Samahan January 2011 issue: One@2011

January 2011 Vol 3 No. 1

Roberto N. Huang

Enrico E. Reyes

Emilie Anne G. Dumalag

Editorial Board

Donabelle G. Magcalen Editor-In-Chief

Reinerio Alba, Toots dela Cruz, Girlie Garces, Jon Hernandez ,James Lopez, Toks Lopez, Meggy Macion, Mark Ragasa, Arnie Senires, Kiko Sison Writers

Ken Bautista, Conrad Javier Illustrators

Rhoy Cobilla, Alexies Santiago Photographers

James Carter Ladera Layout Artist

Walter C. Villa Editorial Consultant

Cover Photo

by Walter C. Villa

Cover Art and Layout

by Conrad Javier Production Design

by Eric Manalo Make-Up

by Arlene Adto

Samahan would like to thank the following for helping us put this issue together Joeman Alba, Mela Ortiz, Erwin Salamat, San Miguel Foundation, SMB OpCom

SAMAHAN, a Tagalog word, is a commonly-used term in the Philippines, the meaning of which encompasses anything related to a collective act, being together or being one.

The word SAMAHAN is said to have been popularized by San Miguel Beer . Its taglines “Samahang Walang Katulad” and “Iba ang may pinagsamahan” have brought strong recall especially among Filipinos who come together, then and now, over a bottle of beer.

SAMAHAN portrays the company’s tagline “Drink to Life” -- for one drinks to life in the company of friends, whether times are good or bad. In the same way, it reflects the Filipino’s character and way of life.

We are one. We are Number One.

On our third year as an independent subsidiary, we say cheers to three reasons why SMB remains on top of its class: excellent and dedicated personnel, delightful offerings to our consumers, and our shared passion to the attainment of company goals.

We have over 2,500 employees and however diverse our thoughts, background and inherent characteristics are, we choose to work as One Team SMB.

We have many different ways to get our products across 471,000 distribution networks in the Philippines and in close to 50 countries worldwide but we all embark in one SMB journey.

We are ever devoted to the fulfillment of our individual roles, each geared towards the realization of One SMB Goal: our commitment to make life worth drinking to.

As we count our blessings in 2010 and look forward to a brighter 2011, we in Samahan hope you gain wisdom from the tales of three long-time San Miguel employees (see Brewing Dreams p. 6 and Half a Lifetime Longer p. 10). We toast to their achievements as well as our own for making SMB plans, programs and citations possible.

We wish that you find the gift of camaraderie (see Three’s a Company p.4) and the sense of wonder (see Cebu, See Beer p.14) in your everyday work. Above all, we hope that you remain true to the values that define our team, our journey and our goal. (see Migs Decorum p. 11)

Happy reading!

SMB Departments as represented by the following:

1. Joen Cruz (Logistics)

2. Karen Paguio (San Miguel Brewing International Ltd.)

3. Donnie Ray Cruz (Sales)

4. Atty. Rommel Lumibao (Office of the General Counsel)

5. Tricia Tan (Business Planning and Quality and Productivity Management)

6. Resi Jimenez (Office of the President)

7. Jen Mendoza (Information Systems Management)

8. Jun Villar (Manufacturing)

9. Jules Lim (Marketing)

10. Liz Luciano (Finance)

11. Tet Racelis (Human Resources)

12. Noel Lopena (Brewing Techonology Group)

13. Anna Tamayo (Business Procurement Group)

14. Rici Legaspi (Audit)

Ruling Champs

2010 SMB DRINKING CHAMPS. Clocking 53.6 seconds, the Naunsyame Team of Greater Manila Area-North (GMAN) won this year’s Consumers Edition of the SMB National Beer Drinking Contest (SMB-NBDC) held at Cebu Park Mall last November. The annual event aims to delight loyal patrons with huge financial rewards while enjoying their favorite SMB in the company of friends. Photo shows members of the champion team consisting of Roberto Aban (seated from left), Rolando Monzon, Paul Victor Peregrino, Ramil Asistio, and Rommel Monzon with SMB excecutives (second row, standing) Christian Carlo Castelo, GMAN Territory Sales Manager Frederick Pelayo, Executive Vice Pres. Keisuke Nishimura, National Sales Manager Debbie D. Namalata, Chief Financial Advisor Motoyasu Ishihara and GMAN Area Sales Manger Albert Christopher Villas. Organized by the SMB Sales-Trade Promo and Merchandising (TPM) unit, the SMB-NBDC was also conducted separately among San Miguel Group employees and members of the media nationwide. – Toots dela Cruz

We round up recent triumphs in marketing campaigns and strategies.

SAN MIGUEL LIFESTYLE BREWS AT MBKRS AWARDS

2010. San Miguel Lifestyle Brews, composed of Cerveza Negra, San Miguel Premium All Malt Beer and San Miguel SuperDry sponsored the 2010 Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets (MBKRS) Awards held at the Enderun Colleges Culinary Center in Taguig City. During the media launch, SMB brewmaster Alan T. Sienes conducted a briefing on beer appreciation and discussed the distinct qualities of the three premium brands of SMB. The sponsorship was part of San Miguel Lifestyle Brews campaign on beer and food pairing. Photo shows from left: SMB Brand Activation Manager Ray Encomienda, Sienes, event organizers Elian Habayeb and Ines Cabarrus and SMB Brand Activation Associate Paolo Villanueva during the kickoff party last October.

OKTOBERFEST

9-BALL

OPEN WINNER. Veteran pool player Dennis Orcollo emerged victorious and romped off with a tax-free cash prize of P500,000 in the first-ever San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest 9-Ball Open organized by the SMB Marketing unit. Orcollo defeated 18 finalists from all over the Philippines including multi-titled Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante and Ronnie Alcano. Held at the Skydome SM North Edsa in Quezon City last November 3-5, 2010, the event was played in a single elimination format with raceto-seven racks under the WPA international rules for 9-ball. Qualifying legs were conducted at the Ever Commonwealth in Quezon City, Pacman Sports Grill in General Santos City, RG Billiards in Pangasinan, Bacolod Billiards in Bacolod City and at Paeng’s Eastwood Bowl in Quezon City. The competition, introduced to add another exciting dimension to the annual San Miguel Beer Oktoberfest, drew over 240 participants nationwide. – Jon Hernandez

LUCKY CROWNS.

For collecting the most number of San Miguel Pale Pilsen crowns, Puerto Princesa’s Barangay Matahimik in Malvar Street now enjoys a newly refurbished basketball court after winning in the 2010 Bayanihang Tansan Challenge of SMB’s flagship brand. The baranggay won through Angelace sari-sari store, owned by Kagawad Job Magbanua (center) who was rewarded with San Miguel Pale Pilsen products. The San Miguel Pale Pilsen 2010 Bayanihang Tansan Challenge team also treated the baranggay to a free concert with an overflowing supply of San Miguel Pale Pilsen. Photo shows SMB’s District Sales Supervisor Romy Manaig (left) and Brand Activation Associate Juan Paolo Villanueva with Magbanua during the culmination of the eight-week crown collection promo. – Toots dela Cruz

Three’s a Company

On our third anniversary, our celebrations have become longer, more meaningful and diverse yet unified than meets the eye

Bacolod Brewery: Stronger @ 20

Bacolod Brewery held a double celebration last October 8 in observance of the company’s third anniversary and as a thanksgiving for the plant’s 20 years of operations in Bgy. Granada.

With a theme anchored on fraternity and brotherhood, the momentous event was capped with a boodle fight in true military style and meaning. Staff and managers alike partook of the sumptuous meal served atop banana leaves on a long table.

In its 20th year, the Bacolod brewery has so much to thank for. It boasts of strong labormanagement relations, efficient productivity, strong brand presence in the region and sustained partnerships with local government and other stakeholders.

“We all agree that the brewery had its share of ups and downs. Its resilience had been tested not only once but several times. Still, here we are ready and stronger as ever,” plant manager Dante E. Patrimonio said during the celebration.

“If we compare it to human behavior, at 20 years old, we are past the stage of foolishness and quick impulses. We have all grown wiser. We have learned to accept our faults and differences. And in San Miguel, there is unity in diversity. What makes it work is our strong sense of pakikisama and genuine concern for one another,” he stressed.

Patrimonio believes that all the accomplishments of the brewery are fruits of strong corporate policies and strategies and at the same time, community involvement that sets it apart from the corporate citizenry of Bacolod City, as well as other cities that the company serves. The brewery continues to do its signif -

icant share in nation-building via responsible stewardship of the environment and supportive relationship with its host communities.

Human Resources manager John de Guzman and 53 other “originals” of Bacolod brewery are witnesses of the plant’s challenging past. They recently received commendations for 20 years of service during the 2010 SMB Employee Service Awards.

De Guzman said they are witnesses of the brewery’s journey. “We grew with it, we helped in its growing pains and difficult past and we are now savoring the fruits of that unselfish and dedicated labor.”

The anniversary celebration was a reunion of sorts for De Guzman who was posted at the Polo Brewery for almost two years and was recently directed to “go back to barracks” in time for the 20 year anniversary.

The brewery could not have reached this far without everyone’s cooperation, he said, adding that he believed the company has ceased to be merely an employer but it has evolved into a family that cares for its members.

Like any other celebration, the event started with a mass officiated by Our Lady of Lourdes Parish priest Fr. Armand Onion who impressed on the spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie.

Stakeholders from host barangays –Granada and Estefania, including the police and faculty members of Patricia Homes Elementary School and Generoso Villanueva National High School partied with company employees. – Toks B. Lopez

Davao Brewery: DB XV

Davao Brewery (DB), the youngest among San Miguel’s five domestic breweries, once again proves that dynamism is one of its strong attributes, made evident by its exciting and relevant activities rolled out in celebration of SMB’s third year as an independent subsidiary.

“DB XV” was the chosen theme for the occasion, the XV signifying the brewery’s 15 years of service.

Rev. Fr. Eliezer Capuyan, DCD officiated the thanksgiving mass and led the blessing of the plant’s 1995 Pavilion.

After the formal opening of the photo collage-making contest where each department shared its photo collection of the plant’s milestones, significant programs and unforgettable moments through the years, the employees shared quality time over a quick salo-salo of Filipino delicacies. Meanwhile, photography enthusiasts lost no time in capturing moments of the day’s celebration for the “DBXV On the Spot” contest.

Excitement heightened as the day progressed with employees looking forward to the main event.

APPROVED! (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Sales Logistics Head Rufino I. Yatar, Plant Logistics Head Lee R. Baguio, QA Manager Wilfredo M. Reyes, Finance Manager Jose L. Parreno, HRA Manager John Lorenzo O. de Guzman, Plant Manager Dante E. Patrimonio, Brewing Manager Hector R. Belcina, Engineering and Packaging Manager Edwin C. Bioneda, Sales Manager Joel S. Zamudio, and BAC Officer Ma. Antonieta B. Lopez

DAVAO PARTY (FROM TOP) Judging of photo contest entries, and Fr. Elieser Capuyan

The Beermen in Mandaue celebrated the occasion with an early mass at 1521 Center which was participated in by both the plantbased personnel and the sales teams.

During the celebration, the plant management reiterated among the employees the importance of upholding Customer Delight, one of the core values of the company.

In his talk, Territory Sales Manager Rhodel Demetria said that San Miguel Beer has remained where it is through the years because of the hard work and dedication given by each employee. “Ang produkto natin ay pangmatagalan. Di lang pa-uso-uso.”

Mandaue Brewery: Three wishes @ 3 One At Three

For him, the sustaining value of the product is built on the consistency of quality, the distinct flavor that appeals to the discriminating taste, and worth that delights the customer.

Plant Manager Manuel M. Moreno (or M3 to his team), asked that the group grant him three wishes in this celebration.

“ Yon ay ang pagiging masinop ; careful and focused in our pursuit for excellence. Malinis, by making our good manufacturing practices our way of life; and pagkakaroon ng malasakit which aside from going the extra mile also means, taking care of yourself by wearing your protective gear at work.

M3 expounded on the concept of malasakit :

“ Malasakit is relating professionally with one another, making sure that time is not wasted for petty arguments and unresolved conflicts. Malasakit is caring for yourself because you know that you are important to the company’s achievement of its goals. Ang pag-alaga sa sarili, ay pag-alaga sa kumpanya. It is taking needed rests and staying within speed limits when you deliver products or services on field.” – Girlie Garces

The DB Babes’ opening dance number set the mood for partying. After Plant Manager Noel C. Villanueva warmly welcomed the employees, the Human Resources Administration (HRA), treated the employees to a trip down the memory lane via an audio-visual presentation featuring various faces and events of Davao Brewery.

Employees immensely enjoyed the “Name that Photo” game where they were reminded of not only their 15 years of friendship but also the much younger and slimmer version of themselves. Next, the crowd went wild cheering for their respective teams in the inter-department San Miguel Beer Sensory Challenge.

Culminating the festivity was “Inom Ta Bai” where everybody had fellowship, more fun and games.

DB XV was a celebration of the company’s friendship, triumphs, blessings, and at the same time, a renewal of Team Davao Brewery’ commitment to achieve greater heights. The day would not be complete without their proud battlecry: “Sabay-sabay sa pag-unlad! Samahang walang katulad!”

– Meggy Macion

More than 200 employees stationed at the National Office proudly celebrated the third anniversary of SMB with a renewed spirit. Signalling a brighter beginning on its third year, the new design of the reception lobby of the company’s main office at the fourth level of the SMC Head Office was revealed to the employees. Following the blessing and inauguration of the newly-refurbished lobby, employees proceeded to the SMC chapel at the basement area for the thanksgiving holy mass. A simple feast commenced at the canteen area where the SMB Opcom unveiled the “SPICE it up” logo to remind employees of the five company core values and guide them on how to think, behave and act accordingly (see Migs Decorum, p. 11). During the anniversary party, the management awarded winners of the SMB Idol-Duets Edition and the SMB National Bowlfest from the National Office. SMC Idols Duet Edition win -

ners Paulene Parma and Gerace Camarce serenaded the audience with their winning pieces. In his inspirational message, company President Roberto N. Huang thanked the employees for another rewarding year and enjoined them to “further work harmoniously, conscientiously, with pride and with a joyful heart” towards bigger successes in 2011.

PARTY, PARTHREE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT). The blessing of newly renovated fourth floor lobby; San Miguel Beermen PBA Cagers; and the unveiling of the “S.P.I.C.E. It Up” logo.

SOUTHERN SHINE (LEFT FROM TOP). The Mandaue Brewery Family and Plant Manager Manny Moreno.

Brewing Dreams

T

wo days after I passed the board exams for chemists in 1974, I received employment invitations from several companies including San Miguel. There was an offer to work as a forensic chemist for the National Bureau of Investigations but I thought the job would be gruesome for me. PetroPhil (now Petron) was a top choice but perhaps it was not meant for me either as I got lost en route to my job interview in Pandacan.

There was also the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), the predecessor of Manila Water and Maynilad. The starting salary was more than three times higher than San Miguel’s and twice my earnings at FEU as a lecturer yet my father persuaded me to choose San Miguel.

Then there were the signs: First, I was able to reach Polo Brewery without a snag. Next, I was escorted through the brewhouse to reach the laboratory, a passage reserved for VIPs, where my interviewer, then chief chemist Desiderio Grozman, was waiting.

Everybody in the lab flashed a welcoming smile except for a man who was working on an air content of a beer bottle. I later learned he was Jun Aralar, now with Beer Export, and he must be skeptic of my long hair, a stark mismatch with my polo barong.

After two interviews, I took up the psychological test and on the following day, underwent medical examination at the Don Andres Soriano Memorial Clinic (DASMC) in Otis St., Pandacan.

Arnie Senires of the Brewing Technical Group reminisces samahan moments with San Miguel ~

SEPIA MEMORIES. Young Arnie at Aviles Brewery laboratory

After three days, I was accepted for the job not in Polo, but in Aviles Brewery, along J.P. Laurel Street (formerly Calle Aviles) beside Malacañang Palace.

At the Aviles Brewery, Mr Dante Gerochi, the laboratory head asked me to wait inside the plant manager’s office. There, I chanced upon a picture of a saint with a caption “San Arnulfo, Patron Saint of the Brewing Industry.”

I realized there is a beer saint and I am one of his namesakes. Then, I remember that the patron saint of my hometown in Cebu is Saint Michael, the Archangel. Perhaps, I was really destined to work in San Miguel Brewery after all.

After sometime, Mr Gerochi went back with the plant manager and brewmaster, Mr Jacobo Gay, a Spaniard who grew up in Iloilo. The two discussed with me my short training, work schedule and starting salary. Then they introduced me to the rest of the team which includes Mr. Josefino “Ka Pepe” Cruz, who was then the assistant brewmaster and now SMB’s Manufacturing Head; Mr. Jun Magdangal (the father of actress Jolina Magdangal) and the lab staff.

I noticed that everybody was looking at my long hair as well as my American Bell pants. It was about time to sport a shorter hairdo, I thought.

The Hard Days Night

After a three-day training, I assumed the work in Aviles manning the 6PM to 2AM shift. My work schedule was indeed very tough. I was the only chemist in my shift with one lab attendant.

Eventually, the load became easier for me because of teamwork. Mr. Gerochi would plan all the sampling and analysis to help me make most of my eight-hour stay in the lab. My lab assistant would fetch my dinner from the canteen, a big help since I only had 15 minutes to eat and another 15 minutes to rest -- partially because I had to do a packaging quality tests on crowns - sorting for foreign crowns, misaligned prints and other defects.

My work was a combination of analysis of brewhouse samples, bottling, soaker (bottle

cleaning), fermenting, storage beer, packaged beer, microbiological works, preparation of additives, sampling, statistical quality control, and so forth. If there were no operations, I would be given special research assignments.

After my shift, I still could not go home because of the curfew from 12 midnight to 5 AM, under the Martial Law. I had no choice but to stay in brewery to sleep until I could go out.

My Aviles bosses, Messrs Gay and Cruz, were nice but very strict. I remember this instance when a man in suit entered the lab and asked for a bottle of San Miguel Pale Pilsen. I politely declined his request because I had to follow the instruction of the lab head not to give beer to unfamiliar visitors. The gentleman instead asked for Mr. Cruz so I led him to his office. He turned out to be Mr. Dominador Santos, the senior vice president of the Beer Division, a man highly feared not only in Aviles but also in Polo and Mandaue.

1975: Aviles’ Last Year

In 1975, San Miguel’s new corporate logo was introduced. Designed in California, it bore

water droplets and leaves to symbolize the company’s growth. The Escudo was assigned for use only by San Miguel Beer Manufacturing and Marketing Divisions. This was also the year when the Appraisal and Merit Increase schemes took into effect. And so did the PROTECCS level for professional technical employees. These were contained in a memo issued by then EVP Mr. Joaquin Preysler (who settled in Spain after retiring from San Miguel and whose daughter married famous balladeer Julio Iglesias).

Sadly, 1975 was also Aviles Brewery’s last year of operations. After 85 years of dedicated brewing that started on October 4, 1890, La Fabrica de Cerveza de San Miguel in Calle Aviles bottled its last brew on December 30, 1975.

We were told to carefully pack the old lab instruments that were kept inside the drawers for many, many years. I never used those equipment – a hand operated table top centrifuge, a two-foot long spindle with around 7 to 8 inches diameter which I believed was immersed directly into an open fermenting tank. There were other instruments worthy as museum display.

Everyone was on the verge of tears. I remember the silent sobs of Mang Juan, a diligent, hardworking San Miguel old timer. He was the man bringing me soaker solutions (for bottle washing) for analysis in the lab.

The Corporate R&D and Central Lab transferred to their new site in Ugong, Pasig while the brewery employees were transferred to Polo. Other employees opted to retire. Mr. Gerochi later on immigrated with his family to the USA. Mr. Gay settled in Australia after a year of serving Polo brewery. Both of them had since passed away but I will not forget the memories of our samahan. There is the commemorative bottle of Aviles’ last brew which I prominently display in our small bar at home to remind me of my first bittersweet yet truly satisfying taste of San Miguel.

Eight Days a Week

We reported for work in Polo brewery on January 2, 1976. During this time, there were

PAST TENSE (CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT). At the Molson Brewery in Canada; in Aviles with the late brewmaster Fanny Espinosa; working in Aviles; and training in Winnipeg .

only two breweries that produced San Miguel Pale Pilsen – Polo and Mandaue. However, the demand for San Miguel beer in the Philippines increased tremendously. As a result, Polo had to operate seven days a week with very short stoppage in packaging operations for clean up. That included all holidays. We were working eight days a week and were required to render at least an hour of overtime work.

I was assigned in the 10 PM to 6 AM shift permanently from 1976 to 1980. In 1979, through the San Miguel Educational Program, I started taking my master of science degree in chemistry at the University of Sto. Tomas. In late 1980, I was promoted to senior chemist and I finally tasted day shift.

Working in Polo was very tough since all the high ranking technical officers and brewmasters held office there. I remember Messrs. Alfonso Matilla, Nicolas Montenegro, Eric Wimmer (a German), Roland Grahme Ord (a British), Juan Antonio Lanuza (of the Ortigas clan), Honorio Garcia, and so forth. These men instilled in us the values of discipline, hardwork, honesty and loyalty to San Miguel.

I also remember the first lady officer of San Miguel, Mrs. Asuncion Mañosa-Boissy who headed San Miguel Brewery’s R&D. Mrs. Boissy is the sister of the National Artist for Architecture, Mr Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, who designed our current Head Office Complex)

Mrs. Boissy was so nice to me that several times she would ask for my transfer to R&D but Mr Grozman would not allow it. Sometimes,

she would excuse me from my Polo duties to go with her and the R&D staff to the old Head Office in Ayala and conduct taste testing sessions with Mr. Andres Soriano Jr., Mr. Carlos Infante and other high ranking Beer Division officers.

It’s a Small World with San Miguel Beer!

The popular San Miguel Beer jingle sang by the Asia’s Queen of Songs, Ms. Pilita Corrales, aptly describes the blessings I enjoyed in San Miguel.

Through San Miguel I was able to travel to several places across the world. The first was in Singapore followed by a malting and brewing training in the Prairie Provinces of Canada and then to other countries. Mr Grozman would ask me to write papers for presentation to the San Miguel Technical and Quality Fora, to the American Society of Brewing Chemists in Chicago with a side trip visit to Miller Brewery in Milwaukee. The last was my paper on Food Safety at the 2nd World Brewing Congress in San Diego. Eventually, my paper was published in the Technical Quarterly of the Master Brewers Association of the Americas and up to now, a reference paper to food safety journals worldwide – thanks to the excellent editing of Ms. Kin Lichauco of CAO.

However, my most unforgettable presentation was during the SMC Quality Forum in 1989. Initially, my paper was rejected because the organizers found it too academic. How-

ever, Mr. Grozman insisted so I was given a chance to present as the last speaker of the two-day forum.

My paper re-visited the sub-molecular concepts in chemistry and their applications to the industry specifically problem solving. After I delivered the paper, Mr. Miguel Unson, dubbed as the “Father of San Miguel Quality Systems” stood up and prodded the audience to give a standing ovation for me, Mr. Grozman and my colleagues in Polo brewery. The feeling was indescribable since I was the only presentor to be given such honor.

I have never dreamed of going to Urumqui the capital of China’s – Autonomous Muslim Province, XinJiang or sight seeing in the awesome landscape of Gansu province. I never imagined seeing a Tasmanian Devil in Australia or the serene Lake Louise in the Banff National Park in Canada and many more wonderful places. I would cherish these moments, most importantly, the life I have had and known because of San Miguel. Life is a brew. Dreams can come true.

Mr. Arnulfo “Arnie” Senires is a Cebuano who grew up in Norzagaray, Bulacan and Manila. Happily based in the head office, he is one of the most prized chemists of SMB’s Brewing Technical Group.

[ED’S NOTE: The writer says he is not fond of writing essays but he gladly accepted SAMAHAN’s invitation to share his beer tale, a feat and story that is definitely worth a toast.]

Through San Miguel, I was able to travel to several places across the world. The first was in Singapore followed by a malting and brewing training in the Prairie Provinces of Canada and then to other countries

COOL RUNNINGS (CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT). International participants of training in Canada; at the American Society of Brewing Chemists; at a brewpub in Calgary; and participants of the World Brewing Congress.

Beefing Up Right

Rescue amphibian vehicle, going blue and award-winning CSR programs

IABC AWARDS SMB COMMUNITY CLINICS.

GOING BLUE. Officials and employees in the SMB National Office pledged their support in battling air and water pollution during the Clean Air and Clean Water Awareness and Consciousness Program conducted by the SMB National HR unit last November 30, 2010. The activity was part of the company’s ongoing Buhayin ang Kalikasan Program under the “Go Blue” component, with the color signifying air and water. Program partner Ziebart Philippines offered free vehicle emission testing for SMB National Office employees. During the program, company president Roberto N. Huang and Business Planning and Quality and Productivity Management awarded the winners of the Quality Workplace Audit Program in the Head Office. Photo shows the SMB Opcom during the event.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) recognized the immense contribution of SMB’s community clinics located in Valenzuela, San Fernando City and Bgy. Darong in Davao del Sur during the 2010 Philippine Quill Awards held in November. Plant Managers Roberto de Leon (San Fernando Brewery) and Rogelio dela Cruz (Polo Brewery) represented SMB in receiving the Award of Merit extended to the San Miguel Foundation, the social development arm of San Miguel Corporation. The annual Philippine Quill is regarded as the most prestigious and relevant award for business communicators in the country. SMB’s sister company San Miguel Pure Foods Co. (SMPFC) was also cited. Photo shows IABC representatives with (third from left) SMF Executive Director Camille Buenaventura, SMC Vice President for Corporate Affairs Ramon Santiago, SMPFC President Francisco Alejo III, dela Cruz, San Miguel Foods Inc.-Poultry and Meats Business Vice President and General Manager Leo Abviar and de Leon.

RESCUE VEHICLE FOR POLO. San Miguel Polo Brewery formally received the amphibious vehicle donated by parent company San Miguel Corporation for use in rescue and evacuation operations in the surrounding areas of the plant. Earlier, last November 03, SMB President Roberto Huang led SMB Polo employees and officers from nearby Bgy Potrero in the symbolic blessing of the rescue equipment which was later on tested in the waters of Malabon and Navotas. Photo shows (from right) SMB’s National Logistics Manager Rene T. Ceniza, National Human Resources and Business Affairs and Communications Head Enrico E. Reyes, Polo Brewery Plant Manager Rogelio C. Dela Cruz and Mr. Huang with community officials.

– James Anthony Lopez

GMA SALES HR FEEDING PROGRAM. The GMA Sales Human Resources recently showed how SMB can help uplift the lives of the less fortunate, one meal at a time. In coordination with Caritas Manila, the group spread holiday cheer by conducting a feeding program for 70 undernourished children last December 18 at the Sto. Nino Parish in Pandacan, Manila. Around 20 volunteer employees helped in the preparation and distribution of food for beneficiaries aged 5 to 9. Melissa Corpuz of Caritas Operations Center and Liza Gaa of Caritas Manila assisted the group in ensuring the success of the event. Earlier, the GMA Sales HR Team formally turned over eight sacks of rice, assorted Purefoods canned goods and Cali drinks to the Caritas Manila Office. The outreach program was designed by the GMA Sales Human Resources to promote employee volunteerism during the Christmas season. – Mark Ragasa

WELCOMING PETRON. Last but definitely not the least, Team SMB wrapped up the SMC Business Reintroduction program designed by the Corporate HR Services to reorient Petron Corp. employees to their sister companies in the San Miguel Group. SMB offered its trademark entertainment package to the delight of the crowd: a mini sports bar that allowed employees to play with world-class cue masters, a bar put up by San Miguel Brewing International Ltd. (SMBIL) where San Miguel international beers were made available, a basketball booth that gave basketball fans a chance to play with San Miguel Beermen PBA stars, an exhibit of well-loved SMB advertisements through the years and many more. The event also saw the launch of the San Miguel Beer National Beer DrinkingContest-SMG Employee Edition.

Photo shows SMB President Roberto N. Huang (front from left) and SMBIL Managing Director Carlos Antonio M.Berba leading the opening ceremonies.

How Roberto Bernales adapted his ways to meet San Miguel Brewery’s changing times. J. Anthony Lopez discovers

He signed in for the sports.

At 21, Roberto “Obet”

Bernales chose San Miguel over an engineering company because the brewery reportedly has a very good health and fitness program. Then, there’s the commute to work – San Miguel’s shorter and less expensive.

Forty years later, Mr. Bernales is still going strong at SMB. Despite a number of transfers, job dissolutions, and a life-threatening condition, he has managed to stay on and continue to give the best years of his life to the company.

While Obet never worked for any other company, his career at San Miguel is a rollercoaster of sorts. He started as a reliever at the Labor Pool, got transferred at the now-defunct Civil Works department (Engineering), and is now comfortably ensconced at Quality Assurance (QA) as Product Quality Control (PQC) Inspector.

During his stint at Civil Works sometime in 1982, Obet was diagnosed with fibrous sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that forced him to take an extended medical leave and spend lots of time undergoing chemotherapy. Since San Miguel was generous enough to shoulder his medical bills, he was free to concentrate on getting well enough to report back to work.

Upon his return, the department was abolished. His work record and experience saved him retrenchment and he was able to hurdle all requirements prior to his transfer to QA. Not only did his performance save his job, but he worked well enough to top the exams and eventually be honored as a model employee in 1988.

With all the talk of automation and modernization, Bernales displays a work attitude that features calm confidence supported by cool logic. He admits that he understands why even big companies resort to changes that sometimes lead to reduction in the workforce. It doesn’t affect him, as he knows that if push comes to shove, his track record – work performance, attendance, punctuality, physical

Half a Lifetime Longer

health, and deference to company regulations – would always assure him of an open position in the company. He believes that while modernization and efficiency programs may mean lesser jobs, companies most often don’t want to see good people go. “With a good record, you will always be blessed with opportunities.”

Physically, Roberto Bernales looks healthier than your average middle-aged employee. With four decades in SMB, he shows no signs of slowing down. When asked about his impending retirement in the next few years, he mentions that he will take a very long time to decide on his plans, as this is an important decision too valuable to give in to impulses. Using the same calculated logic he displayed in his entire career, he mentions some of the horror stories told by earlier retirees, who blew their saving on ill-advised ventures and have nothing to fall back on. As he still has a wife and two daughters to take care of, 40 years isn’t enough for him to call it a career. This only means he’ll be back at his post the next working day, oblivious to his four decades of work experience and still raring to go.

BEST BET. Forty-year ESA awardee Obet Bernales lauds his life-changing decision to join San Miguel

Side

Softer Side

Another 40-Year ESA Awardee reminisces his career highlights.

“I am fondly called Pong by family and colleagues. I started working at San Miguel Corporation’s Polo Brewery in October 1970 and eventually regularized on March 9, 1971. I just graduated from Caloocan High School then when a co-football player who was already employed at the brewery invited me to join him. I was lucky enough to be employed as a labor pool worker and at the same time, play for the brewery’s softball team. My stint with the team earned me a place in the national softball team of San Miguel Corporation that brought me to different places in the country.

I decided to pursue my college education on my second year of employment. While studying, I was assigned as a utility personnel at the Office of the Plant Manager. I was then asked to transfer to Aviles Brewery to beef up its softball team. While playing for the brewery, I worked as a trainee office worker at the Engineering Department. I was a monthly paid employee for six months and stayed at Aviles until Malacanang transformed it as an extension office. It took me five and a half years to finish accounting, attending night classes. Luckily, I passed the board exam on my second try.

I went back to the Bottling Department’s Accounting Section of Polo Brewery and started from there a career that I would later call home.

When Canlubang Bottling was made operational, I joined the accounting section which was later merged with Sales Operation Accounting. I was then appointed Regional Finance Officer of Indirect Sales Operation.

Out of 118 awardees some 20 years ago, I am one of the only three to have reached the 40th year. I will be forever be thankful to my past and present superiors who have made it possible for me to persevere in the company. I thank my superiors who have encouraged me to pursue my studies by giving me working schedules to fit my schooling when I was at Polo and Aviles breweries. I thank our company doctors who continue to care for my health. I have already gone gallbladder removal, frozen shoulder operation, cataracts removed on both eyes and what have you. I cannot thank this company enough for providing what I need. This company clothed and sent my children to school.

For this, I will see to it that I give back—and giving back to this great company is a reward in itself. I commit myself to spending the rest of my working years with this company.” - ALBERTO “PONG” REGALADO, as told to Toots dela Cruz

MIGS DECORUM

Your Work Spice Up

Enliven your career with this creed

People Orientation, Customer Delight and Social Responsibility (for easier recall: remember the acronym “S.P.I.C.E.”)

In our third anniversary celebration, Our Operations Committee (OpCom), with the help of our Human Resources unit, launched the identified set of behaviours expected of each Beerman in accordance to our five Core Values.

So, how do we manifest these values in everyday dealings with our fellow Beermen and stakeholders? Read on:

INTEGRITY

• Follow legal standards and ethical practices.

Hello San Miguel Beermen! It has been a great year for us and I know that things will be greater for us this 2011. Yes, we’re back to work and while you’re reading this, I’m pretty sure that you are in the middle of working for an upcoming conference, a new campaign or a major program that will lead you to your unit’s objectives this year.

A piece of advice from Migs: stay focused, cool and driven despite all the challenges in the workplace because after all, there is always another day to make things even better.

We may have different ways of doing things but let’s not forget the reason why we work in SMB. Know our company’s core purpose by heart, re-examine yourself if you have been living up to the values of Integrity, Excellence,

• Uphold company rules and regulations.

• Protect company interest.

• Speak well of the company. Proudly endorse our company and products.

• Be accountable for our actions.

• Do the right thing all the time.

EXCELLENCE

• Strive to be a cut above the rest.

• Consistently seek out new ways of improving systems and processes, pursuing opportunities.

• Make things happen.

• Go the extra mile. Work beyond one’s scope and responsibility.

• Envision challenges as opportunities for growth.

• Uphold quality at all times.

PEOPLE ORIENTATION

• Treat each other with dignity, mutual trust and respect.

• Espouse teamwork.

• Recognize the strength in each of us.

• Demonstrate genuine concern for each other. Take time to talk, listen and appreciate one another.

• Enrich each other’s lives.

• Engage in company programs and events.

CUSTOMER DELIGHT

• Prioritize our customers.

• Consistently surprise customers with superior products and value-added services.

• Treat customers as valued partners.

• Honor our commitment. Deliver more than what is expected.

• Recognize that each customer is unique.

• Build a mutually beneficial relationship. Make every transaction a delightful experience.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Reduce, reuse, recycle.

• Care for our surrounding communities.

• Champion health, security and safety in areas where we operate

• Practice sound financial management.

• Engage in employee volunteerism.

• Encourage stakeholders to become our allies in community development.

Octo Arts

What’s with October? While we wrapped up another memorable celebration of San Miguel Oktoberfest, we also saw a medley of festivals that banners SMB among its revellers across the country. Our Business Affairs and Communications (BAC) Area Officers were there to capture the highlights of five festivals, each distinct from the other yet held together by a time-tested social glue – San Miguel Beer.

Bavaria in Manila

The Harbour Garden Tent of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel became a montage of celebration: everywhere you look were faces splashed with various colors, large mugs with frothy beer all raised in a toast for Oktoberfest Manila 2010 organized by the German Club Manila.

The spirit of Bavaria (a state in Germany where Oktoberfest originated) was all over the place: the smell of sausage, pastries and rolls wafting from the kitchen; the sight of men in lederhosen and women in dirndl national costumes; the snappy sound of foreign bands flown from Germany, and the crowd’s unison singing.

Needless to say, the event’s official local beer was of course San Miguel Beer. After a quick chat with Sofitel’s Resident Manager Mo Ihsan, we learned that the demand for October’s ubiquitous drink was phenomenal.

“Your beer is very good, I can vouch for its quality,” said the globetrotting Ihsan. Ihsan, who worked in Germany for nine years, revealed that his personal favorite is San Miguel Pale Pilsen, SMB’s flagship brand.

Ihsan also thanked the support extended by the SMB management led by SMB president Roberto N. Huang, San Miguel Brewing International Ltd. (SMBIL) managing director Carlos Antonio M. Berba, National Sales manager Debbie D. Namalata, Manufacturing head Josefino C. Cruz, Financial Planning and Analysis Manager Rodney D. Holmes and Executive Finance Advisor Motoyasu Ishihara last October.

He said he looks forward to brewing more exciting activities in partnership with SMB, lauding the beer market leader’s remarkable ability to “create ambience and provide entertainment” in every occasion. – Toots dela Cruz

Angeles City’s Tigtigan Festival

Who would ever think that Barangay Balibago, once a ghost town after Pinatubo eruption in 1991, would be reincarnated as the venue of the biggest street party in Central Luzon, known as Tigtigan-Terakan king Dalan or Tigtigan Festival?

“Agyu Tamu!” (“Yes, we can!”),the battle cry of the annual Tigtigan, is very apt as it draws exponential number of tourists through the years who take delight in the Angelenos’ verve for non-stop singing (tigtigan) and dancing (terakan) on the street (dalan). This year, Tigtigan attracted almost 50,000 participants.

The trademark yellow and red buntings of SMB dominated the long stretch of Balibago, leading to the SMB-assigned entertainment area where City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan appeared onstage together with SMB president Roberto N. Huang to congratulate the Angelenos for another successful festival.

Celebrated every last Friday and Saturday of October since 1992, Tigtigan Festival is never without San Miguel Beer: it was what Mayor Pamintuan described SMB as “a friend from the beginning” – “Iba and may pinagsamahan.”

Tigtigan Festival commemorates the indomitable spirit of the Angelenos who stood together to recover from the structural damage caused by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and the economic backlash caused by the withdrawal of the US Military from Clark.

For beer-drinkers, October with festivals galore is arguably the merriest time of the year.

LANZONES FESTIVAL PHOTO BY LESTER V. LEDESMA

To raise the morale of the residents and pump prime the local economy, Pamintuan adopted a month-long celebration of the Fiestang Kuliat, named after a native tree found abundant in the area. Despite the broken bridges and ever-present threat of lahar, the first TTKD was such a success that the earnings from ticket sales subsidized the Fiestang Kuliat celebration the following year.

— Kiko Sison

Dumaguete City’s Buglasan Festival

Buglasan Festival in Dumaguete City brings out the best of Oriental Negros’ five cities and 20 municipalities as they further their bid as one of the country’s premier ecotourism destinations.

This year, the festival featured among others, a festivals showdown, street-dancing, float parade, trade fairs, singing competitions and beauty pageants.

The Sidlakang Negros Tourism Village also provided a preview of what the province can offer as it showcased handicrafts, delicacies, products and agri-aqua produce in one stop.

Adding to the festive mood in the “City of Gentle People” was SMB’s nightly entertainment at the three festival sites that now include the boulevard which featured a strip of amusement spots frequented by locals, tourists and the city’s ever growing expat community.

This year, SMB has taken its partnership with the Negros Oriental Tourism Council to new heights as the festival played host to the company’s foremost entertainment event, Oktoberfest, on October 23 to culminate the ten days of revelry, religious fervor and civic pride.

There are two versions on how the island of Negros came to be known as Buglas. One story says the island was ripped off from a larger mass during an upheaval which the locals refer to as buklas while there’s another account

claiming that it was named after a buglas, a tall grass abundantly found in the island.

Whichever version one finds more convincing, the island is now divided into two provinces and politically tagged as oriental and occidental, and its people continue to pay annual homage to history by celebrating their traditions, handicrafts, fresh produce and nature spots via the Buglasan Festival. – Toks Lopez

Camiguin’s Lanzones Festival

Famous for its scenic spots, beautiful beaches and resorts, and the sweetest lanzones, Camiguin Island celebrated the harvest of their famous fruit with a week of sports, streetdancing, parade of local culture, agro-industrial trade fair, and SMB street parties last October 18 to 23.

Camiguin Tourism Center becomes the heart of the party where residents and tourists partied till dawn with their favourite San Miguel Beer brands. Aside from the lively spirits, SMB also brought the coolest sounds of Cagayan de Oro’s Andromeda and New Fantastic bands as well as the hottest sights -- with a group of mostly lady fire dancers from various places in Mindanao.

Other crowd-drawing events supported by SMB were Kalanrakas (cultural presentation), streetdancing, Ms. Buahanan (Ms. Lanzones Festival), tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball tournaments, and UGMAD 2010 – a trade fair showcasing the island’s best products and handicrafts, fashion accessories, food, furniture, gifts, and housewares. Fruits and vegetables were also sold at very low prices.

– Meggy Macion

Zamboanga’s Fiesta Hermosa

With the theme “Celebracion en Grande… Adelante Zamboanga!” (Grand Celebration,

Forward Zamboanga), Asia’s Latin City, also known as “La Bella,” celebrated their weeklong feast for their patroness, Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pilar, last October 1 to 12.

Their grandest festival highlighted the best and the newest attractions of the premier city of Western Mindanao such as the completion of the improvement phase of their most popular attraction, the Paseo del Mar, and the opening of the newest all-in-one pasalubong center, the Plaza del Pilar.

The new park is home to 56 stalls of goodies, devotional items and souvenir merchandises that are genuinely Zamboangueño. It is a 7,328-square meter complex featuring a European-inspired architecture, complementing the more than 300-year old Spanish garrison nearby.

Activities held in different venues were aplenty since day one. As always, San Miguel Beer kept the party going for the entire celebration. Jardin Maria Clara never ran out of talented performers as the city’s musicians and hiphop dancers trooped to the site not only for the nightly battle of the bands and the hip hop dance competition for two weeks but to enjoy the free, wholesome entertainment with the different variants of SMB.

Other sights and sounds that revelers enjoyed were the Miss Zamboanga 2010, the Chavacano Song Festival, Ballroom Dancing Sports Dance, Boodle Feast, Fashion Show Mascota (mascot competition), Golf Tournament, Regatta de Zamboanga (vinta sailing competition), Balikbayan Night, art exhibit, streetdance competition, floral parade, Cosecha’s de Zamboanga (trade fair), Night Market, and Beauty and Wellness Fair. Food lovers had their full of the city’s mouthwatering seafood and as well as sweet local delicacies.

– Meggy Macion

PARTY MONTH (CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW). San Miguel Brewery Inc. President Robert Huang addressed the crowde of Tigtigan Festival; top view of Angeles City’s party street; Oktoberfest Fest with German friends. (OPPOSITE PAGE) Revelers of Lanzones Festival and toasting in Buglasan Festival in Dumaguete.

Cebu,

For three straight years, the Queen City of the South, has been the site of SMB Beer Drinking Finals yet it has never failed to elate visitors. Reinerio Alba writes

See Beer

Roman orator Seneca once said that “travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” And indeed, the Holiday break affords one the best time to fulfill that much-hoped-for travel around the country as there is nothing like a new place to enliven work-weary bodies for the coming new year.

Cebu, for one, is a great start for a new traveler, Cebu being synonymous with the Magellan’s cross, the crispy lechon (which according to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain is the best slow-roasted lechon he had tasted), the Sinulog Festival, the nine-day fiesta celebration in honor of Sto. Nino falling on the third Sunday of January. Tagged as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is also a well-known trading center even prior to the coming of both Magellan and Legazpi in its shores. Cebu (Sugbo) is the name given to the city, the metropolis, the island, the province. This Visayan province is made up of 48 municipalities and five thriving cities: its capital Cebu, Toledo, Lapu-lapu, Danao, and Mandaue.

This writer, for one, happily had a chance to revisit Cebu anew during the 11th San Miguel Beer National Beer Drinking Contest held at the Parkmall in Mandaue City last November 19.

On our first day, we headed out for a river cruise in Bgy. Bojo in Aloguinsan, the Cebu town, which is known for its Kinsan Festival or the annual festival held on the second Sunday of June celebrating the place’s harvest of the grayish-colored fish abundant only in its waters. The 1.3 km. long Bojo River, which is fed by the headwaters from Kawasan and the spring of Bojo, serves as the feeding and breeding ground for fish in the town because of its thick mangrove cover. When overfishing plagued the river, eco-tourism saved the community with its fishermen afterwards trained on river cruise tourism and

(BELOW).

Tañon Strait, which cinematically reminds one of a scene from Lord of the Rings.

Afterwards, our group had a hearty lunch of humba and tinolang manok at the nearby The Farmhouse, which is also the community’s model for natural farming, and waste management in the area.

For the night, our group headed out to Mango Avenue in Cebu City to get a taste of the area’s night life, first warming up with cold San Mig Light and Red Horse beers at Numero Doce bar before transferring to the very chic Z bar, the first full-scale organic architecture by renowned furniture-designer Kenneth Cobonpue, in Banilad, Cebu. Guests will always be amazed by its local interior, which is impressively defined by a latticework of bamboo twigs, and black-painted steel that warmly “cocoons” its guests.

On our second day, our group visited the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City, the very church that has housed the famous image of Sto.Niño since 1565. The icon is also the oldest Catholic relic in the country. History-wise, it was the Catholic Cebuano’s devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebu that started the long line of devotions to the Child

grew into the residential headquarters of the most dynamic entrepreneurs of Cebu and also where the wealthiest families of the city resided. The Japanese occupation during World War II though left only a few houses and structures in the present Parian: a small chapel nearby dedicated to San Juan, which pales in comparison to the once grand church of San Juan Bautista, a fire station where the church’s convent once was, and the Yap-San Diego ancestral house originally owned by Chinese merchant Juan Yap, and is currently under the name of San Diego descendant, and dance artist Val San Diego. The latest main attraction to the Parian area is the grand bronze tableau done by artist Eduardo Castrillo in 1997, which visually re-tells Cebu’s history from Rajah Humabon’s time to the beatification of Cebuano martyr Pedro Calungsod.

Lunch was mouth-watering as usual in one of the “dampa”-style seafood restaurants near the Lapu-Lapu shrine in Punta Engaño, Mactan. One, of course, should not miss ordering the delicious “saang” or spider conch here. After the lunch, we were able to finally see the 20-meter bronze statue of Lapu-lapu, the native chieftain of Mactan Island who defeated Ferdinand Magellan during the historic Battle of Mactan in 1521. Lapu-Lapu is represented here dressed in loin cloth, with a sword on his right hand, and a shield on his left. Interestingly, the Lapu-Lapu Shrine is inside a plaza known as the Magellan Shrine Park that speaks volumes of the conciliatory nature of Cebuanos. Later, some of us even had a relaxing massage at Essence Spa along the highway on our way back to the city. Some even took to shopping in the Taboan market for the dried “danggits” (spinefoot fish), and squids as “pasalubongs” back home.

bird watching skills. Our group was welcomed with local songs by the members of the community, and served with welcome drinks of fresh buko juice while we listened to a short lecture on the river cruise, on the 71 species of local birds, and on the objectives of the 52-member Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS), which runs the tour. Afterwards, an interesting short local ritual called palina , involving an incense-smelling smoke wafting from dried coconut husks, was performed for all the guests as a way of requesting the river spirit to give the visitors a safe passage through the river. One rides a small banca for P100 and the fishermenturned boatman informs its passenger on the different mangrove species in the area along with its bird population. One’s ride experience beautifully peaks as the boat nears the end of the river and is paddled further out into the

Jesus in the country because the Augustinians from Cebu brought the devotion to Manila, Iloilo, Laguna and Tacloban. Now, no Catholic house’s altar in the country is without an image of the Sto. Niño or the child Christ.

Next, our group proceeded to Fort San Pedro or Fuerza de San Pedro, a military defense structure, built under the command of Miguel López de Legazpi in 1738. Located in the area now called Plaza Indepedencia, in the Pier Area of Cebu City, the fort is the smallest, oldest triangular fort in the country, and calls to mind Fort Santiago in Manila.

Our group then visited the Parian (one of several ones spread around the country) area, the old Chinese district of Cebu, which started out as a small community of Chinese traders in the 16th century until it

Perfectly capping our last night in Cebu was the 11th SMB National Beer Drinking Contest held at the Parkmall in Mandaue City. We witnessed how all the national finalists of this one-of-a-kind beer drinking event in the country psyched themselves up for what seemed to be the biggest contest of their lives, huddling quietly and praying intensely together before proceeding onstage, enduring last minute jitters, men of diverse economic background staking their all in this night of nights to drink up the fastest for a chance to win an average of P100T per person. In the end, ”Team Naunsyame” (in English, Team Derailed) of Caloocan City prevailed by clocking a group beer drinking record of 53.8 seconds with no penalties. Team Naunsyame is composed of team members Ramil Asistio, Roberto Aban, Rommel Monzon, Rolando Monzon, and Paul Peregrino, prevailed. The team bagged the 500,000 grand cash prize. The looks on their faces, of course, were priceless!

As for me, with such memories to take back home, I definitely left Cebu feeling like I was half a million richer, too!

A TO Z DELIGHTS

Chillin’ at Z Bar and participants of Cebu media tour. (OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP LEFT) Lapu-Lapu Shrine, sights at Fort San Pedro, danggit choices at Tabo Market, bronze tableau at Parian area, weavers at Bojo River Tour, Alegre Guitar Factory, and late afternoon banca mangrove cruise.

President’s Message

Dear Fellow Beermen,

2010 was another year of unprecedented growth for your company. This year we were able to accomplish another banner year not only because the entire SMB workforce continues to share the same passion for success, but also because of the trust and confidence that you give to your Operations Committee.

You are the true embodiment of SMB’s strength, resilience, vigor and drive towards a results-oriented performance. You give your Company the focus and identity it needed to weather the challenges.

Thank you for your share of hard work that has contributed to `120 years of San Miguel’s brewing excellence. Thank you for your commitment to the values that have contributed so greatly to our company success. Thank you for taking your SMB family to heart.

I would also like to thank everyone for supporting our company programs and our Samahan Magazine. It only goes to show how talents and kind deeds abound in the SMB famiy.

With you by our side, we remain confident of a growth despite the imminent imposition of excise taxes, stiffer competition and higher input costs next year. I am certain that with our unity in purpose, unity in commitment and unity in the quest for victory, 2011 is yet another unrivalled year for your company.

Let us welcome the new era with more dynamism and aggressiveness than in the past years. Sama-sama nating sasalubungin ang mga pagsubok at mga pangako ngayong taon at sa maraming taon pa na darating!

Cheers, ROBERTO N. HUANG President

SMILES AND SHARINGS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) RNH checks out the lifevests during the rescue vehicle turnover at Polo Brewery; having a great time at SMB Business Reintroduction to Petron program with EVP Keisuke Nishimura; leading the inauguration of the newly refurbished SMB 4th floor reception with SMBIL president Caccus M. Berba; Employee Service Awards 2010 in Pasay City; and SMB National Bowlfest awarding during third company anniversary last October 1.