digital - PLDT ALPHA

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A
REACHING
FOR THE
Jovy Hernandez
Editor
Mikey Smyth
Managing Editor
Gerrard Fabie
External Consulting Editor
Gary Ignacio
Editorial Adviser
Markus Jentes
Creative Director
Andrew Batiduan
Enrique Estagle
Inez Golamco
Anton Santos
Aldo Vergel de Dios
Igor Cruz
Dessa Malaluan
Gian Nazario
Mac Lubaczewski
Paula Venturina
Daniella Marfori
Art Director
Editorial Contributors
Vickie Perez de Tagle
Nikko Bustamante
Sara de Guzman
Lo Regino
Emily Reyes
Murielle Sarmiento
Kat Tangonan
Dale German
Executive Producer
Ram Anciro
Creative Adviser
Jill Gonzales
Isabella Escaño
Kaye Pineda
Associate Editors
Editorial Coordinators
Taimak Sevilla
Banjo Dizon
Circulation Coordinators
ore than a year into our Enterprise
digital transformation mission, and we’re
starting to see real headway. The timing
of this issue—of celebrating this aspect
of enterprise leadership—couldn’t have
been more ideal. Our second consecutive
Pasasalamat Night following a more
“elegant” and classy theme (Main
Window, page 8) has wowed our guests
and partners alike. Many are asking, as
they always do, “how is ALPHA going to
top it all next year?”
Well, that question could just as easily
apply to ALPHA’s business performance.
Even as we had a tremendous year, the
demands next year are ever greater, the
challenges ever stiffer. However, PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise has always been ready
to surpass itself year on year.
The ALPHA momentum can
probably be best seen in the thicker Live
Wire sections (pages 32-69) you’ve been
reading. We’re featuring multiple success
stories now, each resonating with the
digital realities that each business must
adapt to and conquer in their own way.
Many more will be choosing PLDT and
Smart innovations such as SafeZone
featured in our Solved section (page 116).
And as many Filipino enterprises
turn to the global market, they will
make great use of expanded services
such as International SMS on the
Smart Messaging Suite and Blackberry
Enterprise Solutions as described in
MoBiz (pages 138-141).
Our Partner Peek on DelNet
(page 78) once again underscores
our commitment to join forces and
collaborate with only the best. ALPHAs
are always collaborating, always busy.
Our Insider section (page 70) for
this issue features Roy Evalle sharing in
length his unique take on the fine art of
leadership as the Executive Director of
the First Pacific Leadership Academy.
This issue’s Were You There section
(page 84) documents a decidedly more
voluminous calendar of events for
ALPHA where we nurture valuable
engagements with you.
You will also start to witness a
seamless transition and interaction
between your favorite Hot Joe and
online resources such as our social media
accounts that host our authored articles
on key subject matters pertaining to
digital business transformation on our
new Second Screen section (page 128).
It is our belief that every champion
is challenged—they have to be—and that
every worthy champion faces contenders
squarely. I am both hopeful and confident
that you will see even more examples of
ALPHA fortifying a champion position,
and that these and future pages of Hot
Joe will serve to chronicle each adventure.
Jovy hernandez
Editor
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
3
78 PARTNER PEEK
DelNet’s Klaas Oreel
sees stronger connections
for remote areas with
PLDT VSAT.
84 WERE YOU THERE
VOLUME 25 | DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
46
03
06
08
08
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Letters from clients on their
unique PLDT experiences as
well as their feedback on the
successful PLDT Pasasalamat
Night 2015.
MAIN WINDOW
50
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise,
with its clients and partners,
celebrate a success-filled 2015
in style with a Kilig-filled
PLDT Pasasalamat Night.
Industry leaders Singapore Airlines,
PhilHealth, Concentrix, Garena,
Philex, and RCBC are further enabled
with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s
market-leading digital solutions.
76 PLDT INSIDER
FPLA head Roy Evalle clearly
defines how holistic leadership can
transform enterprise organizations.
76
Jovy Hernandez on PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise’s celebrated
leadership position and the
importance of challenges.
CLIENT CALLS
32
LIVE WIRE
40
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
wraps up 2015 with
powerhouse celebrations,
including the PLDT
Pasasalamat Night Regional
Series, MVP Cup 2015,
a part of the ALPHA Digital
Roadshow, and more.
SafeZone leads the way for
more empowered customer
engagement on mobile.
120 CAUGHT ON PAGE
Great partnerships sealed
with GMA Eleksyon 2016,
ePLDT Managed Security,
Akamai, Blackberry,
and more.
78
128 THE SECOND SCREEN
Hot Joe’s newest section
presents an easy-to-read,
visual digest of online
articles from PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise thought leaders.
52
136
SLEEPER HIT
138
MOBIZ
142
THE ALPHA BITS
144
THE LAST SAY
34
132 COMING AND GOING
What’s coming, what’s going,
and what’s staying still in the
world of tech.
64
40
58
116 SOLVED
Experience the wonders
of Big Data with minimal
risks through PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise’s Big
Data Managed Platform
solution.
Be a leader in enterprise
mobility with Smart
Enterprise’s BlackBerry
Enterprise Portfolio and
Smart Messaging Suite.
Immense bits of knowledge
any ALPHA should know.
Eric R. Alberto on
the importance of the
larger view on digital
and on business.
Calls
CLIENT
WE’VE RECEIVED NUMEROUS
MESSAGES OF PRAISE FOR THIS
YEAR’S PLDT PASASALAMAT
NIGHT. HERE'S WHAT THEY
HAD TO SAY:
Ryan Manalastas delivers what he
commits, and tries his best to give the
best proposal even with limited time
to prepare.
Our Relationship Manager
Shandra Tecson responds to
our queries in a timely manner.
In the event that she is in a
meeting, she lets you know
by text and calls you after.
He is a professional.
Harry C. Gue
SVP - Head of Operations and
Technology
Metrobank Card Corporation
Susan Dizon
IT Head
Jardine Distribution, Inc.
Dear Ronnie and team,
Great work here. Allow me to also
give my appreciation for the fantastic
cooperation and achievement. We truly
value the partnership we have with
you since you go above and beyond
to help us achieve and exceed our
customers’ expectations.
Congratulations!
Bel Aragon handles my account.
She is very proactive and gives me
timely updates.
Joselito M. Perlada
Head, General Services Department
RCBC Savings Bank
Olivier Notermans
Director Global Access Management
Customer and Services Operations (CSO)
Tata Communications (UK) Limited
Dear Mitchelle,
Thank you for inviting us.
We thoroughly enjoyed that.
Thank you very much for inviting
us last night. It was a wonderful show
and we truly enjoyed it immensely.
Cheers.
Joseph John L. Ong
Chief Finance Officer
Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.
Gil de los Reyes
Secretary
Department of Agrarian Reform
The team of Rodel I. Narboneta,
June M. Francisco, and Edward Dizon
are the driving force whenever an
escalation is invoked. I commend
them for their good work and
their excellent customer management
support!
Victor Liu
Head, International Service Delivery,
Local Access and Service Assurance,
Asia Network Service
Sprint International
Hi,
I would like to extend a big THANK
YOU and our appreciation to PLDT for
completing the handover this weekend.
My special thanks goes to Rey for
attending to my calls late at night local
time, and for sharing in the same pressure
TATA was going through.
AWESOME SUPPORT.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Shilpa Rao
Access Manager (APAC),
Customer Services and Operations
TATA Communications
Congrats to the organizers and PLDT
ALPHA for a great evening.
Ricky Dagelet
CEO and President
eScience Corporation
Thank you for a wonderful evening
at your PLDT 2015 Pasasalamat party.
We had a truly memorable time and
enjoyed meeting the PLDT team. The
venue, the food, drinks—and of course
the entertainment—were excellent.
On behalf of the management and staff
of Orient Freight International, Inc.,
we would like to congratulate the PLDT
management who made this kilig night
such a memorable occasion.
I'm very satisfied with the PLDT
Pasasalamat Night event.
Thanks for inviting me, Eena.
Lerry C. Sangalang
IT Director
Max's Group, Inc.
Earl S. Alimario
Orient Freight International, Inc.
Hi Sir Rolly,
Email: [email protected]
Call: 88-ALPHA
(88-25742)
or visit
www.pldtalpha.com
Thank you for inviting us.
PLDT Pasasalamat Night was perfect!
Performers were superior.
Pax Pacis
Senior Vice President
ADP Pharma Corporation
My experience of the event was
totally "kilig" especially since most
of the singers and dancers who
graced the show are well known,
and because I can relate to the music.
Lilibeth Quiambao
SSS
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
SEND YOUR THOUGHTS,
COMMENTS, OR FEEDBACK
AND RECEIVE PREMIUM
ALPHA ITEMS!
Regards,
Thanks again.
6
YOU
Dear Mr. Ben and Ms. Abi,
First of all, we’d like to thank Eena for
inviting us. It was a great evening with
good food and excellent music. We
appreciate you choosing Ryan Cayabyab
and his team to perform; they were
excellent and filled with class.
Testing and turn up is in progress.
Kind regards,
Ino,
WE WANT TO
HEAR FROM
Subscribe to our e-newsletter,
ALPHA Mail, and keep up-to-date
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
7
A Truly
Experience
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise presents
a PLDT Pasasalamat Night to remember,
an unequalled OPM concert with Ryan Cayabyab
and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
8
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
enchanting full moon shone together with
sparkling Christmas displays to greet the
biggest personalities in Philippine enterprise
to the iconic Meralco Theater for an evening
of marvelous musical entertainment.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
9
The
2015 PLDT Pasasalamat Night concert
continued with last year’s winning
formula, once again inviting the Maestro
Ryan Cayabyab and the Philippine
Philharmonic Orchestra together with
some of the country’s most talented
performers for an unsurpassed concert
performance. This year’s concert, with
its intriguing theme of “Kilig” (a Filipino
emotion that loosely translates to
“romantic excitement”), was performed
through fourteen spectacular suites that
featured the best of Original Pilipino
Music (OPM).
The guests, dressed in their best
Filipiniana attire, filled the theater’s
lobby, savoring delectable hors d'oeuvres
masterfully whipped up by Chef
Billy King of Le Chef. Drinks and
conversation flowed freely to the sound
of a serene musical set by violinist
Princess Ybañez.
At the ushers’ cue, everyone
proceeded to the main theater, where the
PPO was already on stage tuning up in
preparation for their performance.
The concert opened with Mr. C and
the PPO playing a grand instrumental
rendition of Atin Cu Pung Singsing.
The Maestro’s grand interpretation
of the Kapampangan folk song was
accompanied by a visual slideshow
of paintings by renowned turn-ofthe-century artists Fabian dela Rosa
and Fernando Amorsolo. They were
joined after by Lara Maigue and Joshua
Cadeliña, who sang Anak Dalita, a
heartwarming kundiman with lyrics that
allude to falling in love, even during
times of hardship.
“Atin cu pung singsing
Metung yang timpucan
Amana que iti
Quing indung ibatan”
10
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“Tanging larawan mo
Ang nagiging ilaw
Ay iyong ihulog
Puso mo sa akin"
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
11
After giving a short introduction,
Mr. Cayabyab called on Jerald Napoles,
Nicco Manalo, Kim Molina, Jett Barrun,
and the Whiplash Dancers to first perform
a number of songs from Katy! The Musical,
in tribute to the iconic Queen of Bodabil, Ms.
Katy dela Cruz. Immediately following this
medley, the young theater stars brought the
audience to the fabulous ‘50s, singing Bobby
Gonzales’ Hahabol Habol.
“Tignan mo, tignan mo
Bumubusilak ang mundo
Bumubusilak na parang pilak
Kulay pilak, ikabig-tulak
Ang mundo, buong mundo!”
“There'll be no sunshine in my life
Until you say ‘you're mine, oh, mine’
There'll be no summer, spring, or fall
Each day is like winter time”
“O! Ang babae ‘pag minamahal
May kursunada’y aayaw-ayaw
‘Pag panay ang dalaw ay nayayamot
‘Wag mong dalawin, dadabog-dabog
‘Pag iyong iniwan, hahabol-habol!”
“Bakit ako mahihiya?
Kung ang puso’y sumisinta?
Dapat ko bang ikahiya
Kung iibigin ko, ikaw, sinta?”
12
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Following that rockin’ rendition
were the Ryan Cayabyab Singers with
their exuberant medley of OPM songs
by jukebox legends Yoyoy Villame, Boy
Mondragon, Victor Wood, Edgar Mortiz,
Eddie Peregrina, Vilma Santos, and
Didith Reyes.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
13
“At ang buhay
Nating dalawa ay nagbunga
Ng makulay na pag-ibig
na dakila”
14
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“Sumayaw sumunod
ka sa indak ng panahon
Kasabay ng mga bagong
tugtugin ngayon”
The show’s second act, the more Kilig
portion, began with the “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala”
Hajji Alejandro singing two of his greatest
hits, namely Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan and Panakip
Butas. He was followed by Mr. Ogie Alcasid,
accompanied by the Whiplash Dancers, who
performed his version of the Manila Sound
standard Sumayaw, Sumunod.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
15
After Mr. Alcasid’s pulse-pounding
performance, he joined Mr. Cayabyab
in thanking PLDT Group Chairman
Manny V Pangilinan for inviting them
once again to create another PLDT
Pasasalamat Night concert. “It has been
an absolute honor and pleasure doing
this for the last two years,” said Mr.
Cayabyab. “We hope to join you again in
the years to come. Maraming Salamat po,
Mr. MVP.”
“Love is a wonder
And it's a thrill when
you're under its spell”
“At sana nama’y
makikinig ka
Kapag aking sabihing
minamahal kita”
“We hope to join you again
in the years to come.
Maraming Salamat po,
Mr. MVP.”
Of course, when one thinks of kilig
OPM songs, one can not—and must
not—forget the works of the Apolinario
Mabini Hiking Society that spanned
multiple decades and touched countless
hearts. Mr. Alcasid, joined by Mr. Janno
Gibbs, rendered a stirring tribute to
OPM’s most romantic vocal trio, with
a medley featuring Love is for Singing,
Panalangin, and Yakap Sa Dilim.
“O kay sarap ng mga
nakaw na sandali
Habang tayo'y
magkayakap sa dilim”
16
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
17
The theater lights dramatically dimmed when
Ms. Rachel Alejandro entered to soulfully perform
Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin. She was then reunited on
stage with Mr. Dingdong Avanzado, joining her for a
kilig-filled duet of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin.
“Don't know what to do
Whenever you are near
Don't know what to say
My heart is floating in tears
When you pass by I could fly”
“Magkulang man sa atin itong sandali
Alam ko na tayo’y magkikitang muli
Hangga’t may umaga pa na haharapin
Ikaw lang ang mamahalin”
“Minsan lang kitang iibigin
Minsan lang kitang mamahalin
Ang pagmamahal sa ‘yo’y walang hangganan
Dahil ang minsan ay magpakailanman”
“Because we'll show them all
With love we can walk tall
And we will never say
Ever say goodbye
I'll never say goodbye”
18
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
19
“Pakisabi na lang
na mahal ko siya
‘Di na baleng may
mahal siyang iba
Pakisabi huwag
siyang mag-alala
‘Di ako umaasa”
“Darling, did you know that something happened to us?
Right before the future and right after the past
Did you smile when you found out what a wonderful thing it was?
We found an everlasting love”
OJ Mariano, Daryl Ong, and Leah
Patricio then went on stage to join Mr.
Cayabyab and the PPO in a one-of-a-kind
rendition of love songs made famous
during the ‘80s and the ‘90s: Ric Segreto’s
Don’t Know What to Say, Lea Salonga’s
Even If, Side A’s Forevermore, and Regine
Velasquez’s I'll Never Say Goodbye.
Following that number, OJ Mariano remained on
stage to welcome his “second family,” The Philippines’
Premier Vocal Ensemble, The Company. True to their
claim to fame, rendered a harmonious selection of
their greatest hits: Pakisabi na Lang, Now That I Have
You, Muntik na Kitang Minahal, and Everlasting Love.
20
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
21
“How are you, Ladies and Gentlemen?
Kilig na kilig na ba kayo?”
Mr. Cayabyab joyfully teased
the audience after The Company’s
number. “I’m sure you enjoyed this
nostalgic journey through memory
lane,” he added. “But we are far
from done just yet.”
At that point, he introduced Mr.
Gary Valenciano, to perform this
year’s penultimate number.
“I’ll never forget
How you brought the sun
to shine in my life
And took all the worries
and fears that I had”
“Ikaw lamang ang
tangi kong minamahal
Ang lagi kong dinarasal
Sana’y habang buhay
tayong magkasama”
“Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
‘Di na sana aasa pa
Kung kaya kong umiwas na
‘Di na sana lalapit pa
Kung kaya ko sana”
“Mr. Pure Energy,” the Maestro,
and this year’s Kilig theme were a perfect
fit—much like a three-part harmony.
The audience was simply spellbound as
Mr. Valenciano sang for them three of
his most famous ballads: Ikaw Lamang,
How Did You Know, and Sana Maulit Muli.
22
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
23
“Basta’t tayo’y magkasama
Laging mayroong
Umagang kay ganda”
24
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“Pagsikat ng araw
May dalang liwanag
Sa ating pangarap
Haharapin natin”
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
25
“It has been a glorious 2015 for all of us; and we wish you even more
success this 2016,” said Mr. Valenciano near the end of the concert.
Then he began singing the first few
lines of Umagang Kay Ganda with the
rest of the night’s performers joining
in. Accompanying the night’s finale
was a slideshow, featuring photos of
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise clients
through the years—symbolic of the
organization’s utmost gratitude for the
wonderful relationship it has built and
sustained with the Philippine enterprise
community. At the conclusion of
the number, the audience gave the
performers of this year’s PLDT
Pasasalamat Night not only a standing
ovation, but they also joined in singing
Umagang Kay Ganda’s chorus during
the encore.
3
3.
Doy Vea, Al Panlilio, Onald David, Manny V
Pangilinan, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Uy, and Mr.
and Mrs. Gerry Lim
4.
Emy Arcilla, Ambassador Thomas Ossowski,
Anjellica Lopez, Washington SyCip,
and Vic Tria
5.
Anjo Lazaro, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wilkins,
Jovy Hernandez, and Ben Melasa
6.
Cesar Enriquez, Manuel Sequiera,
and Boy Castañeda
7.
Amit Jha, Suresh Moorthi, John Gonzales,
and Mitch Locsin
4
5
1
2
1.
Guests having cocktails while sharing
conversations at the foyer.
2.
Pre-show entertainment at the foyer was
provided by violinist Princess Ybañez.
6
7
26
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
27
17 18
8
9
20
12
11
19 21
17. Eena Samonte, Tina Pizarro,
Edwin Hernandez, Raki Ilustre,
Billy Villar, and Cat Arellano
18. Bing Castañeda, Irene Donohue,
and Jikyeong Kang
10 13
14
15
16
22
19. PLDT Group Chairman
Manny V Pangilinan engaging
with some of the guests prior
to the start of the concert.
8.
The event usherettes graciously welcomed
the arriving guests.
20. Mr. & Mrs. Kari Isomaa
with Jay Lagdameo
9.
Jay Arguelles, Stephanie Reyes,
and Dan Reyes
21. Aftan Ahmed, Tazeen Ahmed,
and Annabelle Chua
10. Cesar Enriquez sharing a light
moment with a colleague.
22. Don Felbaum, Clementina Oreel,
Vic Tria, and Klaas Oreel
11. Mario Berta, Mauro Cocchieri,
and Eric Alberto
23. Mykee de Guzman with
Mr. and Mrs. Butch Valenzuela
12. Jovy Hernandez, Lito Tayag, and Vic Tria
13. Total Philippines President and Managing
Director Dilip Vaswani
14. Mr. and Mrs. Luis Pineda
15. Mr. and Mrs. Leo Sacamos
24. Kent de la Calzada, Jay Lagdameo,
Richard Yee, and Pinky Yee
23 24
25
25. Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Que, Mr. and Mrs.
Mike de Castro, Precy Katigbak,
Ronan Ignacio, Jojo Gendrano,
and Alfie Deato
16. Men in their finest barongs chatted ahead of
the concert proper
28
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
29
Celebrating Relationships
The festive evening continued well after
the show as guests returned to the lobby.
A bountiful spread of gourmet dishes and
refreshments again beckoned, accompanied
by Da Capo’s smooth and soulful jazz
performances.
“I am glad that this year’s PLDT
Pasasalamat Night has enthralled and
delighted our valued customers and key
partners anew,” remarked PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez.
“Tonight’s fine selection of the best of
Filipino music through the years—brought
to us once more by Mr. C and the PPO—
clearly express how much PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise values its relationship with the
Philippine enterprise community,” he added.
“We thank them for their continuous support
and we look forward to working closer with
them to more exceptional ALPHA events
this coming 2016.”
“Last year’s PLDT Pasasalamat Night, in
which we began this elegant concert format,
was met with enthusiastic feedback from a
lot of our customers. That is why we decided
to retain this winning formula, with this
year’s edition featuring the best-of-the-best,
kilig-worthy OPM songs,” said PLDT/Smart
EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric
R. Alberto. “This show is truly dedicated to
all our customers, partners, and friends. And
we are delighted that they have enjoyed the
evening.”
“2015 has been quite exceptional for the
PLDT Enterprise Group,” he added.
“I would like to thank all our ALPHA
clients and partners for your continuous
support this year. And as we are about to
begin 2016, we look forward to continually
providing more world-class expertise and
solutions to enable your digital business
transformation.”
“The PLDT Pasasalamat Night has
always been an event when we are given
the opportunity to sincerely express our
gratitude to you, our valued customers and
friends, for your unwavering partnership and
patronage of the PLDT Group. The strong
relationship we have built and cultivated
with all of you throughout the years is truly
the reason why we remain committed to
continuously winning your trust as your
preferred ICT partner and leading digital
enabler,” said PLDT Group Chairman
Manny V Pangilinan.
“As the holiday season approaches,”
he added, “allow me please to take this
moment to wish everyone and your families
a wonderful Christmas, as we also look
forward to an exciting and meaningful new
year ahead of us. Mabuhay at maraming salamat
po sa inyong lahat!”
32 33
32. Arlyn Del Prado, Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Pacho,
Edgar de Jesus, and Ikuo Yoshida
33. Commander Rommel Anthony Reyes,
PN NICTC and Mrs. Reyes, Rachel Bacordo,
Commander Joby Bacordo, PN, and Joy Hilao
34. Andrew Smith, Chito Deinla, Gary Catalbas,
and Gary Ignacio
35. Pearl Sy and Tomas Potts
34
35
36. Ronnie Mendoza, Bob de Castro,
Precy Katigbak, Dom Clement Roque,
and Anjo Lazaro
37. Felix Ang and Grace Ang
38. Jovy Hernandez, Eric Alberto, PLDT
Group Chairman Manny V Pangilinan,
Gary Valenciano, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano,
Al Panlilio, Dingdong Avanzado, Ogie Alcasid,
and Leo Posadas
39. Jeff Mendoza, Munish Mahajan,
Jovy Hernandez, Saurabh Bhaskar, Abhi Anand,
Pushkar Misra, Anant Singh, and Mitch Locsin
40. Antonio Dacalos, Edgar de Jesus,
Ino Mandapat, Ikuo Yoshida, Eric Alberto,
Hiroshi Okamura, and Freddie Pacho
36
26
27
28
29
37
30
26. Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Cruz with John Gonzales
27. PLDT Group Chairman Manny V Pangilinan,
Chaye Revilla, and Mayor Strike Revilla
28. Mr. and Mrs. Tim Macnamera
39
29. Edna Sarmiento and Elmer Sarmiento
30. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Lachica
31. Kent de la Calzada, Jovy Hernandez,
Atty. and Mrs. Dan Roleda, and Vic Tria
31
30
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
38 40
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
31
THE
ALPHA
OF
ALPHAS
PROVEN ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP
ACROSS ALL FRONTS
A
s we turn the
corner to yet
another year of
digital enterprise
transformation,
new challenges
and opportunities
inevitably emerge.
As the Philippines opens up to a global
market of new customers and partners,
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise remains as
the leading and preferred trusted expert
end-to-end ICT partner for Philippine
enterprises.
32
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Foreign companies have set their eyes
on the Philippines. And quite honestly it is
hard to resist making a play in one of the
most promising and durable countries in
the emerging market sector. International
providers and tech firms have gone on
a launch offensive—mostly for cloud
services—targeting hot verticals.
In response, PLDT has prepared to
make data the main growth engine and the
focus of consumer and business group
efforts. Specifically, the PLDT Group
has earmarked a significant amount in
new CAPEX for infrastructure to meet
increased data performance demand.
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise is
fortifying market leadership through
a more concerted effort on digital
enterprise enablement. This is happening
with the PLDT Group receiving stable
investment ratings this year from top
international credit organizations. Its
fixed line and corporate data revenue
continues to grow. And to better
support its expanded digital solutions
portfolio, PLDT’s VITRO Network of
Data Centers has grown into the largest
Philippine data center by rack capacity.
In this edition of Hot Joe Live Wire,
you will see the increasing range and
depth of solutions that serve enterprise
customers in different verticals. They
all have the same purpose and aim: to
thrive in the new digital landscape, and
to trust a true and enduring end-to-end
technology partner.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
33
AIRLINE
A
TR U E
I
C O
N
OF
AIRBORNE
G RA N D E U R
34
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
LUXURY AND TECHNOLOGY
COME TOGETHER IN PERFECT
HARMONY AS SINGAPORE
AIRLINES PARTNERS WITH PLDT
ALPHA ENTERPRISE TO POWER
THEIR NEW “SILVERKRIS LOUNGE”
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
35
hroughout aviation history, Singapore
Airlines has earned a prized reputation
as one of the most iconic airlines in the
world through renowned hospitality,
efficiency, innovation, and luxury. They
are brand foundations that have been
recognized by organizations such as
Skytrax and Business Traveller.
It began in the late ‘40s as Malayan
Airlines Limited (MAL) with a starter
fleet of DC-3 aircraft that flew to selected
Southeast Asian cities. At the dawn of the
36
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
jet age in the ‘50s, MAL soon
became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines
(MSA), to serve more global destinations.
During these colorful and heady days,
French couturier Pierre Balmain designed
the distinctive “Sarong Kebaya” uniform
for MSA’s flight attendants. They soon
became the “Singapore Girls” that came
to embody timeless and celebrated Asian
values of grace and hospitality.
In the 1970s, MSA split into two, with
Singapore Airlines taking off to a whole
new level of growth and distinction.
The fledgling airline became a member
of an exclusive club to fly the Concorde
supersonic liner. By the ‘80s and ‘90s,
Singapore Airlines was a true international
carrier, servicing cities in the USA,
Europe, and Africa.
Singapore Airlines today has joined yet
another exclusive club of first operators,
this time flying the luxurious Airbus A380
wide-body double-deck aircraft, the largest
commercial airliner in the world.
Always a
first-mover, Singapore
Airlines was also one of the first
international carriers to shift operations
from NAIA Terminal 1 to the new NAIA
Terminal 3. Consequently, the airline has
unveiled a brand-new version of their
signature “SilverKris” lounge, outfitted
with leading ICT solutions from PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise.
Relax, You’re Connected
There will be no immediate
replacement for the person-to-person
handshake, it seems. Even in today’s
digital age of amplified communications,
conferencing, and collaboration solutions,
business travel is still on the rise.
According to the
2014 Amadeus Business
Travel Insights, there has been a 21%
increase of frequent business travelers
(those who made between 11 to 20 trips)
as compared to 2013. Today’s business
travelers are mostly senior level enterprise
executives—managing directors, board
members, and the like. According to the
study, today’s business travelers prioritize
efficiency,
a fulfilled itinerary,
and reliable connections to corporate
networks. They want the ability to
continually work on the go, and
to do so in style.
The gleaming curves of the SilverKris
lounge hearken back to its namesake.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
37
This is why airline lounges such
as Singapore Airlines’ “SilverKris”
Lounge have become cherished oases of
relaxation and connectivity.
“The SilverKris Lounge is one of
the key product enhancements that we
are introducing to the Filipino market
this year,” said Singapore Airlines
Philippines General Manager Carol Ong,
noting that the refurbishment is part
of their SGD 100-million international
lounge investment.
“Besides ensuring that our lounge
will be a ‘home away from home’ for
our passengers,” she added, “we want
to also ensure that they can stay well
connected with their family, friends,
or work.”
“That is why we chose to partner
with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise.”
Through the partnership, the new
SilverKris lounge will have PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise’s managed IT and
dedicated Internet access service (iGate)
solutions. The bespoke setup will
provide Singapore Airlines passengers
with high-speed, reliable Internet
connectivity as they wait for their flights.
In addition, lounge televisions will
feature content provided by Cignal TV.
A Shared Digital Future
The PLDT ALPHA EnterpriseSingapore Airlines partnership was
formalized with a contract signing
ceremony held at the Singapore Airlines
Philippine office. A jovial and optimistic
attitude was felt all around, with top
officials from both organizations
openly discussing the much-anticipated
opening of the lounge as well as other
possibilities on the horizon.
“On behalf of the entire team, I
thank Singapore Airlines for entrusting
to us their business as we enable their
SilverKris Lounge. We take pride in
being affiliated with global brands
such as Singapore Airlines and we are
confident that this is just the beginning
as we together pursue Enabling the
Digital Enterprise,” says PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez.
L-R: PLDT Relationship Manager Luis Asistio, PLDT Corporate Relationship Business Head Ben Melasa, PLDT VP and Head of Corporate Relationship Management Precy
Katigbak, PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, Singapore Airlines Philippines General Manager Carol Ong, Singapore Airlines Manila Customer
Services Frances Reyes, and Singapore Airlines Senior Marketing and PR Executive Camille Rose Pacis
"BESIDES ENSURING THAT
OUR LOUNGE WILL BE A
‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’
FOR OUR PASSENGERS,
WE WANT TO ALSO
ENSURE THAT THEY CAN
STAY WELL-CONNECTED
WITH THEIR FAMILY,
FRIENDS OR WORK."
- Carol Ong
Singapore Airlines Philippines
General Manager
38
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
39
PUBLIC SECTOR
U N I V E R S A L
HEALTHCARE,
A CLOSER
R
E
A
L
I
T
Y
FOR FILIPINOS
PHILHEALTH EXPERIENCES
A TRUE END-TO-END
NETWORK SOLUTION WITH
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
40
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
41
healthy nation is a stronger nation.
And with this in mind, the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation or
PhilHealth has been pursuing Universal
Health Coverage for the entire nation
since Valentine’s Day 1995. There
are currently 89.4 million protected
individual members, or approximately
88% of the projected Philippine
population. All enjoy expanded
healthcare benefits no longer limited to
minor procedures.
“We also provide coverage for
catastrophic illnesses defined as medical
conditions that require prolonged
treatment and management,” said
PhilHealth President and CEO Atty.
Alexander A. Padilla. He adds that
benefit packages such as hemodialysis
have been extended from 45 to 90
annual sessions.
Their excellent work was duly
recognized by peer government
institutions. All PhilHealth offices in the
National Capital Region (NCR) received
excellent ratings in the 2014 Anti-Red
Tape Act Report Card Survey conducted
by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
But that’s only the beginning for
Atty. Padilla and an activated PhilHealth
organization. Through their new
partnership with PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise, PhilHealth is set to enhance
nationwide connectivity to every
Filipino— an important and relevant
development in the digital age.
42
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
From Left to Right: PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto, PLDT and Smart President
and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, PLDT Group Chairman Manny V Pangilinan, PhilHealth President and CEO
Atty. Alexander A. Padilla, PhilHealth SVP and Chief Information Officer Engr. Jovita Aragona, and PLDT FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez
Caring For and Serving
the Philippine Nation
Currently, PhilHealth instituted various
initiatives to ensure that the organization
meets the challenges of today’s digital era.
“We constantly send our IT people to
relevant trainings to upgrade their skillsets
in order to apply new learnings to our
current tasks,” Atty. Padilla explained.
PhilHealth’s new mobile strategies on
smartphones have increased member reach
and empowerment. Additional database
redundancies have also been initiated
to avert data loss in any natural disaster
or crisis.
To make all this possible, Atty. Padilla
understands that PhilHealth needs a sturdy
network as its foundation. “With over 89
million Filipinos relying on our frontline
services, we must have a reliable IT
infrastructure that facilitates transactions
especially at points-of-service.”
"WE MUST HAVE
A RELIABLE IT
INFRASTRUCTURE
THAT FACILITATES
TRANSACTIONS
ESPECIALLY
AT POINTS-OFSERVICE."
- Atty. Alexander A. Padilla
PhilHealth President and CEO
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
43
A Bolstered, Digitally-Enabled
National Network
After winning the public bid, PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise has now been tasked
by PhilHealth to power the organization’s
“Wide Area Networking” project. The end
goal is to bolster nationwide connectivity
infrastructure through a bespoke, endto-end PLDT networking solution. This
partnership kicked off with a contract
signing ceremony attended by Atty. Padilla
and other top PhilHealth executives as
well as the full force of the PLDT team,
led by PLDT and Smart President and
CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno, PLDT/
Smart EVP and ePLDT President and
CEO Eric R. Alberto, and PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez.
44
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“PLDT is delighted to be PhilHealth’s
partner in enhancing its operations.
These efforts serve the higher purpose of
providing the best possible health services
to millions of customers. We believe that
this initiative will enable PhilHealth to
respond faster and more efficiently
to the rising demands of its members,”
said Mr. Nazareno during the contract
signing ceremonies.
Through the partnership, there
will be a greater number of virtually
connected PhilHealth offices nationwide.
This becomes possible only through
a comprehensive network solution. It
consists of PLDT’s IP Virtual Private
Network (IP VPN) solution, fully-meshed
for private any-to-any connectivity. It also
features PLDT’s Managed Router service,
wherein best-in-class routers handle
PhilHealth’s network traffic, supervised
by a pool of certified engineers. And to
ensure that this newly-installed network
solution fulfills its commitment to
PhilHealth, PLDT also provided the
Network Live monitoring solution.
Network Live is a web-based portal
that allows PhilHealth IT personnel to
monitor network utilization, availability,
and other performance indicators in
real time. Because it uses a web-based
interface, it can be accessed through any
compatible browser. In addition, it easily
generates reports on-demand to satisfy the
mutually-accepted service level agreement
(SLA). It also serves as a genesis point for
the PhilHealth network’s future growth.
In addition, a dedicated 24/7/365
after-sales team provides additional
support to ensure that the network stays
up and operational at all times.
The desired endgame, according to
Atty. Padilla, is for PhilHealth to “move
one step closer towards our objective of
improving customer satisfaction.”
“We hope that this will be another
showcase of genuine government and
private sector collaboration,” he adds.
Digital Governance
“PLDT has always been keen on
continuously re-investing in our network
to enable communities and enterprises
with the right network platform as
they embark in their respective digital
transformation journeys. We are grateful
to our partners in PhilHealth for trusting
us to be their end-to-end ICT partner,
and we are excited to fully implement
this project as this will surely translate to
immediate benefits among the general
populace that PhilHealth serves,”
said PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT
President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.
“We take pride in the end-to-end,
digitally-enabled networking solution we
provided PhilHealth to ensure each office
can rapidly access and transmit relevant
information any time of the day,” added
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez. “This contributes
towards quicker and more responsive
healthcare services. In this regard, we
look forward to working further with
PhilHealth and other government
institutions for higher quality public
services in this digital era.”
In Full Force
This landmark partnership between
PLDT and PhilHealth was marked by
a grand contract signing ceremony
attended by top executives from both
organizations, led by PLDT and Smart
President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno
(seated, center) and PhilHealth President
and CEO Atty. Alexander A. Padilla (seated,
2nd from right).
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
45
BPO
TRUE
T O
T H E I R
W O R D S
HOT JOE TALKS WITH CONCENTRIX
GLOBAL CEO CHRIS CALDWELL ON HIS
ORGANIZATION’S GUIDING PHILOSOPHIES,
ITS CONTINUOUS GROWTH - AND ITS
STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
46
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
47
"G LO BA L
C O N S I S T E N C Y .
LO CA L
I N T I M A C Y ."
he Concentrix brand slogan certainly fits
an international team of around seventy
thousand people, spread in multiple sites
in twenty-five countries. Moreover, it
encapsulates Concentrix’s decade-long
journey towards excellence through
consistent growth and innovation.
Concentrix Global CEO Chris Caldwell
fits his title by being a truly global citizen.
The down-to-earth American executive
enjoys a candid and open rapport with
staff. Many see this as Concentrix’s “Local
Intimacy” in action, finding common
ground with local staff and fostering
collaboration.
“It’s really about embracing the
local culture in each of the countries we
operate in—trying to do things for the
staff and our local clients that are focused
on their ways,” Caldwell said. “We really
allow each country to do what they need
48
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
to do to drive the best environment for
our people.
“On the same level,” Caldwell said,
“a lot of our clients require ‘Global
Consistency’ so that the experience we
deliver for their customers is the same
around the world.” And one of the key
drivers of Concentrix’s global consistency
is their highly dynamic mergers and
acquisitions (M&A) strategy.
“We’ve completed a lot of profitable
deals over the years,” said Caldwell.
“In fact, we owe much of our Philippine
presence to our parent company,
SYNNEX Corporation, which acquired
locally-based link2support." That
acquisition let Concentrix integrate
link2support’s existing service for a
multinational technology company with
an already diverse portfolio of customer
service, soft skills training, sales, and aftersales offerings.
More M&As followed, but last
year’s landmark acquisition of BPO
giant IBM Daksh was their biggest
and most significant leap forward yet.
“That transaction really established us
in the verticals we wanted, like banking,
insurance, and healthcare—which had
been relatively hard to crack,” Caldwell
explained. The deal helped Concentrix
deliver its solutions worldwide to a broader
set of corporations than it could before.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
49
“WE OPERATE IN
TWENTY-FOUR
DIFFERENT
COUNTRIES,
AND I CAN
TELL YOU THAT
PLDT ALPHA
ENTERPRISE IS
ONE OF THE
BEST-IN-CLASS.”
- Chris Caldwell
Concentrix Global CEO
50
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“From our perspective,
‘omnichannel’ is a great buzzword,”
Caldwell said. “But we have actually
been doing it for a number of
years.” He noted that the Concentrix
idea of omnichannel is a completely
seamless customer experience. A client
multinational electronics company
provides a good example. “When
customers go to their website,” he said,
“we produce all the content that they
see. Customers can engage within that
website through chat, video, or email.”
All customer interaction is recorded and
stored on a database. When they call
in to the contact center because of a
particular problem, Concentrix can see
what else the customer may have done
over the website. They can also seamlessly
resume any interrupted issues and resolve
the problem without redirecting or
reprocessing. “Essentially, it’s a faster path
for resolution,” he noted.
Concentrix is also heavily invested
in using Big Data to streamline their
business services. “If you look at
where the Internet of Everything is and
the amount of data generated on a daily
basis, the challenge is sifting through all
that—to teach me something that I don’t
know,” Caldwell explained, detailing how
Concentrix’s strong Big Data analytics
practice helps each client understand
good and bad customer behavior. In fact,
a healthcare provider was able to use
Concentrix’s Big Data-based solution
to stop USD140 million worth of
fraudulent claims.
“Clearly we are into technology,
data transmission and voice, and
telcos are our lifeblood.” This was
Caldwell’s answer on the importance
of telecommunications providers
for Concentrix. As technology and
business evolved, relationships with
telecommunications providers evolved as
well. “It used to be that we would enter
into longer-term contracts with one type
of technology that were not scalable,”
Caldwell said. Nowadays, they look for
providers with more scalable, diverse,
and cost-effective offerings: burstable
bandwidth and data center services, for
example.
He was very frank in sharing that
they have worked with both excellent
and inferior telco providers. Fortunately,
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise falls into the
excellent category in Caldwell’s book.
“We operate in twenty-five
different countries, and I can tell you
that PLDT ALPHA Enterprise is
one of the best-in-class,” Caldwell
said. Beyond its cost-competitiveness
and strong emphasis on relationship
building, Caldwell cited PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise’s quick response in keeping
the Concentrix network up and running,
especially during tumultuous weather
occurrences.
The PLDT ALPHA Enterprise –
Concentrix partnership has evolved
over the past decade. The offerings have
certainly become “more sophisticated,”
according to Caldwell. The engagement
began during the BPO’s link2support
days, with PLDT supplying E1
connections. Today, PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise support
Concentrix as trusted expert end-to-end
ICT partners, providing solutions such
as Metro Ethernet, Dedicated Internet
Access (iGate), trunklines, DSL, and
Smart Wireless lines.
“Our goal nowadays is not to have
more telco providers, but fewer telco
providers on a global scale,” Caldwell
said, noting that they have reduced
the number of telco providers “almost
by half.” And while other providers
may feel threatened by this mandate,
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise sees this
as the perfect opportunity to support
Concentrix globally, with its ever-growing
worldwide connectivity profile and its
multi-protocol label switching (MPLS)
technologies. “This is going to be
helpful from our perspective,”
Caldwell opined when it was discussed
during the interview.
Talking about his organization’s
future growth in relation to their
continuous M&A momentum and the
digital enterprise revolution driven
by social, mobile, analytics, and cloud
(SMAC) technologies, Caldwell was very
optimistic. “We will grow rapidly, and
expansion will be driven by these new
digital technologies, since we already
provide them to our clients.”
After the HOT JOE interview
concluded, Mr. Caldwell consulted
with his organization’s PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise relationship team, led by
PLDT Head of Corporate Relationship
Business Jeff Mendoza and PLDT
Corporate Relationship Manager Jeffrey
Sarthou. The two organizations discussed
new growth opportunities such as the
previously-mentioned PLDT Global
Network, improving wireless capabilities,
as well as a new digital solution that
could help Concentrix’s HR better
provide employee incentives. We saw the
Concentrix slogan in action for ourselves.
Their candid yet professional relationship
with PLDT ALPHA Enterprise serves
as the promising springboard in shaping
solutions that position the BPO
organization towards further success.
Left Photo:
Concentrix President and CEO
Chris Caldwell (center) and Concentrix
Philippines Country Leader David
Brooks (center-left) with (from L-R)
Concentrix Head of Communications
and Marketing Pearl Sy, PLDT
Corporate Relationship Manager Jeffrey
Sarthou, Concentrix Director for Client
Services Roma Villarama, PLDT Head
of Corporate Relationship Business
Jeff Mendoza, Concentrix Director for
Admin Mitzi Ignacio, Concentrix Director
for Operations Samarth Mathur, and
Concentrix Director for IT Ranie Velasco
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
51
GAMING
A L L I E S
FOR
52
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
THE
SOUTHEAST
ASIA’S BIGGEST
HOMEGROWN
INTERNET
PLATFORM
PROVIDER
GARENA
EXPANDS ITS
DIVERSIFIED
ONLINE
PLATFORM
BUSINESS WITH
PLDT ALPHA
ENTERPRISE’S
ICT SOLUTIONS
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
53
trong alliances are forged based on shared
goals and commitment through actions.
For Garena and PLDT, it is all about
giving the best to its common customers.
With strong presence across Southeast
Asia and Taiwan, Internet platform
provider Garena is looking to further
strengthen its footing in the highlycompetitive Philippine market. Its local
headcount has almost tripled this year
alone, and it is poised to have more
investments in the Philippines by 2016.
“We have an unwavering commitment
to providing the best possible experience
for our millions of local customers
accessing Garena’s various products and
services,” says Garena Philippines
CEO Jan Frederic Chiong. “To achieve
this, we have to go completely local. In the
Philippines, we have invested substantially
to have top-of-the-line servers and
opted for the most premium dedicated
bandwidth available in the country.”
Singapore-headquartered Garena,
founded by Mr. Forrest Li, began in 2009
as the Southeast Asia publisher of popular
online gaming titles such as League of
Legends (LoL), the first-person shooter
game Point Blank, as well as FIFA
Online 3.
The firm has since progressively
branched out to mobile platforms. These
include the fast-growing social networking
app BeeTalk, and its recently-launched
social commerce platform Shopee, which
provides a fuss-free and secure mobile
shopping experience for both buyers and
sellers. Garena now claims that it has
over 22 million and 15 million monthly
active users on its PC and mobile
platforms, respectively.
Going Local
Mr. Chiong said that online gaming
in the Philippines has huge potential for
growth as connectivity spreads to new
areas and as local Internet infrastructure
continues to improve. To support this
expansion, Garena’s highly localized
business strategy requires dedicated
bandwidth and servers in every country
they operate. It is now set to increase
its current ten (10) gigabyte bandwidth
subscription with PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise, their trusted partner to
"WE HOPE TO
EXCEED THEIR
EXPECTATIONS
AND FURTHER
STRENGTHEN
THIS ALLIANCE
OF OURS
FOUNDED
ON QUALITY
CUSTOMER
SERVICE."
- Jan Frederic Chiong
Garena Philippines President and CEO
54
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
- Victor Tria
PLDT VP and Corporate
Relationship Management
Head
handle massive traffic required by
online gaming.
To maximize PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise’s highly secure VITRO Data
Center hosting service, Garena is using
it to house several hundred Philippine
servers. "Of all the data centers that we
visited throughout the country, we felt
most comfortable and confident with
VITRO."
Locally hosting Garena's platforms
in VITRO notably lowers latency and
ping—essential in the gaming world,
where split seconds are absolutely critical.
In addition, customer accounts
hosted on these platforms are protected
by Garena’s two-factor account security
system, which sends additional security
credentials to account holders via Smart
Enterprise's Smart Messaging Suite
(SMS) solution. And because most of
Garena's platforms serve local clients,
the firm has a Dedicated Internet Access
(iGate) connection to headquarters for
quality control.
Mr. Chiong indicates more active
investments in the country are planned.
He cites their year-on-year growth
in users and revenue coupled with
the world’s optimism for a “thriving”
Philippine market.
Growth will also benefit Garena’s
general consumer products, with
Mr. Chiong expecting a rise in local
popularity for Shopee and BeeTalk.
“In future, when people see Garena’s
logo, everybody will recognize it, not
just the gamers.”
Quick and Complete Delivery
When Mr. Chiong moved here from
Singapore back in 2010 to run Garena’s
local operations, he explored a lot of
options for their ICT enablement. “We
chose PLDT for the sole reason they
deliver on most—if not all—of our
business requirements," Mr. Chiong says.
Partnering with PLDT five years ago was
an easy decision, and he “couldn’t be
happier” with their choice.
“On behalf of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise, we
sincerely appreciate Garena's continuing
confidence in our solutions. We hope
to exceed their expectations and further
strengthen this alliance of ours founded
on quality customer service," said
Victor Tria, PLDT VP and Corporate
Relationship Management Head.
Delivering fast, stable, and highly
playable Internet connection for
enhanced customer experience is part
of any online company’s game plan.
For Garena, it makes sense to partner
with the leading telecommunications
provider in the country. It’s part of
a winning strategy for this dominant
Southeast Asian online platform
provider, as it stretches its wings and
may soon compete in the global arena.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
55
Garena Philippines Technical Operations
Manager Noel Lee, Garena Philippines CEO
Jan Frederic Chiong, PLDT VP and Head of
Corporate Relationship Management Vic Tria,
PLDT Relationship Manager Maria Charina
Ann Mariano (seated), PLDT Relationship
Manager Norman Azarcon, and PLDT VP
ZHead of Corporate Relationship Management
Precy Katigbak (seated).
56
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
57
MINING
STRIKING
D I
G
I
T A
L
G O L D
PHILEX MINING CORPORATION
EXPLORES THE NEW DIGITAL ECONOMY
WITH PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE’S
BUSINESS PROCESSING SOLUTIONS
58
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
the twenty-first century, the mining
industry is probing yet other vast
and untapped resources: digital
solutions, data, and applications.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
59
"THE
digital transformation of Philex Mining
Corporation is a journey that every
member of the community—from top
management to rank and file—should
embrace,” says Raymund Brett C.
Medel, Philex Vice President and Chief
Information Officer.
Incorporated in 1955, the Philex
Mining Corporation (PMC) now operates
a total of four (4) sites nationwide that
primarily extract copper and gold. A new
site in Surigao del Norte will operate
by 2018 under the Philex subsidiary
Silangan Mindanao Exploration Co., Inc.
(SMECI).
Mr. Medel adds that “going digital”
is a “paradigm shift” that will make
operations several orders more efficient
and effective. In “doing more with less,”
the digital impact will soon positively
affect all corners of Philex’s business.
However, the transition will have to be
smooth. Consequently, technological
migration has been entrusted to PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise in its role as the
“strategic business partner” for Philex.
The Miner’s New Toolbox
This has yielded some tangible
results. Moving to cloud computing is
now easy for Philex, as it shifts from a
private cloud to a more cost-effective
public one.
Through PLDT ALPHA Enterprise,
Microsoft Office 365's cloud solution
connects field workers to the
60
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
organization via the Lync, OneDrive,
and Exchange Online features.
Because more Philex workers are
using mobile phones rather than email,
Smart Enterprise is ready to maximize
the mining firm’s nationwide presence
on mobile. The Smart Messaging
Suite (SMS) is faster than email during
emergencies such as typhoons—times
when the company has to round up
rescue volunteers and donations.
Smart Enterprise’s wireless solutions
will prove vital to projects in the Philex
digital pipeline, including a mobile
application that will let miners access
critical information and communicate
with the company, even while
underground. This is on top of existing
kiosks available above ground. Predictive
intelligence, which can alert miners of
changing work conditions, is merely
among the first of other future on-site
applications that Smart data services
can enable.
Leveraging the cloud, the Internet
of Things (IoT), and mobile computing
is all integrated into MS Dynamics
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
software. This will automate management
of the company’s finance and supply
chains.
Philex is finalizing ERP
configurations before fully implementing
it in early 2016. This effectively
supersedes thirty (30) legacy systems
that have been in place for decades.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
61
Guiding Change
Solid Commitments
"This initiative is a paradigm
shift as it is challenging the status
quo, and disruptions are expected
as we implement innovations in the
workplace," Mr. Medel explains. As this
shift will “rock the boat,” the company
will continue to implement change in
phases for the benefit of its employees.
Easing in the Exchange email system
took two (2) years, with Microsoft
Office 365’s other features having been
unveiled to employees only last year.
To provide additional support in
this early stage of adoption, Philex
selected technologically “aware and
equipped” employees as "change
architects.” These individuals are tasked
with "evangelizing" to peers within their
functional areas.
There are quite a few "low-hanging
fruits" or immediate benefits from
this digital enterprise transformation.
Among them is more accurate corporate
information made accessible to all
sub-offices via a common database.
This lessens paperwork, shortens
turnaround time for requests,
and automates workflows across
Philex’s nationwide sites.
Mr. Medel is certainly optimistic
about partnering with PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise, following years of personal
and professional negotiations. "While
we focus on our core business, PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise will always be there
to provide the technology, products, and
innovation that we can use."
He applauds the “very genuine and
sincere” commitment of the leading
telco provider in understanding every
client’s business and requirements.
"Thanks to PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise's constant presence, Philex
is on its way to becoming a showcase as
a digital workplace, ahead of the curve
in the Philippine mining industry," he
proclaims.
The future of the industry lies in
running each mine as part of an active
ICT-enabled organization. Needless to
say, the process of turning historically
dominant organizations on to digital
will be intense and rewarding, just like
refining gold out of mountainous ore.
PLDT Relationship Manager Andrew Smith,
Philex Vice President and Chief Information
Officer Raymund Brett Medel, and PLDT
VP and Head of Corporate Relationship
Management Jay Lagdameo
62
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Philex VP and CIO Raymund Brett Medel (front row,
2nd from left) and other members of the Philex team
pose in front of of the company’s mineshafts.
- Raymund Brett Medel
Philex Vice President and Chief Information Officer
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
63
BANKING
LIFE
W IT H
REDEFINED
MOBILE
PAYM E NTS
RCBC PARTNERS WITH
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
FOR MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
SOLUTIONS AND EXPERTISE
64
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
65
“MOBILE
BANKING
IS THE
FUTURE.
E V E N T UA L LY, I T W I L L
B ECO M E A WAY O F L I F E .”
his was the recent bold statement of
RCBC Senior Vice President and Business
Development Head Eric Buenaflor,
indicating that the Rizal Commercial Banking
Corporation may finally unlock the full
potential of e-payments in the country.
Established by the Yuchengco Group
of Companies (YGC) in 1960, RCBC is
one of the country’s largest universal banks.
It is best known for its leading consumer,
corporate, and commercial banking and
financial services.
It is about to reach pioneering new heights
once again with key innovations to make it the
go-to choice for mobile payments.
Banking on Digital Transformation
“We are very keen on developing our
mobile technology capabilities,” said Mr.
Buenaflor. He also revealed that since “mobile
payment has been RCBC’s fastest-growing
channel,” they are now starting to conquer
unchartered territories in digital banking.
66
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“Our corporate online and retail platforms
are being developed profusely to get more
features on mobile,” he said, adding that they
continuously update their mobile app features
every quarter. This was evidenced by the
recent launch of an improved retail banking
platform, with a simpler user interface as well
as a bevy of added features.
Some notable innovations include the
unveiling of the RCBC Touch Q Management
System. It helps users pre-stage their
requirements over the web or via mobile,
allowing more convenient and hassle-free
branch banking transactions.
In the intensive development of RCBC’s
products, Mr. Buenaflor explained that
their partnership with PLDT is one they
consider highly strategic. “PLDT has a
great track record in launching products,”
he commented. “Its broad-based corporate
portfolio combined with Smart’s leading
mobile technologies makes it easier for us to
be comfortable in partnering with them.
They bring a lot to the table.”
“PLDT has a great track record in launching
products, its broad-based corporate portfolio
combined with Smart’s leading mobile
technologies makes it easier
for us to be comfortable
in partnering with
them. They bring a
lot to the table.”
ERIC BUENAFLOR
RCBC Senior Vice President
and Business Development Head
Mobile Payment Convergence
As proof of their strengthened
partnership, RCBC and PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise recently formalized a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
through a contract signing ceremony to enable
its revolutionary eWallet mobile payment
application.
RCBC’s eWallet is a complementary service
to the company’s existing MyWallet, an allin-one card authorizing users for convenient
ATM and debit card transactions. Supported
by PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s technology,
eWallet users can now experience an easy-touse mobile payment application with added
layers of security and stability. Through this
service, even unbanked customers enjoy a
convenient banking application process.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
67
“This is truly a collaborative synergy
between RCBC and PLDT, as it brings
two market leaders from different
industries in the same arena,” declared Mr.
Buenaflor. “We have appointed PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise as our partner for the
eWallet service because they bring in their
expertise in the mobile sphere through
their app technology, authentication, and
connectivity.”
“We at PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
thank RCBC for appointing us as their
mobility enabler,” remarked PLDT FVP
68
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez. “The widespread use
of mobile technology has truly become
a game changer. We are pleased that this
partnership with RCBC has allowed us to
innovate their mobile payment solutions to
constantly keep up with the pace of today’s
increasingly mobile consumers.”
Seated (L-R): PLDT VP and Head of
Corporate Relationship Management
Boy Castañeda, PLDT FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez, RCBC SVP and
Business Development Head Enrique
Buenaflor, and RCBC FVP and Product
Management Division Head Anna
Sylvia Roxas, together with (standing)
PLDT VP and Head of Enterprise
Strategic Solutions John Gonzales
(third from left), PLDT Senior Manager
and Head of Corporate Relationship
Business Dick Perez (fourth from left)
as well as other PLDT officials and
RCBC representatives
“This is truly a collaborative synergy
between RCBC and PLDT, as it brings
two market leaders from different
industries in the same arena."
- ERIC BUENAFLOR
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
69
ROY EVALLE ATTESTS TO THE
STRENGTH THAT SELF-KNOWLEDGE
GIVES TO LEADERSHIP
A
SHAPING
LEADERSHIP
70
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
N
T
I
is certainly a busier city these days, far
removed from its earliest origins as a
sleepy town drenched in tips of morning
mists cascading down the foothills
leading further to the Sierra Madres and
Quezon province beyond. It was the
perfect location for retreat houses serving
religious and corporate clients, and in
many ways it still is.
The First Pacific Leadership Academy
(FPLA) is one such facility that makes the
most of this bucolic idyll. Its 10-hectare
campus is set on rolling green hills
over a breathtaking view of the eternal
mountains that send an almost guaranteed
continuous cool breeze even on the
sunniest of days. It’s hard to believe you’re
just 10 minutes from the unnerving bustle
of Sumulong Highway and 30 minutes (on
a good day) from carmaggedon EDSA.
Many of its restaurants, gardens
and pavillions for workshops, and
even sports facilities were designed to
facilitate reflection and insight. It’s a giant
meditation complex dedicated to the
essential guiding principles of corporate
and executive leadership—a temple for
managers, or even for generals. Today’s
visitors are AFP and PNP officers who are
here for their own workshop.
Among its crop of white buildings
accented in bright colors, we walked
through one of many open spaces into the
P
O
L
O
First Pacific Hall, venue of our interview
with Roy Agustin K. Evalle. This is
where he holds office, amongst
faithfully-collected souvenirs and
memorabilia spanning a fulfilling
career—items seem to inhabit every
surface. Mr. Evalle jokingly calls it
“organized chaos.”
He is a gracious and meticulous
host, with a gentle, wry sense of humour.
A dedicated family man and absolutely
devoted to his parents, the sixty-ish Mr.
Evalle, is especially proud of his Zambales
and Batangas roots. Asked to elaborate on
his own leadership style, he describes it as
possessing mindfulness, honesty, calm yet
firm in decisions, and places great value in
listening and being able to communicate
well. We discussed what FPLA was all
about and how it plays a central role in
fostering leadership for many enterprise
organizations beyond the scope of the
First Pacific Group.
HJ: So how would you describe the First
Pacific Leadership Academy in so many
words?
Roy A.K. Evalle: This is the corporate
university of the First Pacific Group.
A work in progress. But then again,
we have to be mindful that each company
in the Group has its own human resources
organization; they do their own thing in
terms of leadership, professional, as well
as technical programs. As a leadership
academy, we do our best to partner with
them, provide and conduct Leadership and
Management Programs and Interventions,
Executive Talks, educational programs on
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and also
Interdisciplinary subject matters.
We have a flagship program called
the First Pacific Leadership Program
composed of about twenty modules.
It's very ambitious having twenty
programs, 'di ba? I'm already running
on my 5th year by August next year,
and we just basically finished two of
the twenty and are now starting on the
third one. Now, we are dealing with
executives, and we obviously don't
own their time. So sa scheduling pa lang,
big challenge na. It’s so administrative
but a difficult one.
HJ: So this location, the entire school
itself, when did it start? You said you
were on your 5th year.
RAKE: We started in 2011. Before that,
I was then Head of Human Resources
and Organization Development of
Maynilad Water. After some very exciting
years in Maynilad, I moved here to head
the Academy and the Group's Leadership
Succession Program.
HJ: What are this Academy’s driving
philosophies? Executives come from
so many backgrounds and have so many
different styles, but what are common
philosophies that drive this Academy?
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
71
develop their leadership skills. In the
end, this youth intervention is all
about character building."
RAKE: So this is the philosophy we
believe in the Academy:
1. "We speak our minds."
10. "We openly embrace controversial
issues and turn them into something
that can provoke thoughts, and
then inspire."
2. "We have the freedom to create ideas,
be artistic, and express our thoughts
in a language that will express what
will be good for our fellowmen,
neighbors, and the environment."
11. "We break free from tradition to
learn and adapt."
3. "We promote good health and
12. "We question the old ways to learn
from them, we question the status
quo to be more progressive."
encourage those we can influence
to take care of themselves the
best way they can."
13. "We give a voice to the unheard and
unseen to influence the world."
4. "We try our very best to keep our
Academy very clean, very green and
a masterpiece of beauty, refinement,
and simple elegance." We don't
have anything that's very expensive
here. We're very proud of the Rizal
artists, the artists that come from this
city. Antipolo! During some of our
capability building abroad, we tried
to acquire some things which are
native to that country and we donate
them to FPLA. We bring them
back and display them. We also
display old memorabilia from all
the companies of the Group.
5. "We encourage that everyone respect
each other, from those who serve
as guardians of security and safety,
those who serve our food, and those
who help us evangelize leadership
and stewardship."
6. "We advocate humility and modesty
and we welcome the avant-garde"
so even if you wear pink socks or
sport purple hair, we don't really
care. We welcome "the questioning,
doubtful, and skeptical, and
we encourage them to express
themselves in whatever form."
7. "We welcome any religion, faith,
or creed. We welcome any side of
political belief. We welcome any
person of whatever social standing,
sexual preference, physical condition,
72
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
14. "We discover and cultivate talent
from various fields."
background, or culture." Sometimes
you'll see Indians here, sometimes
Hong Kong Chinese, Singaporeans.
We frequently have Europeans here
too, and of course, Americans.
8. "We support science," especially,
"mathematics, technology
and innovation; business and
entrepreneurship;" We also support
interdisciplinary fields like art and
music. If you go to our Rizal Hall,
we have a baby grand piano. And
prominent Filipino concert pianists,
such as Cecile Licad, Rudolph PelaezGolez, as well as Mary Ann Espina
have performed here. They are our
frequent guests here. So aside from
music, we also support "arts and
culture; history, languages, and all
interdisciplinary fields. We hire
the smart "creatives"—like
you guys—"and encourage the
development of data scientists."
I'm not a techno-savvy person.
I call myself "techno-bobo," but
I appreciate the wonders of
computers and what great things it
can do to simplify our lives so that
decisions can be made faster. I'm
just really so mesmerized how young
people can really do magical things
with what I think is complicated
or complex.
9. "We provide what is good for the
youth. In fact, we are going to have
a Youth Thought Leadership Camp
next week. We shall have 118 student
leaders coming from various public
schools of Cagayan de Oro, Cebu,
Tacloban, Bohol, Quezon, the Bicol
Region, Tarlac, and Ilocos; student
leaders on their 3rd year and 4th
year of high school education. So we
are going to be sharing with them
the thought leadership advocacy of
Chairman MVP and the importance
of having a dream and planning on
which road to take to build their
future. Thus, aside from this, we shall
inculcate the importance of science,
innovation and we shall help them
find out how they can enhance and
15. "With knowledge and inspiration,
we entertain." You will find that we
hold Executive Talks very often.
We have brought Leadership and
Innovation gurus to Manila such as
Dr. Ned Sahin (Google glass), Dr.
Scott Anthony (Innovation Expert
and Author), Dr. Karl Yohansen
(Institute For The Future),
Azran Rani (Formerly with Air Asia,
now with iFlix) amongst many other
prominent figures in Science and
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Faith
and Religion, Music and Design."
16. "We shove back when we
are pushed."
17. "We welcome the freshness of
children, for they are like the first
flowers of spring. We welcome the
wisdom of our elders for without
them, there is no present."
18. "Ring the doors of our gates and we
shall embrace anyone who wishes to
see the beauty of a world that only
a Supreme Being can create, a world
created in our minds, present in
this place."
"IT IS
ALWAYS
GOOD TO
CAPITALIZE
ON THE
STRENGTHS
IN ORDER
TO SOLVE
PROBLEMS."
- Roy Agustin K. Evalle
FPLA Executive Director
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
73
probably even raise issues and thoughtprovoking questions so that they can
challenge each other at the end of the
day, solve their problem. There are
some workshops that are just the usual
jumping and rolling type of circus.
There are those which are melodramatic.
Some companies love these types of
interventions. We are not into that
although we can provide the venue
and probably the background music
and lights too, for effect. (Laughs)
There are some workshops that are
just the usual "feel-good" team building.
If that is the case, then one should just
infuse sports into the process and play
basketball or baseball. These are two
of the best forms of feel-good
team building designs.
HJ: Speaking of teams, in the First
Pacific Group—you could call it a 'team
of companies', of course—what in your
opinion are their common traits and
strengths, and what sets each one apart?
HJ: So a little more on your sprawling
ten (10) hectares. How do you think it
influences the training of the Academy,
the way the Academy imbibes these values
and philosophies in its students?
RAKE: You know, we’ve not been very
successful in bringing our Group here.
We just find it difficult to bring our
companies to Antipolo and maybe it is
because of the distance. Enticing them to
come over is a work in progress. But I’ve
asked a few of our major clients outside
the Group who are our major users, both
for our programs and facilities such as the
Shangri-La hotel chain, Jollibee Group,
the US Embassy, UNESCO, Manila Water
(laughter), Holcim, and JG Summit.
Comments seem to be positive and I guess
that’s the reason why they keep coming
back. Their usual comments run from, “it
is really a beautiful learning sanctuary” to
74
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“programs use very practical structured
experiences.”
Others say, “when you’re there
(FPLA), you are trapped in a meditative
sanctuary especially when one takes a
walk at the portion where you have the
fountains (Le Fontaine). We just wished
programs were conducted for more than a
day so we can enjoy the whole greenery.”
When FPLA invites Chairman MVP,
he makes time to be with leaders who are
in attendance of programs. He has always
attended leadership programs as a speaker
or as a participant. His attendance attracts
many leaders.
HJ: There are lots of these people that
come here of different backgrounds and
of course different needs. How would you
define a successful team building exercise?
Characteristics? Success indicators?
RAKE: I think a good team building
exercise is one that is diagnostic, and
one that is processed well. It becomes
more effective when objectives and
expectations are clearly set, and other
variables are well-defined such as the
players, the problems that beset the
team, the strengths and weaknesses of
the team and even the current dynamics
of people interrelationships. It is always
good to capitalize on the strengths in
order to solve problems. It is also key to
have an effective facilitator. Facilitators
should be able to process each and every
topic covered by the workshop. That
means knowing the problem, observing
the team's dynamics during the whole
workshop, and helping the team dissect
their problems. The facilitator does not
solve the problem... it's the team that
solves their problem. The facilitator
helps the team process the problem and
RAKE: Well, first we should remember
that like other large conglomerates, we
have legacy companies; I mean, they
have been in existence since before I was
born. Like other conglomerates, there
could be one that's more than a hundred
years old, there could be another that's
more than seventy years old, so forth
and so on. You could imagine the culture
they have. Some companies are very
patriarchal or feudal; there are companies
that are not really willing to change.
There are those that say they welcome
change but they do not really like to
change. There are some organizations
that are not innovative. They do not like
to challenge the status quo.
Opposite page, top: The First Pacific
Leadership Academy’s Roy K. Evalle (left)
in his spacious office, where he further
hones and practices his rich philosophy
of leadership.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
75
You see, when you run a
transformation journey, there are four
crucial players that have significant roles:
the formal leader or CEO, the head of
HR, the head of Finance, and the head
of Logistics. These four will have to be
enablers of change and transformation.
Even in my own field, Human Resources.
Can you imagine if you have a Head of
HR whose mindset is still attuned to the
Personnel Administration practices of
the 1970s or 1980s? Your organization
will never take off! You really have a
stifler of growth rather than an enabler
in that scenario. Your organization will
be doomed! I think I have expanded my
views on this matter in the recent issue of
Ars Ducendi, FPLA’s leadership magazine
(Mike Toledo Issue) which came out
last month.
On the other hand, there are
companies who are willing to change,
but are faced with certain constraints like
companies that are regulated. In cases like
this, the company may need to shepherd
the government regulator towards
learning new things and expose them to
innovation which will be beneficial to
both parties.
HJ: As a whole Group, what other
common traits do First Pacific Group
of companies share?
RAKE: Character. Character is very
important. Integrity, your character;
the way you treat people are all very
important. I searched the things MVP
has used in his speeches, and I zeroed
in on one very good one, which is now
written on the blue wall of our First
Pacific Hall lobby:
"What people in positions of power
must remember is not to be driven
by right, but to be driven by grace in
ensuring that strong characters are built.
Death comes to us all, even for kings it
comes, so exercise your power judiciously,
for the good of everyone, not only
for yourself."
It is a very thought-provoking quote.
HJ: Please discuss your insights on
the role of self-awareness in leadership.
RAKE: To be a very good leader, one
has to know himself very well. One has
to know where he came from, what his
reason for living is, why he is here in this
LED BY EXAMPLE,
LEADING FROM
EXPERIENCE
76
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
world, and what he should be giving to
the world to make it a better place to
live in.
This way, you have a very good
understanding of your limitations, your
defects, your shortcomings. It’s easier for
you to know where you’re good at, only to
find out you have more weaknesses pala
than strengths. If you know yourself, it's
going to be much easier for you to lead
others—whether you’re leading a group
of millennials, old baby boomers like me,
basketball or volleyball players, or even
your family.
One has to be intellectually
competent: you need intellectual
competence in your own field to be
respected and accepted. It’s always
important to start from base 1, which I
believe is knowing yourself. Being aware
of your defects, your shortcomings, your
weaknesses, accepting those, and then
doing something about them. And then,
you segue into finding out your strengths.
From these two, it’s going to be much
easier to lead other people.
CHARACTER.
Character is
very important.
Integrity, your
character; the
way you treat
people are all
very important.
I. Childhood and education
II. Work with multinational firms
Roy Agustin K. Evalle writes that he
was born in 1953 to Brig. Gen. Hortensio
G. Evalle of Zambales and Jovita L.
Katigbak of Lipa City, Batangas. Mr.
Evalle and his siblings were taught the
finer things in life including classical
music and overseas travel alongside
the values of frugality and humility. His
father was a disciplinarian, and would
periodically send the young Roy to live
with farmers and indigenous peoples in
Luzon and Mindanao. His mother, who
introduced him to the finer things of life,
also inculcated in him a lifelong devotion
to the Virgin Mary. He graduated in
1973 from De La Salle University and
was a member of the Jose Rizal
Honors Society.
Roy honed his Human Resource
Management skills in several
multinational firms. From his early
years with USI Philippines (Caterpillar),
where he earned his HR foundation,
he joined 3M Company’s Personnel
organization. As part of the company’s
Management Succession Plan, he
moved to Sales and Marketing. After
6 years, he joined a US computer
company in Manila, NCR Corporation
Philippines. In the 1980s, he was
eventually moved to NCR’s World
Headquarters in Dayton, Ohio where
he had a key role managing the HR
Pacific Region organization. He joined
another US computer firm, Burroughs
Corporation (now Unisys) and then
moved to a US semiconductor
company, Data General Philippines.
After heading the HR organization in
Manila for 3 years, he moved to Data
General’s Regional Office and headed
the HR Regional Office covering 8
countries.
III. Returning home and working
for First Pacific
Upon returning to the Philippines, he
worked for the Alsons Group before
transferring to Citibank, an experience
he considered very gratifying. In the
early 1990s, a global headhunter then
placed him with the Dharmala Group,
an Indonesian conglomerate where he
headed the Group’s HR organization
and was based in Jakarta.
He considered this experience
a humbling one and financially
rewarding, where he and his parents
lived comfortably until the fall of
Indonesian President Suharto in 1998.
Back at home, he spent some years
heading human resources at Nextel
Communications Philippines, Inc. and
Diversified Technology Solutions, Inc.
In 2007, he began his career with the
First Pacific Group. He started with
Maynilad Water as SVP for Human
Capital & Organization Development
and after 4 years, he was appointed
as General Manager for Leadership
Succession & Development, his
current post which he has held for
more than 4 years.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
77
R E MOT E
E N T E R P R I S E S
HOT JOE TALKS TO DELNET’S KLAAS OREEL
ABOUT HIS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PLDT
GROUP AND THE VSAT SOLUTION
78
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
79
the tricky field of systems integration
for remote areas, DelNet International
Corporation Chief Executive Officer
Klaas Oreel is the man to call. There are
no mountains high enough, valleys low
enough, and rivers wide enough to keep
his company from providing up-to-date IT
systems and network connectivity.
The company started in 1998 with
a partnership between Mr. Oreel, who
began his career as a radio officer sailing
on board Dutch Merchant Navy ships, and
the Aboitiz family. DelNet was created
to provide maritime communication and
navigation systems as well as ship service
maintenance for the Aboitiz Group’s
domestic and international vessels.
80
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Simultaneously, Mr. Oreel was also the
country manager for Alcatel-Lucent
Philippines. This marked the beginning of
his relationship with the PLDT Group and
Chairman Manny V Pangilinan.
After leaving Alcatel-Lucent, he was
invited by the Chairman to consult for
the Group, specifically with Blue Ocean
Wireless, a company that offered GSM
connectivity for ships.
When Aboitiz decided to divest
its maritime business assets such as
DelNet, Mr. Oreel and his wife (current
DelNet International Corporation
President Clementina V. Oreel) seized
the opportunity and bought the entire
company. Now solely at the helm, Mr.
Oreel steered DelNet into new horizons,
venturing towards other industries that
specialize in remote locations.
Today, DelNet offers solutions for
maritime, power and energy, oil and gas,
and mining companies, among others.
One of their landmark solutions is the
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT),
created in partnership with PLDT.
Reaching Remote Enterprises
with VSAT
Mr. Oreel reveals that “PLDT was
initially apprehensive” to go with VSAT.
That hesitation may have stemmed from
unfavorable experiences with another
satellite-based connectivity solution. But
he patiently kept at it with PLDT for over
a year, discussing how satellite technology
had dramatically improved. He was set to
prove it.
Convinced, PLDT gave Mr. Oreel the
go-ahead to deploy the VSAT network,
starting with a hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Currently, DelNet and PLDT have built
over fifty (50) VSAT sites around the
archipelago.
“I think that VSAT is a great solution
for PLDT,” Mr. Oreel said, “because they
can now service enterprise customers in
remote locations, which they were not
fully able to do before.” According to him,
customers choose VSAT for its rapid setup
and reliable network connectivity, along
with its expanded reach.
DelNet, during the early years, gained its
sea legs by exclusively providing high-tech
equipment for ships. The lessons they’ve
learned from that industry became the pivotal
foundation for their current business model
of providing systems integration for industries
operating in remote areas.
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Prior to VSAT, providing network
connectivity to remote sites was nearly
impossible. “You have to lay out miles
of fiber cable, which takes lots of time
and money,” he said. VSAT cuts this
process to just one to two days. All that
is needed is to erect an onsite satellite
antenna to transmit and receive data.
Mr. Oreel boasted that VSAT has
a “very conservative” service level
agreement (SLA) of 99.6%. To put
that into context, that translates to
a guaranteed uptime of 363.5 days
in a year. Behind this remarkable
reliability is the fact that VSAT boosts
its signal during rainy weather—the
Achilles’ heel of older satellite-based
connectivity solutions. And VSAT does
this automatically— “a microsecond
adjustment,” he elaborated.
It is worth noting that Smart
Enterprise is also using the satellite
technology to strengthen its nationwide
reach. A considerable number of
Smart’s remote cell sites around the
country are VSAT-powered. Mr.
Oreel added that VSAT can also serve
as a backup solution for city-based
enterprises, keeping them online if
main connections cut out.
Greater Opportunities
on the Horizon
Mr. Oreel is currently working
with PLDT to make VSAT more
valuable for Philippine enterprise
organizations. He shared that they
are deploying a proof-of-concept
motorized satellite antenna system.
Among the many companies who may
capitalize on this would be broadcasters
who could use VSAT in transmitting
content while on the move.
“I’m always on the lookout for
things to do with PLDT,” he remarked,
adding that other projects in the pipeline
involve providing connectivity for
our Armed Forces, as well as creating
an end-to-end coastal protection
and surveillance system. He credits
these nascent projects to the strong
partnership he has nurtured with PLDT.
“I personally feel like I’m part of
the family,” he shared. “When I go inside
the PLDT building, I always feel that
I’m one of them.”
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- Klaas Oreel
DelNet International Corporation
Chief Executive Officer
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
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Were OU
There
1
2
THE IT-BPM INDUSTRY FACES THE DIGITAL ERA
GLOBAL IT-BPM LEADERS
CONVERGED FOR THE
SEVENTH ANNUAL
INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS
PROCESS MANAGEMENT
SUMMIT CO-PRESENTED BY
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
The 2015 International Information
Technology and Business Process
Management Summit (IIS): “Global
Leaders Addressing Global Issues” once
again drew BPM executives and other
key stakeholders from around the world
for two days of interactive sessions,
business-building opportunities, and
lively social activities.
Held at the Marriott Grand
Ballroom, the two-day conference
explored current global technology
issues that are shaping the Information
Technology and Business Process
Management (IT-BPM) industry.
Delegates engaged in various plenaries
and breakout sessions, each featuring a
panel of experts to discuss insights and
best practices.
During the session “Tech Review:
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What Works and What Doesn’t,” PLDT
VP and Head of Enterprise Strategic
Solutions John Gonzales joined a panel
of industry notables to examine the
impact of new, sustainable technologies
– known as Social, Mobile, Analytics, and
Cloud (SMAC) – for IT-BPM firms. In his presentation “Weathering
the Next Big One: How Prepared Are
We?,” PLDT Head of Business Solutions
Gary Ignacio stated the importance of
a well laid-out business continuity plan,
to assure the industry’s uninterrupted
service delivery, amidst any disaster. Philippine President Benigno Aquino
III graced the IIS as its closing keynote
speaker, declaring with confidence during
his address that “IT-BPM is on its way to
become a 25-billion-dollar industry.”
To end the summit on a celebratory
note, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise hosted
the IIS culminating gala. The Marriott
Grand Ballroom was transformed into
a magnificent palace adorned with
eye-catching décor for a popular Asian
theme: the “Diwali Night,” India’s
biggest and brightest festival of lights.
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez
welcomed the guests and shared his
excitement for the colorful evening
ahead. “Diwali is one of the most
celebrated festivals in India. Together
with this festive event, our farewell
dinner is our way of celebrating the
continued success of this important
IT-BPM Summit.”
Throughout the night, everyone
enjoyed the energizing Indian-inspired
dance performances of Bangs Garcia,
Daiana Menezes, and Aiko Climaco, as
well as the live band’s modern take on
classic upbeat songs.
Selected delegates also participated
in the games, with winners receiving the
newest iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab
units. Several GoPro cameras, as well as
premium tickets to events such as the
International Premier Tennis League, the
Lifehouse concert, and the much-awaited
Sting and Chris Botti concert were raffled
off to lucky delegates in attendance.
“We at PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
take our hats off to the IBPAP Board
of Members, event organizers, partner
organizations, and the delegates who
participated in this year’s summit. True
to our commitment to the industry, let us
treat tonight as our advanced celebration
as we continue to reach our projected
revenue target of 25 billion dollars in
2016,” claimed Mr. Hernandez.
1.
Seated together with President Benigno Aquino III
(3rd from right) are: (L-R) former DILG Secretary
Mar Roxas, Jomari Mercado, DTI Secretary Gregory
Domingo, Dan Reyes, and Lito Tayag. Standing
behind them are (L-R): Jovy Hernandez, Cathy
Ileto, Karen Batungbakal, Benedict Hernandez,
Bong Borja, and David Leechiu
2.
Genny Marcial, Oscar Lizardo, Alvin Juban,
Feliz Ayque, and Gary Ignacio
3.
Jomari Mercado, President and CEO of IBPAP
4.
Jojo Uligan together with PLDT officials Mitch
Locsin, Cat Arellano, MeAnne Pagsuyuin, Kaye
Bondoc, Elenita Garcia, Jelly Perez, Justine
Calderon, Tina Pizzaro, Maricar Miranda, Emily
Reyes, and John Gonzales
5.
Monnet Hamlin, Mike Frausing, Kamal Narang,
Dan Reyes, Cathy Ileto, Monchito Ibrahim,
Jomari Mercado, and Ritin Dhawan
6.
John Gonzales, PLDT VP and Head of Enterprise
Strategic Solutions, participated in the panel
discussion.
7.
Gary Ignacio, PLDT Head of Business Solutions,
presented “Weathering the Next Big One: How
Prepared are We?”
8.
Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management, during the summit’s
press conference
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11
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19
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12 13
9.
Jovy Hernandez with Erik Nielsen
10. Arup Maity, Earl Valencia,
John Gonzales, Vladimir Manuel,
and Jonathan De Luzuriaga
14
15
11. The delegates learned the latest
PLDT offerings at PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise’s exhibit booth.
19. Jovy Hernandez, PLDT FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and Smart Enterprise, delivered the
welcome remarks to formally start
the Diwali Night.
12. PLDT executives conversed with
the summit delegates during their
networking session breaks.
13. Paolo Alejandro La’O and
Mitch Locsin
14. Danny Cuevas, John Gonzales,
and Kamal Narang
15. Jojo Uligan, Paolo Alejandro La’O,
and Wilfredo Sa-a Jr.
16
23 24
25
20. Jovy Hernandez along with all the
grand raffle winners during the
farewell dinner
21. Ending this year’s IIS, guests enjoyed
and relaxed at the Indian-inspired
farewell dinner.
16. Kamal Narang, Kajneesh Tiwary,
Stephan Eschler, and Josep Alias
22. Jovy Hernandez, Precy Katigbak,
Jomari Mercado, and Mikey Smyth
17. IBPAP executives, together with
summit sponsors, came together
for the IIS press conference.
23. Bangs Garcia entered the Marriott
Grand Ballroom in a princess
carriage.
18. Bea Lim, Mitch Locsin, Rosemarie
Quinto Rey, and Hans Montenegro
24. Representatives from Cognizant
26
25. Aiko Climaco showed off some of her
signature moves.
26. Raffle winner Victoria Banzon
received premium concert tickets.
27. Jojo Uligan, Steven Satchel,
Praveen Tatia, Jeff Mendoza,
and Sunil Kumar Gupta
28. The Indian-inspired festival featured
traditional dances.
17 18
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
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30
36 37
38 39
28 31
32 33
40 41
29. Jovy Hernandez and Rommel Regino
42
30. Gary Ignacio, Cesar Venadas, and Lito Tayag
37. Trivia game winner Vikram Basotia with
Bangs Garcia
31. Kamal Narang, Jovy Hernandez, Sonny
Valdez, Cesar Venedas, Gary Ignacio,
Vikram Singh, and Rahul Dewan
34
35
38. Jasmine Fitzgerald demonstrated a few
dance steps as she led the showdown.
32. Bangs Garcia heightened the crowd’s energy
with her opening dance number.
33. Dennis Magbatoc with Bambi Santos,
Frederic Tshidimba, and Henry Abes
34. Ed Kasunuran posed with the belly dancers.
35. Josefina Reyes and Vic Tria
36. The enchanting belly dancers sported their
best Indian pose.
39. Paolo Alejandro La’O, John Gonzales,
Vikram Basotia, and Vithram Kumar
43
40. Daiana Menezes performed a riveting
dance number.
41. The trio played iconic Indian instruments,
producing classical Indian music that the
delegates truly enjoyed.
42. April Anne, Mark Hernandez, Carlo Mato,
and Allan Quiocho
43. Participants of the contest gamely showed
their winning dance moves.
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1.
Seated (L-R): Orlando Vea, Ian Wilson,
Napoleon Nazareno, and Eric Alberto
Standing (L-R): Cesar Enriquez
and Jovy Hernandez
2.
PLDT Business Head Ben Melasa,
PLDT VP and Head of Relationship
Management Mitch Locsin, First Life
Financial Co., Inc. President and CEO
Peter Coyiuto, First Life Financial Co.,
Inc. EVP - Actuary Meng Santiago,
and First Life Financial Co., Inc. ISD
Manager Nito Alveniz
3.
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez
4.
Starcom MediaVest Group CEO
Leah Besa-Jimenez
5.
Standing (L-R): Jeff Mendoza,
Anton Javellana, Anna Chelo
Obedencio, Jay Lagdameo,
and Luigi Lopa
Seated (L-R): Edison Dungo and
Allen Bacallan
6.
Templo Horacio, Precy Katigbak,
Ann Carandang, Elvie Calaminos,
and Cris de Jesus
7.
ZALORA Philippines Marketing
Director Tolian Gjika
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WIDENING THE ZONE
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE AND
VOYAGER INNOVATIONS BRING
BRANDS AND CUSTOMERS
CLOSER THAN EVER BY
LAUNCHING THE SAFEZONE
FREE INTERNET PLATFORM
Together with Voyager Innovations,
Inc., PLDT ALPHA Enterprise unveiled
the SafeZone free mobile Internet
platform before industry leaders at the
Makati Diamond Residences. SafeZone
is a Business-to-Business-to-Customers
(B2B2C) solution that gives "zero-rated"
or free online access to millions of Smart
and Sun subscribers.
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise and Smart Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez kicked off the morning
event by discussing mobility's growing
importance and high penetration rate
in the Philippines. SafeZone, he said,
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
empowers companies to extend services
to more Filipino smartphone users,
including those without structured data
plans.
Starcom MediaVest Group CEO
Leah Besa-Jimenez then discussed
SafeZone’s value from a marketing
perspective. ZALORA Philippines
Co-Founder and CEO Paulo Campos
III and ZALORA Philippines Marketing
Director Tolian Gjika meanwhile shared
how the platform helps the online
retailer renew its focus on mobile and the
expansion of its customer base.
Smart AVP and Head of M2M/
IoT and Digital Mobility Chet Alviz
then presented SafeZone's features and
registration process for enterprises. He
added that Voyager Innovations also
offers social media marketing services
and market research tools to SafeZonesubscribed companies.
The event’s highlight was the debut
of several dozen new "SafeZone Circle"
member companies from the banking,
healthcare, food, travel, and insurance
industries, among others. PLDT and
Smart Chairman and CEO Napoleon
L. Nazareno, PLDT/Smart Executive
Vice President and ePLDT President
and CEO Eric R. Alberto, Voyager
Innovations President and CEO Orlando
B. Vea, and other PLDT officials shook
hands with representatives from these
new corporate partners. A sumptuous
lunch capped off the morning event,
along with a raffle in which four guests
won Samsung tablets.
“In today’s increasingly B2B2C
ecosystem, companies need a complete
digital strategy to maximize their online
presence and connect deeper with their
consumers who are becoming more
tech-savvy and price conscious,”
said Mr. Alberto.
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8.
SafeZone partner Manila Hotel represented
by Valerie Ty and Nian Rigor
9.
SafeZone partner Medilink represented
by Cris de Jesus
10. Smart AVP and Head of M2M/IOT
and Digital Mobility Chet Alviz
11. ZALORA Philippines Co-Founder
and CEO Paulo Campos III
12. SafeZone partner Tripmoba and ePerformax
represented by Paul Villena
13. SafeZone partner Maxicare represented
by Templo Horacio
14. SafeZone partner Air Mauritius represented
by Angeline So
8
15. SafeZone partner Shakey’s represented
by Chie de Leon
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23
17. SafeZone partner Air Canada represented
by Leah Gamboa
21. SafeZone partner Nestlé Philippines
represented by Imelda Marasigan (center)
with PLDT’s Chet Alviz, Eric Alberto,
Napoleon Nazareno, Orlando Vea,
Jovy Hernandez, and Nico Alcoseba.
18. SafeZone partner FWD Life Philippines
represented by Andelle Valeza
and Kristian Buan
22. Donna May Lina, Emma Arceo,
Ruby Montoya, Christopher Candalla,
and Ino Mandapat
19. SafeZone partner BDO represented
by Maria Theresita Torres and Ken Tiambeng
(center) with PLDT’s Eric Alberto, Napoleon
Nazareno, Orlando Vea, Jovy Hernandez,
Nico Alcoseba, and Chet Alviz.
23. PLDT Relationship Managers join
SafeZone partners and other guests
at the launch.
16. SafeZone partner MediCard
represented by Kate Joaquin
11
10
20. Jojo Gendrano, Ken Tiambeng, and Tep Misa
12
13
24
24. Voyager Innovations Chief Executive
Officer Orlando Vea, Ortigas & Company
Property Manager Monch Sumulong,
Voyager Innovations Chief Operations
Officer Benjie Fernandez, PLDT
Relationship Manager Len Lingad-Oreta,
and Ortigas & Company Shopping
Centers Division Marketing Manager
Dondi Santos
25. Anna Marie Lacorte, Maria Theresita
Torres, Tovi Mendoza, Valerie Nicole Ang,
Ken Tiambeng, Jojo Gendrano, and
Mari Javier
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26. TDG Ventures President and Group
Chief Innovation and Information Officer
Zaki Delgado with PLDT Relationship
Manager Shandra Tecson, TDG Technical
Head Paul Villena, and PLDT AVP and
Business Head of Government Joy Hilao.
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A MARKETPLACE FOR DIGITAL IDEAS
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE AND
THE ASIA CEO FORUM INSPIRE
DISRUPTION AT THE ASIA DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION SUMMIT
The Makati Diamond Residences
became a powerhouse of ideas as
regional business executives and thought
leaders gathered for the Asia Digital
Transformation Summit. PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise, in partnership with the Asia
CEO Forum, presented the day-long
affair themed “Business Innovation with
Digital Technologies.”
“The world is changing, faster than
ever. What does that mean? The way we
do business must also change,” PLDT
FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez said in his opening
presentation. “There’s a saying that
businesses today have no choice but to
go from “bricks and clicks”—advice that
we must embrace now more than ever.”
Mr. Hernandez stressed the
importance of going mobile as digital
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
adoption rates soar worldwide. He zeroed
in on Southeast Asia and specifically the
Philippines as prime territories, detailing
the opportunities presented by a younger,
more mobile, and connected Filipino
consumer market.
C-level and senior executives spoke
through the course of morning and
afternoon sessions, with each ending
in a panel question session. Speakers
discussed Social, Mobile, Analytics,
and Cloud (SMAC) from a regional
perspective, especially their impact on
operations and customer engagement.
Mr. Hernandez was joined by ten
(10) other lecturers: IDC Asia/Pacific
Digital Transformation and Big Data
Regional Lead Daniel-Zoe Jimenez,
Flyspaces.com CEO Mario Berta,
Lamudi CEO Jacqueline van den Ende,
iFlix Country Head Sherwin dela Cruz,
syncHRony Global COO Andrew
Leonard, Multimedia Development
Corporation VP Michael Warren,
Tata Consultancy Services Country
Manager – Philippines Vikram Singh,
Phunware EVP, Global Software Sales
Mike Snavely, Cognizant Technology
CIS Practice Head Keith Jones, and
BusinessMirror VP for Corporate Affairs
Ricky Alegre.
Panelists at the summit were:
Marketing Cross Media CEO
Dov Allin, Philippine Marketing
Association President Henry Tenedero,
Hoppler COO Ramon Ballesca,
Facebook Growth and Partnerships
Manager Dikshant Chopra, Smart
Enterprise Head of Internet and Media
Partnerships Jim Ayson, and ZALORA
Marketing Director Tolian Gjika.
Asia CEO Forum President Rebecca
Bustamante closed the event, inviting
guests to mingle and exchange thoughts
on the digital transformation
of enterprise.
“On behalf of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and the Asia CEO Forum,
we would like to thank our speakers and
guests for their insights,” Mr. Hernandez
said. “Businesses must adapt as the world
changes at an accelerated pace through
SMAC. We hope our global, regional,
and local colleagues use the ideas from
this summit to drive action in digitally
transforming their enterprise.”
5
6
1.
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez
2.
Asia CEO Forum’s Richard Mills
3.
(L-R): Panelists Dov Allin of Marketing
Cross Media, Hoppler’s Ramon Ballesca,
Facebook’s Dikshant Chopra, Smart’s
Jim Ayson, and ZALORA’s Tolian Gjika.
4.
IDC Asia/Pacific’s Daniel-Zoe Jimenez
5.
syncHRony Global’s Andrew Leonard
6.
FlySpaces.com’s Mario Berta
7.
(L-R): RR Donnelley’s Kaushik Sarawgi,
PhilPay’s Frank Shrope, BusinessMirror’s
Ricky Alegre, Vikram Singh, Multimedia
Development Corporation’s Michael
Warren, and Keith Jones.
8.
Phunware’s Mike Snavely
9.
Cognizant Technology’s Keith Jones
10. Tata Consultancy Services’ Vikram Singh
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MVP Cup 2015 Winners:
PLDT Class
Second Runner-Up: John Gonzales
First Runner-Up: Finina Gorres
Champion: Gene de Guzman
Class C
Second Runner-Up: Sonny Magundayao
A CHERISHED GOLFING TRADITION
THE BIGGEST NAMES IN
PHILIPPINE ENTERPRISE ONCE
AGAIN GAVE IT THEIR ALL FOR
THE 14TH ANNUAL MVP CUP
A sunny and crisp November morning
at the prestigious Wack Wack Golf and
Country Club framed the perfect setting
for one of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise’s
most anticipated annual events: The MVP
Cup. This celebrated competition and
showcase of excellence always demands
that players bring their A-Game. And this
year, invited golfers were happy to oblige.
Now on its fourteenth year, the MVP
Cup honors a long-standing tradition of
first-rate sportsmanship and camaraderie
between PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and valued partners. It’s the perfect
opportunity to team up and conquer the
tricky mental challenges that golf always
presents.
Throughout the daylong tournament,
participants exhibited impressive swings,
monster drives, and skillful putts. And
after eighteen thrilling holes, some players
clearly dominated the competition.
Finishing first in their class were Gene de
Guzman for the PLDT Class, Matthew
Squires of International SOS for Class C,
Willy Maldia of Banco Alabang for Class
B, and Pepito Angeles of the Senate of the
Philippines for Class A. Jaime Fernandez
of Benlife Insurance emerged victorious
as the overall tournament champion. Each
participant also received fun hole items as
well as a brand new GoPro camera after
submitting their scorecards at the end of
their flight.
As always, the customary fellowship
night at the clubhouse ended the
tournament on a high note. This year’s
performances kicked up the energy to
what many could describe as joyous levels.
Instrumentalists from Da Capo provided
the night’s entertainment, serenading the
guests with smooth musical numbers.
Of course everybody loves raffle
draws and MVP Cup 2015 gave away
some amazing ALPHA prizes. These
included several two-night-stays at the
Forest Lodge in Camp John Hay; hover
boards; Samsung Gear S2; 48” Samsung
Curved UHD TV units; and the personal
transporter, Ninebot.
In between draws, Smart Enterprise
officially launched its newest iPhone
6s and 6s Plus plans. Smart Enterprise
Senior Manager for Segment Marketing
Debbie Ledesma led the unveiling of
the company’s newest offerings. Brand
new units were then handed out to those
who signed up for the plans during the
day, making them among the first in
the country to possess Apple’s latest
smartphone. Additional units were also
raffled off that night.
And in a dazzling highlight, PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise pledged two brand
new Toyota cars as grand prizes. Jamie Yu
of BDO won a Toyota Altis while
Puskar Mishra of Hinduja Global
First Runner-Up: Ariel Abadilla
Champion: Matthew Squires
Solutions took home a Toyota Camry.
“Our participants are getting better
every year. Their excellent performance
on the course is a clear reflection of the
competitive spirit they bring to their
respective organizations,” remarked
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez. “We hope that our
clients and partners enjoyed being
part of this year’s tournament and I
personally look forward to their continued
participation in succeeding MVP Cups.”
“The fourteenth annual MVP Cup
once again showcased the Philippine
enterprise community’s wonderful
camaraderie,” said PLDT/Smart EVP
and ePLDT President and CEO
Eric R. Alberto. “On behalf of the
PLDT Group, I thank everyone who
joined us this year, especially our sponsors:
CATS Motors, Autohub, Nissan, Lexus,
Republic Surety, Samsung Enterprise,
and Cignal/Bloomberg Philippines.”
“This yearly tournament is one of
the many ways we express our gratitude
to the Philippine enterprise community
for continually choosing PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise as their trusted partner,”
said PLDT Group Chairman Manny V
Pangilinan. “We look forward to 2016 and
the many opportunities it presents for
Philippine enterprise organizations. And
we wish everybody a Merry Christmas
and a Prosperous New Year ahead.”
Class B
Second Runner-Up: Januario Ramos
First Runner-Up: Michael Aquino
1
2
3
4
Champion: Willy Maldia
Class A
Second Runner-Up: Andres Cornejo
First Runner-Up: Jones Tulod
Champion: Pepito Angeles
Overall Champion: Jamie Fernandez
1.
PLDT Group Chairman Manny V
Pangilinan
2.
PLDT and Smart President and CEO
Napoleon Nazareno
3.
Eric Alberto acknowledges the
sponsors who contributed to the
success of this year’s MVP Cup.
4.
Jovy Hernandez commends the players
for their remarkable performance on
the course.
5.
The grand raffle and hole-in-one prize
cars welcomed participants before they
proceeded to the course.
5
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WERE YOU THERE
6.
A new, paperless-based registration
system was implemented for this
year’s MVP Cup.
7.
Mimick Vergara, Jaime Yu,
and Jojo Gendrano
8.
Gilbert Arandia, Masahiko Tsuchiya,
and Protaco Bantayan
9.
Raymond Lacdao, John Gonzales,
Eulalio Austin, Jr., and
Richard Santos
WERE YOU THERE
6
10. The players exchange a friendly
high-five in between a quiet round
of golf.
11. Klaas Oreel, Victor Batungbakal,
Ambassador Lalduhthlana, and
Raymond Ravelo
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18 19
8
12. Kit Angeles, Manuel Sequeira, Finina
Gorres, and Kenneth Hartigan-Go
13. Gerone Jimenez, Jaime Jose Javier,
Jr., and Olivier Jean
14. These fine gentlemen show us their
GoPro camera giveaways plus their
fun hole prizes.
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10
20 21
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15. Victor Genuino, Michael Kho, Jose Vicente Alde,
and Jay Lagdameo
22
16. Mitch Locsin, Ed Doctolero, and Danny Cuevas
17. Peng Perez de Tagle, Frankie Baretto,
Arthur Tugade, and Eric Alberto
18. Munish Mahajan, Jeff Mendoza, Brett Medel,
and Ranie Velasco
19. This MVP Cup tournament participant showcased
his perfect form for the camera.
20. Toyota Camry winner Pushkar Misra and Toyota Altis
winner Jaime Yu
21. Stephen Wang, Jovy Hernandez, and Richard Patterson
22. Peter Cruz, Don Felbaum, Chris Butt, and Marlo Cruz
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23
23. Tournament participants stayed on for the
fellowship night after a full day of golfing.
29 31
24. Napoleon Nazareno (left) and Eric Alberto
(right) present the award to Jason Lim, who
received it on behalf of Class A champion
Pepito Angeles.
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25
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29. Class B winner Willy Maldia (center), joined by
Eric Alberto (left) and Jovy Hernandez (right).
25. Boy Castañeda, Robert Garcia,
and Manuel Sequiera
30. Eric Alberto, Marixi Prieto, and PLDT Group
Chairman Manny V Pangilinan
26. PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and Smart Enterprise Jovy
Hernandez with the winner of the Samsung
Curved UHD TV Rudy Fulo
26
31. Jovy Hernandez (right) and Annie Mauleon (left)
from Smart Infinity awards Gary Legarda his
brand new iPhone 6.
27. Raymond Lacdao, Napoleon Nazareno,
MVP Cup 2015 Overall Tournament
Champion Jamie Fernandez, and PLDT/
Smart EVP and ePLDT President and CEO
Eric Alberto
33
28. The winners of the two-night stay at the
Forest Lodge in Camp John Hay with
Mitch Locsin (right)
32. Each tournament participant got to pick a prize
even before heading to the course.
33. The winners of the Hoverboard together with
Mitch Locsin (right)
34. Eric Alberto (left) thanks the team behind
this year’s MVP Cup for organizing another
successful tournament.
35. These men and women gleefully smiled for the
camera as they become one of the country’s
first owners of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.
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28
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
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WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
ASIA CEO AWARDS
2015 WINNERS
Philippine Airlines Hospitality
Destination of the Year
●● Marriott Hotel Manila
1
Technology Company
of the Year
●● EcoSystem Technologies, Inc.
I-Remit Heart for OFWs
Company of the Year
●● Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc.
(ASKI) Global, Ltd.
ADEC Innovations Green
Company of the Year
●● EMotors, Inc.
2
ALL TOGETHER NOW FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
SUPPORTS THE ASIA CEO
FORUM IN CELEBRATING
THE BEST IN PHILIPPINE
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
The Philippine enterprise community
was united as one at the Marriott Hotel
Grand Ballroom to once more recognize
business leadership excellence at this
year’s Asia CEO Awards. PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise and the Asia CEO Forum
presented the Awards, which are now on
its sixth edition.
Light harp music entertained invitees
as they enjoyed cocktails and mingled
for all-so-essential networking. ABSCBN News Channel (ANC) presenter
Ron Cruz then formally opened the
ceremonies. Afterwards, PLDT FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
and Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez
delivered his welcome remarks that were
reflective as well as appreciative of the
Awards and its advancement of business
leadership ideals.
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Economist, author, and University
of Asia and the Pacific Professor
Dr. Bernie Villegas later shared
thoughts on the Philippines’ economic
transformation, as well as his experience
and perceptions as part of this year’s
Board of Judges.
Guests dined on gourmet cuisine
as musical theater veterans Isay Alvarez
and Robert Seña serenaded them. Vocal
group The Company bookended the
event with lively musical numbers as well.
Foremost among the citations
handed out is the 2015 Lifetime
Contributor of the Year award, honoring
individuals from the private and public
sectors who have made positive impacts
on the economy and worked selflessly
towards nation building. Secretary of
Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario
and PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT
President and CEO Eric R. Alberto
presented the awards to DMCI Holdings,
Inc. Founder and Chairman Emeritus
David Consunji (accepted on his
behalf by his son, Isidro Consunji) and
Philippine Ambassador to the United
States and former Philam Life President
and CEO Jose Cuisia, Jr.
“Every year, the Awards bring
together the top business leaders from
the country and the rest of the region
to celebrate the best of the best in
business,” Mr. Hernandez said. “With the
world’s eyes zeroed-in on the Philippines
for the APEC Summit, and in light
of the ongoing ASEAN economic
integration, tonight’s celebration certainly
underscores the country’s status as a
formidable global player.”
“I’m so touched to see all of you
here who have joined our vision of
making the Philippines a business hub
in Asia. Thank you all for believing in
that vision,” Asia CEO Awards President
Rebecca Bustamante said during the final
toast. “Let us continue working handin-hand to help one another reach that
vision. We are one, we are solid. Asia
CEO Awards 2016. Congratulations;
Mabuhay tayong lahat!”
Capital One Young
Leader of the Year
●● Abrea Consulting Group,
Inc. President and CEO
Raymond Arnedo Abrea
SHORE Solutions Most Innovative
Company of the Year
●● My-Checkpoints
(Mo-Anima, Inc.)
ADP Service Excellence
Company of the Year
●● Cognizant Technology Solutions
ICM CSR Company of the Year
●● PMFTC, Inc.
3
4
1.
Proud nominees for the Smart Global
Filipino Executive of the Year award
2.
Jovy Hernandez and Eric Alberto with
Kevin Tan (center) who received the Smart
Global Filipino Executive of the Year award
on behalf of his father, Andrew Tan
3.
Isidro Consunji receiving the
Lifetime Contributor of the Year award on
behalf of his father, David Consunji.
4.
Jovy Hernandez giving his
opening remarks.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
ASEAN Company of the Year
●● WiPro BPO Philippines Ltd., Inc.
JLL Expatriate Executive of the Year
●● Royal Cargo, Inc. Group
CEO Michael Raeuber
Smart Enterprise Global Filipino
Executive of the Year
●● Alliance Global Group, Inc.
Chairman and CEO Andrew Tan
syncHRony Global Top Employer
of the Year
●● ANZ Global Services and
Operations Manila, Inc.
KPMG Executive Leadership
Team of the Year
●● Clark Development Corporation
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
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WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
12 13
14 15
5
6
16
8
7
5.
Rebecca Bustamante congratulating
the winners in her closing speech.
6.
ADP Service Excellence Company of
the Year awardee Cognizant Technology
Solutions with other finalists on stage
7.
Jon Kaplan, Miguel Garcia,
Jay Lagdameo, and Vikram Singh
8.
Lindsey Orr, Sheila Lobien,
Precy Katigbak, Vic Betita,
and Dick Perez
9.
JLL Expatriate Executive of the Year
awardee Michael Raeuber, Group CEO
of Royal Cargo, Inc. (4th from left),
together with other finalists
10. Dick Perez, Don Felbaum,
and Jay Lagdameo
11. Zeus Divina, Hanica Pacis,
and Ino Mandapat
12. Guests by the ballroom doors during
the prestigious event
13. Marriott Hotel Manila receives
the Philippine Airlines Hospitality
Destination of the Year award, flanked
by other finalists.
14. KPMG Executive Leadership Team of
the Year winner Clark Development
Corporation, with other finalists
9
10
11
17
15. Richard Mills thanking sponsors and
saluting the Philippine enterprise
community.
16. Capital One Young Leader of the Year
honoree Raymond Abrea, President
and CEO of Abrea Consulting Group
Inc. (5th from left), with other finalists
17. Richard Mills, Jomari Mercado,
Precy Katigbak, Jay Lagdameo, Oscar
Sañez, and Lindsey Orr
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WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
DAVAO
1
2
PASASALAMAT
D AVA O
FESTIVE NIGHTS OF ABSOLUTE WANDERLUST
THE PLDT PASASALAMAT NIGHT
REGIONAL SERIES BROUGHT
ENTERPRISE CUSTOMERS
ON AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR TO
SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST
FASCINATING DESTINATIONS
Now even grander in scale and
energy, the PLDT Pasasalamat Night
2015 took its partners from Davao,
Cebu, and North Luzon on an exciting
journey like no other. The travel-themed
Wanderlust set the tone for the nightime
tribute to different cultures from around
the world.
Arriving guests went through an
event check-in, where PLDT officials
welcomed them with passports as well
as arrival cards later on collected by
the ALPHA “immigration officers.”
Afterwards, they then received imitation
dollar bills to purchase goods at a
simulated Duty Free outlet. Once
completed, the attendees proceeded
to the venue for a night of world-class
entertainment.
TV5 actress and FHM July cover girl
Valeen Montenegro was the host for all
three regional celebrations, opening the
festivities with a vibrant performance
along with the JStar Dancers. She then
introduced PLDT FVP and Head of
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and Smart
Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, who
officially welcomed the guests to an
evening of Wanderlust.
The PLDT Pasasalamat Night’s
regional series mapped out an exciting
itinerary for the guests. First off
were thrilling American rock music
performances from the Generation band
in Davao, Alessis in Cebu, and Funky
Brew in North Luzon. The JStar Crew
returned onstage for a kinetic Korean
Pop (K-pop) inspired dance number,
followed by a show-stopping IndianSpanish dance medley from Brazilian
model-actress Daiana Menezes. For the
last stop in their journey, guests enjoyed
themselves, singing along to Filipino rock
music favorites played by Davao’s very
own Flight 99 band, Cebu-based rock
group Karma band, and once again a
rousing performance by Funky Brew.
In between performances, guests
actively participated in the travel-inspired
games: an “Around the World” trivia
match, several challenging rounds of
“Blind Chinese Takeout,” and the
“International Charades” contest.
Winners received Delsey trolleys
while runners-up were given premium
travel luggage.
The celebration continued with
PLDT officials raffling off the latest
gadgets such as iPad units, GoPro
cameras, and LED TVs. Trips for two to
Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan, were
also given away to lucky attendees.
As the tour neared its end, Ms.
Montenegro, Ms. Menezes, and the JStar
Dancers performed their captivating
dance finale. With the night still young,
guests partied on to another set of
powerful rock music anthems with the
different bands from each regional leg.
“What a journey it has been! We at
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise have made
it our commitment to reach across the
nation for the annual PLDT Pasasalamat
Night,” said Mr. Hernandez. “Now
bigger and better than in previous
years, this celebration continues as our
special way of thanking you, our valued
clients and partners, for your support
throughout the year. As we approach
2016, we would like to wish you a Merry
Christmas and a promising New Year of
even stronger partnerships.”
1.
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Jovy Hernandez welcoming
attendees onboard.
2.
Dancers setting the stage ablaze.
3.
Generation band playing classic
rock-and-roll hits.
4.
Guests enjoying one of several mesmerizing
dance numbers.
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4
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WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
DAVAO
5.
Muraleedharan Chandran, Alexander
Fergusson, Jimmy Chua, Jon Omandam,
and Charles Comyn
6.
Dick Perez announcing one of the
raffle winners.
7.
Maria Lorina Aurora, winner of a trip
for two to Japan
8.
Daiana Menezes belting out Laklak.
9.
Francie Calderon with her new 40” LED TV
DAVAO
10
5
10. Attendees excitedly queuing to
shop at the “Duty Free” booth.
11. Bryan Lasala, Jimmy Chua, and
Wilbert Aquino
12. Contestants show off their skills in
a round of "Blind Chinese Takeout."
13. Happy shoppers at the
"Duty Free" booth.
14. Dick Perez, Josef Ledesma, Dottie
Wurglur-Cronin, Jimmy Chua, Pearl
Peralta Maclang, and Alan Abrina
6
7
8
9
11
13
14
12
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WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
CEBU
CEBU
7
1
2
6
9
8
10 11
3
PASASALAMAT
C E B U
1.
Jovy Hernandez welcoming guests to an
evening of Wanderlust.
2.
Mr. Hernandez introducing the Cebu-based
PLDT Team to the guests.
3.
Guests enjoying this year’s PLDT Pasasalamat
Night 2015 Wanderlust tour.
4.
Participants playing a friendly match of the
Around the World trivia game.
5.
PLDT officials awarding the raffle winners.
4
6.
Mayor Mike Rama of Cebu City thanking the
PLDT Group for its continued high quality
service across the nation.
7.
Arriving attendees showing off their
“passports” and “arrival cards.”
8.
Guests happily showing off their “purchased
goods” from the simulated Duty Free outlet.
9.
Jay Lagdameo, Mayor Mike Rama,
and Jovy Hernandez
5
12
13
10. Valeen Montenegro enticing the crowd with
her riveting performance.
11. Cebu Chamber of Commerce Board of
Trustees with Jimmy Chua
12. Tayen Canoy, Reggie Magalso, Joe
Mercado, and Jovy Hernandez
13. Hazel Tabugon, Teddy Gan, Barbara Tan,
and Jimmy Chua
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WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
NORTH
LUZON
NORTH
LUZON
9
1
10
2
11 12
3
9.
Guests holding their gift items from the
Duty Free booth.
10. The GoPro raffle winners with the
PLDT officials
11. Some of the attendees showing off
their chosen giveaways.
4
5
13
PASASALAMAT
NO RT H LUZON
Some of the guests participating in the
"Blind Chinese Takeout" game.
2.
Guests having a good time while watching
the performers.
3.
Guests completing their event check-in.
6
4.
Myke de Guzman and Carlos Echavaria
8
5.
Daiana Menezes and Valeen Montenegro
giving the guests a captivating
dance performance.
6.
The Funky Brew band playing classic
American hits.
7.
Daiana Menezes making her grand
entrance in a princess carriage.
8.
Jay Lagdameo, Joy Hilao, Mykee de Guzman,
Cito Dichioco, and Dennis Magbatoc
15. Major Sonny Gonzales, Joseph de
Guzman, Tzaddie Fernando, Reynaldo
Malate, Josef Dulay, Florante Doriano,
and Louie Metra
7
14
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
13. Dick Perez, Boy Castañeda,
Eric Alberto, and Jovy Hernandez
sporting the ALPHA sign.
14. Noel Rebosura, Louie Metra, Lorie
Bengog , Dennis Cabigao, Onald David,
Romel Nuesca, Gabriel Abenosa,
and DH Durian
1.
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12. Raffle winners receiving their travel ticket
prizes from PLDT executives.
16. Amor Diaz, Martyn Taylor, Girlie
Evangelista, and Adonis Cuevas
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
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WERE YOU THERE
WERE YOU THERE
1
2
ENABLING NORTH LUZON’S DIGITAL
ENTERPRISE TRANSFORMATION
ENTERPRISE CUSTOMERS IN
CLARK AND LA UNION DISCOVER
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
AND WAYS TO PROTECT DATA
AGAINST DISASTERS AT THE
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE
DIGITAL ROADSHOW
In its mission of Enabling the
Digital Enterprise across the Philippines,
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise recently
held a series of events in North Luzon
featuring insightful talks by experts from
PLDT and their technology partners.
The PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Digital Roadshow was held first at
the Widus Hotel in Clark, and then at
the Thunderbird Hotel and Resort in
La Union. Both days were well attended
by representatives from top enterprise
organizations of North Luzon, who
took the opportunity to capitalize
on the PLDT Group’s gamut of
digital solutions.
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For both legs, PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Strategic Solutions Architect
Francis Arjonillo kicked things off
by providing a primer on how PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise can now support
an organization’s digital transformation
through solutions leveraged on social,
mobile, analytics, and cloud. He was
followed by PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Product Manager Rommel Sia, who
outlined the immense flexibility BPOs
enjoy when they use the PLDT Cloud
Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS).
Enrique Velasco of Sandz Solutions
then stressed the importance of
preparing for disasters with the help
of PLDT Cloud Disaster Recovery
as a Service (DRaaS). The financial
implications can be severe as a business
can experience downtime and lost data
due to inadequate backup strategies.
Finally, PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Product Manager Michelle Sy wrapped
things up by sharing how PLDT Cloud
DRaaS can easily be integrated and
augmented with PLDT’s Managed ICT
Solutions. Later on, portable power
banks and JBL Bluetooth speakers were
raffled off at the conclusion of each leg.
“In this day and age, enterprise
organizations of all kinds and sizes must
use innovative technologies at every part
of their value chain, fueled by data,”
said Mr. Arjonillo. “That is why it is
important we impart valuable insights
on how we can support them through
our comprehensive digital solutions
portfolio.”
“It is equally important that
these organizations protect their
data—today’s most valuable
resource—against disasters, both
natural and man-made. We found out
throughout this roadshow that most of
our enterprise customers here in North
Luzon did not have a formal business
continuity plan in place. We at PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise, together with
Sandz Solutions are more than happy
to help them implement an effective
business continuity plan for their IT
infrastructure, powered, of course, by
our best-in-class solutions such as
PLDT Cloud DRaaS.”
1.
Participants from various industries gather
for the La Union leg of the roadshow.
2.
Participants listening intently at the Widus Resort
and Casino during the Pampanga leg.
3.
The winner of a JBL power bank (center) flanked
by PLDT North Luzon Relationship Manager
Mike Catan and Francis Arjonillo.
4.
The lucky winner of a PLDT ALPHA power bank
(center) poses with (L-R) PLDT’s Francis Arjonillo,
North Luzon Relationship Manager Rex Gongora,
Sandz Solutions Managing Director Henry Velasco,
and Onald David.
5.
Francis Arjonillo talks to attendees about
SMAC solutions for enterprise.
6.
Henry Velasco imparting insights on ensuring
data readiness in any event.
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W I D E R
D
E
E
P
E
R
P L DT AL P H A EN TER P R IS E EN HA N C ES
T H E CO M PA N Y- CO N S U M ER
R E L AT I O N S HIP W IT H SA F EZO N E
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could be headed to total connectivity
faster than we ever thought possible.
Global mobile cellular penetration could
reach 97% by the end of 2015, according
to a factsheet released by the International
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Telecommunication Union (ITU). At
the same time, the Philippines—Southeast
Asia's third biggest smartphone
market—could see a smartphone
penetration rate of around 50%.
As consumers spend more time on
even more screens, companies are
honing their focus on mobile assets.
These include eCommerce sites which
are shifting from a desktop-only
configuration to mobile-optimized assets.
However, for a long time the mobileenhanced customer experience was limited
to postpaid subscribers. "Zero-rated"
sponsored data or toll-free Internet setups
are bridging the gap to prepaid subscribers
who once faced data usage charges
as barriers to engagement.
Empowered Transactions
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise and
Voyager Innovations, Inc. brings the
sponsored data model to the country with
SafeZone. It is a business-to-businessto-customer (B2B2C) solution that lets
companies engage with a wider range of
Smart and Sun subscribers.
Businesses who use SafeZone can
register up to five (5) domains and
include URLs, IP addresses, and mobile
applications. Voyager Innovations handles
the zero-rating processing, as well as free
online marketing services for SafeZone
companies. For guaranteed service
delivery, SafeZone will offer billing and
post-sales reports alongside market
research platforms.
Because it enables faster transactions,
the platform increases operational
efficiency for enterprises through more
convenient customer transactions.
To activate additional sales channels,
SafeZone transforms mobile sites and
applications into powerful customer
touchpoints. This has the immense
potential to drive up sales.
Bigger and Better Ties
The growing SafeZone Circle now
includes a wide range of companies with
interests in banking, food and beverage,
healthcare, online retail, and travel, just to
name a few. Several of these companies
have maximized their mobile capabilities
by offering iOS and Android applications
on the network. Even news organizations
use SafeZone for their audiences.
This range of enterprise value makes
the dedicated platform the most-visited
community site in the Philippines. High
traffic boosts brand visibility for SafeZone
companies, increasing patronage while
lowering promotional expenses.
In the digital age, marketers know
that engagement strengthens brand
affinity. Subscribers can link SafeZone
accounts to their Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram profiles; this spreads brand
affinity and engagement values even
further and wider.
SafeZone takes the business-to-client
relationship to another level of reach and
engagement. It effectively combines a
consistent brand presence across multiple
devices coupled with responsive customer
service—quite essential in today’s mobile
economy. Key industry players are already
leading the way with SafeZone and
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise, and more
and more enterprises are following suit.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
119
PLDT, SMART INK
DEAL WITH GMA-7
FOR CONNECTED
ELECTIONS COVERAGE
Leading telecoms and digital
services provider PLDT, together with
its mobile unit Smart Communications,
has signed a partnership with leading
TV network GMA-7 to become the
telecommunications and connectivity
provider for the station’s extensive
coverage of the presidential elections
next year.
PLDT will provide the TV
station’s fixed and mobile connectivity
requirements for its most high-tech
broadcast of “Eleksyon 2016.”
“PLDT and Smart are one
with GMA-7 and its other partner
organizations including leading
broadsheet Philippine Daily Inquirer in
making a significant contribution in the
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
country’s efforts for clean and honest
elections next year,” said PLDT and
Smart President and CEO Napoleon
Nazareno. “PLDT’s extensive fixed
and mobile networks will help GMA-7
gather and report the most accurate and
latest news on the coming polls on a
timely basis.”
Marked by a ceremonial signing of
partners staged at GMA-7’s network
center, PLDT joins the other partners
in business, government, socio-civic
organizations, digital media, and
academic institutions, to help secure
a credible and simultaneous coverage
of the regional polls.
“This election is happening at
a crucial period when the flow of
information is more dynamic, freer, and
faster than ever before. We will witness
an elections coverage that is online, on
social media, mobile, quick, up-close,
and personal, in addition to traditional
media,” said GMA-7 Chairman and CEO
Felipe L. Gozon during the launch of
Eleksyon 2016.
“Our partnership has been tested
and proven to be rock-solid over the
years. We are very confident that while
we may have a formidable task ahead of
us, together we will succeed as before
to deliver our commitment to each and
every Filipino who continues to believe
in the power of democracy,” he added.
Front Row (from L-R): GMA Network journalist
and presenter Arnold Clavio (2nd from left), GMA
Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Mel Tiangco
(5th from left), GMA Network President and
COO Gilberto Duavit, Jr., Radio GMA SVP and
RGMA Network, Inc. President Mike Enriquez,
PLDT and Smart President and CEO Napoleon
Nazareno, GMA Network Chairman and CEO
Felipe Gozon, and GMA Network journalist and
presenter Jessica Soho (4th from right) join other
coalition partners on stage following the official
signing ceremony.
PLDT LAUNCHES
MANAGED SECURITY
SOLUTIONS TO PROVIDE
END-TO-END PROTECTION
FROM CYBER ATTACKS
Leading telecoms and digital services
provider PLDT, through its Information
and Communications Technology (ICT)
subsidiary ePLDT, has expanded its suite
of global standard IT security solutions
to provide enterprises with critical
protection against cyber attacks.
ePLDT Managed Security
Solutions (MSS) is designed to deliver
comprehensive protection at various
entry points of attack, be it through
web, mobile, email or applications. The
suite offers a full spectrum of security
solutions— firewall, IPS, anti-virus,
anti-spam, anti-bot, and SSL inspection
– that, combined with the highly robust
and secure infrastructure of the VITRO
Data Center network and its pool of
experts as well as professional tech
support personnel, empowers enterprises
to significantly reduce and manage cyber
attack risks.
ePLDT’s offering comes at a very
opportune time. According to research
conducted by Kaspersky Lab, the
Philippines is among the top 50 countries
most attacked by malware such as
Trojans, worms, and viruses. Cybercrime,
which includes hacking of online account
information and other data theft, has
also become an increasingly growing
occurrence. With this recent spate of
cyber security threats, it has become an
imperative for enterprises to employ the
best solutions to mitigate and prevent
breaches within their IT systems.
“We have designed a fully managed
security suite that looks at cyber security
from every angle to ensure that our
customers are well protected at every
stage of the IT lifecycle,” explained
Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT SVP & COO.
“Our customers also have the option to
select the kind of protection they want
to employ in their organization. Apart
from the very robust protection already
being delivered by our standard package,
we can help customers enhance their
IT system with layered security that’s
intuitive.”
ePLDT also noted that in the past,
available IT security solutions were
mainly reactive and not designed to
catch the wide variety of threats present
today. A recent market insight by Gartner
Institute, however, showed two major
cyber security shifts: one that focused
on detection and response, and one
that focused on the establishment of
protocols for cyber security risk response
and mitigation.
“Cyber attacks cause not just huge
financial losses – ultimately, it can lead
to loss of customer confidence and
trust,” shared Eric Alberto, PLDT/
Smart EVP for Enterprise, International
& Carrier Business Group and ePLDT
CEO. “ePLDT’s Managed Security
Solutions enable enterprises to have a
higher level of security, and protect not
just their bottomline, but ultimately their
company’s reputation from the impact
of cyber security breaches. The launch
of this service is in-line with the
PLDT Group’s mission to be a
trusted end-to-end ICT partner to
the Enterprise market.”
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121
PLDT AND AKAMAI
PARTNERSHIP SET TO
BOOST ENTERPRISE
INTERNET EXPERIENCE
ALLIANCE TO PROVIDE
CONTENT DELIVERY
NETWORK SOLUTIONS
PLDT has recently announced its
partnership with global leader Akamai,
becoming the first local channel partner of
one of the world’s largest Content Delivery
Network (CDN) service providers and
the first telecom company in the country
to offer a full suite of CDN solutions for
enterprises.
The alliance is seen to boost
businesses’ Internet experience through
faster content availability and access.
Akamai is the leading provider of CDN
services for delivering, optimizing, and
securing online content and business
applications. Distributed across the
globe in over 110 countries, the Akamai
Intelligent Platform™ delivers secure,
high-performing web experiences on any
device, from any location, and delivers over
two trillion Internet transactions daily.
This advanced capability, combined
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with PLDT’s nationwide network, will be
of great benefit to Philippine enterprises.
For one, they will be able to provide their
markets with a faster, high quality, and
more secure web experience. It will also
reduce the risk on data theft through its
extensive suite of web security solutions.
Media delivery is also enhanced with
download rates improving through faster
performance.
PLDT and Akamai’s partnership is
notably valuable given the continuous
growth in the use of digital channels for
companies to reach their markets. As
content management and distribution
become more ubiquitous, enterprises
would need reliable systems such as those
offered by PLDT and Akamai to ensure
their customers are able to access their
companies’ information when and where
they need it.
“Today, digital content – whether
it’s video, other shareable visuals, or
even other online applications – has
proven to be an indispensable tool for
companies to reach their customers,”
shared PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez. “Our
alliance with Akamai puts us in the perfect
position to support our enterprise clients
as they leverage on digital technology
to create more meaningful connections
with their own customers, by enabling
them to optimize web and mobile user
experiences.”
“Furthermore, this strategic alliance
will enable us to deliver and manage
content delivery from anywhere in the
world, as we leverage on Akamai’s reach
and scale with more than 200,000 servers
globally – still with the most number of
servers versus other CDNs to date,”
added Hernandez.
"With an increasing number of users
going online to shop, complete banking
transactions, connect via social networks,
and access content, companies need
to be able to provide fast, reliable, and
secure experiences to their customers
across devices,” said Graeme Beardsell,
Managing Director, Markets, Asia Pacific
& Japan, Akamai Technologies. "PLDT
is the leading telecommunications service
provider in the Philippines, and with this
strategic partnership, we are excited to
share their commitment to help businesses
grow and drive their brand forward in this
increasingly connected world.”
(From L-R) Corporate Business Solutions Head
Gary Ignacio, First Vice President & Head of
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise Jovy Hernandez, PLDT/
Smart Executive Vice President and ePLDT
President & CEO Eric Alberto, Managing Director,
APJ Markets of Akamai Technologies Graeme
Beardsell, Regional Vice President, Carriers, APJ
of Akamai Technologies Duncan Nursey and
Business Development Director, SEA of Akamai
Technologies Nurul Ali Gan
NTT COMMUNICATIONS
AND PLDT TO PROVIDE
DATA CENTER SERVICES
IN PHILIPPINES
NTT Communications Corporation
(NTT Com), the ICT solutions and
international communications business
within the NTT Group of Japan, one of
the world's largest telecommunications
services providers, and Philippine
Long Distance Telephone Company
(PLDT) (PSE:TEL, NYSE: PHI), the
Philippines' leading telecommunication
and digital services provider, agreed on a
collaboration partnership on November
5 to provide Nexcenter™ solutions
in the Philippines and promote
cross-selling.
Under the agreement, Philippine
corporations with international
operations will be able to use NTT
Com’s globally standardized high-quality
Nexcenter™ services at some 140
locations in 84 cities of 19 countries, in
addition to NTT Com’s Arcstar Universal
One private-network service, which
is already available in the Philippines
and which is largely used by the BPO
industry in the Philippines.
PLDT, supported by NTT
Com, expects to gain Nexcenter™
accreditation for its two existing main
data centers [VITRO and IPC] and in
order to begin providing Nexcenter™
services by January 2016. In addition,
PLDT will incorporate Nexcenter™
standards in a new data center now under
construction, which also will be launched
as a new Nexcenter™ facility. These
additions will strengthen Nexcenter™
as the No. 1 data center brand in the
Asian region.
Also, NTT Com will use this new
partnership model to further expand the
Nexcenter™ footprint to other regions
where high demand for data center
services exists among companies looking
to expand and enhance their businesses.
“With this partnership, PLDT
will fortify its lead in the enterprise
space as it elevates its enterprise data
center and ICT service offerings
to the next level and as we leverage
on the world-class expertise and
extensive global infrastructure of NTT
Communications,” said PLDT President
and CEO Napoleon Nazareno.
“We are confident that this
partnership will help bolster the country’s
economic development and we look
forward to giving our local enterprises a
much needed world-class ICT boost, as
they pursue their respective initiatives to
expand locally and/or, overseas,” he said.
NTT Com’s Nexcenter™ data
centers offers world-class services backed
by quality, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.
Going forward, NTT Com will
further enhance its global seamless ICT
solutions as it continues to expand its
data-center business worldwide.
NTT Com's data centers provide
seamless global ICT platform, with
colocation, hosting, network and security
services, as well as high-quality facilities,
industry-leading SLAs, universally
consistent operations and multilingual
support. NTT Com supports customers
by providing high-quality, disasterresistant, and ecological data centers that
meet business continuity and corporate
social responsibility requirements.
The NTT Group of Japan holds a
20% stake in PLDT. The NTT Group
continues to work closely with PLDT
to enhance the PLDT Group's technical
expertise and further develop its network
infrastructure and digital services.
Seated (L-R): PLDT Chairman Manny V Pangilinan
and PLDT and Smart President and CEO Napoleon
L. Nazareno with NTT Communications’ President
and CEO Tetsuya Shōji and Board Member Akira Arima.
Standing: First Pacific Company Ltd CFO Christopher
H. Young (2nd from left) and PLDT/Smart EVP and
ePLDT President and CEO Eric R. Alberto (3rd from
left) with (L-R) NTT Communications’ Executive Advisor
Masahiko Tsuchiya (leftmost), Senior Executive
VP Katsumi Nakata (4th from left), SVP Motoo Tanaka,
VP Fumitoshi Imaizumi, and VP Hideaki Ozaki.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
123
SMART ENTERPRISE
ELEVATES
ENTERPRISE
MOBILITY,
PRODUCTIVITY
WITH BLACKBERRY
PARTNERSHIP
Leading wireless provider Smart
Communications, a subsidiary of PLDT,
through its enterprise business group
Smart Enterprise, announced today
it has partnered with BlackBerry®
to make available to customers here
in the Philippines the BlackBerry
Enterprise Portfolio. This includes
BES®12, a multi-OS EMM solution
by BlackBerry that helps manage and
secure smartphones running Android™,
iOS, Windows Phone® as well as
BlackBerry® 10 and the BlackBerry
OS. In addition to reselling BES12,
Smart Enterprise will also be offering
BBM Meetings, BBM Protected and
WatchDox® by BlackBerry® as part of a
secured collaboration suite.
BES12 is the foundation for
BlackBerry's extensive portfolio of
enterprise security, productivity, and
communication and collaboration
services that will help Smart Enterprise
customers in the Philippines to securely
connect employees with each other and
with the corporate information and
devices that are required to get their
jobs done. Smart Enterprise customers
can opt to deploy BES12 on premise
using the company’s network or through
BES12 Cloud, which uses a web-browser
interface that does not require server
installation.
The BlackBerry value added
services which are part of the secured
collaboration suite include:
•BBM Meetings, which provides
users high-quality audio and video
124
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
conferencing capabilities that
leverage the collaboration benefits
and functionality that BlackBerry®
is known for.
•BBM Protected, offering an enhanced
security model for BBM messages
sent between smartphones. BBM
Protected brings regulated industries
the most secure and reliable real-time
mobile messaging experience in the
industry.
•WatchDox® by BlackBerry®, which
enables organizations to securely
connect employees with each other
and with corporate information
across all mobile and desktop
platforms. WatchDox® technology
is unique because it allows security
to travel with shared files on both
mobile and desktop devices to give
organizations full visibility and
control over how files are edited,
copied, printed, or forwarded.
“We’ve seen how mobile devices
have become indispensable tools not
just for personal interactions, but also
for professional communications,” said
PLDT First Vice President and Head
of Smart Enterprise Jovy Hernandez.
“Making the suite of BlackBerry®
enterprise solutions available to our
customers, particularly those with mobile
workforces, will mean we can help them
increase their productivity through
dependable, real-time access to sensitive
data. More importantly, customer's data
remain protected, as BES12 leverages
BlackBerry’s strength in delivering bestin-class security.”
Howard Stevens, SVP, Global
Carriers at BlackBerry said, “Today’s
business world thrives on bringing
ideas together any place, any time and
it is our priority to meet the complex
mobility needs of our customers. We
are excited to be partnering with Smart
Communications, as customers in
the Philippines can now benefit from
solutions which streamline the operating
environment and provide convenience
and flexibility, while enhancing their
productivity.”
Smart Enterprise Senior Product Officer Christian
Almendarez, Blackberry Technical Solutions Manager
Michael Gow, Blackberry Security- Global Advisory
Service Vice Presisent Sinisha Patkovic, Smart
Enterprise Senior Manager for Segment Marketing
Debbie Ledesma, and PLDT Relationship Manager
Leslie Samonte
VITRO DATA CENTER
IS NOW PCI-DSS
CERTIFIED, THE FIRST
IN THE PHILIPPINES
ePLDT, the Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) arm
of the PLDT Group, has announced that
its VITRO Data Center in Pasig is now
the first data center in the country to
receive the Payment Card Industry Data
Security Standard (PCI-DSS) Version 3.1
certification by Controlcase.
Created by a consortium of
international credit card companies,
the PCI Data Security Standard is a
stringent set of standards and protocols
that protect cardholder data from credit
card fraud. Controlcase audited, assessed,
and certified VITRO Pasig’s physical
space, data storage, and security profiles
according to the international standard’s
established guidelines.
The flagship of the VITRO Network
of Data Centers, VITRO Pasig scores
another milestone in meeting global
standards for quality and compliance.
With this latest certification, companies
are assured that their IT infrastructure
hosted within the data center can enable
safe and secure financial transactions.
VITRO Pasig’s other notable
world-class certifications also include:
ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management
System, ISO 27001:2005 Information
Security Management System, ISO
14001:2004 Environmental Management
System, ISO 20000-1:2011 Information
Security Management System, and
ISO 22301:2012 Business Continuity
Management System.
“Credit card transactions represent
an essential and sizable volume of
business for the banking and financial
industry, as well as eCommerce players.
PCI Data Security Standard assures
companies that they may confidently
and securely host data, platforms and
applications in VITRO. This also will
serve organizations who have customers
that require PCI-compliant local facilities
– making VITRO truly world class,” says
PLDT FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Enterprise Jovy Hernandez.
"As more businesses make the
journey to e-commerce and online
transactions, PCI DSS compliance
becomes absolutely crucial to guard
against growing cybercrime and online
fraud incidents. It definitely adds
more value to VITRO customers
and prospective collocators, as the
certification elevates their respective
IT setups to the next level of trust and
security. Enterprise organizations can
now choose to host their critical financial
data and systems in a PCI DSS certified
data center facility, allowing them to
uphold corporate reputation and protect
confidential information of end users,”
says ePLDT Group Chief Operating
Officer Nerisse S. Ramos.
“Adhering to globally-embraced
operational standards is part of our
mandate to keep attuned with the needs
of enterprises, with our VITRO Network
of Data Centers playing a key role. This
new security standard assures secure
online transactions for companies and
their customers. This further lays the
groundwork for greater eCommerce
adoption in our country. This way,
VITRO provides a strong foundation to
foster the transformation towards a more
digital enterprise,” says ePLDT President
and CEO and PLDT/Smart EVP and
Head of Enterprise, International, and
Carrier Business Eric R. Alberto.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
125
A TRADITION OF ETHERNET EXCELLENCE
PLDT NAMED RETAIL
SERVICE PROVIDER
OF THE YEAR AT THE
MEF EXCELLENCE
AWARDS 2015 FOR
CARRIER ETHERNET
SERVICES
PLDT, the country’s leading
telecoms and digital services provider, is
once again the only Philippine company
honored at the MEF Excellence
Awards 2015 held recently in Dallas,
Texas. The annual MEF Excellence
Awards—which focus on developments
and best practices for Carrier
Ethernet services and applications for
enterprises—are the largest and longestrunning event of its kind.
PLDT won Retail Service Provider
of the Year – Asia Pacific for the second
consecutive year, while PLDT Network
Engineer for Product & Services
Network & Platform Solutions Marjory
Sy was named the MEF Carrier Ethernet
Certified Professional (CECP) of the
Year. PLDT was also a finalist for the
Service Provider Awards and Enterprise
Application Awards, while Ms. Sy was
also nominated as Industry Person
of the Year.
Carrier Ethernet solutions are
ubiquitous, standardized, carrierclass service and network that are
used by large local and multinational
enterprises such as those in banking and
finance, business process outsourcing,
manufacturing, telecom, IT industries,
and public sector institutions. Its five
attributes, namely: Standardized Services,
Scalability, Reliability, Quality of Service,
126
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
and Service Management, distinguish
Carrier Ethernet from the more familiar
customer local area network (LAN).
"PLDT has consistently been
an active contributor to the Carrier
Ethernet industry, and has shown strong
leadership in propagating the adoption
of Carrier Ethernet in the Philippines.
Being a consistent winner in the MEF
Excellence Awards year-on-year, PLDT
clearly recognizes the value of expanding
its network capacity and reach, fortifying
its network capabilities as well as
equipping its Carrier Ethernet end-toend service team to deliver excellence to
its clients. Congratulations to PLDT for
the job well done,” said MEF President
Nan Chen. PLDT has been the only
Philippine company cited in the MEF
Excellence Awards for the past five years.
“We are again honored by these
recognitions from the distinguished MEF.
We shall endeavor to sustain this tradition
of excellence through the continuous
improvement of our infrastructure and
services, supported by our people’s
dedication and expertise,” said PLDT
Chairman Manuel V Pangilinan.
“These awards inspire us to try to
outdo ourselves every year, to reaffirm
our commitment in giving our customers
reliable, international-grade Carrier
Ethernet 2.0 solutions, together with
unmatched high-quality services. We
remain focused in adhering to
the evolving global industry standards
on innovative telecommunication
services, as it provides the foundation
towards enabling the digital enterprise,”
added PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT
President and CEO Eric R. Alberto.
The MEF Excellence Awards
recognizes the best services, technology,
professional excellence, leadership, and
innovation in the global Carrier Ethernet
community. The Awards were given at
the MEF Global Ethernet Networking
(GEN 15) 2015 conference gala.
PLDT was awarded Retail Service
Provider of the Year – APAC for its
implementation of retail Carrier
Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0) and Third
Network connectivity services in the
region. PLDT provides Metro e-Line
(point-to-point), Metro e-WAN
(any-to-any), Metro e-Tree
(rooted-multipoint), and Metro e-Access
PLDT Senior Product Manager
Irene de Guzman (2nd from right)
receiving the 2015 Retail Service
Provider of the Year – Asia Pacific
award, flanked by industry analysts
and other winners.
(interconnection) with port- and
VLAN-based applications of these
solutions, available under its Carrier
Ethernet 1.0 (CE 1.0) and CE 2.0
certifications. Ms. Sy was meanwhile
awarded MEF-CECP of the Year for
leadership in the expansion of Carrier
Ethernet around the world as well as the
most outstanding contributions to the
Carrier Ethernet Technical Community.
Serving on the judges’ panel
this year were senior analysts from
Current Analysis, Frost & Sullivan,
IDC, IHS Infonetics, Metanoia, Ovum,
SDxCentral, and Vertical Systems, joined
by independent judges.
PLDT is the first service provider in
the world to obtain CE 2.0 certifications
for all 8 Ethernet services in 2013.
In addition, it continuously invests in
bolstering the Ethernet capabilities
of its people. The company now has
the highest number of MEF Carrier
Ethernet Certified Professionals
(CECP’s) in the country.
It was also awarded the Regional
Service Provider of the Year–APAC in
2012, the Retail Service Provider of the
Year–APAC in 2014, and is a three-time
winner of the MEF Carrier Ethernet
Award for Best Marketing Campaign.
An industry alliance consisting
of nearly 220 member organizations
based in 43 countries, the MEF operates
through a powerful collaborative
framework of service providers,
network solutions suppliers, and
other stakeholders to achieve CE 2.0
certification and Lifecycle Service
Orchestration (LSO) development and
globalization objectives.
Building on fourteen years of
success with Carrier Ethernet, the
MEF is now focused on Lifecycle Service
Orchestration development to enable
agile, assured, and orchestrated services
over more efficient, automated networks.
The MEF’s vision for the transformation
of network connectivity services and
the networks used to deliver them is
referred to as the “Third Network,”
which combines the on-demand agility
and ubiquity of the Internet with the
performance and security assurances
of CE 2.0.
2015 Ethernet Excellence Award Winner
Retail Service Provider of the Year – APAC
(2015)
2015 Ethernet Excellence Award Winner
MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified
Professional of the Year
2015 Ethernet Excellence Award – Finalist
Service Provider Awards
Enterprise Application Award
Industry Person of the Year
Winner
Retail Service Provider of the Year – APAC
(2014)
Three-Time Winner
Best Marketing for the Asia-Pacific Region
(2011 - 2013)
Winner
MEF Regional Service Provider of the Year – APAC
(2012)
Highest Number of MEF Carrier Ethernet
Certified Professionals (MEF-CECPs)
in the Country
First service provider in the world
to obtain Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0)
certifications for all eight Ethernet services
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
127
In this section, HOT JOE gives you a visual digest
of recently-posted online articles, written by our
thought leaders at PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Securing Consumer Data through the Digital Humanist Manifesto
The Digital Humanist Manifesto
In the digital economy, companies have the responsibility to shore up security.
But even in ecosystems running more devices than people, Gartner encourages
enterprises to institute security policies that are always people-focused. As a guide,
they have released a Digital Humanist Manifesto.
THE DAWN OF
THE DIGITAL
ECONOMY
Jobs in the Digital Age: Out with the old, in with the new
The digital economy may phase out some jobs. However, new occupations will
surely emerge. Therefore, companies need to either re-educate employees, update
existing skill sets, or be on the lookout for new talent to fill those future occupations
and specialties.
PUT PEOPLE AT THE CENTER
Start by observing people,
learning from their behavior
BY: J OV Y HER N A N D EZ
In this article, PLDT FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise
Jovy Hernandez, illustrated the
prevalence of Internet-connected
devices, as well as how increased
investments in IT and digital
advertising have paved the way
for the new digital economy. He
persuades enterprises to assign their
IT departments with dual identities,
to widely embrace the Internet of
Things, to evolve the workforce, and
to better secure data without intruding
on end user rights.
Innovate or Die: The Emergence
of the Bi-Modal IT Model
As the IT landscape widens and
evolves, there are more opportunities
for companies to innovate. With
this in mind, Peter Sondergaard,
Senior Vice President of Gartner
and Global Head of Research said IT
organizations can be bi-modal. They
must act both like marathon runners
and sprinters.
Emergence of New Jobs
– such as data scientists,
mobile app developers, and
community specialists for social
networks
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Jobs Moving Across Borders
– the Internet has enabled
certain jobs to move offshore
(e.g. the Philippine contact
center industry)
Take people’s privacy
into account during the
entire lifecycle
EMBRACE UNPREDICTABILITY
Mode 1
(The Marathon Runner)
Mode 2
(The Sprinter)
▪▪ Reliable for the
▪▪ Agile; Always ready
▪▪ Good at
▪▪ Good at new and
long haul
conventional
process, projects
▪▪ IT-centered
▪▪ Works with timelines
that last for months
128
RESPECT PERSONAL SPACE
BIMODAL IT NOTABLE TRAITS
Allow people within the
ecosystem to figure out
for themselves how best
to use the technology
through experience
for quick response
uncertain projects
▪▪ Works with timelines
that last for days or
weeks
Transformed Jobs
– With all companies becoming
more and more data-driven,
there is an increase of demand
for data administrators across all
industries
Jobs Disappearing
– Technology and automation
has made certain jobs nearly
obsolete (ex. postal workers,
travel agents)
Visit the URL to read more and follow
Mr. Hernandez on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/dawn-digital
-economy-jovy-hernandez
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
129
SECOND SCREEN
SECOND SCREEN
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND:
RETHINKING BUSINESS STRATEGIES
FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
PIVOT OR PERISH:
WINNING THE
CONSUMER IN
THIS DIGITAL AGE
BY: J O H N G ON ZA L ES
BY: GARY IGNACIO
In this article, PLDT
Vice President and Head of
Enterprise Strategic Solutions
John Gonzales argues that
technology is just the means
to an end. This is especially
true with regards to digital
transformation. According to
him, it’s the strategies behind
the technology that are the
keys to a successful digital
enterprise. He encourages
companies to always endeavor
in understanding customer
digital behavior, as well as in
remaining open to new ideas
with the help of a digital
advisory board.
Evolving for the Customer
Many think that all it takes
to digitize your enterprise’s
customer engagement strategy
is to create a website, open a
Twitter account, and/or build
ON YOUR DOORSTEP
BEFORE YOU EVEN
ORDERED IT
Enabling 360-Degree
Business Transformation
with the Help of Digital
Advisory Boards
Digital transformation
must be holistic and inclusive
of all business segments.
Technology must be thought
of as an enabler of each
and every function in the
business. Business leaders
across the organization must
Amazon recently filed a
patent for what they call
“anticipatory shipping.”
This system uses big
data to predict what
customers want and
then ship the products
automatically before they
even order it. Have you
been binge-reading on
Haruki Murakami? In the
future, Amazon has the
capability to deliver to
your home a new novel
immediately after you
finish the last one.
130
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
mobile applications. But of
course it goes further and
deeper than that.
Successful digital
transformation starts with
understanding customers and
creating fundamental changes
within your organization that
revolutionize the customer
experience and create more
value. This is where big data
and analytics can come in
handy.
stay on top of trends and
their implications on their
businesses. They must also
discover new ways to leverage
new technologies for success.
One way this can
be addressed is for an
organization to create a digital
advisory board with internal
and external experts advising
the executive team.
What are Digital
Advisory Boards?
●● Usually comprised
of individuals under 50
years of age
●● May work within or outside
the industry
▪▪ Sometimes comes
from the fields of
gaming, digital
communities,
and data visualization
●● Help organizations
innovate on a digital
level
Digital Advisory Boards
in Action
The Digital Advisory
Board that counsels the UK
Government Digital Service,
or gov.uk, has fostered a
number of innovations
for British citizens (such
as online-centered voter
registration and driver exam
scheduling), regardless of the
Conservative Party mandate
on austerity measures and
spending cuts.
In his article, PLDT
Senior Manager and
Broadband, Data Center,
and Cloud Category Head
Gary Ignacio explains that
millennials will become
the primary workforce and
consumer group by 2025. He
thus strongly recommends
that both startup and
established enterprises must
turn millennials into loyal
customers by embracing
the sharing economy,
pivoting business models
for the multi-platform
digital age, as well as seizing
innovative technologies for
more enriched customer
experiences.
Sharing or Ownership
The Digital Advisory
Board for the US retail
chain Target has suggested
equipping stores with “smart”
shopping carts, linked to
customer mobile phones.
It is worth noting that
this recommendation was
spearheaded by the 38-year
old CEO of Match.com.
Visit the URL to read more
and follow Mr. Gonzales
on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/
begin-end-mind-rethinkingbusiness-strategies-digital
-john-gonzales
Today, the sharing
economy is an accepted
service that has strong draw
and appeal for millennials.
The words Uber and Airbnb
have been adapted as verbs
because of the role they play
in people’s lives. “I need to
go from Point A to Point B;
I’ll Uber!”
Uber’s investment has
grown 6,000 percent
in only five years
Airbnb’s investment
has grown 750
percent since 2009.
Digitizing The Enterprise
Being “digital” in this day
and age should not only be
limited within the confines of
IT departments. Companies
must use digital technologies all
throughout the organization,
especially for customer-facing
departments.
The as-a-service-based
model is spreading beyond
IT. Music, movies, and the
like are no longer found in
tangible storage devices like
CDs and mp3 players but are
now accessed through apps like
Spinnr and iFlix.
Pivot or Perish
The sharing economy
is not the only product of
digitization. Traditional
products and services are
forced to adapt and convert
to prosper in the digital
economy. Thus, companies
now are not asked to “cope
with” the changes. They
must—no ifs, ands, or buts—
transform into digital-based
companies.
CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout
explained that the
world’s leading news
organization has evolved
from being a cable
television news channel
to a multi-platform
news organization that
is present on TV, the
Internet, and apps.
As consumers become more
mobile-centric, companies are
now expected to provide rich
engagement on smartphones
and handheld devices. You
cannot expect millennials to
waste precious time stuck in a
queue just to check salary or
account balance. They prefer
“banking” via mobile apps,
finishing morning transactions
in their pajamas.
In addition, some companies
are using IoT as a way to
enhance their business in more
ways than one. FedEx, for
instance, now allows installation
of small sensors and GPS
trackers into packages. This
enables proper monitoring of
information such as location,
ambient condition, humidity, and
pressure—factors that are highly
critical for perishable biological
products and delicate electronic
goods. Customers will be able
to use their mobile phones to
check if the correct temperature
was maintained during
transportation. In addition, the
abundance of data obtained
from these IoT-enabled packages
will let them better understand
their highly-complex supply
chain business.
The Emerging Digital Enterprise
According to McKinsey
director Paul Willmott in an
article entitled “The digital
enterprise,” companies who
want to transform into digital
enterprises need to think about
several things:
1. Understand where digital
would be of most value. Is it in
marketing? Then yes, maybe
investing in data and analytics
to help understand customers
makes sense. Is it in sales?
Perhaps putting money in a solid
digital CRM is just right. Is it in
supply chain? Then Internet of
Things and Artificial Intelligence
(AI) might be the way to go.
Prioritization is key especially if
resources are limited.
2. Heavily invest in talent acquisition
and cultivation. You need to
ensure people know how to
shape, understand, and use the
technologies you’ve shelled out
heaps of money for.
3. Ensure that end customers
receive a consistent digital
experience from end to end.
This means being present where
customers are and ensuring all
channels provide consistent
information, services, and brand
experience.
Visit the URL to read more
and follow Mr. Ignacio
on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/
pivot-perish-winningconsumer-digital-age
-gary-ignacio
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
131
COMING
COMING
In this section, HOT JOE puts
on its Tech Forecaster hat
and takes a look at the future
SALT POWER
It seems there will be no serious
debunking of alternative lifestyles just
yet. In fact it may be safer to say that
alternatives are the new mainstream.
There are now more herbal medicines
and salves, renewable energy sources
for the power generation, and the list
goes on for people who want to live
“off grid.”
Filipino-founded tech startup SALt
or Sustainable Alternative Lighting
wants to do away with unsafe and
costly kerosene or batterypowered lamps through
a revolutionary formula
that uses items found
on almost all dinner
tables. By putting two
tablespoons of salt and
a glass of water into the
VIRTUAL REALITY DEVICES
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Microsoft’s HoloLens (above) will be
available staring Q1 of 2016 with a
retail price of USD3,000. The Oculus
Rift (below) will also be available on
Q1 of 2016, but at USD350.
SALt and their lamp (above) has received
numerous awards from both local and
international organizations. In addition,
SALt Co-Founder Aisa Mijeno was recently
invited by US President Barack Obama to
join him and Alibaba founder Jack Ma at the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
CEO Summit held in Manila last November.
IBM’S CARBON NANOTUBE TRANSISTORS
Photo credit: microsoft.com | gizmodo.com
Some still tend to associate
“virtual reality” or VR with images
of the ‘90s: geeks spending their cash
for bulky headsets and cumbersome
gloves to play video games riddled
with badly-designed graphics.
However, in the 21st century, VR
has become decidedly more reality
and less virtual. Graphics processors
are always more powerful and smaller,
generating experiences that are more
immersive, more accessible, and more
affordable. Today, companies such as
Sony, Samsung, Google, HTC, and
Oculus VR (owned by Facebook),
are bringing us VR games with truly
compelling realistic environments
through lighter and cheaper devices.
VR to the people!
Microsoft is also joining the
VR revolution with its HoloLens,
a holographic computer device that
runs on Windows 10. They call it an
augmented reality platform because
it uses the best of two worlds.
HoloLens allows users to see and
interact with computer programs
that are seamlessly blended with
real world environments. This
device is completely stand-alone and
untethered; it can stay operational
even without wires, phones, or a
PC connection.
What was just a niche or
cult-following two decades ago
may finally become the new digital
normal. In 2018, the market for
augmented reality and virtual reality
was valued at about 1.06 billion
real dollars.
SALt lamp, it will stay lit for eight hours.
Here’s how the light of the world could
come from the salt of the earth.
Of course, the land of the rising
sun will not be outdone. Manufacturing
company Fuji Pigment Co. Ltd. recently
announced its newest invention. Dubbed
ALFA, this aluminum-air battery can be
recharged with either salty or normal
water. ALFA batteries have a theoretical
capacity that is more than forty times
greater than any lithium-ion battery. And
since aluminum is relatively abundant,
ALFA batteries can be produced at a
more affordable price point.
Beyond being green they are also
safer; for example, gas flame lighting is
inherently flammable. Frankly, off-grid
living is looking real good to us
right now.
Moore’s law states that the number
of transistors that can be laid out in an
integrated circuit doubles every year.
Semiconductor manufacturers have
stayed true to this law, making transistors
exponentially powerful while significantly
reducing their sizes to near-microscopic
proportions. What does this mean? The
smartphones of today can host multi-core
processors, a feature exclusive to desktops
just a few years ago.
Unfortunately, they are about to hit
a wall. In this case, size has its limits,
specifically the physical limits of the
material it is made from: silicon.
For some time, IBM has been
experimenting in replacing silicon
transistors with another element of the
periodic table with an appreciably smaller
atomic mass: carbon.
They recently unveiled a method
that fuses carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
to other processor components and
circuitry. Currently, these CNT transistors
can be five times as fast as their silicon
counterparts using the same amount of
power.
“These chip innovations are necessary
to meet the emerging needs of cloud
computing, Internet of Things, and Big
Data systems,” remarked IBM Research
Vice President of Science and Technology
Dario Gil. He added that with this
breakthrough technology, companies such
as IBM could pursue technologies that have
lingered on the borders of imagination
such as cognitive computing.
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are currently
being used to create lighter, but
stronger, parts for bicycles, marine
vessels, and sports equipment, among
others. But in the future, they can also
be the material of choice for CPUs.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
133
What things are
on the way out
GOING
GOING
EXTERNAL DATA STORAGE
WHITE COLLAR JOBS
We all know that machines have
replaced many human blue-collar jobs.
Chances are the cars we ride in today
were made by robot “hands.” So it’s
little wonder then that these automated
machines are set to take over a few
desk jobs as well.
In the UK alone, research studies
conducted by Deloitte and the
University of Oxford have forecasted
that robots could replace 10 million
unskilled jobs. It was in 2013 when
researchers Carl Benedikt Frey and
Michael Osbourne of University of
Oxford predicted that computers
could take the place of 47% of US
employment in the year 2033.
Telemarketing has the highest
chance of automation (99% probable),
followed by cashiers, tellers, and drivers
(all at 97%), according to the new NPR
interactive site.
Today, Big Data-powered
automation is already upending some
careers. Some top US financial firms
are supporting their clientele with
“robo-advisers,” machines that tell
people what to invest on based on
indicative trends. The Associated Press
announced that some of their sports
articles are now penned by robot
journalists, claiming that their articles
contained “far fewer errors” (and
snarks) than their real-life counterparts.
But then again, maybe “snark” sells
better, we’ll see.
Office and productivity apps, video
streaming, and even the gaming industry
have found their way online, because
mainly that’s where everything is headed.
So are storage sites.
The rise of cloud storage platforms
such as Google Drive, DropBox, and
Microsoft OneDrive continue to provide
virtually unlimited data storage to more
customers. These services also enable users
to share files with anyone through just a
few clicks. There is a clear momentum
for these cloud sync-and-share services,
increasingly seen as a more secure
alternative than physical media like flash
drives to move files between employees.
With Internet speeds becoming faster
and more reliable, those crash-able and
easy-to-lose flash drives could soon join
the digital fossil record as a new age
emerges, one of always-on cloud storage
services.
REMOTE CONTROLS
CASHLESS DENMARK
Coins and bills are going the way of
the dodo—at least in Denmark.
Following a government mandate,
the northern European nation is set to
go cashless this January 2016. Doing
so will put them on the record as being
the first country in history to solely use
electronic money.
At present, close to 40% of
the country’s population are using
“MobilePay” by Denmark’s Danske
Bank, its largest. This application
allows users to transfer money
and transact online through any
mobile device.
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Eschewing bills and small change is
not exclusive to the Danish. Digital
money continues to be a growing
trend in Europe. According to
the European Central Bank
data, there has been a 6%
increase in cashless payments
in 2013. And for the first time,
payments through coins and
notes fell behind the number
of non-cash payments.
The 1:1 ratio of electronic device
to remote control had always been a
logical one. Consequently though, our
coffee tables have bent under the strain
of a bevy of remotes: one for the
TV, one for the cable box, one for
the Blu-Ray player, etc. But
as technology becomes more
sophisticated, things inevitably get
lighter and fewer in number.
Almost any new entertainment
device can be connected to the
Internet. There are also more mobile
apps for both iOS and Android users,
ceding control of entire entertainment
setups and home theaters to one
connected handy device.
And in the near future, the idea of
using any remotes at all may become
obsolete thanks once more to the
disruptive men and women of Google.
Google Project Soli is a gamechanging development that uses
“tiny, microchip-based radar to track
hand movements.” It can accurately
detect miniscule gestures and translate
them into electronic instructions.
With Project Soli, you can turn the
TV volume up just by “twisting” an
imaginary knob or change the channel
by “pressing” imaginary buttons. Yes,
life is like a movie. Sometimes it just
needs time to catch up.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
135
THE
BETTER WAY TO GO
This full-featured platform of scalable
offerings address specific Big Data
configuration needs for large enterprises,
such as varying architectures and flexible
network designs.
The Big Data ACE Explorer comes
with a lightweight configuration ideal
for Big Data pilot projects. It effectively
jumpstarts a company’s Big Data journey,
validating data sets without incurring
expensive capital investments.
For established Big Data roadmaps,
a more advanced Big Data ACE Starter
Pack may serve as the standard bare-metal
configuration for Big Data analytics.
MANAGED
PLATFORM
It includes a modular and scalable
infrastructure that can be easily modified
to meet an enterprise’s data requirements.
Enterprises that are looking at a fuller
Big Data experience have the option of
expanding to other strategic services.
These include data visualization, hardware
modules, and added data security.
The Big Data Difference
As Big Data continues to disrupt the
digital business landscape, enterprises
must also understand that Big Data’s
benefits include the ability to properly
distill data into actionable, valuable
insights. In essence, this new evolved
system will be the true prize for Big Data
enterprise adopters.
The Managed Platform solution is
a fully integrated and comprehensive
enterprise tool to create data-driven
insights. This ultimately translates to
better enterprise decision-making, deeper
customer engagement, and optimized
business operations. It is altogether a
powerful enterprise resource that can
shape and fortify a company’s winning
Big Data strategy.
SCALABLE
COMPUTE
MODEL
PLDT ALPHA ENTERPRISE OFFERS A ROBUST
ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION FOR BIG DATA
THROUGH THE MANAGED PLATFORM SERVICE
Data continues
to be a disruptive
force, redefining
industries and
setting a new
digital landscape
characterized by mobile customers and
shifting brand preferences.
Insights generated from a prodigious
deluge of data represent huge new
opportunities and are causing enterprises
to reevaluate their technology investments
and roadmaps. They need to enact
data-driven strategies to outpace the
competition.
But as the flow of large and complex
data sets increases, enterprises are faced
with hefty upfront capital expenditures
to maintain the massive server layouts of
traditional infrastructures.
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DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Fortunately, the PLDT Group—a
pioneering ASEAN member of the Open
Data Platform (ODP)—now guarantees
a more effective way of implementing
Big Data systems and infrastructure
for Philippine enterprises through the
Managed Platform solution.
The Big Move to Better Infrastructure
As part of PLDT’s expertly managed
Big Data portfolio, the Managed Platform
solution addresses growing demands of
data-driven enterprises for faster and
more strategic development of their Big
Data roadmap. It also offers convenient
infrastructure management for a wide
scope of services, from data collection
to real-time streaming as well as storage,
organization, analytics, and visualization.
Through the Managed Platform,
enterprises will experience Big Data
with minimal risk through an end-to-end
Big Data solution. This service runs on
PLDT’s comprehensive, ODP-compliant
Analytics Computing Engine (ACE).
Co-developed with Japan-based NEC,
the ACE is a pre-configured Real Time
Analytics Platform (RTAP) that can
either be deployed on-site or hosted in
the multi-certified VITRO Data Center.
It is designed for agility and versatility,
drawing strength from a software stack of
customized enterprise technology. This
includes the Hortonworks Hadoop Data
Platform, along with a special Big Data
file system and resource manager. Apache
Ambari—a completely open framework—
handles Hadoop provisioning, monitoring,
and configuration management.
Big Data ACE
Starter Kit
▪▪ 46 High-Performance
EXPLORER
A.C.E.
Big Data ACE
Explorer Kit
▪▪ 1 Virtualized
Discreet Nodes
Worker Node
▪▪ 3 High-Capacity
▪▪ 24 Compute Core
Storage Nodes
▪▪ 512 Compute Cores
▪▪ 256 GB of Memory
▪▪ 2.2 Terabytes
▪▪ 72 Terabytes
of Memory
▪▪ 216 Terabytes
of Raw Storage
of Raw Storage
SCALABLE
STORAGE
MODEL
▪▪ 10 Gigabytes of Fiber
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
137
Best-in-Class Security
for Mobile Enterprises
SECURING
P
H
I
L
I
P
P
I
N
E
M O B I L E
E N T E R P R I S E S
BLACKBERRY AND
SMART ENTERPRISE
COLLABORATE ON
SECURE ENTERPRISE
MOBILITY WITH
THE BLACKBERRY
ENTERPRISE PORTFOLIO
raditional office or work
models are giving way to more
mobile or flexible options. It’s
part of the new reality arising
from modern phenomena
such as stifling traffic and
advancing mobile technology. Today,
workforce mobility is considered one of
the most positively disruptive trends that
are reshaping the enterprise landscape.
More enterprise organizations
worldwide are adopting new mobility
strategies and various ownership models.
And according to BlackBerry Security –
Global Advisory Service Vice President
Sinisha Patkovic, Philippine businesses are
no exception.
138
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
“The Philippines is a strong emerging
market that takes mobility very seriously,”
he said. While local enterprises appreciate
mobility’s compelling benefits such as
boosting productivity, he noted that they
should also focus on the risks involved,
particularly in the areas of security and
data privacy management.
BlackBerry is a global leader in mobile
communications, best known for its highly
secure enterprise mobility management
(EMM) and mobile device management
(MDM) functionalities. The company has
also pioneered an innovative solutions
portfolio including file-sharing, emergency
communication, as well as secure chat and
voice.
“Our company has the strongest
security pedigree in the industry,” he
claimed. “With our over seventy (70)
industry accreditations and certifications,
customers can entrust their corporate
jewels to our products.”
According to Mr. Patkovic, BlackBerry
continues to fortify its network through
establishing strong relationships with local
partnerships, such as the more recent one
with Smart Enterprise.
“THE PHILIPPINES
IS A STRONG
EMERGING
MARKET THAT
TAKES MOBILITY
VERY SERIOUSLY.”
- Sinisha Patkovic
BlackBerry Security – Global
Advisory Service Vice President
The BlackBerry and Smart Enterprise
tie-up offers the BlackBerry Enterprise
Portfolio: the BlackBerry Enterprise
Server 12 (BES12), BBM Meetings, BBM
Protected, and WatchDox. These mobility
and productivity solutions are ideal for
always-connected mobile enterprises that
need utmost reliability and security.
As the core of the suite, BES12 is
the command and control center of
mobile enterprises. It functions as a single,
integrated console to manage all devices
and applications. This multi-platform
solution is available on both on-premise
and cloud-based platforms, giving access
to applications across BlackBerry, iOS,
Android, and Windows devices and
ownership models.
Employees can now virtually schedule,
host, and collaborate using BBM Meetings.
To immediately join meetings, invited
users need not supply additional login
information as they can simply tap on
their devices. Aside from standard meeting
features, enterprises are also entitled to
use the IT Admin Console for statistics,
analytics, and reporting.
BBM Protected allows effective
communication and better collaboration
while providing enterprise-grade security
for company data. It secures end-to-end
conversations with three encryption layers
for BBM messages and applications.
“EMM is oftentimes associated with
the prevention of unauthorized use of
data,” said Mr. Patkovic. However, he
stressed that it is also necessary to have a
tool that authorizes the use of data for a
wider network. “Rather than shrinking that
circle on who can access data, why not
expand that circle, but only to authorized
users,” said Mr. Patkovic. “This is where
WatchDox comes in.”
WatchDox—one of BlackBerry’s more
recent offerings—protects documents
with appropriate restrictions, and enforces
the rules that enterprises set on a file.
With advanced security and digital rights
management (DRM), this file-sharing
platform gives organizations full control
over their files even after document
circulation.
“What I consider the most important
aspect of EMM is how end users will
respond to it,” he said, noting that
BlackBerry continues to create cuttingedge products that are easy-to-use, simple
to deploy, and have secure credentials.
“Through our extensive twenty (20)
years of experience in mobility, BlackBerry
leverages on our ability to provide
end-to-end security—from the corporate
network all the way down to the device,”
said Mr. Patkovic. By using BlackBerry,
he said that customers can effectively
separate work from personal content
on one device.
Back on Track
BlackBerry has been looking for
its next big winner, and if this latest
offering is any indication, the company is
definitely returning as a major player in the
enterprise mobility race.
“BlackBerry is now on a very strong
trajectory to emerge as a very large
software and services company as well
as a mobile security company,” said
Mr. Patkovic.
At present, the company is synergizing
different organizations, exploring the
additional value they can jointly offer
customers. They are also continuing
investments in the research and
development of modern technologies,
such as the Internet of Things (IoT)
and QNX.
“Our EMM is already positioned to
help enterprises manage the Internet of
Things,” he shared, adding that they have
already integrated their advanced software
on smart devices. For their QNX division,
the company continues to power over 50
million cars with BlackBerry’s real-time
operating software.
“QNX and IoT as well as secure voice
software are really the future of mobility,”
he remarked. And this is definitely where
BlackBerry is heading.
BlackBerry’s regained momentum
places them at a new forefront of
innovating highly secure enterprise
mobility solutions. “Particularly here in the
Philippines, our amazingly strong partners
such as Smart Enterprise, continue to help
us build the level of trust that Philippine
enterprises expect,” said Mr. Patkovic.
A dependable and strategic partnership
founded on reliable technologies now
advances BlackBerry as a re-emergent
mobile leader. They are set to disrupt
mobile enterprise connectivity once
more in a new digital ecosystem.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
139
THE
IS YOUR
MOBILE
is the new 'it' word for marketers,
especially if they want to expand their
reach and market share. With an estimated
1.9-billion smartphone users worldwide,
enterprise organizations now utilize
mobile channels, such as the venerable
Short Messaging Service (SMS) — or text
messaging — to more effectively increase
engagement as well as expand their reach
to today’s mobile customers.
In a study conducted by SAP, 70% of
mobile users consider SMS an ideal way
for organizations to keep in touch with
them. In the same survey, 64% of them
stated that businesses should employ text
messaging services more often, to better
engage with their customers.
To respond to these always connected
and on-the-go customers, Smart
Enterprise equips enterprises with a
smarter way for constant engagement:
the Smart Messaging Suite.
broadcast promos and announcements
to valued customers from an existing
database. But it’s not only for oneway communication, it’s also for fuller
engagement. This solution allows
companies to receive and properly manage
and resolve customer feedback.
Additionally, this solution is ideal
for enterprises that are in need of a
cost-effective complement to traditional
marketing materials. Its targeted and direct
communication approach applies as well
to its full-featured, pay-per-use model for
enterprise disaster recovery programs and
business continuity planning.
Through the easy-to-use web
interface, users have direct access to
their messaging details, contact lists,
account progress, reports, and settings.
Its Application Programming Interface
(API) functionality—via the Simple
Object Access Protocol (SOAP)—easily
integrates the messaging platform with
existing company systems, applications,
and databases.
With the Smart Messaging Suite,
communication channels
are guaranteed safe
with security
encryption
systems. Equipped within the bulk
messaging service is the Secured File
Transfer Protocol (SFTP) as well as the
two-level security with dynamic PIN
features. The Company Name Masking
component also prevents SMS blasts from
being classified as spam.
One of the more recent innovations
for the Smart Messaging Suite is the
International SMS feature, increasing the
solution’s reach on a global scale. With
this feature, they can widen their network
and connect to customers that they may
have otherwise been unable to reach.
In today’s digital economy, enterprises
have gone to great lengths to utilize
innovative technologies in improving
their ever-growing mobile communication
demands. With the Smart Messaging
Suite, they are empowered with a fortified
messaging platform to engage—and
expand—both local and global customer
bases to further grow their business.
Premier Messaging Platform
for the Philippine Enterprise
THE SMART MESSAGING SUITE EXPANDS
ENTERPRISE CUSTOMER REACH TO
GLOBAL MARKETS THROUGH ITS
NEWEST INTERNATIONAL SMS FEATURE
140
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
Formerly known as Netcast,
the Smart Messaging Suite
is a web-based messaging
platform that addresses an
organization’s communication
and promotional channel
requirements. Its services
include bulk messaging,
company name masking, and
feedback management.
The Smart Messaging Suite
enables enterprises to have seamless
SMS transactions. It can instantly
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
141
PUSHING
MESH APP AND SERVICE
ARCHITECTURE
Mobile devices represent a world
of convenience and transformation,
but switching from one application to
another can really slow things down.
And as it is, some of us have too
many applications on our phones.
Research house Gartner predicted
that in 2016, more service providers
will integrate or “mesh” different
apps together. This approach
combines complementary services,
microservices, information sources,
and apps into a seamless customer
experience across devices. A clear
example of “meshing” in action:
people in 13 countries can now book
Uber rides straight to their restaurant
reservations via Zomato’s mobile app.
142
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
THESE
ENTERPRISE
TECH TRENDS
ARE SET
TO RULE THE
DIGITAL
BUSINESS
LANDSCAPE
FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCE
INTEREST IN THE INTERNET
OF THINGS (IOT) WILL RISE
The race to create personalized,
seamless digital customer experiences
is the new “battleground” for
businesses.
By 2014, 89% of executives
surveyed by Gartner had identified
the customer experience as the key
differentiator between brands. The
growing number of devices on
the Internet of Things (IoT) also
presents myriad staging grounds
for enterprises’ digital strategies.
Accenture added that as customers
want a more transactional form of
engagement, the new winners shall
be businesses who properly manage
and scale their personalized customer
experiences.
The Internet of Things (IoT) will
dominate daily operations for more
service providers by 2016.
451 Research detailed that 19%
of global companies “are using,
planning to use, or will be evaluating
the use of IoT”—up from 16%
last year. End users, dealers, and
manufacturers only stand to benefit
from this growth in interconnected
smart devices. Smarter machines
out in the field can now sense
and report their own performance,
enabling more proactive equipment
issue resolution.
LIVE VIDEO STREAMING
MORE DEVICES WILL BE
BLUETOOTH ENABLED
Brandpipe predicted ongoing
growth into 2016 for live-streaming
video apps like Meerkat and
Periscope. The medium can become
a potent channel for intimate
customer engagement, given its
versatility and ability to present
individuals and brands. From realtime video coverage of news events
to exclusive backstage access at
concerts, enterprises can use livestreaming as a “front row seat” for
their customers.
“As we travel into the next year,
more utilities will become wireless,
besides the typical headphones,
phones, and speakers we have already
seen so far,” Hayley Erickson wrote
on Multibriefs.com.
There will be more Bluetoothenabled hardware in 2016, with
Apple’s trademark minimalism
probably setting the design trend.
CIO.com stated that this includes
the rise of Bluetooth “beacons”
and other location-based technologies
as part of proximity marketing
strategies.
DATA GETTING BIGGER
WEARABLES
SEARCH TURNS SOCIAL
Developments in smartwatches
and other personal devices will
continue to drive mobility. These
include unique Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) tags embedded
in wristbands and cards that heighten
consumer interaction with a brand.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
World, Inc. uses RFID technology
in its MagicBand system. Each
wristband gives park visitors access
to attractions, services, and hotel
rooms, and is linked to a one-stop
mobile app for a fully personalized
experience.
Localvox.com expects social
networks to intensify their push
into Google’s territory within
the coming year. Pinterest is
widening its search algorithm,
while Facebook is testing its
in-app search engine. This
spells increased visibility for an
advertiser’s positive customer
reviews. A wider playing field
could also drive enterprise
organizations to increase their
presence on different platforms.
The Internet is exploding
as global IP traffic reaches one
“zettabyte” by the end of 2016,
according to the Cisco® Visual
Networking Index (VNI). A
zettabyte contains one sextillion
(1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
or 1021) bytes. Assuming each
byte was a character of text, XO
Communications visualized, a
zettabyte would amount to at least
323 trillion copies of Leo Tolstoy’s
hefty War and Peace.
OUTCOMES OUTWEIGHING
TRANSACTIONS
The “things” that companies
sell may be increasingly experiential.
This is just another example of how
technological trends are profoundly
changing consumer habits and values.
“Customers will care less and less
about the ‘thing’ they’re buying, and
will increasingly look for the value in
the impact of that product or service
post-transaction,” Shana Rusonis said
on Optimizely.com. As “smarter”
hardware becomes increasingly
equipped with sensors, consumer
experiences with the product can be
measured or tracked long after the
item is bought. The best examples
of these are smart devices implanted
with sensor technology.
In effect, companies and
marketers may one day consider a
bigger picture of “experience design”
rather than just product design.
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
143
ON
IMMUTABLE
Say
Last
LEADERSHIP
Eric r. Alberto
PLDT/Smart Executive
Vice President and ePLDT
President and CEO
144
efore anything else,
and for an apt Last
Say this 2015, I would
like to thank all of
you, our valued clients
and partners, for
continuously supporting us as the leading
trusted expert end-to-end ICT partner.
I hoped you enjoyed, as much as we did,
the numerous recently-concluded PLDT
Pasasalamat Night celebrations in Cebu,
Davao, North Luzon, and Manila. I wish
you all the best as we begin another
exciting year— one filled with equal parts
opportunity and challenge. Another year
deeper into digital business transformation;
we continue to face it squarely and
objectively.
It is understandable to point in awe
and wonder at transformative digital
technologies and their perceived ability
to leapfrog human intelligence or subvert
evolution. But let’s temper our expectations
or perhaps even our dread—in the words
of the great C.S. Lewis, “All that is Gold
does not Glitter.”
A recent Frontline TV special (“Digital
Nation”) presented the digital natives
of this Brave New World as chronic
multitaskers. As we attack work on main
desktop screens, we’re also checking social
media, emails, or online gaming updates on
smartphones. One phalanx of multitasking
adepts consisted of MIT students,
reputed to be positively superhuman at
accomplishing two, three, or perhaps four
or more tasks at a time.
But in fact, after being subjected to
rigorous testing and validation, they scored
lower than expected in terms of cognition,
concentration, and focus, among other
parameters. In short, it seems that even elite
multitaskers amongst us are not doing (a)
very good job(s).
The truth is the human brain is simply
not built to multitask. We are wired for
effective linear thinking and singular
focus—that is, to do things and do them
well, one task at a time. We may train for
more speed and endurance throughout
these tasks, but the result of juggling too
many simultaneous items can be widespread
mediocrity or worse, absolute failure.
So it seems, as fast and as far as this
digital revolution is taking us, there are
certain truths to our human physiology,
mental capability, and social structure that
are inescapable. We’re going digital, but
for the foreseeable future, we will remain
human in every sense of the word.
Educators tell us something we already
know: students don’t read enough books.
One teacher complained he simply couldn’t
assign a novel of more than 200 pages.
No, today’s US students usually turn to
SparkNotes, the online version of Cliffs
Notes, clicking through “Romeo and Juliet”
in mere minutes.
Alarmists are rife with sensationalists.
The bestselling “The Dumbest Generation”
urges us to prepare for an intellectual
apocalypse. However, calmer heads will
prevail as they always do. Thousands of
years ago, print displaced oral traditions
which were rich chronicles of history. We
lost memory in that epoch, they say. But
human intellectual development marched
on, and even accelerated with print.
The same will hold true for digital.
Its own acceleration is exponential. But
what hasn’t changed? We still need thinkers
who can appreciate the Bigger Picture.
Technology and engineering graduates are
still prized. But not so surprisingly, liberal
arts graduates bridge the tricky gap between
technology and customers or end users. Just
as they always have.
In the final analysis, leadership
principles will also remain unchanged. The
best enterprise leaders will still demonstrate
excellence with consistency, able to dance
with change rather than simply embrace it.
We will still need leaders who are fully
aware of digital’s monumental changes,
without losing sight of the Big Picture. And
a significant aspect of that bigger picture
will always be the realization that the more
things change, the more they stay the same.
“It’s either we pivot or we perish.”
-Manuel V Pangilinan
Enterprise agility that keeps you ahead of the game
In the digital age, enterprise organizations cannot simply rely on sheer size, strength,
or even legacy to survive. They must rediscover agility. They must radically reshape business
models, create new products and solutions in an instant. Now more than ever, they need a reliable
ICT partner that provides innovative solutions leveraged on social, mobile, analytics, and cloud.
PLDT ALPHA Enterprise is more than ready to lead Philippine enterprises through a transformative,
digitally powered journey towards continued success.
Let’s get to it. Let’s make that digital pivot.
PLDT ALPHA: Enabling the Digital Enterprise
Learn more at www.pldtalpha.com
88-ALPHA (25742)
DEC 2015 - JAN 2016
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