From Silver to Gold

Seminar encourages employees to embrace, live the values of the Inquirer brand

By Annelle S. Tayao

“First, fair, fearless!” is now the mantra of PDI employees after participating in the recently concluded seminar “From Silver to Gold,” held at the Marriott Hotel, Resorts World Manila

in Pasay City. The seminar is part of the company’s continuing celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Divided into 14 batches, employees, under the facilitation of business modeling consultancy firm Management Strategies, spent

a whole day discussing and relearning what the Inquirer brand is, and how they can add to its growth as PDI expands into a multi-platform company.

PDI senior vice president for sales and marketing Rene Reinoso, during one of the sessions,

described the event as a “unique” seminar, since “it

includes all employees.”The first half of the seminar

was dedicated to understanding the concept of branding—how employees should present

the Inquirer to its audience (readers, advertisers and

other customers), SEMINAR/ p.2

PHOTOS BY RODEL ROTONI

A quarterly newsletter of the

Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.

VOL. XI N0. 1 APRIL 2011

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as well as workplace behaviors that are considered “on-brand” or “off-brand.”

The afternoon session had employees sharing more of their insights through group exercises. Focus was on the company’s values of integrity, editorial independence, responsibility, team work and dynamism.

Some of the on-brand actions/values employees identified were: inter-departmental and inter-company coordination; being proactive, not reactive; generating enterprise stories; strengthening convergence, among others.

On the other hand, some of the off-brand attitudes identified were: pointing the blame to others for one’s mistakes; accepting “payola”; outdated hardware and software; unclear implementation of policies and procedures.

To concretize what had been discussed, each employee wrote down their personal action plans—achievable goals they could set for themselves as key players in the company’s improvement in the next two, six and 12 months.

“Everyone is part of the process,” noted PDI president Sandy Prieto-Romualdez at the end of one session. “We are, together, part of this journey… together we will produce the brand.”

Seminar encourages. . .(from page 1)

PHOTOS BY RODEL ROTONI

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The past comes alive at

‘25 YEARS OF INQUIRER’

By Vanessa Hidalgo

For several days in February, the recent past came alive at the SM City Annex on North Avenue in Quezon City. At the mall’s exhibit City. At the mall’s exhibit Cityhall, visitors were treated to glimpses of momentous events in our country ’s history—moments that today still echo in North Africa and the Middle East.Middle East.Middle East

The exhibit, “25 Years of Inquirer,” showcased artwork and photographs that detailed signifi cant, as well as intimate, moments during the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution. It also featured key events of the last quarter century as seen through the eyes of the country ’s No.1 newspaper.

The event was held from Feb. 15 to 25, in time for the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power uprising. The newspaper celebrated its 25th anniversary last December.

It was no ordinary exhibit. Walking through the gallery, viewers were treated to reproductions of the Inquirer ’s front pages, which detailed history as it unfolded. There were also tools of the print trade, once considered indispensable, such as old cameras and typewriters—indeed relics of an exciting past.

The exhibit was conceptualized in June 2010. According to Connie Kalagayan, Inquirer corporate affairs manager, it was Sandy Prieto-Romualdez who suggested that an exhibit be held in honor of the company’s silver anniversary.

“Sandy was inspired by the annual exhibits by the Inquirer Camera Club and the Arts and Crafts Club at the PDI main offi ce,” Kalagayan says. “(The exhibit allowed) the public to appreciate the heritage and culture of PDI.”

Some of the relics on display were kept in storage for years while the others

PDI exhibit

are still in use.One old typewriter is in the custody

of Isagani Yambot, the newspaper ’s publisher, which he uses to this day, Kalagayan says. Ernie Sarmiento, the Inquirer ’s chief photographer, found the oldest camera in his offi ce.

“The mini-Guyito sculptures that were hand-painted by some kids from way back were in my baul (storage box),” baul (storage box),” baulKalagayan says. To her surprise, the kids

who painted the mini-Guyito sculpture also came to the exhibit.

“They’re teenagers now,” Kalagayan says of the kids. “They were so happy when they saw the sculptures, and they also felt very proud because the (pieces of artwork) bore their names.

Kalagayan estimates that over 5,000 visitors went to see the exhibit.

“There was an outpouring of love THE PAST p.THE PAST p.THE PAST 4

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and support for the Inquirer from visitors. You could feel it when you read the messages they left on the board,” she recalls, referring to a feature of the exhibit, where viewers could write their thoughts, messages and suggestions on a message board.

To accommodate all the messages, the Corporate Affairs Offi ce had to replace the board 18 times in the course of the exhibit. Some messages urged the Inquirer to continue making a difference in the lives of Filipinos. “They were all very thoughtful,” Kalagayan says.

One of the most frequented sites at the gallery was the Inquirer Timeline that charted historic milestones from 1985 to 2010. Another crowd favorite was the Inquirer ’s own darling mascot Guyito.

The well-known carabao drew thousands of visitors who all wanted to have their pictures taken with the mascot.

“Noong mga unang araw ng exhibit, naka-upo pa siya,” Kalagayan exhibit, naka-upo pa siya,” Kalagayan exhibit, naka-upo pa siya,”says, referring to the man who donned Guyito suit. “After a week or so, naka-higa na sina sina sina si Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.” Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.” Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.” Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.”na si Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.”na sina si Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.”na sina si Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.”na sina si Guyito. He’s truly a rock star.”na si

(from page 3)

By Annelle S. Tayao

A flurry of color was captured by the Inquirer A flurry of color was captured by the Inquirer A Camera Club at its latest photo shoot, held A Camera Club at its latest photo shoot, held A at the 16th Philippine International Hot A at the 16th Philippine International Hot A Air Balloon Festival in Angeles City, Pampanga. It is the club’s second time to shoot the annual showcase.

A total of 14 employees joined the out-of-town shoot. Led by ICC president Gerry Jano, the

Flurry of colors at hot air balloon Fest

photo shoot lasted from 4:30 to 10 a.m. “Digital SLRs are preferred, but I allow high-resolution compact cameras,” says Jano.

Members were required to submit five shots each, which will be showcased at the club’s exhibit at the end of the year.

“We’re focusing now on long exposure photography,” Jano says.The club presently has 15 active members. They keep abreast on photography techniques by holding in-house seminars, done mostly by Jano and PDI photographers. Though out-of-town trips are open to all employees, those interested to become active ICC members need only fill up an application form and take a seminar.application form and take a seminar.

Jano plans to take the club next to Calaguas Jano plans to take the club next to Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte, and Humalig Island in Quezon Province.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF INQUIRER CAMERA CLUB

What is the one

gadget that

you can’t live

without?

“My cell phone because I need it to perform my tasks as an EA.”–Princess Ominga

“For the offi ce, I can’t live without my cell phone. It’s the way I stay connected to my personal and work life. At home, I can’t stand life without my stove. How my stove. How else will I cook my food without it?”--food without it?”--Sandra Diez

“I can’t live without my iPod. I easily get bored I easily get bored without music.”–without music.”–Steph SemilaSteph Semila

“Because I am a TV series and movie and movie addict, I can’t live without television,”–television,”–Cake EvangelistaEvangelista

“I can’t live “I can’t live without my without my laptop. As long laptop. As long as we have the as we have the Internet, I can Internet, I can play games, play games, watch movies, watch movies, play music and do play music and do everything with everything with my laptop.”–my laptop.”–Deo Roberto

“With my cell phone, I have my “With my cell phone, I have my camera, alarm clock, calendar, messaging and calls. That is why I cannot live without it.”–Louie Bacani

“I think this world can survive without a cell phone. But a laptop is like a friend. You can always count on it to give you what you need.”–Francis Ochoa

“I need my “I need my cell phone to cell phone to communicate communicate with friends and with friends and family.”–Rissa Rissa CamongolCamongol

“I use my cell “I use my cell phone to stay phone to stay connected connected with my loved with my loved ones.”–Jun Veloira

By Vanessa Hidalgo

INQSIDER FORUM

6

ILLUSTRATION BY ALBERT RODRIGUEZ

A whole new ballgameBy Annelle S. Tayao

With expertise on corporate law, managing company receivables as With expertise on corporate law, managing company receivables as Wwell as the banking industry, lawyer Victor Leal, PDI’s new vice Wwell as the banking industry, lawyer Victor Leal, PDI’s new vice Wpresident for credit and collection, is no stranger to dealing with Wpresident for credit and collection, is no stranger to dealing with Wfinances.

But it’s a whole different ball game for him now here in PDI. “There’s a big difference. It’s definitely challenging,” says the 61-year-old Leal. “With a bank, you get to charge penalties, interest. Here, there’s nothing like that—your only concern is the principal amount.”

The challenges, however, don’t deter Leal from looking for ways to improve the payment scheme for the company’s clients. He finds motivation in his work environment. “Our president, Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, is in his work environment. “Our president, Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, is pleasant to work with, understanding and pleasant to work with, understanding and makatao,” he says.

Leal joined the company in Leal joined the company in in July 2010. He had established connections with the company beforehand, established connections with the company beforehand, when he facilitated a workshop for the Finance when he facilitated a workshop for the Finance Department on collection techniques.Department on collection techniques.

He has always been a PDI reader, He has always been a PDI reader, and his favorite read is the Opinion and his favorite read is the Opinion section. “Marami kang pwedeng “Marami kang pwedeng mabasa.”

Leal is loving husband to Leal is loving husband to Leal is loving husband to

wife Evelyn, and is a proud father of four. His eldest, Carlo, 36, is marketing manager for Avon Philippines. Vincelli, his second son, is a doctor on family health and industrial medicine, while his only daughter, Niña Talna, works for KLM Airlines. His youngest, Ephraim Daniel, is a fourth-year legal management student at UST.

On his days off, Leal is active in his church in Parañaque. His involvement is mostly on ministry matters, teaching and conducting fellowships. He enjoys dancing and is a musician, too—in his college years he performed with his band Headquarters.

“I also like to travel,” says Leal. “Sometimes it’s good to get out of Metro Manila and just surround yourself with nature.”

ATTY. VICTOR S. LEALATTY. VICTOR S. LEALATTY. VICTOR S. LEAL

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PHOTO BY EU-GENE ARANETA

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They’re our resident ‘city crawlers,’ combing every inch of bustling Metro Manila for the

latest scoop. Meet the hardworking team behind PDI’s Metro section.

Resident ‘city Resident ‘city Resident ‘city Resident ‘city Resident ‘city Resident ‘city crawlers’

ABELARDO ULANDAYSense of pride, achievement

By Vanessa Hidalgo

Associate editor and Associate editor and Aconcurrent Metro editor Aconcurrent Metro editor AAbelardo Ulanday’s AAbelardo Ulanday’s Arelationship with the Inquirer dates back to the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution.

Abel to colleagues and friends, shares he was taken

in then as a deskman which he considers as fortunate because what PDI needs then are reporters and staff members. Just two months into his job, he assumed the position of city editor supervising reporters and correspondents. He recalls that at that time, there were no laptops, PCs, cell phones and Internet and radio sets and typewriters were the primary tools to deliver the news to readers.

In 1987, Abel was appointed news editor. He became associate editor in 1992 but left the company in 1994 to accept a job offer in Singapore. The prodigal son returned to PDI in 1997 again as associate editor.

Today, as Metro editor, he’s in-charge of the day-to-day operations of the Metro section while as the associate editor he supervises the editorial systems division. “I also helped oversee the setting up of the PDI website and the launching of Libre. Today, I watch over the editorial operations of inquirer.net,” he adds.

“To witness—and actually able to personally contribute to—its growth as a newspaper company has given me a sense of pride and achievement,” says Abel. The full computerization of the newsroom, the launching of the website, and the birth of Libre are what he considers as his “high moments.”

Abel loves playing bowling (he always makes it to the Top 10 male bowlers’ list during PDI’s annual tourneys), watching movies in DVDs, and reading. He says he wishes to see—and contribute to—the Inquirer Group of Companies as it break new grounds and fly to greater heights in the near future.

STEPHANIE ASUNCIONNo bed of roses

By Vanessa Hidalgo

Life at the Metro (the Inquirer section, that is) is no bed of roses. This is what Stephanie Asuncion immediately found out right after she assumed the position of Metro section desk editor.

“Hay, grabe! I wanted to quit Hay, grabe! I wanted to quit Hay, grabe!right after I started,” Steph says, recalling how, at first, she could not

immediately adjust to her new job and her new schedule in the Inquirer.Steph, a former city editor of People’s Journal, started her stint with

the publication as desk editor of the now defunct Inquirer Compact. At the Journal, she says, her normal workday would start at around 1 p.m. and end by 5:30 p.m.

“The job (at People’s Journal) was less demanding,” Steph says. “The sun was still up when I usually left the office.”

During her first week at the section, Steph shares she committed two errors in editing a story. The Inquirer newsroom is an unforgiving place, she found out. She says she was in tears when she called then Metro editor Ester Dipasupil because of the mistakes she made.

“I wanted to quit. But she talked me into staying. In a few months’ time, I started to adjust to the pressure of working for the paper,” she says.

For her, checking, double-checking and even triple checking the facts turned out to be the most important lesson the Inquirer had taught her.

“There are a lot of people who are only too eager to point out and laugh at the mistakes (that appear) in the country’s No. 1 newspaper,” Steph says.

Steph is a travel bug as she enjoys out-of-town trips with her family especially when she gets to explore new places. She also loves reading and watching movies and shares that cleaning the house relaxes her mind.

“Hopefully, I’ll be with the Inquirer for a good number of years. Working in media is interesting because no two days are the same. There’s always something happening every day, and you’re the first to know about it,” Steph muses.

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MIKO MORELOSUnpredictable workdays

By Annelle S. Tayao

Miko’s career with the Inquirer began even when he was still a college student, having spent his summer internship with the company. In 2006, he officially became part

As Metro reporter, Miko describes a typical workday as “unpredictable.” “Everyday is a challenge because you’ll never know what’s in store for you when the daily grind begins,” he says.

When he isn’t busy, Miko takes time to read and cook—his stress-relieving activities. He’s also into basketball, getting together once in a while with college buddies to play.

JULIE AURELIOReading public deserves no less

By Vanessa Hidalgo

Julie Aurelio’s journey with the Inquirer began in 1996 when she was just in sixth grade. At that time, Julie was a correspondent for Junior Inquirer.

JAYMEE GAMILEnjoys challenges

By Annelle S. Tayao

“I wanted to be a journalist,” says Jaymee Gamil of the time when she first entered PDI as a correspondent for the Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau. She was then based in Bicol, her hometown, and a fresh graduate

from Ateneo de Manila University.After around one year as correspondent, and two years as editorial production assistant at the PDI main office, Jaymee is now one of Metro’s newest reporters. She covers Manila’s city hall and court.“My days are spent roaming the courts for interesting or significant cases; trying to score interviews with local executives for issues; checking on the city council and ordinances and resolutions; exploring the city when I have time,” she says.As a newbie reporter, Jaymee says she still struggles with her beat, keeping herself abreast on the people and issues concerned. The company’s “standards of excellence” is also a challenge, but it’s a challenge she enjoys. “Actually, it fast-tracks much-needed growth,” she says.But what keeps Jaymee loyal to the company is none other than its people, her co-employees. “I consider the Southern Luzon Bureau and the EPA pool as extended family,” she says.

SANTIAGO ALCANTARA‘We can only be humble at all times’

By Vanessa Hidalgo

Santiago Alcantara, or Santi, is currently the editorial administrative assistant of the Metro section. His task includes collecting summaries and stories sent by reporters and consolidate them into a

“Metro lista” or list. Through this list, the editors will choose which stories will be used for publication. He also facilitates the Metro news coverage for reporters and photographers as well.

But for him, the most rewarding part of his job is when he gets to write about sick Filipinos who seek medical help from the Inquirer readers. “These are small stories with big hearts. I’d like to think that they somehow define the Inquirer’s corporate social responsibility,” he shares.

In 2001, Santi met the woman of his dreams at the third floor lobby. After several months of courtship, they were married and now they have two children. He relates: “In my own standard of being handsome, I was the most handsome during that courtship period.”

He describes his kids as naturally funny. “I ask them questions and they give me funny answers without trying to be funny,” he shares.

It was the ad boycott in 1999, he says, that taught him the greatest lesson on humility. “Being No. 1 doesn’t mean that we’re unshakeable. Nothing in this world is ever permanent. We can never be so secure with who we are and what we have. We can only be humble at all times,” he says.

NANCY CARVAJALFinds ample fulfillment in her job

By Annelle S. Tayao

The daily grind of getting fresh, relevant news, plus the pressure of submitting stories on time has always been a challenge for seasoned Metro reporter Nancy Carvajal. At the end of the day, though, seeing her articles published gives her ample fulfillment, “especially if it’s something I worked hard for.”

A mother of three—Catherine Camille, Carl Philip and Maria Cinderella—Nancy has been with PDI for 19 years. “My kids practically grew up with the Inquirer,” she says. Nancy began with the company as secretary to the editor in chief. She became a reporter in 2005, and now covers the Quezon City beat.

Nancy is a runner. “I’ve been running even before the sport became en vogue,” she says. She usually runs 10 km, and makes it a point to join PDI’s annual fun run.

of the PDI family as an editorial production assistant. It’s now his fifth year with the company.

Later, she became an Inquirer scholar, eventually graduating from the University of the Philippines. Julie right away sought to fulfill her contract with the newspaper and was hired as editorial administrative assistant in 2005. In January 2007, she became a reporter covering the Quezon City beat.

Her most unforgettable coverage so far, she says, was the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege of rebel soldiers led by Antonio Trillanes IV—then a junior Antonio Trillanes IV—then a junior Antonio Trillanes IVArmy officer who’s now senator of the republic.

“It was a day of many firsts for me … to “taste” teargas and to be “held” by cops after the siege. I wouldn’t trade my life as an Inquirer reporter for anything else,” she says.

Among the many lessons the Inquirer has taught her, she says, was the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and principles.

“I always do my best, because the reading public deserves no less. I also learned how to adapt to the situation as it changes, and how to deal with people in circumstances different from mine,” she shares.

101010

By Joel V. Nigos

What a way for the Inquirer to celebrate its silver anniversary and to What a way for the Inquirer to celebrate its silver anniversary and to Wcommemorate the 25th year of the Edsa People Power 1 Revolution.Wcommemorate the 25th year of the Edsa People Power 1 Revolution.WThousands of runners, including PDI executives and employees, WThousands of runners, including PDI executives and employees, Wparticipated in the Inquirer anniversary fun run dubbed “25 for 25” at the participated in the Inquirer anniversary fun run dubbed “25 for 25” at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig last Feb. 27. The run was part of the continuing celebration of PDI’s silver anniversary which began on Dec. 9 last year. And it was for a good cause.

Connie Kalagayan, Inquirer corporate affairs manager, said that race proceeds will go to three beneficiaries namely, the Inquirer Newsboy Foundation, the children of the Maguindanao massacre victims, and the Gifts and Graces Foundation, with each receiving P25,000 each.

The Inquirer Newsboy Foundation has been helping newsboys, specifically deserving grade school and high school students, finish their schooling through monthly stipends since 1993. It already benefitted close to 200 scholars.

The Gifts and Graces Foundation, meanwhile, helps people with disabilities, urban poor residents, and disadvantaged communities via its livelihood programs.

“We have also chosen the children of the Nov. 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre victims as beneficiaries because they lost their fathers and mothers who were the sole breadwinners of their families. We will provide scholarships for 72 school-age children of the murdered journalists,” she said.

Inquirer chair Marixi Prieto inspired the participants with her welcome message while PDI president and CEO Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, as well as Inquirer executives and employees, participated in the run. About 2,000 runners joined the event.

cause A fun run

for a cause for a cause

The race had four distance categories—3K, 5K, 10K and the 25K five-man relay. The winners were as follows: 3K (Women): Mary Anne de la Cruz (1st), Janette Agura (2nd), Isabel Roces (3rd); 3K (Men): Kimbert Sarmiento (1st), Rami Lacson (2nd), Ronald Salgado (3rd); 5K (Women): Jho-an Banayag (1st), Mirasol Abad (2nd), Janette Lumidao (3rd); 5K (Men): Daniel Kipkeme Koringo (1st), Christopher Ulboc (2nd), Abraham Missos (3rd); 10K (Women): Mercedita Fetaluero (1st), Nhea-Ann Barcena (2nd), Luisa Raterta (3rd); 10K (Men): Josphat Kiptanui Too (1st), Rene Herrera (2nd), Willy Tanui (3rd); 25K (Relay): Team Brooks (1st), Powerpuff Boys (2nd), Fast Lane Runners (3rd).

The sponsors, which provided cash and gift sponsors to the winners, included co-presentors K-Swiss and Magnolia, Mizuno, official timekeeper Soleus, Powerade, Viva Mineral Water, Unilab Active Health, Nature Valley, Goody and The Coffee Beanery. Exhibitors were Sanofi Aventis, Perskindol and Club Astoria.

Inquirer chair Marixi Prieto and PDI president Sandy Prieto-Romualdez with Inquirer mascot Guyito in their running attire.

All smiles for the Inquirer who participated in the fun run.

Warming up for the run ahead.

Sea Princess Tessa Prieto-Valdes (middle, with pink tops), runs along with other participants.