Ayala Now March-April 2010 Issue
Transcription
Ayala Now March-April 2010 Issue
The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 inside 2 JAZA shares insights on leadership at Jollibee 3 Ayala Foundation celebrates 48th anniversary 4 Ayala companies welcome 2009 by winning awards 12 Globe’s new products complement a mobile lifestyle 17 Manila Water launches Katubig Day program Ayala posts P2.2 billion net income for Q1 2009 Ayala Corporation reported that its consolidated net income reached P2.2 billion in the first quarter of 2009, the highest in the past four quarters, excluding capital gains, but 18 percent lower than the same period last year. The conglomerate’s core business units in telecom and banking registered double-digit increases in earnings with sustained business volume growth in its key markets. “We are pleased to see some degree of resiliency in domestic demand despite the slowdown in the global economy. This continues to drive the growth of our core business units. However, consumer confidence continues to be tempered relative to pre-crisis levels, but we expect this to eventually turn as macroeconomic conditions stabilize,” Ayala president and chief operating officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala said. FZA addresses shareholders at Ayala’s annual stockholders’ meeting on April 3 at InterContinental Manila Globe Telecom sustained its growth momentum with net income increase of 17 percent to P4 billion, the highest in the past five quarters. The steady performance of its wireless business and the growth of its broadband and wireline data businesses resulted in net service revenue growth of 3 percent to P16 billion. JAZA reacts to a comment during the annual stockholders’ meeting open forum The Bank of the Philippine Islands posted P2.9 billion in net income, 86 percent higher year-on-year and the highest in the past five quarters. Strong growth in core market segments, better net interest spreads, and trading opportunities drove earnings growth. Ayala Land posted a net income of P907 million. Most of its core product lines registered healthy revenue growth from shopping centers and corporate businesses. These have offset lower residential sales with combined bookings across its three residential brands down by 48 percent due to slower demand. “Ayala’s strong financial and cash position gives the group the flexibility to pursue growth initiatives at both the holding company level and at the level of the operating units. These initiatives will continue to build on the strong market position we have achieved in our key markets and allow us to achieve a stronger growth trajectory as the economic cycle turns,” FZA added. Manila Water continued to deliver double-digit earnings growth with net income increase of 14 percent to P622 million. Cumulative water sales in the first three months of 2009, combined with the partial impact of the inflation rate adjustment, pushed revenues up 6 percent. Ayala Corporation disclosed a consolidated net income of P8.1 billion for 2008. This was 50 percent lower than in 2007 as equity earnings from Ayala’s operating units dropped to P7.8 billion and capital gains from share sales declined by 63 percent. Ayala’s electronics manufacturing and business process outsourcing units, which are more exposed to the global downturn, faced lower volumes. Integrated Microelectronics Inc.’s sales decreased by 26 percent as world demand for electronic products remained muted. Ayala’s BPO companies generated $82 million in revenues, 3 percent lower than last year. In 2008, at the height of the credit market crunch, Ayala and its business units raised P23 billion in cash to ensure that it would be able to pursue its growth plans in 2009. The conglomerate has also allocated some of its cash in the business process outsourcing sector with cumulative investments of about $200 million. Ayala CEOs get new assignments eTelecare widens global reach Ayala Corporation has recently reorganized its senior executive team and appointed new CEOs for Manila Water Company, Ayala Land Inc., and Globe Telecom Inc. LiveIt Solutions Inc., through its subsidiary eTelecare Global Solutions, is expanding its overseas reach by buying a contact center and entering into agreements in South Africa. As the business environment continues to shift, Ayala seeks to adapt to these changes in a progressive way. The appointments were announced at the Ayala annual stockholders’ meeting on April 3. eTelecare announced on March 5 that it has completed the acquisition of TalkTalk Group Ltd.’s contact center subsidiary, The Phone House (Proprietary) Ltd. in South Africa. Together with the acquisition, eTelecare also entered into a threeyear agreement to provide business process outsourcing (BPO) services to TalkTalk Group customers in the United Kingdom. Through this venture, eTelecare adds about 400 employees to its workforce in Cape Town, South Africa. Gerardo Ablaza Manila Water president Antonino Aquino returned to Ayala Land as its new president, replacing Jaime Ayala, who rejoined Ayala Corporation as a senior managing director and member of the group management committee. Rene Almendras and Ernest Cu, meanwhile, took over as presidents of Manila Water and Globe, respectively. Aquino has been with Ayala for 28 years and was a former senior vice president of Ayala Land. Under Aquino’s leadership, Manila Water upgraded Metro Manila East Zone’s water distribution system and increased its shareholder The Phone House (Proprietary) Ltd is a South African company that provides support services in South Africa. UK-based TalkTalk Group is a service provider of mobile and fixed-line telecommunications and broadband services. Ernest Cu continued on p.2 eTelecare has also signed an agreement with United States–based handheld messaging device manufacturer Peek for the provision of customer care, technical support, and inbound sales services. The services, to be performed via e-mail, chat, and voice, will be delivered from one of eTelecare’s delivery centers in the US. continued on p.2 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 JAZA shares insights on leadership at Jollibee Ayala CEOs get new assignments continued from p.1 Ayala Corporation chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala shared stories, insights, and ideas on leadership and success at the Seventh Jollibee Foods Corporation Leadership Learning Zone program held on March 16 at the GCF Building in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. JFC chairman and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, along with about 500 JFC management team members and executives, welcomed JAZA, who centered his discussion on how businesses can survive amidst the global economic crisis. JAZA told JFC employees that periods of uncertainties should be taken as challenges and opportunities for creativity and value formation. He shared the approaches he and his brother Fernando Zobel de Ayala use to introduce innovations and look for strategies that will help spur the further growth of Ayala. “One should not be afraid to take risks,” JAZA pointed out. He admitted that for very large corporations like Ayala and JFC, direct interaction with customers gets harder, but their personnel should take time to do so because this works for the development of the corporation. Jollibee Foods CEO Tony Tan Caktiong (right) presents JAZA with the JFC Mentor Award JAZA encourages Jollibee Foods executives to view the global economic crisis as an opportunity to innovate and be creative JAZA commended JFC for frequently conducting these management forums because leadership programs encourage employees to openly discuss different challenges, successes, opinions, and ideas. Tan Caktiong presented JAZA with the JFC Mentor Award, which recognizes industry leaders whose achievements, values, and character have made enduring contributions to the country’s welfare and development. The award was also JFC’s way of showing its appreciation to mentors who have shared their wisdom and experience with JFC executives and managers. value by more than 10 times. Almendras joined Ayala in 2001 as head of Ayala Land’s Visayas-Mindanao Group and was the president of Cebu Holdings Inc. and Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation. Under Jaime Ayala, Ayala Land posted 130 percent revenue growth and 80 percent earnings growth over five years. Ayala Land successfully launched two new sustainability-oriented cities—Bonifacio Global City and Nuvali. The company also doubled mall and office gross leasable area with new malls and office campuses. Ablaza was instrumental in bringing Globe from a fourth-rank mobile services provider, with only 97,000 subscribers in 1997, to becoming the country’s second biggest full-service telecom operator with a 25-million subscriber base. Cu joined Globe as deputy chief executive officer in 2008, bringing with him over two decades of general management and business development experience. He was a former president and CEO of SPi Technologies, a major outsourcing service provider, and was cofounder of eTelecare Global Solutions. Cu said of his new appointment: “I’m starting off with a very solid company. Gerry (Ablaza) has built a fantastic platform on which to build, with Globe having a very robust balance sheet and tremendous cash flow. Over the past few years, Globe has also built a very strong strategy which is to go into broadband and to maintain an aggressive pace on mobile voice. Now my focus will be to take Globe from challenger to leader, and the first area where that could potentially happen is in broadband. We want Globe to dominate the telco landscape of the future with compelling offerings and flawless execution that subscribers will rave about.” JAZA, Ayala Foundation commended for contribution to GFMD success President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred a Presidential Merit award and a Presidential Unit citation on Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Ayala Foundation Inc., respectively, on March 11 for their contribution to the success of the Second Meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development Civil Society Days held in October 2008. Rene Almendras Jaime Ayala eTelecare widens global reach continued from p.1 To be able to deliver BPO services to Peek’s clients, eTelecare implemented a multichannel integrated customer relationship management solution, complete with comprehensive knowledge management and e-mail and chat support services. Peek is the creator of the world’s first e-mail-only mobile device, which allows US customers to stay connected via unlimited e-mail and text messaging. eTelecare currently has more than 13,000 employees in the Philippines, United States, and Nicaragua. eTelecare’s Philippine delivery centers, which house 80 percent of its total workforce, are strategically located in different parts of Metro Manila, including Eastwood City, Makati City, Muntinlupa City, and Mandaluyong City. eTelecare also has two centers in Cebu and one in Pampanga, within the former US military base in Clark. President Arroyo and foreign affairs secretary Alberto Romulo conferred the awards and citations on JAZA, AFI, 19 government and private-sector officials, and 10 institutions in a ceremony held at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang. AFI was the convenor of Civil Society Days, a two-day civil-society forum that tackled the most pressing issues of global migration. The forum included an interface session with government representatives. The GFMD in Manila was attended by diplomats, media observers, and NGO representatives from 163 countries and 133 institutions. Antonino Aquino Ernest Cu took over as Globe president and CEO, while Gerardo Ablaza moved back to Ayala Corporation to help oversee the conglomerate’s business interests in communication, banking, and other allied fields. Ablaza remains on the boards of directors of Globe and BPI. JAZA receives a presidential merit award from President Arroyo and foreign affairs secretary Alberto Romulo News Conviction in action: Ayala holds 11th AYLC The 11th Ayala Young Leaders Congress held on February 11 to 13 in Alfonso, Cavite, challenged a new batch of young leaders to turn their dreams into action. Seventy-three students from various colleges and universities all over the country attended the congress, which carried the theme Leading and Serving: Conviction in Action. For three days, the participants exchanged views with known personalities from various sectors on how to practice the principles of leadership in their fields and careers. The congress included plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and physical activities. Isabela governor Grace Padaca, who served as keynote speaker, stressed the importance of voting wisely and the significance of the youth vote, which may very well determine the next set of leaders of the country. Padaca encouraged the participants to take an active stand in voting for responsible public servants. “You, young people, you who are fortunate to be able to go to school, be educated, be able to read books and other research materials, listen to professors— all these should guide you to make better choices. So much more is expected of you than of those who are very poor and are not able to go to school. Your decision should be different from those who are simply motivated by their great need,” Padaca said. The 11th congress also served as a reunion for AYLC alumni. Among the speakers was AYLC 2003 alumna Rohaniza Sumndad, country director of Asia-America Initiative. Sumndad said that what she had learned during her time at the congress made her who she is today. Also present was AYLC 2000 alumnus Christian Vallez, playwright and Palanca awardee, who spoke about his involvement in literature and the arts. (Above) Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Gerard Dimaguila of Ateneo de Zamboanga light a candle during the participants’ batch presentation (Right) Young leaders are challenged to turn their dreams into actions and practice servant leadership in their chosen fields Ayala Foundation celebrates 48th anniversary and CENTEX’s 10th anniversary Ayala Foundation Inc. celebrated its 48th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of one of its divisions, the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, on March 12 at the Greenbelt Onstage Theater. The event started with a holy mass officiated by Fr. Ben Tuazon of St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish. Fr. Tuazon extended a special message to the graduating students of CENTEX, inviting them to learn how to give back to the community. Mariel Reyes, CENTEX graduate and a scholar of the Berea Arts and Sciences High School, opened the program by singing A Dream is A Wish, accompanied on the piano by Ryan Cayabyab. Cayabyab also accompanied CENTEX’s first class of scholars in performing their batch song Kung Kami’y Pagbibigyan. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of National Artist Vicente Manansala’s painting Mother and Child: So Tenderly. The painting’s owners, Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Lopa, through Joel Lopa, generously granted CENTEX the rights to use the image for the center’s commemorative plates and paper products. The proceeds from the sale of these products will benefit CENTEX students. The double celebration was attended by Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, AFI executive vice president Guillermo Luz, Kit Zobel, division directors, partners, teachers, principals, parents, and the first batch of CENTEX scholars who will be college freshmen in June. JZA expressed thanks and lauded Ayala Foundation and CENTEX for their commitment. He recalled that as far back as 1856, long before Joseph McMicking and Mercedes Zobel McMicking established AFI’s forerunner Filipinas Foundation, Margarita Roxas de Ayala was already involved in community and education development projects. Meanwhile, CENTEX director Carol Atacador, who has been a driving force in developing CENTEX, has retired. She has worked to set up the CENTEX system and curriculum, working with key individuals to ensure that the scholars from poor communities would have access to quality education. Atacador will remain involved in the project as an AFI consultant and adviser. Ramon Miranda, a scientist and former executive director of the Philippine Science High School, takes over as CENTEX director effective April 1. “CENTEX has been a classroom for me. I have learned that we could only hope for a better, more progressive country if we could provide our youth with quality education—an education that integrates academics with life skills, and empowers the youth to transform their dreams into actions,” Atacador said. CENTEX started in 1999 as a school for 75 underprivileged but smart students in Tondo, Manila. In 2000, it opened a second school in Bauan, Batangas. CENTEX now runs two schools with about 1,000 students enrolled from kindergarten to Grade 6. Former CENTEX director Carol Atacador (second from left) with CENTEX scholar Laarni Canzana and her parents (From left) Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Lopa, former CENTEX director Carol Atacador, and Kit Zobel unveil Manasala’s mother-and-child painting AyalaTBI kicks off 2009 with three forums Ayala Technology Business Incubator jumpstarted 2009 with three forums: data visualization at the Kape + Teknolohiya forum, and separate discussions on the local gaming industry and changing strategies in venture capital at the Innovation Forum. Ayala TBI invited Diego Maranan, faculty member of Information and Communication Studies at the University of the Philippines Open University, to Kape +Teknolohiya on January 29 to talk about Visualizing Data: Making Sense of an Information-Rich World at the UP–Ayala Land TechnoHub. At this year’s first AyalaTBI Innovation Forum chief executive officer of IP Ventures Enrique Gonzalez talked about the local gaming industry. Entitled Play it Smart in 2009 (Is Gaming Still an Option?), the forum covered the dynamics of the local gaming industry, the change in buying patterns, and the value proposition for advertisers (adver-gaming), given the slowdown in the global economy. Gonzalez also talked about the need to develop local gaming talents to take advantage of intellectual property gains for online gaming. The second Innovation Forum, held on February 26, had Denny Roja, a managing partner of US-based Acuity Ventures, talking about the changing strategies of venture capitalists in view of the current global economic climate. Roja identified promising growth areas that venture capitalists are keeping an eye on. These areas include clean technology, health care, and mobile applications. The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 Ayala starts the year reaping awards Ayala companies welcomed 2009 by winning local and international awards and recognitions for their products, services, investor relations (IR), and corporate social responsibility programs. Ayala CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala was voted Best CEO in FinanceAsia’s annual poll for best managed companies. Ayala also emerged as the country’s best managed company, best in corporate governance, and best in corporate social responsibility in the FinanceAsia survey. Globe’s Delfin Gonzalez was voted Best CFO with Ayala Corporation’s treasurer, Ramon Opulencia, coming in at second place. Manila Water was judged best mid-cap company by more than 230 investors and analysts across Asia. Ayala Corporation, meanwhile, was chosen best quoted company in the Philippines at the Third Thomson Reuters Extel Asia/Pacific Survey 2008, which represents the weighted views on IR practice and excellence of over 500 investment professionals from 26 countries across Asia Pacific. The survey, which ran from September 1 to October 17, 2008, ranked listed companies for their IR excellence. In the area of corporate governance, seven Ayala business units were included in the top 15 companies that obtained the highest points in the corporate governance scorecard according to the Institute of Corporate Governance. The companies were officially recognized at the Fourth Corporate Governance Scorecard for Publicly listed Companies in the Philippines held on April 23 at the Peninsula Manila. Ayala companies recognized at 6th MAP Best Annual Report Awards The Management Association of the Philippines presented the Best Annual Report Award to Manila Water Company for its 2007 annual report at the Sixth MAP Annual Report Awards held on February 10 at the InterContinental Manila. Manila Water bested 50 other publicly listed companies for the first time after winning first runner-up in 2005 and 2006. MAP cited Manila Water’s annual report for perfectly aligning the company’s business goals with its social and environmental commitments, and for reporting beyond the traditional financial bottom line. The annual reports were evaluated based on compliance and disclosure, corporate governance, and userfriendliness. Bonus points were given to entries that disclosed the attendance of directors in their board meetings, the remuneration of their directors, and the fees they paid to their independent auditors. Globe Telecom was first runner-up and best in corporate governance disclosure for a non-financial institution. According to MAP, Globe’s 2007 annual report communicates the vision, mission, and values behind Globe’s drive to meet and exceed customer expectations. Cebu Holdings Inc., on the other hand, was awarded Most Improved Annual Report. The Ayala group of companies received a special award for conglomerates with three or more of its companies in the top 20 finalists. The annual reports of Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land Inc., and Cebu Holdings made it to the top 20 list. Through its Best Annual Report Awards, MAP intends to raise the financial reporting and disclosure practices of publicly listed Philippine companies to higher standards. Former Manila Water president Tony Aquino (third from left) is all smiles after the company won this year’s MAP best annual report. With Aquino are the members of the 2008 annual report team (from left) Jeric Sevilla, Ranny Habaluyas, Dave Valeriano, Leah de la Cruz, and Thom Ortega Ayala CFO Rufino Luis Manotok (second from right) receives the Thomson Reuters award on behalf of Ayala from (from left) Reuters Manila news bureau chief Raju Gopalakrishnan, Reuters business manager for the Philippines Rainer Fuchsluger, and head of investor relations Nona Torres Assistant corporate secretary and general counsel Solomon Hermosura (left) accepts the Best for Responsibilities of Management and the Board of Directors in the Philippines award on behalf of Ayala at the 2009 Asiamoney Awards from Asiamoney editor Richard Morrow BPI receives top honors from financial community The Bank of the Philippine Islands was honored as one of the top performing banks in the region by the Philippine Dealing System Group, and The Asset, a multimedia company that caters to Asian financial communities. BPI was named Best Cash Management Bank in the Philippines at The Asset Triple A Transaction Banking Awards held on March 19 in Hong Kong. The bank was cited as one of the most respected cash management institutions offering customized solutions to the most demanding clients in the country. Meanwhile, BPI’s subsidiaries BPI Capital Corporation and BPI Securities Corporation were recognized as two of 2008’s top performers in the financial industry during the Fourth PDS Group Awards. The top performers among PDS Group’s fixed-income securities dealing and brokering participants, settlement and custody participants, spot foreign exchange dealing participants, and corporate issuers were cited during the event held at the Peninsula Manila on February 26. BPI Securities Corporation president Spencer Yap (right) receives a plaque of recognition from SEC chair Fe Barin (left) as PDS president Vicente Castillo looks on For generating the most number of trade tickets for 2008, BPI Capital was recognized as the top brokering participant for retail transactions. The PDS Group recognized BPI Capital’s efforts to achieve a wider retail distribution of fixed-income securities. The company also ranked third among the top five fixed-income brokering participants for 2008. BPI Securities ranked third in the top five depository participants for 2008 for generating one of the highest volumes in depository holdings. BPI, on the other hand, ranked fourth in the top five fixed-income dealing participants for 2008, and placed third in the top five Philippine Domestic Dollar Transaction System/payment-versus-payment participants for 2008. The PDS awards acknowledge the role and contribution of BPI, BPI Capital, and BPI Securities in the development of the country’s capital markets. Their accomplishments as top performers contribute to the substantial growth of the market as shown in the increases in trading volume and number of transactions, as well as in the opening up of new markets and in product innovation. continued on p.8 News The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 AFI, BPI, and MACEA join forces to promote energy efficiency in buildings To promote energy efficiency, help mitigate climate change, and facilitate access to resources for investments in sustainable energy, Ayala Foundation Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Makati Commercial Estate Association have teamed up to conduct a study on the energy efficiency of commercial buildings at the Makati Central Business District. UP students explain their thesis project, which uses the ZigBee module that IMI donated, to IMI Philippines design and development vice president Chicho Mantaring (left). ZigBee is a low-cost networking standard IMI establishes university cooperation program on wireless sensor networks Taking advantage of the growing wireless technology sector, Integrated Microelectronics Inc. has recently established a university cooperation program on wireless sensor networks. IMI will donate a WSN University Kit containing more than 100 wireless nodes, a pair of development boards, a gateway, fully assembled demonstration nodes, and various accessories such as power supplies, antennas, and cables to select partner universities. The participant university will then develop application notes and technical To be conducted from April to June 2009, the study will include some of the country’s largest office buildings, hotels, hospitals, and malls. At the end of the study, participating building owners will receive recommendations on improving energy efficiency and upgrading systems or equipment, and will get free walkthrough energy audits, when applicable. There will also be a knowledge-sharing seminar where survey results and recommendations for participants and other stakeholders will be presented. BPI, which has partnered with the International Finance Corporation in its Sustainable Energy Finance Program, expects the study to pave the way for greater public awareness of energy efficiency (EE) and to provide benchmarks for future EE programs. The bank is also looking into the assessment of the EE market in the local commercial sector. IFC will lend technical support during the survey, which could determine, among other data, the savings that building owners can potentially generate from improved efficiency of equipment and operations, and EE contributions to mitigating climate change. Ayala Foundation currently works with MACEA in the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Program. This partnership has prompted AFI to expand the advocacy program toward the overall “greening” of buildings. The study on energy efficiency is a first step in that direction. papers, which IMI and the university can jointly publish. The University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and Mapua Institute of Technology were among the first schools to receive the kits and sign a memorandum of agreement with IMI. De La Salle University is also set to receive a university kit from the company. IMI believes that wireless technology will continue to play a key role in today’s increasingly interconnected world. As such, it has developed a variety of hardware platforms that can be used to implement WSNs. A WSN is a collection of wirelessly connected devices that monitor physical or environmental conditions and implement corrective or preventive actions accordingly. Application areas include home automation, environment monitoring, and traffic control. The platforms include end nodes, routers, coordinators, and a gateway that allows the WSN to be monitored through the Internet. AFI, BPI, and MACEA sign a memorandum of agreement to conduct a study on the energy efficiency of Makati commercial buildings. In photo are (from left) AFI director Mario Deriquito, AFI executive vice president Guillermo Luz, BPI senior executive vice president Gil Buenaventura, MACEA president Adolfo Duarte, and IFC resident representative Jesse Ang Globe partners with OFW commission Globe Telecom Inc. has partnered with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, a government agency mandated to strengthen cooperation with overseas Filipinos and promote their interests. The partnership seeks to create programs, projects, and services geared toward helping Filipinos overseas. Globe’s partnership with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas is formalized with the signing of an agreement. Present during the signing are Globe OFC local segment business head Fernando Busuego (seated, left) and CFO executive director Jennifer Gonzales (seated, right) together with Globe and CFO representatives The partnership aims to provide migrant Filipinos easier access to Globe’s products and services when they visit CFO offices in Manila and Cebu. The partnership provides information on relevant services through CFO publications, and prizes and entertainment in CFO events. Globe will participate in CFO’s predeparture orientation seminars for emigrants bound for the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. News Manila Water conducts public consultation to soften impact of tariff increases The Manila Water Company and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System held a public consultation with consumers in Quezon City on March 2. The forum presented initiatives that would help consumers cope better with the current financial crisis. During the presentation, Manila Water explained that if its concession agreement were renewed and extended to year 2037 instead of 2022, tariff adjustments will only be P1 per year from 2010 to 2012. There will be no increase in 2009. Accordingly, the additional 15 years will allow lower and easier rate adjustments for consumers. Under the plan, instead of the previously announced rate adjustment of P8.75 in the 2007 approved Manila Water business plan, covering 2008 to 2012, the tariff adjustments will only be P3, which translate to a 66 percent reduction. “The MWSS has been holding dialogues with Manila Water to find more ways to mitigate the impact of tariff increases on consumers and at the same time help boost the economy. Manila Water has come up with a proposal that will allow the implementation of these objectives. These consultations were held to allow Manila Water to explain its plan to the public,” MWSS administrator Diosdado Jose Allado said. According to Manila Water, the plan will provide a good stimulus for the economy because of the huge investments that the company will pour into infrastructure programs, particularly those related to wastewater projects. The concessionaire plans to increase investments from P187 billion to P450 billion and in the process create 30,000 new jobs per year through its contractors and suppliers. BPI–DOST science competition marks 20th year Nearly 100 winners of the Bank of the Philippine Islands–Department of Science and Technology Science Awards gathered on March 16 to celebrate the 20th year of the country’s longest-running science competition. BPI–DOST science competition’s top three Best Project of the Year awardees give interviews to major TV networks. (From left) Second runner-up Marvin Masalunga of UP Diliman, Best Project of the Year winner Mikhail Solon of UP Diliman, and first runner-up Stephen Michael Co of Ateneo de Manila University Organized in 1989 by BPI Foundation Inc. and DOST, the competition recognizes exceptional science and engineering students from the program’s partner universities nationwide. “We are grateful for the award because it is an affirmation of our hard work as mathematicians, scientists, and engineers,” said 1990 awardee Nina Rojas, who now heads the chemistry department of the Ateneo de Manila University. Science Education Institute director Esther Ogena, Philippine Science High School system executive director Filma Brawner, and top university officials attended the event. Titled A Triple Celebration, the event coincided with the formal awarding ceremony of the winners of the 2009 BPI–DOST Best Project of the Year. During the event, BPI also launched the book, Appreciating Art Through the BPI Art Collection: A Teacher’s Guide. The book serves as accompaniment to Herencia: A Legacy of Art and Progress, which contains in-depth reviews of nearly 1,000 important works of art that BPI has accumulated in the course of its mergers and acquisitions. Copies of the guidebook will be donated to BPI Foundation’s partner universities and schools as part of its commitment to promote the teaching and appreciation of art history among Filipino students. Former Manila Water president Antonino Aquino explains the advantages of Manila Water’s new plans to cushion the impact of tariff increases during a public consultation in Quezon City Hatching a Brand-New Way to Save In life everything is unpredictable, thus the saying “Don’t count your chickens until the eggs have hatched.” But what if there is a guarantee, a promise, a commitment? Can you start counting? The new BPI Maxi-Saver Savings Account gives you guaranteed higher interest rates vs. regular savings. It gives you a one percent bonus interest every year if you make no withdrawals within a month and gives you access to your savings account any time, anywhere. BPI Maxi-Saver is a savings account that offers you bigger earnings without having your funds locked up. There are no maturity dates to wait for or pre-termination fees to think about. With BPI Maxi-Saver, you can enjoy bigger earnings while benefiting from easy access to your savings account using BPI’s 24/7 banking channels. You may also choose the traditional option of having a passbook to monitor your account. BPI Maxi-Saver is now offered in all branches of BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank. Maximize your savings, and open a BPI Maxi-Saver savings account now. Advertorial The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 Ayala starts the year reaping awards continued from p.4 Ayala Corporation and Ayala Land Inc., the first listed corporate issuers on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corporation, also received special citations from the PDS Group. Ayala Malls Group VP and COO Rowena Tomeldan (middle) receives the ICSC Maxi Silver trophy from ICSC senior staff VP and chief global marketing officer Jay Starr (left) and senior manager of professional recognition JoAnn Laut The PDS Group Awards 2008 was attended by key regulators of the securities industry, including Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and Securities and Exchange Commission chair Fe Barin. The Asian Banker also recognized BPI at its Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards held on March 19. The bank was recognized as the best retail bank in the Philippines in 2008 for delivering outstanding performance in the midst of the global financial crisis. Ayala Now, the Ayala group’s official publication, was also given an Anvil Award of Merit under the internal publications category. Globe’s CSR programs score big Globe Telecom Inc.’s flagship CSR program Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom) garnered honors from local and international organizations for its commitment to transforming and enriching the lives of Filipinos. The ICSC MAXI Awards Program is an international marketing competition that recognizes excellence in shopping center marketing. MAXI Awards are given every year to shopping centers and companies that have designed and implemented the most successful marketing programs during the previous year. Globe BridgeCom won the gold award for best community program and the bronze award for best workplace practices in the recently concluded Global CSR Awards held on January 14 in Singapore. The annual Anvil Awards is organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. The Global CSR Awards was organized by Singapore-based Pinnacle Group International in cooperation with the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore, The Business Times, and the Singapore Environment Council. The event recognized and honored companies for their outstanding, innovative, and world-class products, services, projects, and programs implemented in 2007 and 2008. CSR practitioners and experts from around the world attended the event. Ayala garners awards at Honda, Isuzu dealers’ conventions Globe BridgeCom also bagged the Anvil Award of Excellence under the responsible citizenship category, while Globe’s Disaster Response Program won an Anvil Award of Excellence under the disaster and risk management category. Globe’s Internet in Schools Program won an Anvil Award of Merit in the education category, and Globe BridgeCom’s Employee Volunteerism program received a plaque of recognition. (Standing, from left) Employee programs head Jose Wilson Caisip, community relations team representative Victor Chan, community relations head Jeffrey Tarayao, and public relations deputy head Andy Bengzon and (seated, from left) Pia Bernal and Apple Evangelista proudly show their trophies after receiving the Anvil awards on behalf of Globe Honda Cars Makati Inc. (HCMI) and Honda Cars Cebu Inc. took the spotlight for earning 18 awards across several categories at the 2009 Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) Dealers Convention held at the Manila Ocean Park on February 6. Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc. (IADI) and its sales force also reaped awards at the Isuzu Philippines Corporation Dealership Conference on February 20 in Pasay City. Honda Cars Global City, HCMI’s newest branch, was first runner-up for the Dealer of the Year Award, while Honda Cars Alabang was cited as Dealer of the Year Achiever for meeting the requirements of DOYA. Isuzu Mandaue sales executive team is SE Team of the Year winner at the Isuzu Philippines Corporation Dealership Conference Honda Cars Alabang grabbed the Top in Sales and Dealer Sales awards, and Honda Cars Global City was first runner-up for the Metro Manila area. Honda Cars Alabang was also among the recipients of the Sales Achievement Special Award, which is given to dealers that surpassed targets for the year. Honda Cars Cebu Inc., meanwhile, bagged the Honda Insurance Dealer of the Year award for the provincial category. Recognitions for AMG, Ayala Now For the Customer Relations Incentive Program, Honda Cars Global City grabbed first place, while Honda Cars Shaw was declared third placer for the Metro Manila area. Honda Cars Mandaue won third place in the provincial category. The Ayala Malls Group won the International Council of Shopping Centers Silver MAXI Award for marketing excellence for Bravo Filipino. The award was presented on April 1 at the Fusion Conference in Hollywood, Florida. AMG also won Anvil Awards of Merit for Bravo Filipino and the Market! Market! tarpaulin bags at the 44th Anvil Awards. The annual Honda Dealers Convention organized by HCPI recognizes the achievements of Honda dealerships across the country based on performance in sales, service, parts, customer relations, and finance. Bravo Filipino was a four-month series of events that celebrated Filipino culture and creativity. It was conceptualized by Jaime Zobel de Ayala with Ayala Malls and Filipinas Heritage Library. Market! Market! was cited in the community engagement category for responsibly recycling tarpaulin posters and converting them into bags. The tarp bags were crafted by residents of urban poor communities and a center for physically challenged people in cooperation with Gifts and Graces Fair Foundation. IADI, meanwhile, was a runner up for the Dealer of the Year award at the IPC Dealers’ Conference. Isuzu Pasig won Best Service Operations in Metro Manila, while Isuzu Alabang won in the Best Parts Operations category. Isuzu Mandaue’s sales executive (SE) team was hailed as the winner of the SE Team of the Year award. After emerging as the top dealerships in their respective categories during the elimination round, Isuzu Mandaue and Isuzu Pasig bested the pack in the final round by placing first and third, respectively. 10 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 ALI vice presidents Arturo Corpuz and Joselito Luna flank Honda general manager Ramon Zialcita Guillermo Luchangco Ballet Philippines dancers Alfonso Javier Reyes, Luis Juan Oreta, and Wilfrido Atienza Lorenzo Tugcay and Melencio Bustamante Beatriz Zobel de Ayala and Javier Nepomuceno FZA and retired Ayala treasurer Manuel Bengson Edith Lopez, Norma Ramos, Sheila Tan, Cecilia Milaor, Arlene Montero, Michelle Valbuena, and Melody Trinidad of the Legal and Compliance team Jose Bernarte Jr., Herminia Lopez, Isagani de Castro and Remedios Wingco Aristón Estrada Jr. and Xavier Loinaz ALI senior vice president Emilio Tumbocon and BPI executive vice president Adelbert Legasto Ayala CFO Rufino Luis Manotok and Hiroshi Shimizu Honda’s Mar Enc and HRMall gene Maria Angela Ra JZA with daughters Patricia Halffter and Monica Pla Cecilia Conti, Teresita Villacorta, and Nina Aquino FZA with the Human Resources team: Maria Josefa Medina, John Philip Orbeta, Aileene Fernandez, Felicia Carvajal, Christopher Edward Sandoval, and Ma. Cecilia Yambao Innove president Gil Genio, BPI president Aurelio Montinola III, ALI senior vice president Ma. Victoria Añonuevo, and Globe president Ernest Cu Ayala chief executives Arthur Tan, Aurelio Montinola III, and Charles Cosgrove BPI Family Savin Salcedo, Ayala m BPI Capital presi and Ayala manco Officers of the Ayala Automotive group and CFO Jenara Rosanna Ong Renato Marzan and Ramon Opulencia Gerardo Favila Edith Nolledo AFI directors Dr. Ramon Miranda and Wilma Zapata JAZA with Hirosh Inami of Mitsubis Sonoma general manager Estrella Mariano and BPI senior vice president Natividad Alejo Jose Facundo and JZA JZA and JAZA with retirees Teodora Hernaez, Esperanza Galvez, and Judith Javellana Ayala managing director Ricardo Jacinto Manila Water board director Hiromu Nishimura and Ruel Maranan IMI board director Rafael Romualdez and LiveIT CEO Alfredo Ayala Patricia Zobel-H Catherine Zobel, JAZA with Lee Han Kheng and Chang York Chye of Singapore Telecom JZA greets O.V. Timothy Patterson and Michael Hansson of IMI Members of the Zobel family and Javier Nepomuceno read the 175th anniversary magazine, Ayala at 175 ALI senior vice presidents Bernard Vincent Dy, Rex Ma. Mendoza, Emilio Tumbocon, and ASTI president Erwin Locsin Isuzu general manager Rene Paningbatan and Isuzu Philippines president Keiji Takeda Globe board direct ALI board director F vice president Adel 11 Ayala celebrates 175 years Ayala Corporation celebrated its 175th anniversary with two special events held at the Ayala Museum. On March 10, Ayala employees and retirees gathered for a thanksgiving mass and a brief program keynoted by chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala and chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala. On April 1, boards of directors and management committees of Ayala companies celebrated this milestone in a simple dinner. Guests in both occasions viewed exhibits of the company’s historical timeline and watched a video presentation celebrating the rich heritage, pioneering efforts, and enduring partnerships that have helped shape Ayala. A special anniversary issue of Ayala Now and the Ayala at 175 magazine were also published in time for the two events. A sculpture especially created by JZA was presented to key officers and partners of the Ayala group. Alfredo Ayala, Erwin Locsin, Gerardo Ablaza, Jr., Jaime Ayala, Ernest Cu, and Gil Genio Francisco Ferrer, Robert Taberrah, Jr., Francisco Chua Chiaco, and Vicente Ayllon Chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala welcomes employees and retirees Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala cites critical turning points in Ayala’s history BPI board director Gil Buenaventura and Ayala independent director Xavier Loinaz April Bernal, Josephine Quintos, Eden Relova, and Sherisa Nuesa carnacion Ayala independent director eral manager Meneleo Carlos Jr. and apadas Aristón Estrada Jr. Ayala Aviation general manager Carlos Reyes and IMI mancom member Emmanuel Barcelon IMI board directors Ceferino Follosco (left) and Filemon Berba Jr. (third from left), BPI board director Lila Bautista, and AFI executive vice president Guillermo Luz Caroline Marie Guamen, Janella Siena, Maureen Barreiro, Eliezer Tanlapco, and Emily de Lara ngs Bank president Alfonso managing director Rufino Melo III, ident Jose Teodoro Limcaoco, om member John Eric Francia Rogelio Abanilla, Redentor Tapispisan, Santos Rancudo, and Margarita Ilagan Peter Yu, Belinda Ortega, and Susan Bables of Accounting ALI president Antonino Aquino, AFI director Mario Deriquito, Manila Water’s Ruel Maranan, board director Hiromu Nishimura, and Virgilio Rivera Junie Jalandoni and Charles Cosgrove hi Nashimoto and Toshifumi shi FZA and JZA with Adolfo Duarte, Manuel Bengson, and Ramon Madrid Halffter, Beatriz Susana Zobel, , Elizabeth Zobel Ayala group HR heads: John Philip Orbeta, Lourdes Orosa, Ma. Teresa Ruiz, and Elisa Villanueva JZA greets Antonio Laurel and Filemon Berba Jr. Rene Almendras and Sheila Marie Tan AC Capital CEO Delfin Lazaro Espiritu tor Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, Francis Estrada, and BPI executive lbert Legasto Rodrigo Naguiat BPI and Manila Water board director Oscar Reyes, and ALI CFO Jaime Ysmael Ofelia Rojas and Herminia Jacinto Patxi Elizalde FZA with Manila Water officers then and now: Virgilio Rivera, Alberto Jugo, Antonino Aquino, and Filemon Berba Jr. BPI executive vice president Antonio Paner and Ayala treasurer Ramon Opulencia Alexander Cordero of Audit and James Villarin of Treasury Francisco Licuanan and Fidel Alfonso Former Ayala HR group head Ramon Medina browses through the special anniversary issue of Ayala Now Zobels with Roger Mina, Aida Mendoza, and Simon Mossesgeld 12 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 BPI Family Savings Bank holds first nationwide Auto Madness The outlook on the automotive industry remains upbeat as BPI Family Savings Bank launches its first nationwide Auto Madness. The event, intended to help boost the auto industry and to serve more customers, was held on March 12 to 15 in 10 locations. Auto Madness gathered major car brands under one roof and offered Auto Madness rates through the BFSB Drive Your Dream Auto Loan. This was the first time that Auto Madness was simultaneously held in several locations across the country. Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. president Elizabeth Lee said the auto industry ended with record high sales of over 124,000 units in 2008—the highest since the Asian financial crisis. This translated to a growth of six percent. “Our local outlook in 2009 remains positive. We forecast a modest growth of two to four percent,” Lee added. Department of Transportation and Communication undersecretary Anneli Lontoc said that the government is implementing programs to further strengthen and stimulate the economy, including carrying out policy reforms and building transport infrastructures needed for local trade. (From left) BPI president Aurelio Montinola III, DOTC undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, CAMPI president Elizabeth Lee, and BPI Family Savings Bank president Alfonso Salcedo Jr. attend the launch of BFSB Auto Madness Emphasizing the importance of the partnerships, BPI president Aurelio Montinola III expressed his appreciation for the participation of DOTC and CAMPI in Auto Madness. The BFSB Auto Madness also promoted road safety and responsible driving. Free safe-driving seminars were conducted by the Honda Safety Driving Center at the Glorietta Activity Center during the event. Ayala Land holds Nuvali media launch Ayala Land Inc. formally introduced Nuvali to the media on April 20. The company also inaugurated EvoLiving Center, Nuvali’s sustainability hub. The event started with a thanksgiving mass attended by ALI chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, ALI president Antonino Aquino, and Ayala managing director Edith Nolledo. Representatives of the Nuvali team and various ALI business units, project partners, and associates, as well as the local government executives of Laguna, including governor Teresita Lazaro, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority director general Lilia de Lima attended the event. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the EvoLiving Center was held afterwards, and a tour of the building immediately followed. The EvoLiving Center, made of environment-friendly materials and maintained through “green” practices such as heat insulation and water recycling, serves as a testament to ALI’s dedication to developing a residential and commercial hub that supports a sustainable lifestyle. ALI executive vice president Vince Tan, in his opening remarks, said: “When ALI reached an agreement with the Yulo family in the early 1990s to jointly work on this area, we all shared a vision that this place would be the new nerve center for the south. It was also during this time that there was a growing awareness of climate change and global warming, and there was a need for humanity to step back from the excesses of the late 20th century, if we wanted a lifestyle that could be sustained for our children and grandchildren.” Nuvali covers 1,700 hectares of commercial, residential, and recreational development projects that spans Santa Rosa and Calamba in Laguna. (From left) ALI executive vice president and head of planning group Vincent Tan, ALI president and CEO Antonino Aquino, Laguna governor Teresita Lazaro, ALI chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, PEZA director general Lilia de Lima, and Leandro V. Locsin Partners Architects administrator and design consultant Leandro Locsin Jr. lead the inauguration of ALI’s EvoLiving Center Globe products complement mobile lifestyle Globe Telecom recently launched new and innovative products to serve its subscribers better. The products, Globe Pixlink and Globe Broadband Tattoo, provide reliable value-added services that boost Globe’s reputation as a communications company. Globe Pixlink allows users to post photos online using their mobile phones. Designed for people who are always on the go, Globe Pixlink enables users to access their blogs and websites, back up files, and share and publish media content from their mobile phones. Once a picture or a video is taken, Globe Pixlink categorizes the media automatically according to date of capture. It also allows easy uploading to a secure online account, sharing of contacts, and posting in websites. The product’s mobile and online interfaces allow subscribers to upload, view, and share photos, as well as enable public media viewing, account management, and widget publishing. Widget publishing helps users create useful onscreen tools like weather updates, event countdowns, and stock market watchlists. Globe Pixlink’s media publishing feature allows users to automatically distribute media to third-party sites. Globe Pixlink’s supported sites include Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Blogger, Picasa, and G-Blogs. Meanwhile, Globe Broadband Tattoo comes in a USB stick that works as a modem. Users can plug the stick into their computers or laptops to surf the Web anytime, anywhere. Its 3G and high-speed downlink packet access technology enable high-speed connectivity and fast downloads with speeds of up to 2Mbps. Globe Broadband Tattoo is available in prepaid and postpaid plans. The prepaid kit comes with a free P100 load that is equivalent to five hours of Internet time. Prepaid users pay only P5 per 15 minutes on the Internet. The postpaid plan is offered for as low as P99 every month, with 60 free mobile Internet hours each month. Adnan Agboatwalla, founder of PixSense and vice president for technical sales and general manager of offshore operations, talks about Globe’s latest innovation Globe CEO Ernest Cu, multimedia business group head Minette Navarrete, and PixSense founder Adnan Agboatwalla attend Globe Pixlink launch on February 6 13 Marivic Rufino, Baby Girl Fricke, a guest, and Maricris Cardenas-Zobel JZA, Mike Luz, and Carmen Luz Sari Ortiga, Nancy Ortiga, and Arturo Luz Arturo Luz, JZA, Zenaida Tantoco, Silvana Diaz, and Pabling Calma Chillida #1 Homage to Eduardo Chillida Ching Montinola, Arturo Luz, and Tessie Luz Figura #3 Artist Nestor Vinluan with daughter and wife Lynn Ayala Malls Group and ALI senior vice president and group head Marivic Añonuevo Greenbelt Artpark unveils Arturo Luz’s Monumental Greenbelt ArtPark presents National Artist Arturo Luz’s new works in Monumental, an exhibition that features several paintings and large-scale sculptures, on extended run until May 17 at the Ayala Museum and until June 2009 at Greenbelt. Monumental especially showcases several large-scale abstract sculptures that are variations on Luz’s past themes—the circus performers of the 1960s, the taut anito figures of the early 1970s, and the origami-inspired structures of the late 1970s. As one of the country’s leading modernists, Luz’s works have inspired and influenced younger artists, whose works are marked by minimalism and nonobjectivism. All the hallmarks of his artistic oeuvre—elegant linearity, seamless design, and minimal color—are prominent in his three-dimensional work. Greenbelt 5 has played host to various centerpiece events celebrating worldclass artistry, such as last year’s Bravo Filipino series. Monumental is envisioned as the first in a series of public art exhibitions to be organized by Greenbelt and Ayala Museum to make art more accessible to the public. National Artist Arturo Luz poses beside his work, Tribal No. 5 14 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 Ayala employees run for a cause Ayala employees went the extra mile on March 14 at the 2009 Ayala group fun run to raise money for the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education. The goal was to raise P175,000 for the benefit of CENTEX schools in celebration of Ayala’s 175th year. Held at Bonifacio Global City, the Ayala group fun run had three distance categories, 1.5, 3, and 5 kilometers, to accommodate a wide range of participants. Over 500 runners participated in the event, an increase of over 100 percent from the previous year. The Bank of the Philippine Islands fielded 188 runners, the highest in the group, with Globe Telecom Inc. not too far behind with 95 participants. Ayala Corporation joined forces with eTelecare, Ayala Automotive, and Ayala Foundation Inc. to form a team of 75 runners. Globe sets up Globe– GK productivity center The event’s success was due to the efforts of the Ayala Group HR Council–Labor and Employee Relations Network. The occasion was attended by JP Orbeta and Elis Tanlapco of Ayala Corporation, former CENTEX director Carol Atacador, CENTEX director Mon Miranda, Manila Water’s Ruel Maranan and incoming CEO Rene Almendras, and IMI CEO Arthur Tan. The Manila Water team performed strongly in all the distance categories, sweeping the 1.5-kilometer run for both the male and female categories. Other strong finishers were BPI, Ayala Land, IMI, and Ayala Corporation. Winners in each of the three categories received medals, while all participants received a souvenir shirt. Meanwhile, on March 22 Ayala Foundation joined the Condura Run to Save the Whale Sharks, also held at Bonifacio Global City. More than 500 runners joined the Ayala group fun run at Bonifacio Global City GK executive director Tony Meloto (top row, far left) visits the Globe–GK productivity center in Bacolod City Ayala runners participated in three distance categories. In photo are (from left) BPI Capital Corporation president TG Limcaoco, IMI president Art Tan, 3 km distance first placer Rafael Ricote of BPI, second placer Hermie Alonte of MWC, Manila Water president Rene Almendras, and third placer Felipe Paulo of MWC (From left) Globe’s Michelle Ferriols, Ayala employee and services director Elis Tanlapco, former CENTEX director Carol Atacador, managing director JP Orbeta, and CENTEX director Mon Miranda root for the participants during the fun run at Bonifacio Global City Globe set up the Globe Telecom–Gawad Kalinga Productivity Center and Farming Institute as part of a sustainability program for the GK–ERH Village in Barangay Sum-ag, Bacolod City. Through Globe’s corporate social responsibility program Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom), the center has provided relevant livelihood training seminars in such areas as hospitality management, food service, and basic culinary skills to Kapitbahayan volunteers. These volunteers are made up of residents who took the Globe–GK productivity training and now operate the facility. The Globe–GK productivity center invited experts in agricultural development and economics to share their knowledge and expertise. Aside from demo farms, the facility offers seminars in environment-friendly agriculture practices in land cultivation, including organic farming and vermicomposting. Seminars and other contributions from the Gawad Kalinga caretaker team have provided the residents of GK–ERH Village several income opportunities. Gawad Kalinga has also allowed university students from the National Institute of Education and NGEE ANN Polytechnic School of Humanities in Singapore to enroll in the farming institute as part of their scholastic immersion programs. 15 Ayala Cares Manila Water strengthens community service, climate change programs In line with its commitment to integrate social responsibility into its business strategy, Manila Water Company has launched a climate change program geared toward the improvement of energy consumption and the protection of watershed areas. Residents of Rodriguez, Rizal, get water supply and new water meters through the GPOBA–Manila Water project. In photo are (from left) Rodriguez mayor Pedro Cuerpo, congresswoman Adeline Rodriguez, and Manila Water chief finance officer Luis Juan Oreta Climate change is a major environmental concern. Its effects are already felt in the country with sustainability of water supply being at risk and pollution reaching alarming proportions. Manila Water, as an advocate of environmental conservation, has taken its environmental commitment up a notch with the launch of its climate change policy, the first of its kind in the country. Manila Water’s climate change program focuses on four commitments—the development and implementation of a carbon management plan, improvements in efficient energy consumption and increased use of renewable energy, integration of climate change into medium- and long-term operations, and protection of watershed areas. The company prioritizes the protection of the environment to sustain water resources and ensure that its operations do not adversely affect the environment. Manila Water is currently firming up its baseline data in a step toward measuring its own carbon footprint. At the forefront of the company’s environmental initiatives is wastewater management, which aims to curb the mounting pollution of Metro Manila’s river systems. The company is also embarking on its first-ever waste-to-energy project at the Magallanes Sewage Treatment Plant. World Bank director for strategy, operations, and sustainable development network Aart Schafer and senior economist Charles Kenney recently visited and inspected a newly completed project under the Global Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA) and Tubig Para sa Barangay program of Manila Water. The project provided new water meters and line connections for the Tupreia community in Taguig City. The Manila Water–GPOBA project will also provide water supply and new water meters to households in Rodriguez, Rizal. GPOBA, a multi-donor trust fund, has forged a partnership with Manila Water to provide urban poor communities access to basic water services through the Tubig Para Sa Barangay program. The Manila Water– GPOBA program has provided safe, potable water to 56,000 households. World Bank director for strategy, operations, and sustainable development network Aart Schafer (background) and senior economist Charles Kenney (foreground) inspect water meters installed through the assistance of Manila Water and GPOBA Globe reaches out to students, flood victims Globe Telecom’s flagship corporate social responsibility program, Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom), donated school supplies to elementary school children in Albay and relief goods to displaced families in Mindanao. Donation packages consisting of school bags, notebooks, papers, pencil cases, crayons, pens, and pencils were distributed to 450 pupils officially enrolled in Misibis Elementary School in Tiwi, Albay. Misibis Elementary School principal Cristita Buitizon and the school’s faculty and PTA officers welcomed and commended Globe’s endeavor. “Most of our students here are underprivileged; their families don’t have the capability to acquire most basic school requirements. I am optimistic that this donation will inspire them to go to school and strive, and give them hope,” Buitizon said. Globe Telecom also donated relief goods to families displaced by flash floods in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas in Misamis Oriental. The disaster relief operations benefited about 1,200 families affected by the heavy rains that had assailed the area for days. Relief goods including rice, canned goods, biscuits, and noodles were distributed to families in barangays Canito-an, Carmen, and Iponan in Cagayan de Oro City. Globe also gave the provincial government of Misamis 200 packs of relief goods, which were donated to the town of Alubihid. 16 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 Ayala participates in Earth Hour AYLA launches info sessions on voters registration The Ayala Young Leaders Alliance, in partnership with Youth Vote Philippines (YVote), has initiated a program called Information Session on Voters Registration, a weekly after-office gathering that seeks to encourage the youth to register for the 2010 national elections. Young professionals and students are asked to attend one of the sessions to get an update on the voters registration process and to know more about choosing the right candidates before the elections. The proponents of the series, mostly Ayala Young Leaders Congress alumni, have volunteered to host the sessions in offices, schools, and communities for free. Since the Commission on Elections has moved the deadline of registration earlier from December 15 to October 31, 2009 to prepare for automated polls, AYLA has stepped up its campaign to make sure that all those who need to register get to do so. A power switch-off ceremony for Earth Hour was held on March 28 at Tower One, with government officials and executives from Ayala Land Inc. and Ayala Foundation Inc. lending their support for the cause of environmental protection. High school students, government employees, representatives of various NGOs, and Ayala employees attended the event. The program started with the opening remarks of Makati City Department of Environmental Services head Danilo Villas and World Wildlife Fund-Philippines chair Vince Perez. Both talked about this year’s Earth Hour goals and emphasized the importance of the event in calling attention to the issue of climate change. After their remarks, the Makati High School Anklung group performed a popular kundiman. ALI corporate communications head Jorge Marco also delivered a message of support on behalf of Ayala Land. Makati mayor Jejomar Binay briefly addressed the crowd and led the ceremonial switch-off. Lights were turned off at exactly 8:30 p.m. and for that one hour the guests were treated to entertainment numbers capped by a fire-and-lights dance exhibition. “Ayala believes that one of the ways to keep climate change from becoming a bigger challenge is through a strong worldwide movement such as Earth Hour. It is really about people from all walks of life coming together for one cause. It is about making certain that we leave the coming generations with a better quality of life. Ayala is one with the other companies and organizations in the fight against climate change,” Ayala chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said. The first information session was held at the Ayala Foundation office in Makati City. AYLC alumni who are employees of Ayala Foundation hosted the gathering, which was attended by around 30 students and young professionals including representatives of the Galing Pilipino Movement and Youth Alliance Philippines. Students from UP Manila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, Meralco Foundation Institute, UERMMMC, and San Beda College also attended the session. These info sessions are designed to discuss frequently asked questions about voters registration such as applications, record reactivation, transfer with reactivation, and change/correction of civil status and home address. COMELEC forms were presented and information materials were distributed to the attendees. The second session was held on April 22 also at the Ayala Foundation office. Representatives from the De La Salle University student council, employees of the Department of Energy, and members of the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas attended the gathering. AYLA’s call to action AYLA is one of the core convenors of YVote, which identifies itself as a consolidated force of progressive, reform-minded youth groups that have a strong call to action to encourage the youth to register, know more about the candidates, think critically about their choices, and vote based on issues, not personalities. Joseph Quesada, AYLC 2001 alumnus and program manager of AYLC, said, “AYLA and YVote believe that the Filipino youth can form a strong block of voters. Therefore, AYLA joins in the growing clamor to entice many young Filipinos to register and vote.” Ayala president Fernando Zobel de Ayala added: “The challenge that global warming presents is something that Ayala Land hopes to address proactively. We hope to do this by extending our support for programs that raise the bar on sustainable development and environment protection. We hope that through Earth Hour, many more people will realize the positive impact we can create for the Earth just by working together.” Based on statistics from YVote, around 34 million or 54 percent of the voting population in 2010 will be aged 15 to 34 years old. The numbers show that the youth vote, if harnessed well, can influence the elections in 2010. In 2007, around 6.4 million potential voters were not registered. In the 2004 presidential elections, only 43.54 million registered voters out of the 49.25 million who had been expected to participate in the electoral process actually voted. Eighty APMC-managed properties that participated in the 2009 Earth Hour event saved a total 47,085 kwh, which is equivalent to 25,634 kg of reduced CO2 emission. This is a big jump from last year’s savings of only 1,500 kwh or 834 kg of reduced CO2 emissions. Starting in our own backyard A young guest signs up to protect the environment during the switch off ceremony for Earth Hour AYLC alumni who are employed in AFI have started a campaign for a 100 percent turnout of AFI employees in the next polls. Survey forms were released to identify who among the foundation’s personnel are actually registered. Information sessions were also conducted for the employees. With top management’s unstinting support, all employees were given a day off from their work to register in their local COMELEC office. A YVote Caravan was held on April 16 and 17 at the University of Asia and the Pacific 17 Bulletin Board Manila Water launches Katubig Day program Manila Water Company has elevated its standards in customer service with the recently launched Katubig Day program for the Metro Manila East Zone. The word katubig has been coined to stand for Kasama sa Pangangalaga ng Tubig (partner in protecting water resources). Manila Water believes that the protection and preservation of water resources are shared responsibilities of the concessionaire and the communities it serves. Katubig Day is a company-wide initiative that encourages all employees to directly interact with customers. The employees are first given a briefing and then sent to preselected barangays, where they encourage customers to discuss concerns on a variety of issues, from billing inquiries to applications for water and sanitation services, among others. Manila Water designed Katubig Day program as a way to directly get service feedback from customers. The company has always focused on enhancing the company’s relationship with its communities while constantly looking for better ways to improve the delivery of its services within the East Zone. By veering away from traditional surveys, Katubig enables the company to directly acquire real-time information and ideas from its customers, and to focus on how to make service delivery more efficient and effective. Manila Water plans to make the Katubig Day program a quarterly event to ensure continuous and consistent interaction with its clients. ASJ transfers office to new Tokyo business center Ayala Systems Japan Inc., Ayala’s IT services and outsourcing unit in Japan, has transferred its office to a new business center in Tokyo to seek out new strategic partnerships with several Japanese companies. ASJ has set up an office in Makuhari, a new business center in Chiba prefecture, which is located between Tokyo and Narita airport, and provides such incentives as rent subsidies. ASJ has also established a temporary office at Invest Japan Business Support Center operated by Japan External Trade Organization in Tokyo. Besides free rent and administrative support, JETRO also provides legal and accounting services. ASJ intends to become a major player in offshore software development, data center operations, and systems integration. Working in ASJ’s favor is a large number of Englishspeaking engineers and software developers in the Philippines. This advantage enables ASJ’s Filipino engineers to transfer software systems from the United States to Japan and help Japanese companies break into foreign markets. Established in 2006, ASJ is Ayala Systems Technology Inc.’s first venture overseas. ASJ has since established a reputation in software development and support service for major manufacturers and banks. ASJ president Shigeru Koda said, “Filipino engineers and employees value their peers and families, and that makes them similar to the Japanese, who strive not only for their own companies but for their customers as well. I consider this a strength in fostering mutual understanding and growing the business.” IMI unveils new vision The Katubig Day program encourages Manila Water employees to go out of their offices to directly interact with customers Ayala Land supports Hero Foundation Ayala Land Inc. recently reaffirmed its support to Hero Foundation, a nonprofit organization that gives educational assistance to orphans of Filipino soldiers who have been killed in the line of duty. In a meeting arranged by the company, former ALI president Jaime Ayala handed over a donation, as well as funds that had been raised through Christmas card sales during the holiday season. Hero Foundation officers Gen. Renato Garcia and Brig. Gen. Roberto Manlongat received the donation on behalf of the orphans. The donation will provide educational stipends for the soldiers’ children. “We hope to encourage these young people to pursue their studies and move on by assuring them that we are here to at least subsidize their school needs,” Garcia said. Hero Foundation was established in 1988 by Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Gen. Renato De Villa, together with other concerned civilians, after President Corazon Aquino made the appeal in behalf of fallen soldiers. Today, Hero Foundation supports 1,200 military orphans in their dream for a brighter future though education. Integrated Microelectronics Inc. unveiled its new vision in a simple ceremony held on March 9 at its Laguna Technopark facility. The event was simultaneously telecast to IMI’s plants in Cavite, Cebu, Singapore, and mainland China. IMI president and CEO Arthur Tan said, “The present crisis should not cause us to waver in the goal we have set out to achieve. If anything, this is the time to steel our resolve not to succumb to defeatist attitudes.” Tan was referring to the bold new vision of IMI: “Be a US$10 billion electronics solution provider by 2020 through empowered people and business excellence.” “We are dedicated to delivering services that will meet the demands of our customers so that they remain loyal to us. We are looking to become their partner of choice,” Tan reiterated. “This brings me to an urgent message as we continue to struggle with the effects of the global crisis, a condition over which we have little or no control: Remember that there are things we can and do control. We can get through 2009 by working harder and minimizing expenditures. We should be more innovative while focusing on our key strengths like flexibility and quality and customer consciousness.” Former Ayala Land president Jaime Ayala (left) hands over a donation from Ayala Land to Hero Foundation officers Gen. Renato Garcia and Brig. Gen. Roberto Manlongat 18 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 Globe inaugurates new international cable landing station in Cagayan BPInoy Remittance partners with Saudi Arabia’s Bank Albilad Globe Telecom launched its new international cable landing station in Ballesteros, Cagayan, the first of its kind in Cagayan Valley. The new cable landing station is Globe’s second, after its Nasugbu, Batangas, station became operational in 2001. Cable landing stations are where submarine power and telecommunications cables make landfall. Landing areas are chosen based on minimal marine traffic, strong currents, and sloping sea floors. The Bank of the Philippine Islands’ overseas remittance business division, BPInoy Remittance, recently signed an agreement with Bank Albilad’s remittance arm, Enjaz Group. The partnership is set to enlarge the network of remittance services available to Saudi Arabia–based Filipinos, who can benefit from Bank Albilad’s 88 remittance branches all over Saudi Arabia. Globe is the exclusive landing party in the Philippines of the TGN-Intra Asia Cable System, a four-fiber-pair submarine cable system. The station provides businesses operating in the Philippines with an alternative access around Asia and a more direct route to the United States. The Ballesteros cable landing links the Philippines to Hong Kong and Singapore, with connectivity via the TGN Pacific network to Japan, Guam, and the United States. The landing station is also expected to boost the country’s competitiveness as a preferred destination for offshoring and outsourcing as Globe will be able to meet the demands of businesses for more bandwidth in Asia and faster connectivity. Globe recognizes 65 Cebu schools for sustaining Internet connectivity Globe Telecom Inc., through Globe Bridging Communities (Globe BridgeCom), hailed 65 public high schools in Cebu during a recognition ceremony held at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall on February 19 to 22. The schools’ Internet connectivity was provided by Globe via its Internet in Schools Program (ISP). ISP is one of the major education programs of Globe BridgeCom. Globe commends 65 Cebu high schools for sustaining their Internet connections through business initiatives. Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia (left) and high school students try out the high-speed connection of Globe Broadband The schools from different divisions of Cebu province—Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, and Toledo City— were commended for their commitment and leadership in uplifting the province’s standard of education through the use of information and communications technology. Schools like Florencio Urot Memorial National High School and Tayud National High School sustained their Internet connection by offering basic computer education seminars to students, out-of-school youth, and professionals. The program utilizes Globe Broadband to provide free Internet connectivity in public high schools in the country. ISP is also Globe’s contribution to the nationwide program Gearing Up Internet Literacy and Access for Students. APMC obtains ISO, OHSAS certifications Ayala Property Management Corporation renewed its commitment to quality, environmental, health, and safety standards when it acquired ISO 9001:2000 certification for meeting quality standards, ISO 14001:2004 certification for environmental standards, and OHSAS 18001 for health and safety standards. The new certifications were issued on January 19, marking the fourth consecutive year that the company has passed certification audits and obtained the certifications. Companies and organizations with OHSAS certification implement risk management strategies to address changing legislation and to protect their workforce. ISO certifications are issued to companies and organizations that implement management systems that meet the quality, environmental, safety, efficiency, and reliability requirements of their products and services. APMC has also been recertified for conforming to the upgraded requirements of BS OHSAS 18001:2007. APMC project officer Pamela Paguirigan, meanwhile, passed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation exam. LEED professional accreditation distinguishes professionals who can steward the LEED certification process. LEED is a green building rating system that provides construction industry standards in assessing the environmental sustainability of building designs. Both parties are expecting market growth as there are an estimated 1.2 million overseas Filipinos in Saudi Arabia. Aside from its remittance branches, Bank Albilad has 67 retail branches and 27 branches exclusive for women. With this partnership, BPInoy Remittance is planning to place Filipino staff in the remittance branches of Bank Albilad to further facilitate client communication. BPI and Bank Albilad partner to serve overseas Filipinos in Saudi Arabia. Present during the memorandum of agreement signing are (from left) BPI’s Teresita Tan and CEO Aurelio Montinola III, and Bank Albilad’s Sami Al Rajhi and Amanat Ali Globe, Land Bank strengthen partnership Globe Business and the Land Bank of the Philippines recently signed a memorandum of agreement to utilize various Globe Business products and services to help the bank provide quality banking services to its clients. Globe Business and Land Bank have been working together on several projects over the years, including the world’s first SMS-based payment for annual business tax registration renewal and the MicroAsenso Text Service. Globe Business has also connected a large number of Land Bank branches all over the country using Globe’s Frame Relay Network, and has been tapped for the bank’s videoconferencing facility. Globe also provides mobile phone services that help strengthen the bank’s middle management. Present during the Globe–Land Bank contract signing are (from left) Globe Enterprise Segments head Jesus Romero, Globe Business head Gil Genio, former Globe CEO Gerry Ablaza, Land Bank president and CEO Gilda Pico, Land Bank Institutional Banking and Subsidiaries sector head SVP Cecilia Borromeo, and Land Bank Technology Management Group head FVP Alan Bornas Affinity Express launches workflow for interactive ad production Affinity Express Inc. announced the launch of IDEA v4.0, a workflow solution that it developed for interactive ad production based on its own Internet-based workflow. The workflow allows users to submit, review, and upload digital and rich media ads produced or designed by Affinity Express. The Internet-based IDEA workflow enables clients to select products, provide instructions, upload attachments, and securely review orders anytime, anywhere. There is no need to purchase, install, and maintain hardware and software. Affinity Express is rolling out a fully tested system that streamlines and automates order submission, instructions, approvals, and billing, which assures maximum efficiency for both the clients and Affinity Express’ offshore production teams. 19 Bulletin Board Ayala Systems joins ICT and BPO exhibition Ayala Systems Technology Inc. joined the Ninth e-Services Philippines (ESP) Global Sourcing and Exhibition as a member of the Philippine Software Industry Association at the SMX Convention Center on February 9 to 10. ESP provides the venue for global leaders, decision makers, and centers of excellence in global information and communication technologies and business process outsourcing to converge and tackle emerging issues and trends in global IT. The event also enables participants to connect with their IT counterparts and exchange ideas and solutions in the global IT industry. ASTI facilitated a presentation during a special session for the Japanese delegation entitled PSIA: The Global Link in Your Value Chain, which sought to promote the Philippines’ software industry as the global link in Japanese companies’ value chain. The presentation included success stories of PSIA’s member companies. Isuzu Pasig, Manila Water renew fleet partnership Isuzu Pasig and Manila Water Company renewed their fleet partnership during a contract signing ceremony held at Isuzu Pasig on January 9. The mutually beneficial undertaking between the two Ayala-owned companies is now on its second year. Isuzu Pasig provides a special fleet service package to MWC that covers preventive maintenance services and general and body repairs, including special body conversions of fleet vehicles. Providing spare parts for Manila Water’s fleet requirements is also part of the package. Manila Water currently has a total of 120 Isuzu vehicles enrolled in Isuzu Pasig’s fleet services package. With the promise of fast and high-quality service plus technical support in fleet operations, Manila Water can expect the same excellence and efficiency in service consistently delivered by Isuzu Pasig in the first year of their partnership. The ESP exhibition attracts more than 200 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors every year. It is recognized as a prestigious event in the Asia-Pacific region that gathers the brightest minds and the best players in the fields of ICT and BPO. Ayala Systems Technology Services director Jun Lasco makes a presentation during a special session for Japanese delegates at the eServices Philippines exhibition Among those present at the contract signing are (from left) fleet management manager Greg Ortiz and Manila Water human resources and corporate services group director Ruel Maranan, and IADI representatives headed by general manager Rene Paningbatan, Isuzu Pasig branch manager Alex Paguio, and Isuzu Pasig service manager Robert Salomon Globe, Friendster tie up to offer online money transfer Globe Telecom, through its wholly owned subsidiary G-Xchange Inc., has partnered with leading Internet social networking site Friendster for online money transfer. The online money-transfer service, a first in the industry, aims to tap Friendster’s more than 13 million active members in the Philippines and millions of overseas Filipinos, who may be in need of a fast, convenient, affordable, and reliable means of sending and receiving money from family, friends, and business associates. The money-transfer service is offered through Globe’s flagship mobile commerce platform GCash, which transforms a mobile phone into a virtual wallet and enables money transfers via text message. For a minimal amount of P2.50 per transaction, a Friendster member can send GCash to anyone in his friends list by simply viewing the profile of the intended recipient and clicking the GCash button after specifying the amount to be sent. To ensure the security and authenticity of the transfer, a confirmation request is forwarded to the sender’s Globe or TM SIM, then GCash is transferred as a text message. Launched in 2004, GCash enables its users to send and receive money transfers, make purchases, and pay bills through text messaging. More than 6,000 authorized partner outlets in the Philippines accept GCash. Acentives offers exclusive perks for Ayala employees The Acentives program, conceptualized by the HR Compensation and Benefits Network (CompNet), aims to encourage a captive market of about 50,000 Ayala employees to patronize Ayala products and services. Launched in November 2008, Acentives has conducted 11 roadshows and communication campaigns. The Acentives program offers various exclusive packages and perks from Ayala Automotives, Ayala Land, BPI, and other Ayala companies. Recently, Ayala Property Management Corporation joined the program by providing special parking rates exclusively for Ayala employees at the Ayala Car Park in Greenbelt and Park Square. Acentives’ story is marked with many firsts, including the team-up of marketing and HR-support to offer exclusive perks as a means of attracting and retaining talent. It is also the first time that all core businesses and non-core businesses of the group are working together to market Ayala products and services exclusively for Ayala employees. Acentives is the conglomerate’s first program that promotes awareness of Ayala products and services to its employees through a series of roadshows and communication campaigns, and it is the first exclusive card available to all Ayala employees. Since awareness of Acentives increased among the Ayala workforce, the program has created an impact based on a noticeable increase in product sales, attendance in roadshows, and in the number of received inquiries. The program continues to gain support as more Ayala providers pledge their participation in the program. 20 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 13, Number 2, March-April 2009 EVENTS Events@FHL Events@Ayala Museum Exhibitions Monumental: New Works by Arturo Luz Ongoing until May 17, 2009 at Ayala Museum Ongoing until June 2009 at Greenbelt Park Rediscovering Romeo Tabuena: the Later Work May 23, 2009 to July 19, 2009 Ground-floor gallery Educational programs Digital 101: Photography and the Computer with photo trip and exhibit May 9–10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The programs will be held every Saturday at 3 p.m. Ayala Museum lobby or classrooms 1 and 2 I AM (Ayala Museum) Art I AM Art offers museum visitors a variety of art activities to make their Ayala Museum trip an enjoyable learning experience. I AM Art is free with museum admission. Materials will be provided. Select Saturdays of May, June, and July, 3 p.m. Ayala Museum lobby or classrooms 1 and 2 May 23, 2009 May 30, 2009 June 6, 2009 June 13, 2009 June 20, 2009 June 27, 2009 July 4, 2009 July 11, 2009 July 18, 2009 July 25, 2009 Stained glass Paper lanterns Pinwheels and butterflies Eggshell mosaic Stenciling Storytelling Food art Printmaking Papertwine crafts Boatmaking Digital Photography for Young Shutterbugs May 16, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Basic painting in watercolor workshop Primer on Lighting (with more hands-on sessions) May 23 and 24, 2009, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. May 2, 9, 16, and 23, 3 p.m. Summer art workshop for kids The workshop, to be facilitated by Angono artist Aaron Bautista, will teach kids aged eight to 13 to create art works using a variety of media, including clay, acrylic, oil, pastel, pencils, and watercolor. May 2, 9, 16, and 23, 1 p.m. For more information, please call 757 7117 to 21, e-mail education@ayala museum.org or visit ayalamuseum.org Digital 101: Photography and the Computer June 15, 17, 19, 22, and 24, 6 p.m. –9 p.m. The Alcove on the Road: Photographing Food in Tagaytay June 20, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. The Alcove Photography Forum: Shooting for Documentaries June 27, 3 p.m. –5 p.m. For more details, please call 892 1801, send an SMS to 0917 559 4417, e-mail salvador.jd@ ayalafoundation.org or cruz.ct@ayalafoundation.org, or visit www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph Our new look Ayala Now’s new design was inspired by Ayala’s 175th anniversary and the conglomerate’s ability to adapt to changing times without losing track of its core values. The design may have evolved, but the editorial team still strives to maintain the same editorial prudence and excellence which has made Ayala Now one of the most succesful internal corporate publications in the country. (Above) One of the photography workshops in FHL Ayala Now’s sleeker and smaller new look is a testament to the spirit of innovation that is well and alive within the group. The newsletter still contains the same relevant stories that continue to bind Ayala employees as a family, and are as diverse and unique as Ayala’s businesses and interests. (Right) Arturo Luz’s Desert Architecture (Acrylic on Canvas) The Editorial Team Publisher Victoria Garchitorena Editor-in-Chief Maritoni Ortigas Editorial Consultant Emi de Lara Managing Editor Alex Gregorio Deputy Managing Editor Rose Raguindin Assistant Editor Janella Cacdac-Siena Graphic Designer Izza Lambino Advertising Manager Ciela Cayton Advertising Assistant Jennifer Bascoguin Photographer Jaime Martinez Correspondents Ayala Aviation Jaime Peralta Jr. Ayala Business Club Carole Guamen Ayala Corporation Janella Cacdac-Siena Ayala Foundation, Inc. Paul de Guzman Ayala Land, Inc. Jorge Miguel T. Marco Ayala Property Management Corp. Christine Lim-Siruelo Ayala Systems Technology, Inc. Genesis Bautista Bank of the Philippine Islands Reena Dungca Globe Telecom Marigold Endriga Honda Cars Makati, Inc. Monina Macavinta HRMall, Inc. Gabby Mejia Integrated Microelectronics, Inc. Fred Blancas Isuzu Automotive Dealership, Inc. Monette Gaela Manila Water Company Carla May Beriña-Kim Timezone Ana Cardenas-Benitez Editorial Office Filipinas Heritage Library Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle Makati City 1224, Philippines Telephone (632) 892-1801 local 14 Facsimile (632) 892-1810 Email AyalaNow@filipinaslibrary.org.ph URL www.ayala.com.ph/ayalanow