms. Emily Gacad for the flawless execution of the event and the HR group for putting together one splendid affair.

Cres Mata, Wally Lumbas, Aya Aurellado and Tante Toledo during the cake cutting ceremony.

Dashing hosts; Jeffrey Ratales and Colleen Bernardez.

Awardees entertain celebrants...

TIPI President, Bing Viera, expresses heartfelt gratitude to all the awardees.

Awardee and Test Manager, Managers Dang Ballena, Ronald Agulto and Jerry Enriquez Gary Dinige delivers a brought the house down with a medley... “response” in behalf of the awardees...

Employee Volunteerism

Studio One awardees.

Dancers

fellow

honors

- Janet Casaña -

At this modern time, in the midst of busy days when most women relatively worked outside the home, they end up planning for variety of activities that emphasize fun, friendship, and not to forget the benefits of helping others.

Last March 1, 2008, a small group of busy women of TIPI (namely, Gilda Damayo, Grace Rimorin, Jnet Ladio, Lenie Respicio, Marie Fe Borromeo, Nelly Villanueva and Yvette Cayabyab) visited the children of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) at Wangal, La Trinidad. From their own pockets, they voluntarily contributed to give the kids some heavy good snacks, fruits, toys, goodies and old clothes. Most of these women were teary eyed while in fellowship with the kids and the RSCC wards. They saw happiness in every child they served and fed. More than that, they were 6 touched with the infants & toddlers

who extended their arms to the group to ask for a lift and did not want to get out of their shoulders.

The group did not stop after this visit.

They agreed to set aside a hundred peso every payday to buy a washing machine for the kids. And through word of mouth, the group inspired other TIPiers to join and make this a reality. With them were Marivic Torres, Rena Runes, Steph Allas, Tintin Pattaui and Rodel Arquisal. The group had their second visit last October 18, 2008 delivering the

washing machine, some diapers, light snacks, old clothes and some small items for the loving wards.

On her personal way, Ofee Nucaza and her family also extended help to the kids of RSCC. Extending more of little blessings, the group's next mission is to replace the wornout cushions of the kids' beds, provide digital thermometers, give a little gift for the loving wards, and to have more play time with the kids.

If you want to be with the kids or share a little your blessings, just send your letter of intention to; PORFIRIA M. BERNARDEZ CESO, III, Regional Director - Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office CAR, 40 North Drive, Baguio City Email address; pmbernardez@dswd.gov.ph; focar@dswd.gov.ph, View DSWD RSCC (Reception and Study Center for Children) website at http://www.car.dswd.gov.ph/.

recognitions

BQT Legacy: It can be done!

- Gary Estacio It is always a great privilege to receive an award, especially so, if it is as prestigious as the Best Quality Team (BQT). It is even more rewarding if the awards come in a row. However, the enthusiasm and pride as we acknowledge the commendation is not without trepidation. The overwhelming sense of challenge to maintain and live up to the expectations is always relatively felt by the whole team everytime we hear the word, CONGRATULATIONS!

POST TEST Team This challenge is probably the main driving factor why, Post Test garnered the best Quality Team award this 3rd quarter, the 5th for Post Test Operations. The team’s passion for excellence is fueled by their desire to satisfy customers.

Everyone has committed to pull towards the same direction, conquer every barrier along the way and deliver quality results.

Success is not easy to achieve. As you go higher to the ladder, the chance gets slimmer. When you are at the top, the challenge to maintain and not to slide back is even greater. The extensive collaboration and teamwork of different stakeholders at Post Test enabled the team to live up to the challenge and maintain its course. Post Test has proven that the breaking of cross functional barriers can help a lot in a Team's sustainable success.

POST TEST QIT Team

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GREEN TEAM The Green Team Recognition Program profoundly acknowledges Production Specialists with exemplary attendance records and outstanding manufacturing performance. This quarterly award considers employees’ output in the areas of Quality, Audits, Etags and Statistical Process Controls (SPC).

Congratulations!

ASSEMBLY TEAM - Jean Garcia Abenoja, Marie Abibuag, Novie Acosta, Leni Grace Afingwan, Antoinette Alarcio, Evelyn Alcantara, Janet Andir, Avelina Andrada, Joan Anieta, Perlita Aquino Elnora Arciaga, Mannette L. Aromin, Amy Rose Aromin, Kristine Aspuria, Jonalyn Aviles, Myra Awingan, Bang Bagsiao, Juneleen Balagot, Wilfreda Balangue, Judy Balanza, Flora Mae Balbin, Sheryl Balderas, Angie Ballangan, Joan Bambilla, Jo-ann Baruela, Marivic Basa, Cecille Basallo, Mylene Batoon, Erlinda Batoyog, Eva Joy I. Bautista, Jennifer Bautista, Nerissa Bayninan, Joyce L. Benensig, Lyn Bernas, Ana Fe Bestoton, Karen Bitangcol, Nancy D.S. Bogbog, Janice Borja, Sheryl Bragas,Bella Buenavista, Wilma

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Bugayong, Frecelyn Buligen, Lorena Busto, Jhen Cabanban, Divina Cabanban, Emily Cabanilla, Jennifer Cabantac, Christina Cabrera, Cleofe Cacdac,Analyn Canimo, Heidi Caras, Raquel Cario, Jackie Lou Carrera,Luz Carudo, Mharl Catubig, Emma Cerbira, Analyn Certeza, Kristine Chan, Nida Ciriaco, Rachel Grace Coquia, Diane Corpuz, Gay Cortes, Alice B. Cristobal, Anna Dacalcap,Doreyty Dacasin, Ellen De Guzman, Ressie Dela Cruz, Andrea Dela Cruz, Arlyn De La Rosa, Weng De Leon, Jean Delmendo, Elvie Domanas , Shee Doyaoen, Mary Rose Ducusin, Lezlie Ann Dulay, Marife Dumpit, Ems Duran, Del Espartero, Daylin Esquejo, Maria Socorro Estoesta, Diana Eusebio, Leah Fernandez, Ruby Floresca, Mely

Francisco, Josie Gabriel,Pamela Galanza, Tina Jane Galera, Cats Galunza, Vicki Gamboa, Felomina Ganaden, Julie Ganuelas, Jenny Gapasen, Larena Garcia, Hyde Mae Garcia, Meriam Gatarin, Eleanor Gatchalian, Roseline Gayomali, Berna Guimbongan, Erma Habon, Cherry May Hadap, Alma Julian , Brenda Lacaden, Marilyn Lagto, Lyn Lara , Joy Laron, Janice Laxamana, Maribel Libunao, Bernadeth Liwanag, Wilma Lozano, Norissa Lumague, Cassopeia Lumiwan, Doribel A. Madriaga, Cecilia Madronio, Lourdelyn Magangat, Analyn Mallari, Emily Manuel,Clarice Manuel, Loreta Mappang, Glenda Lyn Mendoza, Henrose Mendoza, Mayette Mendoza, Melynisa Miranda, Susan Molina, Eden Natocyad,Juliet Niduaza, Vangie Obena, Juliet

Olpindo, Lynn Ong, Jayne Palabay, Jonalyn Panit, Marissa Paraan, Carol Parrocha, Mabelle Paulo, Wenie Peletina, Vilma Peralta, Brenda Pino, Susan Plucena, Alma Policarpio, Marina Pudlao, Cris Punsalang, Angie Quezada, Rowena Quiben, Margaret Quinsayas, Leah Ramos, Janet Rigor, Alma Rhoda Rimando, Aleli Rimorin, Gemma Romero, Cynthia Rovillos, Rose Ruben, Marites Sabado, Salie Sabiniano, Lala Salinas, Jo Anne Leslie Samonte, Florence Sembrana, Migs Smith, Ursola Solano, Mel Soriano, Rosemarie Tabios, Marlyn Tamondong, Mildred Teppang, Novelita D. Tobias, Elve Tolentino, Norma Villa, Michelle Villena, Ana Vinas, Nida Vinoya, Dizzy Vitug, Myra

TEST TEAM - Love Lagadan -

EX/Polaris/Vseries/BI

VLCT

Segundo, Rechelle

Sauyen, Remy

Campos, Maricel

Langub, Lily

de Guzman, Gladys

Castillo, Mary Grace

Riego, Rizza A.

Erese, Sunshine Lynne

Gracia, Esther C

Bonso, Ana Marie

Estrada, Gloria M Oliveria, Eloisa Y Alombro, Marieta R Banina, Nemesia R

Claveria, Lorie Frigillana, Jennifer Malabanan, Zandy Roxas, Jane

Post Test

Daguioan, Florence Dela Cruz, Emily Estrellado, Leonilda Gapuz, Josee Ann Losnong, Lemony

Almerol, Jonafe

Manalac, Sharlene

Andaya, Jenalyn

Nacional, Felipa

Natura, Menchie

Navalta, Teresita

Amboni, Vanessa

Omaoeng, Flora

Sagandoy, Catherine

Oclarit, Janeth C

Pataras, Gloria

Balcac, Elvie

Manaois, Flora E

Suni-En, Marcelita

Batara, Aileen

Bermudez, Betty

Buyan, Dioni Jean

Suyat, Evangeline

Tugade, Joy

Calsie, Arlyn

Almirol, Jeanne A

Difuntorum, Gemma

Malamion, Luzviminda M

Dulay, Jo-ann

Bandiola, Cynthia C

Gutierrez, Maria Lourdes

Gamihe, Elia M Mangaoang, Ester Manlapaz, Teresa R Galido, Elizabeth E

Tolentino, Felina Trinidad, Regina Yu, Imelda Ayugat, Mercedes

Hufalar, Mirriam

Dofredo, Jenifer

Fusion

Jimenez, Maureen

Gascon, Shirley

Simon, Jeolita

Joves, Gina

Guimalan, Mary Jane

Bolide, Jovy

Laguiday, Irene

Jularbal, Melanie

Laquian, Karen Reah

Lopez, Marina

Morano, Marivic

Rara, Melanie A.

Ramo,Maribel

Soriano, Leonora

Bubuli, Shariaya Lourdes Certeza, Julie Gaoat, Belen Hagada, Myrell Quitos, Elvie Crisostomo, Beth Salvador, Janice

Responso, Elvie Villanueva, Maritess Camba, Maria Elena Hernandez, Rosalie Olesio, Sherry Lyn

Tolentino, Ana Marie Abubo, Leonida Binag, Cathrine Calixto, Phoebe

Opulento, shiela

Salazar, Regie

Campos, Marivic

Padilla, Annabelle

Ventura, Maharlika

Cerezo, Perlita

Pandoyos, Tina

Baldino, Joana

Garcia, Leonida

Lopez, Jessica

Reyes, Ivy

Lumiqued, Shirley

Camacho, Sharon

Caoagdan, Liezl

Padre, Editha

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features - Kaye Calixterio -

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TECHNICAL REPORT

2 TIPI'ers Showcased their Innovation at Japan Technical Conference - Jonathan D. Mondero Their innovation, CMAP (as shown in Figure2), is a new method and tool that provides a real-time and an easy way to diagnose tester (socket) interface issues and is designed to help engineers and line supports isolate and fix setup problems real time providing about 87% isolation time reduction compared to the conventional process. Their innovation had gathered a lot of interest and attention from different TI Assembly and Test (A/T) sites including application and implementation at Multi-Probe facilities like TI Dallas and TI Sherman Probe floors.

Figure2: The CMAP Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool The CMAP was 100% implemented on all VLCT test programs at TIPI and currently being piloted on the FUSION/EX test platform.

Jo Mondero and Jeff Coloma both from Test/Product Engineering department traveled to Hilton, Tokyo last November 5-7 for the 25th TI Japan Technical Conference as their paper, "CMAP Tool and Methodology for Advance Continuity Fails Isolation", was selected for presentation. The goal of this 2008 TIJ Technical Conference is to create an opportunity for Talking About and Beyond 2010 with the talent of TI, including Sales, Application, Design, Software, Si Make, and Package Make, all in one place at one time. Technical papers/presentations are solicited in the area of Design Concept, Implementation, System Validation, Digital Application, Mixed Signal Application, Wafer Process, Package, Testing and Customer requirement.

The innovators: Jo Mondero: a Test/Product Engineering Section Manager, was elected MMTS last 2006 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering (BSECE) and Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Baguio.

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Figure 1: Jo Mondero presenting the CMAP at Hilton Tokyo

Jeff Coloma: a Senior Test/Product Engineer, was elected MMTS last 2007 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) from University of Cordilleras (formerly Baguio College Foundation).

COLUMN

To all my fellow Tiers, I always thought that this was the most difficult time of the year to advise people about eating well and keeping healthy. Why? Because this is the season of festivities. As we approach the holiday celebrating Christ’s birth, it’s a reason to be joyful and what a better way to celebrate than to lay the best food on our table and share this with our family and friends.

So, for this special edition of our tambuli, I am not answering any query or letter about how to avoid over indulgence in food and drinks, rather, I am simply going to tell you that, Christmas is a time of sharing! Having to share bread or a meal with family and/ or friends together this holiday season is as healthy as keeping off the calories. I believe that when you share, the portion you would have consumed by yourself will be halved and that’s plenty !! So enjoy your meals with someone.

This Christmas I encourage you to share the bounty of blessings that you have received this beautiful year of 2008 and truly we can look forward to a blissful, no guilt celebration.

May this season be the reason for your good health in body and soul. God bless us all.

Merry Christmas to you and your families.

Doc Eve

Photo Releases: World Wide Environmental, Safety and H e a l t h ( W W E S H ) GOLD AWARD from TI Corporate Office.

2008 Gawad Kalusugan at Kaligtasan (GKK) Award conferred to TI (Philippines), Inc. by the O ccu p a tion a l Safety and Health Center (OSHC).

Masters in Business Administration degree conferred to Jonathan D. Mondero by the University of Baguio President, Engr. Herminio C. Bautista during the UB Commencement Exercises held at the University of Baguio Gym last October 18, 2008 Gary Estacio and Abet Flores with Department of Energy Secretary, Angelo Reyes during the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (NEECP)

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SPORTS

24 Hours of Endurance in Subic

Another "24 Hours of Endurance" Mountain Bike Race was conquered once again by the TIPI Cycling club and other Baguio Mt. bikers last November 8 and 9 in Subic just across the Ocean Adventure Park.

The categories for the event are the All Men and Mixed. Each team has a maximum of three racers, for amateur and novice racers only. The solo category are open for amateur and novice racers alike. Bikers from Mindanao, Bicol, National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, Baguio and Northern part of Luzon traveled to the former American military base to participate in this annual mountain bike racing event.

The race begun at noon of November 8 and ended at around the same time the next day. All of about 200 bikers coursed around the 6 km asphalt circuit of mixed forest of the former military base. Enduring the heat of the sun, exhaustion, darkness of the night and coolness of the forest, all TIPI/Baguio bikers were able to finish the race more than the minimum of 12 rounds (72 km).

Results were more respectable for the team as 2 “all men� team landed from 5th to 10th places. The mixed team landed 4th while the age 20-29 category for solo was 3rd place. The placing is determined by the number of rounds a biker/group garners after 24 hours and in case of tie, the earliest

-Allan Olipane-

finisher.

TIPI cyclists are composed of Rey De Jesus, George Killo and Jake Aromin (Team Pine), Rodel Carino (solo), Allan Olipane (solo), Agustin Lan-aon (solo) and Vher De Dios (solo). Other Baguio Mt. bikers were: Edison Morales, Sonny Lamsis, Paul Bato (Team Uwaynasdi - All men), Danny Sumegang, Ken Daweg, Lisa Maraan (Baguio Tee Mixed) and Arnold Lozano (solo). Of course the race will not be complete without team

BodyBuilding Club on the run at 32nd Milo Marathon - Jong Ignacio The members of the Texins Body Building Club proved that they were not only good in lifting weights and building muscles but also are good runners. With the good leadership and encouragement of Butch Buenaventura and the guidance of the club president, they had unanimously convinced members of the club and their dependents to participate in the 32nd Milo Marathon that was successfully held last October 5, 2008 on the grounds of Melvin Jones, Burnham Park.

The marathon run was opened by Honorary Mayor Reynaldo Bautista and composed of 3 kms Kiddie Fun Run, 5 kms for 12 years old and above and the half marathon -21 kms. The competition was participated by students, different folks/companies in Baguio and all bodybuilding club members who participated were able to cross the finish line. The half marathon -21 km run was indeed a challenge to some of our club members but they finished with pride.

This was the first marathon joined by the club and are looking into joining future runs not only to join and support community sports activities but also to promote physical fitness and wellness.

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Not just lifting... they also run...

supports composed of Butch Buenaventura (TIPI fitness instructor), Ariel Ambalong (Test), Rommel Noderama (Facilities) and Jeffrey Gonzalez (Delta) plus drivers Bebot and Paeng. They all helped to prepare food and drinks, bikes, tally scores and cheer to mention a few.

Next plan for the club is to join the Jerry Larrazabal Bike Festival sometime April 2009 at Subic. Interested TIERs and contractuals who wish to join and participate in the club's activities may contact George, Jake or Ray.

TIPI Bags the Mens Double Gold on the 1st PMA Badminton Tournament - Art Bayot -

The tandem of Art Bayot & Amiel Lagadan on the age bracket category in badminton is a force to recon with. In the concluded 1st PMA Badminton Tournament held last October 26 at PMA gymnasium, they bagged the championship and are looking forward to defend the title next year. The tournament invited various players from different clubs in Baguio City and part of Northern Luzon.

The TIPI Badminton Club is inviting new members to join.

Practice sessions are being conducted every Wednesdays, 6-9 pm at the Texins Multipurpose Gym.

Badminton Champions: Amiel (2nd from left) and Art (3rd from left) ...way to go!!!

TMS Revisits Wonders of Ifugao and Mountain Province - Dolly Olimpo, Anne Valmonte & Lorie Pascua The Texins Mountaineering Society expanded once again its activities by visiting Mountain Province and Ifugao, two great provinces of the Cordilleras. The club members realized that they had so much to see and so many things they wanted to do in these two places with so little time. Also known as the Banaue-Sagada Friendship Adventure, the 32 members of mountain climbers and nature trippers went into a 3 day marathon of activities to fit into their tight 3 day adventure from October 24 to October 26.

On the first day, the team took the Vizcaya route to Banaue and after several misadventures with police folks in some check points, the team arrived safely in Banaue.

The team was able to visit a typical ifugao village, complete with its original Ifugao Huts. They were also treated to view the remains (bones in fact) of one of the family's ancestors. After that, it was a quick stop at the view decks, taking countless souvenir photos and whirlwind shopping for tokens and other souvenir items.

The Banaue Rice Terraces is still an awe inspiring site. The TMS family had a great time taking pictures, making sure that the rice terraces provided a scenic background.

Banaue The Rice Terraces is 2000 years old and was carved into the mountains of Ifugao by ancestors of the Batad indigenous people.

The rice terraces are commonly referred to by the Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.. It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said that if the steps are put end to end, it would encircle half the globe.

The adventures continue...

Snapshot of memories to keep...

Sagada The team then proceeded to Sagada. By the time the group reached Bontoc, it was already dark and the group decided to have dinner at the town plaza before heading to their final destination.

When the TMS family reached Sagada, they were already tired of the day's activities and were ready to have a good night's rest. Known for their organization, and as recognized by other mountaineering clubs, the members settled for the night with their own teams huddled in their selected rooms in two lodging houses.

The second day of adventure started with breakfast shared among the teams. As usual, breakfast was a happy experience for new comers as they shared stories of previous TMS adventures, jokes and funny memories.

The team had their hands full with the second day's activities. It included mostly treks and spelunking to the Echo Valley where hanging coffins can be viewed and to the burial and limestone caves. The caving was a great experience for both the new and the seasoned members alike. The members were not only challenged to go in between crevices, crawl between limestone formations, climb and slide, get soaked in cold water but also to do some rappelling. The three children of one of the members did enjoy the adventure. The day ended with a picnic at the big falls and for some swimming and dipping to the icy cold water of the falls.

On the third and final day, the members visited a beautiful lake, went to check pottery and appreciated “weaving� in one of the famous weaving houses before returning for home.

Overall, the adventure was great. As all other TMS adventure and activity, new friendships were formed and old bonds were renewed. These among others always make the TMS family seek new adventures and are always ready for new 17 explorations.

The Christmas I Will Never Forget - Chanda Nacua It has always been the same, same old Christmas dĂŠcor, Same old songs and cheers, and same red and green carpet on the floor, Lively colored advent wreath will welcome guests at the door.

But what was so different was when it was so near to not have a family of four.

As family of three, a daughter, mommy and daddy, Bringing life to this world again, it has always been a journey, From start of life and until the day he is kicking inside my tummy.

September was the month when I gave birth to my second baby.

Little did I know that I will only count six days, That I will close my eyes and had one last look at the light rays, I saw a white light as I float in the air, and it feels so alone, I saw my family in the horizon, crying, thinking I would be gone.

Indeed that was a journey; I thought will end shortly, I was so happy when God told me it was just the beginning, don't you see.

Of my second life, and I shall always be happy.

Last Christmas is the one I will never forget, for it was my first one again with my whole family.