after call q4 2012 issue final web

First of all congratulations to President Barrack Obama for continuing to be the leader of the free world, I hope that he sees that outsourcing and globalization can be solutions to help the US economy get back

on top. I have always believed the Philippine IT-BPO industry will continue to thrive, no matter who the Americans choose as their Commander-in-Chief. It is because the Americans value freedom – the freedom of speech, the freedom of choice, and the freedom of their markets. To pass bills into law which vehemently prohibit or limit American businesses to outsource immediately causes misalignment on this value. This is why I believe as long as the US government respects the value of freedom its global trade relationship with IT-BPO economies shall continue to thrive and help

the US economy get back on its feet. In fact, of the $ 13.4 Billion the Philippine IT-BPO is slated to gain by the end of the year, a percentage of that will go back to the US as a huge number of the IT-BPO firms in Philippines are headquarted in the States pay taxes to the US government. With the US elections recently concluding, perhaps the international IT-BPO industry can have a little peace and quiet from American politics. Now, we can focus less on one of the external factors and give more focus to the dullest sword in the Philippine IT-BPO arsenal – marketing and branding. In a recent survey done by BPO Voice, (http://www.bpovoice.com), according to them, majority of their respondents said that there is a lot of negativity s u r r o u n d i n g outsourcing and that it needs to be rebranded. I agree with this and more. It is also a fact that because our brand is not marketed very well, there are still people oblivious to the fact that the Philippines is a huge force in the global outsourcing market. This why I believe for the Philippines to be the overall number one in the IT-BPO space, it is important that we sharpen our brand and aggressively market it. As I have only limited space in this note, more of this is continued in my article, “Good marketing, branding make IT-BPO goals achievable.” We have prepared a very special fourth quarter issue for you, we have named this the vanity issue as we have been vain to the millimeter in making this release the best After Call magazine ever. We have been vain on the layouts, the amount of fashion editorials and of course: the beauty or shall we say vanity tips in this edition tip the scale. I hope you enjoy this and I hope the industry becomes more “vain” in making its brand more impeccable.

With all my best,

Pio Granada

Pio Granada Publisher

Bayan de la CruzEditor in Chief

Brian LuBusiness Development

Director

Rod AbadEditor

ContributorsWriters

Jacob Dominguez

Greg Yan

Dr. France Jagolino

PhotographersCaloy Creencia

Rap Yu

Greg Valerio

Layout and DesignDetremier Villones

THE LOOK AND FEEL OF OUTSOURCING

Special Thanks To:

Bong Borja, Arlyn Fausto, Vad Del Rosario, Ella Viola, Melissa Matibag, Nica Dacanay, Karina Murphy, Fred Ayala, Benedict Hernandez, Nette Roselo, Genny Marcial, Cecile Aquino, Jared Morrison, Velvet Lagman, Jun Laxa, Pam Wu, Geth Savellano, Lars Ramirez, Raffy David, Fred Chua, Dollfuss Paredes , Roslyn Ong, Marie Nazareno, Isaiah Clemente, Cara Atienza, Fordee Orosco, Sonny Lagasca, Armi Delos Reyes, Ryan Macaspac, Lanz Manipor, Haidee Enriquez, Trevor Freisen, Jan Laguardia, Ryan Aldaba, Marife Zamora, Jom Mercado, Kit Sison, Techie Flores-Sabio, Cecile Venancio, Jaja Aguna, Rica Estrada, Twilight Benoche, Ruin Sugay, Grace Tupasi, Carmelo Del Gallego, Mike Rabat, Verna Marin, Bobbi Millena, Lourd Ramos, Felbin Sotto, Steph Cancio, Gabby Manas, Frenbrook Gardens, Barbara Bennett, Cherry Ermita, Arianne Kader,Pippo Soriano, Mark Dantes, Mac Arisgado, Tani Puyat, Erika Abanto, Marjo Navarro, Pat Mendoza, Che Sunglao, Tonette Orpilla, Andrew Vitales, Lei Reyes, Em Jamias, Pao Santiago, Charlyn Yu, Sarina Edralin, Abertine Monteron, Edwin Totanes, Patricia Go, Richard Teo, Charlotte Rogacion, Maan Magpoc, Maf Billiones, Cookie Cabrera, Gale Verzano, Vincent Caducio, JV Reyes, Mel Granada, Delia Granada, Nati Granada, Monique Morales, Matet Santos, Rey Natividad, Chris Ang, Paolo Granada, Gray Granada, Don Rafol, Agnes Rafol, Budz Estocado, Cel Logarta, Jojo Meceda, Love Fernandez, Ana Milinette Cornejo, to all supporters and readers of After Call magazine.

Without your help this issue would not be possible, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to you.

magazine is published by Gorilla Trading.For advertising & printing please call: 586-0049

Email: [email protected]: www.aftercallmag.com

letter from the publisher

With all my best,

Pio Granada

BRANDING IS THE ANSWER

4 www.aftercallmag.com

the office

Bong Borja on Pioneering the IT-BPO industry, Work-life balance and Being Number One

By Pio Granada

Photos by Caloy Creencia

Pioneer, captain of industry, Ducati franchise holder, and father, Rainero “Bong” Borja seems to have achieved it all – family, fame, fortune. It was just under a decade ago when he led a massive IPO for then People Support (now Aegis), which made the company and its employees (through

stock options) a staggering $84 Million. Back in 2004, that was equivalent to nearly 10% of the total Philippine IT-BPO industry revenue of $1.3 billion on that same year. By any standard, this is a phenomenal achievement, helping take People Support from the brink of a dot com crash to being one of the best IT-BPO brands in the world. A few years after helping broker a huge merger with Aegis, news of his appointment as President and Country Head of the recently merged APAC and NCO, now known as Expert Global Solutions (EGS), surprised the outsourcing industry. By no means is EGS a small company. The merger between two call center giants is not to be taken lightly. With a 40% Fortune 500 client base, this corporate marriage has resulted in a 43,000 strong workforce in over a hundred

locations worldwide, the Philippines being at the pinnacle of its operations. Aligning the strengths of NCO in accounts receivable management and APAC in customer relations management, this amalgamation has made EGS a force to reckon with in almost every significant IT-BPO vertical. Without a doubt, this merger was a strategic move. When asked what attracted him to become the CEO of EGS Philippines. Borja said with passion, “It is the challenge of integrating two huge companies and transforming it into a tier one brand - a company that can become number one, if not rival the best in the Philippines. It is different from People Support because we started that from scratch and grew it. With EGS, the challenge is in the integration. It is also a much bigger company to work with. I think the opportunity is right for me to get in here and do this. As a leader, I want to be in a position where I can truly make a difference.”

On LeadershipAccording to Bong, “Leadership is when you can make

Leadership on Two Wheels:

5www.aftercallmag.com 5www.aftercallmag.com

The glamour and excitement of Las Vegas will soon arrive

in Manila when the world-class Solaire opens its dazzling

doors. Prepare for thrilling, state-of–the art gaming and

delicious global cuisine. Plus exceptional customer service

and a generous rewards club that is sure to win you over.

SOLAIRE RESORT & CASINO OPENS MARCH 2013 IN ENTERTAINMENT CITY

the game is about to change

solairemanila.com

Leadership on Two Wheels:


people follow your vision, believe in what you believe in, and execute on that vision. Effective visionaries have the charisma and passion to obtain a higher level of commitment and enthusiasm for the people who work for them. Pay and employment become secondary. It’s almost like people will do things for you because they believe in what you believe.” Bong thinks that leadership is an essential ingredient in clinching EGS’s goals. Four intrinsic values come to mind. First is integrity. Borja says that it is very hard for a leader to have moral ascendancy, if he does not possess integrity.

His philosophy is simple. Lead by example. Walk the talk. Demonstrate. Second is the passion and conviction to accomplish the mission. People pour their hearts out to execute the belief simply because their leader’s passion motivates them. Borja elaborates, “I would rather choose people who stick to their beliefs rather than people who waver easily just because influential people believe differently.” These are the kind of leaders who turn vision statements into reality. Third, Borja looks for leaders who are committed and

“Leadership is when you can make people follow your vision, believe in what you believe in, and execute on that vision. Effective visionaries have the charisma and passion to obtain a higher level of commitment and enthusiasm for the people who work for them. Pay and employment become secondary. It’s almost like people will do things for you because they believe in what you believe.”

BELIEVE

7www.aftercallmag.com

tenacious in achieving their goals. He said, “Goals are not always easy to reach because it’s fraught with challenges. You will be tested. And if you are not committed to it, you will back down. I admire people who pursue their dreams no matter how difficult the challenges are.” Lastly, Bong values humility. He believes that true leaders know when to step back, to follow, and to listen.

It’s not about Being Number 1, It’s How you Become Number 1Bong Borja’s ultimate goal for EGS is to be number one but being on top is not only about revenues or headcount. He asserts “What is more important is credibility and reputation. It is something you cannot buy. It is a judgment that your client, community and everyone else around you make.” For Borja it is quintessential to make both the internal and external forces happy. The former are the share holders, clients, and employees while the latter are the community, environment, and economy. Borja elaborates, “Be aware that you are not the only one who exists and that you can affect people positively. It is like when you are constructing a building, if your intention is just to put it up because the business needs it, then that is where it stops. That is not the kind of leadership I espouse. I would construct, yes, but I would be very conscious of other considerations. I believe that I can achieve business objectives and contribute to the community without having to compromise the environment. Better solutions are always available.” Borja concludes, “I don’t want to win at the expense of everything. I think bikers like me carry this principle because when we ride a bike, it is not the destination that is essential to us but the journey.”

Family and BalanceBong believes that leadership requires work-life balance. Borja said, “I don’t think that leaders will be successful if they do nothing but work. You have to have personal goals. Most importantly, you need to have fun doing them. In my hobbies, sometimes you just have to be one of the guys. When I’m out riding my bike with my friends, I’m just one of them. Do I have to exercise leadership? Maybe if there is a crisis because leadership is innate.” Married to a loving wife Bong asserts, “I will not consider myself successful if I am not successful in raising my kids. My family and children are my greatest pride.” Currently an undergraduate at Wharton University, Bong’s son has been consistently reaping awards.

What Drives Mr. Borja?Being a pioneer in the IT-BPO industry and having held several key executive positions in industry associations such as BPAP and CCAP, Bong is proud to have immensely helped built the BPO industry to what it is today. It was only over a decade ago when he crusaded with a seemingly rag tag group that included DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and CCAP/BPAP president Benedict Hernandez to give the industry a push start to help it grow from virtually nothing to an $11

billion industrial juggernaut. Today, it employs over 700,000 people and Bong is proud to see that some of his former employees who started out as agents are now successful vice-presidents or entrepreneurs in their own right. Many people with this level of accomplishment have retired early. They have flicked on the auto-pilot switches in their companies as they rake in their dividends. Retirement or an idle life is not what drives Mr. Borja as he is a man fueled by passion and motivated by challenges. He intends to continue achieving great things but only the right way. And he believes that passing this legacy to his children is the best mark he can leave on the halls of eternity. (

Bong Borjaat Ducati Manila South


The iQor Trilogy : iQor 3 Groundbreaking

According to Metro Clark ICT Council President, Dr. Francisco Villanueva that last 2010 there were only about direct 4,000 IT-BPO workers in Clark, and now that number grew to 11,300 direct employees. In just two

years, the next wave city of Metro-Clark has more than doubled its growth. It is no wonder why iQor has been concentrating all its Philippine IT-BPO investments in the former airbase. Opening its first Philippine site on 2006 and concentrating all of its operations in the Clark Free Port Area, iQor is one of the movers and shakers in the Metro Clark Next Wave City scene. Out of the 11,300 direct IT-BPO workers in Metro Clark, Iqor directly employs 2,500 workers, making it one of the biggest BPOs in the area. Showing no signs of slowing down, Iqor has announced its plans to open a third site in Clark. Last September 25, iQor CEO Norman Merritt led the ground breaking of its future site. During the opening Hewitt commended the efforts of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in helping nurture the IT-BPO industry by creating an environment where it is easy to conduct business. Merritt said, “CDC has been terrific in helping us over the years with the tremendous support they’ve given along with local officials,” According to Merritt, the decision to focus its Philippine operations in the Free Port is because Clark is “special.” Merritt continued, “Clark is special for its vision of creating a business-friendly zone. We have infrastructure, power, education plus it offers incredible, hard-working and intelligent people.” Next year, iQor is aiming to complete the construction its third site. This site will be two-storey building on a lot that is 20,000 square feet big. Merritt said that when the

site opens, 300 new employees will be added to iQor ‘s workforce. Currently, the most sites that a BPO company has in Clark are two, with opening of a third site, iQor will become the BPO company with the most Metro-Clark sites by 2013. Next year seems to be a bullish year for Iqor, with expansions plans on Columbus, Ohio; Tucson, Arizona; and Dallas, Texas already in the pocket. Present in the event were Clark International Airport Corporation President and CEO, Victor Jose Luciano; iQor Senior Vice President, Saurabh Bhaskar; and iQor stakeholder Carlton Benton.

About Iqor Inc. iQor, Inc. provides business process outsourcing solutions. The company offers customer care, customer retention, and revenue recovery solutions and services. It offers its services to various brands from a range of industries, including commercial, communications/telecommunications, direct marketing, financial services/bankcard, government, healthcare, student loans, utilities, and debt buyer servicing sectors in the United States and internationally. iQor, Inc. was formerly known as IntelliRisk Management Corporation and changed its name on August 10, 2007. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in New York, New York with locations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. iQor, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of iQor Holdings Inc. iQor, Inc. has a worldwide foot print of 31 sites and 14,000 employees Starting in the Philippines in 2006 with only 50 employees, iQor has grown to 2,500 workers. iQor has a no advertising recruitment policy and only uses employee referrals to supply talent for the company. iQor has a recruitment system that rewards employees for every agent hired. (


GOOD MARKETING, BRANDING MAKE IT-BPO GOALS ACHIEVABLE

With two of the biggest industry events recently culminating––the International Outsourcing Summit (IOS) and the International Contact Center Convention and Expo

(ICCCE)––it can be somehow charted whether the information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry is on track for its stretch goals in 2016. If not, what can the industry, the government and its people do? According to industry principals Fred Ayala and Benedict Hernandez, the IT-BPO sector is poised to end the year with a revenue of $13.4 billion and a headcount of approximately 780,000 in direct jobs, of which, 493,000 are full time employees from the voice sector. On hindsight, the industry has four years to grow an additional $11.6 billion in yearly revenues and recruit 520,000 people to achieve its stretch target of $25 billion and 1.3 million of direct jobs. Realizing the stretch target means nearly having to double the numbers that the industry currently has. Clearly, it is a challenging horse to mount.

WHAT IS BEING DONE?President Benigno Aquino III’s administration ends in 2016. When he was catapulted to the helm of presidency in 2010, one of the major concerns was if he would backed up the industry as firmly as his predecessor. Over the past two years, he already has shown support via the

Industry-Public-Private Partnership (IPPP) with Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP). In a nutshell, the Aquino administration has contributed a grand total of over P600 million in talent development programs sponsored by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Commission on Higher Education (Ched), and the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), which now impacts 100,000 students and will eventually create an additional 50,000 graduates annually. BPAP estimates that 70 of which are to be employed by the industry. The signing into law of the Data Privacy and Anti-Cybercrime Act, although controversial, still makes doing IT-BPO business more secure. Ched implemented BPAP’s proposal to create a service management program–a specialized IT-BPO college minor course now available in three colleges and universities––enabling some graduates to hit the IT-BPO industry grounds running. The overall reduction of government corruption on both the local and national levels welcomes more investments and easing business risks. The Philippine Economic Zone Authority also has continued to give incentives and good oversight on IT-BPO locators. In his welcome speech in the IOS, Ayala said that the industry’s concerns boil down to three key themes: Talent,

By Pio Granada


risk, and cost of doing business. Thankfully, according to him, the IPPP that was forged last year is firing on all cylinders to address the said concerns. “In the third main area of concern, cost, it is critical that our competitiveness versus other countries does not erode. One of our top concerns is the appreciation of the peso versus the Indian rupee by 25 percent since early 2010 when both currencies were at parity of about P46 to the dollar. The rupee has since depreciated to 52 while the peso has appreciated to almost 41,” Ayala said . “We understand, of course, that the exchange rate is set by the market. But we hope that the government can continue its efforts to reduce very high power costs and creeping wage inflation, in order to help offset the appreciating peso.” According to some policy experts like Fedrico Macaranas, a full-time professor at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and executive director of the AIM Policy Center, “If the peso would turn P38 to a dollar, it will wipe out some of you.” So, it’s high time for the industry and the government to get their heads together to find other ways to offset business costs as the economy is now dangerously close to the P38 line.

SETTING UP THE WINIn the IOS, Hernandez said that if the IT-BPO industry is to achieve its stretch targets, there are four pre-conditions: Continued investments in diversifying and growing IT-BPO offerings where the Philippines can excel at––for instance, contact centers, IT, engineering services, healthcare, creative process services, F&A and corporate shared services; moving up the value chain by investing in training domain expertise, business analytics and innovation capabilities, as well as adapting to the developments in technology and business process management; making strategic investments in country marketing and industry branding; and continuing the momentum in IPPP programs, particularly in talent development. On the third pre-condition, Hernandez emphasized: “Several of our international delegates gathered here [in the IOS 2012] have said that the impressive story of Philippines’ IT-BPO is still under-appreciated in certain key markets.”

This only proves that marketing and country branding is really where the Philippine IT-BPO industry can do more, since it is not investing enough in this area. Case in point is the “Its more fun in the Philippines” campaign initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT). When the government upped its advertising and branding expenditure earlier this year, the tourism industry has easily seen 2.14 million tourist arrivals, or 11.69 percent increase in the first half of 2012. This was achieved

with almost no upgrades done to travel infrastructures and with international travel sanctions imposed on the Philippines earlier in the year. By the end of 2012, DOT expects the campaign to rake in 4.6 million tourist arrivals.

WELL-BRANDEDMarketing is indeed the edge of the tourism industry. Every year, the government invests on advertising campaigns to promote the Philippines as a destination to frequent to among travelers––both local and foreign. All the other bases above mentioned are pretty much covered by the IPPP and the individual efforts of IT-BPO companies. Marketing and branding is the gaping hole separating the industry from the targets. This is the big game-changer and the main reason why the IT-BPO sector lags behind the tourism industry by a mile-and-a-half. A centralized, well-executed international branding and advertising campaign for the Philippine IT-BPO industry that is as good as “It’s more fun in the Philippines” is what is needed to clinch the 2016 stretch targets.

Benedict Hernandez addresses the ICCCE 2012

Senator Angara, opens the 2012 ICCCE

(


Halloween in SYKES is always an event to watch out for. This year, SYKES did not disappoint as it hosted two spellbinding celebrations.Last October 26, the lobby of Synergis Center in

Cebu transformed into Hogwarts as over one hundred children dressed in long robes and pointy hats gathered for the day’s festivities. With the enchanted castle as their background, little Harry Potters and mini Hermione Grangers couldn’t help but be bewitched as they try out the different activities in store for them. To complete their already cute outfits, the children lined up at the face painting booth. They also had a lot of fun dancing and jumping inside huge bubbles. To make the afternoon even more magical, a mime magic show was performed for our little witches and wizards. As bonus, everyone got a loot bag, an animal balloon and a picture of this fun-filled day via the photobooth as souvenirs.

On October 29, it was Manila’s turn for some wicked fun. The 500 Shaw Auditorium became a magical kingdom with more than 200 witches and wizards in tow. Everyone lined up for the face painting and the glitter tattoo booths while munching on French fries, corn dog and popcorn! The kids were also more than eager to participate in the fun games and the magic show prepared exclusively for them. Of course the event wouldn’t

be complete without the photobooth to capture the magical moments. Before the day ended, Zeus Belez and Sofia Santillan were crowned the most charming magicians. The children were all beaming with joy as they went home with bags of goodies. “SYKES supports work-life balance and we believe that spending time with the family is an important aspect of the work-life balance,” says Ms. Cecile Venancio, Branding Director of SYKES Asia. “That is why we make sure that we come up with events like the Halloween party. We want to ensure that SYKSers and their families have opportunities to spend quality time with each other.” Halloween has always been popular for being the scariest holiday but here at SYKES, it takes on another meaning. For SYKES, Halloween is that time of year to be spooky and wacky with your family all at once.

Witches and Wizards Invade SYKES!Hundreds of children dressed up as witches and wizards complete with long robes, pointy hats and of course, their magic wands!

Little SYKESers and their parents enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon as they lined up at the face painting booth, participated in the bubble show and watched the magic show. It was a magical day indeed.

“SYKES supports work-life balance and we believe that spending time with the family is an important aspect of the work-life balance,” says Ms. Cecile Venancio, Branding Director of SYKES Asia. “That is why we make sure that we come up with events like the Halloween party. We want to ensure that SYKSers and their families have opportunities to spend quality time with each other.”

SYKES Asia Gets Spellbound

(


With the Yuletide coming, many employees could not wait to have those techie gadgets they’ve been eyeing to buy with their bonuses and 13th month pays. For the newly employed, they must have scant knowledge on the subject

of money management, and even on this matter of extra pays. They probably ask: Will I be entitled to it (the Christmas bonus or even just the 13th month pay)? How much will I get, and when? The 13th Month Pay Law was first implemented by President Marcos in December 16, 1975. Back then, only employees receiving a basic salary of not more than P1,000 were entitled to collect the additional pay. But on August 13, 1986, President Aquino made it so that everyone gets the 13th month pay, but with some exceptions. Every firm is mandated by law to give it, except the government. Bonuses, on the other hand, vary from company to company, Some don’t even give them out. So how’s the 13th month computed? Simply, it’s the employee’s basic salary within the calendar year, divided by 12. A terminated employee or even the resigned is still entitled to their 13th month pay. They will receive an amount equivalent to the number of months they worked for the company, divided by 12. As per the law, 13th month pay should be given not later than December 24. But in some cases depending on the company’s financial standing or capability employees will be given half of the 13th month pay before the opening of the regular school year, and the other half before December 24. Many employers, particularly small-time businesses, are sometimes working around tight budgets, and bonuses for their employees are sometimes “forgotten.” But if you’re in the business process outsourcing (BPO) world, then you must be one of the lucky few who are well-compensated. According to the CIA Factbook, the average age of Filipinos is roughly 23 years old. While a young workforce is good for the economy, majority of the young Filipinos coming into the workforce are inexperienced and most likely spending money left and right. So if you’re one of them, financial management is what you need to know before the extra pays get into your hands this

Holiday season. First and foremost, determine how much your budget is. Look at your income together with your bonuses, and see if you can afford to buy that new smartphone, or just better off settling for the one you just bought a few months ago. But the holidays isn’t just about buying gifts. It’s also about many things. You have to spend on reunions and parties with clothes and more. And if you’re the host, that means food, decoration and––depending on the type of party you’re hosting––a sound system or even a mobile bar. After looking at your budget, set a limit. Try not to exceed that even if you have credit cards. The key here is to not spend money you actually don’t have. Track your spending. Some people who are really analytical about their finance keep track of their spending with worksheets. If for some reason you overspend on something, you can cut back on another thing you plan to purchase. For instance, if the new Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is too expensive, you can take it out on your godchild’s Aguinaldo or traditional gift. But don’t let this to happen as Christmas is mostly celebrated for kids. The most important thing here is to not put yourself in debt. Many young people borrow money as fast as they spend it. Cliche as it may sound, but “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.” So even if it’s mandated by law that every employee will receive a 13th month pay, don’t spend it until you have it. Lastly, sit on something you want to buy for a month. If after a month you’re still salivating over it, then go ahead and buy it. Unless you’re literally salivating for food, then don’t starve yourself. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending your 13th month pay or Christmas bonus settling on your hospital bill.

money

HOW TO HANDLE YOUR 13TH MONTH PAY & OTHER BONUSES

BY T.C. BUTLER

(


pantry

GourmetQC Hideaway

The Godfather of Burgers

in aBy Jacob DominguezPhotos by Monica B. Savellano


The first two things you notice on the property is that there’s a carwash, and a simple yet eye-catching kebab place in the corner. Located right in front of ABS-CBN, Larah Ramirez, Chef Geth Savellano and company’s carwash-cum-trendy hole-in-the-wall resto chain is

certainly a breath of fresh air in the local gastronomic scene. After Call got a ring from the owners to do a taste test. According to Larah and Geth, the idea to put a carwash, a teahouse, a burger joint and a kebab place in one place was “the idea of a friend” to fill up the extra space. Rather than competing with each other, all four establishments actually complement one another and allows patrons of the carwash, WashUp!, to enjoy some seriously delicious food while waiting for their cars to be cleaned. Customers get to use free WiFi and, if they order up, get to taste one of Quezon City’s hidden gem of gastronomic delight. Baba’s Kebab House features simple and Persian cuisine that holds true to the tradition. All the meats are Halal and even the yoghurt is sourced from a Lebanese distributor. The pita breads are made fresh and, would you believe, the sauces are made from scratch. Essentially, it’s healthier as it uses all-natural ingredients, no extenders. Even better, Chef Geth, who developed all the recipes, obviously knows how to dish up great food for his customers. In the short time that Baba’s has been open, it already has loyal Indian customers who come back regularly because the flavors of the food are truly authentic. Right beside Baba’s is Backyard Burgers––a burger place that sprouted from a tiangge or flea market that Larah and Geth participated in last year. The location of both restaurants was the former site of that bazaar, and the crowd favorite was their juicy, flavorful grilled burgers. “Everybody kept asking when we were opening a burger joint, people––friends of friends, in-laws, and so on, kept on ordering our burger patties long after the tiangge was over,” Larah told After Call as she brought out the treats the team sampled. First up were the burgers––Backyard Burgers’ all original recipes. The twosome had us try the truffle burger first: a burger patty stuffed with mozzarella with shiitake mushrooms drizzled with truffle oil. All their burgers are 100% pure Australian beef (about ⅓ lb.) and the hoagie buns are baked on the premises. The taste was glorious––the burger was a perfect balance of

rich meaty taste and creamy cheese with a little kick from the truffle oil that made us want to eat more. The second treat was their breakfast burger or the “Brekkie,” a patty entirely made of ground bacon and topped with a fried egg and served with hash browns . It tasted like a gourmet version of a McMuffin, delicious and surprisingly not oily at all. Next were Baba’s Persian food. First to be sampled was the ox brain. Geth added onto it their thick, all-natural garlic sauce and a dab of chili sauce. It was soft with a distinct meaty taste, and the sauces became apparent as aftertones, like a lingering song. Of course the usual beef kebab followed––made with Australian beef, the kebab was grilled, soft, evenly-spiced and juicy. Hummus and chicken kebab were laid last on the table. The hummus with freshly baked wheat pita bread wasn’t greasy and overpowering. The chicken pita, however, was one of their best––soft to the bite with a savory taste and filling. One pita is enough for an entire meal. It is that filling. For dessert and drinks, After Call was served Tahini and Oatmeal cookies––all recipes of Larah. The former was milky, had a flaky texture with hints of cinnamon and walnuts. A perfect palate-cleanser, it would be perfect with tea or coffee. The latter, on the other hand, was so divine: chewy but not sticky and had just the right amount of raisins to provide a good aftertaste. Additionally, their house blend iced tea––also a recipe of Larah––was served as a thirst quencher. It refreshed the palate after the garlicky taste of the kebabs and was shaken, not stirred making it frothy on top. After Call recommends getting a pitcher of the stuff and mixing in some vodka for some good times. All in all, the owners of WashUp, Baba’s, and Backyard Burgers seem to have mastered the principle of combining flavorful fare in more than generous servings with reasonable prices. A fourth of their burger servings are filling enough, if you ask. Their food quality is definitely gourmet all the way. And while you’re there, don’t forget to sample the authentic Taiwanese Naicha milk teas. Backyard Burgers, Baba’s Kebab House, Naicha Milktea and Wash up! Carwash and Auto Detailing are open from 10 am to 12 midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They’re all located at #52 Sgt. Esguerra Ave., South Triangle, Quezon City. For inquiries, call (02) 384-4140 or 0916-912-0612. (

Beef Shawarma

Kebab Truffle Burger Hummus

Buffalo WingsChelo Kebab Maahi


Fallingout of a

DREAM

It is almost every little girl’s dream to be a princess, model Deniece Cornejo steps into the glass slipper and lives it for a fleeting moment.

Photographed by Rap Yu with Jhon Magundayao, couture by Olan Roque and Hair and Make-up by Jannett Fadera; shot at

Fernbrook gardens.

A palace, a dress and a giant ballroom, the dream is perhaps complete.

The FANTASY

Nothing lasts forever and the dream falls like autumn leaves. The only way out is to wake-up from the illusion.

The DECAY


New dreams take over old delusions. Like true love, renewal is perpetual

and perennial. Always believing and working for it is key. Keep moving on,

as there is always a dream to catch...

ENDURING RENEWAL

T H E C O L L I S I O NWith an unbreakable tension, they looked at each other across the dirty garage. Stare versus stare, step by step; their opposite worlds crashed together with reckless redlined passion.

Denim by Levi StraussLeather by DucatiBike: Ducati Bronco


C I T Y L I M I T SThrilling and frightening at the same time, they raced against the sun, escaping the madness. Going far and away, they looked at each other, and understood; in complete abandon, they surrendered to their love – without promises, words or expectations.


Avant Garde make-up artist Barbara Bennett has probably done all types of make-up. In her trade she dabbles from weddings, pre-nuptials, fantasy and special effects, to cosplay. Apart from this she also designs costumes and comes up with concepts for her fantasy shoots. She is a self-taught make-up

artist and costume designer. Barbara says that her interest for make-up and costume design was made stronger when her kids started doing cosplay. One of most memorable costumes was when she did an Edward Scissorhands costume for her daughter a long time ago. She sourced materials for the costume from computer parts and by breaking down different types of scissors to create the costume. When it comes to cosplay her favorite subject is her daughter. She has made different costumes for her ranging from Soul Calibur, mermaid and etc. Together they have dominated cosplay competitions hosted by Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network among others. Babara has gained popularity in the scene and has worked several times with the country’s most popular cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao. When it comes to weddings she simply delivers what her clients want. What really sets her apart of course is her talent to deliver cutting edge concepts for eccentric newly-weds. Babara said that just recently she did a zombie pre-nuptial concept for a couple, where they were portrayed as the last people as every else has been zombiefied. She

says she can do whatever the clients request as she can employ her talent for make-up, prosthetics and costume design. Working with talented photographers like Manny Librodo, who always push the envelope when it comes to fantasy/special effects photography sharpened her craft. Barbara says that she gets most of her Avant Garde concepts before she goes to sleep, as it is when her imagination runs wild. This is why she keeps pencil and paper by her bedside.

Simply by looking at photos of her work you can easily conclude that she is an extraordinary make-up artist. She says she has veered away from plain vanilla fashion editorials as most make-up artists can do it. Barbara Bennett is an artist who thrives at standing on the edge and pushing Avant Garde concepts over the line. So if you want your next wedding, pre-nuptial, fantasy shoot, or costume to be beyond normal Barbarra Bennett is someone you should definitely consider.

More About Barbara Bennett Make-upTake a closer look at her extraordinary works found in her and get to know more about Barbara through her website: http://www.barbarabennettmakeup.com

BARBARA BENNETTof special effects, fantasy, cosplay and weddings

(


One big advantage of billboards is their ability to reach a big number of audiences across all demographics and display ads for long periods of time. However the question is ‘what happens when a billboard is taken down?’ For most companies that create or commission billboard advertisements, once the campaign or the message of the ad is over, the after product is more or less 100 pounds of used vinyl, which for all intents and purposes is useless.

This is a problem that Flawless has struggled with for years now. Known for its many flashy billboards that stand prominently along some of the busiest roads in the metro, the country’s preferred clinic for face, body and medical services, recently launched a new campaign that turns its advertising wastes to useful resources for the benefit of the environment—the BillBag Project.

A portmanteau of the words “billboard” and “bag,” the BillBag Project upcycles leftovers of Flawless’ past advertising materials by turning them into stylish eco bags. The billboard vinyl is a sturdy material that can withstand weathering, which means that bags made from this material will survive anything that the average user could put them through. And one single billboard goes a long way—a single 40x50 feet vinyl can make up to 500 bags.

Serving as an exemplary illustration of the brand’s dedication to promoting and preserving beauty, the company developed the campaign with the intent of bringing high-quality, relevant and affordable products to everyone while reducing waste at the same time.

“The BillBag Project is the perfect representation of how Flawless wants to be seen as a brand,” says Rubby Sy, CEO of Flawless. “We are a responsible company that constantly seeks for ways to maximize our resources to do good. We are proud of this CSR (corporate social responsibility) campaign because we designed it to make a big difference and a lasting impact in the lives not just of Filipinos today, but of future generations as well. We are very happy to be doing this in time for our 11th anniversary.”

Sy adds, “Corporate social responsibility has always been part of Flawless, but this is the first time that we are publicizing our efforts. We want other companies who are into putting up billboards to follow suit. Let’s continue to push boundaries and look for opportunities to go beyond our businesses by pushing for efforts that promote nation building.”

In addition to its BillBag Project, Flawless also has another big treat for all beauty and wellness aficionados this December in the form of its “What’s in the Bag?” campaign.

According to Sy, “Our 11th anniversary will be nothing short of explosive. It will be a month-long celebration and we have loads of great surprises for everyone. We urge you all to stay tuned. Find out what’s in the bag by constantly checking our website and Facebook and Twitter pages.”

Find out what’s in the bag this December. Get a free BillBag with every single purchase of 1,100 pesos worth of Flawless products from December 1, 2012 to January 1, 2013 and celebrate 11 years of bringing world-class beauty closer to Filipinos. For more information, you may visit www.flawless.com.ph or like Facebook.com/FlawlessFaceandBody or follow Twitter.com/myFlawless. Powered by

Skin Professionals. Flawless


(


space

Your own home before you’re 30?

With PRO-FRIENDS, you can!

One of the best accomplishments in life is providing your family a better living environment. For many urban professionals like you, it could mean owning a home with the money that you have worked for. With all of the deadlines, stress, and hectic working hours you have been experiencing for years, the most rewarding feeling perhaps is seeing the smiles on your loved ones face when your dream home come to life. Fortunately, that dream is made possible by Property Company of Friends (PRO-FRIENDS). Being in the real estate business for more than a decade, PRO-FRIENDS aims to develop high quality housing at a price you can afford. It was founded in 1999 by a group of friends and is now one of the fastest growing real estate developers in the country. PRO-FRIENDS’ flagship project is the Lancaster Estates, a 1,000-hectare English countryside-inspired residential community that spans Imus, Kawit and Gen. Trias in Cavite. The project offers quality, spacious, and stylish townhouses and single attached homes in gated communities. Finally, you can see your own family grow in a place that you can get at monthly payments that are surprisingly, within your monthly salary! Imagine having to pay as low as P8, 000 a month – an amount usually spent on expensive dinners, branded clothes, and even coffee dates when see your accumulated budget tracker at the end of the month. Renting in Makati or in some other business district would usually cost about P10, 000 to P18, 000 monthly for a small studio unit. So why rent when you can own? Lancaster Estates give you the privilege to own a home for less than what you are actually paying on your monthly rent. What’s more, Lancaster Estates offers superior accessibility and convenience as it is located only 15 to 20 minutes away from SM Mall of Asia and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), via the new Cavitex. Call center agents and young professionals like you will need not to worry about going to and from work because there are scheduled buses that service Lancaster Estates’ Lawton-Manila route, passing through major thoroughfares like Coastal Road and Roxas Boulevard. You also need not go elsewhere to

unwind because Lancaster Square, a commercial complex, will soon be operational in summer of 2013! Another great thing about Lancaster Estates is its 24-hour security. So it is easier to rest and relax after a long and stressful day at work. As for the amenities, the development boasts of the Leighton Hall, a modern, three-storey clubhouse that can accommodate up to 400 guests for birthday celebrations and family reunions. Right beside the hall is the community chapel, the Church of the Holy Family, which conducts masses for the residents regularly. In addition to these, a school for your kids or siblings is built inside the community. St. Edward Integrated School, a private school under the consultancy with the Lasallian Schools Supervision Office (LASSO), offers high quality education at affordable rates. To further ensure convenience of travelling within the community, a shuttle service is provided. You can get almost anything you want and need for a better life in Lancaster Estates – a complete community package that perfectly fit young earners’ investment needs and budget. Beyond doubt, PRO-FRIENDS made everything easier for you and your family. As a matter of fact, the company offers one of the lowest down payments in the market today at only 12.5%! So with a little discipline and proper budgeting, owning your first home is definitely within your reach. PRO-FRIENDS is here to help you realize your dream. To know more about Lancaster Estates or to schedule site visit, contact them at (02) 491-7700 or visit www.profriends.com today!

Want to be a part of a pioneering group of young professionals aiming to make their mark in the BPO industry?Let your success start here at the country’s coolest premier business and lifestyle hub – the new Suntech iPark located inside Lancaster Estates. Suntech iPark is the first IT park in Cavite. Email your resumes at [email protected] today!

Diana Unit, Lancaster Estates

(


travel & ecologyBORACAY BOHOL PALAWAN BAGUIO ILOCOS

TOP 5 HOLIDAY DESTINATIONSBY RODERICK L. ABAD

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner. The festive atmosphere of the Yule now being felt in the cold morning breeze, heard over the nonstop radio playing of carols, and observed in the colorful lanterns ornamenting the streets and even the neighborhood truly sets everyone on a high spirit of the season. While majority of the populace start listing down their gifts for their loved ones, some are planning out their way to various getaways prior to the long Holiday hiatus. And the most frequented destinations that vacationers opt to go to during

Christmas break are Boracay, Bohol, Palawan, Baguio and Ilocos. These sites are known for their manifold wonders such as fine beaches, vast natural resources, historical attractions and even cold weather that vacationers are looking at. Also, they are home to world-class hotel and resort facilities as well as indoor and/or outdoor adventure activities.

Boracay never fails to top the list of famous Holiday escapes being the very place of the most beautiful beach the world over. This tropical island found on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan is heralded as a paradise for true-blue sun-worshippers, with its crystal clear azure waters, powdery white sand, verdant foliage and diverse marine life as its main attractions. The long stretch of beach is ideal for aquatic activities such as swimming, windsurfing, parasailing and snorkeling. More so, it is known for luxurious hotel facilities, restaurants and shopping centers and, of course, its animated nightlife. Accommodation standards here vary, with top of the line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. As such, whatever your budget, you could easily find a suitable place to stay in synch with your pocket. During peak periods such as Christmas, New Year and Holy Week, rooms are more difficult to find and more expensive. So book in advance to avoid sleeping on the seashore. If you want to feel the vibrant vibe of Bora, you may opt to stay in station 2 being the center and the most crowded area, where you may billet in Villa Sunset Resort, Red Coconut Hotel, Hey Jude Boracay, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel, the Tides Hotel, and the newly-built Crown Regency Boracay. Head further north or south instead if you prefer peace

and quiet. The area south of boat station 3 is more relaxed––no pounding disco beats ‘till 4a.m. Here, accommodation is more reasonably priced, such that of Blue Lagoon, Escurel (Escurel Inn and Internet Cafe), and Sundown Resort Boracay. North of station 1 where the beach is at it’s widest, you’ll find many of the more luxurious (and expensive) establishments like Boracay Cottage Island Resort, Boracay Terraces Resort, The Palms of Boracay, and Discovery Shores Boracay.

Coming in second to Bora is the majestic province of Bohol—perfect for honeymooners and those searching for a hideaway conducive for ultimate relaxation. It abounds with its majestic rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and serene beaches. Being the 10th largest island in the country, it is a charming province dotted with centuries-old churches and ancestral houses. Famed for its Chocolate Hills and the world’s smallest monkey—the Tarsier—Bohol is absolutely a picturesque place one should not dare miss. This bucolic yet charming Visayan province has a large number of hotels, resorts, and other facilities for tourists. Most of these are concentrated in Tagbilaran and around Alona Beach, with a few more scattered around the island. To help you make your choice, why not try spending your nights and days at Cocowhite-Beach Resort in Basdio, Guindulman; the Peacock Garden Resort and

INCREDIBLEBOHOL

ANYONE?PALAWAN,

OH MY,BORACAY!

PALAWAN BAGUIO PALAWAN BAGUIO


Spa in Baclayon; Balicasag Island Dive Resort in Balicasag island; Polaris Beach and Dive Resort in Cabilao Island; and the famous Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa in Panglao Island. Touted as the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, Palawan has remained at the third spot as it preserved its amazing natural wonders since time immemorial. Given the more than a thousand islands and islets, this place is ideal for island hopping; while perfect for communing with nature being a breeding ground for tropical flora and fauna. Hiding beneath the St. Paul Mountain is the amazing Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is crowned in 2011 as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. This amazing spot is famed for its 8.2 kilometers navigable underground river, which is said to be the longest of its kind in the world that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out into the South China Sea. Tourists––local and foreign––also find their way either in these two other Palawan popular sites—the breathtaking Honday Bay and the enchanting El Nido. Framing the rocky and enigmatic coastline of Puerto Princesa is Honday Bay, which is situated in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua. The cool blue waters surround its several islets, such as Cowrie, Bat, Snake, Canon, Pandan, Starfish, Lu-Ii, Señorita, Mara Marina and Arreceffi—all guarantee a pure-pleasure experience for sun questers and diving lovers. Heading about 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa, an enchanting experience of a magical place that is El Nido awaits everyone. Many refer to it as paradise because of its serene beauty, from its ancient towering marble cliffs to its over 50 beaches—so many that, in fact, sometimes you feel as if you are on your own secluded private beach. There are a lot of places to stay in case you decide to travel here. There are many hotels of different classes, inns and even pension houses to serve and accommodate you depending on your budget. Some standard class hotels in Palawan include The Legend Hotel, Airport Hotel, Asturias Hotel, and Hotel Fleuris. Staying in one of the world class resorts here is a good idea if you want to be closer to wonderful nature scenes. Two of the best places you might want to check out are Dos Palmas Island Resort and Puerto Beach resort. Both resorts offer rustic scenes and tropical comforts. You might be interested to see some of the other resorts, such as Lally and Abet Beach Resorts, El Nido Resorts, BM Lamuro Resort and Spa, and Princesa Holiday Resort. If in case your budget is a bit short, you can go for one of the inns and pension houses that dot this island province. These pension houses and inns offer different grades of service and accommodation. Here’s a sample list: Lola Itang Pension, Badjao Inn, Bulwagang Princessa Inn, Circon Lodge, Hillside Resort, Moana Hotel, Duchess Pension, and Payuyo Pension.

Nestled in the mountainous topography of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Baguio not only proves that it is the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” but also in this time of the year. Settling at the fourth rank, this highland city is popular for its cold weather throughout the year even in the dry months of March, April and May. A favorite hideaway among Filipinos, especially the repatriates, it is famous for tourist spots such as the Mine’s View Park, Burnham Park, The Baguio Mansion, Camp John Hay, among others. The city’s verdant foliage like pines and colorful flowers are an added attraction to the eyes of visitors. Looking for a place to stay is a breeze as accommodation facilities are a glut here. Baguio has a total of 3,318 rooms in 90 resorts, hotels, inns and lodges accredited by the Department of Tourism. There are also retreat houses and private vacation homes or “homestay” that let out rooms to supply the great demand for lodging during the peak season, specially this Yuletide. There are three resorts here that offers “lodging, dining and recreational facilities conducive to healthful relaxation.” Baguio Country Club, Camp John Hay and Green Valley are good examples. Other hotels include Elizabeth Hotel, Microtel Inn & Suites, Burnham Suites Hotel, Ridgewood Residence, and many more. Enjoying the fifth spot is the region of Ilocos. Upside down, this northern province in Luzon boasts of a coastline that stretches to 90 miles, thus, making it is endowed with vast marine resources and pristine beaches. As living proofs of the region’s colonial past, centuries old churches are a must-see in both Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, which formed part the heart of the plaza complex town planned by the Spaniards. These include the Paoay Church, the Laoag Cathedral and the Dingras Church of the norhern Ilocos; as well as the St. Paul’s Metropolitan Cathedral, the Bantay Church, Sta. Lucia Church and the Sinait Church in the south. For its local heritage, Ilocos Sur’s Padre Jose Burgos House and Magsingal Museum as well as the ancestral houses in the Kamestizoan District in Vigan are repositories to frequent to. For a day- or week-long vacay here, you may try checking in at the Saud Beach Resort and Hotel that offers a special package for wonderful people like you. The Kingfisher Resort, on the other hand, is the place to escape. Experience Bali at Playa Tropical Hotel in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, as this Balinese-inspired hotel offers rustic yet enigmatic surroundings similar to that of the famous Indonesian beach spot. Never to be missed also in Ilocos in the Fort Ilocandia––the only 5-star deluxe resort hotel in northern Philippines sprawling over 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and pine forests with a 2 kilo-meter sandy beach facing the South China Sea. These are just some of the superb “staycation” places to go gaga over Ilocos.

FUN IN THE‘CITY OF PINE’

LOCO OVERILOCOS

(

travel & ecology


HOPEh a s H O R N Sin MINDORO

by Gregg Yan

WORLD’S RAREST BUFFALO POPULATION REACHES ALL-TIME HIGH

Iam a bush. Heavily-camouflaged by a sniper’s Ghillie Suit and betrayed only by the scarlet glint of my field binoculars, I cautiously observe our quarry.

A herd of tamaraw – emerging from a billowing field of cogon, not 50 meters away.

“We’re within charging distance,” warns our eagle-eyed tracker, Edgardo Flores. While hot, heavy and earthen-smelling, my leafy Ghillie Suit fools no one, as the buffalo herd stares right at us. Should they attack, Plan A was to scramble up the nearest tree. Plan B was well … we hoped Plan A would do.

Guided by spotters atop nearby Magawang Mountain, we took 30 minutes to approach this herd. Sloth-like, I exchange the binoculars for a telephoto, framing three buffalo forming a skirmish line, preparing to charge. As I click they bolt off, bounding back to the brush with more grace than any carabao can dream of.

I glance back at a smirking Ed. “Next group is behind that ridge. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

Along with Ed are Maryo, Rudy and Henry. Our Tamaraw Conservation Programme (TCP) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) recon squad has been sneaking up and down the grassy slopes of Occidental Mindoro’s Iglit-Baco Mountain Range for the past two days. Our goal is to photograph the world’s rarest and most endangered buffalo species, the tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) – less than 350 of which are thought to remain today.

I slink off my perch and silently follow Ed into the bush, thankful that neither Plan was put to use. Yet.

LOCKING HORNS WITH EXTINCTIONAs the Philippines’ largest and rarest endemic land animal, the tamaraw is a national icon. From coins to cars, provincial statues to university sports teams – this fierce little bovine has true star power.

Differentiated from the larger and more docile carabao (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis), the stocky tamaraw bears

distinctive V-shaped horns, a shorter tail and a shaggy coat of chocolate to ebony fur. Adults stand four feet tall and average 300 kilograms – about half as much as a typical carabao.

Except for calving cows, adult tamaraw are mostly solitary. Cornered or threatened, they can be aggressive, chasing their foes for up to a kilometer. Hunters have long claimed to have emptied entire assault rifle clips into charging bulls, to no avail.

During the Pleistocene Epoch some 12,000 years back, tamaraw herds ranged across much of mainland Luzon. Extirpated by migrants, an estimated 10,000 heads remained on the island of Mindoro in the early 1900s.

Sadly, this last population has taken severe blows – ranging from a crippling outbreak of cattle-killing Rinderpest in the 1930s to incessant land clearing and poaching. It is thought that only a few hundred hold out atop the grassy slopes and forest patches of Mts. Iglit, Baco, Aruyan, Bongabong, Calavite and Halcon in Mindoro.

Today the tamaraw is classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered – the highest risk rating for any animal species. Four national laws protect it from poaching – Commonwealth Act 73 plus Republic Acts 1086, 7586 and 9147.

“Still some poachers come here to hunt them, mainly for sport,” shares Ed as we trek warily to the next knoll, avoiding tall talahib stands which often conceal wily bulls. “Just this April we chanced upon a poaching laager. Our rangers recovered a tamaraw hide and assorted parts. Six hunters with tracker dogs snuck into the park at night, armed with M2 carbines, .22 hunting rifles and some homemade 12-gauge shotguns. Examples will be made – we’re now filing for their arrest.”

Under RA 9147 or the Wildlife Act, violators can incur from six to 12 years of imprisonment plus a fine ranging from


PHP100,000 (USD2440) to PHP1M (USD24,390).

Having served TCP as a ranger since 1998, Ed leads teams in patrolling core zones of the Iglit-Baco Park, which hosts such endangered (and darned hard to see!) species as the Philippine deer (Rusa marianna), Mindoro warty pig (Sus oliveri) and large Mindoro forest mouse (Apomys gracilirostris). It is also home to the reclusive, forest-dwelling Tawbuid or Batangan tribe, part of eight indigenous groups generally classified as ‘Mangyan’. On our ascent, we encountered a 15-strong group gathering upland rice. As we tried to make contact, they bolted for a nearby grove of banana trees.

“Logging plus kaingin or slash-and-burn farming is also a major concern,” adds Ed, explaining that many groups including the Tawbuid cut down the groves so essential for wildlife to thrive. Researching in Manila before the expedition, the future of the tamaraw seemed bleak – until I met TCP head and Mts. Iglit-Baco Protected Area Superintendent Rodel Boyles in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

TAMARAW TO TRIBESFOLK“What’s the best proof that what we’re doing works?” asked a smiling Boyles at the TCP Headquarters a day before our expedition. “Well the tamaraw are still with us, aren’t they? Community-based education is our drive. Some groups cannot read nor write, so it is our duty to let them know that certain animals are protected by law.”

Since 1979, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been working tirelessly through the TCP to manage and protect tamaraw core habitats, while engaging local communities to partake in conservation efforts. “We make it a point to hire Tawbuid tribesfolk not just as trackers or porters but as actual staff. Their bushcraft and knowledge of terrain make them particularly effective rangers,” he adds.

The superintendent explains that their objective is to augment tamaraw numbers while improving the lives of the indigenous Tawbuid. “Our dream is to turn the park into the Mts. Iglit-Baco Biotic Area – a zone where the influence

of modern society cannot replace the traditional practices of indigenous groups. We work not just to conserve the tamaraw – but the Tawbuid’s way of life.”

POPULATION AT ALL-TIME HIGH To support these existing TCP and local government initiatives, WWF-Philippines partnered with the Far Eastern University (FEU) for an ambitious goal – to double wild tamaraw numbers from 300 to 600 by 2020.

Dubbed ‘Tams 2’ (Tamaraw Times Two by 2020), the campaign synthesizes satellite-tagging, DNA analysis and other science-based research initiatives with improved park management practices. These upland efforts shall in turn be tied in with WWF’s ongoing work to conserve the rich coasts of Occidental Mindoro in a holistic ‘Ridge-to-Reef ’ conservation plan.

With its gold and green tamaraw icon, FEU has since 2005 provided support for a tamaraw management and research-oriented program by participating in annual tamaraw counts each April. FEU has additionally extended health and livelihood services for communities residing in and around the Mts. Iglit-Baco range as part of its ‘Save the Tamaraws’ project.

“Yes, I believe we can double the number of wild tamaraw before 2020,” affirms Boyles. “This April we counted 327 heads – the highest ever posted since we began our annual surveys in 2001. There were many calves and yearlings, a sure sign that the population is breeding. Finally, the count is conducted in a 16,000 hectare portion of a 75,000 hectare park. If we can find 327 heads in this small area – than there should be many more.”

I also got to chat with Dr. Roberto Escalada, TCP’s head veterinarian in the early 1990s. “The Mts. Iglit-Baco core zone is the tamaraw’s main bastion – but there are others. The verdantly-forested slopes of Mt. Halcon and Eagle Pass for one, host tamaraw which are smaller and more elongated than the ones in Iglit-Baco – a possible physiological adaptation to the area’s dense thickets. Atop the chilly slopes of Mt. Aruyan live tamaraw which have extremely shaggy, almost black fur – a possible adaptation to the bitter bite of mountain air. One thing is for sure –

more tamaraw survive than we think. But we must never let-up.”

It’s too early to determine if these different tamaraw populations are true subspecies, but knowing they still thrive is a sign that for the tamaraw, hope pulsates.

Local government units have also thrown their full support for tamaraw conservation, exemplified by Occidental Mindoro Governor Josephine Ramirez-Sato’s assistance in the establishment of a research center to study how the tamaraw population can be further increased.

“This new initiative raises the stakes for all groups,” says WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan. “Our engagement will revitalize logged-over mountain habitats, with the tamaraw as its conservation icon. Healthy peaks and forests translate to a better-managed source of water so essential for the vast rice-lands of this island’s western floodplains, while healthy reefs generate vast amounts of protein. Together with FEU, TCP and the DENR, our goal is to bring conservation results to the groups that need them the most.”

HOPE HAS HORNSBack on the grassy slopes of Magawang Mountain, Ed and I examine fresh tamaraw hoof-prints. I know the tracks are no more than a few minutes old, as they are still filling up with water. I glance at the summit to see if our spotters saw where the animals went – but they are waving frantically.

Ed suddenly stiffens. “Tamaraw coming this way!”

A hundred meters off, obscured by a knoll, are two charging tamaraw.

With a distinctly-Pinoy comic delay, Ed and I lock gazes, shrug – and run like hell for the nearest stand of trees. Plan A was what again?!

As we round the base of a young tibig tree, we look back to find that the chargers had broken off. Amazed that we might just have set a new Olympic sprint record, we start laughing. Shouldering our gear, we trek back to base-camp. Our time here is done.

Now, when I think of tamaraw, I still see those two charging. Not at us (well alright, at us too), but out of obscurity. Out of extinction. Out to take the field, snorting, proud and full of life. (


health

DEMYSTIFYING

of SLEEP

the BEAUTY SECRETS

Do you suffer from sagging skin, premature wrinkling, dull colored and dry skin, acne or blackened eye bags? If you are, then chances are you’re not getting enough sleep. Many people spend thousands of

pesos on facials, moisturizers and other beauty products not knowing that sleep alone is the secret to maintaining youthful, glowing skin.

In all honesty, sleep is the beauty secret that many of us take for granted. As I mentioned in my article in the last issue of this magazine, many of us have all the reasons to deprive ourselves of sleep making it a luxury. Now, here I am telling you that sleep is not just an inherent right of ours but also the most time-honored beauty secret.

Want to be more attractive too? Then hit the sheets! According to the British Medical Journal, research shows that subjects who were deprived of 31 hours of sleep were considered less attractive by 65 respondents as compared to subjects given the liberty to get a good night’s rest.

What is it about sleep that promotes beauty? It’s all about repair and rejuvenation. When we sleep, not only do we “recharge” our body’s energy but we also allow the natural process of repair of damaged cells and tissues, which have been ravaged by the pollution of everyday life, to take place.

So what are the things you should do to have healthier looking skin?

1. Sleep 8 hours a day! Experts all agree that this is the optimal period for skin repair and the other health benefits are a major plus factor too. This crucial repair time is

By: Dr. France Jagolino


essential for ensuring that your skin gets the treatment it needs. Cutting it short or depriving your skin of it is detrimental according to many studies. Another even worst thing about depriving yourself of sleep is that your skin’s ability to lock in moisture is impaired leading to dry; saggy, dull skin and even worse is the increased susceptibility to dehydration.

2. Take your Vitamins A, C and E but never forget Vitamin Z. As cheesy as that statement sounded, Vitamins A, Cand E are known antioxidants that effectively reduce the damage caused by so-called Free Radicals (from environmental pollutants and even the food we eat…take it easy on the fast-food) but Vitamin Z is still the most essential of them all. Sleep also further enhances the antioxidant actions of the previously mentioned vitamins. For those who don’t feel the need to take vitamin supplements, you will be pleased to know that a healthy diet would already have all the vitamins you will ever need. Just add Vitamin Z and you’re all set.

3. Drink water! Keep yourself properly hydrated.We all know that the H and two O’s is essential for life. You will actually die of thirst before you ever die of hunger. Believe it of not, whenever you feel thirsty, you are actually already 10% dehydrated. The skin is one of the first organs in the body to show the ill effects of dehydration. For us doctors, the skin tells us a lot regarding the degree of dehydration in our patients. Water is what helps maintains the skin’s turgor (or tightness) and the lack of it results in dry, sagging skin. How much water is recommended? Around 5-8 glasses a day according to experts. Just don’t over do it because too much water will dilute the minerals in your body and can lead to intoxication (so now you know it’s not just alcohol that can get you drunk).

4. Avoid alcohol. It is never a substitute for water.Alcohol actually dehydrates you. How? It is a verypotent diuretic causing you to urinate more frequently than your grandmother does. Obviously, the more you pee, the more water you lose. The more water you lose, the more your skin will sag due to loss of moisture. If you are still skeptic about what I am saying, just notice how many alcoholics look older than their actual age. But, hey, if you feel that drinking alcohol is more important than looking good then cheers and bottoms up.

5. Good personal hygiene and moisturizers help.Taking a bath everyday is a highly debated issue among

many experts but majority still believe that daily bathing prevents undue skin moisture loss and eliminates prolonged exposure to skin surface pollutants (try walking around Metro Manila the whole day and you’ll know what I mean by surface pollutants.) The use of moisturizers is actually optional as what it does is it effectively creates a skin barrier preventing evaporation of water from the skin and locking in the moisture.

The bottom line and most essential of all the tips mentioned is still sleep. Even if you sleep during the day (as most of the people in this industry do), it still does not diminish the benefits of sleep to your skin and overall well-being. So if you are contemplating on shelling out some hard earned cash on some new and “miraculous” beauty product, I would advise you to sleep on it first (No pun intended) and see if you really do need it after all.

Having said all that actually leads me to think that the tale of “Sleeping Beauty” is more than just about a pretty young princess that was pricked by a spindle and cursed to sleep for a hundred years. Note that while she was asleep, she never aged a single bit.

Perhaps the author was trying to tell us something more about our own health and well-being. Think about it.

Dr. France Jagolino was a BPO Operations Manager and Business Consultant before returning to the field of medicine. Doc France is currently a professor of medicine teaching Medical Physiology, Clinical Anatomy and Obstetrics-Gynecology. He also is the current President of the Philippine Society of General Physicians.

He began his BPO career in telemarketing and moved up the ranks while working for some of the top companies and clients in the industry. For almost eight years, he has worked within training and operations for both established and start-up BPO companies.

He was a sought after expert speaker at BPO management conferences and an operations manager that successfully consolidated BPO processes for one of the top oil and gas companies in the World.

Now, Doc France still involves himself in the industry by speaking at small seminars in various call centers to promote good health and helping BPO employees cope with common health issues.

Doc France is also a leadership trainer who advocates the welfare and development of call center agents and has a successful track record in drastically reducing employee attrition.

You may read about his thoughts regarding the BPO industry on his website, www.callcenterdoc.com.

(


After Call and Flawless went around the WNS contact center searching for agents to model in the magazine. The search started with more than thirty candidates, they were narrowed down to ten – five girls and five guys. At this point, the ten candidates engaged in a social media

showdown. The top guy and girl who got the most votes in Facebook polling is be declared the winners. By a mile, WNS Customer Service Representative Dennis Adriano and Patricia “Trixie” Maralit took the election and the Flawless gift certificates. After Call magazine interviews both Flawless Agents to know the secrets of their appeal.

Photography: Greg ValerioStyling: Deniece CornejoMake-up: Chuchie Ledesma of Creations SalonHair: Rudolf Dasalos of Creations Salon

What skin problems do you usually have and how do you address them?

Trixie: I don’t usually have any skin problems. Most women’s major problem are pimples, but I’m so lucky I don’t have any, and if I do, most probably ill just make sure to clean my face with soap and water before I sleep.

Dennis: None, but there are months that I do get pimples.

How do you maintain a healthy and youthful skin with the kind of work environment and schedule that you have?

Trixie: Well, I’d rather have more sleep than go somewhere else. Usually, I go with my friends just to eat breakfast but after that I’ll just go home.

Dennis: A well balanced diet, fruits are a plus for me! Getting enough rest, keeping away from stress, and of course smiling helps a lot.

Which part of your body do you give attention the most and why?

Trixie: Of course my skin especially my face. Cause this is the first part of the body that people look at. That’s why I really feel so lucky that I don’t have any facial problems.


On Trixie: Shirt & Jacket by Levi Strauss

On Dennis: Shirt & Jacket by Levi Strauss


Dennis: Probably the face, because it’s the first thing people see. Well you know how they say, “First impression lasts.” So I should always look good.

What do you consider attractive in a boy/girl, physically?

Trixie: Well I prefer tall, clean look guys, a “boy next door” type. I like full beard guys as well, but I want it shaved, I just like the fact that they have full beard. I don’t like super “puting” (white) guys, they look gay to me.

Dennis: The eyes, those that are really expressive that it seems no words are needed in a conversation, lips are sexy too! If she knows how to use both wisely it’s a deadly combination.

What advice can you give fellow BPO employees, working in shifting schedules and often exposed to stressful situations, in terms of maintaining healthy and beautiful skin?

Trixie: The best way to maintain beautiful skin is by getting

enough sleep, drinking lots of water, doing some exercise and eating the right kind of food.

Dennis: Night shift or day shift, the most important for me is having at least 7 hours of sleep, a nice and simple rinse of the face, always have positive outlook in life, have a healthy relationship with your co-employees and you’re good to go

What product or services of Flawless have you tried? And want to recommend?

Trixie: I haven’t tried it yet but I’m interested in trying a facial.

Dennis: Right now I’m using the shape and sculpt pills, it helps me control my apetite and also gives me an energy boost when I’m on the job. A real must try!

Wardrobe by Levi’s StraussSpecial thanks to Creations Salon and WNS

(

Off to work


the scene

THE CONTRACTUBEX MOVE ON CLUBCelebrity and medical doctor Maricar Reyes (center) together with Contractubex opened the move on club to help people to get out of their scar victim stories. In the event real people like Janice Lagman (extreme left), Laarni Burgos (extreme right) and Emie Miranda (center) shared how Contractubex helped them move on from their scarred past.

THE 4th ANNUAL CALL CENTER OLYMPICS: A BATTLE OF TALENTS AND SKILLSIt was a day charged with energy as the call center and BPO employees from 15 call centers battled it out for the championship title as the 4th Annual Call Center Olympics drew to an end last July 29, 2012. SPI Global has taken the crown away from last year’s overall champion, 24/7. Startek, on the other hand, is now the new Champion Cheerdance Champion (on photo).This year’s participants included 24/7, Accenture, ADP, Firstsource Solution, GE Money Servicing Philippines (GEMPSI), Genpact, Infinit Outsourcing, Maersk, NCO, Northgate Arinso, Ring Central, SERCO, SPI Global, Startek and Vestas. Colympics is a yearly event organized by the Popcorn Events Production. Interested companies to sponsor and join the 5th Call Center Olympics may contact the event manager Ms. Arvee Salazar-Cruz at 0927-340-9023 or at 0939-916-2270.

*photo credits: Resonance Photography

JABRA LAUNCHES VOICE COMMAND BLUETOOTH HEADSETJabra Managing Director for South Asia, Ralph Ede holds up a box of the New Jabra Supreme UC (inset). The uniqueness of this headset is its voice command feature. Ede said, “If you want to accept a call, you just need to say ‘accept’. You can connect up to eight phones or Bluetooth enabled devices like laptop, tablets and conduct conference calls. The headset will notify the user by speaking out the name of the active device, which is ringing. You can hold one call and accept another call by simply giving voice commands. The voice commands are set by default.” The device is priced at around Php 6,000.

DUTDUTAN XIIDutdutan 2012 brought together local and international tattoo artists as well as enthusiasts, provided them with a venue to experience skin artistry at its best, transcending age, social status and nationality for one purpose - to celebrate the personal and intimate art of Tattooing “Pinoy Style”. Popular tattoo artists Alan “Big Tiny” Ayala and Alex Garcia were the heavyweights. The event featured performances by Sen Dog and Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill, Wolfgang; it also presented sensual, exciting performances international pole dancers, several rounds of Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC), Drum Duel competition, and a sizzling bikini contest.


EXL Launches Academy to Deepen Healthcare Capabilities

Business services firm partners with health training institutions to support industry’s efforts to improve care and reduce costs

New York/ Manila/ New Delhi: October 11, 2012 – ExlService Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXLS), a leading provider of outsourcing and transformation services, today announced the launch of EXL’s Healthcare Academy in Manila, Philippines, to scale its clinical and utilization management capabilities for health insurers and providers. “Many studies predict a coming shortage of healthcare professionals

in the U.S., and EXL brings together a global network of doctors, nurses and analysts to support insurers and providers tasked with simultaneously improving outcomes and reducing costs,” said Rembert De Villa, Executive Vice President, Head of Insurance and Healthcare and Chief Strategy Officer of EXL. “Servicing the healthcare industry requires in-depth, specialized skills. With this academy, EXL will deepen our expertise and broaden our range of services designed to help companies meet their goals in such an important industry.” EXL currently serves the healthcare industry with more than 500 nurses and doctors with clinical experience. To ensure the Healthcare Academy continues to develop the company’s industry expertise, EXL has partnered with U.S. certification and training institutions such asBoston Reed College and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Additionally, EXL associates will benefit from hands-on clinical experience from Manila Doctors, a local teaching hospital. “As a professional services firm, EXL has the infrastructure to bring together a global network of talent for our clients that they would not otherwise be able to access,” said Jaideep Pradhan, Senior Vice President, Operations and Head of Philippines Business, EXL Service. “With the Philippines having already established itself as a healthcare center of excellence, this academy will further support our strategy of providing services that support utilization management, clinical cost containment and predictive modeling that can improve planning.” EXL has already demonstrated its ability to incorporate specialized industry training into its service delivery. An example of this is the company’s Insurance Academy, founded in 2009 to develop capabilities for property and casualty, life and annuity, and health insurers in the U.S. and UK. Partnering with organizations such as the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters and LOMA, a life insurance association, more than 20,000 associates have trained at the academy, with nearly 10,000 receiving certifications. “EXL provides its employees opportunities to impact some of the most important industries in the global economy, and we are able to encourage career development in a way that supports our clients’ business strategies,” said Mohan AVK, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Human Resources of EXL. “We are proud to have partnered with some of the leading institutions in the U.S. to provide multiple levels of certification programs in several industries, including healthcare and insurance.” Earlier this year, EXL launched its second facility in the Philippines to deliver highly complex operations in insurance and healthcare, customer service, and finance and accounting.

(from left) remBert de villa, eXl service head of insurance and healthcare and chief strategy officer, rohit Kapoor, eXl service vice chairman and ceo and Jaideep pradhan, eXl service senior vice president and head of philippine outsourcing Business.

remBert de villa, eXl service head of insurance and healthcare and chief

strategy officer

sanJay dutt, eXl service vice president and head of capaBility development

rohit Kapoor, eXl service vice chairman and ceo

(

after call q4 2012 issue final web

Documents