Cover - PLDT ALPHA

VOLUME
27
A U G
2016
B U I L D I N G
T H E
DATA-DRIVEN ENTERPRISE
ASC REF. CODE: P067P072016P
CO-EDITOR
Mitch Locsin
MANAGING EDITOR
Mikey Smyth
EDITORIAL ADVISER
Gary Ignacio
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS
Gerrard Fabie
Bebeth Timbol
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Markus Jentes
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Vickie Perez de Tagle
ART DIRECTOR
Gian Nazario
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Denise Buencamino
Jill Gonzales
CIRCULATION COORDINATORS
Banjo Dizon
Taimak Sevilla
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Andrew Batiduan
Isabella Escano
Enrique Estagle
Erica Fleras
Inez Golamco
Jenina Ibanez
Dessa Bien Malaluan
Daniella Marfori
Anna la O
Meg Quintos
Anton Santos
Paula Venturina
EDITORIAL COORDINATORS
Nikko Bustamante
Clah Cebanes
Nicky David
Sara de Guzman
Rachel Despe
Dale German
Joanna Ramos
Lo Regino
Emily Reyes
Kat Tangonan
UP CLOSE
DIGITAL
AND
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Jovy Hernandez
T
hrough our cherished 80-plus-year
history of “Changing Lives”, it is
not surprising that PLDT has itself
changed. In fact, I can say that change
has definitely been a two-way street. In our efforts
to serve you and listen to you as we navigate the
digital business landscape, you have also changed
us. Of course, just as digital and ICT leadership
spans beyond technology, change certainly also
goes beyond a new battle cry on our new deltaedged logo.
As Hot Joe celebrates its tenth year (yes, Hot
Joe released its first issue back in 2006), we take
you on a tour of the most exciting and compelling
trends that will continue to define the data-driven
digital enterprise. We have the tools and innovative
mindset to reveal our Digital NOW. Our Main
Window on page 8 goes over some of the
presentations made at the recent 2016 Philippine
ICT Leadership Convention.
Our Live Wire section puts the focus on the
eye-catching and successful stories of some of our
most insightful customers. As you will see, these
first-movers are securing leadership positions in a
digital future that, while still in its nascent stages,
are already exhibiting powerful new realities.
Our PLDT Insiders Victor Aliwalas, Dennis
Magbatoc, and Dick Perez of PLDT ALPHA
share their thoughts, starting on page 76, on the
significance of the PLDT ALPHA digital strategy
that is grounded on the pillars of Social, Mobility,
Analytics, Cloud, and Security (SMACS). And in
a noticeable way, these value pillars are also the
focus of Global Cloud Xchange, which is featured
in Partner Peek on page 86.
One of the much-awaited innovations in
eCommerce are credible payments and rewards
systems. Our Solved section on page 70 features
exciting innovations in the fields of eCommerce
(Takatack Rewards) and financial technology
(FINTQ’s end-to-end solutions), all powered by
Voyager Innovations, Inc. There are also other
movements in the digital sphere, as relayed by our
PLDT ALPHA experts in their articles on Second
Screen, beginning on page 120.
Of course, as data becomes an invaluable
asset, it is inevitable that security or handling
concerns should arise. Consequently, ePLDT’s
Managed Security solutions portfolio is presented,
in Sleeper Hit on page 94, as an effective way
to support responsive enterprise data security
strategies.
To be honest, my PLDT Enterprise colleagues
and I have never been more excited. Again, it’s not
just because of a new logo or tagline, or even the
conclusion of a tremendously successful digital
conference. Rather, we feel privileged to continue
serving you and for holding your trust and
confidence in these new digital times. Those are
the priceless things money—or even technology—
can’t buy.
JOVY HERNANDEZ
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
2
AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
3
03
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
44
Jovy Hernandez discusses
today’s multi-faceted changes
in PLDT and the entire
enterprise landscape.
06
08
32
CLIENT CALLS
Clients share their
thoughts and views on
#PLDTDigicon and on
#PLDTTrackDay2016, as
well as working with the
PLDT Digital team.
MAIN WINDOW
Enter the Digital NOW!
at the 2016 Philippine ICT
Leadership Convention.
LIVE WIRE
10
Take a closer look at the
ICT-enabled enterprise
digital transformation of
TaskUs, Inc., SSS, IT.Corea,
Cinderella, PeSO, Lay Bare,
and MobKard.
56
81
70
76
107
82
SOLVED
FINTQ takes the lead in
financial inclusion with
pioneering, end-to-end
fintech solutions.
Learn how Takatack Rewards
can elevate the level of
employee rewards in the
digital age.
86
MOBIZ
Strengthen the security
capabilities of your mobile
enterprise workforce with
WatchDox and Smart Tracker.
62
SECOND SCREEN
124
COMING AND GOING
132
ALPHA BITS
136
LAST SAY
Our visual digest of recently-posted
online articles from PLDT ALPHA
thought leaders.
What’s coming, what’s going, and what’s
staying still in the world of tech.
A quarterly selection of relevant
enterprise trends and topics.
Eric R. Alberto challenges enterprises
to continue disrupting the redefined
Digital Now.
PARTNER PEEK
GCX’s Fabrizio Civitarese
expounds on the global
enterprise landscape and their
expansion with PLDT.
94 SLEEPER HIT
INSIDER
A roundtable discussion
with PLDT’s Corporate
Relationship Management
Heads Victor Aliwalas,
Dennis Magbatoc, and Dick
Perez on the advancing role
and impact of SMACS across
industry verticals.
120
96
ePLDT’s Managed Security
solutions portfolio can
future-proof enterprises
with effective data security
strategies.
CAUGHT ON PAGE
Read up on PLDT Enterprise’s
latest landmark partnerships
and milestones.
102 WERE YOU THERE
Relive the excitement of PLDT
Enterprise’s recently-concluded
powerhouse celebrations
and activities.
50
39
125
Calls
CLIENT
#PLDTDIGICON
“The seminar is very informative
and applicable to my current
environment. We are still using
legacy systems and going cloud will
give the company more benefit.”
"The topic is very interesting, very
up to date and will really help us to
know more on how we can secure
our company's data, important files
and the company itself."
-Emerose Lising of Wills
International Corporation
"The activity is timely and
relevant, speakers are very
much credible while the venue
is very conducive to learning."
“Speakers provide more new
insights about the relevance,
future and trends.”
-Richelle Menses
of 24/7 Customer Phils., Inc.
“Eye-opening the terms
of how technology helps
business.”
-Regie Ocampo
of First Macro Bank
Thanks again Mike for your help and great work.
Regards,
Abdul Halim
IT Manager (S.E. Asia)
Eaton Industries Phils., lnc.
-Analiza Armario
of Board of Investments
"This will help the Banking
Industry in terms of cost
and security."
-Andrew Cagape of HPA
"The session is very informative
and it bridges the gap between
client and requirements and the
services that we need to provide
as an organization."
“The event was very insightful
and presented new technologies,
which can be helpful in improving
our business.”
-Aldric Savida of HGS
-Blaeson Cordova
of FWD Life Insurance
-Troy Robillos
of PBB - Insular
"Very comprehensive and
informative presentation of the
speakers. Speakers are experts
in their field."
-John Regala of BSP
#PLDTTRACKDAY2016
"Track Day 2 excites
participants. An event that we
always look forward to!"
I would like to thank you for the profuse follow up on this
matter and ensuring that our business connection is revived
in a timely way after several conversations.
The connectivity got fixed on the day you have mentioned
and we have trust, commitment, from you, our vendors to
assure good business continuity moving forward.
-Andrew Vete
LANDCO
"The speakers show expertise
in the field and share a lot of
relevant experiences."
Hi Mike,
"Outstanding! More next year!"
"Eye-opening experience that
we don't get to do everytime!"
-Romil Reyes
of Mead Johnson
-Kiana Coleen Maningding of
College of Subic Montessori
Hi Jeffrey,
Once again, thanks to you and the PLDT Team who
continuously worked to deliver these services to the
new site of Concentrix at Mactan Cebu. Truly, a good
partnership yields to a better and timely result. Cheers….
Sincerely,
Rey H. Matias IT Service Delivery Manager
Concentrix
PLDT Management Team,
Through the years you have been instrumental in our success.
We will not achieve such growth and expansion without your
unwavering support. Thank you.
Yesterday was another milestone in our company as we
transferred to a bigger warehouse in Cebu. The transfer
was short notice to PLDT team but with all the efforts of
Erman, Abbie, Rhobert, Roger, Cielle and special mention to
Anthony (your contractor) who braved the heavy rain as he
went back and forth from the warehouse to PLDT station,
we were able to establish our Cebu network connection in
one day.
I am copying all of you since Maricar was our RM – you
never fail to support all our endeavours. And thank to Cielle
for really ensuring our requirements are met. On behalf of
GBPI management team, again thank you PLDT team for a
great partnership and we look forward to your support in all
of our future activities.
Regards,
Melanie Licup
IT Director
Getz Bros. Phils., Inc. (GBPI)
WE WANT TO
HEAR FROM YOU
SEND YOUR THOUGHTS, COMMENTS, OR FEEDBACK AND
RECEIVE PREMIUM ALPHA ITEMS!
-Dan Atlaga
of St. Luke's Medical Center
Email: [email protected]
6
AUGUST 2016
"Lots of firsts for me.
Thumbs up!"
"Adrenaline rush! You outdid
yourself again PLDT!"
-Jun Yupitun
of Teleserv
-Sensen Bernardo
of Equicom Savings Bank
Call: 88-ALPHA (88-25742)
or visit
www.pldtalpha.com
Keep up-to-date with our latest
news and solutions. Subscribe to
our ALPHA Mail newsletter at
www.pldtalpha.com
AUGUST 2016
7
Rather than allow ourselves to be disrupted by
new technologies, we are disrupting ourselves.”
– PLDT Chairman and CEO
Manuel V Pangilinan
THE
SHAPE
THE
OF
DIGITAL
ENTERPRISE
Greater data volumes, an arms race between hackers and security experts,
drones, and the Internet of Things. Get ready to live and work in the new Science
Fact, as outlined at the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership Convention: Digital Now!
8
AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
9
WE LIVE IN AN AGE
where instantaneous customer feedback
is widely available, and our lives are made
more convenient by a myriad of apps and
online services. Insights that would have
once been derived from endless hours of
market research, hand-drawn statistics, and
exhaustive FGDs, can now be gleaned on a
virtual dashboard. More than ever, real-time
customer feedback through social media or
analytics shape the products and services of
the future, from tomorrow’s cars to the taste
of your tall café latte. Talk about a tempest in
a teacup.
These are the rules of today’s fast-
10
AUGUST 2016
paced, ever-changing, data-driven global
enterprise marketplace. Organizations need
to equip themselves with the right tools
and knowledge in order to rise up above all
competition, as well as to make the world
a better place to live in. “In today’s digital
economy, the deluge of data is a critical
asset, because data generates opportunities,”
says PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Vic Tria. While
it may sound intrusive and even ominous,
much of the input for that deluge of
customer data will be involuntary – as digital
footprints are constantly imprinted through
a growing online presence. Telcos like
PLDT have become the de facto arbiters of
customer data, entrusted with the integrity
and sanctity of that information.
DATA-DRIVEN BUILDING BLOCKS
This was the rationale behind PLDT
and IDC’s coming together for the 2016
Philippine ICT Leadership Convention:
Digital NOW! Their goal is to help the
country’s business leaders better appreciate
the value of the Third Platform of disruptive
technologies – Social, Mobility, Analytics,
Cloud, and Security – as the necessary
building blocks of a data-driven enterprise.
Held at the palatial Marriott Grand
Ballroom in Pasay City, PLDT Enterprise
and IDC pulled out all the stops to make
the two-day convention one of the biggest
tech gatherings ever held in the country. A
digital affair through and through, attendees
underwent a paperless registration process to
receive their passes and an SMS with a link to
view the official digital convention magazine.
The event officially began when PLDT/
Smart EVP and ePLDT President and CEO
Eric Alberto, along with other PLDT and
IDC executives, and partners pressed the
launch button to officially open the laser
gate to the futuristic digital expo. Participants
had the opportunity to experience tech
innovations firsthand at interactive booths
from PLDT Enterprise and other partner
ICT organizations.
After the morning’s opening ceremonies,
the over 700 enterprise leaders in attendance
were ushered into the plenary hall, where
they were greeted with stunning 3D visual
displays on massive curved LED screens –
the biggest to date, spanning almost 80 feet
across and 16 feet high.
BE DIGITAL OR
BE LEFT BEHIND
Mr. Alberto delivered the welcome
address, focusing on the importance of an
enterprise’s digital transformation that must
happen now. He stressed the importance of
understanding the modern customer, – who
shape their lives on their own terms, with
a direct consequence on the products and
services of the future. He illustrated how
insights culled from data analytics is the
metric for how enterprises can differentiate
AUGUST 2016
11
themselves from the pack. In closing, he
stressed that disruption is an action that can
enable the enterprise, lest they be disrupted
themselves.
The possibilities of the data-driven
enterprise took center stage as FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez
took the participants on a virtual tour of a
digital future. The 3D interactive presentation
also showed how these technologies have
reshaped and optimized various industries –
as they are happening today.
LET THE TRANSFORMATION
BEGIN
It was a revelatory afternoon that
followed as global industry experts presented
their individual discourse and insights on a
series of topics based on SMACS – Social,
Mobility, Analytics, Cloud, and Security.
Each one highlighted the tangible value of
different technologies as real world business
applications.
On the second day, the delegates also had
the opportunity to attend a series of breakout
sessions, where regional resource speakers
did a deep-dive into the different aspects of
SMACS. The discussions allowed them to
connect with the subject-matter experts to
glean more information that applied to their
respective industries.
OUR DIGITAL NOW
As technology experts tend to say, this
is only the beginning. As the IoT becomes
a reality, cloud adoption more widespread,
and more companies use analytics and Big
Data to shape policy or operations, threats
and opportunities will grow. The most
obvious threats, of course, include cyber
attacks and fraud. However longer range
strategic threats also loom on the horizon.
Enterprise organizations that fail to heed the
cursor on the wall also risk obsolescence and
irrelevance if they don’t change and adapt to
the realities that define our Digital NOW.
“WE CAN GET LOST
IN THE TREES OF
OUR OWN BUSINESS
PROBLEMS; IN THE
PROCESS WE MAY
FORGET THE MANY,
MANY STORIES
OF DISRUPTION
HAPPENING IN THE
FOREST.”
- ERIC R. ALBERTO
PLDT/SMART EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
AND ePLDT PRESIDENT AND CEO
12
AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
13
“IT ALL
BEGINS
RIGHT
HERE,
IN THE
DIGITAL
NOW”
14
AUGUST 2016
“THE ENTERPRISE
OF THE FUTURE IS
DRIVEN BY DATA,”
were the powerful opening words of
FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy
Hernandez’s keynote presentation for
the 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership
Convention’s plenary session. He added
that it is imperative for the enterprise
of the future to take the right course
of action – effectively collect and store
data in order to harness it for valuable
insights.
To help the audience better
understand how digital technologies
are changing the way enterprises do
business, Mr. Hernandez took everyone
on an interactive tour, showcasing
its potential and substantial impact
across different industries. Agriculture
and the real estate market can benefit
from enhanced monitoring capabilities
through the use of drones. Utilities like
Maynilad are becoming more agile and
efficient with the Internet of Things.
Highway systems, like the NLEX, are
now using mobile data for proactive
opening of toll booths and planning for
future exits.
Mr. Hernandez then proceeded
to show the audience how digital
technologies enable smart cities to
deliver better public service to its
constituents. The world of retail also
radically changes as well with smart
mirrors, cashless payments, and selfservice restaurants. He capped off this
interactive tour with a quick overview
of how being a data-driven enterprise is
applied in the banking, healthcare, and
manufacturing sectors.
“Technology cannot do it alone,”
Mr. Hernandez said, in conclusion.
“We need to collaborate so that we
can capitalize on these technologies
and your industry expertise to turn the
enterprise of the future into reality.”
There are tangible benefits – not just to
the attendees but also to the Philippine
business landscape – from the ensuing
digital transformation.
AUGUST 2016
15
PLENARY SESSION
DIGITAL 2022
PROFILE: Chris Holmes is the Managing
Director of IDC Asia Pacific. He is
responsible for the overall research direction
of IDC’s energy, government, health,
manufacturing, and retail insights units within
the region.
INSIGHTS:
• In studies conducted by IDC, most
organizations today in the retail, wholesale,
financial services, manufacturing, and public
sectors are still in the early stages of their
digital transformation journey. As a result,
enterprises are urged to leverage cloud for
better coordination, Big Data and analytics to
increase productivity of knowledge workers,
mobility solutions for recommendationoriented device interactions, and social
business towards a redefined customer
experience.
• Digital transformation continues to blur
the lines among industries. As information is
shared, data points gained from one sector
(e.g. banking) can also be used in shaping the
best customer experience for other sectors
(e.g. real estate, healthcare).
• Organizations can future-proof
themselves by investing in high-performance
connectivity, harnessing the power of
analytics, valuing and maximizing talent, and
ensuring enterprise-grade security. Through
these, they are poised to take on the “Digital
2022”.
16
AUGUST 2016
DRONES: THE NEXT WAVE
OF DIGITAL INNOVATION
PROFILE: Brett Velicovich is the Founder
and CEO of Dronepire Inc., an organization
that provides tailor-fit drone technologies. He
is an Iraq war veteran and a former military
drone warfare specialist. He is also regarded
as one of the world’s most renowned drone
experts.
INSIGHTS:
• Mr. Velicovich asserted that drones are
the future of the Internet of Things (IoT).
To prove the point, he cited some of the
system’s innovative features, such as its ability
to be deployed anywhere, get reprogrammed
while in action, measure just about anything,
and provide an “unblinking eye” or persistent
surveillance.
• For enterprises, there is a need to formulate
– and later execute – a drone strategy. He
said, “Drones are highly intuitive, costeffective, and beneficial for enterprises across
industries. Drones are the tools that market
leaders are using.”
• The relationship of drones and Big Data
is growing. In fact, here in the Philippines,
drone data allowed better coverage and
delivery of relief goods during Typhoon
Yolanda. These unmanned flying machines
also provided analytics support for the
Philippine Department of Agriculture.
OPTIMIZING ECONOMICS OF
ENTERPRISE DATA CENTER
AND CLOUD ECOSYSTEM
PROFILE: Sudev Bangah is the Country
Manager for Indonesia and Philippines
of IDC Asia Pacific. He leads strategy
development and business consulting
projects of enterprise ICT across the region.
INSIGHTS:
• Mr. Bangah stressed, “The digital
transformation of businesses has brought
the need for different ways of sourcing,
integrating, and managing the necessary
enterprise information technology (IT).”
Thus, there is a critical need for enterprise
leaders to educate themselves on reviewing
their “digitalization”. IDC studies show that
70% of survey respondents are unsure how
to evaluate their data center infrastructure,
while 54% don’t know how to migrate to the
cloud.
• He also noted that cloud technology and
services are becoming part of the core
business. Based on a series of IDC research
studies, roughly 40% of IT spending will
be cloud-based in 2018. And in 2020, this
rate would increase to 45-50% of the total
spending for IT infrastructure, software
services, and technology.
• The cloud and data center impact will be
felt across the IT and business sectors. With
this, enterprises can “do so much more” by
integrating an outsourced mentality into the
IT roadmap, adopting a cloud-first approach,
and collaborating with trusted data center
and cloud providers.
WINNING MOMENTS THAT
MATTER THROUGH DATA
PROFILE: Ken Lingan is the Country
Manager of Google Philippines. He has
over 16 years of experience in the fields of
marketing and brand development.
INSIGHTS:
• “Micro-moments” are the critical junctures
when users intuitively use their device to
capture or act on things. These, will be “the
new battleground for brands.”
• “When we turn to our devices for help,
these ‘intent-rich moments’ are increasingly
critical for brands to win, because these are
the moments when preferences are being
shaped and decisions are being made.”
• There are three identifiable factors – the
intent or reaching people when it matters,
engagement or matching the message to the
moment, and measurement or using analytics
to measure and optimize – as integral and
effective ways to use data and improve
customer experiences.
DIGITAL, MORE THAN
JUST TECHNOLOGY
PROFILE: Carlo Ople is the Managing
Partner and Director of Dentsu-Digit and
the founder and editor-in-chief of tech and
gadget website Unbox.ph. He is also an
awarded digital marketing practitioner.
INSIGHTS:
• Digital engagement, quite aptly, is not
about simply having “likes” and comments
on social media platforms, but “taking a look
at customer experiences, and helping them
solve their concerns.”
• The challenge today for enterprises goes
beyond just the need to go digital; it’s more
about future-proofing their respective
organizations.
• There are emerging digital trends, which
could be possible digital disruptors for
traditional business models and industries.
Mevo is a portable live video camera that
enables users to broadcast events in realtime – all at economical production value.
This, according to him, may redefine the
way advertising and production companies
operate. On the other hand, Holodia gives
a fresh and high-tech look on the world
of fitness and sports through simulated
solutions and environments running on the
VR medium.
• “The digital era is not a battle for superior
technology; it’s a battle for customer
experiences.”
ONE STEP AHEAD OF
UNKNOWN MALWARE
PROFILE: Tony Jarvis is the Check Point
Software Chief Strategist for Threat
Prevention. He has over 10 years of
experience in the fields of cyber security,
financial services, telecommunications, and
ICT consulting.
INSIGHTS:
• “We need to rethink enterprise security,”
declared Mr. Jarvis. Despite constant security
updates and innovations, a troubling gap still
remains: threats are evolving and traditional
approaches may not be as effective.
• There is a need to capitalize on multilayered security or highly redundant systems
to prevent the dangers of the “Cyber Kill
Chain”, a series of steps attackers go through
to successfully infiltrate a network and
potentially destroy data.
• “We all know what happened to Target,
Home Depot, Sony, etc. – all it took was one
breach. The only way to prevent a similar
situation is by striving for 0, not 1. And that’s
why we focus on prevention.”
AUGUST 2016
17
18
VIRTUAL
HAS JUST
BECOME REAL
PLDT’S ROLE
IN THE NEW
ORDER
Virtual reality (VR)
isn’t child’s play anymore.
Drastic improvements in VR
technologies have spawned
numerous applications beyond
video games. VR is poised to
reshape how people engage with
companies, as well as each other,
through interactive and immersive
digital environments.
Smart Assistant Vice
President Chet Alviz presented
its potential value for the datadriven enterprise through a live
demo presentation. Accompanied
by a “virtual” representation
of Daiana Menezes, he used
a VR device to “travel” to
various locations – a
condominium unit,
tourist destinations, and
the VITRO Data Center.
Every location shift was
initiated by simple hand gestures
and head movements throughout
their journey.
The 2016 Philippine ICT Leadership
Convention Plenary Session was brought to a
close by PLDT Head of Disruptive Business
Group Nico Alcoseba.
He related the journey of an enterprise’s
digital transformation to the words of
Renaissance philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli:
“There is nothing more difficult to take in
hand, more perilous to conduct, or more
uncertain in its success than to take the lead
in the introduction of a new order of things.”
Mr. Alcoseba expressed optimism towards
the immense opportunities and innovative
technologies that come with today’s digital
reality. He also reinforced PLDT’s role –
to further educate, empower, and equip
enterprises as they successfully navigate this
sea of change – as a trusted partner and
enabler, stating “Together, let us lead and
succeed in this Digital NOW.”
AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
19
DRONES ARE NO LONGER TOYS; THEY ARE
THE BEDROCK FOR MAKING OUR LIVES
EASIER AND SAFER.
-BRETT VELICOVICH
LOOKING BACKWARDS IS NO LONGER
AN OPTION. TO EMBRACE THE DIGITAL
FUTURE, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE
ROADMAPS IN PLACE.
-CHRIS HOLMES
AS THE CLOUD STORES INFORMATION,
IT MUST BE KEPT SAFE IN DATA
CENTERS. THE TWO ARE NOW
VIRTUALLY INSEPARABLE.
THE END GOAL IS NOT ABOUT GETTING MORE DATA,
BUT USING DATA TO ANTICIPATE THE NEEDS OF YOUR
CUSTOMERS AND CREATING A GREAT EXPERIENCE
FOR THEM. COMPANIES WHICH LEVERAGE DATA TO
EMPOWER DECISION MAKING WILL NOT JUST SURVIVE,
BUT THRIVE.
-SUDEV BANGAH
-KEN LINGAN
DIGITAL DOES NOT END WITH THE GADGETS
AND DATA, AS IT PERMEATES LIFE IN ALL ITS
ASPECTS.
-CARLO OPLE
DETECTION IS NO LONGER
ENOUGH. WE NEED TO MOVE
TOWARDS PREVENTION. BY THE
TIME YOU DETECT A BREACH, IT
MAY BE TOO LATE.
-TONY JARVIS
20
AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
21
BREAKOUT SESSION
DATA CENTER
AND CLOUD
T
he information age has hastened the
exponential growth of data. With
accessible Internet connection,
and personalized social media and apps,
organizations are acquiring data in larger
tranches. During the discussion for Data
Center and Cloud, key speakers stressed
how developing strategies based on data
center and cloud solutions could give
enterprises the capability to innovate while
optimizing their core operations.
PLDT AVP and Head of Corporate
Business Solutions Gary Ignacio explained
that the volume of data is expected to
grow by a staggering 50x, reaching up
to 35 Zettabytes by 2020. Enterprises
now face the challenge (and opportunity)
of developing adequate data strategies
for their business model. He also noted
that outsourcing to reliable and scalable
data centers allows enterprises to
develop efficient and cost-effective IT
infrastructures, maximizing productivity.
PLDT’s Francis Arjonillo elaborated
on the implementation of comprehensive
enterprise IT strategies based on recent
cloud developments, that will improve
enterprise agility and scalability. He
described the evolving organization IT
paradigm shift from traditional to cloud,
pointing out that 65% of organizations
worldwide will have committed to a hybrid
IT deployment – using cloud, on-premise,
and service provider-hosted options by the
end of 2016.
Karl Horne of Ciena called this
investment the “Cloudification” of
enterprises. The cloud network must
be designed for scale, resilience, speed,
and programmability to develop highperformance. Mr. Lee Ying Keng of
Huawei reinforced the importance of
effectively implementing the cloud,
discussing how a unified cloud solution can
address diverse business requirements.
Akamai’s Amol Mathur demonstrated
how the heart of IT transformation,
spurred by the growth of data, is security.
Cloud solutions repel intruders more
effectively, adding secure layers of
deployment flexibility and broader coverage
than on-premise hardware.
AMOL MATHUR
CHAD ELFORD
SAMI AMMOUS
HWEE-XIAN TAN
CLARISSE PARULAN
KARRTHIK VENU
FAY OCAMPO
UNITED COMMUNICATIONS
AND COLLABORATION
D
LEE YING KENG
GARY IGNACIO
22
AUGUST 2016
KARL HORNE
igital Transformation will dictate
the evolution of the modern
workplace, from traditional,
isolated cubicles to digitally connected
open spaces. Enterprises are now fostering
a digital and mobile-first workforce that
is spurred to productivity and creativity
through collaboration platforms.
The breakout session on Unified
Communications and Collaboration
technologies demonstrated how Philippine
enterprises improve employee and customer
engagement through the digitally-connected
workspace. Cisco’s Karrthik Venu predicted
that by 2020, the workforce will be “QuadGenerational,” with employees ranging
from Baby Boomers to Generation Z.
Smart and connected workspaces
encourage collaboration, and ensure the
engagement levels of the multi-generational
workforce. This maximizes profitability and
lowers costs for enterprises.
Unified Communications and
Collaboration technologies not only
improve the workplace but also ultimately
enhance customer engagement. According
to Chad Elford of Tata Communications,
a future-proofed communications
strategy caters to digital customers who
demand globally accessible and consistent
communications. An ubiquitous yet
seamless inter-operable collaboration
solution can create, act, and deliver to
the market faster. He also discussed the
features of Global SIP, an integrated
communications solution that enables
enterprises to manage and consolidate
voice needs over a single IP network
infrastructure, on a global scale.
Avaya’s Sami Ammous discussed how
customers today expect enterprises to
be reachable through preferred channels
– through email, social media, mobile
apps, or video. They also want to engage
with agents who can instantly familiarize
themselves with the customer’s complete
contact history. As a result, enterprises are
compelled to acquire technologies that will
help them efficiently respond to customers
through diverse platforms.
Lastly, Hwee-Xian Tan of IDC shared
how collaborations solutions are part of the
new wave of digital technologies that, when
combined, accelerate significant change
to business models and disrupt industries.
“The Enterprise communication landscape
is transforming from plain communication
to collaboration and eventually enabling
digital transformation,” he said.
AUGUST 2016
23
BIG DATA AND
ANALYTICS
DIGITAL
ENGAGEMENT
CYBER
SECURITY
ig Data and Analytics technologies
will be crucial in transforming
businesses into data-driven
enterprises. Forward-thinking organizations
are investing in these technologies to enable
more intelligent decision-making, higher
profits and new revenue streams, as well as
refined customer experiences – all at reduced
costs.
The breakout session for Big Data and
Analytics was definitely the right venue
for enterprises to witness the technology’s
business potential as well as to learn best
practices from seasoned industry leaders.
PLDT Vice President and Head of
Enterprise Strategic Solutions John Gonzales
opened the session by presenting Big Data
and Analytics in the business setting. For
his part, IDC Asia Pacific Assistant Vice
President for Big Data, Analytics, and
Cognitive Computing Chwee Kan Chua
highlighted the power of data for better
customer engagement and analytics-powered
operations. He cited some of his predictions
for 2016, sharing use cases in both retail and
healthcare.
o digital or die,” has been the
rallying cry of digital advocates.
In the enterprise world in
particular, a successful digital pivot could
spell the difference between survival or
extinction.
In fact, a reported 85% of companies
in the 1955 Fortune 500 list have all closed
shop. Various surveys also show that digital
transformation is perceived by 67% of
executives as “a question of survival,” and
by 77% of Information Technology (IT)
heads as an opportunity to enhance customer
experiences.
The Digital Engagement breakout session
empowered enterprise leaders with in-depth
knowledge and relevant solutions on the
subject matter. PLDT Head of Corporate
Relationship Business Jeff Mendoza opened
the talk with relevant insights on today’s
digitally-driven enterprises.
Today’s mobile-first Asia was the focus
of IDC Asia Pacific Associate Research
Director - Consumer Mobility Shiv Putcha.
He explained that emerging “Chatbot”
technology will enable customized mobile
user experiences. He also defined “Digital
Transformers” as those willing to experiment
with new technology, challenge norms, and
make bold bets at the right time. In addition,
he exhorted these digital transformers to
align their strategies and leverage Third
Platform technologies.
Voyager Business Managing Director
Dindo Marzan outlined the digital
transformation process using three definition
points: Data, Design, and Development. In
undertaking this journey, enterprises must
be powered with the right solutions from
their trusted providers. Successful end-toend eCommerce adoption is definitely on the
way, with online retail platform TackThis!,
according to Takatack Philippines Country
Head Rebecca Ricalde. For PayMaya
Philippines Managing Director and CoChief Operating Officer Paolo Azzola, the
role of seamless online payment gateways,
such as PayMaya, cannot be discounted in an
integrated digital customer experience.
he Internet represents convenience,
speed, and mobility, permeating
every aspect of our lives. However,
in the process, individuals and organizations
have become more vulnerable to a growing
number of online attacks. The December
2015 power outage in Ukraine and the
USD81 million heist on the Bangladesh
central bank are but two examples of the
wide-reaching damage wreaked by cyber
attackers. Yet even with these demonstrated
threats, a study by U.S.-based defense
contractor Raytheon showed that the private
sector still tends to consider cybersecurity
services only after an attack hits. Securing
highly valuable and actionable insights is now
elementary, as data powers business in our
connected, digital world.
B
THERE IS GOLD IN THE DELUGE
OF DATA
Big Data presents a world of
advancements and growing value for the
digital economy. “This deluge of data
is a critical asset, because data generates
opportunities,” said PLDT Vice President
and Head of Corporate Relationship
Management Vic Tria. He delivered the
benefits of utilizing ePLDT’s end-to-end
Big Data solution – an advanced platform
that can positively impact various industries
across many functions.
The session continued with an insightful
panel discussion, covering topics such as Big
Data project planning and implementation,
information management and analytics
governance, and improvement of data
quality.
24
AUGUST 2016
“G
BIG DATA
T
JOHN GONZALES
ALVIN GENDRANO
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
CYBER SECURITY
COSTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Jojo Gendrano
opened the morning session with glaring
statistics on the alarming growth of cyber
attacks globally. This reinforced security’s
crucial role in data-driven enterprises,
particularly for sectors such as the booming
Philippine IT industry, according to
Philippine Software Industry Association’s
Jonathan de Luzuriaga. He noted that secure
environments help grow this promising
sector and the immense talent therein, which
can be further developed with projects such
as a proposed Silicon Valley-type zone in
Roxas City, Capiz.
Angel Redoble of the Philippine Institute
of Cyber Security Professionals used a live
demonstration of an SQL attack to illustrate
a typical threat to corporate finances and
sustainability. To say the least, it was an
eye-opener for C-level executives, whom he
said must count cyber threats among the
significant risks to sustainable business.
But beyond discussion, enterprises must
arm themselves with the right tools. ePLDT
Head of Security, Governance, Strategy,
and Operations Monette Tiongson and
PLDT AVP and Head of Digital Solutions
Management Ronald de Guzman presented
ePLDT’s Managed Security Solutions – a
suite of internationally-certified defense
solutions – which covers the different aspects
of a cybersecurity framework. The expertly
maintained and upgraded services, built to
protect dedicated or hybrid environments,
can also lower costs for enterprises.
DINDO MARZAN
MARY MARGARET YUNQUE
MONETTE TIONGSON
CYBER SECURITY
JONATHAN DE LUZURIAGA
ANGEL REDOBLE
JOJO GENDRANO
AUGUST 2016
25
IBPAP
M2M AND IOT
he Information Technology-Business
Process Management (IT-BPM)
industry in the Philippines has been
flourishing, even surpassing its 2015 targets
with USD22 billion in revenue. Much of
the industry’s growth can be credited to
the insightful roadmap from Information
Technology and Business Process
Association of the Philippines (IBPAP). The
roadmap is getting an upgrade this year to
guide the industry through 2022.
The breakout session was in line with
PLDT’s support for the development of
this new roadmap, with business experts
presenting tools and insights that will
help Philippine enterprises thrive in the
shifting digital landscape. PLDT’s Victor
Aliwalas delivered the opening remarks
and introduced the keynote speaker. Four
case study presentations also served as
a springboard to aid businesses manage
opportunities and challenges of the techpowered era.
Nitin Bhat of Frost & Sullivan, IBPAP’s
partner for the development of the roadmap,
discussed the effects of automation in the
industry and the potential of digitizing across
the value chain during his keynote address.
According to him, the industry can consider
two modes for their digital transformation:
digitizing current processes and creating
innovative digital general processes.
Accenture’s Carlo Castro emphasized that
enterprises in the digital age are still regarded
as people-first organizations. It is people
who build and design the software that
power operations. For his colleague Varun
Bhatia, technological evolution is driving
organizations to think differently, creating
value-based roles to improve customer
experiences.
Roger Salazar of United Health
Group Global Services, Inc. discussed the
importance of information security and
skills improvement in the health sector,
referring to a recent hospital hack in the
U.S. as a warning. Lastly, IBM’s Luis Pineda
thinks a company can be at the forefront of
technology through innovation that matters.
These companies quickly pivot, transforming
their product or services portfolio in
response to changing demand, without
sacrificing core values.
he quantum leap in the New Age
of the Consumer will come in
two parts: how data is gathered
and how it is acted upon by businesses.
For the first half of this new imperative,
Machine-to-Machine or M2M and,
eventually, the Internet of Things (IoT),
will largely automate the collection of data
from billions of interconnected sensors,
devices and machines that will redefine our
experiences and expectations. And these
technologies will be adopted by, according
to research firm BI Intelligence, more
businesses, governments, and consumers
over the next five years.
This was one of several themes
highlighted at the M2M and IoT breakout
session, where delegates and experts
exchanged ideas on maximizing these
emerging technologies. PLDT VP and Head
of Corporate Relationship Management
Precy Katigbak opened with key insights on
the subject, after which IDC Asia Pacific
T
26
AUGUST 2016
T
VP and Head of Mobility and Internet
of Things (IoT) Charles Anderson clearly
outlined the projected local and regional
explosion of IoT-linked devices. To support
this growth, leading global hardware and
software providers such as Samsung and
Microsoft also featured their own solutions.
Smart Enterprise AVP and Head of
Digital Mobility Chet Alviz agreed with
this great potential of using IoT to impact
individual engagement, in addition to
providing interlinked solutions across
the archipelago for vital sectors such as
agriculture. He also highlighted the need
to turn information into action, since
recognizing how customer experiences and
opinions can make or break a business.
Thus, beyond the power of machines
that can communicate and connect,
delegates gained a better view of how the
exchange of actionable insights could guide
innovation towards positive social change.
1
2
4
3
5
CHARLES ANDERSON
6
1.
Mary Margaret Yunque, Shiv Putcha, Dindo Marzan,
Paolo Azzola, and Rebecca Ricalde
2.
Amol Mathur, Lee Ying Keng, Karl Horne,
Brett Medel, Gary Ignacio, and Francis Arjonillo
3.
Dick Perez, Chad Elford, Karrthik Venu,
Fay Ocampo, Sami Ammous, Hwee-Xian Tan,
Ino Mandapat, and Onald David
4.
Angel Redoble, Jonathan de Luzuriaga,
Nico Alcoseba, Monette Tiongson,
and Ronald de Guzman
5.
Vic Tria, Chwee Kan Chua, Alvin Gendrano,
and John Gonzales
6.
Charles Anderson, Herns Hermida, Precy Katigbak,
Edward Berran, and Chet Alviz
7.
Varun Bhatia of Accenture presented insights on the
tech-powered future of IT-BPM operations.
7
AUGUST 2016
27
GALLERY
1
2
3
4
1.
5
7
28
AUGUST 2016
6
8
9
Dentsu-Digit’s Managing Director Carlo Ople
provided an interesting discussion on digital
engagement.
10
9.
Dronepire Inc.’s Brett Velicovich exhibited
the latest drone technologies during his
presentation.
10.
Eric Alberto explained VR hardware
functionality to a member of the press.
2.
Participants visited the expo to check out
some of the innovative devices.
11.
A guest tried out the technologies on display.
3.
Jovy Hernandez, Eric Alberto, Sanjay Gupta,
and Vikram Singh
12.
Chris Holmes shared his excitement about the
event to various members of the press.
4.
Delegates watched a live demonstration of the
cutting–edge tech featured at the Digital expo.
13.
Suresh Moorthi, Victor Aliwalas,
and Miguel Garcia Ramos
5.
Guests from Sutherland Global
14.
6.
Guests as they register for the Plenary
7.
Attendees looked forward to the day ahead.
Chalre’s Vice President Christopher Mills,
Rebecca Bustamante, PLDT VP and Head of
Corporate Relationship Management
PrecyKatigbak,andRichardMills
8.
eralco’sGavinBarfield,Maynilad’sKiko
M
Castillo,FirstPacific’sMarilynAquino,and
PLDT’s Luigi Lopa
15.
PLDT Vice President and Head - ESS
John Gonzales, Cisco’s Country Manager Louie
Castaneda, and Cisco’s Charice Pau
16.
Guests from B/E Aerospace BV Phils., Branch
General Manager Matthew Baxter, and Senior
Manager Srinivas Adireddy
11
12
13
14
15
16
AUGUST 2016
29
17
18
20
19
Jovy Hernandez, Nerisse Ramos, Chris
Holmes, Mon Isberto, and Eric Alberto
22.
The room of attendees were thrilled to watch
the drone presentation from Brett Velicovich.
18.
The ALPHA Girls assisted delegates going
about the different parts of the venue.
23.
Enterprise leaders conversed as they prepared
for the plenary sessions.
19.
Pioneer’s VP - IT Operations Head Lloyd
Gatapia, Veterans Bank Network Head Heintje
Rey Ferrer, PLDT and Head of Corporate
Relationship Business Mari Javier, Philippine
Veterans Bank Head of IT Operations Division
Rufino Villaluna, and IDC Head Jubert Alberto
24.
A guest interacted with the technologies on
display.
25.
Nerisse Ramos, flanked by Jovy Hernandez
and Eric Alberto, made her remarks during the
press conference.
Nerisse Ramos, Luigi Lopa, and Brett Medel
eagerly awaited the start of the plenary
sessions.
26.
Joseph Calata talked about the tech-powered
event to the media.
27.
Attendees enthusiastically tried out the Virtual
Reality technology.
20.
21.
AUGUST 2016
23
17.
21
30
22
Guests posed for a photo op as they began
registration.
SPONSORS
PLATINUM:
24
25
26
27
GOLD:
SILVER:
AUGUST 2016
31
SUPPLYING THE
FRONT LINES
FOR
INDUSTRY
FRONTLINERS
Stable network capabilities from PLDT ALPHA power
the unique services and expansion of TaskUs, Inc.
32
AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
33
CONSIDER THIS...
people are rarely satisfied with the
content they consume. And this
quandary has to be solved as near-endless
media streams become the new normal
for 46% of Filipinos who access the
Internet every day.
Publishing content, evaluating
constant streams of media on a daily
basis, and offering email support
customer care are only a few of the
tasks that encompass the growing
non-voice segment in the Information
Technology and Business Process
Management (IT-BPM) industry. This
industry works alongside professionals
in healthcare information management,
software development, and offshore
financial consulting services. For the
past two decades, the burgeoning ITBPM field has been a key pillar of the
rapidly-growing Philippine economy,
representing a wealth of jobs and
revenue streams for Filipinos without
having to leave home. As traditional
services have matured, the non-voice
segment represents a fresh area of
innovation expansion.
Among those dedicated to creating
meaningful employment opportunities
in this promising vertical is leading nonvoice support services provider TaskUs,
Inc. Based in Los Angeles, the company
was founded in 2008 by longtime friends
and schoolmates Bryce Maddock and
Jaspar Weir.
Since then, it has been offering
“Ridiculously Good Outsourcing”
to platforms and companies such as
Whisper, Expensify, and Tinder, as
well as software giant Autodesk. “Our
clients include some of the world’s
biggest social media applications that are
34
AUGUST 2016
popular in the Philippines, as well as
transportation applications, that TaskUs
teammates support and also use in their
everyday lives,” stated Mr. Maddock,
who is TaskUs’ CEO. In keeping true
to its tagline, the IT-BPM firm stays
meticulous and efficient in delivering
its unique brand of back office support
services, letting its clients focus on true
innovation.
CREATING POSITIVE AND
CONSTANT GROWTH
At the onset, TaskUs arrived in the
Philippines and opened an office in
Bacoor, Cavite, an hour south of the
country’s main financial hub. From a
staff of five squeezed into a rented
room, its Philippine team has since
grown to over 5,000 employees spread
across four sites nationwide, including
its newest location in Angeles City,
Pampanga.
The company’s office in Taguig is
located in a booming high-end business
and commercial district. It is a veritable
hive of constant activity. On site, the
cafeteria, gym, and gaming areas offer
them chances to physically and mentally
recharge after a long day’s work.
The boardroom of the Taguig site
commands a spectacular view of the
bustle below and the mountains beyond.
This is where Mr. Maddock shared his
thoughts on the thriving business in
the country. “I think the Philippines is
an incredibly special nation. You’ve got
a hundred million people who speak
English fluently, are service-oriented, are
intelligent, and are hardworking.”
“But even the path to success for
TaskUs,” which Mr. Maddock attributed
greatly to its people, was fraught with
numerous challenges. He recalled how
its earliest operations, which relied
on unstable non-Tier 1 connections,
suffered from lengthy response times
and other infrastructure issues. “Our
frustration with some of those [earlier]
providers led us to come to PLDT’s
iGate service, and we’ve been very
satisfied with the uptime and the
responsiveness of the service today.”
As TaskUs’ trusted end-to-end ICT
partner, PLDT ALPHA will address
the IT-BPM firm’s key network and
communication requirements, primarily
through the Dedicated Internet Access
(iGate) service. With this solution,
TaskUs’ Philippine sites will stay
interconnected with each other and their
overseas offices. It will also boost its
communications capabilities, effectively
extending the company’s reach to its
international customers.
“This helps us stay up 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
It is critical to providing the types of
services that we provide. Even a minute
of downtime is something that clients
notice,” said Mr. Maddock.
In addition, he continued, the stable
and high-speed connections from iGate
are vital to their business, because most
of their data traffic uses cloud-based
applications.
More importantly, Mr. Maddock
explained that the constant uptime from
iGate supports TaskUs’ commitment
to opening more opportunities for
meaningful employment, in addition
to ensuring smooth, day-to-day
operations. “It is important to build
an environment of trust – trust to our
clients and its customers that we will
not suffer downtime and trust to our
teammates that they will have steady work
opportunities. vIf the network goes down,
it compromises our trust on both fronts.”
TaskUs envisions its Philippine workforce
growing eightfold, and its global team
ballooning to over 100,000 people – all
within the next three years.
“PLDT has helped us accomplish
our vision of providing opportunities for
meaningful employment, being up for all
of our operations any time of the day, any
day of the year,” Mr. Maddock remarked.
STRONGER CONNECTIONS.
GREATER OPPORTUNITIES.
Ensuring consistent delivery of high
quality service and new job opportunities
also requires constant innovation.
This is why TaskUs, together with
PLDT ALPHA, is finalizing plans for a
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
system that will interconnect its Philippine
sites and its colleagues in the U.S. and
Australia. “It also provides a level of
Sitting in the conference room of the TaskUs
Taguig office, Mr. Maddock talked about his
company’s unique services, the continued
positive momentum of the Philippine IT-BPM
sector, and the value of constant uptime for
their international clientele.
AUGUST 2016
35
network efficiency that really can’t be rivalled
in an operation like ours, where people
are working between different sites and in
different countries on the same project.” In
addition, Mr. Maddock noted that MPLS
is standard technology for a company of
its size, affording it a degree of security
unavailable on the public Internet.
Shifting to a much wider perspective,
Mr. Maddock described technological
innovations from companies like PLDT
as critical for powering the initial wave of
outsourcing. Today, players such as TaskUs,
which partner with technologically-advanced
firms, are driving the second IT-BPM wave
in the country. “I think the third wave is
coming; we’re going to see more and more
automation and outsourcing, and this really
continues to impact the level of customer
experience that we’re able to provide here,”
he said, adding that both PLDT and the
Philippines as a whole are well-positioned to
keep pace with this change.
“I think the best thing about PLDT is
the connection that we’ve formed with our
account managers. Whenever we have an
36
AUGUST 2016
issue, they’re responsive; they are empowered
to make the changes that we need to connect
us through their network to make sure that
we stay online,” Mr. Maddock explained.
“They are the foremost telecommunications
provider in this country, so we are looking
for a partner that can provide us with the
best network infrastructure that is worldclass, and the service to go along with it.”
“In this partnership, we go beyond filling
the ICT requirements that TaskUs needs
in providing its unique, non-voice services
to disruptive enterprises. Beyond offering
world-class technology and services, we give
them peace of mind as they expand at the
forefront of the growing IT-BPM sector,”
remarked FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Jovy Hernandez. “We are grateful for the
trust TaskUs has given to PLDT ALPHA ,
allowing us to positively change the way they
do business, help create more promising job
opportunities, and impact more lives.”
Enabling positive change for TaskUs and
other players in the promising non-voice
sector clearly hinges on robust connections.
The third wave of outsourcing innovation
now rumbles as it approaches from a
distance, and those robust connections must
be ready.
Seated (L-R): PLDT Corporate Relationship
Management Advisor Victor Aliwalas with TaskUs,
Inc. Co-founder and CEO Bryce Maddock
Standing (L-R): TaskUs, Inc. Information
Technology Director Patrick Dacanay, PLDT
ALPHA Senior Relationship Manager Elenita
Garcia, and PLDT ALPHA Head of Capability
Management Emmanuel Tapat
PLDT HAS HELPED US ACCOMPLISH
OUR VISION OF PROVIDING
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT,
BEING UP FOR ALL OF OUR
OPERATIONS ANY TIME OF THE DAY,
ANY DAY OF THE YEAR.”
-BRYCE MADDOCK
CEO and Co-founder, TaskUs
AUGUST 2016
37
0003881
111908329
AND
ENHANCING
PUBLIC
SERVICE
ACCESS
COMMUNICATIONS
PLDT ALPHA and Smart equip a future-forward
Social Security System with communication technologies
0830448
38
AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
39
PLDT Relationship Management Rolly Gualvez, PLDT
AVP and Head of Corporate Relationship Management
Dennis Magbatoc, Smart Enterprise Senior Manager
Debbie Ledesma, SSS VP for Public Affairs and Special
Events Marissu Bugante, SSS Assistant Vice President
for Media Affairs Luisa Sebastian, and SSS Network
and Communications Specialist Lilibeth Quiambao
“THIS
REALLY
IS A
WIRED
WORLD,”
40
AUGUST 2016
said Marissu Bugante, Social Security
System (SSS) VP of Public Affairs and
Special Events. Just as citizens shift into
a fast-paced technological landscape,
government must get on the digital
bandwagon to deliver efficient services.
Government institutions today
are advancing into the future with
technologically efficient public services,
veering away from the mountains of red
tape and snake-like queues of the past.
Digitally connected and mobile-first citizens
will no longer have to line up in dank
government offices for simple information
and transactions; most can be easily
accomplished on mobile devices.
Joining the ranks of future-forward
governance is SSS, which has been insuring
private sector workers, the self-employed,
and other wage earners for almost sixty
years. In the ‘90s, the agency was among
the first government agencies that adopted
SMS to better communicate with members.
With TEXT-SSS, members can use a mobile
inquiry system to access crucial information
such as loan status or the location of
the nearest SSS branch. Likewise, this
commitment to member convenience has
extended to issuing social security numbers
and allowing access to member records
through an online portal.
Dedicated to efficient public service and
member convenience, SSS is bolstering its
communications capabilities with PLDT
ALPHA and Smart.
EFFICIENT INFORMATION
DISSEMINATION
With a growing member base of over
33 million both here in the Philippines and
around the world, visitors can expect long
queues, even for the simplest of inquiries, at
SSS branches. This is often a constant source
of frustration, as these members expect
better, and more, when it comes to public
service.
Since more than 80 million Filipinos use
mobile phones, they also expect government
agencies to keep pace with the digital
world. According to a recent study by On
Device Research, more than 80% of these
users are below 34 years old – young techsavvy professionals who expect efficient
communication in every aspect of their lives,
including government transactions.
In the case of SSS, they process large
amounts of data, which merits the need
for the technology to receive inquiries and
disseminate responses at a quicker pace.
“We’re a knowledge-based company,” said
Ms. Bugante. “We need information to
process member claims. We have to rely on
technology to attend to all the needs of the
customers. And we’re confident that PLDT
ALPHA and Smart will be able to provide
that.”
The agency signed up for the Smart
Messaging Suite, an innovative platform that
quickly and easily broadcasts information to
members nationwide. The SSS is boosting
its messaging services from its TEXT-SSS
service, through which they had received
inquiries. Now, they can also blast outbound
messages to notify members on the status
of their loans, contributions, claims, and
applications. Agents can address requests
to change and update member records, and
send out reminders on billing. By making
information dissemination more efficient,
the SSS effectively decongests their branches
all over the country – ultimately improving
member experiences. “We will be able
to transact with our members in a very
convenient way for them,” said Ms. Bugante.
BRINGING OFWS CLOSER TO HOME
Another challenge facing the SSS is
how to touch base with their members
abroad, comprised of the millions of OFWs
around the world. They were committed
to finding today’s best tech solutions for
open communications, that also had to be
convenient and cost-effective.
The SSS acquired the PLDT ALPHA
toll-free service to make the SSS 1-800
service available in OFW-rich countries such
as Hong Kong, Bahrain, and the United
Kingdom. Globetrotting Filipinos – and
even Filipinos outside of Metro Manila, for
that matter – can make inquiries for free
through the convenience of a memorable
hotline, “CALL-SSS”. “Our countrymen
who live outside of Metro Manila can also
AUGUST 2016
41
WE’RE VERY EXCITED THAT WE’VE
OPENED A LOT OF CHANNELS FOR
call us for free,” mentioned Ms. Bugante.
“That’s very convenient for our members,
so that would encourage more open
communication.” They are also currently
looking into developing a Skype-based
service, so that OFWs and other far-flung
members can easily contact the SSS, with the
added comfort of conversing with a friendly
face.
ENHANCED MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy
Hernandez looks ahead to great things in
their collaboration with the SSS, hoping
that this is just the first of many to come
as the agency’s membership grows. “We are
proud to be a partner of SSS as they
strengthen their commitment to enhancing
service delivery and member engagement
through the latest digital solutions. Rest
assured, we will continue to support them
in changing the lives of its members for the
42
AUGUST 2016
better through their services that leverage
on technology and innovation,” he stated.
Ms. Bugante echoed this sentiment, adding
“That’s why we’re really looking forward to
partnering with PLDT as our provider. Being
an IT-dependent organization, we have a
very good working relationship with them.”
Today, the six-decade-old government
institution is reaching more customers more
efficiently than ever – on your mobile device,
online, and on call. “We’re very excited
that we’ve opened a lot of channels for
communication with our members,” remarks
Ms. Bugante. “We hope that by doing so,
our members will be better informed, and
enjoy improved transaction experiences with
us, without the need to go to our branches
anymore.” The SSS welcomes a new day of
tech-driven member engagement, reaching
them wherever they are in the world, at the
rapid pace of the modern workplace.
Marissu Bugante discussed the future of
technology at SSS with PLDT representatives.
COMMUNICATION
WITH OUR MEMBERS. WE HOPE THAT BY
DOING SO, OUR MEMBERS WILL BE BETTER
INFORMED. THEY CAN TRANSACT WITH US
EVEN WITHOUT GOING TO SSS BRANCHES.”
-MARISSU BUGANTE
SSS VP for Public Affairs and
Special Events
AUGUST 2016
43
00272987
CASHING IN
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEMS
IT.Corea redefines traditional payment
gateways with a full-featured e-cash system
from PLDT ALPHA and PayMaya Philippines
2220910980
00099398
44
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45
SOUTH
KOREA
IS EASILY
AT THE
FOREFRONT
of technological advancements. And this
is clearly reflected in the fast-paced, highly
connected – and much envied – Korean
lifestyle. It was recently revealed by their
Central Bank’s survey that Koreans are
more inclined towards e-cash payments –
four (4) out of ten (10) respondents prefer
to use credit cards. The bank also foresees
the eventual emergence of a “cashless
society” by 2020.
For IT.Corea Chairman Jae J. Jang,
Korean nationals living and working in
the Philippines will soon be able to do the
same through their innovative technologies.
“Koreans have been the top tourists here in
the Philippines since 2012. We noticed that
46
AUGUST 2016
no company has ever catered to the Korean
market in terms of e-money solutions,
which they are so used to back home,” he
stated.
“SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE”
Since its establishment in 2011,
Philippine-based Korean Information
Technology (IT) company IT.Corea has
consistently enriched the lives of its
customers through leading Korean-based
technologies, including connectivity and
web solutions.
The company takes pride in its
legendary Coreon Gate Internet Cafés,
with four branches in the country – Makati,
Malate, Vito Cruz, and Boracay. The café
offers premium Internet speeds of up to
200mbps, consistent with the high-tech
lifestyle that the Koreans expect. “IT.Corea
provides high-speed Internet connectivity
available only in those cafés. Our customers
find the satisfaction they could have been
missing,” explained Mr. Jang, IT.Corea has
also further expanded its solutions portfolio
to include mobile plans, gaming services,
co-working spaces, and career solutions.
Their most recent innovation is the
revolutionary e-payment system, Coreon
Card. According to Mr. Jang, this is the
company’s primary push to help the
nation address security issues for online
payment transactions. Korean nationals
here in the Philippines are known for
using cash, resulting in alarming cases of
theft. Furthermore, IT.Corea wanted to
slash the tedious processing of cash-based
transactions.
“Providing them with a trusted e-cash
system from a trusted technology partner
will surely make their lives much easier and
safer,” he said.
A BETTER E-CASH SYSTEM
To support this project, IT.Corea recently
turned to PLDT ALPHA and PayMaya
Philippines’ combined technological expertise
to further strengthen the capabilities of the
Coreon Card. This partnership enables IT.
Corea to utilize the PayMaya system for
cashless Coreon Card payments. “PLDT
ALPHA has been IT.Corea’s one and only
great and trusted partner, in terms of
connectivity. We share the same vision, which
is to deliver innovative solutions and valuable
insights to our customers,” remarked Mr.
Jang.
Users will be entitled to their own
PayMaya account, with a corresponding
Coreon-branded PayMaya VISA debit and
cash card. Each card also has a beep™ RFID
chip, which can be used to pay fares on the
IT.Corea Chairman Jae J. Jang and PLDT
VP and Head of Corporate Relationship
Management Jojo Gendrano with the new
PayMaya-enabled Coreon Card
AUGUST 2016
47
MRT and LRT systems. “Koreans can now
send money anytime, pay bills, shop, pay
LRT and MRT fees, receive remittances
directly, and most importantly, have secure
transactions,” said Mr. Jang. “With the
Coreon Card, they don’t need to bring cash
anymore.”
Mr. Jang explained that all Coreon Gate
Internet Café branches will be set up as
account registration facilities for customers
who want to avail of, or are interested in,
the Coreon Card. In the same way, the
company plans to partner with other Korean
merchants in order to support and accept
card transactions. He is confident that the
use of this solution has succeeded “…in
simplifying the lives of our customers, which
has been the company’s vision from the
start,” he remarked.
“We at PLDT ALPHA commend our
partners in IT.Corea for their pioneering
move of promoting the e-cash system for
Koreans here in the Philippines. We are glad
they have partnered with us through our
innovative PayMaya service,” stated FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez.
“Over and above our growing solutions
portfolio and breakthrough innovations,
we are committed to help them grow their
business every step of the way. Parallel to
IT.Corea’s pledge to simplify customers’ lives,
our collaboration with them is centered on
positively redefining customer experiences.”
Seated (L-R): IT.Corea Chairman Jae J.
Jang and PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Jojo Gendrano
Standing (L-R): IT.Corea CEO Jin Su Kim,
PLDT Head of Corporate Relationship
Business Mari Javier, PLDT Relationship
Manager Sarah Jane Marique, IT.Corea
Relations Manager Aaron Kim, and IT.Corea IT
Director Ariel Belo Surca
WITH THIS SYSTEM, KOREANS CAN SEND MONEY ANYTIME,
PAY BILLS, SHOP, PAY LRT AND MRT FEES, RECEIVE
REMITTANCES DIRECTLY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE
SECURE
TRANSACTIONS. WITH THE COREON CARD, THEY DON’T
NEED TO BRING CASH ANYMORE – WHICH HAS BEEN THE
PROBLEM OF KOREANS HERE IN
THE PHILIPPINES."
-JAE J. JANG
IT.Corea Chairman
48
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49
A
ENTERPRISE
RETAIL FAIRYTALE
Cinderella shifts from traditional retail
practices to pioneering, end-to-end
eCommerce platform solutions from
PLDT ALPHA and Voyager
50
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51
LIKE ITS
FICTIONAL
NAMESAKE,
the success story of Cinderella Marketing
Corporation could very well be a retailing
fairytale.
It all began in 1948 with a little girl
named Therese, who wore princess-like
dresses lovingly sewn by family matriarch,
Florencia Guanzon-Coronel. The dresses
were a hit in their neighborhood. Not too
long after, the family opened their first
children’s clothing specialty store.
Since then, the company has grown into
a one-stop premier shopping destination,
with over 250 branches nationwide.
“Cinderella has evolved – selling
merchandise to millennials, the working
class, and senior citizens,” stated Cinderella
Marketing Corporation President and CEO
52
AUGUST 2016
Arthur Coronel. “We are expanding because
we are not limiting ourselves to certain age
groups.”
FROM BRICKS TO CLICKS AND
BEYOND
To ensure longevity, Cinderella has
deliberately kept an eye on shifting industry
trends and practices. Amidst a relentless
influx of foreign brands into the local
market, Coronel relaunched the retail chain
in 2013 as a purveyor of a wide-range of
local and international labels. “We thought
of this rebranding as a necessity for us
to renovate and re-label the stores with a
global look – to give it a new design, and
new store layout,” he explained.
Mr. Coronel also spoke highly of the
wonders that digital technologies continue
to bring to their business. Cinderella’s
website, as well as its social media accounts,
have vastly expanded customer reach and
engagement. He is highly optimistic about
the company’s recent move to eCommerce,
saying that the “trend will be the future
of retail. It is going to lead change in our
industry. We are embracing this because
of tighter competition from successful
practices abroad.”
To set the platform in motion,
Cinderella has tapped PLDT ALPHA
for their key eCommerce requirements.
PLDT Vice President and Head of
Corporate Relationship Management
Vic Tria commends the move, saying
“PLDT ALPHA is committed to support
Cinderella, as they introduce positive
change to customer retail preferences and
experiences through innovative eCommerce
solutions.”
Cinderella Marketing Corporation President
and CEO Arthur Coronel discussed the
company’s continuous efforts in going digital.
AN EMPOWERED eCOMMERCE
PARTNERSHIP
The shift to eCommerce is seen to
improve the overall customer experience
of its growing young, mobile, and onlinesavvy client base. It could also prove to
be a positive disruptor for the company’s
operations and logistics. “Essentially, it will
drive more volume for us,” Mr. Coronel
explains. “We will be making changes in
AUGUST 2016
53
L-R: Cinderella Marketing Corporation VP
for International Brands Richard Santos,
Cinderella Marketing Corporation President
and CEO Arthur Coronel, PLDT VP and Head
of Corporate Relationship Management Vic
Tria, and PLDT Head of Corporate Relationship
Business Marizel Tinio
our merchandising and product development
departments to fit the needs of our
eCommerce partnership with PLDT,” Mr.
Tria chimed in, stating that the collaboration
with the retailer will help in “providing
even better solutions that will enhance the
retail experiences of its increasingly mobile
customer base.”
The PLDT ALPHA-Cinderella
partnership equips the veteran retailer with
the TackThis digital platform, which features
end-to-end store management capabilities
with a simplified online storefront. With
the add-on concierge service, Cinderella
merchandise items can be featured and
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AUGUST 2016
aggregated on Takatack – the country’s
biggest online marketplace. “We fully support
Cinderella’s initiatives towards becoming
a full-fledged eCommerce business,” said
Takatack Philippines Country Manager
Rebecca Rigalde. “At the same time, we learn
from veteran retailers like them to see how
we can match the needs of the millennial and
digital workforce with quality goods that can
benefit them.”
As Mr. Coronel and his team navigate
Cinderella’s path towards a digital
transformation, FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Jovy Hernandez stresses PLDT
ALPHA’s role in this growing partnership.
“Cinderella is set to redefine the retail
industry through higher quality customer
experiences in the digital age. We strive to
earn their trust through a commitment that
goes beyond hardware and software, beyond
our leading technologies and solutions, and
beyond ideas and innovations,” he noted.
Ultimately, these solutions will expand
Cinderella’s market reach beyond its
nationwide brick and mortar consumer base.
“We’re not only going to focus on what we
sell in our stores. We will also look into what
we can readily sell at a higher volume via
eCommerce. For us, that’s the added value,”
emphasized Mr. Coronel.
AUGUST 2016
55
A
GLOBAL
CHANGER
PLDT ALPHA powers worldwide connectivity
for the Philippine eSports Organization
56
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57
IN THE
THRIVING
PHILIPPINE
INTERNET
and network-based business landscape, a
burgeoning sector has entered the scene:
electronic sports or eSports.
To say the least, the industry has been
growing at an exponential pace, with global
revenues expected to surpass USD1.9
billion by 2018. Zealous fans tuning in from
all over have caught the attention of the
tech and media industries. YouTube now
covers eSports tournaments via livestream,
while ESPN has given the sport its own
vertical.
Laying the local groundwork is the
Philippine eSports Organization (PeSO),
established in 2011 to elevate the level
of eSports in the country and ride
on surging global popularity. Former
sports commissioner and current PeSO
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AUGUST 2016
chairman Brian Lim was encouraged by
the Korean government – one of the
biggest proponents of eSports – to set-up
the organization to support the growing
community of gamers.
HIGH-TECH GAMING
The enthusiasm for eSports in the
Philippines has exploded in recent years,
moving from neighborhood Internet
cafes to meticulously-organized mall
tournaments.
One of the fastest-growing eSports
games in the country is Valve Corporation’s
DoTA 2. In 2015, Valve launched the Major
Championships, an international DoTA 2
event held in three global cities, leading up
to the International Tournament. Prizes
for a single major championship can reach
up to USD3 million. This year, with the
support of PeSO, the weeklong Manila
Major was held at the SM Mall of Asia
Arena.
At the center of the arena were the
ten computers of the competing DoTA
2 teams, which were connected to LED
screens showing the games to excited fans
at the venue. Over 16,000 fans, in addition
to the competing teams, flew in from all
around the world just to attend, while two
and a half million people concurrently
tuned in online.
Through highly-anticipated international
events like these, PeSO is helping bring the
Philippine economy into a tech-powered
future. “There are jobs being created,
business being generated,” Mr. Lim
confidently asserted. “There’s tourism being
brought in.”
THE NEW AGE OF THE INTERNET
The current highest earning DoTA player
earns, on average, more than 2 million USD
per game.
Photo Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/
RKt5xCV5WpU/maxresdefault.jpg
The success of eSports tournaments
like Manila Major is hinged on one crucial
factor: reliable connectivity. PeSO partnered
with PLDT ALPHA to equip the six-day
event with Dedicated Internet Access
Service (iGate) and Local Area Networking
(LAN). Unlike traditional sports, eSports
– especially DoTA 2 – requires constant
connectivity. “It’s critical that it delivers in
a timely manner and provides the specs
we seek, so that the game can be played
AUGUST 2016
59
seamlessly, without any latency or lag issues,”
said Mr. Lim. Valve has specific network
requirements, needing a provider that can
best fulfill the connectivity of the large arena
and the global broadcast, thus “…we had
to look to no other than PLDT.” It was a
welcome challenge, with FVP and Head of
PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez stating,
“In this exciting time in Philippine eSports,
we look forward to providing reliable
connectivity for future events. Beyond
fulfilling infrastructure requirements, we
hope to help transform Philippine eSports,
as it drives more success for business and the
Philippine competitive spirit.”
With reliable Internet infrastructure,
the Philippines can be a prime regional
destination for eSports. According to PeSO
Executive Director Tryke Gutierrez, the
new age created by the Internet is one where
anyone from any country can compete on an
equal platform. Success in the sport is not
limited by height, age, or gender. What the
players need is gaming talent, and constant
connectivity.
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
The Philippines plans to form a national
league supported by a reliable Internet
infrastructure from PLDT. In turn this could
open doors for better, and more frequent
competitions, and, possibly, a team that can
compete with the best in the world. “It’s
going to have a domino effect,” enthused
Mr. Gutierrez.
By hosting successful international
tournaments and advancing competitive
teams, the Philippines places itself on the
eSports world map. “We are at the dawn
of a new era for Philippine eSports,” said
Mr. Lim. “Especially now that the world
realizes that there is an organization in the
Philippines, and a telco like PLDT that can
meet the stringent requirements for a big
event such as the Manila Major.”
Through access to reliable Internet,
Filipinos participate in a platform that
sparks innovation, connects them to
worldwide communities, and immerses
them in international sports and business.
“The Philippines is leapfrogging into the
digital age,” said Mr. Lim, commenting on
how organizations like PeSO can help usher
the country into a new digital economy.
Philippine enterprises can thrive by utilizing
the potential of online platforms, whether in
eSports or beyond. “This is only the starting
line. I’m so excited to show the rest of the
world what is in store for us in the future,”
he added.
To learn more about Philippine eSports,
visit www.esports.com.ph, or send an email
to [email protected].
L-R: PLDT AVP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Business for VisMin Jimmy
Chua, PLDT AVP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Dick Perez, FVP
and Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez,
Philippine eSports Organization Chairman
Brian Lim, Philippine eSports Organization
Executive Director Tryke Gutierrez, and PLDT
Corporate Relationship Manager Beth Villaflor
IT’S CRITICAL THAT CONSTANT
CONNECTIVITY
IS DELIVERED IN A TIMELY MANNER AND
PROVIDE THE SPECS WE SEEK SO THAT THE
GAME CAN BE PLAYED SEAMLESSLY.”
-BRIAN LIM
PeSO Chairman
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61
634687
46360011
RIDING THE
TWO THRIVING SME-OWNERS LEARN
DIGITAL WAVE
FROM THE BEST OF SILICON VALLEY
00087122
11119873290837
62
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63
PAOLO HILARIO OF LAY BARE
SILICON
VALLEY
64
AUGUST 2016
CARLO CALIMON OF MOBKARD
is known worldwide as the center of
technological innovation, where disruptive
companies and media giants like Uber
and Facebook hold court. It has also been
the launching pad for small-yet-ambitious
companies that develop game-changing
technologies in their bid to make it big.
On the local front, small business
owners are pursuing their entrepreneurial
goals by building on similar aspirations.
They have been making waves of their own
for several years, using technology to power
their success. Recognizing their talents,
PLDT SME Nation rewarded fifteen of
the nominees of last year’s #BeTheBoss
Awards with a trip to Silicon Valley – and a
chance to learn winning tips and tricks from
the fabled tech giants of San Francisco.
Two of them – Lay Bare Co-owner
Paolo Hilario and MobKard Founder
Carlo Calimon – shared their journey to
success, and the insights they learned from
their trip.
CUSTOMER COMFORT
For Lay Bare’s Paolo Hilario, customer
engagement is key to business success.
“That was the challenge for us,” he said
“We keep on coming up with new things,
digital and otherwise, to engage people.”
When Lay Bare waxing salon opened its
first branch in 2006, it wasn’t easy getting
customers to try out the service. It was
the first time that a salon had offered
hair removal as a primary service, and
prospective clients were initially hesitant.
Lay Bare decided to be receptive to
customer needs – offering services at an
affordable price, and ensuring a pleasant
overall experience. “We worked on the
ambiance of the store – the reflection of the
company as hip, new, and refreshing so that
they’re comfortable with us,” said Mr. Hilario
(who was nominated for a Boss Award for
Customer Service). Lay Bare also introduced
a technique called sugaring, which appealed
to customers who are environmentallyconscious and distrusting of less-than-natural
ingredients.
Through the years, Lay Bare has kept up
with the latest technologies to connect with
their client base. “We need to consistently
evolve because we want to add new features
that allow people to engage with us,” added
Mr. Hilario. They used hotline and SMS
systems. They were also one of the first
companies in the industry to deliver an online
customer service platform, allowing clients
to book appointments and offer feedback.
For its tenth anniversary this year, Lay Bare
launched a brand new mobile app.
The company serves customers best
when it runs effectively, using technology
that boosts operational efficiency from
PLDT SME Nation. The company has also
invested in fiber connectivity, for quicker
communications and adaptability to any
situation.
The convenience and accessibility
delivered to customers, as well as quicker
response to feedback, has fueled the
company’s growth. By mid-2017, Lay Bare
expects to open 100 branches – from Manila
to the U.S. Hilario takes special pride in how
they maximized their services, packaging
them to suit “…different types of people
with the same need.” For example, Lay Bare
recently opened its first franchise that caters
to hair removal for tattoo artists.
MOBILE-FIRST CONNECTIONS
The resolve to respond to the needs of
mobile-first customers today is reflected in
the work of MobKard CEO and Founder
Carlo Calimon. MobKard is a mobile
engagement platform where users can search
for discounts and promos from restaurants,
hotels, retail establishments, and services at
their location. “We give customers ways to
save for the more important things in life,”
enthused Mr. Calimon.
Hailed as PLDT SME Nation’s first Boss
Awardee for Mobile Readiness, Mr. Calimon
emphasized that MobKard “brought
something to the table that gave value to
customers. It is an innovation that people
can take advantage of on a daily basis.”
MobKard gives mobile customers the ability
to keep track of restaurant, hospitality, and
AUGUST 2016
65
LOOK AT THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
OF THE PHILIPPINES. EVEN MOM-ANDPOP BUSINESSES ARE
CONVERTING
TO DIGITAL, AND UNDERSTAND THAT
WE CAN’T REMAIN THE SAME... WE
HAVE TO GO WITH THE DIGITAL WAVE.”
retail promos without the need for printed
gift certificates, door signages, or related
merchandising. They can simply make
informed choices based on content displayed
on their smartphones.
Mobile-readiness is also an internal
affair, as Mr. Calimon describes ways PLDT
SME Nation has transformed his business.
Because Mr. Calimon often works outside the
office, he stays connected with his mobilefirst workforce through his mobile device,
coordinating through regular virtual meetings.
With seamless communications on the go,
MobKard’s rapid rise to success comes as no
surprise. Since its launch in 2013, the startup now has twenty community apps, 20,000
users, and 500 partner merchants nationwide.
As a disruptor in its own right, MobKard
is just beginning. Mr. Calimon wants to use
the Philippines as a springboard for an Asian
expansion. “We’re not saying we will offer
the same product or service, but at the core
of that is the same principle.” As it grows,
MobKard will continue to use technology
in addressing and adapting to fast-changing
business demand. “Whatever technology we
can use, we’ll use it. Because that’s the only
way we move forward.”
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AUGUST 2016
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
Mr. Hilario and Mr. Calimon shared the
same key takeaway from their Silicon Valley
visit: everybody starts somewhere. The
companies they visited showed the Filipino
entrepreneurs that nobody, not even the
tech giants, were an overnight success. What
makes or breaks a business is perseverance,
intelligent execution, and technological
innovation. Because of the shift to digital,
traditional brick and mortar brands are
closing up shop. The companies that
innovate to meet changing market demands
are the ones that survive.
Ultimately, the trip deepened their
understanding of what it takes to be a
thriving entrepreneur in shifting business
landscapes. “The digital age brings about
new challenges and stiffer competition, but
it also brings about new opportunities to
make it big,” said Mr.Hilario. This gives them
the ability to create new platforms to engage
with their customers, and to improve the
efficiency and mobility of their operations.
Both entrepreneurs were thrilled at the
possibilities ahead, sharing their admiration
of Google, Facebook, Uber, and Airbnb.
These companies encouraged all visitors to
realize their potential and set their sights on
-PAOLO HILARIO
higher goals. “While we were there, we saw
what we, as Filipino business owners, can
aspire to,” shared Mr. Calimon.
“The digital age puts us on a stage
where we’re globally competitive,” noted
Mr. Hilario. “Look at the business landscape
of the Philippines. Even mom-and-pop
businesses are converting to digital, and
understand that we can’t remain the same. It’s
a reawakening for Filipino business people.
We have to go with the digital wave.”
The participants enjoy a live demo from one of their
daily tours at the headquarters of one the tech
companies they visited in Silicon Valley.
Co-owner, Lay Bare
WHATEVER TECHNOLOGY WE CAN
USE, WE’LL USE IT. THAT’S THE ONLY
WAY WE MOVE
FORWARD.
-CARLO CALIMON
CEO and Founder, MobKard
AUGUST 2016
67
The pioneering batch
of the Silicon Valley
immersion program for
Filipino entrepreneurs
together with officials from
PLDT SME Nation take
a photo opportunity at
the receiving area of the
Google Headquarters in
Silicon Valley.
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69
FOR BETTER ENGAGEMENT
s the adage goes, “Always
treat your employees
exactly as you want them to
treat your best customers.”
Without a doubt, it is
difficult – if not impossible
– for organizations to
grow, more so succeed, without the help of
engaged employees.
In fact, statistics reveal that firms with
a highly-involved workforce perform more
efficiently (by 202%) than those who don’t.
Various studies also showed that companies
with engaged employees achieve 6% higher
net profit margins, and increase their
shareholder returns by up to five times
in five years.
Another way to look at employee
engagement is through effective rewards
and recognition programs. Employees
respond positively to this system of benefits,
as it is proven an effective way to increase
workforce retention in 2016.
In today’s digital age, where technology
has indeed become part of the employee
lifestyle, collaboration has been further
powered by increasing mobile adoption,
and the ubiquity of the Internet across the
country. This is the reason why enterprise
organizations are using new technologies
to employ innovative ways for better
employee engagement. PLDT and Voyager
Innovations, Inc. have responded to this
reality with their newly-launched digital
employee engagement platform Takatack
Rewards.
SETTING UP THE PLATFORM
Businesses that use Takatack Rewards
are given a customized portal – with the
company logo and colors. With this type
of format, users will feel more at ease
since they can easily associate it with their
respective organizations. Employers then
need to register their employees’ company
email addresses for their account handles.
LOADING CREDITS IN THE E-WALLET
Employers coordinate with the Takatack
managed services team for all credit
transactions. During credit disbursement,
for example, the employer or human
resources representative gives the team a list
of the reward beneficiaries. The team will
then load these credits in the employees’
individual accounts, and send an email
notification to them.
ACCOUNT USAGE
Once the account has been activated,
users can start logging in their corporate
Takatack portal. They will be directed
to their profile, where they can view and
access their credit balance, referral code, as
well as other shopping information.
Once everything is set, employees can
now start browsing merchandise items on
the Takatack Rewards storefront. Earned
credits can be used for items labelled
as "Fulfilled by Takatack". Upon item
selection and check-out, the preferred
payment option used should be “Your
Company Credits”.
REWARDS MADE SIMPLE AND EASY
PLDT ALPHA AND VOYAGER
INNOVATIONS, INC.
COLLABORATE FOR AN
OPTIMIZED REWARDS SYSTEM
WITH TAKATACK REWARDS
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AUGUST 2016
Takatack Rewards allows organizations
to focus on giving better rewards and
recognition for their employees. This
integrated mobile-centered solution
incentivizes high-performing employees
through “credits.” These electronic gift
certificates can be used to purchase items
on Takatack – the country’s largest online
marketplace, with over 150,000 featured
products.
It beats similarly-skewed traditional
programs, as it combines the convenience
and security that come with using digital
technologies. Employees receive what’s due
to them in real-time, wherever they may be.
And since all transactions using Takatack
Rewards come with proper documentation
online, the risk of fraud, lost credits, and
other problems are drastically reduced.
THE ROAD TO BETTER EMPLOYEE
ENGAGEMENT
Beyond these defining features, the
workforce can also be part of the growing
Takatack community. Members are entitled
to Takatack’s category-based campaigns,
flash promotions, and regular items on
sale. These perks are regularly updated
and sent to them via the email newsletter.
PLDT and Voyager, through Takatack
Rewards, continue to work together in
harnessing the power of disruptive
technologies for enhanced organizational
engagement and collaboration. Ultimately,
this digital rewards platform is built to
supplement the business needs of today’s
data and digitally-driven enterprises,
building long-term relationships as
the business grows further.
AUGUST 2016
71
UNBANKED AND
UNDERBANKED
THE PLDT GROUP BECOMES A NATIONAL CATALYST
FOR TOTAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION THROUGH FINTQ’S
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PORTFOLIO
H
72
AUGUST 2016
eading to the bank to open a new account,
issuing checks, withdrawing cash at the
ATM, applying for a car, pension, or salary
loan, paying for an online purchase through
a credit card, reviewing financial statements
through a web browser or mobile phone
— these are tasks that most of us take for
granted. However, there remains a huge
segment of the population that can only
dream of being served by banking.
According to the latest statistics of the
World Bank, only 31% of Filipinos aged 15
and up possess a bank account. That leaves
69% of the country’s adult population in
the unbanked sector – denied access to any
kind of formal financial service whatsoever.
In addition, there is a distinct percentage
who are underbanked, or with limited access
to essential banking services. A majority of
Filipinos find it difficult to save or apply for
loans and other forms of credit.
Our entire country is affected by this
unequal access to financial services. A joint
study by the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) and the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) shows that by simply
reducing the hurdles to financial inclusion,
our gross domestic product (GDP) growth
rate will be positively impacted.
FINTQ ENTERS THE WORLD STAGE
Necessity is the mother of invention. The
Financial Technology or Fintech industry has
emerged to enhance the banking and finance
sector, helping achieve financial inclusion
through digital technologies. In line with its
digital transformation, the PLDT Group is
pioneering solutions that aim to uplift the
country’s unbanked majority through its new
fintech subsidiary, aptly named FINTQ.
FINTQ is the financial technology
unit of Voyager Innovations. According to
FINTQ CEO Lito Villanueva, it stands out
from similar organizations offering digital
financial solutions. “If you are to look into
Silicon Valley and other parts of the world,
a typical fintech company only provides one
product,” Mr. Villanueva noted. “We cater to
a number of solutions, with platforms that
cater across multiple segments.”
LOANS VIA SMS WITH LANDBANK
MOBILE LOAN SAVER
FINTQ’s foray into financial
technology innovation began with
the LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver.
It enables government employees with a
payroll account at any state-owned bank to
apply for salary loans through SMS. Once
approved, the loan amount is automatically
credited to the applicant’s account. Since
its launch in January 2015, the facility has
provided close to P10 billion in loans to tens
of thousands of government employees
nationwide.
The company has expanded this solution,
now providing a telco-agnostic, easy-toapply loans option to select private-sector
companies. And soon, this will also be
offered to the Overseas Filipinos (OFs);
micro, small, and medium enterprises
(MSMEs); and small-scale farmers and
fishermen in the agricultural sector.
These are customer segments that
are often underserved and belong to the
unbanked.
The LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver,
according to Mr. Villanueva, has created a
positive ripple effect across the Philippine
banking sector. Armed with the knowledge
gained from its pioneering product, FINTQ
developed and quickly rolled out the Lendr
platform. The digital lending platform
merited the approval of the Bangko Sentral
ng Pilipinas (BSP) to be offered across
BSP-supervised financial institutions
nationwide. Lendr’s availability in the market
provides shared electronic end-to-end loans
origination and management system under a
community cloud deployment model – a first
in Philippine banking.
"The National Retails Payments System
envisions a robust and interoperable
payment system that enables efficient and
cost-effective digital transactions. Lendr
is an initiative that supports this vision by
providing a platform for people to link with
their financial providers in a convenient
manner regardless of time and location," said
BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr.
AUGUST 2016
73
ENABLING THE 'SHARING ECONOMY'
FOR CONSUMER LOANS
Lendr represents an evolution of
the LANDBANK Mobile Loan Saver. It
uses industry-grade technology platforms
to allow consumers to “shop” for the best
loan from banks. Lendr can be accessed
either through the web or via mobile phone,
anytime and anywhere. Banks who wish to
join Lendr can integrate their existing loans
systems with the portal through FINTQ’s
platform.
Lendr can be accessed through all major
Philippine telco networks. The vision for this
platform is to enable the shared economy for
consumer loans, to the likes of which Uber
and Airbnb had popularized. The association
is accurate, as it refers to the ease with which
consumers can apply for the right loan at the
right time, over any device.
Lendr could hasten a paradigm shift in
the industry. Because of its convenience
and ease of access, it opens more doors
to entrepreneurs who need capital to start
or expand their business. This removes
the stress of going from bank to bank to
look for a specific loan, on top of studying
requirements and applicable interest rates.
COUNT
TO THREE
REVOLUTIONARY
Applying for a loan via
Lendr is as easy as 1-2-3
FOR FINANCIAL INCLUSION
STEP 1:
THE MOBILE ADVANTAGE
The success of LANDBANK Mobile
Loan Saver, Lendr, and FINTQ’s other
solutions leverages on the ubiquity of mobile
phones in the Philippines. Local mobile
phone penetration is already north of 100%,
with many in the populace possessing more
than one cellphone.
“It is one of the key drivers to financial
inclusion,” stressed Mr. Villanueva.
According to him, banks cannot be
expected to set up shop in every corner
of the archipelago, citing remote areas and
coastal towns in particular. However, they
can efficiently extend their reach via mobile
and digital technologies. In fact, Lendr's
fintech solutions have empowered banks
to provide quality service beyond regular
hours, without the need to heavily invest on
brick-and-mortar branches. It simply makes
every mobile device its customer fulfilment
touchpoint.
HERE ARE FINTQ’S OTHER
CREATE YOUR
LENDR ACCOUNT
To start your Lendr account
registration, please enter your
mobile number.
Register
Customer registers at the Lendr website,
providing his/her mobile number for
account verification.
STEP 2:
LENDR
MARKET PLACE
Lendr Marketplace
Customer selects from the loans available at the
marketplace. He/she completes the application
form and submits supporting documents.
AN ALL-INCLUSIVE FINANCIAL
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
It is remarkable what a change in
perspective can do to an entire industry.
FINTQ’s digital-based solutions are poised
to spark exponential growth in the banking
and finance sector. It is set to reduce the
unbanked and underbanked population
and redefine the way how everyone does
banking altogether. The Philippine market is
just the springboard towards enabling other
key growth and emerging markets. A good
number of banks from various countries
will likewise be enabled soon by FINTQ’s
trailblazing digital solutions.
PANALO S.I.K.A.P.
Panalo Sa Ipon at Kabuhayan Asenso
ka Pinoy (SIKAP) incentivizes the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
(4Ps) beneficiaries through a credit and
voluntary savings solution. This promotes
financial empowerment and provides
entrepreneurship opportunities for the
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) recipients.
PERA AGAD
Pera Agad presents a promising
micro-loan solution for the unbanked
and underbanked population. Offered in
partnership with Bulgaria-based finance
firm Cash Credit, this service provides the
algorithm based on telco-data analytics to
generate a credit score to individuals who
would otherwise not have access to a more
formal funding source.
P.I.S.O.
STEP 3:
LANDBANK’s Mobile Loan Saver
replaces the tedious process of
queuing during bank hours with a
convenient loan application
via SMS.
Personal Insurance and Savings Option
towards the Future or PISO sa Kinabukasan
is a first-of-its-kind integrated micro-savings
and insurance program for K to 12 public
school students. This solution encourages
kids and teens to build a savings habit while
enjoying annual personal accident insurance
coverage with emergency medical benefits.
Loans Approval and Crediting
Customer receives an SMS notification once
his/her application is approved. He/she can now
claim the loan proceeds based on the
bank's specifications.
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AUGUST 2016
AUGUST 2016
75
SIZING UP SMACS
FOR THE DATA-DRIVEN
ENTERPRISE
HOT JOE SITS DOWN WITH THREE OF PLDT ALPHA’S NEWEST
CORPORATE RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT HEADS TO TALK
ABOUT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, THEIR IMPACT ACROSS
INDUSTRIES, AND THEIR ROLE IN SHAPING THE DATA-DRIVEN
ENTERPRISE.
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AUGUST 2016
D
igital technologies are definitely hot
topics, not just for their novelty or
unmistakable cool factor. Rather, more
industries are realizing that Social,
Mobility, Analytics, Cloud, and Security
– or SMACS – are the foundations of
resilient and innovative data-driven
enterprises.
HOT JOE had an exclusive roundtable chat with
PLDT’s Dick Perez, Dennis Magbatoc, and Victor
Aliwalas, who shared their thoughts and insights on the
role of SMACS in enterprises, how these can be further
maximized, and the way they shape the future of these
industries.
AUGUST 2016
77
HJ: Based on your different
backgrounds and the industries
that each of you handle, how is the
digital transformation of enterprises
– particularly those leveraging
Social, Mobility, Analytics, Cloud,
and Security, or SMACS technologies
– impacted your experiences as
customers?
DICK PEREZ: Because of the nature
of our jobs, we cannot afford to not be
lovers of technology. As our big boss
would say, we must have a taste of our
own technologies from social media to
mobile applications. As for analytics, we
use it more in the course of fulfilling our
functions. For cloud, sometimes you’re
using it every day without your knowledge,
such as our basic email. Personally, I have
my own cloud service and a Dropbox
account for my music and photos. And I
am inclined to avail of the services of a
company who I believe is techno-savvy.
[The] perception is that these companies
are quick to deliver services and [are] more
efficient in the way they do business.
VICTOR ALIWALAS: As a
consumer, everything I do is digital and
involves SMACS! In the morning after I
check my emails, I check my social media
and update myself about all current events,
industry trends, and pop culture. At work,
cloud is all around us, we use the cloud
to store and share our team documents,
we use cloud-based SaaS [Software as a
Service] tools like Salesforce every day.
DENNIS MAGBATOC: I wasn’t
a fan of social media in my personal
life, but – and Victor is right – when the
organization introduced SMACS tools,
that’s when I appreciated its value more
for business and work. Each day, I look
at Salesforce when I go home, send the
reports to our Viber group, and I get results
immediately. That, for me, is a realization
that digital platforms are indeed important
not just for individual use but also for
running a business. For me, it’s more of the
business angle.
HJ: So of these five pillars of the
digital enterprise transformation,
which ones are more popular or in
demand among the companies in
your respective industries?
VA: Companies specific to the BPO
and O&O segment are already engaged in
digital transformations because they
have no choice. Certainly
for BPOs, I can say
that security is
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AUGUST 2016
important because a lot of these companies
are processing highly-confidential medical
records and the credit card/financial
information of their clients and their
client’s clients. So, security is always going
to be a demand of these companies. If they
don’t abide by PCI [Payment Card Industry]
compliance and the security to protect
all that information and data, they’re in
trouble. In terms of data, they’re sitting
on a gold mine of transactional data, this
can be used to get insights on how to help
their clients improve their efficiency and
effectivity. Cloud is vital to the success of
a BPO, as these large global organizations
need a mechanism which allows them to
become centralized despite the geographic
obstacles. Mobility and social media
have most definitely become vital as an
engagement tool for the O&O sector for
company branding and awareness. The
most important way it is currently used
is for talent acquisition and employee
engagement.
DM: Government is the most unique
when it comes to embracing SMACS and
digital. In an ICT environment, there are
three platforms, the first being from three
decades ago – the original boxy computer
units. The second came in the 1990s,
where client servers and other hardware
did more complex functions. The third has
SMACS — the digital, the cloud. Generally,
government and the public sector are still
on the first and mostly second platforms.
This makes it a challenge – and a good
problem on our end – to invite them to
embrace that third platform. I would agree
with Victor that security and Big Data are
the SMACS technologies that fit more with
government.
DP: Same with government and BPOs,
security is number one across all regional
companies only because most of the
manufacturing sector have their designs as
their real treasure. For example, Samsung
covers phone cameras of guests entering
their facilities to avoid stolen photos of
their equipment and designs. Blueprints are
sent to and from the Philippines and head
offices in Korea; you could imagine the
layers of security to protect those designs
from illicit copying. Second is mobility
because of M2M [Machine-to-Machine]
communication. Manufacturers used to
conduct regular maintenance checks, and it
was only then that they would know whether
there’s a need to replace certain parts of
equipment. Because of M2M, they no longer
need to do this as they can monitor the
health of equipment on a daily basis.
HJ: Security and mobility are most
in demand and needed. Name one
SMACS technology that is severely
under-utilized by local enterprises.
DP: For the regional areas, I think
it’s cloud, since most companies are not
comfortable in allowing their data stored
somewhere. They are more comfortable if
data is on premise.
DM: For government, again, they’re
not yet on the third platform, so nothing
is under-utilized. Five to ten percent of
government agencies are already on cloud.
As with Dick, the potential of maximizing
cloud within the government; that’s where
they’re missing out because they’re not going
in that direction.
VA: For O&O, I’d have to say that
all five have the same value within the
industry. A lot of these companies are
very progressive and innovative, and the
competition is very stiff. So in the event
they’re not using any of these, they’re not
going to be an option for the client. I would
say that they all hold the same importance.
HJ: How about for Big Data and
analytics? We’ve discussed that these
can be used to transform customer
experiences or store large amounts
of data internally. How can these be
further transformed into actionable
insights for local enterprises?
DP: That’s the problem of most
companies, especially in regional areas.
They have this huge amount of data stored
somewhere in servers, but they don’t know
how to use it, so much so that it warrants
them to contract a company that knows how
to convert this data into a more structured
and organized set of insights that they can
use to chart their direction.
HJ: How about government? How else
can it use Big Data not just for storing
all this information on everybody?
DM: Locally, I think all of us would
agree that government has the biggest data
amongst all industries. One classic example
is the proposed national ID system. Just
having one common Big Data platform
to support this would be big. I think the
missing part there is who would lead and
own that function. PhilHealth has its own
system, the Bureau of Internal Revenue has
its own system. I think it’s high time that we
consolidate, and come up with one, national
ID system, and make use of a Big Dataanalytics platform. That would not only help
government but us individuals as well.
VA: One of the biggest issues the
industry is facing now is finding the right
quality talent as well as fierce competition
against other companies, they are turning
to data to deal with it. IT-BPM companies
are more strategic by using data analytics
to know where to set up shop, and where
they can attract the most available talent.
They’re using data analytics to figure out
the profiles that are going to last longer in
an organization, because attrition is also
a pressing issue. For example, some data
studies have shown that employees that
have more than two to three stops in a
commute are more likely to attrite within
six months, as opposed to employees
that only have one stop on their daily
commute. So it’s details like that, which
analytics give more insight on what
profiles are most ideal to hire.
who are the first ones to adapt. But it also
depends on the particular business or service
that they’re going to put up or migrate to the
cloud; if it’s just a database, it’s the easiest.
Systems migration to cloud is a bit tricky
especially those with complex systems.
HJ: You mentioned security, so what
specific challenges drive companies
toward outsourcing security and data
center requirements?
VA: For the BPO industry, one
compelling reason for our clients to
outsource to purpose-built data centers is
that they can essentially turn an operating
expense into a profit center. If a company
is hosting their own data center, they have
all these expenses and liabilities to consider:
power, cooling, security, rack space and
maintenance. If they were to utilize PLDT’s
HJ: So a little more on cloud.
It’s under-utilized in some,
emerging, or even absent in
others. But what does it take
for a company to migrate
its operations, databases,
and such to a cloud-based
system?
DP: Cloud has a lot
of potential and will gain
fortified traction. While
traction on cloud is not
that pervasive (yet) in the
regional areas, there are
some who adapted it.
Those who are value and
security-conscious, and
in a way are exposed to
ICT trends are those
AUGUST 2016
79
data centers instead, they can convert
their dedicated server space into an actual
production seat that can net thousands of
dollars a month in profits. Our data centers
are purpose-built; why would you set up shop
in a place you’re leasing? You don’t know the
building’s structural integrity, in case of an
emergency. In terms of security, it’s better to
outsource. Data center security threats are
constantly changing and evolving, the cost
for a BPO to keep up with these changes can
be quite expensive, while outsourcing to our
data center, coupled with managed security
services, allows these companies to save
through subscription rather than constantly
buying new technologies.
DM: Whether it’s hosting, data center, or
the cloud, the challenge is the mindset of the
IT practitioners. Probably they’re just used to
managing their own data in their own offices;
they don’t yet trust other components. Plus,
they’re governed by the Data Privacy Law.
DP: The number one motivator is
calamities. Every time there is a disaster, we’ll
receive invitations from clients to present to
them our data center services, cloud services,
security services, and Disaster Recovery
services. Then when nothing happens, they
keep quiet until another calamity comes,
prompting them to think of subscribing to a
data center’s services.
HJ: It’s more of a knee-jerk reaction
and not a proactive one?
DP: Yes. And there’s one particular
client who availed of our data center service
because their plant was struck by fire.
HJ: Across the board, gentlemen:
which SMACS technologies will propel
short and long-term growth? What
will not just address current needs for
enterprises but also help them expand
further?
DP: Of all the SMACS technologies, the
basic is probably analytics. Everything from
social, mobility, cloud, and security – what’s
common to all these is analytics. With the
advent of Big Data and high-computing
machines, companies nowadays have a more
accurate approach to things. They know how
to define their strategies and, more often than
not, it’s a competitive edge because whatever
you do is backed up by data and facts. From
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AUGUST 2016
an overall strategy perspective, you’ll be able
to drill down your tactical activities on a daily
basis if it’s backed up by data.
VA: Analytics is definitely important
to propel growth. Like Dick said, it’s everchanging, always expanding. For companies
that are going to scale up and grow and
move to different geographic regions,
cloud is necessary for centralization of
communications, and for geographic
diversity. It will be vital in continuing to help
companies grow.
HJ: Looking forward, what specific
trends are set to support this
digital enterprise transformation?
What trends will drive further
transformation? How will these shape
the enterprise in 2020 and how will
they look like then?
DP: Specifically here in the Philippines,
the more Internet proliferates, then the
more that you will see a lot of automation.
Essentially, it’s going to be a play for the
Internet of Things. You will see a lot of
devices communicating with each other. We
Filipinos want to be techno-savvy. I want to
see what’s going on in my house when I’m
away, and even control some of the things
inside.
DM: When you talk about trends, I’ll just
simply compare and benchmark Philippines
with other countries. Let’s look at Singapore.
What’s the reason why they’re probably
number one regionally? It’s because their
processes, operations, and infrastructure
are driven not just by telcos, but by ICT
itself. They’re very aggressive in embracing
the newest technology. That’s my
dream: to have the PLDT Group
contribute to the government’s
success – and the success of
all Filipinos – through our
current resources on the
ICT plane. We’ll get there
probably in the next
decade or two.
VA: I guess
this goes across all
industries and it’s
applicable to any
company: data is the
new dollar. Data is
going to be a continuous
trend – especially with different venues
like social media – as it lets you know your
consumer even better. Security will progress
even further. There’s currently a very small
percentage of Filipinos that are banking, but
as more Filipinos have credit cards, security
is going to be of utmost importance. There
are more call centers focusing on credit card
applications and services. Lastly, automation,
artificial intelligence, and robotics have
already started to transform the way
companies operate. It will only continue to
progress more frequently.
THE BRAINS BEHIND THE INSIGHTS
NAME
VICTOR ALIWALAS
DENNIS MAGBATOC
DICK PEREZ
POSITION
PLDT Corporate Relationship
Management Advisor
SECTOR HANDLED
Outsourcing and
Offshoring (O&O)
Public Sector
Manufacturing and
Agriculture, among other
industries in regional areas
How did you join
the PLDT Group?
• Contacted via LinkedIn
by FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Jovy Hernandez in
December 2015
• Started in 2001 as a
Relationship Manager
• Began career in Piltel as
a pioneering member of its
Corporate Sales Team
What drew
you towards
working with the
country’s leading
telecommunication
and digital services
provider?
How do your
experiences and
interests influence
the way you
handle the sector
entrusted to you?
Quotable quotes
• Was attracted to PLDT by
the potential for learning,
leadership, growth, and shifts
in the telco industry
PLDT VP and Head of
Corporate Relationship
Management
• Began handling and
heading the public
sector vertical in 2015
PLDT AVP and Head of
Corporate Relationship
Management
• Became National Corporate
Sales Manager for Smart in
2000
• Became a Business Head
for PLDT in 2009
• Began handling and
heading the regional sales
group in 2015
• Experience as Business
Development Manager in
Asia Pacific for a large ITBPM firm
• Experience in handling
various verticals
including BFSI, O&O, and
manufacturing
• Stint as National Sales
Head for Corporate in Smart
helped him learn more about
regional companies’ distinct
characteristics
“Technology and solutions
will be there, but the key
factor I think is the people
behind the technology,
meaning those who will
implement it.”
“Digital transformation
is inevitable and must be
embraced by all enterprises,
whether regional or in Metro
Manila, who wish to continue
doing business.”
• Also worked as a Sales
Executive for a tech firm
that develops Software as
a Service (SaaS)
“It is vital for any company
of all industry verticals to
embrace digital change
because they will not survive
without it.”
AUGUST 2016
81
SECURING
IDEAS
WITH
WATCHDOX
Smart and Blackberry introduce a smarter
way to secure, mobilize, and share
enterprise files with WatchDox
82
AUGUST 2016
IN TODAY'S DIGITAL REALITY,
the volume of enterprise content circulating is
growing at an exponential rate. More employees
openly exchange and collaborate on files within
and outside the organization, or store them in
the cloud. Unknown to many, this behavior may
compromise the security of the business, posing a
great threat for most enterprise organizations.
In fact, a survey conducted by the Ponemon
Institute – an independent research organization
specializing in privacy, data protection, and
information security policy – revealed that out
of more than 600 participating IT professionals,
only 36% of those who work in large enterprises
are actually hands-on or careful when sharing
sensitive files.
To further prove the point, 58% of
respondents admitted to using free online file
sharing programs (such as Dropbox, WeTransfer,
and Box), while nearly half of them claimed that
their employees periodically manage restricted
files on personal devices. Alarmingly, 68% are
unaware of the location of their company’s
restricted documents.
Today, securing enterprise content is an
absolute imperative. This is why Smart and
BlackBerry have teamed up for a better way
of transferring data, via file sharing platform
WatchDox.
A TRUSTED ENTERPRISE PLATFORM
WatchDox is a highly secure enterprise file
sync-and-share platform that allows organizations
to efficiently manage documents over any device.
It banks on the security expertise of BlackBerry,
equipping users with enterprise-level security
and advanced digital rights management (DRM)
controls. These embedded codes help prevent
digital media copyright infringement.
With the solution’s unique architecture,
enterprise files are protected with security
controls and trackers, as well as end-to-end
encryption, throughout document circulation.
Users are ultimately guaranteed with full visibility
and unparalleled control over their files, even after
documents pass through the corporate network.
Furthermore, WatchDox lets enterprise
organizations reap the benefits of an all-inone file sharing solution. It is a fully integrated
platform with simplified management capabilities
and intuitive, user-friendly experience. They
may also go with the options of deploying it
in the cloud or on-premise, depending on the
requirement. With this, file-sharing functions such
as syncing, annotating, searching, and streaming
can be done across various platforms, including
integrated applications, enterprise systems, or web
content stores.
Essentially, WatchDox secures all enterprise
content and syncs everything so that teams
can easily access the latest file versions. This
could lead to increased productivity and better
collaboration while drastically reducing the
cost, intricacies, and risks involved with freely
circulated information within, across, and beyond
organizations.
With data rapidly becoming a most valuable
enterprise resource, businesses are now employing
multi-faceted digital solutions to manage
information quickly and easily — all without
compromising security. Smart and BlackBerry are
leading change for securing Philippine enterprises
through WatchDox, as they continue to innovate
their suite of mobility and productivity solutions
for organizations, enabling them to truly thrive in
the digital enterprise landscape.
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1
5
2
6
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
3
devices, commonly known as GPS, have changed
the way people live, work, and move. The
technology has made location tracking easier and
more convenient for a range of applications –
from the everyday commute, to bigger concerns
like marine safety and military navigation. More
recently, a growing number of organizations are
improving work efficiency by accurately tracking
deliveries, inventory, and employees through GPS.
With large-scale transport operations
hooking up entire fleets of armored cars, hotel
transfers, employee shuttles, and taxi services,
the technology is becoming more
crucial than ever. Philippine government
agencies are also appreciating the
importance of GPS, with the Land
Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board (LTFRB) requiring
GPS in public utility buses to monitor or
discourage speed limit violations.
Here’s the catch. Traditional GPS
solutions only transmit the longitude
and latitude of the vehicle through
SMS, glossing over crucial information
on the behavior of the driver and
the whole operation. They lack
the web-interface for deeper
tracking and analysis, as well as
security features that protects
both employees and assets.
PLDT ALPHA bridges this
gap with Smart Tracker,
a solution that enables
detailed monitoring of
vehicles and personnel in
real-time via updated GPS
technology.
2
4
NAVIGATING
THE
MOBILE
ENTERPRISE
3
INCREASING OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Smart Tracker is an end-to-end solution that
bundles the GPS device, software application,
web-hosting, and SIM-based connectivity for
more cost-effective tracking. The GPS key
chain device is powered by Smart's nationwide
network, which instantaneously sends location
information to headquarters for monitoring via a
web interface.
The reliable and comprehensive enterprise
5GPS system improves overall efficiency and key
aspects of security. Smart Tracker supplies data
to give organizations a clearer picture of available
inventory, allows for real-time dispatch and rerouting of drivers, and maximizes travel time.
Information can be viewed by logging in to an
online account, which displays the locations of all
assets on an online map. Pushpin info balloons on
the map also show, apart from location, detailed
information (speed, driver, and delivery specs)
about each vehicle in just one click.
To stay ahead of today's fast-paced work
processes, the display updates automatically based
on the required timeframe. The map itself can be
configured to show a single vehicle, a snail trail, or
color-coded teams or groups for analysis that is
specific to any current concerns.
Another distinct advantage to this
comprehensive solution is that fielded employees
don't need an office time clock. With locationbased attendance monitoring that lets personnel
time-in and time-out wherever they may be,
operations run smoothly and on time.
More than location monitoring, Smart
Tracker gives a business insight into the big
picture of its operations – in real-time. By listing
location logs, route history, idle time, and alarm
1
4
usage of the fleet, the solution provides a means
for convenient and comprehensive management
of the entire operation.
SECURING THE WORKFORCE
Because fieldwork keeps employees away
from headquarters, enterprises require a plan to
keep them as secure and productive as deskbound
staff. Smart Tracker offers a geofencing feature
that sends an alert when workers exceed set
parameters. Employees also have access to a
panic button that instantly displays an alert on the
web interface, so that they can easily signal any
emergencies. As a result, response time is quicker,
and damage or loss is minimized. In addition,
the system automatically reports power failures,
device tampering, and excess idling – to ensure
maximum efficiency.
Ultimately, Smart Tracker maximizes
productivity for a growing legion of mobile
workforces. It can help enterprises cater to
a market landscape that expects swift and
competent on-demand services. The solution can
be used for delivery, manufacturing, taxi services,
pharmaceuticals, companies with field personnel,
or any business that distributes products and
services all over the country. Smart Tracker is
available for companies at competitive and costeffective rates.
Through Smart Tracker, PLDT ALPHA
equips Philippine businesses with a solution that
secures mechanical or human assets and increases
efficiency. This enables today's data-driven
enterprises to transform old processes, and stay
ahead of the pack in a rapidly changing business
landscape.
PLDT ALPHA keeps the mobile enterprise on
track and on time with Smart Tracker
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85
PARTNERS IN
REACHING
FRONTIERS
FABRIZIO CIVITARESE DISCUSSES HOW GCX AND PLDT ALPHA ARE
STRATEGIC PARTNERS IN ENABLING THEIR SERVICES ACROSS WIDER
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
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87
igital technologies have become integral
to optimized operations and innovations
for data-driven enterprises. In particular,
these enable the collection and storage
of valuable insights that businesses
can translate into enhanced customer
experiences. For many companies, these
technologies are the internal underpinnings
of seamless productivity and business
agility.
It therefore comes as no surprise that
technology developers were among the
early adaptors of these digital technologies
such as cloud, mainly due to the the
higher security, reliability, and better user
experiences these afford. And these benefits
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are amplified in extensive open systems
that allow individual businesses to choose
solutions that fit their needs.
Amidst rising demand for this wide
spectrum of solutions, companies such as
Global Cloud Xchange (GCX) are going
further than ever before in expanding
their services to wider markets. “We set
up nodes all over the world, underpinned
by our global network, and developed
our own orchestration layer to provide
our customers with the possibility to
access cloud services from us and other
providers,” said Fabrizio Civitarese, GCX
President, Asia Pacific.
MUTUALLY-ENABLED EXPANSION
To truly deliver bespoke solutions to
and from different parts of the world,
companies like GCX leverage both large
infrastructures and partnerships with
regional telecommunications companies.
GCX, a subsidiary of Reliance
Communications (RCOM), offers a
comprehensive portfolio of solutions
customized for carriers, enterprises and
over-the-top (OTT)/new media companies
over its global and Indian domestic network
assets that span 285,000 route kilometers
across the globe. With its next-generation
Cloud X® platform and world-class
services directly connected to the leading
international service providers, the company
is equipped to provide enterprises access
to the latest digital and network capabilities
to customers across the Emerging Markets
Corridor, spanning Asia, North America,
Europe, and the Middle East.
To make these highly-flexible services
available to a wider customer base, GCX
partners with top telecommunications firms
such as PLDT ALPHA. This has helped
GCX satisfy demand for cloud technologies
in the Philippines, which, Mr. Civitarese said,
will see a lot of growth in the next five years.
Conversely, GCX will also help PLDT
ALPHA offer its services to the international
market. This expansion is built on the
company’s vast, private undersea cable
network – one of the largest in the world
– that connects points-of-presence (PoPs)
across their worldwide customer base.
“Through our robust and expansive global
network, PLDT can now offer the same high
quality of services across the regions and
expand into new horizons,” remarked Mr.
Civitarese.
The partnership also opens up the
possibility for PLDT to tap overseas ITBPM services industries and bring its quality
products and brand of customer service
to international clientele. On the other
hand, GCX is looking to further expand in
Southeast Asia, following recent projects in
Australia and New Zealand.
PLDT AVP and Head of Corporate Business
Solutions Gary Ignacio, FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Jovy Hernandez, GCX President for
Asia Pacific Fabrizio Civitarese, and GCX Country
Director – Philippines Anna Torroba
AUGUST 2016
89
Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Civitarese, and PLDT Head for
International and Domestic Data Dom Feliciano share
a light moment after the contract signing.
GROWING THE PARTNERSHIP
Mr. Civitarese shared his organization’s
optimism that their collaborations would
be an encore of PLDT’s successful venture
in the United States, which is enjoying
continued growth. He credited their longstanding working relationship for driving the
relatively quick development of their shared
projects. “We are very honored as PLDT
chose us as a partner to further expand
their network and their enterprise business
internationally. We believe that as a global
player, we can provide them with a good and
solid platform to expand their business and
further grow their international presence.”
This partnership certainly supports
mutually-enabled growth for the two leading
service providers. It also advances the larger
goal of wider adoption for cloud-based
solutions and other network capability
services that promote enterprises’ agility.
Ultimately, the collaboration between PLDT
ALPHA and GCX is set to fortify the
foundations of business organizations as
they become data-driven enterprises in this
fast-changing digital world.
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91
(L-R): PLDT Head for International and Domestic
Data Dom Feliciano, FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Jovy Hernandez, President for Asia Pacific Fabrizio
Civitarese, PLDT ALPHA Senior Product Manager
for Domestic Data Business Management Raymar
Ranin, GCX Country Director – Philippines Anna
Torroba, and PLDT AVP and Head or Corporate
Business Solutions Gary Ignacio
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SECURING THE
ENTERPRISE
Enterprises can protect their valuable data and
applications through flexible and expertly-managed
security solutions from ePLDT
MULTIPLE LINES OF DEFENSE
HOSTED
DEDICATED
oing online is a basic step for
organizations that want to reap
the benefits of the shifting
digital landscape. But as a
wider variety of people and
institutions flock to the Internet, they also
become choice prey for cybercriminals of all
stripes.
Oftentimes, they target the sensitive
information of large companies. Hackers
compromised the database of Anthem Inc.
— the second-biggest health insurer in the
United States — in 2015, and that of Sony
Pictures Entertainment, Inc. the year before.
Other large-scale attacks target operations,
just like those of the London Stock
Exchange. In early June 2016, the LSE’s
website was downed for two hours as part
of a wider campaign by “hacktivist” group
Anonymous. A loose collective of hackers
with roots in online forums, Anonymous
frequently disables government and
enterprise web assets in the name of various
causes and issues.
Whether attacks are done to steal or
to protest, cybercrime costs public and
private sector institutions around USD400
billion every year. And this comes as threats
multiply exponentially, with the amount of
Distributed Denial of Service or DDoS
attacks alone growing by 125.36% year-onyear versus Q1 2015.
END-TO-END DEFENSES
As cyberattacks increase in number
and complexity, a comprehensive and
proactive defense strategy becomes a
pressing imperative. This is why ePLDT has
developed the Managed Security portfolio to
shield enterprise IT.
This end-to-end suite operates different
aspects of a cybersecurity framework: from
identifying threats to supporting system
recovery after an attack. Designed to
protect both dedicated and hybrid hosting
environments, the Managed Security
portfolio covers all the bases of enterprise
IT: the networks, data center-hosted servers,
and cloud ecosystems.
Based on specific requirements and
setups, enterprises can opt for a hosted
deployment model or a dedicated one. This
flexibility extends to its subscription-based
model, which lets businesses tap their OPEX
budgets for their security needs. To keep
businesses ahead of constantly-evolving
threats, a dedicated team of globally-certified
experts manages, maintains, and upgrades the
suite’s hardware and software. This fortified
protection for enterprise data is backed by
internationally-recognized certifications
that guarantee these security measures meet
stringent global standards.
In creating a truly holistic security
solution, ePLDT has included the
Vulnerability Assessment service that
identifies gaps in an enterprise’s existing
cyber defense systems.
In this day and age, cybersecurity
implementation can neither be merely
optional nor an afterthought in the wake of
a massive breach. Rather, it is a proactive
investment that protects the very foundation
of businesses as they transform into secure,
data-driven enterprises.
COVERING ALL BASES
PORT SECURE
MULTI-THREAT SECURE
Has a hosted firewall and the Intrusion
Prevention System or IPS that identifies and
blocks known security threats
• Firewall: Separates internal and external
networks with filtering rules set by an
enterprise
• IPS: Automatically identifies known
security threats, then sends an alarm before
cutting access to the system
Like Port Secure, but with added tools that
thwart evolving threats, give a better view of
incidents, and enable stricter access control
• Antivirus: Stops malicious files at the
gateway even before the user is affected
• Antispam: Defends email and repels
viruses and malware sent via email
• Antibot: Detects bot-infected machines
and blocks communication to cybercriminals
• User Control: Creates tighter controls –
based on users or groups – to identify, block,
or limit usage of Web 2.0 applications and
widgets
DDoS MITIGATION
Keeps web services accessible even if a
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack
tries to flood enterprise web assets
with traffic
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Managed Dedicated Security: ePLDT
handles management, maintenance, policy
configuration, and reports for dedicated
security hardware whether it is located onsite or hosted on the VITRO Data Centre
network
The Managed Security Solutions portfolio targets different aspects of ePLDT’s
Cybersecurity Framework using a mix of technical and non-technical controls
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
Conducted on-site by security experts, the
vulnerability assessment provides visibility
into detected security events and bandwidth
usage of an enterprise, identifies gaps, and
recommends security technologies, services,
or process changes to mitigate the identified
threat events and gaps through a report
SSL CERTIFICATES
Protects data transfers by enabling an
encrypted session each time users visit SSLsecured websites
IDENTIFY
PROTECT
DETECT
RESPOND
RECOVER
• Vulnerability assessment
tools
• Monitoring
• Risk assessment
• Firewall
• IPS
• Data loss prevention
• Antivirus
• Antispam
• Antibot
• APT protection
• DDoS mitigation
• Network segmentation
• Security policies
and procedures
• Security dashboard
• IPS/IDS
• Security monitoring
• IPS/IDS
• DDoS mitigation
• Incident response
• Data recover
• Disaster recovery
• Backup plan
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95
Top: FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Jovy Hernandez, PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT
President and CEO Eric Alberto, and VP and Head
of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin graciously present
the PLDT Enterprise’s Quill trophies.
Bottom: PLDT ALPHA, represented by
(L-R) Sara de Guzman, Gary Ignacio, Mikey Smyth,
and Jill Gonzales.
PLDT ALPHA BAGS
FOUR PHILIPPINE
QUILL AWARDS
In recognition of its business
communications initiatives, PLDT ALPHA
brought home four accolades at the recently
concluded Philippine Quill Awards.
PLDT ALPHA, the corporate business
group of leading telecommunications and
multimedia services provider PLDT, received
the Award of Excellence for the businesslifestyle publication Hot Joe. The quarterly
magazine features the organization’s latest
partnerships and products, insights from
business and industry leaders, and celebrated
events. This is PLDT ALPHA’s fifth
Philippine Quill Award for Hot Joe, which
previously received the Award of Excellence
in publication and Award of Merit for
publication design in 2013, and the Award of
Excellence for both categories in 2014.
PLDT ALPHA accepted its second
Award of Excellence in the Special Events
category for the 6th ALPHA Track Day.
A much-anticipated annual event, the 2015
Track Day event provided a brand new
experience for PLDT ALPHA’s C-level guests
with a range of exciting off-road activities.
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AUGUST 2016
The company also received an Award
of Merit in the Special Events category for
its 2014 PLDT Pasasalamat Night Manila, its
second as well for the same event. A yearly
celebration of the PLDT Group organized
by PLDT ALPHA, the 2014 Pasasalamat
Night featured a stylishly new concert format
– this time featuring the country’s leading
musical performers that drew the interest of
its enterprise customers’ top executives and
leaders.
Lastly, PLDT ALPHA was given its first
Award of Merit in the category of Customer
Relations for its 2014-2015 Customer
Engagement Campaign. The comprehensive
strategy utilized multiple communication
channels from print, digital, social media, and
events to deliver creative and informative
content that further strengthened PLDT
ALPHA’s standing in the industry.
“Our Philippine Quill Awards reflect our
unwavering commitment to creating more
meaningful connections with our customers,
changing the way they see us not only as their
service provider but their partner in business
growth,” shared Jovy Hernandez, FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA. “It is truly an
honor to be recognized for our achievements
and we will surely continue to elevate our
business communications initiatives to better
connect with our customers.”
One of the country’s most
prestigious awards programs in business
communications, the annual Philippine
Quill Awards recognizes and celebrates the
excellent use of communications among
businesses, evaluating how enterprises
utilize communications in accomplishing
goals and creating an impact among their
audiences. It is organized by the International
Association of Business Communicators
(IABC) Philippines, the national professional
association of top businesses, as well as
industrial and organizational communicators.
IABC Philippines is the first country chapter
established outside of the San Franciscobased International Association of Business
Communicators (IABC) in North America. It
is one of the largest business communication
organizations in the world with some 14,000
member-professionals in over 70 countries.
PLDT ENTERPRISE AND
VOYAGER INNOVATIONS
COLLABORATE WITH
EIGHT PHILIPPINE
BANKS TOWARDS A
FULL-FEATURED
CONSUMER LOAN
PLATFORM
PLDT Enterprise and Voyager
Innovations, Inc. have teamed up with
some of the country’s most reputable
banking and financial institutions to
bolster Lendr, its recently-launched
digital platform. This landmark
partnership was formalized through a
contract signing ceremony at the Makati
Shangri-La Hotel.
Developed by Voyager’s financial
technology unit FINTQ, Lendr is
an end-to-end, multi-device lending
platform that offers a mobile-enabled site
for loans origination and management.
From a single account, users can easily
access a marketplace for multiple loan
options provided by trusted banks and
credit providers.
Through this partnership, eight
participating organizations – Bank of
Makati, Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank,
Luzon Development Bank, Philippine
Business Bank, Producers Bank, Rural
Bank of Camalig, Sun Savings Bank, and
UCPB Savings Bank – have joined the
growing network of partner banks in the
online marketplace.
FINTQ is the leading fintech
platform provider, enabling financial and
non-financial institutions with seamless
digital access to loans, savings, insurance,
disbursements, and anti-fraud services,
among others. The company is whollyowned by Voyager Innovations.
Present during the contract signing
ceremony were PLDT Group executives,
led by PLDT and Smart Chairman and
CEO Manuel V Pangilinan, Voyager
Innovations President and CEO Orlando
Vea, FINTQ President and CEO Lito
Villanueva, and PLDT/Smart EVP and
ePLDT President and CEO Eric R.
Alberto.
“On behalf of the PLDT Group,
we extend our gratitude to our newest
bank partners for being part of this
revolutionary lending platform. We look
forward to working with all of you in
achieving our common goal of reaching
out to the growing online community
through the highest standards of digital
banking services,” said FVP and Head of
PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez.
“Disruptive platforms are indeed
paving the way for new consumer
markets, value networks, and industry
shifts. The likes of Uber, AirBnB,
and Alibaba have redefined customer
experiences. We too hope to be a positive
disruptive force in consumer lending
through Lendr. Together with our
partners, we are transforming customer
loan processes into faster, highly secure,
and hassle-free experiences,” said PLDT/
Smart EVP and ePLDT President and
CEO Eric R. Alberto.
(L-R) Cebuana Lhuillier Bank President Leo
Escaño, Producer’s Bank President Benjamin
Castillo, Camalig Bank President and Chairman
Jose Misael Moraleda, PLDT EVP and ePLDT
President and CEO Eric Alberto, FINTQ President
and CEO Lito Villanueva, PLDT Chairman and CEO
Manuel Pangilinan, Voyager Innovations President
and CEO Orlando Vea, Bank of Makati President
Ma. Rodora Bañares, UCPB Savings Branch
Banking Division Head Emmanuel Abesamis,
Sun Savings Bank Director and Treasurer Augusto
Gonzalez, Luzon Development Bank Chairman /
President / CEO Felix Limcaoco III, and Philippine
Business Bank President Rolando Avante
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97
MAXICARE SELECTS
PLDT AS ITS END-TO-END
ICT AND DIGITAL
MOBILITY PARTNER
Leading Healthcare Management
Organization (HMO) Maxicare
Healthcare Corporation has selected
PLDT to provide a range of enterprise
ICT and digital mobility solutions for
the company. This partnership was
formalized through a contract signing
ceremony held at the Maxicare offices in
Makati, with top PLDT and Maxicare
executives in attendance.
One of the pioneers in
the HMO industry, Maxicare
was established in 1987 with the
vision of delivering the finest
healthcare service. More than two
decades later, Maxicare has progressed
into becoming the Number 1
HMO in the country, according
to BusinessWorld’s Top 1000
Corporations of 2015. It has more
than 43,000 accredited doctors and
specialists, over 1,000 hospitals and
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clinics, and a growing number of primary
and customer care centers in key cities
nationwide. Maxicare now services over a
million members across the country.
Through the partnership, PLDT
enables Maxicare to efficiently operate
in the digital age with a bespoke,
end-to-end ICT and digital mobility
solutions portfolio. PLDT’s Session
Initiated Protocol (SIP) Trunks and
SIP-FEX solutions can easily scale
to communication requirements
based on demand. Smart’s Machineto-Machine (M2M) Data SIM plans
enable Maxicare agents, equipped with
tablets, to better engage with admitted
patients. In addition, Maxicare has also
signed up for the Safezone platform. This
provides members who are Smart and
Sun subscribers with free access to the
HMO’s websites and applications.
“They come to us when they
need healthcare the most. Sometimes
in their most pressing situations, dire
circumstances. So we can’t afford any
downtime. PLDT helps us enable
new methods of providing service for
clients,” said Maxicare President and
CEO Christian Argos.
“On behalf of the entire PLDT
group, we thank you for choosing us
as Maxicare’s trusted expert end-toend ICT and digital solutions partner.
We admire the HMO’s ardent efforts
to leverage on our solutions – such as
SIP-FEX and Safezone – to provide
the best service to members when they
need it the most. We look forward to
further collaboration to discover more
innovations that will firmly cement their
number one position here in the
country,” said FVP and Head of
PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez.
(L-R): PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Precy Katigbak,
FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy
Hernandez, Maxicare President and
CEO Christian Argos and Maxicare VP
for Operations Sylvia Stolk
BUREAU OF CUSTOMS
SELECTS PLDT ALPHA AND
ePLDT TO STRENGTHEN
ITS COMMUNICATIONS
INFRASTRUCTURE AND
PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has inked
a partnership with the PLDT Group, through
its corporate business group PLDT ALPHA
and its digital enterprise enabler ePLDT,
for enhanced communications and service
delivery through the Internet Protocol Virtual
Private Network (IP VPN) solution.
The BoC is the key government agency
tasked with ensuring smooth trade and
assessing duties from goods brought into the
Philippines. Currently, it is in the process of
overhauling its network infrastructure as
part of its information technology
modernization program.
BoC has tapped PLDT for the
installation of vital fiber optic cables
for the IP VPN solution, in addition to
providing maintenance and managed unified
communication services. These will improve
and supplement the BoC’s current network,
speeding up their data transfer processes
and yielding constant uptime. IP VPN will
seamlessly interconnect the BoC to over 30
ports and sub-ports nationwide, as well as to
50 other state regulatory agencies, such as the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“As we grow, I think our partnership
with PLDT continues to be very strong, and
that new and better things are coming. We
are not going to be left behind. I would say
this is a very good example of private and
public entities working smoothly together to
enhance services to the people,” said Customs
Commissioner Alberto Lina at the recent
contract signing ceremony.
In addition, it will optimize the BoC’s
data transfers, helping streamline revenue
collection processes. The solution will also
enable constant uptime for the agency as it
transacts with almost 15,000 people daily.
For the BoC, these projects will
institutionalize reforms in service delivery to
the public. They also mark the start of a more
lasting partnership with PLDT. “We are happy
that the Bureau of Customs is leveraging
innovative solutions in order to deliver better
services to its constituents and stakeholders.
This partnership marks the beginning of
positive change beyond improvements in
technology and the strengthening of ties
between PLDT and the BoC. With the
continued guidance of visionary leaders,
there is a lot that government institutions and
enterprises can achieve in transforming how
we can deliver key services to the Filipino
people,” said FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Jovy Hernandez.
“We at the PLDT Group have always
been staunch supporters and proud partners
of various Philippine government agencies.
We are truly grateful to be entrusted with this
special project. It is our way of concretizing
our commitment to social responsibility,
and to support the Bureau as it spearheads
positive changes in the services it renders to
the Filipino public. Thank you for entrusting
your key ICT requirements to PLDT,” said
PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT President and
CEO Eric Alberto.
(L-R): (seated) PLDT/Smart Executive Vice President
and ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto and
Bureau of Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina with
(standing) PLDT Corporate Relationship Manager
Glen Deles, PLDT VP and Head of Corporate
Relationship Management Dennis Magbatoc,
ePLDT Group Chief Information Officer and Solutions
Consulting Head Brett Medel, Bureau of Customs
Deputy Commissioner Dennis Reyes, Bureau of
Customs Director Jonathan Soriano, and FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez
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99
PLDT SME NATION AND
ZOMATO HOST WINE
NIGHT FOR BUSINESS
OWNERS
Zomato’s partnership with PLDT
SME Nation continues to present
rewarding opportunities for restaurant
owners in the digital age.
PLDT SME Nation and Zomato
have recently co-hosted the first in a
series of Wine Tasting Nights at the
Wine Club. Fifteen restaurant owners
from the micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) were in attendance
to gain insights on relevant PLDT SME
Nation technology tools and solutions
that would further empower their
businesses.
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With the use of technology, Zomato
continues to provide the community
of food lovers the information needed
to ensure a stellar dining experience.
Through customer online reservations
and reviews, Zomato is able to develop
an online community for restaurant
owners and food connoisseurs who all
share their passion for food.
The growing online presence of
Zomato in 23 countries poses a challenge
of staying updated with the latest
technologies for ensured optimal growth
in their industry. The need to simplify
daily tasks while increasing efficiency is
necessary in order to compete in a global
scale. PLDT SME Nation works with
Zomato for improved productivity and
greater efficiency by bringing tools and
solutions to deal with the digital world.
The partnership enables restaurant
owners to utilize the PayMaya solution
for a simplified and integrated e-payment
solution. In addition, PLDT SME Nation
employs the Smart Store Manager and
Market Builder, which optimize overall
operations and communications.
Through all of this, Zomato and
PLDT SME Nation create promising
opportunities for MSMEs to improve
their overall business and lifestyle,
anchored on technology. In this way, they
are poised to create a positive impact on
their respective industry, and the entire
country as well.
(L-R): AVP and Head of SME CMC Gabby Cui,
SAPM 1 Head Mannix de Perio, Zomato Senior
Key Account Manager Angelica Carlos, Zomato
Country Manager Anton Ojeda, VP and Head
of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin, Head of
Community Partnerships Francis Oliva,
Zomato Marketing Associate Trisha Garcia,
SME Community Specialist Roberto Garcia
PLDT SME NATION AND
AFFI BUILD BETTER
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MSMEs TO MAKE IT
BIG IN BUSINESS
Micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) comprise
approximately 99.6% of registered
businesses in the country, and two-thirds
of the local workforce. It is no doubt
that MSMEs play a central role in the
holistic development and growth of the
Philippine economy.
The Association of Filipino
Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) has been a
long-time partner of PLDT SME
Nation in providing dynamic venues and
resources, such as expos and seminars,
to empower and equip MSMEs in taking
their business to the next level.
This year, the two organizations
strengthened their partnership by
doubling their efforts to support
MSME growth by making available
necessary tools and solutions for
business expansion, and also empower
entrepreneurs with the knowledge they
need in order to take full advantage of
these services.
With connectivity and mobility
solutions for a stronger online presence,
entrepreneurs can expand their reach
beyond existing markets and on to the
global e-commerce community.
Through its commitment to help
further develop the economy’s main
growth driver, PLDT SME Nation
continues to support AFFI’s mission
to promote excellence and growth in
business. The enterprise arm of the
PLDT Group, the country’s leading
telecoms and multimedia services
provider, remains dedicated in supporting
MSMEs to make it big in their respective
industries.
(Seated, L-R): Anne Francisco of Ferino's
Bibingka, SVP for Partnerships Willen Ma of
Masuki, Director for Finance Josephine See of
Peanut World, Jean Uvero SVP for Membership,
Director for PR & Marketing Jelyn Chung
Acquasuisse
(Standing, L-R): AVP and Head of SME
CMC Gabby Cui, Head of SME Community
Partnerships Fro Oliva, Paul Tan Director for
Youth Council Aquabest, VP and Head of
PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin,
AFFI President Jerry Ilao of Ink all-you-can,
AFFI Executive Ricardo Cuna of Fiorgelato,
Director for Partnership Sonny Francisco of
Ferino's Bibingka.
AUGUST 2016
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ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’ ON THE ROUGH STUFF
AT PLDT TRACK DAY 2016
PLDT’S OFF-ROAD ENCORE
FOR BIGGER ADVENTURES
WITH TOP CLIENTS
The stark yet picturesque lahar field
near Mount Pinatubo in Clark, Pampanga,
once again, hosted PLDT’s most valued
enterprise clients for a day of pulsepounding, high-octane off-road activities at
PLDT Track Day 2016.
Eager participants began arriving at
the Green Canyon resort by six-thirty
in the morning for registration and
breakfast. C! Magazine’s Kevin Limjoco
kicked things off with a quick preview
of adventures to come. Later, First Vice
President and Head of PLDT ALPHA
Jovy Hernandez delivered the welcoming
remarks, noting that the sixth PLDT Track
Day joins together valued clients and
partners of PLDT ALPHA and PLDT
SME Nation. “We at PLDT Enterprise
remain committed to deliver beyond
technologies, solutions, and innovations.
We constantly strive to earn your trust so
you could focus on what matters most
in business and in life. This enables you
to work smarter, play harder, and dream
bigger,” Mr. Hernandez addressed the
crowd. “PLDT Track Day 2016 is just one
of the many ways we express our utmost
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gratitude to you, our esteemed enterprise
clients, for continually choosing PLDT as
your strategic partner in business.” The
event marked the two enterprise groups’
new, unified commitment to changing the
way enterprises do business.
PLDT Track Day 2016 Chief
Instructor Georges Ramirez then gave the
day’s rundown of activities. Afterwards,
the participants transferred to a base camp
situated beside a majestic lake near
Mount Pinatubo.
More challenges and courses made
this year’s Track Day bigger and better
for everyone: UTV Time Trials, UTV Joy
Ride X, 4x4 Splash and Dash, Lake Relays,
Remote Control Car Twin Ring Challenge,
the “A-MAZE-ING Strada,” the “Navarra
Showdown,” and the “Wrangler Trail.”
Each activity tested everyone’s ability to
maneuver across the challenging,
unpaved terrain.
Just like last year, the eagerly awaited
highlight of PLDT Track Day was the
Adventure Trail, where everyone rode 4x4vehicles in a one-of-a-kind journey through
the pitted trail of Mount Pinatubo. This
year’s course featured more breathtaking
scenes as PLDT took participants further
along the trail.
That night, participants returned to
the Green Canyon Resort for a raucous
fellowship night filled with great food,
free-flowing drinks, and electrifying
entertainment by triple-threat Natalia
Moon. The men and women with the
right stuff on the rough stuff earlier were
recognized during that evening’s awards
segment. Also, lucky participants took
home Samsung 48” UHD Smart TVs,
GoPro HD+ cameras, gas vouchers from
Shell Philippines, iPad Pro units, and
iPad Air 2 units. The much sought-after
Phantom 3 Drone with camera was also
raffled off that night. Smart Enterprise
Head of Mainstream Wireless Debbie
Ledesma announced the breakthrough
launch of Smart’s LTE-A postpaid plans.
She then raffled off two (2) limited edition
LTE-A-powered Samsung Galaxy S7 units
to select attendees.
“We’ve made this year’s event a bigger
and better affair, with more participants
and more challenging and exciting
activities. In a way, this off-road event is
a clear metaphor of our relationship with
you. While together we face a tougher and
more challenging global market, the PLDT
Group remains committed to helping you
maneuver your business through hurdles
and into new opportunities,” remarked
PLDT/Smart Executive Vice President
and ePLDT President and CEO Eric R.
Alberto.
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Jovy Hernandez greeted everyone during the
PLDT Track Day 2016.
2.
One of the participants put his driving skills to
test during the wet and bumpy off-road activity.
3.
PLDT Track Day Chief Instructor Georges
Ramirez gave the lowdown on the day’s offroad activities.
4.
C! Magazine’s Kevin Limjoco livened up the
crowd with a rundown of PLDT Track Day’s
thrilling daylong activities.
5.
MG Librojo, Levi Masiglat, Vic Tria, and
Joselito Daet
6.
Darren Hizon, Darius Hizon, Brett Medel,
and Gabby Cui
7.
Mike Bitanga and Eric Alberto were all set for
the highly challenging, off-road activities.
8.
All smiles after a fun off-road experience.
9.
Darren Dimaguila, Chito Dychioco, Brett
Medel, Christian Estrella, Dennis Magbatoc,
and Joy Hilao
10.
Roberto Tanyag, Jeff Mendoza, Victor Aliwalas,
Danilo Cortez, and Camra Garcia
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Mitch Locsin, Rey Lapid, Anthony Fernandez,
Gabby Cui, Kent dela Calzada, Jay Lagdameo,
and John Gonzales
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Attendees flashed the ALPHA sign as they get
ready for the ride.
13.
(L-R) Seated: Darren Dimaguila and Christian
Estrella; Standing Brett Medel, Chito Dychioco,
and John Gonzales
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The Yellow Team was all smiles at their photo
op before the activity proper.
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PLDT Enterprise and their partners celebrate an awesome PLDT Track Day 2016.
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15.
The teams engaged in a friendly off-road
competition as they crossed the river during
the Adventure Trail.
16.
This red-hot Jeep Wrangler was one of the
many top-of-the line SUVs that the participants
got an opportunity to drive during the event.
17.
Serafin Bernardo, Ian Grist, Alberto Quiambao,
Tark Bartlema, Jude Tiongco, Luisito Gutierrez
(center), and Santiago Ranada together with
the PLDT Track Day girls
18.
The PLDT Track Day 2016 Adventure
Trail coursed through this picture-perfect
river canyon.
19.
It surely was no walk in the park for this
participant during the UTV Splash and Dash.
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The participants were in awe by the
picturesque formation across the Adventure
trail.
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True to their color, the Red Team is seen
unfazed by the summer heat.
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Participants enjoyed the kayaks during the
Lake Relay.
23.
Guests enjoyed the stunning mountain view
during the Adventure Trail.
24.
This participant kept an eagle eye on the
target during the Navarra Showdown.
25.
Everyone made sure that they wore safety gear
before they got going on the UTV Time Trial
match.
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Jovy Hernandez, Dina Reyes, Les Reyes, and
Eric Alberto
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These jolly participants waved to the camera
as they enjoyed the rest of the activities.
28.
Charles Marioles, Bienvenida Lerum, Irfan
Mahomed, Christian Estrella, Darren DImaguila,
and Charlemagne Marioles
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The 4x4 vehicles took on the rough roads.
30.
This year’s PLDT Track Day activity tent was
grander in scale than that of last year, and was
situated beside a picturesque lake.
31.
The 4x4 vehicles were all set for the journey
ahead.
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Mike Bitanga, Eric Alberto, and Victor Aliwalas
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During the fellowship night, participants
enjoyed sumptuous food and free-flowing
drinks at the Green Canyon Resort.
34.
Mitch Locsin (left) and Jovy Hernandez (right)
awarded the Phantom 3 Drone with camera to
raffle winner Jude Tiongco.
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DJ Natalia Moon was the true triple-threat.
She not only spinned pulse-pounding beats
throughout the fellowship event, but also
graced the stage for a song and dance
number.
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RIDING BIGGER WAVES OF TECHNOLOGY
PLDT SME NATION HOSTS
GRANDER TECHISLAND 3.0
FOR DIGITALLY POWERED
MSMES
“Challenge. Change. Conquer.”
This was the ardent battle cry of an
estimated 1,500 entrepreneurs attending
the recently-concluded TechIsland 3.0,
hosted by PLDT SME Nation at the
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. It was an
active, day-long affair filled with insightful
learning, exciting opportunities, and new
partnerships.
Now on its third year, TechIsland is
the country’s largest annual conference
featuring the latest ICT solutions and
global best practices for micro, small, and
medium enterprises (MSMEs) in today’s
digital era.
During the morning session,
participants got to listen to relevant
insights from industry movers and
shakers. PLDT/Smart Executive Vice
President and ePLDT President and CEO
Eric Alberto, in his opening remarks,
highlighted the importance of utilizing
digital solutions in ultimately solving realworld problems.
Plenary speakers PLDT Chief
Strategy Officer and Talas CEO Winston
Damarillo, Facebook Philippines Interim
Country Director Alfredo Tan, DENTSU
Jayme Syfu Chairman and Chief
Creative Officer Merlee Jayme, and Uber
Philippines Country Manager Laurence
Cua gave informative and inspiring talks
centered on how effective leadership and
innovative technologies helped them make
it big in their respective industries.
Four breakout sessions – titled The
Captain, The Navigator, The Trader,
and The Engineer – awaited participants
during the afternoon session. Each group
featured seasoned business leaders and
visionary entrepreneurs from the different
fields of sales and marketing, operations
and finance, Information Technology, and
trading.
PLDT SME Nation ended the
summit on a high note with an after-party,
featuring musical performances from
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Nicole Asensio and actress-singer Arci
Muñoz. Raffle prizes such as smartphones,
tablets, and LED TVs were given away to
lucky participants in attendance.
“As strong advocates of technology
and innovation, our ultimate goal is to
continuously provide venues, such as the
TechIsland 3.0, that will better educate
MSMEs on relevant digital business
innovation concepts, as well as equip
them with ICT solutions to transform
their business,” remarked VP and Head
of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin. “In
this way, we are confident that they can
effectively contribute to solving real world
problems, allowing them to grow further
and make it big in the world of business.”
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1.
PLDT/Smart EVP and ePLDT President and
CEO Eric Alberto delivered opening remarks.
2.
Winston Damarillo underlined digital disruption
and its capacity to help businesses.
3.
VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation
Mitch Locsin welcomed guests and
participants to another of PLDT SME Nation’s
milestones.
4.
Plenary speaker Alfredo Tan of Facebook
Philippines on the dominance of mobile media
in the world
5.
Host Isa Litton welcomed participants to PLDT
SME Nation’s third installment of the largest
tech-for-business conference.
6.
The Chairmom – Merlee Jayme of Dentsu
Jayme Syfu softened the mood with her
emotional address.
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12.
Go Negosyo Executive Director Ramon Lopez, VP
and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin, PLDT/
Smart EVP and ePLDT President and CEO
Eric Alberto, Bossing Rosalind Wee of Marine
Resources Development Corporation, and
Chairman and President of IT-SPAC
Dean Pax Lapid
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Arci Muñoz livened up the party even more with her
rock set.
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Nicole Asensio serenaded the TechIsland 3.0 crowd
with a chill lineup of songs.
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Over 1,400 attendees came to harness the power
of digital technology and conquer uncharted
territories for the growth of their businesses.
8.
Uber Manila General Manager Laurence Cua on
technology’s ever-increasing role in solving real-life
problems
15.
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TechIsland games began with a beach ball-catching
activity. Lucky winners went home with brand-new
hard drives.
SME Nation’s very own Josh Montecillo shared
the stage with the band and joined the crowd in
celebration of conquering the digital wave.
16.
10.
Alfredo Tan of Facebook Philippines discussed the
growth of mobile usage.
CNN Philippines interviewed Mitch Locsin on
his vision of nationbuilding for micro, small, and
medium enterprises.
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11.
Bossing Louie Gutierrez of Silverworks, Raquel
Bartolome of the Viking’s Group, and Happy Skin’s
Rissa Mananquil-Trillo and Jaqce YuengtianGutierrez became the pioneer entrepreneurs of
MarketBuilder.
TechIsland participants lined up for the interactive
booths stationed in the Plenary Hall.
18.
PLDT and partners celebrated the largest
TechIsland event to date.
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1.
BORACAY MAKES A DIGITAL SPLASH
A TRANSFORMED BORACAY
BUSINESS LANDSCAPE
WITH PLDT ALPHA AND
PLDT SME NATION DIGITAL
SOLUTIONS
Boracay business owners gathered at
The Lind Boracay for daylong festivities
to usher in a new digital era for the worldfamous tourist spot. Titled "Next Wave:
Digital Enterprise Boracay", the event
celebrated the partnership between Kalibobased AeroComm, Inc. and the enterprise
groups of PLDT, PLDT ALPHA and
PLDT SME Nation, as they delivered the
newest communications technologies for
Boracay businesses.
AeroComm, Inc. President and
CEO Cedric Sazon, PLDT ALPHA AVP
and Head of Corporate Relationship
Management Dick Perez, and VP and
Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch
Locsin kicked off the event by announcing
the exciting new partnership. In his
opening remarks, Mr. Locsin emphasized
the importance of prioritizing the needs
of mobile-first, digital savvy consumers to
transform the travel industry.
Informative tech updates followed,
with PLDT SME Nation Head of Voice,
Cloud, and Managed IT Enzo Tañedo
discussing special tech solutions for SME
hotels and restaurants, as they vie for
digital tourists who review, book, and
document their experiences online. PLDT
ALPHA Senior Solutions Architect
Jay Arguelles then delivered a revelatory
presentation of the Tourist ID System and
eWallet solutions. Both promise greater
convenience for tourists and businesses. As
the sun gloriously set, guests were feted to
a fellowship night featuring music from the
band Funky Brew, as well as a raffle.
This exciting partnership brings new
digital opportunities to Boracay businesses.
Travel conveniences and seamlessly
connected beach experiences will be de
rigeur for business owners and visitors as
the famous island paradise becomes even
more famous for unforgettable beach
vacations.
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PLDT SME Nation Head of Voice, Cloud,
and Managed IT Enzo Tañedo described
technologically equipped tourism to attendees.
3.
AeroComm, Inc. President and CEO Cedric
Sazon thanked the guests for attending the
event, celebrating the valuable partnership.
4.
PLDT ALPHA Senior Solutions Architect
Jay Arguelles presented PLDT solutions for
Boracay businesses.
5.
Guests were invited to participate in a Q&A
portion to learn how to take their business to
the next level.
6.
PLDT AVP and Head of Corporate Relationship
Management Dick Perez (left) and VP and
Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch Locsin (right)
formalized the partnership with AeroComm,
Inc. President and CEO Cedric Sazon (center).
7.
Cedric Sazon (center) and the AeroComm
team, ready to take on the online platform to
make it big in business.
8.
Representatives from various industries
enjoyed the fellowship night.
9.
PLDT Next Wave: Digital Enterprise Boracay
attendees flash the ALPHA sign.
10.
Attendees from Southwest Tours posed during
the Next Wave: Digital Enterprise Boracay
fellowship night.
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Mitch Locsin, Tessa Gonzaga, Cedric Sazon,
Jay Arguelles, and Dick Perez
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A group of engineers enjoyed the musical
performances of the evening.
13.
Musical guest Funky Brew enthusiastically
performed during the fellowship night.
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VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation
Mitch Locsin delivered the opening remarks,
where he described the new digital market.
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BIG TALKS TO GROW BIGGER BUSINESSES
PLDT SME NATION
INSPIRES ENTREPRENEURS
TO MAKE IT BIG WITH
ADVICE FROM SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS OWNERS
To celebrate the flourishing Philippine
SME landscape, business owners trooped
to the first PLDT SME Nation BIG
Talks at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati
Shangri-La, Manila. The event formally
launched the “Make It BIG” campaign,
which empowers micro, small, and medium
entrepreneurs to start or grow their
businesses. “Filipino entrepreneurs deserve
to dream big, and be empowered to make
these dreams come true," said PLDT
Vice President and Head of PLDT SME
Nation Mitch Locsin. "We at SME Nation
are committed to reach business owners in
the country, strengthen them, and prepare
them to go global.”
During the two slated panel
discussions, attendees heard firsthand
accounts of successful entrepreneurial
journeys given by the five PLDT SME
Nation “Make It Big” brand ambassadors:
Bernie Liu of Penshoppe and Golden
ABC, Inc., Kim Lato of Kimstore, Krie
Reyes-Lopez of Messy Bessy, Joseph
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Calata of Calata Corporation, and Rudy
and Rosiell De Leon of Bianca’s Ice Candy.
The first panel discussion, titled
"Going Global," was a compelling
conversation on how SMEs can use
technology to reach customers all over
the world. This panel featured brand
ambassador Bernie Liu, Penshoppe
Founder and CEO, whose flagship brand
redefined the local fashion scene by taking
on international celebrities as endorsers.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to let passion
fuel their success, maximize opportunities,
and learn from their mistakes.
Joining Liu on the panel was Hapee
Toothpaste Founder and President Cecilio
Pedro, who discussed how social media
connected Hapee to customers, while
VMV Hypoallergenics CEO Laura Verallo
de Bertotto shared how digital technologies
helped VMV achieve international success
through online operations.
The second panel discussion, titled
“Inclusive Growth,” explored how
entrepreneurs can integrate their local
communities into their businesses. Calata
Corporation CEO Joseph Calata discussed
his passion for providing education to
farmers within his community as an
advocacy. Similarly, Messy Bessy CEO
Krie Lopez spoke of her organization's
commitment to aiding and providing
troubled youth with opportunities towards
a brighter future. Mr. Locsin echoed the
mindset of developing communities,
stating that “Through PLDT SME Nation,
we hope to help these businesses give back
to their family, their employees, and their
community.”
To futher emphasize the importance
of inclusive growth, Rudy and Rosiell De
Leon of Bianca's Ice Candy joined in the
panel discussion by recalling how their
neighborhood and alma mater helped
them grow from a home ice candy venture
into a three-factory success story. Lastly,
Kimstore CEO Kim Lato shared how
her community allowed her business to
become the trusted eCommerce source for
electronic gadgets.
Armed with valuable insights and
tried-and-tested ideas from these leading
entrepreneurs, the business owners in
attendance were inspired to reach for
success in their own entrepreneurial
endeavors while doing so in the face of a
constantly changing business landscape.
Surely, the application of innovative
technologies will get them moving forward
on the road to make it big.
1.
VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation
Mitch Locsin
2.
Chairman and CEO of Golden ABC, Inc.
Bernie Liu
3.
Plenary speaker Bernie Liu emphasized the
driving force of passion in business.
4.
Panel Moderator and MVP Group of
Companies Media Bureau Head Mike Toledo
with Golden ABC Chairman and CEO Bernie
Liu, CEO of VMV Hypoallergenics Laura
Verallo de Bertotto, and Chairman and CEO of
Lamoiyan Corporation Cecilio Pedro
5.
Bernie Liu shared his success story to
entrepreneurs in the hopes of inspiring them to
make it big.
6.
Chairman and CEO of Lamoiyan Corporation
Cecilio Pedro
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CEO of VMV Hypoallergenics Laura Verallo de
Bertotto encouraged businesses to engage in
the digital platform.
8.
The first panel featured successful business
owners and their journey towards taking their
business to a global scale.
9.
VP and Head of PLDT SME Nation Mitch
Locsin, Panel Moderator and MVP Group
of Companies Media Bureau Head Mike
Toledo, PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V.
Pangilinan, Laura Verallo de Bertotto of VMV,
Bernie Liu of Golden ABC, Cecilio Pedro of
Lamoiyan Corp., and PLDT/Smart EVP and
ePLDT President and CEO Eric Alberto
10.
Brand Ambassadors Bernie Liu, Kim Lato, Krie
Reyes-Lopez, Rudy and Rosiell de Leon, and
Joseph Calara represented the pillars of PLDT
SME Nation’s “Make it BIG” Campaign.
11.
Manuel V. Pangilinan presented Bernie Liu with
a commemorative portrait of “Make it BIG”
12.
Brand Ambassadors and panel participants
Joseph Calata of Calata Corp., Rudy and
Rosiell de Leon of Bianca’s Ice Candy, Kim
Lato of Kimstore, and Krie Reyes-Lopez
of Messy Bessy were recognized for their
invaluable insights.
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PROTECTING THE DATA-DRIVEN DIGITAL ENTERPRISE
PLDT ALPHA’S NORTH
LUZON CLIENTS LEARNED
MORE ABOUT THE
BENEFITS OF OFFLOADING
THEIR DATA CENTER
REQUIREMENTS TO PLDT
AT THE “OUTSOURCE &
OPTIMIZE” FORUM
In this digital era, data is becoming
the enterprise’s most valuable asset. In
response to new data-driven imperatives,
PLDT ALPHA recently hosted a forum to
help top executives from Northern Luzon
learn the clear business advantages of
outsourcing their data center and disaster
recovery requirements to VITRO. Held
at the Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark,
Pampanga, “Outsource & Optimize:
Securing Enterprise Data in the Digital
Age” was a half-day affair featuring talks
focused on business continuity, disaster
recovery, and data center outsourcing.
The morning kicked off with a
keynote speech from former Clark
Development Corporation President
and CEO and current Department of
Transportation Secretary Atty. Arthur F.
Tugade. PLDT Business Development
Executive Francis Arjonillo began the data
center outsourcing conversation with a
commentary on the challenges enterprises
face today. A key point of his talk was
the need to create a proper disaster
recovery plan in the face of growing
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IT threats – prolonged power outages,
systems failures, and cyber attacks, among
others. “A company that does not have
an IT Business Continuity Plan in place
can be exposed to prolonged downtime,
causing loss of revenue and irreversible
damage to its corporate reputation,”
he explained. An informative overview
of PLDT’s disaster recovery solutions
were presented by Product Manager for
Disaster Recovery Services Rizel Raganit
– showcasing how beneficial outsourcing
disaster recovery requirements can be for
an enterprise organization. “Outsourcing
enables enterprises to focus on their core
activities,” she added, “while leaving their
expert service provider to manage their
mission-critical infrastructure.”
Beyond disaster recovery, PLDT
ALPHA also educated attendees on the
greater need for cyber security measures.
That is why, during his presentation,
PLDT Product Manager for Data Center
Services Miguel Gonzalez shared how
web optimization can ensure online
data security. “First, applying intelligent
optimization tools will help accelerate
web performance and deliver dynamic
web experiences. Then, we beef up our
systems with global cloud defenses to
protect against evolving cyber threats,”
he commented, noting afterwards how
PLDT’s partnership with Content Delivery
Network (CDN) service provider Akamai
has enabled them to provide enterprises
with optimized web and security solutions.
Following Mr. Gonzalez’s presentation
was a panel discussion that gave attendees
the opportunity to ask more about the
nuances of data center outsourcing. Raffle
prizes were then given away and PLDT
AVP and Head of Corporate Business
Solutions Gary Ignacio capped off the
session with his closing remarks. In
the afternoon, attendees joined PLDT
executives in a tour of the soon-to-open
VITRO Clark facility, located a few
minutes from the hotel.
“As the digital landscape continues
to transform, the ability of enterprises to
evolve alongside technology is integral
to business continuity,” stressed Jovy
Hernandez, FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA. “Creating a resilient organization
with the appropriate business continuity
measures in place through our VITRO data
center and PLDT Cloud solutions, foster
a deeper trust among end-customers with
their business partners and secure in the
knowledge that they are able to weather
any eventuality.”
“Access to the various services the
VITRO Data Center can provide as well
as expert support enables enterprises to
take charge of their business continuity
plans and determine the right strategies for
worry-free operations,” noted Eric Alberto,
PLDT/Smart Executive Vice President
and ePLDT President and CEO. “At the
end of the day, what business continuity
planning ensures is that enterprises – and
more importantly, their reputation – will
still be intact when the dust of any disaster
or crisis settles.”
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2
1.
Department of Transportation Secretary Atty.
Arthur Tugade presented the keynote speech.
2.
PLDT Product Manager for Data Center
Services Miguel Gonzales shared his thoughts
on data security.
3.
ePLDT CIO and Solutions Consulting Head
Brett Medel contributed his ideas on optimizing
data-driven enterprises through data centers.
4.
PLDT Head of Business Development for
Enterprise Cloud and Managed Security
Francis Arjonillo discussed business continuity
through data center outsourcing.
5.
PLDT AVP and Head of Corporate Business
Solutions Gary Ignacio shared valuable insights
during the panel.
6.
An attendee asked a question during the Q&A
session following the panel discussion.
7.
A raffle prize was given away to a lucky winner.
8.
Atty. Arthur Tugade received a certificate of
appreciation for contributing his informative
insights.
9.
Gary Ignacio discussed the value of
outsourcing data centers in an interview with
the press.
6
7
8
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AUGUST 2016
117
WERE YOU THERE
4
5
6
7
2
3
BOOSTING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT WITH TAKATACK REWARDS
PLDT ALPHA AND VOYAGER
INNOVATIONS UNVEIL AN
INNOVATIVE EMPLOYEE
INCENTIVE PLATFORM WITH
TAKATACK REWARDS
The wonders of Takatack Rewards, a
digital employee engagement service, were
presented via a roundtable discussion to
a group of 50 enterprise decision makers
from the Outsourcing and Offshoring
(O&O) industry. The activity was
organized by PLDT, along with partner
Voyager Innovations, Inc., and held at the
new Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio
Global City.
The program opened with a few
remarks from FVP and Head of PLDT
ALPHA Jovy Hernandez, highlighting
the importance of employing smarter
digital solutions for key functions, given
today’s reshaped business landscape.
Thought leaders from the fields of digital
marketing and human resources gave
thorough and insightful discussions on
workforce trends, practices, and behaviors
in the digital age. For his part, Dentsu-
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AUGUST 2016
Digit Managing Partner and Director
Carlo Ople highlighted campaigns geared
towards millennials. Effective Measure
Regional Business Director for South East
Asia Maria Java zeroed in on employee
engagement, while Facebook Head of
Human Resources for South East Asia and
India Shweta Shukla tackled best practices
in human resources.
Takatack Country Head Rebecca
Ricalde delivered a comprehensive
discourse on Takatack Rewards. Ultimately,
this merit-based program allows employees
to use their earned e-wallet credits to
purchase items on Takatack, the country’s
biggest online marketplace. Attendees were
given a step-by-step instructional guide
on platform usage, as well as an overview
of complementary service inclusions like
campaign features, marketing promotions,
and email newsletters.
Throughout the event, raffle prizes
were handed out by PLDT Corporate
Relationship Management Advisor Victor
Aliwalas and PLDT VP and Corporate
Relationship Management Head Vic Tria to
lucky winners in attendance.
“The enterprise digital transformation
has resulted in big shifts in the manner by
which management rewards employees’
excellent performance,” declared FVP and
Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy Hernandez.
“With Takatack Rewards, we are optimistic
that our valued enterprise partners are
granted the end-to-end technological
support and convenience they need to
create more optimal work environments
and better employee engagement.”
1.
FVP and Head of PLDT ALPHA Jovy
Hernandez kicked off the event with a rousing
introduction.
2.
Facebook Head of Human Resources for
South East Asia and India Shweta Shukla
3.
Smart AVP and Head of Digital Mobility
Chet Alviz contributed to the fruitful exchange
on Takatack Rewards.
4.
Takatack Country Head Rebecca Ricalde
discussed the merit-based program.
5.
PLDT Manager and Head of Corporate
Relationship Business Jeff Mendoza
6.
Ezekiel Delgado and PLDT VP and Head of
Corporate Relationship Management Vic Tria
7.
One of the lucky winners during the raffle.
8.
Carlo Ople, Rebecca Ricalde, Maria Java, and
Shweta Shukla
9.
Chet Alviz, Maria Java, Jovy Hernandez, and
Nico Alcoseba
10.
Guests participated in conversations on
optimizing work environments.
11.
Enterprise attendees enjoyed the day's
discussions.
12.
Tina Pizarro, Cheryl Arnold, and Vic Tria
13.
PLDT Corporate Relationship Managers Girlie
Garcia and Gilbert Viray flanked guests during
the event.
14.
PLDT ALPHA and Voyager Innovations
representatives showed off the ALPHA sign.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1
AUGUST 2016
119
In this section, HOT JOE gives you a visual digest of recently-posted
online articles, written by our thought leaders at PLDT ALPHA
THE KEY TO ENGAGING MILLENNIALS:
INTEGRATING TECH INNOVATIONS
IN ENTERPRISES
BY VICTOR ALIWAL AS
In his article, PLDT
Corporate Relationship
Management Advisor Victor
Aliwalas focuses on how
millennials have become the
leading demographic in highlyintegrated and connected
worlds of media, marketing,
and business.
They are significantly
different from previous
generations, particularly because
they were born in a technologydriven age that grants
unfettered access to information
(Google), services (Uber), and
social connections (Facebook).
As such, enterprises are
encouraged to use technology
in order to effectively engage
with this demographic.
THIS IS HOW TOP F&B BRANDS ARE
EFFECTIVELY MARKETING TO MILLENNIALS
25%
Last February 2, all the way
through to Valentine’s Day,
McDonald’s US gave random
customers a chance to pay
for their food in the form of
of millennials
selfies.
Hugs, fistbumps,
now expect brands to respond
to them via social media within
ten minutes.
weekday happy hour deal
AUGUST 2016
In a survey conducted by Microsoft
93%
of millennial
respondents
said that it is important that the company
they work for is up-to-date with the latest
technology, services, and solutions.
In a survey conducted by
Desk.com, nearly
In a concerted effort to appeal to
hardworking, multi-tasking millennial
females, Dairy Queen has launched a
120
CUSTOMER SERVICE
When it comes to customer
service, Mr. Aliwalas notes that
millennials placed high value on
immediacy and ease. Feedback
isn’t necessarily directed straight
at the brand, but expressed on
the highly public social media
platforms. Comments – positive
or negative – have kept brands
on their toes.
Enterprise organizations
are challenged to use solutions
such as social listening tools to
anticipate potential customer
service issues, turning them into
proactive ambassadors.
Someone in the US can order a Domino’s
pizza by simply tweeting them a pizza emoji.
and compliments were also accepted.
Mastercard projects that by
2020, 60% of the world’s
millennials will be from Asia.
MARKETING
Mr. Aliwalas states that
marketing to millennials must
be personalized and data
driven. Their digital footprints
– browsing behaviors, Google
search trends, and social media
insights – must be leveraged to
develop campaigns that are tailorfit to individual preferences.
Convenience is also key to
connecting with millennials. This
smartphone-wielding generation
lives in an on-demand world, and
they expect to contact brands
with ease – whether offline or
online, on any device. PLDT’s
#MyNumber is one solution that
allows customers to reach a brand
through an easy-to-remember
unified hotline, no matter where
they are in the country.
for their iced coffees and other
beverages from 2pm to 5pm. "Female
millennials are incredibly busy, trying
to juggle many balls, trying to multitask — we want to provide her with
that pick-me-up to get through the
day,” explains Maria Hokanson, Dairy
Queen US VP of Product and Brand
Marketing.
THE WORKPLACE
With this generation
becoming the dominant
demographic in the workforce,
Mr. Aliwalas urged enterprises
to take a good, hard look at
using technology to address the
needs and wants of millennial
employees.
Millennials have also
redefined the concept of the
workspace, eager to venture and
achieve beyond the confines
of the office. Consequently,
companies using cloud-based
solutions are better equipped to
allow these young professionals
to effectively work and
collaborate wherever, whenever.
Incentivizing excellent
performance has to evolve
as well, Mr. Aliwalas points
out. Typical one-size-fitsall recognition schemes or
packages may not work for
millennial employees; they
want rewards and experiences
tailored to them and their
lifestyles. PLDT’s "Takatack
Rewards" program presents
the perfect answer to this
concern, as it lets enterprises
award hardworking employees
with electronic credits that can
be redeemed at Tackatack, the
country’s biggest online retail
marketplace. This solution
feeds the need for “instant
gratification,” as it eliminates
the need for paper-based gift
certificates with credits that are
delivered virtually, and rewards
that can be claimed anytime and
anywhere.
Visit the URL to read more and
follow Mr. Aliwalas on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/
pulse/key-engaging-millennialsintegrating-tech-innovationsvictor-aliwalas?trk=prof-post
or
http://bit.ly/29RApFF
AUGUST 2016
121
HOW
ENTERPRISES
CAN RISE
TO THE
eCOMMERCE
CHALLENGE
BY VIC TRI A
In his article, PLDT
Vice President and Head
of Corporate Relationship
Management Vic Tria expresses
his utmost optimism for
eCommerce with online stores
becoming as ubiquitous as
shopping malls. He emphasized
that its emergence in the
Philippines has just begun. The
local market is poised to be the
next golden goose, estimated
to grow by 101.4% in just two
years because of its rapidly
expanding online population.
eCOMMERCE
CHALLENGES
FOR ENTERPRISES
Yet behind all those rosy
images, Mr. Tria acknowledges
that there are companies that
are still hesitant to venture into
eCommerce. According to him,
all it takes is a new playbook
with retooled processes across
different business departments.
He began with the
customer-facing side of
eCommerce. Mr. Tria said
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AUGUST 2016
that getting the general public
to discover an enterprise
organization’s online storefront
requires knowledge in Search
Engine Optimization (SEO)
and online targeting methods.
Once inside the store, success
in getting customers to click
the “Buy now!” button is
fully dependent on the overall
user experience; an enhanced
business front end brings more
sales. Other departments on
the supply chain (warehousing,
IT, marketing, and customer
care) must also innovate and
step up, ensuring that all orders
are fulfilled, and negative
publicity on social media is
addressed.
But the biggest challenge
with eCommerce, for Mr. Tria,
is technology’s constant state
of flux – with platforms being
updated quite often. That is
why he urges eCommerce
firms to update their websites
and accommodate changes on
a regular basis, especially on the
mobile front.
GETTING IT RIGHT WITH eCOMMERCE
CASHING IN ON eCOMMERCE
HERE ARE MR. TRIA’S THREE KEY INSIGHTS BASED ON WORKING WITH
LOCAL RETAILERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY MADE THE JUMP ONLINE.
3
ONLINE EYEWEAR STORE WARBY PARKER IS
NOW VALUATED AT 1.4 BILLION DOLLARS, AND
THIS WAS REALIZED IN JUST SIX YEARS.
WHAT STARTED IN THE ‘90S AS AN
ONLINE BOOKSTORE, AMAZON.COM’S
SALES HAS INCREASED BY 24% LAST 2015.
IT IS NOW OFFERING OTHER SERVICES
SUCH AS CLOUD COMPUTING AND
ORIGINAL STREAMING VIDEO CONTENT.
eCommerce doesn’t
necessarily mean the end for
a retailer’s brick-and-mortar
store. Mr. Tria explains that it
can be an integral platform
for a seamless offline-online
customer experience.
Companies can allow
customers to order online
then claim the items instore (avoiding the delay of
delivery times). Traditional
loyalty programs can be
enhanced for online use
with the ability to send
notifications for new
items to loyal customers
– allowing them to order
ahead of the pack.
1
INNOVATION VS
MAINTENANCE
Creating an easy-touse, secure eCommerce
site entails numerous
components that
require close attention.
Thus, some companies
are hesitant to make the
jump as it will distract
them from their core
competencies. TackThis,
according to Mr. Tria,
solves this roadblock
towards retail revolution.
The end-to-end service
handles all the major
aspects of creating and
operating an online
store, from website
creation down to
doorstep delivery.
LAZADA REPORTS THAT IT HAS 80 MILLION VISITS
A MONTH AND ITS MOBILE APP IS RESIDING IN 20
MILLION MOBILE PHONES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
2
ONLINE APPAREL STORE ZALORA BEGAN ITS
OPERATIONS BACK IN 2012 AND NOW AVERAGES
200,000 USERS PER DAY, WITH 60% OF ITS ORDER
INTAKE COMING FROM OUTSIDE METRO MANILA.
LET MARKETING,
IT, AND OTHER
PARTS OF THE
BUSINESS, WORK
SEAMLESSLY
eCommerce is not
simply the purview of
one single department,
according to Mr. Tria.
Everybody now has a say
on its success.
INNOVATE THE
CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCE
Tackthis, Mr. Tria
reveals, can enable
cross-department
synergy as the cloudbased platform enables
everyone involved to
access critical data
such as sales, stock
availability, and website
performance.
Visit the URL to read more and
follow Mr. Tria on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/
pulse/how-enterprises-canrise-ecommerce-challenge-victria?trk=prof-post
or
http://bit.ly/29XvtAr
REAPING REWARDS
Mr. Tria then cites
eCommerce‘s positive impact
on the enterprise market. Nike,
for example, has posted a 42%
increase in online sales during
the third quarter of 2015 (and
disclosed that their online store
is already profitable). Big box
giant Walmart is also gaining
huge success with eCommerce,
stating that their app users
spend 40% more than the
average shopper – and even
shop in-store twice as much.
He also added that the
great thing about eCommerce
is that it reaps a return of
investment that is far more
valuable than sales revenue.
For him, it all boils down to
Big Data. With information
gained during the online
shopping process, companies
are better equipped to reshape
their product and enhance the
overall consumer experience.
AUGUST 2016
123
COMING
COMING
In this section, HOT JOE puts
on its Tech Forecaster hat and
takes a look at the future
ROBOTS WITH "SOULS"
From the Pixar lamp to Baymax
the “healthcare” robot in Big Hero 6,
animators have actively imagined and
visualised robots that behave like living
creatures.
Tech innovator Guy Hoffman used
this inspiration to bring robots to life,
creating a lamp that eerily mimics human
movements. The lamp collaborates with
humans – helping them find missing
objects and illuminating their work. But
instead of just working mechanically, the
Blockchain technology is now being used
by the US, UK, Ukraine, and Singapore
governments.
robot is socially expressive and engaging.
By applying improvisational acting
techniques, Mr. Hoffman designs robots
to move like gentle creatures that react
organically to humans. They can predict
and adjust to human movements rather
than simply calculate and execute. These
robots assume postures that convey
emotion – bobbing along to music or
simulating curiosity and sympathy. Those
who have had the pleasure of working
with these robots definitely prefer them
to their stiff, mechanical counterparts –
calling them "he" or "she" rather than
"it."
With these great leaps in robotics,
gentle, non-threatening healthcare
robots like Baymax could soon become
a reality. Disney is even building accurate
telepresence robot characters for their
theme parks, giving children a friendly
up-close experience with their favorite
cartoon characters.
Photo Source:
vlcsnap-2016-07-13-15h01m25s730.png
eGOVERNANCE
As governments set forth on the
fast track to a technology-powered
ASEAN, they are finding new ways to
optimize privately-developed technology.
eGovernance is now synonymous
with how present-day governments
democratize information and drive public
service efficiency.
Some governments have already
gotten a head start in eGovernance
with online forms and applications. But
more innovative uses of technology
have emerged in recent years.
Blockchain, or the tech behind the
famed bitcoin, is being used to open
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AUGUST 2016
up government information. American
Bitcoin companies have created online
public ledgers for the land registries
of developing countries, meaning
anyone with an Internet connection can
access the information. Unlike physical
documents, no one can destroy the
ledgers and they do not decay with time.
On the other hand, the wonders
of virtual reality are not limited to
gaming – it could soon be used for
immersive training of service workers in
the industrial sector. The Daqri Smart
Helmet, deemed the “hardhat of the
future”, may just be the prototype for
this. It uses augmented reality displays
based on 3D models, documents,
schematics, and videos for work in heavy
automation and field services. Imagine
how this technology can be applied to
government service, from the military to
public works.
By applying these hot technologies
to public services, governments
and their citizens can enjoy more
agile bureaucracies that assure techpowered efficiency, accountability, and
transparency.
A Buddhist temple in China has enlisted
a “Buddha-bot” to help impart teachings
through voice command and touchscreen
technology. Master Xianfan, the creator
of the bot, called it a mutually compatible
combination of spirituality and science.
Photo Source:
(1) http://guyhoffman.com/wp-content/
uploads/2014/05/Guy-Hoffman-008sc.jpg
(2) http://futurism.com/wp-content/
uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-28at-12.58.16-PM.png
AUGUST 2016
125
COMING
COMING
Instead of waiters and busboys, restaurants
now hire IT staff to maintain their robotic food
service.
Photo Source:
(1) https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/
originals/45/ae/6d/45ae6d5ea9c0385943003a
1778a26059.jpg
(2) http://67.media.tumblr.com/38aec0
b10cfde7b33b9fcec6edf62e01/tumblr_
mm0x7wwxzE1s7bqo3o2_1280.jpg
Back in April 2015, a drone carrying a
radioactive substance landed on the
Japanese PM's office. That incident
essentially drove the Japanese police to
develop and deploy this net-equipped drone.
FULLY AUTOMATED ESTABLISHMENTS
Photo Source:
http://static4.techinsider.io/
image/566ae4e972f2c14d028b4dcc/tokyois-using-anti-drone-squads-to-capturerogue-drones-with-nets.jpg
ANTI-DRONE TECHNOLOGY
In recent news, drones have made
their presence felt across varied industries
– from military warfare and surveillance,
to filmmaking and even food delivery.
The proliferation of drones does seem
to greatly benefit today’s society as they
are used for wildlife conservation, as well
as rescue and relief efforts. However,
these little flying machines have also
been used to conduct activities that are
deemed undesirable, to say the least. As
early as 2012 – four years before Amazon
unveiled its drone delivery service –
Mexican drug cartels had been caught
using remote-controlled quadcopters to
smuggle illegal drugs across the border.
So brazen were they that, at times, they
would drop their packages directly into
prison yards. And last year, a drone
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AUGUST 2016
crash-landed at the south lawn of the
White House, causing the Secret Service
to lock down parts of the presidential
residence. On the celebrity front, daring
paparazzi would use drones to spy on
A-List events or even the occasional
topless sunbathing actress.
To help prevent such incidents
from happening again, numerous
individuals and organizations have
developed measures aimed to subdue
drones before they do any real harm.
Leading drone manufacturer DJI also
released a new software called Geospatial
Environment Online (GEO) System
that sends DJI drones information
on no fly zones across the world,
automatically preventing them from
flying through these areas. An Indian
engineer has developed what he calls
“Maldrone” – malware which can infect
commercial drones, allowing him to take
control of the machine. The French
government announced that they have
also implemented no-fly zones and other
anti-drone measures at stadiums hosting
the 2016 European Championships. On
the other side of the Atlantic, the U.S.
Government has recently procured 100
anti-drone rifles that shoot jamming
radio signals instead of bullets.
Some are fighting fire with fire. In
Japan, for example, the Tokyo police
force has unveiled a fleet of “interceptor
drones,” which are giant drones with nets
that capture other drones in mid-air.
It all started in 1950s Japan, with the
invention of the Kaiten, or the rotating
conveyor belt. In 1968, Genki Sushi then
introduced the world to the first conveyor
belt restaurant. Sushi is presented in single
serving portions, and customers take what
they want as it goes down the conveyor belt.
Diners are billed based on the number of
color-coded plates that they take. According
to a feature on NHK World, the number
of conveyor belt restaurants in Japan has
grown by 50%, while traditional restaurants
are struggling, stating “Conveyor belt sushi
is a made in Japan concept that fuses food
and technology.” There’s also real fun in it,
judging by the concept’s growing popularity.
Muten Kurazuzhi Sushi Restaurant takes
the concept to the next level by automating
even more aspects of food service in their
260 locations all over Japan. Diners can
make special orders from a selection on a
touchscreen monitor, and the dishes are
delivered directly to the table through a
high-speed “bullet train” above the conveyor
belt. Dishes are cleared through a chute
right at the table, which goes straight to the
dishwashing station in the kitchen. Managers
monitor on-site operations thru CCTV
cameras from their base station miles away.
Fully-automated restaurants are quickly
gaining ground and popularity, primarily as a
means to boost cost-efficiency. In the United
States, the move is seen to be a response to
the rising labor and food costs. Food waste
is also minimized thru data gathered from
diner consumption behavior, to ensure
freshness and consistent quality. Initial
attempts at automation include self-service
kiosks at fast food restaurants. The use of
tablets – in Applebee’s and Chili’s – shorten
the waiting time between calling in and firing
the order.
In Harbin, China, the Haohai Robot
Restaurant is completely run by, as the
name translates, 18 robots who entertain
customers, make noodles, and even bus
tables. McDonald’s opened their first
fully robot-run restaurant in Phoenix,
Arizona, hoping it will be a model for more
automated branches over time. Just this
year, KFC got into the robot game with the
opening of Original+ in Shanghai, run by
a Du Mi, an AI robot manager, created by
Chinese web services developer Baidu. They
hope it will attract the young market with
their high-tech facilities.
San Francisco-based fastfood joint
Eatsa completely takes human contact out
of its front-of-house operations through
automation. Customers make their selection
from an iPad, tap in their details, and then
pay with a credit card. A cubby lights up with
the customer’s name to indicate that their
food is ready. The only thing left to do is to
pick it up and go. The humans on-site are
fully behind-the-scenes, preparing orders and
placing them in the cubby.
There will definitely be more
establishments and businesses looking
into the value of automation, robotics,
and artificial intelligence to increase
efficiency and productivity. Banks, hotels,
and manufacturing firms are among those
jumping on the tech wagon, apart from
restaurants. What will this mean for the
human workforce? That remains to be seen.
AUGUST 2016
127
What things are
on the way out
GOING
GOING
TRAVEL AGENCIES
Travel agencies once spelled
convenience. They book flights and
hotels, and plan itineraries for the
traveler, that practically the only
task left is to pack your bags and
go. But millennials are reshaping
the travel industry, forgoing travel
agencies and their package tours
altogether. Instead, millennials
prefer customized meaningful
travel experiences. With travel apps,
online booking, crowd sourced
reviews, and the growth of "sharing
economy" companies like Airbnb,
mobile-first travelers can do just
that.
Apps and websites are dedicated
to alternative recommendations for
meaningful experiences, bringing
travelers closer to the culture of
each destination. Eatwith.com and
bookalokal.com connect them with
locals who offer meals and cooking
lessons, enhancing an intimate and
genuine local experience instead
of pre-packaged tourist traps. On
ZeStrip, travelers can book tours
with local history and art grads,
sports and fashion lovers, and chefs
around their city. Tours include
"Time Travel Aboard a Historical
Tram" in Italy and "Jack the Ripper:
Follow the Steps of London's Most
Notorious Killer" in London.
Tech advances, however, do
Hotels are changing up their strategy to
cater to millennial travelers. Guests now
check in and out via smartphone, text the
hotel for food service requests, and check
on activity recommendations through a
social media concierge.
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AUGUST 2016
DOING LAUNDRY
not signal the end of travel agents
altogether – instead the “agents”
have turned digital. Hipmunk
is a virtual travel agent that can
instantly find cheap flights and
good hotels. You can email the
virtual agent with travel questions,
who then replies with possible
options. Technology opens up
newer travel options backed up by
local knowledge and crowd sourced
data. The travel agent is still here
– on an increasing number of
channels.
Just about anyone gets upset
over spilled drinks, especially when it
splatters onto your clothes. It might
mean panicked attempts at removing
the stains with napkins and soda water,
and a bit of extra effort doing laundry.
And who enjoys doing laundry?
Scientists have found a way to
alter fabric, so that cleaning clothes
takes about as much effort as casually
stepping outside. That's because stains
immediately disappear when exposed
to the sun! To do this, the fabric is
dipped in a special solution containing
microscopic silver and copper particles.
It acts like bleach when hit with light,
erasing the stain in mere minutes. The
stain erasing compound easily degrades
organic matter while sparing tougher
cotton material.
For extra convenience, there is a
company that has invented a machine
that folds and steams laundry – with
robot arms, of course. Now that’s
handy.
It looks like keeping clothes clean
will be a much easier task – your
laundry essentially cleans itself.
BRITAIN IN THE EU
Fifty-two percent of British voters
voted “Leave” during the recent
referendum, deciding Britain’s fate
in the European Union. Many now
wonder about its effects on both
the British and global economies.
Britain suffered its worst economic
consequences since the financial crisis,
but the long-term repercussions are still
the subject of speculation. However
it turns out, none of the longer turn
outcomes look promising. Many warn
about a disastrous turn for trade and
foreign investment, while some cheerier
economists dismiss these worries, citing
losses in financial services, foreign
investment, and the London property
market as probably short-term. Yet
again beyond the two-year mark, no
one can really say.
While the full impact of Brexit
remains to be seen, several industries
are already feeling effects. Tech
companies fear that Britain and the EU
To formally leave the EU, the UK
Government has to initiate “Article 50” of
the Lisbon Treaty. Once initiated, the two
parties have two years to negotiate their
new relationship before the UK officially
leaves the EU.
Photo Source:
http://www.ibtimes.com/brexit-polls-2016leave-eu-support-edges-ahead-new-surveyprior-referendum-2363487
will enforce distinct policies on data
and privacy, as Britain may opt out of
existing agreements on the transfer
of personal data. Airlines will have
to manage new airport regulations,
carmakers may face challenges in
exporting to member countries, and
telecoms may levy mobile roaming
costs on customers travelling to the EU.
New prime minister Theresa May
has appointed "Secretary for exiting
the European Union" David Davis
to begin the process of negotiating
with the EU, along with key “Leave”
campaigner Boris Johnson who
was appointed foreign secretary.
Economists noted that the decision of
the economic superpower may cause
global financial market uncertainty,
with varying repercussions on different
countries. While the Philippines may
not be directly affected, the economic
fate of 200,000 OFWs in the UK may
be in peril. For now, all eyes are on
how the new British leadership lays
the groundwork for the exit, and what
concrete decisions are made to dispel
current uncertainties.
AUGUST 2016
129
GOING
GOING
LOSING YOUR STUFF
Soon to be pleasantly lost to
history are the days of misplaced
wallets, car keys, and silent cell
phones. The pesky problem of
forgetfulness has been addressed
with a simple solution: Bluetooth
trackers connected to smartphone
apps. Tile is a small tracker attached
to an object that you never want to
lose ever again. By simply pressing
a button on the accompanying
app, the tracker will emit a sound,
and the last known location of the
object will be displayed on a map
on your smartphone.
Water resistant and durable,
you can use Tile to track your
belongings while on fishing trips
and beach outings. Some people
have taken to attaching these
trackers on dog collars, although it
might not be too useful if Fido is
on the active side, as these trackers
cover only hundred feet range max.
The app itself is easy-to-use,
seamlessly connecting to online
maps and detailing a list of each
object connected to a tracker,
including its last known location.
You only need to glance at your app
Objects with trackers can now be found
even from across the world. As soon as
other Tile connected devices come within
range of the object and detect it, the
location is securely sent to the owner’s
smartphone.
Photo Source:
http://9to5mac.com/2013/06/20/tilegadget-that-lets-you-trackfind-lost-itemsvia-crowd-sourcing-iphone-app/
130
AUGUST 2016
while on your way out of a hotel
during a trip to know that you have
all your precious belongings with
you.
With apps like these, there will
be no need to panic. All it takes is a
convenient tap on your phone.
VIRUSES (GOING AWAY?)
As each new strain of virus
threatens global health, scientists have
systematically and innovatively come
up with new drugs and vaccines to
eradicate them as they emerge. But
they have also realized that this is a
dangerously reactive approach to viral
infections, often leading to drugresistant mutations of the same bug.
Technology giant IBM is working
on a molecule that wipes out viruses
for good. An existing macromolecule
prevents certain viral infections like
Zika and Ebola from spreading.
Eventually the goal is total eradication
of these micro menaces. By identifying
the common viral characteristics, they
will soon be able to create a vaccine
that prevents infection because it
cannot be avoided by mutating virus
strains. The macromolecule will be able
to stop any virus from infecting cells
and prevent replication or epidemics.
With the possibility of defeating
the common cold, Dengue, and
illnesses we have yet to even imagine,
this represents a spectacular leap in
medicine from the tech company.
World-famous IBM supercomputer
Watson may even be recruited for the
development of the project. While a
cure-all vaccine, disinfectant, or pill is
still in the works, many are optimistic
about the possibility for curing disease
and preventing all human infection ever
again. That’s Doctor Watson to you.
AUGUST 2016
131
WELCOME TO THE
DIGITAL
UTILITIES
Numerous electric companies
across the world are beginning to use
a combination of sensors, computers,
and other technologies to create
“smart grids.” This way, they can
automatically distribute electricity
based on real-time demand, reduce
energy wastage, and introduce lower
prices during off-peak hours.
Smart water networks are on the rise
as well. Internet of Things technologies
can automatically activate pumps to
increase water pressure during peak
times. They can also use sensors to
accurately forecast demand or identify
leaky pipes without the need to dig
up entire streets and neighborhoods.
Maynilad is at the forefront of this
worldwide industrial revolution,
with the company receiving accolades
from numerous international
award-giving bodies.
SEE HOW DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES ARE
LEVERAGING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
AS FULL-FLEDGED DATA-DRIVEN
ENTERPRISES
AGRICULTURE
Drones and other automated
machines are leading a revolution in
crop and livestock management. They
are generating more information for
farmers — everything they need to
optimize yields.
While Google and Tesla are still in
the experimental stages for self-driving
cars, American tractor company
John Deere’s self-driving combines
already run on auto-pilot for row upon
row of sowing or harvesting. This way,
farmers can focus on other aspects
of their agribusiness.
2
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- JAN 2016
HIGHWAY
MANAGEMENT
Getting stuck in traffic is a sad
reality for most Filipinos. But not
to worry, the data-driven enterprise
revolution is finding a way to
solve the problem.
Highway management companies
are already using data to their
advantage. The North Luzon
Expressway (NLEx) utilizes numerous
location-based data sets to decide if
more toll booths should be opened,
and to forecast the ideal locations for
future exits.
DEC 2015
AUGUST
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2016
2016
133
3
20%
Sad
PUBLIC
GOVERNANCE
Change is coming to the public sector
through smart city management. Using data
gathered from sensors, cameras, and social
networks, public servants are better equipped
and informed to address the needs of their
constituencies.
Social listening applications can help local
government units identify pain points and
trouble spots within the city. This has proven
to be helpful during times of calamity, as
disaster response teams can count on social
media posts to determine what areas need to
be prioritized.
30%
Angry
MANUFACTURING
12%
With the Industrial Internet of Things,
manufacturers and other heavy industries will
seamlessly converge Information Technology
and Operations Technology.
In the data-driven manufacturing
sector, sensor-ridden and intelligent heavy
equipment will be able to talk to one
another, or send telemetry data to the
staff. Operational efficiency will increase as
man-hours spent on machine maintenance
decreases. In addition, the abundance of
relevant data will open doors for smarter
business growth and innovation.
15%
Happy
MOOD METER
10%
3%
Inspired
Don’t Care
8%
Annoyed
Afraid
2%
Amused
RETAIL
eCommerce is just one part of a datadriven retail revolution, and it is driving
a new slew of innovative technologies.
Recently, several have sprung up thanks to
the increasing amount of data gathered by
retailers. All this new information allows
them to shape customer experiences.
Smart mirrors will let customers try
on different outfits without the hassle of
changing clothes in cramped fitting rooms.
Wireless (and cashless) payment methods
like Apple Pay and Google Wallet also
allow for quick and easy checkout of items.
BANKING
With the emergence of the data-driven
enterprise, total financial inclusion could
soon become a reality. People that once had
no hope for a traditional credit score will
now have access to loans and other forms
of credit, as they can be accurately assessed
based on digital footprints and mobile phone
transactions.
With access to more data, traditional
retail banking will also take a big leap
forward. Bank personnel are now able to
create more accurate customer profiles.
On the other hand, mobile and online
banking will host the bulk of transactions.
While it was once available to a select few,
relationship-based banking will soon become
4
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HEALTHCARE
As technology-based solutions become
more accessible, the healthcare sector
will shift to more proactive, rather than
reactive treatment models. With the ability
to instantly receive information such as air
quality alerts, hospitals can automatically
warn high-risk patients and disseminate
necessary medication in less time.
Telemedicine will also become the norm
in the data-driven enterprise. With wearable
devices that provide accurate information
for diagnostic purposes, patients will be able
to consult with doctors wherever they may
be. Replacing the messy plaster
casts, 3D-printed casts
will not only look
good, but will
also help heal
fractures at a
faster rate.
the norm; a bank visit would essentially mean
getting insights from a trusted financial adviser,
rather than waiting hours for your turn.
DEC 2015
AUGUST
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2016
2016
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5
0008979
Say
Last
DESTINATION:
DIGITAL
022594
ERIC R. ALBERTO
PLDT/SMART
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
AND ePLDT PRESIDENT AND CEO
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AUGUST 2016
uring the Philippine ICT Leadership
Convention 2016 held in June, we were all
treated to a rare opportunity in witnessing
breathtaking demonstrations of what the
digital enterprise looks and feels like. Clearly,
the digital future has arrived; this is our
Digital NOW.
I would like to thank you for joining
us on this journey of transformation as
true partners. Consequently, as you may
have noticed, PLDT itself has undergone a
profound transformation into becoming a
digital organization. For us, “digital” and ICT
have become inseparable concepts, especially
as they enable enterprise organizations to
achieve three key functions so much better:
Innovate, Compete, and Transform.
Becoming adept in these areas is all
the more urgent in an emerging age of
cutthroat markets, tectonic industrial shifts,
and a tighter technology cycle that hastens
obsolescence. And more than anything
else, this new age belongs to the consumer.
Customers are in control, shaping their lives
on their own terms. Their instantaneous
decisions are shaping the products and
services of the future.
In the process, their preferences and
movements are generating zetabytes of data
that must be mined and analyzed to the
benefit of the next generation of disruptors:
the next Ubers, Airbnbs, and Zaloras.
Winners in the era of digital enterprises and
consumers understand that there will always
be a critical need to understand the customer
who is choosing brands that deliver total
wellness and well-being.
We must therefore depart from comfort
zones and traditional methods of serving the
customer. In a very real sense, the journey of
enterprise digital transformation never really
ends, because we also must willingly and
continuously disrupt ourselves by leveraging
on the digital pillars that is SMACS (Social,
Mobile, Analytics, Cloud, and Security).
This brings to light other realities
pertaining to our digital journey – the speed
of change is astounding; triumphs are
fleeting; and the destinations will always be
amazing, but with even more destinations
ahead. Our Digital NOW will always be
redefined.
The question is, are we going to redefine
it ourselves, or are we simply just going to sit
and watch somebody else do it?
ASC REF. CODE: P069P072016P