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UPAA (S I N G A P O R E)

U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N (S I N G A P O R E)

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (SINGAPORE)

PRESS RELEASE: UPAAS-PNB OBLATION TALKS

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(June 18, 2012) The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (Singapore) (UPAAS) and its title sponsor, Philippine National Bank – Singapore (www.pnb.com.ph/singapore), presented Oblation Talks: Magaling Ka Pinoy! to an estimated audience of 150 professionals on June 16, 2012 at Singapore Management University. Oblation Talks is a series of career-oriented talks open to Filipino professionals in Singapore.

Oblation Talks: Magaling Ka Pinoy! featured:

Ramon Jocson (UP Industrial Engineering ’82), Vice President and General Manager, Integrated Technology Services, IBM Global Technology Services, Asia Pacific;

Elizabeth Hernandez (UP History ’87), Vice President, Government Relations for Asia Pacific and Japan, Hewlett-Packard;

Rene Navas, Head of Legal Asia Pacific, Greater China, Japan, Cisco Systems Capital;

Cesar Balota, Associate General Secretary (Marketing & Corporate Strategy), Singapore Kindness Movement and former Head of Commercial Projects – Asia Pacific, SSL International;

Roxanne Aquino (UP Business Administration ’84), Managing Director, EffectiveBrands and former VP-Marketing for LUX Asia, Unilever;

UPAA (S I N G A P O R E)

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UPAA (S I N G A P O R E)

U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N (S I N G A P O R E)

Arnold Mamaclay, Managing Consultant, Renaissance Solutions; and

Jason Salustiano, President and Chief Inspiring Officer, Invision Leadership.

Meaningful independence UPAAS President Atty. Oscar Franklin Tan (UP Law ’05) asked the audience to think of Independence Day in the Oblation Talks’ context. “In pursuit of meaningful independence,” he said, “UPAAS hopes to allow Filipino professionals in Singapore to discover that many around them have common concerns and create a venue for professional development as a community instead of individuals.”

“Congratulations to UPAAS for organizing the recent gathering of Filipino professionals in Singapore,” announced Lito Camacho, Vice-Chairman of Credit Suisse Asia Pacific and former Secretary of Finance. “It was a welcome event that allowed for networking with and learning from each other.” UPAAS Professional Development Chair Dr. Vanessa “Vans” Lacuesta (UP Biology ’99) exclaimed, “I saw something wonderful: Filipinos working together and inspiring each other!”

“In my 20 plus years’ experience,” Elizabeth summarized the Oblation Talks, “I have followed three principles that have served me well in my career: follow your Passion, choose People (not companies) and know your Priorities. It’s easy to remember. Just follow the 3 Ps.” Rene, who spoke in Filipino, outlined the elements for Passion in Work or Pag-ibig sa Gawa: Pagpili (Choice), Pagtataya (Commitment) and Sipag at Tiyaga (Industry and Perseverance).

Deadlines in life A mini-debate broke out when Jeremy Darren Pe, an Ateneo de Manila 2010 graduate, asked the speakers whether there is a deadline for finding what one is passionate about. Elizabeth immediately responded that there is no deadline, as one may not immediately find what one is looking for and may need to try different things first. Rene countered that the deadline is “yesterday,” as one should never hesitate to pursue what one realizes is one’s passion. “It’s like courting a girl,” Rene explained. Jeremy reflected, “It got me thinking about my previous perceptions on having many deadlines in life. Sticking one’s mind to creating deadlines may make someone miss out on other opportunities for career and personal growth.”

“The UPAAS Oblation Talks were inspiring and an eye opener to many,” reacted Faith Gargollo-Mijares, a De La Salle University alumna. “I liked the part when Mr. Ramon Jocson mentioned: ‘You can’t be indispensable in your work place.’ I have always thought that being needed is a positive thing.” Mon shared that he received promotions during his career in part because he made himself obsolete by training people to eventually replace him. Faith, a newlywed, asked the speakers what factors she and her husband should weigh in deciding whether to pursue MBAs.

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UPAA (S I N G A P O R E)

U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N (S I N G A P O R E)

“Emphasis on networking is a great deal,” declared Vlad Calayan, Association of Mapua Alumni (Singapore) business development manager. “In this very competitive world right now, knowing a lot of people can increase your chances of getting the right job for you.” Asked what else he learned, Vlad responded in jest, “Love your job but not the company. You never know when your company will stop loving you!”

“The speakers were engaging, enthralling and encouraging!” exclaimed Portia Dizon-Ho (UP Statistics ’78), former UPAAS President and head of compliance for ACE Asia Pacific. “Cesar Balota’s parting words, though he is an Atenean, resonate with me: ‘Ad majorem dei gloriam… For the greater glory of God.’”

Even speakers learned “It was interesting to listen to the other speakers,” Elizabeth later mused from the audience. “Despite our diverse experiences, we seem to share similar insights on what have most contributed to our fulfilling careers. In most cases, it involved a supportive husband or wife at home, and a commitment to service to God and the broader community.” Elizabeth emphasizes, “I would like to believe those are traditional Filipino values that have served as well in our careers abroad.”

“To UPAAS, thank you again for inviting me,” Mon remarked. “Interacting and networking with all of you last Saturday reminded me again of what makes the Iskolar ng Bayan special – the intellectual curiosity, the intense nationalism and the continuous commitment to professional development. Mabuhay!”

Cesar Santos, Jr., PNB Senior Vice President and Global Filipino Banking Group Head declared: “PNB is delighted to have sponsored Oblation Talks which featured overseas Filipino professionals sharing their own recipes on how the Filipino can succeed in the global arena.”

“On behalf of the UPAAS Management Committee, I extend my heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the talk,” ended Vans. “To our wonderful hard working volunteers and generous sponsors, thank you for being there and for making the event possible. To our speakers who selflessly shared their afternoon with us, your stories will continue to inspire us. To all attendees, we hope that your afternoon spent with us has inspired you to carve your own success stories as well. See you in the next Oblation Talks!”

Ongoing series Oblation Talks is an ongoing series. Oblation Talks: Find Your Passion! on July 13 will feature Dr. VJ Yamat, Managing Director of McCann Healthcare and Danny Santos, street photographer. The event will be held at The Substation, Armenian Street and will be accompanied by a photo exhibit.

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UPAA (S I N G A P O R E)

U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N (S I N G A P O R E)

UPAAS organized Oblation Talks: Brewing the Right Mix last May 16, featuring Maria Mercedes “Mercy” Corrales, independent director of Fraser & Neave and former President of Starbucks Asia-Pacific. The event was hosted by Renato “Bing” de Guzman, CEO of the Bank of Singapore, in his board room.

UPAAS is a society registered in Singapore in 2003 for the primary purpose of bringing together University of the Philippines alumni in Singapore. The organization seeks to devote its efforts to the advancement of the UP Cause and Ideals as well as pioneer in the identification, conceptualization and implementation of projects for the benefit of the university and its community at large. For queries and feedback, please contact Oscar Franklin Tan (oscar.tan@post.harvard.edu).

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Panel discussion with Rene Navas, Elizabeth Hernandez and Cesar Balota

Estimated audience of 150

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Ramon Jocson (UP Industrial Engineering ’81), Vice President, IBM Global Technology Services

Elizabeth Hernandez (UP History ’87), Vice President, Hewlett-Packard

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Rene Navas, Head of Legal Asia Pacific, Greater China, Japan, Cisco Systems Capital

Cesar Balota, Associate General Secretary (Marketing & Corporate Strategy), Singapore Kindness Movement

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Roxanne Aquino (UP Business Administration ’84), Managing Director, EffectiveBrands

Arnold Mamaclay, Managing Consultant, Renaissance Solutions

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Jason Salustiano, President and Chief Inspiring Officer, Invision Leadership

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Ramon Jocson (UP Industrial Engineering ’81), Vice President, IBM Global Technology Services

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Elizabeth Hernandez (UP History ’87), Vice President, Hewlett-Packard

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Rene Navas, Head of Legal Asia Pacific, Greater China, Japan, Cisco Systems Capital

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Cesar Balota, Associate General Secretary (Marketing & Corporate Strategy), Singapore Kindness Movement

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Roxanne Aquino (UP Business Administration ’84), Managing Director, EffectiveBrands

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Arnold Mamaclay, Managing Consultant, Renaissance Solutions

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Jason Salustiano, President and Chief Inspiring Officer, Invision Leadership

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UPAAS-PNB Oblation Talks: Magaling Ka Pinoy! (June 16, 2012)

Project Head Vanessa Lacuesta

Promotion, Phone Brigade and Logistics Oscar Franklin Tan Windel Anne Lacson Claudette Madronio Nikki Erwin & Kaye Ramirez Monti Lazaro Gigay Quipanes Judy Iris Salas Melissa Abenir Mona Esteban Rica Puhawan Jem Abesamis Lester Ordan Jazel Ann Caasi Francisco Malapad Anna Pasimio Nannette Ratilla-Villajos

Video Promotion Marc Vincez Zara Ian Fulgar Vlad Calayan Claus Arriola

Event Photography Arnold Apostol

Graphic Design Raymar Lobaton Gigay Quipanes

Event T-Shirt Design Marc Vincez Zara

Sponsorships Cecile Salazar Amie Repizo-Magpantay

Emcees Vanessa Lacuesta Monti Lazaro

Title Sponsor Philippine National Bank - Singapore

Sponsor Century Properties/SGPinoy Realtors

Individual Sponsor Nowella Labasbas

Tokens Sponsor Human Heart Nature Singapore

Food Sponsors Charlie’s Kitchen (Far East Square, Raffles Place) Amie Repizo-Magpantay Cherrie Medrano Chi Ching Loida Corpus Geoffrey Chua Alexander Urbano Mary Ann Chua Marlon Regner Novee Madronio

UPAA (S I N G A P O R E)

U N I V E R S I T Y O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S A L U M N I A S S O C I A T I O N (S I N G A P O R E)