AGCT receives 10 new equipment

June 2013
The Official Publication of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. • International Edition
AGCT
receives
10 new
equipment
I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
Directory
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
Contents
ICTSI Global Operations
4
7
8
12
16
17
17
19
AGCT receives
10 new equipment
PT OJA, Pelabuhan Indonesia II
sign Cooperation Agreement
ICTSI Silver Run
Calibre Beinte Cinco
Staff Box
International PortFolio is published by International Container
Terminal Services, Inc. for its employees, clients, and friends.
NARLENE A. SORIANO
JUPITER L. KALAMBAKAL
JOHN PAULO C. COSTINIANO
ZINNO B. GUDEZ
MARIE ANNALIE T. MARFIL
MAVERICK A. JAVIER
PAOLO MIGUEL S. RACELIS
JUSTINO RAMON L. TAYAG III
Photographers RONNEL P. JAVIER
DEXTER F. LANDICHO
EDWARD R. MILAG
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
Associate Editor
Researchers
Do Good
Meets and Greets
Correspondents
Philippines
Manila MICHAEL G. AGUSTIN
ALBERT JOSEPH R. CANCERAN
MA. BERNADETTE C. DE GUZMAN
MA. CONCEPCION M. DIZON
ROSE A. LOBRIN
RICARDO D. PAREDES
JESTONIE V. VINSON
Davao City CHIARA MAY C. ATIS
Gen. Santos City REJAMNA S. PANDANGAN
Misamis Oriental KIRK KHURNYLLA S. RAYOSO
International
Argentina
Brazil
China
Croatia
Ecuador
Georgia
Indonesia
Japan
Madagascar
Mexico
Poland
USA
MIGUEL CHALAR
FABIANA SOUZA
APOLLO ZHOU
IVA ROMAN
KATTY OSSA BIANCHI
BENJAMIN D. ROSARIO
RINI HERAWATY
TAKETOSHI TOYAMA
MICHAEL RATRIMO
PAMELA DE LA VEGA
MICHAL KUZAJCZYK
DAVID TRZYZEWSKI
Spotlight
ICTSI 25th
Anniversary Feature
6
7
10
14
17
17
18
BCT turns 10
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
ICTSI deploys
automated expertise
ICTSI 25th Year
Golf Tournament
ICTSI Gala Night
On Board
Level Up
Ship Ahoy
If you wish to receive a copy of the International PortFolio, please write, call or e-mail us at:
Public Relations Office, ICTSI Administration Bldg.
Manila International Container Terminal, MICT South Access Road
Port of Manila, 1012 Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +632 / 245 4101 • E-mail: jcostiniano@ictsi.com • URL: www.ictsi.com
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
ICTSI Newsbreak
AGCT receives 10
new equipment
Rainbows serve as backdrop for the
discharging of the new quay cranes.
By Iva Roman
The new rubber tired gantries
Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) received two post-Panamax quay
cranes, six rubber tired gantries and two rail mounted gantries last 20 May,
which arrived on board Zhen Hua 20.
The new equipment from ZPMC in Shanghai, China are seen to further boost
port operations and pave the way for Rijeka to become one of the most competitive
container ports in the Adriatic Region.
Commissioning of the €24 million investment is currently underway. With the
two new quay cranes, AGCT will be able to handle 750,000 twenty-foot equivalent
units annually using its newly extended 628-meter quay and expanded container
yard. The new equipment fleet will also substantially increase productivity.
With the successful delivery of the new equipment,
International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI)
investment in AGCT is now more than €30 million. ICTSI
took over the terminal in 2011.
Before the arrival of the new equipment,
AGCT completed the extension and
expansion of its quay and container
yard. The terminal now has an additional
320-meter quay, and the expanded storage
has doubled its capacity. Meanwhile, depth alongside
the new quay is 14 meters. This allows AGCT to berth the
largest vessels sailing the Mediterranean.
Following Croatia’s accession to the European
Union (EU), the transport time from origin to
final destination within the EU will be significantly
reduced as all border and customs controls will be
carried out within terminal. AGCT is currently
on track to become a new gateway to
Southern and Central Europe.
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
The new rail mounted gantries
The new equipment on
arrival at the Adriatic Gate
Container Terminal
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
ICTSI Newsbreak
BCT turns 10
By Michal Kuzajczyk
“When I came here for the first time 10 years ago, only the Port
of Gdynia’s Chief Executive Officer, Janusz Jarosiński, was present at
the agreement signing. Our transaction then was one of the first port
privatization initiatives in Poland. Today, both Gdynia and the ICTSI
Group look very different, just as the world around us is different.
People and times are changing, but our goal remains the same – to
gain profit not just for our Group but also for the whole regional
economy,” said Enrique K. Razon Jr., International Container Terminal
Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Chairman and President.
“Those ten years passed by very fast because of massive changes
that occurred in Gdynia. We built a solid base and amassed big profits
during the first five years, which allowed us to go through the other
five years of crisis without harm,” said Krzysztof Szymborski, BCT
Chief Executive Officer. “Today, we’re still developing not only for
us and ICTSI, but for the City of Gdynia as well. About 20 percent of
the city inhabitants make their living from the port. Our main task is
to create employment opportunities in order to help the rise of the
regional economy,” added Mr. Szymborski.
“We are proud to show the terminal to the citizens of Gdynia. It
was a pleasant day for our employees as well as they were able to
show their workplace to families and friends,” said Dagmara Łuczka,
BCT Spokesperson.
Aside from Mr. Razon, also present during the anniversary
festivities were other ICTSI officers Fernando Gaspar, Senior Vice
President and Chief Administration Officer; Hans Ole Madsen, Senior
Vice President for Europe and the Middle East; Martin O`Neil, Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; and Christian Gonzalez,
Vice President and Asia Region Head.
Apart from taking part in a special board meeting in BCT, the
ICTSI officers met Lech Wałęsa, Polish politician, human rights
activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner because of his role in the
Solidarność movement. They talked about the Polish economy
and its development since the fall of socialism in 1989, where Mr.
Wałęsa took a leading role. After the meeting, Mr. Razon gave Mr.
Wałęsa a ship model.
Last May, BCT held a photo contest called Gdynia: Port of the
Future to showcase its history. The best photos were displayed in the
center of Gdynia.
PT OJA, Pelabuhan
Indonesia II sign
Cooperation
Agreement
More than 2,200 people turned up for Baltic Container Terminal’s (BCT) 10th anniversary celebration comprised of a gala night,
terminal tours, equipment and operation demonstrations and bungee jumping, which were all held last 25 May.
PT PBM Olah Jasa Andal, an Indonesian indirect subsidiary of
International Container Terminal Services, Inc., signed last 5 June a
Cooperation Agreement with PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Persero)
Tanjung Priok Branch for International Containers Stevedoring Services
at Berths 300, 301, 302 and 303 of Tanjung Priok Port with a term of
15 years. Berths 300, 301, 302 and 303 of Tanjung Priok Port has a
600-meter quay length, seven-hectare container yard and an estimated
current capacity of 400,000 twenty-foot equivalent units per year.
Enrique Razon Jr. (left), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.
(ICTSI) Chairman and President, presents a gift to Lech Wałęsa, Polish
politician, human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
A young visitor rides one of Baltic
Container Terminal’s (BCT) reach
stackers. Accompanying her is one
of BCT’s equipment operators.
ICTSI deploys
automated expertise
Walking the streets of Gdynia (from left): Fernando Gaspar, ICTSI Senior
Vice President and Chief Administration Officer; Krzysztof Szymborski,
BCT Chief Executive Officer; Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI Vice President; Mr.
Razon; and Hans Ole Madsen, ICTSI Senior Vice President for Europe and
the Middle East.
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has
appointed Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) to deploy its
terminal automation expertise in conjunction with a number
of projects, including new business opportunities, where the
deployment of high-end automation is a logical step to raise
operational efficiency and lower costs.
HPC is an independent company within the Germany-based
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) Group. HPC was
intimately involved in the set up of HHLA’s Container Terminal
Altenwerder in Hamburg, which has set ground breaking standards
in the deployment of container terminal automation. It is also
involved in the current upgrade of terminal systems at HHLA’s
Container Terminal Burchardkai, which promises to further extend
automated capability and has deployed its automated expertise on
behalf of various clients worldwide. HPC is recognized as a leading
force in container terminal automation and green port technological
innovation, drawing its expertise from a terminal operating
background rather than a theoretical basis.
“We are confident that deployment of HPC expertise in
conjunction with nominated projects will assist in delivering the higher
performance levels that we seek to achieve. We are independently
acknowledged to be in the front rank of delivering terminal efficiency.
Our goal is to push on from this strong position and deliver a new,
higher level of operational excellence to our clients on the waterside
and landside,” said Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI Head of Asian Region.
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
ICTSI 25th Anniversary Celebration
ICTSI
Silver
Run
2 June, Bonifacio Global City
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
ICTSI 25th Anniversary Celebration
ICTSI 25th Year
Golf Tournament
10 June, Sta. Elena Golf Club
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
ICTSI 25th Anniversary Celebration
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
Calibre
Beinte
Cinco
11 June, MICT
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
ICTSI 25th Anniversary Celebration
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
ICTSI
Gala Night
14 June, Solaire Grand Ballroom
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
Do Good
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
JUNE 2013
On Board
ICTSI-FI inks MOU on solid waste management for Parola
By Marie Bernadette de Guzman
In a joint effort to implement Republic Act 9003, known
as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, in its
Parola host communities, ICTSI Foundation, Inc. (ICTSI-FI)
inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the
Philippine Department of Natural Resources, Environmental
Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the Department of
Social Welfare and Development, Baranggay (Village) 20-Parola
Tondo and Baranggay 275-Parola, Binondo last 10 April.
This MOU covers the development and implementation of an
Ecological Solid Waste Management System (ESWMS) for the two
Baranggays.
Dubbed as Parola Solid Waste Management Project, this initiative
aims to address the indiscriminate dumping of garbage within Parola
communities and along South Access Road which gravely affects public
health and the environment. The project activities aim to heighten
the residents’ awareness on climate change and the mitigating effects
of proper waste segregation, recycling and disposal.
Another part of the project is the development of livelihood
opportunities out of garbage through technologies available from
DENR.
At the signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding
on solid waste management
for Parola (from left): Willy
Masakayan, Baranggay 275 Parola Binondo Chairman; Danilo
Tanael, Baranggay Chairman 20 - Parola Tondo; Narlene Soriano, ICTSI
Foundation, Inc. Executive Director; Jacel Paguio, Philippine Department
of Social Welfare and Development-NCR Assistant Regional Director;
and Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Environmental Management Bureau Director
Parola leaders undergo DENR Solid
Waste Management seminar By Marie Bernadette de Guzman
Two batches of select Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) parent-leaders and purok (town) heads
from Baranggay (Village) 20 - Parola Tondo and Baranggay 275 – Parola Binondo attended a two-day Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) seminar on Solid Waste Management and Community Leadership last 10 to 11 April and 24 to 25
April.
The seminar tackled topics on climate change, proper waste
Information Officer III; Salvacion Solis, DENR-EMB National Ecology
management, recycling technologies and livelihood opportunities out
Center Project Development Officer II.
of solid wastes. The attendees were also taught leadership skills,
In her opening remarks, Filip Laurena, ICTSI Foundation, Inc.
which they will need in disseminating information on solid waste
Deputy Executive Director, expressed her optimism about the Parola
management in their respective communities.
Solid Waste Management project, which is an initiative to plant the
The DENR resource speakers were Engr. Eligio Ildefonso,
seeds of change that can address the indiscriminate dumping of solid
National Solid Waste Management Commission Secretariat, Deputy
wastes within the Parola communities in the two baranggays affecting
Executive Director; Patty Licup, DENR-EMB National Ecology Center
public health and the environment.
ATyagi named ICTS (India) Pvt. Ltd. General Manager
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. recently named Ajay Tyagi as ICTSI (India) Pvt. Ltd.
General Manager.
“I look forward to a fulfilling and rewarding stay in this terminal, where we can work jointly and help each
other in achieving our organizational and personal objectives, and make this terminal the benchmark of our
industry in all parameters,” Mr. Tyagi said.
Mr. Tyagi brings to ICTS (India) over 20 years of experience in logistical supply chain of cargo and containers
such as railways, shipping lines, container ports, ICD and CFS. He previously held management positions in Sealand
India, PNO Nedloyd Australia, CSAV Norasia Hong Kong and Concor, Nhava Sheva as Terminal Manager. He had
experience working in ports and terminals such as Nhave Sheva international Container Terminal, Mundra International
Container Terminal and Chennai Container Terminal within India. At the global level, he served APM Terminals’ Port of
Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia and Port of Salalah in Oman, where he was involved in operations, sales, port automation,
innovation and process excellence, safety, port audit, terminal design, revenue generation, inventory reduction and
cost-saving initiatives.
Meets and Greets
Timor Leste government
officials visit NCT-1
Key government of officials of Timor Leste recently toured the New Container
Terminal-1 in Subic, Zambales in the Philippines last 8 June. Among the visitors were
Hon. Jose Luis Gutierres, Minister of State and for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation;
Hon. Emilia Pres, Minister for Finance; Hon. Antonio da Conceicao, Minister for
Commerce, Industry and Environment; Hon. Gastao de Sousa, Minister for Public
Works; and Hon. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Minister for Tourism. With them during the
tour were SBMA Officials headed by Chairman Garcia; H.E. Juvencio de Jesus Martins,
Timor-Leste Ambassador to the Philippines; and H.E. Aileen H. Bugarin, Philippine
Ambassador to Timor Leste.
Level Up
Basic Life Support and
Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation seminar
Attendees: ICTSI Emergency Response Team members; Venue:
ICTSI Training Room; Date: 27 to 28 May; Facilitators: Philippine
National Red Cross-Manila Chapter volunteers (Paulo Penalba)
Spotlight
The beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s
4Ps
The parent-leaders of Baranggays 20 and 275
Erratum
In the May issue, in the story titled ICTSI-FI promotes volunteerism among ICTSI employees on page 11,we inadvertently wrote that the series of orientations
pushed through last 6 to 10 May. Unfortunately, the orientations were postponed. We apologize for this error.
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
Ajay Tyagi, ICTS (India) Pvt.
Ltd. General Manager
CGSA joins 3rd Logistics and
Katty
Foreign Trade Exhibit By
Ossa Bianchi
containerized cargo and perspectives for the transportation of reefer
cargo in the region.
Mr. Muñoz shared with the attendees his insights on the growth of
reefer modality for the current and upcoming year and underscored
the importance of dredging the access channel to Guayaquil.
Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA) recently took part in the
third Logistics and Foreign Trade Exhibit held in Guayaquil,
which gathered about 100 exhibitors such as shipping lines and
agencies, cargo agencies, local ports, exporters and authorities
from all over the world.
Coinciding with the exhibit was the XXX ALACAT International
Congress (Cargo Agents and International Logistics Operators of Latin
America and the Caribbean).
During the congress, José Miguel Muñoz, CGSA Chief Executive
Officer, was one of the panelists who discussed the trends for
At the 3rd Logistics and Foreign
Trade Exhibit (from left): Juan
Carlos Jairala, APG Manager;
Jose Miguel Muñoz, Contecon
Guayaquil SA (CGSA) Chief
Executive Officer; Viviana Alcivar,
APG Advisor; Eduardo Arosemena,
CGSA Chief Financial Officer; and
Javier Franco, Consulegis Attorney
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
Spotlight
JUNE 2013
ICTSI 25th Anniversary Feature
Africa rising: ICTSI Africa’s presence at the World
Economic Forum Africa 2013 & 1st Med Ports
Conference and Exhibit
By Carolin-Carmen Neubauer
Jens Floe, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.
(ICTSI) Senior Vice President-Africa, recently spoke at two
key events in Africa.
Mr. Floe joined the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa,
which was held at the Cape Town International Convention Center
last 8 to 10 May.
More than 900 participants from 60 countries participated in the
23rd staging of the WEF.
Key leaders and influencers such as President Jacob Zuma of
South Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria as well as other
leaders from countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Benin graced the
event.
Businessmen and African heads of states and governments
exchanged views on how Africa can position itself as a key player
in the emerging markets. With an expected annual growth of five
percent in 2012-2013, sub-Saharan Africa continues its transformative
journey from a developing continent to a hub of global growth.
During his engagements at the WEF, Mr. Floe spoke on the
topic titled Connected Africa – Can We Get There Faster, discussing
infrastructure opportunities as a tool to accelerate growth in the area.
Prior to this event, Mr. Floe was a key speaker at the 1st
Mediterranean Ports Conference where he gave his in depth
insight on regional container port and terminal developments in the
Mediterranean and North Africa.
The conference was held in the City of Alexandria, Egypt, one of
the oldest port cities in the world as the first port development goes
as far back as 1900 B.C.
In his speech, he emphasized that governments would do well to
create conditions where private-sector engagement is encouraged,
particularly through public-private partnerships, as this would
stimulate economic growth in the region.
International
Container Terminal
Services, Inc.
Jens Floe, International
Container Terminal Services, Inc.
(ICTSI) Senior Vice PresidentAfrica, at the 23rd World
Economic Forum on Africa
25 and running:
The making of the ICTSI
Silver Run
By Maverick Javier
Many ICTSI employees inquired as early as 2012 about the plans for the Company’s anniversary celebration. I knew that many of
them were expecting something big and extravagant. Admittedly, I was one of those who was very curious and excited about the
celebrations. So when our team was finally tasked last February to come up with ideas for the silver anniversary celebration of
ICTSI, my paper was first to meet the desk.
The storyboard
I had several items on my list. But I am glad that my idea of a fun
run, which I shared with my colleague, Paulo, was picked. Events and
running are just two of the things I really enjoy doing. I was ecstatic!
We started planning right away. We contacted an event secretariat,
divided the responsibilities, set a date, prepared a timeline and
scouted for a venue. Boy, I was so elated that even late at night I was
drafting singlet designs!
Alas, more than two months have passed and there was still no
approval for the project. I started to accept the reality of it getting
shelved and that all efforts will be put to waste. But you know life,
it’s full of surprises. And the sweetest surprise comes when you least
expect it.
So one day while surfing the internet to see the election results,
I received a text message from my boss. “We’re a go for June 2 at
The Fort.” Awesome! That particular moment was like a scene
in a movie where everything moved slowly, a ray of light appeared
above me, clouds opened in the sky, angels sang in jubilation in the
background… But everything abruptly disappeared in a second when
I realized, “Wait. That’s just about two weeks from now?!”
We had to move fast. Meetings were held, site visits were done
and payables were rushed.
Page 20 ◢
Ship Ahoy
MICT
Line: NYK; Capacity: Date: 10 May; Photo (from left): Fidem Sigaya, NYKFJSC
Terminal Manager; Alexander Pawig, Vessel 3/O; Reynaldo Achay, Vessel Chief Officer;
Wilfredo Baliwag, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Operations
Superintendent; Rolando Regino, Vessel Master; Teodoro Villamor, Vessel Chief Engineer;
Arnel Macalaguim, ICTSI Operations Superintendent; Carlito Bulawan, NYKFJSC OICTerminal Operations of; Carmela Rodriguez , NYKFJSC Operations Manager; and Francis
Dacasin Jr., NYKFJSC Boarding Officer. (Eric Deligencia)
Line: NYK; Capacity: Date: 11 May; Photo (from left): Daniel Ventanilla , NYKFJSC General
Manager; Carmela Rodriguez, NYKFJSC Operations; Wilfredo Baliwag, ICTSI Operations
Superintendent; Mubasher Akram, Vessel Master; Arnel Macalaguim, ICTSI Operations
Superintendent; and Ariyanto Tri Ahmad Surary, Vessel Chief Officer. (Eric Deligencia)
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T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L E D I T I O N
ICTSI 25th Anniversary Feature
◤ 25 and running...
Casting the stars
Because the fun run is the first event in the series of activities
slated in June, we wanted everyone who contributed to the successes
of the Company to be a part of it. We invited employees, clients,
suppliers and business partners to register. The response was
overwhelming!
We were flooded with participants on the first day. We set up
two registration areas, but both sites were filled within minutes. In
about three hours, all the race packs readied for the day were taken.
The next couple of days were no different. People started to line up
an hour before we even opened! And although the registration was
scheduled to last for six days, we had no choice but to officially close
it on the third day as all slots have been filled. Over 1,500 running
enthusiasts registered!
Preparing the set
I really planned to sleep early the night before. But there were still
a few details that needed checking. Hence, I barely had three hours
of rest before we hit the road. My colleague and I had to check the
venue at two in the morning to make sure that everything was ready
– the stage, baggage and loot bag areas, freedom wall, exhibitors’ and
VIP tents, portalets and, more importantly, the start and finish line. I
am glad that our event secretariat was very cooperative and helpful.
They managed to set up ahead of time.
My host arrived at four in the morning. We ran through the script
as there were last minute changes. In less than 10 minutes, we were
good to go. We also tested the PowerPoint presentation, which I was
only able to finish some hours ago.
Everything seemed ready. People started coming in 30 minutes
before the program. By that time, my adrenaline started pumping up.
I knew many runners could not wait any further, too.
We were set. Our host started gathering everyone.
Lights, camera… go!
We opened the program at exactly five o’clock. Just like any other
running events, we welcomed our enthusiastic participants, and gave
them a few tips for a safe and enjoyable running experience.
Then there was the warm-up. Oh how we loved seeing
everybody dance! There was never a dull moment as all runners gave
in to the upbeat music readied by our fitness instructor. Finally, after
12 minutes of non-stop adrenaline-pumping and body-sweating warmup, we asked everyone to ready themselves in the starting line.
All 10K runners were asked to position first. The sun started to
come up by then but we got to stick to our schedule. At precisely
5:30 a.m., our Public Relations Head, Nana Soriano, led the gun start
indicating the actual start of the race.
20
You could see in the face of the competitive runners their goal of
winning the cash prize. Well, who wouldn’t when over PhP100,000
cash prize was at stake?
Five minutes later, our 5K runners flooded the streets of Bonifacio
Global City. This group was the largest, and they were just as
competitive as the previous.
Then there came the most electrified of the group – the 3K
runners. Most participants in this category were first timers. They
were the most excited, most talkative and most fun to watch. They
may not be very competitive as the others, but they were very
determined to finish the run.
At 5:45 a.m., all participants were on the road. Yet soon, one
by one, a few runners started to cross the finish line. They were all
huffing and puffing, and sweaty but you couldn’t deny the satisfaction
from their faces. They were all smiles as they approached the venue
to receive their kits and enjoy the activities on site.
We resumed the program around seven o’clock. There were
preliminary raffles, a dance number and a cheer dance exhibition to
entertain the crowd. While everyone was having a good time, our
team was running like a bunch of headless chicken, jumping from
one place to another to ensure that the program ran smoothly.
We secured the raffle stubs from the finish line, searched for our
managers who will do the raffle, and transferred the prizes from the
tent to the stage (there were over a hundred items!). Whew! It really
felt like I finished a 10-kilometer route.
Finally, the awarding proper came. It was for me the culmination
of all the hard work we put into this event. To see all the finishers
receive their medals, prizes and certificates felt like I also won
the race. We were simply glad that we were able to organize an
entertaining and enjoyable activity for everyone.
But the program didn’t end there. The most anticipated part
of the day was perhaps the grand raffle where ICTSI gave away
21 top-of-the-line gadgets! These included digital cameras, music
players, tablets and smartphones. The winners were mostly
employees, suppliers and business partners. And while not
everyone went home with a prize, I know that the experience
these runners had was something that they will remember for a
long time.
Credits
The ICTSI Silver Run was the first of its kind for the Company.
The success of this event would not have been achieved if not for the
fervor of everyone who made it possible. On behalf of the organizers,
we are very happy and thankful for the support given to this project.
I’m sure, this is just the start of many “firsts” that we’ll all be part to
be proud of in the coming years.
T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n t a i n e r Te r m i n a l S e r v i c e s , I n c .