UCB Trailblazers by Gerry Baclagon

DECEMBER 2008

GMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note

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TRAILBLAZERS

CHANGE BEFORE YOU HAVE TO In pursuit of personal effectiveness

FOCUS

By Victor Mallilin

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO SUCCESS…CHANGE

Achieving personal effectiveness begins with a purpose in our mind. The purpose is best achieved with our willingness and a strong commitment to change the way we look at things and the people around us. We have had three batches of “Personal Effectiveness Workshop” and the idea of changing paradigms became very evident when we realize how important it is to plan ahead. There is no other way to prepare for a crisis than by putting the crisis ahead of our plans. It will always be there. What matters most is how we live through them. The business challenge we now face will see better days, only if we can better plan the changes we need to make to make things happen for us and our business.

PARADIGM SHIFTS DEPEND ON PERSONAL EFFORT

They come about when we learn more about something, by becoming personally and actively involved in it. We learn more about a city by driving around it than by being driven. When we make a personal effort in an area, we make our mind more aware of and attentive to it. By actually doing things with the information that we learn, we test it, and get to see for ourselves whether or not it works. Paradigm shifts not only give us new information. They cast even old information in a new way that completely alter its meaning. They literally show us a new world. It is being in a room lighted only by a candle. When we put on the lights, the room looks different and we see things we couldn’t see before. The room hasn’t changed. We are just able to see it better. We “see everything with new eyes” and this allows us to become more effective.

THE SEVEN SOURCES OF INTRINSIC SECURITY

The following ideas are presented to help you sense your inner value. We call them the Seven Sources of Intrinsic Security. 1. Have Integrity. Make your deeds follow your words. Keep your actions in line with your values. Keep your commitments to self and others, and speak the truth. 2. Have a rich private life. Fill your thoughts with value, through hobbies, music, meditation, literature and other activities that add quality and excellence to life. 3. Spend time with nature. The beauty of nature is its aliveness, its awe-inspiring, grandeur—all have a permanence and an eternal quality that, when transplanted into our mind, become a source of security and strength. 4. Educate yourself. Education gives you both subject-matter knowledge and the skills and discipline of learning.

! 5. Be of service. Acts of service, particularly anonymous acts, transform people by turning their awareness outward. 6. Cultivate your family relationships. Your family is part of your natural context. You cannot honor your family without nurturing your own sense of personal value and honor. 7. Sharpen the Saw. This is your hour of Daily Private Victory, your program for building self-worth. Personal self-worth is an inseparable part of our nature. If your sense of personal value had dimmed, these Seven Sources of Intrinsic Security, along with the entire Seven Habits, will help it shine better.

“I am determined to change because I want to; Even if others do not, Even if others cannot, Even if others will not change.” — Stephen Covey

UCB Trailblazers Editorial Staff Editor

Jimmy A. Balais

Contributors

Vic T. Mallillin / Ruby B. Palma / Mario T. Tiong / Noel P. Delos Reyes / Erick A. Gonzales / Jeric P. Occiano / Lizette A. Pellazar / Ricky G. Gueñez / Sheryll S. Azusano/ Dianne G. Swann

General Manager

Virgilio “Bodgit” S. Gomez

DECEMBER 2008

UCB CAREs/UCBCC Updates The UCB-SPP community elected its new set of UCB CAREs officers last March 2008 for 2008-2010. Most of the designated officers last year were re-elected. The new officers include Logistics Assistant Marlyn Malabanan and medreps Rosette Gepila, Paul Dungo and Andrew Ang. They were officially inducted during the National Conference in Baguio City. UCB CAREs held its first meeting last May 2008 in Tagaytay. They laid out plans and projects lined-up for 2008-2009 along with the defined roles of the sub-committees. The officers also underwent the Personal Effectiveness Seminar which was facilitated by Vic Mallillin. Some of UCB CAREs’ achievements at the beginning of the year are as follows: • Started providing loans to UCB Coop members • Initiated flu vaccination for the employees in coordination with HR and healthcare provider Philamcare • Followed-up full implementation of Sales Reporting System and gas allocation scheme in coordination with IT and Sales • Wellness seminars to office-based employees e.g., lecture on prevention of hypertension The second meeting was held last August 2008 at the office. The meeting coincided with the inauguration and blessing of the new UCB-SPP office and the announcement of the global “SHAPE” initiative which was presented by our GM Mr. Bodgit Gomez. Marie Espiritu was also officially introduced as the newest officer of UCB CAREs replacing Lhen Florendo, who was promoted as District Manager in July. The UCB CAREs sub-committees presented their proposals and plans of actions that gear towards enhancement of the employees’ productivity and welfare. These proposals and plans of actions are as follows: • e-Portal for the medreps (1 workstation) in the office. This has been approved and will be operational in October 2008 • MS Office trainings (e-Learning) for the employees in coordination with IT. Schedule of open and voluntary training sessions will be rolled out soon. • “Damayan” initiative aligned with the existing UCB CAREs Foundation

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QLink : Feedback reporting scheme focused on frequently-asked questions encountered in the field, especially from doctors. This will be coordinated with Marketing and Medical teams. “Housekeeping” initiatives for officebased employees. This led to the launch of the “Cleanest Desk” awards. “Model MR of the Year” and “Wish Upon A-CAREs” projects. This will be rolled-out in 2009 Supplementary, personal SUN postpaid line for the employees, on individual account. This is under review for facilitation through the UCB Coop. Fitness program for the employees’ physical well-being

UCB CAREs would like to thank everybody for the continued patronage of its’ programs. These programs will not be made possible without your feedback and inputs. UCB CAREs will continue to be an effective communications arm in the pursuit of the common goals on employee development, welfare, and productivity. Looking forward to another exciting and challenging year ahead.

UCB Phils. Credit Cooperative (UCBCC) The UCB Coop started granting loans during the National Conference in Baguio City last March 2008. Fifty (50) lucky members were drawn and were granted PhP 2,000.00 each as petty cash loans payable in 2 months. The company provided the seed money for this undertaking. The UCBCC recently elected its’ new set of Board of Directors for 2008-2010 composed of the following; 2-Year Term Board of Directors (1) Vic Mallillin - Chairman (2) Mario Tiong (3) Herbert Tan (4) Erick Gonzales – Vice Chairman (5) Jong Ferma 1-Year Term Board of Directors (1) Marlyn Malabanan

(2) (3) (4)

By Ricky Gueñez

Airine Niduaza Jimmy Balais Aileen Maristela

Ricky Gueñez remains to be the secretary, while Maureen Ronan is the newly-designated treasurer replacing Edmund Barata who became Chairman of the Audit Committee. To-date, UCBCC has 139 members. It had already approved and released loans to 50 applicants. Loan applications are still welcome. Some of the members have also re-structured/ increased their capital investments which qualifies them to avail of a higher loanable amount. Moving forward, UCBCC also plans to expand its’ operation by providing multi-purpose loans to the members. Dividends and patronage refunds are for distribution either next year or in 2010. We encourage other regular and probationary employees to become a part of the UCBCC. Membership forms are available through the UCBCC Secretariat. UCBCC is established to support the employees financially while promoting a culture of savings and sensible personal financial planning. Other Updates : 1. Financial management lectures are available upon request (c/o Accounting/HR) 2. As of September 2008, CDA had already provided UCBCC with the Cooperative Identification Number (CIN) for reference. 3. UCBCC had its first Board of Directors meeting last September 24. 4. First PhP 1M Capitalization achieved in first 6 months of operation! In line with these developments, we are encouraging members to submit their entries for the UCBCC logo. Please e-mail your entries to the UCBCC Secretariat c/o Ricky Gueñez at Riquemar.Guenez@UCB-Group.com . The contest will run until December 2008 and the winner will be announced during the Christmas Party. Enhance your personal financial planning. Be an active member of our credit cooperative! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all ! God bless.

A new blessed office By Ruby B. Palma

On August 29, UCB Philippines employees witnessed the blessing and celebration of the completion of UCB’s newly-constructed office. Officiated by Father Cris, a simple yet solemn office blessing was led by the Management Team together with Regional General Manager Girdhar Balwani and Regional HR Ravi Ragunathan. Starting with the “Our Father” as the opening song, prayers for protection, guidance and strength for all departments were expressed. The cutting of the ribbon to signify the formal opening of the new workplace signaled the entry to the rest of the work areas where more prayers and wishes for harmony, wisdom, and success were offered. The religious affair belied the festive and vibrant mood of the office staff and GMA field force present during the affair. Donning their Filipiniana costumes (see pictures), UCB-SPP employees added a positive energy to the celebration. A new life—a positive change—clearing away of negative influences---, are just but some of the aspirations shared by those present during the affair. Around noon, everyone partook of the sumptuous Filipino inspired dishes at the new office pantry. The office blessing was performed to usher in God’s blessing and protection at UCB Philippines’ new home.

DECEMBER 2008

The “Tambuli” calls the organization to assemble.

Sales Management team poses with Girdhar and Vic.

UCB-SPP launches “Excellerate in 2008!” Bodgit lights the ceremonial flame to kick-off the Sales Conference.

Office-based personnel take a chilling pose. Doves are released in dramatic fashion.

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Up in the tranquil and chilling Baguio environment, UCB-SPP took off to a blazing start to signal another dynamic year for the affiliate. Under this year’s theme “Excellerate in 2008”, UCB-SPP pooled in a lot of energy and prepared for this year’s challenges, swearing to exceed its objectives and outpace competition at exhilarating speed! With pine trees and a mountainous landscape as its’ backdrop, a dramatic opening ceremony complete with artists and drumbeats perked us all up on an energetic mode on our first day! Plenary addresses from our affiliate’s leaders inspired us to work together and rally behind the achievement of our challenging objectives for 2008. The highlights as captured in pictures in this spread will help us recount a Bodgit stresses an important what motivating first conference day it point in his plenary talk. was for all of us. Girdhar shares regional insights and inspiration.

Targeting and segmentation with Vic Mallillin.

Performers execute a colorful theme reveal “Excellerate in 2008”

UCB-SPP Product Best Sellers

Vic rallies the crowd.

UCB-SPP MRs of the Year (combined)

New UCB CAREs members are inducted onstage.

UCB and SPP MR achievers

UCB-SPP employees. “Oh how big we have become!”

DECEMBER 2008

Liza Anac-anac, MR of the Year

Richard Rabaya, UCB 1st Runner-up MR of the Year

Jack Soliman, UCB 2nd Runner-up MR of the Year

UCB DM Pinnacle Club members

Winners All! By Mario T. Tiong

Lizette Pellazar, Schwarz PMR of the Year

Cheryl Ligutom, UCB DM of the Year

Romelie Paraguas, UCB District PMR of the Year

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This year’s Annual Awards Night is unprecedented and unique since it is for the first time that we will be honoring the 2007 sales performers based on three “annual recognition” schemes, namely, UCB’s “Soar to Greater Heights”, SPP’s “Cruisin Beyond The Horizon” and the combined UCB & SPP “Driven to Excel”. As you know, the “Soar to Greater Heights” winners are the UCB medical representatives (MRs) and district managers (DMs) who performed from the period January to August 2007 while the “Cruisin Beyond the Horizon” awardees are the SPP MRs and DMs who excelled simultaneously for the same period. These two sets of winners together with the UCB 5-year and 10-year Loyalty Awardees were awarded during the Awards Night proper on the first night of the National Sales Conference held at the Baguio Country Club from March 24 to 26, 2008. The combined UCB-SPP set of awardees were given their individual plaques during the plenary sessions of the first day of the convention. The following picture collage summarizes the day’s awarding ceremonies led by our special guest Regional General Manager Mr. Girdhar Balwani , Country General Manager Virgilio Gomez and the members of the Mancom, Marketing Associate Director Jimmy Balais, Associate Finance Director Maribel Manlapaz, Associate Sales Director Victor Mallillin, Associate HR Director Ruby Palma, Associate Medical Director Dr. Bob Ysla and Finance and Admin Manager Magdalena Quiambao. Congratulations to all the 2007 Annual Awards recipients and may your tribe increase!

SPP DM Product Best Sellers

SPP MR Product Best Sellers

UCB 5-Year Awardees

UCB 10-Year Awardees

UCB DM Product Sellers

UCB MR Product Best Sellers

UCB Pinnacle Club Members

Consistency Awardees

DECEMBER 2008

A Way of Life:

The new way of Keppra It all begins with a clean white background followed by visuals that are positive, intimate, light and engaging…pictures meant to depict humanity. Then add the final touch…the red carpet that winds along the path to leading to wherever your imagination leads to. I may say that this campaign is avant garde, edgy and modern. It breaks away from the usual pharma campaign mold. Its open-ended feel gives the viewer endless possibilities that can only be limited by their ownselves. In the same way, Keppra gives you this as its core benefit… For Epilepsy without limitations. The new campaign attempts to create the personality of Keppra as a brand rather than just a product. Focusing on making doctors, patients and most importantly us in UCB, BELIEVE in what Keppra promises. The internal launch in July gave the sales force a taste of change that the new Keppra campaign wants to bring. In the comfort of the Scoozi bar, with its lounge chairs and relaxing sofas, the new campaign was unveiled. Indeed, its change from the usual…this is the change we want to have for Keppra…a change in our belief for the brand and not just the product. A change that lets each one of us BE Keppra! That is, people without limitations.

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By Noel P. Delos Reyes

UCB Philippines supports Epilepsy Week Celebration by Jeric P. Occiano September was a very busy month for UCB’s CNS Team as we took very active part in the Epilepsy Week Celebration, highlighted by two major events: (1) the Epilepsy Week, and (2) the 3RD ASEAN Epilepsy Academy (ASEPA), and (3) the Philippine League Against Epilepsy’s (PLAE) Exemplar Award.

2008 ASEPA and Exemplar Award

PLAE Epilepsy Camp The Philippine League Against Epilepsy (PLAE), in cooperation with the Philippine Neurological Association, commenced its’ week-long Epilepsy Week Awareness activities with the Epilepsy Camp which was held in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on August 29-31. This 3-day advocacy event was participated in by almost 1000 delegates coming from different parts of Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Cagayan Valley, and Bicol. Among the highlights of the celebration are the plenary speech by Gov. Aurelio M. Umali of Nueva Ecija, a doctor-patient forum, and epilepsy case discussions. Other relevant activities pertaining to epilepsy awareness and management especially designed for patients, caregivers and lay people were also discussed. UCB’s helped in the overall organization with the PLAE organizing committee and in the activities which included games for children of epilepsy sufferers, epilepsy fliers dissemination, an exhibit booth, and the game show dubbed as “ KAYANG KAYA KAYA?!”, which ended ! up as the main attraction of the last Children of epilepsy sufferers gamely await and participate in the day at the Epilepsy Camp. Winners parlor games. of the game show received special prizes courtesy of the PLAE. Generally, this activity was a successful one. With majority of the attendees learning from the sessions conducted, it brings much pride and meaning to be involved and continue with this advocacy. Thanks to all UCB staff who helped make this Epilepsy camp a SUCCESS!

The 3rd Asean Epilepsy Academy (ASEPA), a CME activity supported by a grant from UCB Asia, was held on September 5-6 at Tagaytay Highlands. This was supported through a Continuing Medical Education grant from UCB Asia and coordinated with the Philippine League Against Epilepsy (PLAE). Epilepsy specialists from different training institutions, as well as neurology consultants and residents, participated in this 2-day workshop upon the invitation of the PLAE. The ASEPA faculty was composed of local and foreign epilepsy experts Dr. Marlyn Ortiz, Dr. Leonor Cabral-Lim, Dr. Tanya Gosiengfiao, Prof. C.T. Tan (Malaysia), Prof. Patrick Kwan (Hong Kong), Prof. Lim Shi Hui (Singapore) and Prof. Mark Cook (Australia). These experts discussed updates on epilepsy management and current pharmacological treatment. The awarding ceremony of the PLAE’s biennial Epilepsy Exemplar Award was also held to cap the week-long celebration. Under the theme “YOUR BEST LIFE BUILDS YOUR BEST FUTURE!”, it was a filled with great pride and honor as trophies were presented to epilepsy sufferers who are truly exceptional in their own fields of expertise. Among the twenty short-listed nominees for this contest, the following were adjudged as this year’s winners; Dr. Ronald Magbitang (Cabanatuan), Mrs. Bernadette Capule (Cabanatuan) who are both patients of Dr. Annette Bautista and Renie Boy Beltran (Bukidnon), a patient of Dr. Jane Blancaver. It was an emotional, yet gratifying event as the Epilepsy Exemplar Awards showed that no matter what illness a person has, this should not deter him from achieving life’s goals and showing the world what he can do best through strong determination.

Members of UCB CNS Team “goof around” during a light breather moment at the Epilepsy Camp.x

DECEMBER 2008

“Excellerate in 2008” Annual Recognition Awards By Erick A. Gonzales

The long wait is now over! This years annual recognition awards scheme is out and showcases several enhancements that were designed to further drive the field force to perform to the highest level and also earn the corresponding cash prizes which is also increased as compared to last year. The more significant improvements for this year are the following: 1) Introduction of the MR of the Year Award for the “Highest MR Sales Performer of the Year” which is distinct from the top sales performers for each of the sales divisions. 2. Retention of the MR Division Champion Award for the top two sales performers for PCP 1, PCP 2 & PCP 3 and the top performer for the Hospital Team.

3. Introduction of separate awards for the District Manager of the Year (Highest DM Sales Performer of the Year) and District of the Year Award. 4. Simplified qualifiers for the above awards by: a) Omitting the application of quality points using the parameter weights based on product detail positions and total territory sales performance. This year, the top performers will be determined based primarily on the highest YTD sales performance achievement versus target. b) Excluding the YTD Call Performance minimum requirement. c) Excluding the previous requirement of “top 3 detail products should at least be at 90% YTD”

High Performing Team Norms During the National Conference last March, everyone contributed to the establishment of the group high performing team norms. The norms are intended to set the behaviors that members of the team believe will help build a productive, motivated and high performing team in District levels or cross functional teams. After the group norms are established during the first HPT session, following are THE GROUP NORMS transformed INTO A HIGH PERFORMANCE TEAM INSTRUMENT to be used by all UCB/SPP team members and leaders alike. Happy teaming UCB/SPP teams!!! 1. Trust one another (give timely feedback) 2. Respect diversity of people and ideas 3. Do careful planning and prioritizing 4. Are open and candid (voice concerns & views, challenging, disagree but not disagreeable) 5. Are committed to the goals of the Company 6. Aim for clarity, understanding and alignment 7. Commit to Delivery (do our homework & observe time) 8. Support one another on our challenges (not letting anyone fail & build self esteem of others) 9. Be present & be focused (100% participation) 10. Have fun (being & doing) together

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Another significant component of this year’s recognition program is the Foreign Travel Incentive Program which provides that all regular employees of UCB-SPP Philippines as of December 31, 2008 shall be eligible to join the incentive trip to any Asian country, particularly Hong Kong or Thailand, if the total company trade sales performance hits 100% YTD by December 2008. With all these awards up for grabs, we can now focus and look forward to another fulfilling year ahead of us in terms of awards and incentives. Who will be the MR of the Year? Who will be the division champions for PCP 1, 2 and 3 and the Hospital team? Your guess is as good as mine. So GOOD LUCK to all contenders and may the best of the best Excellerate in 2008

By Ruby B. Palma On the scale of 0-5 with 5 as the highest and 0 as the lowest, kindly rate ourselves, as a team, using the following criteria: As a team, we…

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! Dr. Ana Marie A. Javelosa

By Sheryll S. Azusano

Meet Our New Medical Scientific Liason Last May 02, 2008, a fresh face emerged from our new medical team: Dr. Ana Marie A. Javelosa, our new Medical Scientific Liason. Dr. Ana took her BS Botany degree at the University of the Philippines and her Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (U.E.R.M.). She did her post graduate internship at the Philippine General Hospital and her Residency in Neurology also at U.E.R.M. She is a Fellow in Adult Neurology of the Philippine Neurological Association. In 2006, she underwent a Neurology Intensive Care Fellowship training at the National Neuroscience Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore. Some personal details on Dr. Ana… She is happily married with 2 children and resides in Parañaque. Her son Anton,17, is first year college at UPLB taking Industrial Engineering. Her daughter Bea is 15 years old and is in 3rd year high school at De la Salle Zobel. What they love to do as a family on a weekend or holiday is to go on camping trips around the Philippines. Their all-time favorite vacation spot is in Sagada Mountain Province. The family intends to be able to see most of the Philippines and appreciate the local wonders our country has to offer. In fact, for the long holiday coming up, the family will be going whitewater rafting in Tabuk, Kalinga. Up close and personal, we asked Dr. Ana’s thoughts on the following: Q: How is it like working at UCB so far? What do you like most about your role? A: This is the first time that I am being employed for services other than treating patients so even that concept is new to me. Being with UCB (so far) has allowed me to now participate on the other fence of the Pharmaceutical industry, and I am seeing this side from a new perspective. I am excited about this work because it has given me the opportunity to grow even more individually. I am not only learning how to be a better expert in my field of practice but I am also adjusting to the ‘corporate’ setting.

Dr Lexie Torres (left) shares a vibrant smile with Dr Ana Javelosa (right) during the UCB office blessing.

It is always a challenge to learn something new – so here I am! Q: What can you say about people in UCB, in general? A: Very accommodating and supportive, definitely. Or I just do not know if the people I encounter in the office and in the field are just polite and look the other way when I make mistakes. Q: How would you describe yourself as a person? A: I would like to think I am an easy going, non fussy kind of person. I prefer to be treated as ‘one in a group’ and am uncomfortable with special treatment. I also think that I am a hardworking person, when given a task I manage to get the job done (just don’t look at my timetables and schedules, please), just give me the deadline. Q: What gives you inspiration at work or in your profession? A: I believe that every single experience that I have gone through in my life so far, God purposely put there for a reason, and

all this is part of what His purpose is for my life. There are no chances or coincidences, just Divine appointments. As a physician, I know that God has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to touch the heart of another individual, to somehow bring them one step closer to knowing Him. If, in my life time, I am able to do that then I would consider that my privilege. Q: Any personal motto you could share with us? A: “Being confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the time of Christ Jesus.” So please be patient with me, I am still God’s work in progress.” Lastly, we asked people closely working with Dr. Ana a few notes on how is it like working with her. Here is what they have to say… “Dra. Ana is very passionate about her work. She is exerts effort to understand the industry seeing it from the other side. A real asset for UCB since she helps us in areas where expert advice is needed. A very good listener and adviser.”

DECEMBER 2008

Raymond Roque

By Sheryll S. Azusano

Meet Our New IT/Business Support Manager Let me introduce you to one of the newest additions to the UCB family, Raymond Roque, our new IT/Business Support Manager. Raymond is a BS Commerce major in Management graduate of San Beda College. As a college student, he was a consistent dean’s lister. A trivia… Raymond actively participates in Quiz Bees during his college days and has won several awards on this amongst which were 1st Place both in Management Quiz Bee sponsored by San Beda Management Society and Department of Business Management and Entrepreneurship. He not only stood out in his alma mater game of minds, he even bagged 2nd place in the Business Management Association of the Philippines (BMAP) Inter-Collegiate Quiz. What a whiz, right?! To add a feather in his cap, in 1995, he also got the Award for Academic Excellence in Management given by the Philippine Council of Management (PHILCOMAN). Sir Ray, as we fondly call him is happily married to Diana Jeanne (DJ) who was also once a part of the pharma industry, being a Medical Representative herself. They are blessed with three children, the youngest Therese Angela who is 2 years old, one preschooler Dominic Angelo who is 5 years old, and the eldest Rafael Angelo a grade schooler. Do you know that Raymond is a home-grown, self-made IT professional in this pharmaceutical industry? He has served in various Information Technology, Marketing Services and Business Support functions in pharmaceutical companies like Fresenius Kabi Philippines, Eli Lilly,Organon, Zeneca Pharma, Zuellig Pharma, and yes of course, Schwarz Pharma Philippines. He has also proven his diversity as an IT professional with his stint in a non-pharma company, Sony Philippines where he has been a recipient of the President’s Award for the successful implementation and establishment of SonyTrade (B2B) given by Sony Philippines, Inc. A man of few words,

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here are some personal revelations from Sir Ray himself… Q: How is it like working at UCB so far? What do you like most about your role? A: My first few months here in UCB have been both fulfilling and challenging. I have adjusted easily to the working environment primarily because people here have been very supportive and accommodating. I

have always enjoyed being in Information Technology as it allows me to have an interface with other departments. Q: What gives you inspiration at work? A: My family has been my inspiration in my work. They have been my strength and my support whenever I face difficulties in my work Q: Any personal motto you could share with us? A: I have always been a believer in the saying of “what ever you sow, shall you reap”. In my own perspective I would like to view this as the “amount of rewards you receive shall be commensurate to the amount of service you have given”. Life will always give you back what you give to it.

Q: What is your vision of I.T./Business Support department in UCB? A: I would like to see the IT and Business Support department not only as a support group or a department providing technical helpdesk but also as a business partner that can provide improvements that will help the company attain its goals.

A thousand words to describe Sir Ray, straight from the heart of his team…… He prefers to mingle with ‘small’ people and be one of them. He likes funny moments but is really serious inside. He gets our opinion and prefers to have a team rather an assistant, he uses “we” rather than “I”. Work habits? Just like the others, he has a list of things to do for the day, always has a background music in his work station, and most of all, he loves to drink “maligamgam na kape” while working… He is a very humble, approachable, and down to earth person, what you see is what you get. He is a friend whom you can talk and laugh with. Even though he is busy, he still affords to crack a joke or two to make our work lighter.

7 Habits of Christmas Shopping Effectiveness By: Lizette A. Pellazar As we approach the closing stages of our 4th quarter sales calendar, the season does not only call for a powerful wrap up to hit our 954 mio YTD sales objective. These “ber” month°s, when the temperature becomes a little bit below than prickly 25° and daylight shortens by n hours, our spirits are also summoned in preparation for the most awaited holiday spell. No matter how some of us loathe the season because of its anticipated expenses, deep down our souls, it animates the child in us and thrills our adrenalins to excitement for that red and green, silver and gold cheerfully trimmed time of the year. We always wanted to be prepared…but we always end up cramming, and distressed after finding out how much we overspent. So to avoid the strains of the holiday season and just enjoy your 2008 Christmas shopping jiffy, below are some tips even Santa Claus and Stephen Covey might find handy: BE PROACTIVE. Ever heard of silver bells ringing in intense summer or jingle bells under the umbrella on a rainy season? It can never really spoil whatever season it is when you start thinking of Christmas as early as after the season is over. Start buying prospective gifts especially when malls go on sale to unload your Christmas list (incentive and midyear bonus months ticked at the same mall sale season are the best times to get you going). If you still have not done any up to now, DO IT NOW! It will be surprising how much savings you will keep on discounts compared to a rammed up last minute shopping. • Look for general stuff to salvage you from stress on thinking who can this stuff be for.(Ex. buy several unisex pieces i.e., educational items for kids). BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND. Set an objective traced through a SHOPPING LIST. Prepare a checklist of all your recipients, allocate a budget for each and write across the item that you intend to give within the spending limit (just the way you plan and budget your TF, great impact on modest budget). This will guide you to organize your shopping, keep you away from perplexities on what to give and to who, save you time and most importantly, keep you from the impulse buys that you will probably regret later. PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST. Quality-assurance is always #1. “Kuripot” is different from a smart shopper. We can always find quality gifts of minimal value for our loved ones. If really tight, let’s not overpush ourselves to give something inexpensive that we end up buying a substandard item or an imitation that breaks down or crashes even before New Year’s eve.

•

Don’t throw away receipts. It is always good to be ready in case the item given needs to be returned to the store if found to be damaged or if you missed the recipient’s size.

THINK WIN-WIN! BARGAIN! Of course you cannot do this in malls. Where else can this be religiously practiced? Flee markets! In English, “sa Divisoria!” There are always great quality finds in there (other than big “benta”) that you can get. The prices are even enticing when bought and bargained as wholesale. Prevent EBA (Enraged emotion after seeing Bank Account ☺). Try not to overspend. One good tip is to tuck your credit cards in your bag or wallet compartments, deep enough that you’d be too lazy to reach for it. Bring and spend only the cash you have budgeted according to your list. This tip will keep you from the entire brow knotting and head scratching when you receive your billing statement on January. SEEK FIRST before you BUY. It is always better to buy gifts that you really intend to give and not be forced to buy something just because you don’t have any other choice. How to do it? • Be an EARLY BIRD. Avoid weekends. If you can’t, be one of those shoppers who open the store. It is always better to hunt for your options and be able to examine each item before putting it in your cart, without being shoved along by a crowd. • Be physically prepared for the strains of shopping. Don’t start with an empty stomach. Keep yourself hydrated. People get easily frustrated and anxious when they are starved. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Remember, however early, if you have just started your Christmas shopping right after you received your bonus, expect a chaos out there. • SHOP ONLINE. If you are real busy and you have no one to do your shopping for you, the internet can always be browsed to rescue you. Just double-check security before you type in your financial information. SYNERGY. It is never pleasing shopping alone. Instead of coffee talks, re-arrange to the mall and shop. Go with your friends when buying for your family and vice-versa. This can be one of the best yuletide bonding you’ll ever have. Their comments can help a lot in your buys. Remember, more heads are better than one! Best of all, just ENJOY the moment! By the way, whatever present it will be, it’s always the thought that counts. What really matters the most is the spirit of giving. The yuletide is a celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who is destined to sacrifice his own life to save us; it is an inspiration of selfless love. !

Have an

CHRISTMAS of 2008!

DECEMBER 2008

UCB BULLETIN BOARD Wedding Bells

Owel Pagsuyuin and Carissa Gail Samson-Pagsuyuin Date: December 21,2007 Venue: Patio Victoria Intramuros (Sofia & Diana Garden)

Ang, Andrew Lee Repiso, Marie Grace B. Dizon, Chermin V. Fabro, Mary Grace Salandanan Roxas, Arsenio P. Obal, Analin Magpoc, Mark Anthony S. Bion, Mark Maristela, Wilma Dismaya Niduaza, Airine O. Ladiana, Oliver G. Yambao, Ma. Liezl Tulod Sablon, Bonnivie Colinco

04 04 09 10 13 13 21 24 26 27 28 29 30

DECEMBER Cantara, Almar D. Manalastas, Jose Raymond Mijares, Elmer Cabinbin Sanchez, Rizza Kathrina Lonjas Balais, Jimmy De Arce Lopez, Catherine M. Delos Reyes, Noel Estose, Jose Ryan Saso Sereneo, Frederick P. Marcelino, Maricris C. Wilhoit, Christy Angeli V.

08 08 17 19 23 26 27 28 29 30 30

Ariel Gime and Mary Ann Bacena - Gime Date of wed: April 13, 2008 Venue: Cabalen West Restaurant

Onin Venerayan and Roni Mendoza Place: Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office Lucena City Date: August 26, 2008

!Rommel Zamora and

Sonntag Santy Soriano Lamorena and Fe Karen Fanlo Musni Church: St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish, Buhangin, Davao City Date : August 22, 2008

Mon Balete Maechelle Albastro- Balete Date: Dec 8,2007 Church: Parish of the Holy Rosary cor. Jalandoni De leon St.,Iloilo City

Birthdays OCTOBER Gabor,Dennis Casado Fontanilla, Jumar Astrero Panlaque, Alain J. Rabaya, Richard Casimero Menes, Andy Mendoza Sambilay, Glenn H. Garcia, Marlo Prinicpe Maristela, Aileen Abcede Balandra, Agnes Ebron Reyes, Roscena L. Velasco,Caroline L. Provido, Alan Bongcalon Dela Cruz, Darwin S Venerayan, Mariano Buan Revil, Anthony Imboc Dungo, Paul Michael Malazarte Ansaldo, Alan Poe C.

01 01 02 03 05 06 08 08 12 13 20 25 27 27 27 30 31

NOVEMBER Mallillin, Victorino Torralba 02 Chan, Jane Arnaiz 02 Bautista, Marivic P 02 Fernando, Jozell Gregorio 03 Mangampo Jr, Lorenzo Abuque 03 Gonzales, Erickson A. 04

TRAILBLAZERS

Reeza Castro - Zamora Date: December 22, 2007 Church: Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Tierra Pura. QC.

Stork News

Ian Benedict S. Azusano Birthdate: May 03, 2008 Parents: Sheryll S. Azusano & Delton O. Azusano

Xxxxxx Xnnnnn Birthdate: xxxxxxxxx Parents: Rommel & Rizza Zamora