KAY GANDA NG ATING MUSIKA ANY DEVICE, ANYTIME

DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
KAY GANDA
NG ATING MUSIKA
A PLDT Pasasalamat
Night - Manila like no other
ANY DEVICE,
ANYTIME
SMART’s BYOD Liberation
READING THE
INSIDE OF YOU
PLDT ALPHA’s medical
imaging revolution
Making sure you have time to get into the
Optimize your ICT with your trusted
expert end-to-end ICT partner,
and have more time for the
things that matter.
www.pldtalpha.com
ASC Ref. Code: P076P121814P
REDEFINITION
Jovy Hernandez
Editor
Nico Alcoseba
Mikey Smyth
Managing Editors
Gerrard Fabie
Editorial Adviser
Markus Jentes
Creative Director
Andrew Batiduan
Art Director
Vickie Perez de Tagle
Executive Producer
Rissa Golloso
Rose Abes
Ram Anciro
Irene Dungo
Erika Legaspi
Jason Mejia
Emily Reyes
Check Trayfalgar
Cheska Villanueva
Editorial Coordinators
Michal Perez de Tagle
Enrique Estagle
Kaye Pineda
Igor Cruz
Dessa Malaluan
Mac Lubaczewski
Paula Venturina
Krystel Santos
Daniella Marfori
Patricia Mariano
Editorial Contributors
For this 2014 year-ender issue of HOT JOE, let
me thank all our wonderful and insightful partners
who have helped in redefining PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise as the trusted expert end-to-end ICT
partner and thought leader of the enterprise market.
I would like to especially thank all who took part in a
revamped PLDT Pasasalamat Night event held across
the country last November.
PLDT Pasasalamat Night - Manila is the main
highlight on HOT JOE’s Main Window on page
10. As you will see, it has become decidedly more
glamorous and uplifting—quite fitting for you really,
the current and succeeding C-level generation of
executives. This surely sets the tone for succeeding
“PLDT Pasasalamat night”celebrations in the future.
Many of our customers from across all industries
are discovering the unique value of our “end-to-end”
brand position. Our Live Wire with First Metro on
page 30, Jappy Pascual of PascualLab for ALPHA
Extra page 36, and the agreements featured in Caught
on Page on page 84 attest to the growing ranks who
are discovering the benefit of having one specific and
efficient point of contact for ICT expertise.
Our journey to provide end-to-end ICT
solutions, of course, is a continuing one. Recently
launched PLDT ALPHA Enterprise solutions such as
Visual IVR+ featured on Solved on page 80, as well as
new solutions on the horizon such as RIS/PACS for
the health industry described on page 94 for Sleeper
Hit are set to up the ante for business innovation and
customer care.
The New Year also brings new challenges and
opportunities. Your journey in the enterprise space
will evolve, just as it does for everyone. How will your
trusted expert end-to-end ICT partner respond? As
always, just keep an eye on these pages to find out.
Jovy hernandez
Editor
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
5
VOLUME
21
05
10
Editor-in-Chief Jovy Hernandez
talks about evolution and change,
in everything from PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise to PLDT Pasasalamat
Night.
CLIENT CALLS
10
MAIN WINDOW
32
PARTNER PEEK
44
WERE YOU THERE
76
SOLVED
80
CAUGHT ON PAGE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
08
30
38
Letters from actual PLDT clients,
written to share their own unique
experiences with PLDT.
Awards, launches and parties
like the Asia CEO Awards, the
Visual IVR+ launch, the MVP
Cup, and PLDT Pasasalamat
Night - Davao, PLDT Pasasalamat
Night - Cebu, and PLDT
Pasasalamat Night - North Luzon.
Adding a visual dimension to
customer interaction with the
new Visual IVR+.
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
transforming business through
stronger relationships with
Strong City, Agribank,
Microsoft, and more.
A glittering, highbrow musical
extravaganza redefines the PLDT
Pasasalamat Night experience.
LIVE WIRE
First Metro Investment talks
about how ICT solutions from
a dedicated and involved partner
helps them to compete in a
faster-paced market.
ALPHA EXTRA
Third-generation leader Jappy
Pascual on life, family, and
traditional Filipino values – and
how they relate to business.
38
Samsung Philippines discusses
the future of ICT and the
ASEAN nations.
32
84
COMING + GOING
90
SLEEPER HIT
94
MOBIZ
96
THE ALPHA BITS
98
THE LAST SAY
What’s rising, what’s dying,
and what’s dead among the
technologies of today.
Faster results means better
health, with PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise’s new RIS/PACS
solution.
SMART Enterprise caters to the
rising trend of BYOD with their
new BYOD-specific plans.
Bits of knowledge any
ALPHA should know.
Eric R. Alberto on knocking
down barriers in today’s
business landscape.
Calls
CLIENT
Very classy event with some of the
best musical talent our country has to
offer. All are world-class talent but the
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra,
Bituin Escalante, Jett Pangan, Jed Madela,
Basil Valdez, and Zsa Zsa Padilla really
stood out. The event to an extent shows
PLDT's commitment to the partnership
Hi John and Chary,
On behalf of Garena, we would like
to thank you for inviting us to PLDT
Pasasalamat Night. Jan and I was
delighted and enjoyed the night.
We are looking forward for next year's
bigger event.
Once again, Thank you and very much
appreciated.
Dana F. Andel
Acquire Business Process Outsourcing,
Country Manager, Philippines
By the way, what a show you put on last
Tuesday!! Everyone enjoyed.
Vicente R. Cuna Jr.
President, Philippines Savings Bank
Hi,
Thank you very much for such a
wonderful experience. It's nice to see such
talent we really enjoyed. Baka may CD or
DVD bili ako.
Thanks again.
JM & Sasa
Juan Miguel Araneta
SVP, Roxas Holdings Inc.
8
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
Ms. Pia Nunez
Product Planning Dept. Head, FLI
AJ Enriquez
General Manager, Ingram Micro
Sincerely,
Noel Lee
Technical Operations Manager,
Garena Philippines Inc.
Mitch – an absolutely amazing night
to be remembered. Thanks so much for
the event and invite - proof that when
PLDT puts on an event… it IS to be
attended!
See you soon.
Hi,
Thank you very much for such a
wonderful experience. It’s nice to see such
talent we really enjoyed.
Thanks again.
Hi Richard,
I was not very satisfied. I was so happy, I
was like a little child, so happy when I went
home. I wish that evening never ended. If
it were a watch, it would be Patek Philippe
(elegant); if it were a men's cologne, it
would be Eau Sauvage (clean, elegant, high
class); if it were a famous evening affair, it
would be done in the league of Jacqueline
Bouvier Kennedy ("that pedigree"); if it
were a lady's walk, it would be done by
Grace Kelley Grimaldi (patrician); if it
were a house, it would be one decorated by
Marella Agnelli in Turin (unpretentious but
rich); if it were a car, it would be a Bentley
("You think you're there? Absolutely!!"). It
was the best affair I have ever attended in
my 7 years in the Group. Thank you for
bringing the best in Filipino Music and in
the Filipino Artists. Thank you for inviting
me. You've got CLASS... HIGH CLASS!
You don't even have to try so hard.
It shows.
Roy Agustin K. Evalle
General Manager and Executive Director,
First Pacific Leadership Academy
The event last week was very classy and
the performers chosen by PLDT were
top-notch. It was refreshing to see stage/
theater actors like Jet Pangan render
songs by the Beatles that brought the
house down. The administrative matters
were seamless and very well-organized.
All in all, my wife and I really enjoyed the
evening, and looking forward to future
events of PLDT Alpha.
Sincerely,
Roel Refran
COO, PSE
A really great, entertaining night. All the
artists were very good. It was a great
opportunity to network.
Cherrie Mckenzie
Shared Services Director,
Goodyear Business Services
Classy night, suited my generation. It was
a chance to catch up with PLDT execs in
a non-business setting.
Bong Borja
President,
Expert Global Solutions
Very impressive show - just like Broadway
(or better!). The hosts were very gracious!
Good opportunity to connect with
friends and business partners from
PLDT. Very original and great rendition
of Beatles classics. Amazing range of
singing!
Mark Lwin
President/CEO, AIG Insurance
The event and the show have been quite
a treat to PLDT's guests. Having separate
cocktails and show gave more chance for
people to chat and interact without the much
background noise (during cocktails) and
at the same time fully enjoy the show in a
more relaxed manner (seated). We had great
fun. Thanks for inviting us. The event is an
expression of mutual appreciation of our
bank-client relationship.
Vilma Cervantes
SVP and Head-Corporate Finance,
Mizuho Bank
I enjoyed the music of the Ryan Cayabyab
singers, the venue, and the food. Though the
traffic was really bad!
I loved PLDT's way of appreciation with
their partners and our way also of getting in
touch with colleagues in the industry.
WE WANT TO
HEAR FROM
YOU!
SEND YOUR
THOUGHTS,
COMMENTS,
OR FEEDBACK
AND RECEIVE
PREMIUM
ALPHA ITEMS!
Ma. Lourdes L. Lacia
Vice President - Human Resources,
American Data Exchange Corporation
Email: info@pldtalpha.com
Recognizing songs of various
composers/singers is aligned to the
Pasasalamat theme. Its a relaxing night
also. This event shows how PLDT values
its long-time clients.
Call: 88-ALPHA
(88-25742)
or visit
www.pldtalpha.com
Zenie V. Moreno
VP of Finance,
ADP Pharma Corp.
Subscribe to our
e-newsletter, ALPHA Mail,
and keep up-to-date
with our latest news
and offers.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
9
A GLITTERING
ALPHA
EXPERIENCE
HOT JOE’s photographic retrospective of the recently-held
PLDT Pasasalamat Night - Manila, top-billed by Ryan Cayabyab
and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra paying tribute
to the works of both Filipino and global musical icons.
10
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
O
n a crisp and inviting November night,
the country’s most prestigious business
personalities gathered at the foyer of the
historic Meralco Theater. Enveloped in
glamour and ALPHA accouterments,
their excitement was quite palpable.
While enjoying the sumptuous dishes
masterfully provided by Le Chef ’s Billy King
as well as the upbeat jazz music of Mel Villena
and the AMP Jazz Nonet, everybody waited
in eager anticipation for the numerous musical
performance numbers promised in invitations
sent during preceding weeks.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
11
As guests entered the main theater,
the distinctive difference of this year’s
PLDT Pasasalamat Night becomes
evident, with promises to be simply
superlative. Shortly afterwards, the
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
began its symphonious tuning, soon
followed by the entrance of Maestro
Ryan Cayabyab. Thus began a night that
was to prove unprecedented.
“Kay ganda ng ating musika
Kay ganda ng ating musika
Ito ay atin, sariling atin
At sa habang buhay
awitin natin.”
“Nais kong maihip ng hanging
walang patutung'han
Parang ibong wala ring hangarin
kundi ang lumipad nang lumipad
Nais kong lumipad”
The guests were introduced
to the night’s musical spectacular
with a stirring overture reminiscent
of Mr. Cayabyab’s “Ryan Ryan
Musikahan” classic TV show theme.
This was then quickly followed
by the OPM Hitmen-- Rannie
Raymundo, Richard Reynoso, Chad
Borja, and Renz Verano-- with their
moving rendition of the classic
Cayabyab pieces “Kay Ganda ng
Ating Musika” and “Nais Ko.”
12
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
13
Mr. Cayabyab then took the
audience through the good ol’ days,
particularly a time when a road in
downtown Manila-- Avenida Rizal-was the place to be. He recalled its
sprawling shops, restaurants, and
movie theaters from end to glorious
end. Ms. Bituin Escalante then joined
him on stage to perform a hit song
inspired by that historic avenue’s
unique hustle and bustle, “Limang
Dipang Tao.”
“Forever and ever, you'll stay in my heart
And I will love you
Forever and ever, we never will part
Oh, how I love you”
“Limang Dipang Taong Nagtutulakan
Sa Abenidang Aking Kinatatayuan
Nagaabang Ng Masasakyan
Patungo Kung Saan, 'di Ko Malaman”
“Kailangan kita,
ngayon at kailanman...”
Following the assemblage of
Cayabyab hits, his very own Ryan
Cayabyab Singers graced the stage with
their spirited performance of a medley
of Burt Bacharach compositions: “Do
You Know the Way to San Jose?”, “Say
A Little Prayer”, “I’ll Never Fall In
Love Again”, “Alfie”, “One Less Bell to
Answer”, “Make it Easy On Yourself ”,
and “What The World Needs Now.” The
astounding Ogie Alcasid, accompanied
by TV5’s own Trenderas, then delivered
his own medley of hit songs: “Huwag
Ka Lang Mawawala”, “Sino Ako”,
“Ikaw Ang Aking Pangarap”, and the
heartwarming “Kailangan Kita.”
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
15
“Oh please, say to me
You'll let me be your man
And please, say to me
You'll let me hold your hand
I'll let me hold your hand
I wanna hold your hand”
Love found. Love lost. Love
reclaimed. This universal experience
was uniquely expressed by the Maestro
with the help of theater-artist-rockstar
extraordinaire Jett Pangan via a medley
of The Beatles’ Greatest Hits, featuring
songs such as “I Wanna Hold Your
Hand”, “And I Love Her”, “Gotta Get
You Out of My Life”, and “Ticket To
Ride.” It was no surprise that this suite
was met with rousing applause and a
standing ovation from the audience.
“What are you doing the rest of your life?
North and South and East and West of your life
I have only one request of your life
That you spend it all with me”
“Suddenly, magically
We found each other there
we were, here we are
I plan to let you happy me,
summer me, winter me
Always be mine”
Mr. Pangan was joined by the trio of
Cris Villonco, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza,
and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as they
brought things down tempo with a
medley of songs in tribute to legendary
French composer Michel Legrand:
“What Are You Doing The Rest Of
Your Life?”, “The Summer Knows”,
“Summer Me, Winter Me”, and “Pieces
of Dreams”.
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
17
“You gotta get a gimmick
If you wanna get applause.
“So, baby, yes, love never felt so good…”
The theater dramatically dimmed
as a video montage of Michael Jackson
clips flashed on the screen. On cue,
Mr. C and the Philippine Philharmonic
Orchestra belted out an electrifying
orchestra arrangement of the King of
Pop’s greatest hits. Performing with
them on stage were Billy Crawford and
the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.
“Say it loud and there's music playing,
Say it soft and it's almost like praying.”
The theatrical energy continued with
the stage divas doing a show-stopping
number featuring the song “You Gotta
Get A Gimmick” from Jule Stein and
Stephen Sondheim’s Gypsy. Jed Madella
followed suit with a soulful rendition of
“Maria” from Sondheim and Leonard
Bernstein’s West Side Story.
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
19
“Thank you, MVP, for
this privilege of doing a
concert show like this-which I haven’t done in
a very long time.”
After that pulse pounding number,
Mr. Cayabyab then took the opportunity
to express his gratitude for the privilege
of creating an awe-inspiring PLDT
Pasasalamat Night performance. “Thank
you PLDT ALPHA Enterprise for
organizing this night and inviting me, the
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and
the night’s numerous performers. And
of course, this all would not be possible
without the support of our PLDT
Chairman, Mr. Manuel V Pangilinan.
Thank you, MVP, for this privilege of
doing a concert show like this-- which
I haven’t done in a very long time.”
“Santa, if you will use your magic
This Christmas eve
While I'm holding her tight
Then I'll whisper the proper thing
And offer her a ring
Santa, make her my
Christmas bride”
20
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
“Sa bawat araw
ang pag-ibig ko sa 'yo liyag
Lalong tumatamis,
tumitingkad”
“Memories,
Light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories
Of the way we were”
“Christmas is just around the corner.
You can already feel it in the air,” said
Mr. Cayabyab as he fiddled with the
piano keys, foreshadowing the next suite.
He chatted with the audience as they
collectively reminisced Yuletide tunes
composed by the great Ray Conniff.
With the Trenderas back on stage, joined
by Part Four, they treated everyone to a
poignant and nostalgic performance of
“Christmas Bride.”
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
21
“We are gonna love you people of the world
We are gonna make you a better world"
"We will all respect you people of the world
We are gonna make you a better world”
“There is truly no more powerful
form of art than music,” said the Maestro
in reflection. “In my privileged years of
making wonderful music, I have seen how
it inspires individuals, couples, groups, and
even a whole nation. Even now, I’m still
surprised by how a single lyric or tune can
change someone’s life forever.”
22
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
“Kay Ganda nga ng Ating Musika,”
he added. “And tonight we were able to
reminisce with the music we love the
most. I hope that we will always be moved
and inspired to continue working for a
better world…for everyone.”
For PLDT Pasasalamat Night’s
fitting finale, Mr. C and the Philippine
Philharmonic Orchestra were rejoined
by all the evening’s performers soulful
performance of “A Better World,” which
was met with another standing ovation
from the enraptured audience.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
23
And the Night Goes On…
As guests cheerfully exited the theater,
they were met once more at the lobby by
the ever-energetic Mr. Mel Villena and
the AMP Jazz Nonet. More dishes and
refreshments were served as the night
continued amidst animated conversation
regarding the exceptional performances
everyone had just watched, while guests
received special tokens from PLDT.
“We would like to thank you for
inviting us to the PLDT Pasasalamat
Night,” said Garena’s Noel Lee. “Jan and I
were delighted and enjoyed the night. We
look forward for next year’s bigger event.”
“The PLDT Pasasalamat Night
was an absolutely amazing night to be
remembered,” said Acquire BPO’s Dana
Andel. “Thanks so much for inviting me
to this event. Tonight is the proof that
when PLDT puts on an event, it IS to be
attended!”
“We were really happy to see our
valued customers, leaders of the country’s
biggest business organizations applauding
this year’s PLDT Pasasalamat Night
and its brand new format. Tonight’s
spectacular performances-- delivered by
none other than Mr. C-- exemplify the
premium entertainment that they truly
deserve,” said PLDT First Vice President
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez. “With the enthusiastic
feedback I’ve been receiving from our
clients, we are encouraged to have PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise host more of these
events. This year’s PLDT Pasasalamat
Night has ushered in a new premium
format, setting a higher bar for our
ALPHA Events. We’re excited to outdo
ourselves and impress them even more
next year!” added Mr. Hernandez.
“I am delighted to see our customers,
as well as our group colleagues led by our
Chairman Mr. Manuel Pangilinan, having
a wonderful time tonight,” said PLDT
Executive Vice President and ePLDT
President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.
“We in PLDT ALPHA are extremely
thankful for this record attendance of key
partners, who have graciously expressed
how they thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
We look forward to hosting more PLDT
Pasasalamat Nights like this in the future
as a token gesture of our sincere thanks
to all our valued customers for their
continued trust and patronage.”
“I hope everyone enjoyed the show
this evening. It takes a lot of planning and
effort to produce a PLDT Pasasalamat
Night concert like this. I would like
to thank Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, the
Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra,
and the many talented artists for an
exceptional and world-class performance,”
said PLDT Chairman Manuel V
Pangilinan. “2014 has been quite a
challenging year for the telco business,
with the disruptive industry dynamics
putting pressure on our revenues. Our
enterprise business however continues
to be vibrant, and we can only thank our
corporate customers for continuing to
entrust their business to the PLDT Group.
I would like to take this opportunity to
express such sincere gratitude and wish
everyone a blessed Yuletide season and a
prosperous 2015!” he added.
4
1
1.
Jeff Mendoza, Beau Agana,
Zenie Moreno, and Junne Narito
2.
Jeff Williams, Jenny Marcial,
Julian Valenzuela, and Jojo Uligan
3.
Mel Villena and the AMP Jazz Nonet
provided the night’s pre-show and
post-show entertainment.
4.
Bert Lina, PLDT Chairman Manuel V
Pangilinan, Sylvia Lina, and Eric Alberto
5.
Hoton Elicano, Richard Teo,
Mauch Franco, and Reena Franco
6.
Manolet Cruz, Quiel Delgado,
and Amit Mehta
7.
Jovy Hernandez, Marife Zamora,
and Teh Opinion
8.
Willie Tee Ten, Owee Cruz, Catherina
Ramos,and Atty. Dan Roleda
9.
Donato Almeda, Augie Palisoc,
and Pato Gregorio
5
6
7
2
3
24
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
8
9
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
25
10
20
18
11
12
22
23
24
25
26
13
19
10. Bliz Cuna, Alfred Ty, Levy Laus,
and Eric Alberto
11. Kent de la Calzada, Ron Castro,
and Jovy Hernandez
23. Chet Alviz, Arnel Merilleno, and Teng Tenael
24. Felix Ang and Al Panlilio
12. Mr. and Mrs. Iggy Javellana
25. Tetet and Titos Castro, James Dantow,
and Jovy Hernandez
13. Paco and Christine Sandejas
14. Victor Batungbacal, Jorel Nuyda,
Benedict Estepa, and Maricris Encarnacion
14 15
21
26.
Lindsay Orr and John Gonzales
15. Peter and Pia Cruz
27. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Carcellar, Precy Katigbak,
and Agnes Gervacio
16. Mr. and Mrs. Bong Borja with Jay Lagdameo
28. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Uy with Boy Castañeda
17. Vic Tria with Luis and Patricia Pineda
29. Jojo Gendrano, Ruth Lee and Aubrey Lee
18. Jovy Hernandez delivers the
welcome remarks at the foyer.
19. Chris Young and Klaas O’Reel together
with their beautiful wives
27
28
29
20. Vic Tria (2nd from left) happily converses
with other guests in attendance.
21. Mr. and Mrs. Lucien Fletcher with Mitch Locsin
22. Jovy Hernandez with George Yang
16 17
26
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
27
:
FIRST METRO
INVESTED IN
ICT EXPERTISE
First Metro Investment chooses PLDT ALPHA Enterprise as ICT partner
UP
in the corporate
boardroom of First
Metro Investment
Corporation (First
Metro), one may
experience a dizzying
vantage of the city from its 45th floor.
Since 1963, First Metro grew into a
leader in Philippine investment banking,
fostering the development of the
country’s capital markets for over fifty
years. As the investment banking arm of
the Metrobank Group, First Metro and its
subsidiaries specialize in debt and equity
underwriting to loan syndication, project
finance, financial advisory, investment
advisory, government securities and
corporate debt trading, equity brokering,
online trading, asset management, and
research. It is a premier bond house with
key strengths in origination, structuring,
execution and distribution.
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise for
Strong and Robust Systems
“There were numerous bidders and
PLDT won due to the robustness of
their ICT solutions and the global-class
expertise of their people,” First Metro
President Roberto Juanchito Dispo said,
explaining that the partnership brought
forth many benefits, not least of which is
the capability of meeting Bangko Sentral
ng Pilipinas (BSP) requirements for
strong and robust systems for banking
30
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
institutions. These directives were given
added emphasis in the wake of recent
natural calamities that have effectively
shut down businesses for interminable
periods.
“This will address our level of
preparedness in addressing calamities,
outages, and any downside in our
operations because we will now have a
very strong and robust Disaster Recovery
and Business Continuity,” added Mr.
Dispo who pointed out that this may be
the opportune time for PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise to demonstrate its competence
in ICT-led Business Continuity Planning
(BCP) for other financial institutions.
First Metro Securities Brokerage
Corporation (First Metro Securities)
President Gonzalo Ordoñez also further
stressed the need for effective BCP
provided by a trusted expert end-to-end
ICT partner such as PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise. He noted that in the ‘90s,
“clients wouldn’t really notice” if delays
or downtimes did occur. Those were the
days, after all, when clients still called
traders on the floor through their phones.
“System reliability wasn’t of much
strategic importance,” he said.
“But as we grew the business, and
introduced our online trading system,
clients would expect faster and faster
response times, and on the rare instances
that there were disruptions, we were
expected to go back live within minutes.”
Meeting the New Demands
of the Faster Game
Mr. Ordoñez also cited the “growing
sophistication” of institutional clients
who now measure latency in milliseconds.
Downtimes of just a few minutes, while
forgivable or unnoticed 20 or more years
ago, now raise a collective howl in the
form of “an avalanche of Bloomberg
chat messages, texts, IDD calls, incident
reports, and email updates.”
In fact the term “robust system”
has to meet stringent new guidelines.
In response, First Metro has grown its
market share and expanding into new
markets by “installing firewalls, fiber optic
cables, multi-clustered virtual servers in
different locations, redundant websites,
leased lines, and switches” according to
Mr. Ordoñez who explains that in doing
so First Metro has provided itself with
“automatic failovers” between systems.
Anchoring this multi-layered robust
system are the VITRO Data Centers
operated by ePLDT that were specifically
built for business continuity and disaster
preparedness. They are the lynchpin
for PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s worldclass ICT solutions and services to top
Philippine enterprise organizations.
PLDT Executive Vice President and
ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto
expressed the organization’s continuing
commitment to the finance sector’s drive
for growth. “Rest assured that we remain
steadfast and committed to enabling First
Metro and the larger Metrobank Group with
the most relevant ICT products, services,
and solutions to make your companies more
productive, more profitable, and strategically
competitive.”
For First Metro, the partnership with
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise primarily focuses
on business continuity, real-time updates, and
information security. In closing Mr. Dispo
also said, “When an honest to goodness
force majeure event occurs, when Mother
Nature meets Murphy’s Law and they decide
to be funny, we need to be ready. And I look
forward to working with ePLDT, VITRO,
and PLDT ALPHA Enterprise to have this
risk covered.”
“There were numerous
bidders and PLDT won due
to the robustness of their ICT
solutions and the global-class
expertise of their people,”
Above Photo from L-R: PLDT FVP and Head
of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy I. Hernandez,
PLDT EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R.
Alberto, PLDT-SMART President and CEO Napoleon
L. Nazareno, First Metro Investment Corporation
(FMIC) Chairman Francisco Sebastian, First Metro
Investment Corporation (FMIC) President Roberto
Juanchito Dispo, First Metro Asset Management
Inc. (FAMI) President Augusto Cosio, Jr., and First
Metro Securities Brokerage Corporation (FMSBC)
President Gonzalo Ordoñez
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
31
Extra
ALPHA
The
“FILIPINO-TO-FILIPINO”
ADVANTAGE IN
PHILIPPINE
PHARMA
WORK.LIVE.
ALPHA.
32
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
he moment you step into the Pascual home atop a hilly
Quezon City village, a sense of welcome familiarity
pervades. It is the ideal Filipino house, roomy and
inviting without being ostentatious, clearly built on
cherished values of faith, love, and family.
It is uncanny that one demurs all
this in so short a time. Perhaps it is this
home’s bright and airy charm, or the hand
drawn signs posted at strategic corners,
clearly intended for its youngest most
impressionable audience, imploring them
to be tidy and organized in important
spaces, notably the library and the dining
alcove a few steps away.
It is here Jappy Pascual attends to
a laptop screen with calm urgency. And
again it strikes you: it is pleasantly easy to
read the home and perhaps the man in
front of you. There is simply nothing to
hide, nor nothing insincere in the open
and welcoming greeting his family extends
to everyone. With exceptional people such
as these, there is the all-too rare feeling
that you already know them.
Jappy represents the third generation
of Pascuals who have built PascualLab
into the third largest local pharmaceutical
company (as per IMS 2nd Quarter 2014
data) in the Philippines. “My grandfather
started it, my father grew it, and I certainly
want to contribute my share,” says
Jappy, who was just recently elected as
PascualLab President and CEO. “I don’t
want to just coast by.”
And it certainly looks like “coasting”
is the furthest from the young Pascual’s
mind, which is positively filled with
innovative ideas and insights to challenge
a decades-old status quo established by
multinationals.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
33
Ingenuity and Challenge
A lot of the new ground that
PascualLab uncovered in the industry
resulted directly from this spirit of
innovation and relentless drive for
growth. Its ASCOF Lagundi brand of
herbal pharmaceuticals researched by
the National Institute Research Program
on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) in
partnership with the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), is
considered a pioneering brand in the
country. It was so revolutionary that it
prompted a huge shift in how herbals are
produced and marketed.
ASCOF Lagundi is a celebration
of our Filipino culture and values,
specifically our historic heritage of using
natural products as medicine. PascualLab
demonstrated intimate knowledge of
34
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
consumer needs and local market instincts,
and used a clear “Filipino-to-Filipino”
advantage to stir national pride. They took
Filipino herbal medicine into mainstream
public consciousness, establishing it as
legitimate science. It is the same winning
approach used to formulate OraCare,
a pioneering “no sting” alcohol-free
mouthwash, as well as Poten-Cee, a oneof-its-kind candy-coated vitamin C tablet
that goes down well with acidic users—a
feature inspired by the needs of their own
mother.
Jappy points out the thoroughly
meticulous approach PascualLab takes
in innovation and production. “ASCOF
Lagundi is formulated according to
strict standards that certify them as
pharmaceutical-grade, hence its DR or
drug remedy status. Its raw materials, the
Lagundi itself, is grown in our very own
“My grandfather
started it, my
father grew it, and
I certainly want
to contribute my
share,”
GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) and
organically-certified farm in Nueva Ecija,
where the process of growing it—a
fusion of science and nature--has been
carefully studied and improved on for
the past 15 years to ensure quality and
efficacy. ” Along with other PascualLab
products, the entire line is manufactured
in separate, but equally world-class
facilities within its Bulacan facility.
Clearly innovation lies in technology,
and at PascualLab there is a legacy in
investing in professional-grade solutions.
Its SAP system is among the country’s
most advanced and extensive. Consistent
with their prescient end-to-end approach
to IT services, they have subscribed to
the PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Unified
Communications system, making good
use of IP Telephony and PLDT’s IP
VPN network as well as professional IT
services.
PascualLab has also proactively colocated several ICT resources within
VITRO Data Centers, guaranteeing
themselves unprecedented levels of
business continuity and data integrity.
The SMART M2M - Salesforce.
com solution also allows Pharex Health
Corp., a PascualLab subsidiary dedicated
to marketing uni-branded generic
medicines, to coordinate a nationally
distributed mobile sales force that always
needs efficiencies to stake out growing
territories. “The peripherals and interface
work quite well thanks to PLDT, because
it all comes down to the reliability of the
network and its nationwide reach.”
“PLDT is a great partner in that it
goes beyond the tablets, phablets, and
other peripherals. Their value is their
reliable nationwide reach. And we need
that to reach our growing sales force,”
Jappy adds.
Above Photo:
Mr. Pascual indulges in his passion
for automobile memorabilia by
building scale models of cars, and
by collecting license plates and road
signs from all over the world.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
35
“There is one passion that stand out
above all for me—of course it is family,”
declares Jappy Pascual, seen here with
wife, TV Personality Lyn Ching,
and their children.
Jappy describes the sea of change in
medical representative work-flows. In his
father’s time, med reps had to scour each
floor of numerous hospitals, knocking
door to door at each doctor’s office on the
mere chance of actually meeting them.
“By being connected to them 24/7,
we get to know what they need in order to
close the sale, or to get products delivered,
or whatever it takes to get the job done.”
Today SMART M2M - Salesforce.com
schedules and confirms appointments
on the go, its peripherals which include
tablets can send feedback, receive product
updates, or serve as an easy handheld and
instant reference in case doctors have
questions or issues to discuss.
Welcome Distractions
Certainly, technology makes it easier
and more convenient for Jappy to work
from anywhere and at anytime. That
includes today, from his warm and cozy
home, a place that also houses his other
interests. “The company is certainly a
leading passion, but for relaxation and
welcome distractions, I turn to cars and
basketball.”
Downstairs, his garage walls are
bedecked in a truly impressive collection
of authentic license plates and road signs
from around the world. There are tags
from Germany, Spain and throughout the
great road-culture states of the USA.
A Karmann-Ghia ’68 coupe lies partly
under wraps, its thick solid steel wrapped
around the curves of a past design style
and era that is decidedly more appealing
and distinctive.
“Vintage cars give you a more
intimate connection to the road,” Jappy
hints that power steering, ABS, and
computers—while all safe and modern
features—have rather deadened the sheer
thrill of driving.
Afterwards we are privileged to view
the exhibit within his happily cluttered
man-cave—every bachelor’s dream, and
every husbands “sacred space.” Jappy’s
collection is simply remarkable.
For sports memorabilia he has the
“Big 3” of basketball jerseys framed
in a corner: Bird, Johnson, and Jordan
36
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
“PLDT is a great partner in that it
goes beyond the tablets, phablets,
and other peripherals. Their value
is their reliable nationwide reach.
joined by a bonus Olajuwon. Owing to
his student days in Boston, there are
commemorative championship T-shirts of
the Bruins and Red Sox. As we marvel and
gape, Jappy’s 6-year old son Matty starts
doing what we can only ascertain as a
victory dance in front of the World Series
Champs. Everyone tries to join in for his
further amusement.
Later, Jappy reaches out to us for
one last remark. “There is one passion
that stands out above all for me,” a smile
begins to grow on his face. “Of course
it is family.” Certainly. But then he didn’t
really have to tell us that. We knew that
within the first few steps we took into the
loving and vibrant Pascual household.
For more information, please visit
www.pldtalpha.com
L-R: PLDT Corporate Relationship Business
Head Jeff Mendoza, PLDT VP and Head of
Corporate Relationship Management Jay
Lagdameo, PLDT Relationship Manager Eena
Samonte, and PascualLab President and
CEO, Jappy Pascual, against a backdrop of
international license plates.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
37
NEW VERTICAL
THE
HORIZONS
HOT JOE sits down with Samsung’s Ireen Catane about the
rapidly growing enterprise IT space, industry-specific solutions,
ASEAN Integration, and their fruitful partnership with
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and SMART Enterprise.
38
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
39
AS
the double doors slide open at the
tenth floor of the Samsung Philippines
headquarters at McKinley hill, it
is understandable how one can be
delightedly surprised. It is not your
prototypical enterprise business
center, conventionally sleek yet sterile.
Samsung’s space is dominated by
thought-provoking design ensconced
in seemingly translucent white walls—
an inviting blank canvas to showcase
enterprise innovation.
Welcome to the Samsung
Executive Briefing Center. Recently
opened in the middle of this year,
Samsung executives proudly say
that “it’s not a showroom; it’s
an experience.” This grotto of
technological ingenuity consists
of humming alcoves highlighting
Samsung’s distinct visions for specific
vertical industries. The amount of
technology present-- large format
displays, tablets, printers, air conditions,
etcetera-- is nearly overwhelming, yet it
is not as daunting as it seems. Beyond
each gadget and gizmo’s individual
capabilities lies their ability to
seamlessly converge and work together.
This is what Samsung presents first
and foremost to enterprise customers.
Their simple value proposition:
these industry-specific solutions
are proven and definitely work, and
they work really well. The confident
demonstration is reminiscent of PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise and SMART
Enterprise’s own drive as the trusted
expert end-to-end ICT partner with
expertly bundled solutions that serve
industry-specific needs. One might
say that their partnership is perfectly
vertically aligned.
40
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
Within the Samsung Executive Briefing
Center, HOT JOE saw a glimpse of the
future office with Samsung's Smart Office
Solutions. Large Format Displays show
content coming from Tablet PCs as well as
connected printers with NFC tap-to-print
functionalities.
Our plan is to further develop
hardware and software that
would fit the numerous solutions
of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and
SMART Enterprise.
As the double doors slide open
once again, Ms. Ireen Catane enters the
space. She beamed a winning smile to the
HOT JOE team. A veteran player in the
enterprise IT arena, she warmly welcomed
us—energetic even after a full day of
appointments.
HOT JOE: Please tell us more about
Samsung’s Enterprise Business Division?
Ireen Catane: The Samsung Enterprise
Business Division is a driver to
accelerate discoveries and possibilities
for the enterprise sector. We apply
our global network, innovation, and
deep understanding of how people use
technology to deliver a New Business
Experience for our enterprise partners to
run their businesses in a more connected,
collaborative, flexible, and productive
manner.
Samsung and our partners provide
solutions and devices that are tailormade for business organizations based
on specific industry requirements. A
worldwide initiative for growth in the B2B
sector is a significant part of Samsung’s
vision for 2020. Our Enterprise Business
Team expects to generate a substantial
part of Samsung’s overall revenue by that
time.
HJ: Please tell us more about the Samsung’s
Executive Briefing Center. What drove
Samsung to create this facility?
Ireen: We saw that more professionals are
investing their own resources to purchase
and use a broad range of Samsung's
consumer technologies in the enterprise
space because of the good experiences
they've had with them. Thus, we want to
extend Samsung's strong consumer brand
awareness into the B2B market.
The Executive Briefing Center
highlights Samsung’s commitment to
innovation and business experiences in a
number of industries: retail, quick service
restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, banking
and finance, and education among others.
We are a company that can offer a total
smart device portfolio with its integrated
line-up of enterprise devices, industryspecific vertical solutions, and innovative
IT horizontal solutions, combined to
address specific business needs.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
41
42
HJ: 2014 has proven to be a very remarkable
year for the enterprise IT market with
numerous trends. Can you share with us your
organization’s insight and approach towards
Cloud Computing, Machine-to-Machine
(M2M), and BYOD?
HJ: Please tell us more about your
partnership with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and SMART Enterprise. How is your group
empowering their numerous end-to-end
ICT solutions?
Ireen: Samsung's smartphones and tablets
are cloud-ready with the introduction of
Samsung KNOX as a security platform.
This enables Samsung mobile device users
to securely operate their business-critical
applications. In addition, we now also have
a Cloud Display line that is certified to use
on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solutions
of VMware and Citrix.
Samsung KNOX is also the key in
implementing BYOD policies within
an organization as a mobile device
management (MDM) platform. Companies
can now push policies to these personal
mobile devices that are being used to access
company IT infrastructure, securing them
like company-liable devices.
Our overall product line – mobile
devices, SMART signages, printers, etc. –
are designed to talk to each other. We are
not only pushing M2M, but with the help
of Samsung's research and development
team, our company will be ready for the
Internet of Everything (IoE).
Ireen: Right now, we have a special
program with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and SMART Enterprise, which we call
Operator Dedicated Support. This means
we will go beyond simply bundling our
products with PLDT services. We will
start offering specific solutions that are
aligned with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and SMART Enterprise solutions offerings.
We will package each solution and go to
market together. This is a stronger strategy,
giving confidence to the enterprise market
that three big brands have joined forces in
providing solutions across all verticals.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
product development side and marketing
soon. What we are planning to do with
them is not only limited to mobile devices
but all across Samsung Electronics product
line.
The future is with IoE and this is
something we want to do with PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise and SMART
Enterprise.
Left: Anchoring Samsung's Smart
Healthcare solutions is its state-of-the-art
large format display with 4K ultra high
definition, accurately displaying radiological
images.
Right: Samsung's Smart Retail and Quick
Service Restaurant solutions (QSR) feature
Samsung's Cloud Displays and Point of Sale
(PoS) equipment.
HJ: Looking forward, what more things are
on the horizon between the partnership
of Samsung, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, and
SMART Enterprise?
Ireen: Our plan is to further develop
hardware and software that would fit the
numerous solutions of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and SMART Enterprise. There
will surely be in depth coordination in the
Ireen Catane, Head of Enterprise Business
for Samsung Electronics, discussing how
Samsung's performance in the consumer
market could translate into the B2B space.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
43
Y
WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
Were OU
There
1
HIGHLIGHT BUSINESS EXCELLENCE IN AN EMERGING ASIA
THIS YEAR’S ASIA CEO AWARDS,
PRESENTED BY PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE,
SHOWCASES THE BEST IN PHILIPPINE
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP.
For the second year running, the
opulent Solaire Grand Ballroom hosted
the veritable who’s who of the Philippine
enterprise community. The Asia CEO
Forum honored select individuals and
companies for their leadership excellence
at the 2014 Asia CEO Awards, presented
by PLDT ALPHA Enterprise.
The evening began with guests
and finalists mingling under sparkling
chandeliers while enjoying wine,
champagne, and various small delicacies.
Host Cesca Litton started the formal
program by introducing the distinguished
judges, after which San Miguel Purefoods
Vice President-International Oscar Sañez
delivered his welcome remarks. Guests
then enjoyed dinner while listening to the
amazing live performances from the Pagibig Fund Chorale and the Ryan Cayabyab
Singers.
Numerous awards were given away
that night, highlighted by the prestigious
‘Asia CEO Lifetime Contributor of the
Year,’ honoring individuals who made a
significant positive impact to the economy
and nation building. PLDT Chairman
44
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
Manuel V Pangilinan, himself a former
Asia CEO Awardee for Global Filipino
Executive of the Year, presented this
year’s top awards to SM Prime Holdings
Chairman Henry Sy, Sr. (accepted on
his behalf by his son, Hans Sy) and
Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon
Jimenez, Jr.
“The Philippines has been
experiencing a surge in economic activity
in recent years, and we are poised to see
further economic development – if we
play our cards right,” noted PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez. “In this, leaders who can
think and act on a global scale are essential
for the future of the country – and, luckily,
we can see that many of the Philippines’
foremost leaders – whether in business, the
government, or academia – fit this profile.
This award highlights the leadership
qualities of the Filipino – whether he has
achieved success inside the country, or
outside of it, or both.”
“I would like to thank the event
presenter, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, and
all our other sponsors, media partners,
finalists, and guests, for your patronage and
support. We trust that you will continue to
support us in pushing for the Philippines
as a premiere business investment location
and destination,” says Asia CEO Awards
President Rebecca Bustamante.
2
Asia CEO Awards Winners
1.
CEO of SM Prime Holdings Hans Sy receiving
the ‘Lifetime Contributor of the Year’ (Private
Sector) Award on behalf of the awardee, SM Prime
Holdings Chairman Henry Sy Sr., from the Asia
CEO Awards 2014 Board of Judges and PLDT
Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan.
2.
The winner of the SPi Global Young Leader of the
Year was KMC MAG Group Managing Director
Michael McCullough, seen here with the other
finalists for the award.
3.
Representatives from SMART Communications,
including PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan,
receiving the Meralco award for Top Employer
of the Year.
4.
Dept. of Tourism Secretary Hon. Ramon Jimenez
was honored for his contributions in the public
sector with an Asia CEO Awards ‘Lifetime
Contributor of the Year’ (Public Sector).
5.
Representatives from PJ Lhuillier accepting the
award of CapitalOne CSR Company of the Year.
6.
The winner of the PAL Hospitality Destination of the
Year was the Ten Knots Development Corporation.
PAL Hospitality Destination of the Year:
Ten Knots Development Corporation
Oracle Technology Company of the Year:
Envirosite Corporation
Security Bank Corporate Company of the Year:
Philex Mining Corporation
CapitalOne CSR Company of the Year:
PJ Lhuillier
First Carbon Solutions Green Company of the Year:
San Carlos Solar Energy
SPi Global Young Leader of the Year:
Michael McCullough
(Managing Director, KMC MAG Group)
Shore Solutions Most Innovative Company of the Year:
Generika Drugstore
NEC Quality Company of the Year:
Fluor
Jones Lang LaSalle Expatriate Executive of the Year:
3
4
5
6
7
Lars Wittig
(Country Manager, Regus Philippines)
SMART Enterprise Global Filipino Executive of the Year:
Roberto Juanchito Dispo
(President of First Metro Investment Corporation)
Meralco Top Employer of the Year:
SMART Communications
KPMG Executive Leadership Team of the Year:
SM Prime Holdings
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
45
WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
8
9
16
15
7.
11
17
12. Asia CEO Awards Chairman Richard Mills
welcoming the guest to this year’s gala night.
The President of First Metro Investment
Corporation, Roberto Juanchito Dispo, being
recognized as the SMART Enterprise Global
Filipino Executive of the Year by PLDT VP Jay
Lagdameo and PLDT FVP Jovy Hernandez.
8.
Finalists for the KPMG Executive Leadership
Team of the Year, along with the representative
for the winner, SM Prime Holdings.
9.
The Pag-ibig Chorale puts on a grand
performance for the entertainment of their
audience.
10. PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and SMART Enterprise Jovy
Hernandez speaking to the audience about
the need for global-minded leaders in an
increasingly international age.
13. Philex Mining Corporation contingent being
awarded as Security Bank Corporate Company
of the Year.
14. Finalists for the Shore Solutions Most Innovative
Company of the Year award along with
representatives from the winner, Generika
Drugstore.
18
16. Richard Echon, Ben Melasa, Kent de la Calzada,
Onald David, and Ino Mandapat
17. Jovy Hernandez, Proteek Ahuja, Mitch Locsin,
and Vic Tria
11. PLDT’s Rissa Golloso, Boy Castañeda,
Mikey Smyth, and Precy Katigbak
10
15. Two of the foremost minds guiding the Philippine
economy, PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan
and Dr. Bernie Villegas.
18. Regus Philippines Country Manager Lars Wittig
is acclaimed as the Jones Lang LaSalle
Expatriate Executive of the Year.
12
19. Representatives from Fluor receiving the awards
for NEC Quality Company of the Year.
20. Envirosite Corporation executives receiving
the award for Oracle Technology Company
of the Year.
19
13
14
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
20
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
47
WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
2
3
1.
Leading the ceremonial toast at the ePLDT Visual
IVR+ Launch is ePLDT President & CEO and PLDT
EVP Eric R. Alberto (fourth from left) together
with (from left to right) PLDT Corporate Business
Solutions Head Nico Alcoseba, ePLDT Solutions
Consulting and Business Operations Head Yohlie
Jarlego, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer
Nerisse Ramos, PLDT FVP and PLDT ALPHA
Enteprise Head Jovy Hernandez, PLDT Enterprise
Voice Category Head Fay Ocampo, Enghaus Sales
Director Tim Macnamara, and Cosmocall Universe
CTO Steve Dellutri
2.
Quiel Delgado, Bong Borja, Eric Alberto,
Dennis Bancod, and Jovy Hernandez
3.
Nerisse Ramos, Arlyn Lavarias Songco,
Dang Amistoso, and Edison Dungo
4.
Jovy Hernandez formally unveils the product
with his keynote address during the Manila leg.
5.
Jojo Uligan, Jon Cervantes, Steve Kaay,
Jovy Hernandez, and Toto Magsuci
6.
Vic Tria joined by Steven Wang (far right)
enjoy a lighter moment with guests.
7.
During the live demonstration presentation,
Fay Ocampo (3rd from left) shows attendees
that companies can significantly reduce their
call handling times with ePLDT Visual IVR+.
8.
Albert Villadolid, Precy Katigbak, and Ronan Ignacio
9.
Jovy Hernandez, Ken Tiambeng, and Mari Javier
5
1
PICTURING A CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE REVOLUTION
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE AND ePLDT
LAUNCHES THE COUNTRY’S FIRST VISUAL
INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE SOLUTION.
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and
ePLDT unveiled the latest star in their
comprehensive contact center solutions
portfolio: the ePLDT Visual Interactive
Voice Response (IVR)+. The first of
its kind in the country, ePLDT Visual
IVR+ enables companies of all sizes to
enhance customer experience and build
loyalty by significantly improving callhandling times. Customers calling from
smartphones will receive richer and more
visual interaction through customized
graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that are
synched to current IVR recordings. Instead
of just listening to voice recordings, users
can simply tap their choices on vivid menu
interfaces.
ePLDT Visual IVR+ was first
showcased in Makati at the 71 Gramercy
club, Century City in Makati. This
penthouse bar was the perfect venue as
customers were literally taken to new
heights in witnessing the launch of this
revolutionary solution. Natalia Moon was
the ultimate triple treat — as host, singer
and dancer during the launch festivities.
At this event, attendees got to learn more
about ePLDT Visual IVR+ through an
audio-visual presentation, followed by
a live demonstration by PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Voice Category Head Fay
Ocampo, showcasing first hand the
solution’s various features and how it
can positively impact the overall cost of
business operations and enhance customer
experience.
PLDT Executive Vice President
and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R.
Alberto led the ceremonial toast together
with top PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and ePLDT executives, as well as
representatives from technology partner
CosmoCom.
Following the successful Manila leg,
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise also introduced
ePLDT Visual IVR+ at the Tides Hotel
in Boracay and the Marco Polo Hotel
in Cebu City. At all legs of the multicity launch, guests were able to see the
solution in action at the industry-specific
demonstration booths that were set up at
each venue.
“We at the PLDT Group, with our
partners at CallVu, are proud to be the first
in the nation to provide this revolutionary
ePLDT Visual IVR+ solution,” says Mr.
Alberto. “As the Philippines strives to
remain as the preferred worldwide contact
center destination, we must remain at the
forefront providing insightful world-class
solutions. Through ePLDT Visual IVR+,
combined with our other end-to-end
ICT solutions portfolio, you can now
revolutionize customer experience in ways
never previously imagined.”
6
4
7
9
8
10
10. Cai Dominguez, Geoff Dominguez,
and Chet Alviz enjoy the show.
11. Denny Munoz, John Gonzales, and Mia Bulatao
12. At every leg of the national launch, attendees got
to experience ePLDT Visual IVR+ in action at the
industry-specific demo booths.
12
11
48
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
49
WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
1
PHILIPPINE OUTSOURCING SUMMIT ON A HIGH NOTE
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE HOSTS
POST-CONFERENCE REVELRY FOR
2014 IIS SUMMIT DELEGATES
Formerly called the International
Outsourcing Summit, the 2014
International IT-BPM Summit was held at
the Makati Shangri-La Hotel with delegates
from around the world discussing industry
trends, innovations, and challenges facing
their industry. To cap off the insightful
two-day summit, PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise hosted the culminating party set
at the hotel’s luxurious Isabella Ballroom.
Dubbed “A Night at the Movies,”
delegates were treated to a delectable
sampling of food and drinks, paired with
glamorous entertainment. The ballroom
featured iconic fixtures from Hollywood
such as a marquee, ticket booth, food carts
serving corn dogs, popcorn, and nachos, as
50
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
well as a stage re-designed into a bar. Four
“Hollywood stars” were also on hand,
namely Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Stacee
Jaxx, and John Travolta – or at least some
very convincing actors portraying them.
The scintillating SUN Cellular
endorser Solenn Heussaff was the night’s
host, kicking off the festivities with her
amazing rendition of “Fever.” Hit band
The Bloomfields performed a musical
set featuring a mix of hits spanning
three decades. This was followed by a
hair-raising bartender exhibition by the
Flare Squad, who showed off their skills
by juggling flying liquor bottles and glasses.
Model-singer Lana Roi was another special
guest performer who sang cover songs
from the cult classic, Coyote Ugly.
Aside from the amazing performances,
a “Guess that movie tune!” game was
played with Rookie Camaclang besting
everyone through his phenomenal
knowledge of movie soundtracks. He was
awarded a TW Steel watch as his prize.
Also, iPhone 5s and tickets to the Mariah
Carey concert were raffled off to other
lucky delegates.
“The IIS conference has been a
great opportunity to build relationships,
strengthen partnerships, and shine a light
on our vision of a strong outsourcing
industry that is a significant contributor to
nation building. Thank you for being a part
of a productive and fruitful summit,” said
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Jovy Hernandez during the
event.
Following an encore performance
from Ms. Heussaff, the night’s revelry
continued with more live music featuring
iconic movie soundtracks, food, and
drinks. PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s
culminating event was truly the perfect
finish to a dynamic Summit. ‘Till next year!
3
2
1.
Jojo Uligan, Bong Borja, Eric Alberto,
Jovy Hernandez, Dan Reyes,
and Cesar Enriquez
2.
Summit delegates and guests enjoy
cocktails before the show.
3.
Mitch Locsin, Danny Cuevas,
Tetet Castro, and Ed Doctolero
4.
Benjamin Azada, Victor Ona,
and Jojo Uligan
5.
Lana Roi singing songs from the cult
classic, Coyote Ugly.
6.
Nico Alcoseba talking about “Getting
digital and Going beyond Telco” during
the IT-BPM Summit.
7.
Jomari Mercado and Eric Alberto
4
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7
8
13 14
9
15 16
6
8.
The host of the night was Sun Cellular
celebrity-endorser Solenn Heussaff.
9.
Precy Katigbak and Judy Whisenhunt
10
11
10. “Guess that movie tune!” winner
Rookie Camaclang (2nd from left) enjoying
cocktails with his fellow delegates at the start
of the night.
11. Jon Cervantes and Jon Kaplan
12. Guests took turns posing with some of the
models in the event, such as those portraying
Marilyn Monroe and Madonna.
13. The night’s opening act featured a fabulous
dance number featuring a medley of famous
movie soundtracks.
14. Bing Prima, Jamea Garcia, and Bong Borja
15. The Bloomfields played hit tunes, from the
Beatles to Aerosmith, and kept everyone
dancing.
16. Jay Lagdameo, Vic Tria, Azmal Yahya,
and Hani Ariff
12
17
18
17. Welcoming the guests were the night’s
models dressed as Madonna, Marilyn Monroe,
John Travolta, and Stacee Jaxx.
18. The Flare Squad showed off their skills in
juggling flying liquor bottles and glasses.
19. Solenn Heussaff.kept the night jumping as
hostess of the whole event
20. PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Jovy Hernandez welcomes
Summit delegates to the gala dinner.
52
20
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1
GOLFING FOR GLORY AND GIVING
THE 13TH ANNUAL MVP CUP GIVES ITS
GUESTS A CHANCE AT GOLFING GLORY –
AND AT REDOUBLED CHARITY EFFORTS
Held once again at the prestigious
Wack Wack Golf and Country Club,
the 13th MVP Cup continues its
annual tradition of promoting first-rate
sportsmanship and camaraderie within the
nation’s business community.
Participants enjoyed a pampered
experience all throughout the tournament.
During breakfast, they enjoyed a delicious
buffet and won pick-up prizes like wine
racks and high-quality cookware. Players
who visited the tee-houses during their
play were treated with bibingka, lugaw,
and halo-halo. They also generously
purchased mulligans throughout course
play, with proceeds donated to the ongoing
rehabilitation efforts for victims of
Typhoon Yolanda.
At the travel-themed post-tournament
fellowship dinner, guests were treated to
amazing entertainment numbers from Da
Capo, Tuklas Talino winner Jensen Tenoso,
and the beautiful Natalia Moon, who also
was the evening’s host. Lots of raffle prizes
were given away that night: iPhone 5s units
and travel packages including round-trip
business class airline tickets to Boracay,
Bohol, Palawan, Hong Kong, Singapore,
Japan, and the US. The luckiest of the lot
was Mr. Anthony Ocampo and Mr. James
Dantow, who received a brand new Toyota
Fortuner and Toyota Altis, respectively.
But the MVP Cup wasn’t all just fun
and games. As we mark the one-year
anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda, PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise together with the day’s
participants again opened their hearts and
wallets, raising over 5 million Pesos for
the Philippine Disaster Recovery Fund
(PDRF).
At the end of the night, the PLDT
Chairman himself, Mr. Manuel V
Pangilinan personally thanked each and
everyone for their charity. “Let us use the
same unbreakable spirit of sportsmanship
and community in every MVP Cup for
this deserving cause,” he said. “Let us
show our ASEAN neighbors in the face
of impending economic integration, that
Filipinos can match an unprecedented
typhoon with unprecedented unity and
transformation.”
1.
PLDT Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan thanks
the MVP Cup participants for their charitable
donations for the Philippine Disaster Recovery
Foundation (PDRF).
2.
PLDT Executive Vice President and ePLDT
President and CEO Eric Alberto delivers a
jovial speech at the fellowship night.
3.
At the night’s opening remarks, PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez remarked on the amazing
turnout of this year’s tournament, with
more new participants as compared
to previous years.
4.
A golfer swings a good one at the bunker.
5.
Peter Cruz, Jovy Hernandez, and Steven Wang
6.
Augie Palisoc together with his flight mates
seen conversing in between holes.
7.
Jim Nasol, Fritz Claudio, Ditas Siapuatco,
and Rommel Latinazo
5
7
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4
6
8
9
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10
11
21
18
22
12
13
19
11. This year’s hole in one prizes were sponsored
by Nissan, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.
20
8.
Albert Villadolid, Kenneth Hartigan-Go,
JV Alde, and Edwin Hernandez
9.
Roberto Umali, Bettina Gordon,
Edward John Reyes, and Gary Villanueva
10. Masahiko Tsuchiya, Kenichi Nishida,
and Setsuya Kimura
14
12. Participants enjoyed the wonderful weather
as they drove on to their next hole.
17. Lined up at the ready, these golf carts
await for the tournament participants.
13. Philip Mallari, Richard Santos, Michael Escaler,
and Anthony Lao
18. A player readies his driver at the tee box.
14. Shridhar Aiyer, Sandeep Marwah,
Adam Hachey, and Pushkar Misra
15. Eric Alberto looks at the ball’s trajectory
after delivering his swing.
16. Dan Lachica takes one good look
before putting on the green.
19. Sandy Prieto Romualdez, Marixi Prieto,
Klaas Oreel, and Vicente Lim
20. Ed Doctolero, Danny Cuevas, Jay Gomez,
and Jun Yupitun
21. Elaine Kunkle, Chiqui Ong,
and Racquel Cagurangan
22. Dean Van Ormer, Joel Shimmer,
David Rizzo, and Miguel Garcia
23
23. These players show off their brand new
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 which was given
to all the players after their game.
24. Alexander Cabrera, Bobbie Geron,
Vic Gregorio, and Matthew Squires
25. Vic Batungbakal, Atty. Dan Roleda,
and Viboy Genuino
26. Mark Parco, Steve Kaay, Quiel Delgado,
and Cricket Santiago
27. Chris Young, Alfred Ty, Panadda Manoleehakul,
and Ramon Dizon
17
15
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24 25
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WERE YOU THERE
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26 27
28. Paul Louie Tugade, Edward Tiu,
and Michael Aquino
29. John Gonzales, Kas Jamias,
and Raymund Azurin
30. Andrew and Marixi Prieto
31. Michael Montero, Arthur Coronel,
Nick Ratuiste, and Anthony Cuaycong
28
32. Don Felbaum, Cesar Enriquez,
and Anthony Ocampo
34
35 36
33. Vic Tria, Nick Ratuiste, Jojo Gendrano,
John Gonzales, Rene Huergas,
Manny V Pangilinan, Nico Alcoseba,
and Eric Alberto
35. Onald David, JV Ejercito with son,
Boy Castañeda, and Mitch Locsin
36. Jovial guests flash the ALPHA sign as they
enjoy the evening’s festivities.
34. Natalia Moon wowed guests as she didn’t just
serve as the night’s host, but also performed
several musical numbers.
37. James Dantow and Anthony Ocampo pose
in front of their brand new Toyota cars.
29
37
38. (Standing, From L-R) Cesar Enriquez, Jovy
Hernandez, Manuel V Pangilinan, and Eric
Alberto (Seated, From L-R) Some of the
night's most generous donors: Art Tugade,
Bert Lina, and Ed Chua
39. Boboy Romero of DTSI (center) is awarded
as champion of the PLDT class by Jojo
Gendrano, Eric Alberto, and Jovy Hernandez.
40. Tournament champion Raymond Lacdao
(2nd from right) is awarded by Mitch Locsin,
Eric Alberto, and Jovy Hernandez.
30
31
38
32 33
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4
2
5
1
MOVING I.T. FORWARD, ALL AROUND THE NATION
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE CUSTOMERS
THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY GET A FIRST
LOOK AT MANAGED IT AND INDUSTRY
SOLUTIONS’ SUITE WITH A INSIGHTFUL,
MULTI-CITY ROADSHOW.
It’s an expanded end-to-end
ICT portfolio that awaits enterprise
organizations, as revealed in the PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise series of mini
events around the Philippines featuring
insightful talks from industry experts
and PLDT product managers. Making
stops at Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Baguio,
and Cebu, the aptly named “Move I.T.
Forward” roadshow demonstrated how
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise can serve as a
company’s veritable one-stop-shop for ICT
needs whether it be hardware, software,
professional services, or industry-specific
solutions.
At each leg, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Managed IT and Industry Solutions
Category Head Jay Arguelles delivered
the opening remarks. Following him
was PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Product
Manager, Marie Gan who presented
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Professional
Services Suite together with ePLDT and its
subsidiaries and affiliates. Product display
booths were positioned around the venue
while key insights on how businesses
are accelerating profitable growth with
SAP, DDOS Mitigation, IT Outsourcing
Services and Document Management
Systems were delivered by the experts of
the group. AGS SAP B1 VISMIN Sales
Head Alfie Amontos presented the SAP
B1 Solution, DDOS Mitigation Services
was discussed by IPC DDOS Mitigation
Expert, Mr. Ace Yutuc of CuroTeknika,
while Outsourcing Services was covered
by AVP for Sales Marketing Coco Pablo
and CuroTeknika’s April Nograles, and
Document Management Services was
discussed by ePDS EVP & General
Manager Tettet Tangco and ePDS Product
Manager, Clint Siao.
Jay Arguelles, on the other hand,
discussed PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s
extensive software and hardware offerings.
Following him were comprehensive
product presentations by ICT experts
from Huawei, Westcon, MTech, Trends &
Technologies, Net Pacific, and SMS Global
Technologies.
Capping the daylong affair was a
raffle draw and closing remarks from the
Business Heads of the respective areas
namely: PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Boy Castañeda
and PLDT Manager and North Luzon
Corporate Relationship Business Ronaldo
David (for the Baguio leg), and PLDT
AVP and VisMin Corporate Relationship
Business Head Jimmy Chua (for the
Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Cebu legs).
“With ASEAN 2015 on the horizon, I
believe that businesses-- regardless of size
or industry-- must be ready to innovate
in order to stay ahead of the regional and
global competition,” says Mr. Arguelles.
“With PLDT ALPHA Enterprise as
their true trusted expert end-to-end
ICT partner, they don’t need to handle
a handful of suppliers for their multiple
ICT requirements as we can take care of
everything-- allowing them to fully focus
on enhancing their core business.”
1.
ALPHA Clients are all smiles and do the
ALPHA sign after the fruitful “Move IT Forward”
Baguio session.
2.
Jimmy Chua welcoming the ALPHA clients
to the session at Limketkai Hotel, CDO.
3.
Jay Arguelles presenting PLDT Hardware
offerings via a Smart Screen
4.
AGS’ Alfie Amontos explaining the
different features of SAP B1 at the event
5.
IPC’s Ace Yutuc doing an interactive
presentation of DDOS Mitigation.
6.
David Zhang introducing the newest
ICT solutions from Huawei Enterprise
7.
A client inquires about their access point
and cctv requirements
8.
IPC’s Liza Pongase discussing the
Coupa eprocurement solution
9.
Huawei’s David Zhang and Marie Gan
opening the question and answer portion
3
6
7
8
9
10
11
10. Renato Castañeda formally opening and
welcoming clients to the “Move I.T. Forward”
Baguio Leg
11. Ronaldo Mendoza sharing project
flow insights with familiar clients
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CEBU
2
1
PASASALAMAT CEBU
PLDT PASASALAMAT NIGHT
CEBU • DAVAO • NORTH LUZON
LIGHTS. CAMERA. PARTY!
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE BRINGS THE
PLDT PASAALAMAT NIGHT NATIONWIDE
WITH A CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE FEATURING
THE GREATEST TUNES FROM THE
GREATEST FLICKS.
Last year’s PLDT Pasasalamat Night
regional festivities didn’t push through,
as the resources for these events were
channeled to Typhoon Yolanda relief
efforts. However this year, the highly
anticipated annual thanksgiving party
returned to Cebu, Davao, and North
Luzon with a triumphant bang, featuring
the best of the best of the silver screen.
Guests were welcomed at the venue
by a grand classic marquee, food carts of
classic theater good eats, as well as Marilyn
Monroe, Madonna, Stacee Jaxx, and
John Travolta (or at least very convincing
celebrity doubles). At their seats they
enjoyed popcorn served in ALPHA bucket
centerpieces as well as the fabulous dinner
buffet spread.
The scintillating Regine Tolentino
served as host for all three nights, starting
the fabulous festivities with a fiery fiveminute dance performance. PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez then delivered the
welcoming remarks, inviting everyone
to “enjoy the entertainment and prizes
we've arranged for you tonight – because
this PLDT Pasasalamat Night is our way
of thanking you, our valued clients and
partners, for choosing PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise as your trusted expert end-toend ICT partner.”
The riveting RT Dancers performed
for the crowed with a dance number
inspired by Coyote Ugly. Later the majestic
Natalia Moon sang a medley of memorable
movie soundtracks. In addition, the alwaysenjoyable The Bloomfields joined guests
3
in rockin’ the night away. Of course, lots
of fabulous prizes were also given away
during the movie-trivia games and raffle
draw portions. Lucky guests went home
with Galaxy Tabs, iPad Minis, big screen
LED TVs, and the much sought after
iPhone 6 devices.
The celebration surely couldn’t end
there, as PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
personnel further kicked up the joyous
celebration with their clients and partners
throughout the remainder of the night.
It was truly uplifting to see the return
of PLDT Pasasalamat Night, back in
action once more in Cebu, Davao, and
North Luzon, as guests left with a sense of
renewed optimism and decidedly greater
expectations for the year to come.
1.
The magnificent Regine Tolentino dons her
Maleficent attire as she led the night’s games
and raffles portions.
2.
Jovy Hernandez delivers the night’s
opening remarks.
3.
These brave guests duked it out at the
“dance off” contest, with one receiving a
Samsung Galaxy Tab as his just reward.
4.
Mayet Rubin, Ma. Gina Rallos,
and Mr. and Mrs. Art Dy
5.
Dorian Mendoza, Jose Canete,
and Glenn Gucor
6.
These two clearly enjoyed the night’s merrymaking.
7.
Fe Pajaron, Melanie Ng, and Wilson Ng
8.
Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. and Jimmy Chua
4
5
6
7
8
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CEBU
9
20
10
19
9.
21
19. Chet Alviz with one of the night's lucky
winners of a brand new iPhone 6 care
of SMART Enterprise.
These guests were all smiles throughout the
evening as they mingled and enjoyed the
night’s numerous offerings.
20. Joseph de Guzman, Teng Tanael,
Romy Roque, Dinia Chavez,
and Jovy Hernandez
10. Representatives from LEAR enjoying the
night's program
21. Kent de la Calzada, Linda Tacbobo,
Rodel Rebosura, Razel Elizalde,
Cecille Lumapas, Jimmy Chua
and Dallie dela Pena
11. Glenn Candia and Elias Tecson
11
12. Even representatives from the Province
of Cebu joined the night’s festivities
22
13. Natalia Moon provided live musical
performances of Hollywood classics.
23
23. Anthony Villamor and Glenn Candia
14. Jonathan Unchuan, Marissa Unchuan,
Francisco Unchuan, Marian Unchuan,
and Oamar Tabiliran
24. Jonathan Unchuan, Francisco Unchuan,
Jay Lagdameo, Marissa Unchaun,
Marian Unchuan, Melissa Seno,
and Chichu Seno
15. Jimmy Chua with Kenneth and Pinky Sy
12
13
22. Romy Roque, Boy Castañeda,
Sandie Salimbangon, Juliet Mendez,
Marylou Masculino, and Maribeth Putani
16. Jimmy Chua, Joseph Emmanuel Liwag,
and Hazel Tabugon
25. Michael Eparwa, Rose Marie L. Wong,
Nida Aniñon, and Beth Villaflor
17. Guests posed for a photo op after registering
by the Hollywood-themed marquee.
26. Onald David, Cesar Enriquez, Cenelyn
Manguilimotan, Jovy Hernandez and
Kent de la Calzada
18. Jimmy Chua, Chad Jumalon, Kirld Langco,
and Boy Castañeda
24
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15
16
17
| PASASALAMAT CEBU
18
25
26
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CEBU
27. Performers in costume provided a
Hollywood flavor to the entrance.
28. The Bloomfields treated guests with rad,
rockin’ musical sets featuring the latest
and the greatest hit songs.
29. A lucky winner of a big screen LED TV poses
for the camera with PLDT representatives.
30. Multiple people throughout the night were
able to win large screen televisions through
the raffle.
31. Chet Alviz talks to the crowd about the
new iPhone 6 plans now offered by
SMART Enterprise.
27
32. The Bloomfields' drummer shows off some
fancy stickwork during their set.
33. Guests watched in attention as Natalia Moon
delivers a musical number for the ages.
34. Aileen Velez, Cherry Allego, and Tayen Canoy
35. We spotted these lovely ladies enjoying
the night’s entertainment
36. Energetic performances kept the audience
on the edge of their seats the whole night
through.
28
29
32 33
30
31
34
35 36
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DAVAO
DAVAO
6
PASASALAMAT DAVAO
7
1
2
4
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| PASASALAMAT DAVAO
3
5
1.
Gilbert Espina, Gary Velayo,
and Dante Verendia
2.
Cesar Enriquez, Ben Gaite,
and Kent de la Calzada
3.
The Bloomfields treated guests with rad,
rockin’ musical sets featuring the latest
and the greatest hit songs.
4.
Guests posed for a photo op after registering
by the Hollywood-themed marquee.
5.
Glenda Limjap, Meg Jolejole, Benjie Banzon,
and Eunice Adrales
6.
A lucky winner of big screen LED TVs poses
for the camera with PLDT representatives.
7.
The return of the PLDT Pasasalamat Night in
Davao was met with a huge attendee turnout.
8.
Dick Perez, Jimmy Chua, Erwin Ejorango,
Oscar and Claudia Garcia, Jovy Hernandez,
Boy Castañeda, Ben Melasa and Bobs Ordona
9.
These brave guests duked it out at the
“dance off" contest, with one receiving a
Samsung Galaxy Tab as his just reward.
8
9
10. Another lucky winner of a big screen LED TV.
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PASASALAMAT DAVAO |
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DAVAO
NORTH LUZON
11
11. The RT Dancers tearing it up to a medley
of movie soundtrack classics.
12. These Davaoeños took time out from the
merriment to smile for our camera.
13. Gilbert Alfanta, Joey Briones, Norjun Bernasor,
Jenn Fetalvero, and Eric Tiongson
14. Veromia Perez, Joseph Jingco, Jacky Chan,
Angel Ratilla, and Amour Mah Menesses
15. Ronald Comisio, Danilo Torres,
Joseph Respicio and Irvin Miclat
12
1
16. Francie Marie Calderon, Mabel Yuzon,
Ely Macalino, Marites Requiso, Rodion Paulo
Palma Gil, Miles Castillo, and Royce
Kenneth Toreno.
13
14
PASASALAMAT NORTH LUZON
2
70
These brave guests duked it out at the
“dance off” contest, with one receiving a
Samsung Galaxy Tab as his just reward.
2.
These PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
North Luzon clients enjoyed the laidback, relaxing atmosphere of the
Green Canyon resort.
3.
These guests were all smiles throughout
the evening as they mingled and enjoyed
the night’s numerous offerings.
4.
Natalia Moon delivers a musical number,
featuring songs from famous movie
soundtracks.
3
15
16
1.
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NORTH LUZON
NORTH LUZON
5.
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Nethercutt with
Lito Mercado
6.
Delighted guests took time out of the
merrymaking to smile for the camera.
18. Guests posed for a photo op after
registering by the Hollywood-themed
marquee.
7.
Vinah Catapang, Irma Castillo, and
Mr. and Mrs. Asense
19. Mitch Locsin, Vic Tria,
and Jovy Hernandez
8.
Jovy Hernandez setting the beat of the night.
9.
5
Smiling faces attest to the festivity
of the night.
20. Dennis Magbatoc, David Porter,
Rick Olson and Onald David
6
14
10. Rudnan Chavez, Angelina Casasola,
Kai Ocampo, and Jim TImbol
21. Arthur Roxas, Aaron Tarine, Alex Jeroso,
Patrick Oyawon, and Arman Manaloto
22. A group of attendees pause from their
snacks and conversation in order to
smile at the camera.
11. Larry Chiu and Mr. & Mrs. May Lustestica
12. Lito Mercado and Moray Fleming
13. The return of the PLDT Pasasalamat Night in
North Luzon was met with a record-breaking
attendee turnout.
14. Dick Perez, Kai Ocampo, Jay Balayan, Marvin
S. Manaloto, Raselle P. Cunanan & Gerarld
Domingo (seated), Abigail Aguilar, Joel Castro,
Ryan Munoz, Audie Asuncion, Danny Torres,
Rolly del Rosario, Ino Mandapat,
and Kent Dela Calzada
7
8
15
16
17
18
15. Marvin Manaloto, Ryan Munoz,
and Rolly del Rosario
16. Ronnie Cruz, Roldan Manalaysay, Mario
Bernardo and Cristina Bernardo
17. Alex Fong, Eric Alberto, and Boy Castañeda
9
10
19
11
20
12
72
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SUSTAINED CARRIER ETHERNET EXCELLENCE
PLDT EXTENDS ITS WINNING STREAK AT
THE PRESTIGIOUS 2014 METRO ETHERNET
FORUM ETHERNET EXCELLENCE AWARDS
PLDT again wins on the Ethernet
world stage as the only Philippine
company singled out for the prestigious
2014 Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF)
Ethernet Excellence Awards with the
Retail Service Provider of the Year in Asia
Pacific award, which recognizes PLDT’s
regional Ethernet Service excellence on
the enterprise market. The company was
also recognized with nominations at four
additional categories: Best Application of
the Year-Government, Best Service of the
Year-APAC, Wholesale Service Provider of
the Year-APAC, and MEF Carrier Ethernet
Certified Professional of the Year.
The awards were held at Washington
DC as the culminating gala night of the
MEF GEN14 Conference, attracting
delegates from all over the world to discuss
the future of the network-enabled cloud,
data, and mobile services powered by the
convergence of CE 2.0, software defined
networking (SDN), and virtualization
technologies. The company received the
prestigious Ethernet Excellence Award
for Retail Service Provider of the Year for
Asia Pacific (APAC) in recognition for its
certified e-Access service and its enduring
commitment to global standards.
The awards were judged by a panel
of experts from IDC, Infonetics, Vertical
Systems, Gartner, Frost & Sullivan,
Ovum, the Rayno Report, including other
independent experts.
“We thank the Metro Ethernet Forum
for recognizing PLDT as one of the
best service providers in the world with
this award,” says PLDT Executive Vice
President and ePLDT President and CEO
Eric R. Alberto. “We aim to maintain
our leading position by ensuring that our
customers will consistently experience
world-class quality in our PLDT Carrier
Ethernet through sustained investments in
infrastructure and expertise.”
“This award from Metro Ethernet
Forum further encourages us to pursue
excellence in providing future-proof
Carrier Ethernet 2.0 certified solutions
that are truly at par with global standards,
ably addressing critical business needs of
our enterprise customers.” says PLDT
First Vice President and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez.
1.
PLDT First Vice President and Head
of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy
Hernandez and PLDT Executive Vice
President and ePLDT President and
CEO Eric R. Alberto recieves this year’s
MEF Awards Trophy.
2.
Almira So of PLDT United States
converses with interested clients about
the numerous connectivity solutions
PLDT offer to US-based enterprises.
3.
PLDT Senior Product Manager Irene
de Guzman (2nd from left) together
with Richard Ortega, Roselle dela Cruz,
Patricia Crilley, and Almira So
of PLDT US.
4.
Receiving the award on behalf of PLDT
is PLDT Senior Product Manager Irene
de Guzman (2nd from left) together with
the winners from other regions at the
2014 MEF Awards Gala
PLDT’s Carrier Ethernet Excellence,
At a Glance
2014 Ethernet Excellence
Award Winner
Retail Service Provider of the Year-APAC
1
2014 Ethernet Excellence Award-Finalist
Best Application of the Year-Government
Best Service of the Year-APAC
Wholesale Service Provider of the Year-APAC
MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional of the Year
Three-Time Winner
Best Marketing for the Asia Pacific Region
(2011-2013)
2
3
Winner
MEF Regional Service Provider of the Year-APAC
(2012)
Highest Number of Metro
Ethernet Forum Carrier Ethernet
Certified Professionals
(MEF-CECPs) in the Country
First service provider in the world
to obtain Carrier Ethernet 2.0
certifications for all eight
Ethernet services
4
74
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
75
“If you want to know more about
our products and services, press 1.”
A NEW VISION
THAT WILL SHAKE UP
CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCE
PLDT changes the game once again with ePLDT Visual IVR+
FOR
76
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
“For landline,
press 1.”
“For DSL,
press 2.”
“For wireless
broadband, press 1.”
“If you require tech
support, press 2.”
“For broadband,
press 2.”
“Please wait, as a technical support
agent will assist you shortly.”
too long calling customer service hotlines involved a
litany of voice prompts, cheesy muzak or always-outdated
corporate jingles. A single service call could take half a day
to be resolved. Wasting time nowadays is criminal.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
77
T
his is a serious concern
for any C-Level executive.
As people become more
demanding with the quality
of their customer service
experience, they will most
likely avoid companies
with bad interactive voice response (IVR)
systems. On top of that, they might even
share their bad experience with on social
media and other channels. And nowadays,
that can make or break a company.
To address this critical concern, PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise and ePLDT recently
introduced the newest solution to its endto-end ICT range: ePLDT Visual IVR+.
A Visual Revolution for Over-the-Phone
Customer Service
ePLDT, ably predicting evolving
customer behavior and emerging industry
trends, created the Visual IVR+ solution
by combining voice IVR menu trees with
an easy-to-use graphical menu interface.
This works perfectly with customers who
call your Customer Care hotline using
smartphones-- now becoming the norm.
On their smartphone screens, ePLDT
Visual IVR+ presents all the menu options,
letting callers quickly tap through their
choices. This way, calls that consume
minutes at a time because of voice-prompt
waiting can be possibly reduced to seconds.
But beyond the visual-based menu
system, ePLDT Visual IVR+ offers other
attractive features that take over-the-phone
customer service into a whole new level.
Customers can use the solution to send
photos to agents right on their smartphones
during calls, which is perfect for insurance
claims. Its in-queue text chat feature allows
callers and agents to message each other
even during on-hold times. VISUAL IVR+
also offers a richer experience by directly
sending comprehensive account records,
ePLDT Visual IVR+
Optimizing Customer Service
Across Industries
ePLDT VP and Group Head of Solutions
Consulting and Business Operations
Yohlie Jarlego.
With its gamut of features and
functionalities, it provides value for almost
all industries, especially offshoring and
outsourcing (O&Os), banking and finance,
and hospitality industries.
“First, these organizations can
use ePLDT Visual IVR+’s features
to make itself more valuable to their
customers,” she says. “But most of all, the
optimization of operations is the solution’s
main benefit.”
“With call handling times reduced,
agent engagement can be lessened as well.
More calls and accounts can be handled
by the organization. Competitiveness and
profitability is maximized.”
Banking and Finance
“In a certain perspective, what ePLDT
Visual IVR+ offers is optimization,” says
Text-based chatting allows callers
and agents to message each other,
even while on queue
Multi-Industry
Application
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
give users an easy-to-use, tappable
navigation system instead of
traditional voice prompts
Rich visual content, such as
advertisements, can be pushed to
the caller’s smartphone
ePLDT Visual IVR+
offers valuable applications
beyond the O&O industry.
Photo upload system lets callers send
photographs to agents straight from
their smartphones
Agents can receive instantaneous
feedback after the call with
one-click surveys
Features and Benefits at a Glance
78
billing statements, and advertisements
during calls. After calls, instantaneous
feedback can be gathered via one-click
surveys. All this gives companies greater
customer satisfaction while reducing
frustration, call wait time, and overall
operational cost.
Employing ePLDT Visual IVR+ into
a business’ existing contact center platform
is easy and practically non-invasive. It uses
Voice XML (VXML)-- a markup language
IVR systems currently employ-- or web
services. And as part of the ever-growing
PLDT Cloud family, ePLDT Visual IVR+
requires minimal hardware on-site. Its
OPEX-based pricing model makes it a very
enticing, cost-efficient add on.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
Hospitality
Display customers’ account
details in the middle of the call.
Show photos of rooms
and amenities to further
encourage reservations.
Food and Beverage
Government
Process delivery orders
at a much faster pace.
Automatically relay rich
information without the need
for a live agent on the line.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
79
Page
Caught on
STRONG CITY TAPS
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
AS ICT PARTNER
(MAKATI City, Philippines) –
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, the corporate
business arm of PLDT, has been chosen
by Strong City Games and Leisure as
their ICT partner, providing world class
solutions among which is the Dedicated
Internet Access Service (I-Gate).
Strong City Games and Leisure is an
online gaming casino portal that caters
to a large overseas audience. With PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise’s fast and reliable
I-Gate solution, Strong City’s gaming
websites can consistently perform at the
highest level.
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
“PLDT is a mandatory and in our
business. We can only be as good as our
connections to the outside world, and for
that there is no better choice than PLDT.
We don’t just want the good, we want the
best – in our people, in our services, and
in our Telco partner,” says Strong City
President Atty. Danilo V. Roleda
“There is not only a strong bond
between the two of us, but also between
our two organizations. And I am
honored that my long-time friend has
entrusted his business to PLDT,” says
PLDT Executive Vice President and
ePLDT President and CEO Eric R.
Alberto.
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
BOOSTS ICT CAPABILITIES FOR
AGRIBANK PHILIPPINES WITH
VITRO COLOCATION AND IPVPN
SOLUTIONS
From L-R: PLDT Relationship Manager Rollie
Animo, PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Vic Tria, PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy
Hernandez, PLDT Executive Vice President and
ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto, Strong
City President Atty. Danilo Roleda, Strong City
Vice President - IT Mark Crisostomo, Strong City
Operations Manager Joseph Cacha, and PLDT
Business Head Kent De La Calzada
(MAKATI City, Philippines) –
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, the corporate
business group of PLDT, announced
recently that it had been chosen by
Agribank Philippines to provide
enhanced ICT capabilities via IPVPN
connectivity and colocation services
provided through the VITRO Data
Center.
Agribank Philippines started out
in 1978 as the Santa Fe Rural Bank in
Nueva Vizcaya, primarily providing
financial services to agricultural
businesses. Currently, it is one of the
largest rural banks in the country with
twenty (20) branches and nine (9) offbranch offices. It has been recognized
as the No. 1 rural bank in the Cagayan
Valley region and 9th overall nationwide.
With this new partnership, Agribank
Philippines’ core banking functions
will be hosted primarily at the multicertified VITRO Data Center in Pasig. In
addition, inter-branch connectivity will
be further enhanced with PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise’s IPVPN (Internet Protocol
Virtual Private Network) solution.
“PLDT has always been at the top
of our mind as an ICT partner. With
the VITRO Colocation solution, the
bank is able to save money. And with the
IPVPN solution, our operations will run
a lot smoother. This is the best move for
us,” says Agribank Philippines President
Aldous Rex Alingog.
“We at PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
are more than ready to support Agribank
Philippines. Through our innovative ICT
solutions, we will help the bank provide
quality financial services to customers,
especially those from the agricultural and
tourism industries,” says PLDT FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy
Hernandez.
Seated from L-R: PLDT VP and Corporate
Relationship Management Head Boy Castaneda,
PLDT FVP and PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Head Jovy Hernandez, AGRIBANK President
and CEO Aldous Rex Alingog and AGRIBANK
COO Lea Yamballa
Standing from L-R: PLDT Corporate Relationship
Business Head Onald David, PLDT Enterprise
Project Management Head Gil Abacan,
PLDT Capability Management Head Joseph
De Guzman, PLDT Project Manager Jane
Magsalin, AGRIBANK VP -- IT Freddie Bernardo,
AGRIBANK Branch Banking Head Roberto
Reyes, PLDT Corporate Relationship Manager
Louie Metra, PLDT Enterprise Service Fulfillment
Management Head Ronnie Mendoza, and PLDT
Capability Management Specialist DH Duran
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
81
Page
Caught on
MICROSOFT PH CITES ePLDT
AS COMPETE PARTNER OF
THE YEAR
ePLDT was recently recognized as
Microsoft Philippines Compete Partner
of the Year for their efforts in pushing
Microsoft Cloud services to enterprise
clients in the country.
“We are honored that we are being
recognized for our efforts in promoting
cloud services,” said ePLDT COO
Nerisse Ramos.
“We have been pushing Cloud
Technology to the local enterprise
market and we have seen the increased
interest and take up of cloud services
due to the benefits it brings to company
operations. Microsoft Office 365 is one
of the cloud solutions that promise
to deliver real benefits to enterprise
customers which go beyond just email
on the cloud. Our close partnership with
Microsoft has allowed us to capitalize on
this opportunity and we are strong in our
PH HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
TO MAXIMIZE GROWTH WITH
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
To support local hotels in
maximizing opportunities given the
hospitality industry’s continuous growth,
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise recently
presented its ICT solutions portfolio
geared towards boosting operational
efficiency.
During the recent members’ meeting
of the Hoteliers Information Technology
Association of the Philippines (HITAP),
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise shared its
lineup of ICT solutions and services
from the its broad network of industry
partners and affiliates. These include
SAP, Procurement Consulting, Data
Management, Salesforce CRM, to
Tech Support, DDOS Mitigation, and
Helpdesk consulting -- all customizable
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
to address company-specific needs.
“PLDT ALPHA Enterprise can
provide the IT infrastructure, software,
and connectivity needed by hotels to
deliver an enhanced customer service
experience for their patrons,” said
Jay Lagdameo, PLDT Vice President
and Head of Corporate Relationship
Management. “Our highly trained IT
experts can also guide hotel operations
in achieving more efficient workflows,
ensuring online security, and addressing
various other concerns.”
Recent years have seen the steady
of influx of visitors to the Philippines,
due in part to the growing number of
topnotch casino hotels in the country.
Total revenues from this sector are
expected to top USD3 Billion by 2015,
reflecting a year-on-year growth of 32%.
Thus, ICT thus becomes a vital factor to
achieve increased operational efficiency
given the increasing volume of visitors.
“PLDT aims to be a key enabler in
the hospitality space with an end-to-end
view in serving technology requirements,
be it hardware and software, professional
services and industry-specific solutions,”
added Lagdameo. “With PLDT
delivering essential ICT solutions and
expert support, the hospitality industry
can fully focus on its core business for
enhanced profitability.”
Members of the Hoteliers Information
Technology Association of the Philippines
together with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
representatives led by VP and Head of
Corporate Relationship Management Jay
Lagdameo (seated, 2nd from left), Head
of Corporate Relationship Business Jeff
Mendoza (standing 7th from left), and Head
of Enterprise Voice Product Category Fay
Ocampo (seated, left).
resolve to ensure that cloud adoption in
the Philippines further increases.” added
PLDT FVP and head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Jovy Hernandez.
With ePLDT becoming an official
Managed Reseller of Microsoft this
year, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and
ePLDT have aggressively marketed
cloud solutions to the local enterprise
market as a manageable means for office
productivity and operations, saving costs
as expensive software licenses become
more affordable depending on how
much it is used making it more flexible
and scalable.
Since offering the PLDT Cloud,
the group has closed several deals that
integrate Microsoft Cloud-based services
to their clients’ business operations
including notable establishments in the
manufacturing, retail, food and beverage
industries.
“Cloud solutions such as Microsoft
Office 365 will have a major impact to
enterprise businesses operations moving
forward. We have effectively bundled
these services with PLDT’s enterprise
connectivity products such as iGate
and DSL so that it becomes easier for
companies to implement.”
said Hernandez.
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, center, receives
the Microsoft PH Compete Partner of the
Year Award from, Microsoft PH Country
Manager Karrie Ilagan and Small and
Medium Business Lead Prep Palacios
PLDT SOLUTIONS
POWER STERLING GLOBAL
CONTACT CENTER
Sterling Global has once again tapped
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise to provide
the top-class connectivity solutions for
the growing contact center company.
The recently sealed agreement provides
Sterling Global with premium IP and data
networking technologies -- PLDT i-Gate
and Metro Ethernet solutions.
PLDT services’ high level of
availability and reliability assure
dependable connectivity, enabling Sterling
Global to provide enhanced customer
service for its growing clientele base.
“Our solutions enable our partners
to deliver world-class contact center
services,” shared PLDT FVP and Head
of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, Jovy
Hernandez. “Sterling Global has been a
long-time partner of PLDT ALPHA, and
we hope to continue contributing to their
continued business growth and help them
strengthen ties with their end-customers.”
Sterling Global, a member of
the Sterling Group of Companies, is
one of the fastest growing contact
centers in the Philippines with a steadily
increasing roster of clients both local and
international.
The new connectivity solutions will
support the company’s expanding BPO
operation – from 650 to 1,000 seats.
From L-R: PLDT VP and Corporate Relationship
Management Head Vic Tria, PLDT FVP and Head
of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez,
Sterling Global CEO Gerry Lim, and Sterling
Global CTO John Francisco.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
83
In this section, HOT JOE puts on
its Tech Forecaster hat and takes
a look at the future
COMING
ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES
DRONES
So-called drones, or unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs), were once the
purview of the military, with the use of
drones dating back to the 1850s, when
Austrians sent unmanned, bomb-filled
balloons to Venice. In more modern
times, they were used as training tools
and, later, as weapons and surveillance
platforms by various air forces around
the world. Nowadays, they have become
increasingly popular in civilian life, used
in sectors ranging from legal, real estate,
sports, domestic policing, disaster relief,
scientific research, and of course - as
plain old fun for hobbyists. Amazon has
announced plans for an ultra-fast delivery
system using drones.
The International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) defines a UAV as
an aircraft without a human pilot aboard.
Companies like DJI and Parrot sell
drones to the consumer market, boasting
of features like GPS automated return
systems, multirotor airframes, 3D-axis
gimbals, and integrated HD video
downlinks.
However, their popularity is
beginning to worry aviation officials,
who warn that drone operators may
not be aware of how serious their
responsibilities and liabilities truly are.
“We are seeing this technology being
used for criminal conduct,” Chief
Inspector Nick Aldworth of the UK’s
Metropolitan Police told the House of
Lords. “We have positively seen it flown
in controlled airspace, we have positively
seen it used to harass people, and we
have seen it flown in transgression of air
navigation orders, so I think that concern
arises by the fact that there is clearly a
means of offending that we do not seem
to be necessarily able to address quickly.”
Lightning Motorcycles has a very
simple ambition: They want to be the
Tesla Motors of the motorcycle world.
And with the release of their LS-218,
a blue-and-silver electric superbike
with the swooping, raptor-like lines of
a true racer, which also happens to be
the fastest production motorbike in
the world - electric or gas-fueled - they
seem very likely to claim the title. One
test-rider described riding the Lightning:
“When I decided to open her up, the
Lightning unleashed a fury unlike
anything I’ve ever experienced. The
acceleration is mind-boggling.”
The Lightning LS-218 is one of the
newest breed of electric motorcycles,
vehicles that are finally delivering
range and performance to compete
with their gas-fueled brethren but
with the efficiency, high acceleration,
and environmental benefits of electric
motors. The Lightning LS-218 has
reached speeds of 218 mph, and boasts a
range of 100 miles. During speed-testing
at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a
7-mile speed run cost about 15 US cents
worth of electricity; a similar run would
cost 40 USD in fuel.
The bike is currently priced at
38,000 USD. Lightning also has plans
to release an upright model similar to
KTM's Super Duke. Other electric bikes
like the Zero SR, the Energica Ego,
and even Harley-Davidson’s Project
LiveWire are also making a splash in the
motorcycle world.
Built from ultra-light materials and
sophisticated technology far beyond the toys
and RC airplanes that are antecedents, these
drones are bona fide aircraft.
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85
TECH-EMPOWERED AGRICULTURE
Toshiba has repurposed a
clean room in order to grow leafy
greens that don’t need fertilizers
or pesticides, or even need to
be washed before eating. Sharp
is growing strawberries in a
hermetically sealed, Sharp LEDlit farm in Dubai. Meanwhile,
Sony has converted a shuttered
semiconductor factory in Miyagi
prefecture into an elaborate
hydroponics operation, specializing
in lettuce that has extra betacarotene; while Fujitsu retrofitted one of their silicon chip
manufacturing facilities into a
hydroponic lettuce farm, producing
low-potassium lettuce for people
suffering from chronic kidney
disorders. These facilities feature
technology like special colored
lighting that affects the way
vegetables taste, filtration systems
and ultraviolet sterilization, and
automated sensors that upload
data on temperature, moisture,
CO2, and soil pH onto the cloud,
where engineers monitor them for
optimized growing.
Toshiba executives explained
their interest in high-tech lettuce
and Swiss chard as a strategy is to
grow its healthcare business - to
enable healthy living in an endto-end way from sophisticated
medical equipment to the food their
customers eat. The hydroponics
technology the Japanese
conglomerates develop will be of
high interest as well, especially as
the world’s population continues
to rise and high-yield hydroponic
agriculture becomes increasingly
important as a possibility to feed the
urbanized masses.
AMAZON ECHO
Today, most hot new consumer
technology - smartphones, tablets,
e-readers, laptops, and game consoles are centered around their screens. But
recently, Amazon has come up with a
quirky new item that operates primarily
in audio - but promises to be as useful as
Apple’s Siri or Microsoft’s Cortana.
Amazon recently debuted its voicerecognition service, named Amazon
Echo. Subscribers will interact primarily
with a sleek, cylindrical wireless speaker
with a seven-microphone array, which
uses beam-forming technology to hear
users from any direction and enhanced
noise cancellation to hear questions even
while it's playing music.
There’s a significantly Captain Kirklike feeling to simply announce to the
room: “Alexa (Amazon’s ‘wake word’),
what’s the time? Alexa, what’s the average
rainfall on Kilimanjaro? Alexa, add chives
and shallots to our grocery list. Alexa,
set a timer for eighteen minutes,” and
have the polite, pleasant Amazon Echo
voice answer you from the speaker - no
tapping or swiping or reading required.
And, of course, owners can also use their
Amazon Echo speaker as a Bluetooth
speaker for their own music players, or
use Wi-Fi to access online music services
like iTunes, Spotify, and - of course Amazon itself.
The Amazon Echo hides its sophisticated
technology in its unobtrusive form factor.
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
87
What things are
on the way out
GOING
GOING
MAGNETIC STRIPE CREDIT CARDS
In credit cards, magnetic stripes are used
to carry encoded cardholder information,
like cardholder names, card numbers,
expiration date, and more - all of which can
be read by point-of-sale terminals.
Unfortunately, this technology - which
was first introduced in the 1960s - is simple
to decode with inexpensive, easy-to-obtain
electronics - and easy to encode on other
magnetic-striped cards. Thus, losses from
counterfeit cards, skimming of numbers,
cloning and other techniques is an on-going
problem for the industry.
In the UK and much of Europe, "chip
and PIN" (also called EMV) cards are
more in use: cards embedded with a tiny
computer chip that serves as authentication
in conjunction with a regular four-digit
PIN. When this system was introduced in
France, the country saw an 80% reduction
in card fraud. In May 2014, a directive from
Qatar Central Bank (QCB) made it so that
all banks’ credit and debit card transactions
VIRGIN GALACTIC
made using the magnetic stripe will be
declined, both inside and outside Qatar.
The U.S. is the last major market to still
use the magnetic-stripe card. Almost half
the world’s credit card fraud happens in
America, although only a quarter of all credit
card transactions happens there. MasterCard
and Visa have outlined roadmaps to
transition to EMV cards by October 2015.
British billionaire Sir Richard Branson,
who likes to break speed records and fly hotair balloons for fun, had a dream. He wanted
to bring people - normal, regular people
- to the stars. He wanted to be the father
of space tourism. So, in 2004, he founded
Virgin Galactic.
He partnered with Burt Rutan,
the designer of Ansari X Prize-winner
SpaceShipOne, to create two new ships,
SpaceShipTwo and WhiteKnightTwo.
WhiteKnightTwo is the carrier airplane;
the spacecraft it launches is know as a
SpaceShipTwo. 700 people have already paid
250,000 USD each to buy a Virgin Galactic
ticket, which would entitle them to a ride on
the SpaceShipTwo, once it was certified to
carry passengers.
In October 2014, however, Virgin
Galactic’s plans took a step back when one
of the company's SpaceShipTwo craft, VSS
Enterprise, broke apart in midair during
a test flight. Test pilot Michael Alsbury
was killed and co-pilot Peter Siebold was
seriously injured. An investigation by the
NTSB found that the SpaceShipTwo's
feather re-entry system was a possible
cause of the crash. (At the time, the VSS
Enterprise was testing out a new rubberbased solid fuel for the first time; however,
the investigations did not credit a fuel
explosion for the disaster).
Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides
told a crowd Thursday that the company
will continue pursuing the dream of space
tourism.
“We have a new spaceship that’s going
to be ready in a few months,” Mr. Whitesides
said, according to The Los Angeles Times.
“So we’re going to make sure we get that one
as safe as we can and keep going.”
However, the Wall Street Journal
reported in November 2014 that there
has been "tension between Mr. Branson’s
upbeat projections and the persistent
hurdles that challenged the company’s
hundreds of technical experts." Meanwhile,
Tommaso Sgobba, Executive Director
of the International Association for the
Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS),
claimed that Virgin Galactic had refused to
let IAASS scientists review its procedures
and snubbed industry gatherings, saying:
“They operated in secrecy, which is difficult
to understand. They don’t use modern
techniques in putting safety into the design.
They use outdated methods like testing and
then seeing what happens. There has been
no independent oversight. There is no peer
review. I have been saying for some years
now this was an accident waiting to happen.”
The fatal accident has caused some
ticket-holders to request for refunds.
ALKALINE BATTERIES
Alkaline batteries have a long history
(being first invented in 1899) and still
account for a huge portion of worldwide
battery sales. Alkaline batteries are used
in many household items such as MP3
players, CD players, digital cameras,
pagers, toys, lights, and radios - and many
more. However, they have a wide array of
drawbacks that are making other battery
types more and more appealing.
Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable.
They’re also prone to leaking potassium
hydroxide, which can cause respiratory,
eye and skin irritation. Dead batteries will
inevitably leak. Extremely high temperatures
can also cause batteries to rupture and leak
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
(like leaving batteries in a hot car). And
they’re difficult to recycle or dispose of alkaline batteries are not valuable materials,
so disposal will always cost, and that’s not
even taking into consideration that simply
disposing of them in landfills like regular
waste can lead to tainted earth and water
supply.
Alternatives like nickel-cadmium
(NiCd), nickel–metal hydride (NiMH),
lithium-ion, and even rechargeable alkaline
batteries are gaining in popularity as the
technologies develop.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
89
A SHARPER IMAGE FOR
PHILIPPINE
HEALTHCARE
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise is set to revolutionize Philippine medicine
with the Radiology Information System / Picture Archiving and
Communication System solution.
adiology is a critical tool for medical diagnosis, quite
indispensible in modern medicine. Doctors rely upon the
magnificent images manifested by invisible rays, as well
as the expert interpretations by radiologists. Quick and
accurate interpretation, leading to proper diagnosis, can
literally spell the difference between life or death.
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91
Unfortunately in the Philippines,
proper access to radiological equipment
and expertise is severely limited. Even
some Greater Manila Area hospitals don’t
have in-house radiologists. Most have
to wait for outsourced radiologists to
arrive on-site in order to interpret piles
of x-rays, CT-scans, ultrasound readings,
and MRIs. And for a radiological
interpretation to be deemed accurate, a
minimum of two radiologists must reach
the same interpretation through separate
readings. If there is no concurrence, a
third radiologist must be consulted. With
that, patients may be left hanging to hear
results for days or weeks on end.
To provide Philippine medical
institutions with a state-of-the-art and
cost-effective solution, PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise created the new Radiology
Information System/Picture Archiving
and Communication System (RIS/PACS)
solution, set to see action early 2015.
A True End-to-End Medical
Imagery Solution
The PLDT RIS / PACS solution
was created via a strong partnership
between PLDT ALPHA Enterprise,
SMS Global Technologies (SMSGT),
Philips Healthcare, and Medavis. It is
a synergy of hardware, software, and
network connectivity. A fully end-to-end
medical imagery solution, it addresses
a lot of emerging issues for radiology
departments.
The solution’s Radiology Information
System (RIS) radically changes the
way medical images are generated and
interpreted. X-rays, CT-scans, ultrasounds,
and MRIs are all-digital. These are easily
sent via PLDT’s Metro Ethernet to the
VITRO Data Center.
Radiologists can access these files
remotely, viewing them on medical-grade
monitors for proper interpretation. They
don’t even have to type in their readings
as RIS “listens” to their dictations,
automatically converting them to text.
This way, radiologists can stay in one
location, quickly interpreting readings
sent from different hospitals in a shorter
amount of time, which in turn gives
patients accurate diagnoses at a quicker
timeline.
The Picture Archiving and
Communication System (PACS) part of
the solution, on the other hand, deals with
the proper filing and storage of hospital
radiology records. PACS scans existing
films into a digital format, which can be
stored in on-site servers as well as at the
VITRO Data Center. Traditional hard
copy storage is space intensive, prone to
misfiling and damage. With PACS, images
are properly stored on data centers instead
of in stockrooms, freeing more office space
for vital purposes.
To add even more value to the solution,
the RIS / PACS can be used by hospitals
nationwide with no CAPEX required as it is
available on a more cost-effective pay-peruse pricing basis.
Towards a Clearer Bill of Health
In addition, the future iteration of
PLDT RIS/PACS may display not only
static images, but also 3D videos. A
specialist located miles away (even overseas)
can look at a patient’s beating heart, or scan
a kidney for functional indicators.
A clearer picture of clean health: that’s
surely something to look forward to the
next time you’re due for a medical checkup.
PLDT RIS/PACS is a game changing
solution in the Philippine healthcare arena.
Not only does it give every Filipino quicker
access to world-class medical expertise,
but it may also enhance nation’s status as a
premier medical tourism destination ahead
of the ASEAN Integration.
The PLDT Radiology Information System/Picture Archiving
and Communication System (RIS/PACS) Solution at a Glance
The RIS system takes filmless,
digital x-rays, ultrasounds,
CT-scans, and MRIs.
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
These digital files are sent to the
VITRO Data Center via PLDT’s
Metro Ethernet solution.
Remotely located radiologists can access each image
and view it on medical-grade monitors for analysis.
They dictate their interpretations on a microphone.
These are then converted into a text file by an
application, which will be tagged to the file.
For its part, the PACS solution takes existing
radiological films and scans it. It is then sent to
the VITRO Data Center for archival, stored in
redundant configuration to prevent file loss.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
93
BYOD
BRINGING JOY TO
SMART Enterprise’s new BYOD plans are perfect for any company
looking to implement BYOD in their IT environment.
The advent of Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD) policies in the
corporate world is more than a
rising trend; it is inevitable.
Ultimately, only 15% of companies
worldwide will never move to a BYOD
model, predicts American research firm
Gartner. This seems consistent with a
separate Aberdeen Group survey in January
2013 revealing that 3 out of 4 companies already had a BYOD program in place. They
all stand to benefit, because organizations
that support consumer tech are nimbler and
more profitable, says a new survey from
software and consulting company Avanade.
This wider adoption of BYOD may
be attributed to recognized benefits for
both employers and employees. Companies
realize savings on lowered equipment/
service plan costs. Employees enjoy greater
hardware choices, better work-life flexibility,
and the advantage of familiar, personal in-
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
terfaces. BYOD is a way to support a more
productive, more tech-savvy workforce.
Specifically Designed for BYOD
The problem was, enterprise BYOD
policies were not fully supported by their
telecom partners. As SMART Enterprise
Product Manager Christian Almendarez
noted: “Although SIM-card-only plans are
perfect for BYOD plans, they’re not very
cost-effective when compared to regular
plans. Regular plans come with subsidized
devices, after all, and rates that aren’t any
higher than the SIM-only plans.”
For that reason, the new SMART
Enterprise BYOD plans are specifically
designed for fully enabled BYOD policies.
SMART BYOD plans have no lock-in
period and no pre-termination fees; users
can terminate their contracts at any time
they like. They also offer one of the most
affordable unlimited calls/SMS/data plans
on the Philippine market, at a much more
attractive price point than other plans
available on the market – for example, only
200 PHP for unlimited calls within a calling
circle and unlimited texts to SMART and
Talk&Text subscribers.
No Fuss, No Charge
These kinds of plans are perfect for
workforces with high attrition rates. For example, BPOs are famous for high turnover.
When employees leave they have to reclaim
and wipe their devices. On the other end,
new employees have to be set up with new
devices. With potential turnover numbering
in the hundreds per quarter, it can be a
monstrous task.
SMART’s BYOD plans present a
simple solution to such a conundrum.
Instead of provisioning a new device for
every new employee, the BPO simply issues
a BYOD-plan SIM card to be used on
personal devices. Whenever an employee
leaves, the plan can be deactivated with
minimal fuss and no extra charge.
SMART BYOD is also complemented
by a Mobile Device Management (MDM)
solution, perfect for streamlined and efficient control of mobile device deployments.
What is BYOD?
Generally speaking, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies permit
employees to bring personally owned mobile devices (like laptops, tablets,
and smart phones) to their working environments, and to use those
devices to access corporate information and applications.
BYOD Be Nimble, BYOD Be Quick
According to Avande’s survey of C-level executives, business-unit
leaders, and IT decision makers from all over the world, organizations
that allow employees to use their own consumer-grade devices and
applications were
73% 58% 54%
more likely to report
improved sales and new
customer acquisitions
than BYOD holdouts.
reported a greater
ability to bring new
products and services
to market, and
said their companies
were more likely to
report increased
profits.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
95
1700
Due to the late 18th century rise of classical
liberalism and laissez-faire economic theory,
corporations transitioned from government
or guild affiliated entities to economic
entities free of government direction.
1800
How business has
changed throughout
the years.
The modern corporation represents centuries of evolution and history, from
Roman quasi-corporate entities to medieval royal charters to the British East India
Company to today’s Wall Street giants. We trace the evolution of how business was
done in this edition’s ALPHA Bits:
500
1300
1400
1600
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
By 525 AD, Roman Law recognized a
range of corporate entities. These included
the state itself, municipalities, and private
associations like political groups and guilds
of craftsmen or traders.
1900
1980
On December 31, 1600, the English monarchy
granted the British East India Company a 15-year
monopoly on trade to and from the East Indies
and Africa. The company rose to corner half of
the world's trade, particularly in cotton, silk, indigo
dye, salt, saltpetre, tea, and opium.
Cash flow is now regarded as one of the
most important indicators of corporate
viability. But the term was coined only in 1954.
In 1933, the
US Securities
and Exchange
Commission (SEC)
was established.
In Canada, many smaller corporations have no names at all.
Instead, they are known by registration numbers (for example,
"12345678 Ontario Limited"), which is assigned by the provincial
or territorial government where the corporation incorporates.
The Stora Kopparberg Mining Company is
probably the oldest industrial corporation in
the world, having obtained a charter from
King Magnus Eriksson in 1347.
The word "corporation", which first appears
in the 15th century, derives from corpus, the
Latin word for body.
By World War I, certified
public accountants and
generally accepted accounting
principles were standard
throughout the business world.
1933
1954
Until the 1880s, how a business handled its
accounts was completely determined by the
business itself. Most publicly owned businesses
did not even issue annual or quarterly reports.
When the New York Stock Exchange asked the
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad for
information on its finances, it was told: "The
Railroad makes no reports and publishes no
statements."
1990
2000
Starting in the 1980s, many countries with large state-owned corporations
moved toward privatization, the selling of publicly owned (or 'nationalised')
services and enterprises to corporations. Deregulation (reducing the
regulation of corporate activity) often accompanied privatization as part
of a laissez-faire policy.
In the twenty-first century, with the rise of ICT, corporations have been able to
operate more efficiently than ever before. Part of that increased efficiency is the
rise of end-to-end services, which is a term used in many business arenas referring
to the beginning and end points of a method or service. End-to-end theory
embraces the philosophy that eliminating as many middle layers or steps as possible
will optimize performance and efficiency in any process.
DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
97
Say
Last
NO MORE WALLS
It seems rather fitting that
this particular issue of HOT JOE
is centered around the theme of
varied, end-to-end services. It
covers the full spectrum of PLDT
Group services, just as this issue
also covers the whole range of
events and trends that PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise has pioneered
and leveraged in the past year. It
caps the year rather neatly.
End-to-end services are
increasingly important to
companies, and will continue to
rise in importance as the coming
year brings new challenges and
competition to our market.
The centralization and
rationalization of enterprise
ICT, the values of outsourcing –
particularly in security and business
continuity – these are just among
many benefits for businesses allied
with the right technology partner.
This is what companies find when
they partner with PLDT, which
has moved from being a mere
telecommunications company to
a full end-to-end ICT solutions
provider, partnering with many
premiere organizations both local
Eric r. Alberto
and international in our quest to
provide the best possible service
and technologies to our clients.
Operating on a global level
requires significant resources, a
sophisticated grasp of logistics,
and substantial capital. It is only
through key alliances between
organizations, leveraging the
unique strengths and skills of each
for maximum benefit, that we can
hope to be globally competitive.
That is why we at PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise deeply value our
partners and allies, going to
great lengths to demonstrate our
gratitude during Pasasalamat Night
celebrations. It is both humbling
and an honor to be entrusted with
a company's ICT requirements,
considering how integral these are
to any company's overall success,
especially in today’s digital age.
And so we celebrate the
end of the year with a material
expression of our grateful
appreciation for you, and start the
new one with hope and ambition in
our hearts. Here's to a prosperous
and happy New Year to come!
PLDT Executive Vice President
and ePLDT President & CEO
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DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
Compete
OR get off the mountaiN.
Face the challenges on the horizon
head-on with your trusted expert
end-to-end ICT partner.
HAPPY 2015!
www.pldtalpha.com
ASC Ref. Code: P018P121614P