A quarterly newsletter of the

Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.

VOL. X N0. 4 DECEMBER 2010

Sparkling silver!
Inquirer celebrates 25th anniversary with who’s who in politics,
business, show biz and employees
By Annelle S. Tayao

M
usic and dancing—and political
satire—filled Makati Shangri-La’s
Rizal Ballroom as the INQUIRER
celebrated its 25th anniversary on Dec. 1.
The seven-hour event brought together PDI
employees, advertisers, business partners, as well
as celebrities and other guests of honor.
Keynote speaker was President Benigno
Aquino III, who congratulated the company on
its constant reportage of the truth.
“Dahil sa inyo, buhay na buhay ang
demokrasya na karapat-dapat lamang na
matamasa ng mga Pilipino (Because of you, the Inquirer chair Marixi Prieto
democracy the Filipino people deserve is kept
very much alive),” Aquino said.
P-Noy also received PDI’s commemorative
book “From Ninoy to Noynoy,” turned over
by INQUIRER
NQUIRER chair Marixi Rufino-Prieto
and president & CEO Alexandra Prieto-
Romualdez.
Actor, director, producer
and recording artist Robert Seña
formally opened the event with
an invocation. PDI’s resident
choral group Inqchoirer
sang the National Anthem,
and other pop songs. The
Ateneo Chamber Singers
PDI editor in chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc
serenaded guests with
Christmas tunes. Valdes and John Nery.
The event Another INQUIRER
NQUIRER columnist,
was hosted by internationally renowned artist Lea Salonga, also
Inquirer president and
columnists Page 12
rendered a couple of her timeless hits. Other
CEO Sandy Prieto- Tessa musical acts included Journey frontman Arnel
Romualdez Prieto- Pineda, Cookie Chua and band Juan Pablo
Dream. Actor Willie Nepomuceno, on the
other hand, had everyone in stitches over hid
impersonations of past presidents Ferdinand
SPARKLING/p.10
 New ‘blue building’
inaugurated
By Adrian J. de Vera

A
new home for
the Inquirer
Group of
Companies (IGC) was
inaugurated last Oct.
12 as a response to the
continuous change on
media landscape. Vice President Jejomar Binay and Inquirer chair Marixi Prieto unveils the MRP Bldg.
marker.
The five-story
Media Resource Plaza George Martinez.
(MRP) Building According to Connie Kalagayan, INQUIRER
NQUIRER corporate affairs
now serves as the manager and head of the inauguration rites, MRP Building was built
PDI president Sandy Prieto-Romualdez
office of Inquirer. with sophisticated architectural designs to meet the demand of the
net, MegaMobile, Hinge Inquirer Publications, as well as the company’s media advancements.
headquarters of the new IGC broadcast baby—Radyo Inquirer. The
building is located at Mola corner Pasong Tirad Streets, just a few
blocks away from the PDI main office, also in Makati City.
Staff Box
IGC chair Marixi Prieto was joined by Vice President Jejomar
Binay in unveiling the marker of the new building where IGC’s
mission was spelled out: “To be a catalyst for social progress in
different multimedia platforms.”
Also present at the inauguration were INQUIRER
NQUIRER president and
A quarterly newsletter of the
CEO Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, Trans-Radio president Paolo Prieto, Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.
and INQUIRER
NQUIRER directors Charlie Rufino and Cary Rufino. Aside from Joel V. Nigos
IGC employees, the guests who graced the occasion include former
Editor
Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, businessman Manny Pangilinan,
TV5 president Ray Espinosa, and Malayan Bank president and CEO
Chito San Mateo / Mundi Ocampo
Kenneth del Rosario / Vanessa Hidalgo
Annelle Tayao / Kristine Felisse Mangunay
Penelope Endozo/Adrian De Vera
Staff Writers

Joel S. Paradeza Eugene Araneta

Editorial Assistant Photographer

Genie Lagman
Graphic Artist

Neyla Espinosa/Divine Pinzon

Coordinator
Coordinators

Jose Gil Pineda

The Media Resources Plaza (MRP) Bldg. at the corner of Pasong Tirad and Mola Overall Coordinator
Streets, a few blocks away from PDI’s Main Bldg.

2
 BOOOOOO! Fairies,
witches, pirates,
princesses, vampires,
zombies and
superheroes ‘visited’
the Inquirer during
the annual Trick or
Treat organized by
the ESDC.

By Vanessa B. Hidalgo
Trick or Treat!
T
he usually sedated PDI building erupted with children’s
laughter as the annual Trick or Treat was held last Oct. 29.
The little monsters, ghouls and fairies roamed around
the building seeking treats from INQUIRER employees who gamely
posed with them before handing out toys and candies.
At the end of the day, the scariest and the most creative
costumes were recognized. They were the following: Gio Bacani as
an Egyptian mummy, Jyriz Mae Arboleda as the Little Red Riding
Hood, Samantha Jaine De Vera as a funny witch, Jianne Mae
Nieto as a wicked queen, Khenette de Leon as the Scream and
Justin Kurt Marasigan as a zombie.

The kids (and their doting mothers and fathers as well) were
treated to a sumptuous merienda afterward. Trick or Treat is an
annual activity of the Employee Services and Development Center.
ESDC head Rachel Cucio interviews Halloween-costumed kids.

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 Inquirer recognizes outstanding employees
By Joel V. Nigos Perfect Attendance

T
he Philippine Daily Inquirer recently awarded its outstanding 1. Carlito Abing
employees for the 2nd and 3rd quarter of the year during the Driver, Admin (September)
PDI Recognition Day held at the main office. Some of the 2. Jefone Abong
employees were honored for their outstanding performance in the jobs Accounting Assistant, Accounting
assigned to them such as hitting sales quotas for the Advertising and (April, June, July & August)
Classified Ads account executives and business development officers 3. Francis Ambrosio
of Circulation. Others, meanwhile, were given recognition for perfect Collector, Finance (June, July & August)
attendance. 4. Elizabeth Andres
Division Secretary, Advertising (April, June & August)
Below is the complete list of awardees: 5. Leah Babadilla
Outstanding Employees Treasury Assistant, Finance (May)
1. Graciella Medina-Pabularcon 6. Genelito Badocdoc
Account Executive, Advertising (Other Products)-2nd Quarter Materials Coordinator, Advertising
2. Grace Penales (July, August & September)
Account Executive, Advertising (Broadsheet Farmers) 7. Mary Avigail Brazil
-3rd Quarter Sales Office Assistant, Classified Ads (April)
3. Graciella Medina-Pabularcon 8. Sonny Cruz
Account Executive, Advertising (Broadsheet Farmers) Driver, Admin (September)
-3rd Quarter 9. Robelyn Cullo
4. Tintin Asuncion INS Encoder, Editorial (September)
Account Executive, Advertising (Broadsheet Farmers) 10. Benigno Dayrit III
-3rd Quarter Digital Ads Specialist, IT & Pre Press(April)
5. Joseph Cagara 11. Inocencio Francisco
Business Development Officer, Circulation-2nd Quarter Pre-Press Specialist, IT & Pre Press (September)
6. Erwin Reyes 12. Eligio Fugaban
Business Development Officer, Circulation-3rd Quarter Pre-Press Specialist, IT & Pre Press (June)
7. Imelda Limbo 13. Jerry Jano
Branch Manager, Classified Ads (Makati Branch)-2nd Driver, Admin (June)
& 3rd Quarter 14. Cesar Joseph
8. Ramona Abad Checker, Circulation (May)
Branch Manager, Classified Ads (Main Office)-2nd Quarter 15. Benjamin Labay
9. Enrico Salazar Driver, Admin (June & September)
Account Executive, Classified Ads-2nd & 3rd Quarter 16. Emelita Millare
10. Veronica Fernandez Purchasing Assistant, Admin (August)
Account Executive, Classified Ads-2nd & 3rd Quarter 17. David Michael Pallarca
11. Carlo Mercado Audit Assistant, Office of the President
Account Executive, Classified Ads-2nd Quarter (April, May & June)
12. Arnold Gatdula 18. Christopher Salvosa
Account Executive, Classified Ads-3rd Quarter Billing Clerk, Finance (April & May)
13. Arnel Santos 19. Romulo Tamanu
Sales Office Assistant, Classified Ads-2nd & 3rd Quarter Driver, Admin (June & September)
14. Glorielyn Ebayan 20.Invicratus Valencia
Sales Office Assistant, Classified Ads-3rd Quarter Checker, Circulation (May)
15. Grig Montegrande 21. Ryan Cipriano Verbo
Sales Office Assistant, Classified Ads-3rd Quarter Computer Engineer, IT (April & July)

4
 Inquirer’s 25 milestones By Penelope Endozo
News, Fearless Views” on Jan. 24, 1986, from Palanca awardee Jesus S.M.
Dimapilis.

CRAMPED newsroom circa 1990s
1. Dec. 9, 1985 –Inquirer was born at the cradle
of Marcos’ regime
Despite odds and risks that came with the charged atmosphere of the
Marcos dictatorship, Philippine Daily Inquirer was born as an offshoot of
Mr. and Ms., a lifestyle Magazine, under the leadership of founding chair
Eugenia Duran-Apostol. With PDI’s maiden issue out on Dec. 9, 1985,
the people saw its credibility rise and its circulation leap from 30,000 in its
first month to 300,000 at the height of Edsa I Revolution. Who would have
thought that today’s No. 1 newspaper started with all but about 40 staff in a
100-meter newsroom, with columnist Louie Beltran as editor in chief.
4. June 27, 1986; Nov. 17, 1987; Jan. 5, 1991; Jan. 5, 1995.
– A series of transfers
The INQUIRER family started to grow and needed more space. Changing
one zip code to another, it left its Port Area home and transferred to
the former Madrid Restaurant in Mandaluyong City in Edsa. President
Corazon Aquino herself was guest of honor of the new paper. On Nov.
17, 1987, PDI then transferred to BF Condominium on Aduana Street,
Intramuros. Then, on Jan. 5, 1991, PDI transferred to the YIC building
on United Nations Avenue and Romualdez Street in Malate, after the
BF Condominium building was declared unsafe due to the July 1990’s
earthquake damage. After five years, PDI then settled its editorial and
administrative offices on Chino Roces Street (Pasong Tamo) corner Yague
and Mascardo Streets in Makati City on Jan. 5, 1995.
5. Feb. 13, 1987 – PDIEU organized
The Philippine Daily Inquirer Employees’ Union was organized after it
won over the desire of management of cooperativism. Through the years,
PDIEU has been known to be a model organization for other media outfits’
labor groups.

2. Feb. 26, 1986 – “It’s

all over; Marcos flees”
As journalism is seen as the
rough draft of history, one of
the most memorable banner
stories bylined by the people
themselves is the People Power
Edsa I Revolution. They saw
how democracy is restored and
the INQUIRER
NQUIRER was there: “It’s Signing of the first Collective Bargaining Agreement between management and PDI
Employees Union
all over; Marcos flees.”
6. News bureaus: Visayas (1991), Mindanao (1992),
Another interesting headline Northern Luzon (1993), Southern Luzon (1997)
was inked on Feb. 23, 1986,
where there were three The Philippines is not just Manila. Truly national in scope, PDI established
banners, of which two were the bureaus across the nation with correspondents who report first-hand
same. “Enrile, Ramos: We will information from the field.
die fighting” was written twice
Inquirer’s iconic front page on the front page, while the 7. Oct. 3, 1990 –JVO awards sweep
main banner says “Enrile, Ramos split with FM; called ‘coup’ slay plotters.”
Founding chair Eugenia Duran-Apostol, in one anniversary issue, described Recognizing due diligence and excellent reportage with prestigious awards,
this banner as the “most panicky headline” at the time. there was no better year than 1990 when the INQUIRER
NQUIRER took a grand slam
sweep of the Jaime V. Ongpin excellence in journalism awards. Danny
3. Where did “Balanced News, Fearless Views” come from? Patilla’s “Samar: Island in Agony” won first prize; Ceres Doyo’s “AIDS: Can
we cope?” in Sunday Inquirer Magazine won second; and Shiela Coronel
After establishing the brand of journalism that PDI is known for, a contest from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism won third place
to search for the paper’s slogan found its official catchphrase “Balanced with her “Agrarian Reform” series that were published in the INQUIRER.
NQUIRER
NQUIRER.
5
 Time and again, the INQUIRER
NQUIRER has been honored with over 100 awards
and citations, including consistent honors from the Rotary Club of Manila
as “Newspaper of the Year,” Catholic Mass Media Awards for best news
reportage and photographs, “Webby Award” for www.inquirer.net, Agora
award for “Marketing Company of the Year,” Citibank Excellence in
Journalism Award, Ejap Awards for Business reporters, Anvil Award and
many more.
college scholarships, as some of the scholars now work in the company.
UP Diliman journalism students also now make full use of two modernized
multimedia rooms—called Inquirer Newsroom and Inquirer.net
Newsroom—opened in June last year.
13. Changing of the guards

8. Filipino of the Year The year 1994 was a period of transition when founder Eugenia Duran-
Apostol retired and gave way to new chair, Marixi Rufino-Prieto, in Jan. 26.
In 1991, editors began to choose the Filipino of the Year by awarding a Then associate publisher Isagani Yambot was appointed publisher in Feb. 4
figure of inspiration who had delivered the greatest impact to the people that same year.
beyond headlines. Phivolcs Raymundo Punongbayan became the first
honoree on Jan. 1, 1992, for taking strides beyond his call of duty at the 14. 1997 - PDI is digitally yours
height of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption.
Digital conversion has dramatically changed the structure—and deadline—
Other honorees for each year were Haydee Yorac (1992), Juan Flavier of news production in 1997. Using the new editorial system called Tera
(1993), Overseas Contract Workers (1994), Filipino Everyman—Juan & GN3, the full measure of conversion from typeset to mind-set in dealing
Juana dela Cruz (1995), Fidel V. Ramos (1996), Corazon Aquino & Jaime with the news was fully implemented in 2002 under the leadership of VP
Cardinal Sin (1997), Joseph Estrada (1998), Corazon Aquino (1999), for IT Group, Mr. Gary Libby.
Justice Hilario Davide (2000), Supreme Court Justices (2001), Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo (2002), Manny Pacquiao (2003), Fernando Poe Jr. 15. The evolution of “DotNet”
(2004), SEA Games Filipino Athletes (2005), Antonio Meloto (2006), Gov.
Ed Panlilio (2007), Manny Pacquiao (2008) and the ‘Ondoy’ volunteers As an early adopter of technology for news production, www.inquirer.
(2009). net is one of the first news groups that dabbled into the new media to
complement the broadsheet. It officially went online on Oct. 1, 1997. PDI
9. Job Market then inked a partnership with GMA 7 as www.inq7.net on Feb. 27, 2000.
In 2007, www.inquirer.net returned on cyberspace.
PDI also saw the need to contribute to the economy by easing up on
recruitment matching. Thus, the Job Market section was born in October 16. Hail to the new chief!
1995 and soon found itself in the Internet, too, as a portal of successful job
placements across the country. PDI welcomed the appointment of its new president and CEO, Alexandra
“Sandy” Prieto-Romualdez, on April 29, 1998 after Ben Pangilinan retired.
With SPR at the helm, INQUIRER
NQUIRER never rests on its laurels, always with the
10. Junior Inquirer continued pursuit of excellence on a daily basis.
Start ‘em young! With
the newspaper shared by
every family, there’s also
something for the kids
through Junior Inquirer
(JI) that first saw print
on Oct. 7, 1995. Guyito,
the playful mascot, first
appeared on JI’s pages
on July 6, 1996. By June
29, 2008, the growing
number of readers and
young fans inevitably
led to the launching of
Junior Inquirer Club held
at Glorietta. In 2001, JI To instill the habit of reading among kids, Junior
validates its advocacy as it Inquirer was born in October 1995
was merited the “Outstanding Children’s Newspaper” award during the first
The ad boycott against PDI was met by massive protests
Unicef-PPI Child-Friendly Newspaper and Journalist Awards.
17. Ad Boycott!
11. Inquirer University Scholarship program
12. PDI Newsboy Foundation – college scholarships Believed to be initiated by President Joseph Estrada himself, INQUIRER
advertisers who were sympathizers of the president pulled out from the
PDI believes that education is the enabler of excellence. Through paper beginning on July 3, 1999. The ad boycott ran for five months which
the University Scholarship launched in June 1993 and the Newsboy cost PDI huge losses. But the company did not blinked and came out of
Foundation that started in June 2006, deserving students are granted with the ordeal as a more respected news organization.

6
18. Bandera and Tumbok
Acknowledging that the newsstand is not monopolized by broadsheets, the
Inquirer acquired Bandera and Tumbok from the Gokongweis on Nov. 7,
2001 to reach out to the tabloid-reading public. Bandera, at present, is still
the No. 1 tabloid in Visayas and Mindanao.

19. Inquirer Libre

Inquirer hits the road—or rather, the rails—with its free compact
newspaper aptly called “Libre” on Nov. 19, 2001. Providing news on-the-go
for train commuters in the metro, it provides readers a preview of the day’s
most important news.

20. Project Big

The audience—who can choose to be a reader, a viewer or listener at any
given time—had posed new challenges on the newspaper industry. With
“Project Big,” which began on Jan. 25, 2002, the INQUIRER
NQUIRER had resized
the paper but not its quality of journalism. The makeover provides readers
more photos, stories and even reader-friendly design for less space. Other
publications eventually followed suit.

21. Hinge Inquirer Publications is Hip!

Mindful of its niche, the Inquirer Group of Publications launched several
magazine titles on Oct. 5, 2005 as a testament of its mission to create the
demand of good reading material and sustain it. HIP titles now include
Cocoon, Look, Game, F&B Magazine, Ryder and other niche publications.

PDI Read-Along, with Sonia Roco (top) and former US Ambassador Kristie Kenney,
makes reading a delight for children

24. 1st Inquirer Presidential Debate

Held last Feb. 8 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, all but former
President Joseph Estrada were present among the contenders as panelists,
civil society groups, businessmen and students fielded questions to size up
each candidate.

Renowned and emerging Filipino artists painted these sculptures 25. DZIQ-990AM
Radyo Inquirer
22. 20/20 Art: Guyitos by 20 Artists
Radyo Inquirer takes
In December 2005, the well-loved Guyito mascot that peppers every front its hard-hitting stamp
page with witty banter sprung into a life-sized sculpture as a new steward of of journalism from the
knowledge. There were 20 sculptures that were painted by no less than 20 page to AM radio with
renowned and emerging Filipino artists for PDI’s 20th anniversary. veteran and fresh voices
in tow. On air since Sept.
23. Inquirer Read-Along 9, the newest Inquirer
baby brings in news,
This promotes love of reading among children through storytelling sessions infotainment and good
with teachers, professional storytellers, celebrities and volunteers as readers. company, promising to
It has earned the respect of Quill award’s judges for two years in a row, and deliver tomorrow’s news Inquirer brand of journalism now heard on radio
the hearts of harder-to-please judges—the kids—every other Saturday. on air today.

7
 25 unforgettable
PDI anniversary guests
By Penelope Endozo
INQUIRER
NQUIRER anniversary parties surely would not
be complete without the celebrity guests. They
brought color to the celebration with their songs,
dances as well as comedies. Here’s the Inqsider’s
choice for PDI’s 25 unforgettable guests.
Eraserheads
1. Eraserheads (1995) – On one of the
last few public glimpses that the legendary
group pulled their strings and acts together, Ely
Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro
and Buddy Zabala turned PDI’s 10th anniversary
into a happy riot—courtesy of their songs.
2. Jon Santos (1999) – The man with
a thousand personalities borrowed Imelda
Marcos’ true-good-and-beautiful demeanor and
Erap’s eraptions and turned INQUIRER’S 14th
anniversary audience into a gala of laughtrip with
his politically savvy humor.
Gary Valenciano with PDI president Sandy Romualdez
3. Gary Valenciano (2001) – Seemingly a
PDI favorite, Mr. Pure Energy has first set his
footloose moves as an anniversary guest back
in 1993. But his 2001 visit raised the roof with
excitement and his 2005 comeback brought
everyone to the dance floor, including Gary
V.’s rare showdown with Inquirer’s very own
president, Sandy Prieto.
8
4. Ai-Ai Delas Alas (2001) – This
comedienne is another frequent guest that
PDI would love to have. Seeing her rise to
fame through the years in delivering standup-
to-standout comedy, Ai-Ai’s performances,
including in 2006, took the audience for a good
ride in her antics. For one, she’s best remembered
to “dedicate the next number to herself,” and
the crowd goes wild to respond with carefree
amusement.
5. South Border (2001) – Like many guests
who come and go into PDI’s pages, Luke Mijares
and his band of merry men took the lead in
creating a buzz with their songs and came to
PDI at the height of their fame. Their presence
guaranteed that the company’s 16th anniversary
was set to be a memorable one.
Martin Nievera
6. Martin Nievera (2002) – “The Madman”
sings and PDI always had a special place in
his heart—if not his schedule. In fact, on the
17th anniversary, he sang a set of songs before
checking in to the airport for his next out-of-
town appointment.
7. Diana Zubiri (2002) – The only person
who can ever claim to have caused traffic, be
honked but welcomed for it is Diana Zubiri,
who did so in 2002 when she posed in Manila’s
busiest highways in a skimpy two-piece. She
sure created the same impression in INQUIRER’S
anniversary party in 2002 when people came in
droves to see the dame in her controversial get-
up. Warning: Dangerous curves ahead
ahead.
8. Kuh Ledesma (2002) – The Pop Diva
gave everyone a soulful night to remember as she
serenaded the INQUIRER
NQUIRER with her original and
cover songs.
Sexbomb Dancers
9. Sexbomb Dancers (2003) – Admit it or
not, everyone has been caught by the “get-get-
out” bug. So, imagine how the night ended for
the INQUIRER when the usual song-and-dance
repertoire was challenged by the Sexbomb
Dancers’ explosive intermission number.
And guess what—among those in the captive
audience who saw that were former president
GMA and former House Speaker JdV, no less.
10. Bea Alonzo (2003) – Even if she’s
more known as an actress than as a singer, Bea
Alonzo serenaded her fans in the INQUIRER’S
cotillion-inspired anniversary party. Her youngest
fans in the crowd—Luca and Ben, sons of PDI
president Sandy Prieto—gave her flowers after
her memorable number.
11. Christian Bautista (2004) – A year into
the limelight after his “Star in A Million” fame
as finalist, this balladeer remains to be a favorite
crooner who never fails to swoon the PDI
crowd. His boy-next-door looks and charming
songs—if not spells—had ended the night with
the audience bearing wider smiles than before he
came into the picture.
12. Sarah Geronimo (2004) – Before the
world had ever known Glee, there was Sarah G.
And the young teen Filipina sensation carried
notes far beyond the usual normal range of do-
re-mis for Inquirer during its 19th anniversary.
13. RJ Band (2004) – Ramon “RJ” Jacinto
and his band only needed little effort to strum
his guitar to get everyone to dance to his beat.
This man’s music is a time machine that turns
’70s, ’80s and ’90s music into a stream of
entertainment for everyone to enjoy. RJ knows
sure knows how to rrrrock and roll!
14. Regine Velasquez (2005) – The Asia’s
Songbird graced the INQUIRER’S 20th anniversary
and there were no notes left unreached for this
 talented singer. To
say that she took
everyone’s breath away
is an understatement.
Even as she has
been fostering an
international career,
she easily won
everyone’s hearts,
more so because of
her rendition of OPM
songs.
15. Pops
Fernandez (2005)
– The Concert Queen
brought seismic
cheers as she brought
her Shindig tunes to
INQUIRER.
NQUIRER. Pops sure
NQUIRER
knows how to channel
in that Araneta Bamboo brought the house down during the 2007 anniversary party
Regine Coliseum kind of
Velasquez 22. Bamboo (2007) – Without a doubt, 25. Ogie Alcasid (2007) – Not many
energy into every Bamboo brought the house down after taking artists can write their own songs as well as
event, including PDI’s anniversary party. over the mic and probably the world after that sing them beautifully. To deliver that kind of
16. Aiza Seguerra (2005) – From child star one December night. He jumped, found spring passion in one’s art represents good taste and real
to singer, from Little Ms. Philippines to lezzie in his steps, stood up on chairs and wowed the talent—things that PDI stands for. Ogie Alcasid
rights advocate, Aiza Seguerra’s long exposure in crowd with his hits. The expectations of a good therefore, in many respects, is an easy favorite
the show biz allowed her fans to watch her grow party were never the same after he stole that among the INQUIRER
NQUIRER family.
within a very public life. In 2005, PDI was one night’s thunder away from visiting bigwigs.
of the first to see her make that important change Bamboo rocked it!
as her career was re-launched from the movie to
the music industry.
17. Zsa-Zsa Padilla (2006) – The Divine
Diva graced the INQUIRER’S 21st anniversary party
with a voice of an angel and the demeanor of a
goddess. No other divine intervention is needed
to get the crowd asking for more.
18. The Company (2006) – It’s only apt
that The Company sings for the company’s
anniversary because this ensemble’s fine tuning of
altos, sopranos, tenors and bass carry mainstream
songs with operatic impact.
19. Cueshe (2006) – There is no better way
to sum up on how to enjoy Cueshe’s performance
on PDI’s anniversary than this: Work hard! Party
harder!
20. Hale (2006) – It’s not by coincidence
why 2006 is dubbed as the year of glorious OPM
Michael V. with Classified Ads staff
music. The presence of Hale alone speaks for
the tremendous popularity that Pinoy bands 23. Michael V (2007) – All the bad news
have achieved in this era. With Champ Lui Pio of the day was easily swept away when Michael
singing his heart to the crowd like that night, V took the stage to fill his quota of spoofs
there is no question what they represent—Pinoy and hilarity. The man, in his many acquired
talent (and it doesn’t hurt if you’re good-looking, personalities, knows how to deliver every
too). punchline like the headlines.
21. Imago (2006) – “Taralets!” is one song 24. Katrina Halili (2007) – Before her pre-
that affirms the attitude of the current generation Hayden Kho days, Katrina Halili was known for
as Pinoy pop rock reveals its flair for good music her allure that didn’t involved hidden cameras.
and spunk. Imago’s music gave PDI a front row The only cameras on this party were from fans
seat to that kind of music style. who lined up to take pictures with her. Daydesk editor Ruben Alabastro with Katrina Halili

9
 Sparkling silver!
President Aquino with Inquirer chair Marixi Prieto (left) and PDI president Sandy Romualdez leaf
through the pages of the commemorative book “From Ninoy to Noynoy”
Marcos and Fidel V. Ramos,
as well as P-Noy himself.
Jon Santos added more
laughs as he went onstage
as former President Joseph
Estrada, former First Lady
Imelda Marcos and Kris
Aquino.
Eleven INQUIRER
pioneers who have been
with the paper since its
infancy were awarded, each
presented with a plaque
and watch: editor in chief
Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc,
managing editor Jose Ma.
Nolasco, Ramona Abad,
John Arcilla serenades Inquirer’s service awardees
10
Rizalino Alejandrino, Lorna
Araneta, Cipriano Frias,
Edward Llantada, Kenneth
Nuyda, Stella Panlilio, Ma.
Rosalia Viray and Margarita
Viray.
Top advertisers and
dealers were also given
special awards.
The second half of the night
saw more entertainment
as PDI employees
exhibited their talents
as performing artists
in an inter-department
competition. Five teams
battled it out for the three
from page 1
top prizes of P30,000,
P20,000 and P10,000:
IT-DPU-HR-Admin, Sales
and Marketing, Finance,
Editorial A (Photo, Libre,
Opinion, Research,
Lifestyle, Entertainment,
INS) and Editorial B
(Office of the Managing
Editor, Editorial Systems).
Each team was
assigned an era—’80s
’90s or ’00s—to interpret
through song, dance, or in
any other way they wanted.
Employees also got
the rare chance to see PDI’s
management team perform
to a medley of ’80s tunes,
such as “Vogue” and “Just
Got Lucky.”
Team Editorial A, with
their “Showtime”-inspired
number, bagged top spot,
followed by Team Finance.
Team Editorial B was 2nd
runner-up, whose ’80s
number juxtaposed songs
with relevant events leading
to the Edsa Revolution,
showcased through
projected visuals of PDI’s
past front pages.
Jon Santos as Kris Aquino
Editor in chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc
with Willie Nepomuceno and Jess Abrera
Lea Salonga
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and wife
Bea with Sandy Romualdez
not over yet
a
P rty’s
By Annelle S. Tayao
It’s always been PDI culture to aim for the best, and
Willie Nepomuceno spoofs FVR
for the company’s 25th anniversary celebration, we
while Jon Santos impersonates haven’t settled for anything less. The Dec. 1 gala is
Joseph Estrada
just the tip of the iceberg—Inquirer employees can
expect a fully loaded lineup of activities, meticulously
PDI’s management team perform to a medley of ’80s disco hits
prepared by the anniversary committee, with chair
PDI corporate affairs manager Connie Kalagayan.
It’s a three-month-long celebration of one of PDI’s
Party most important milestones.
hosts
After the grand party last Dec. 1 at the Makati
Tessa
Prieto- Shangri-La Hotel, a simpler, more intimate get-
Valdes
and together is scheduled on Dec. 9, PDI’s exact
John anniversary date—reminiscent of the company’s
Nery
equally humble beginnings. The program would
begin with a Mass at 4 p.m. at the covered parking
Finance, which relived the ’90s with dances and songs, was 1st area, followed by dinner, then raffle and games.
runner-up
PDI was also able to share this celebration with
kids all over the country—through the Simultaneous
Read-Along session held Dec. 4. Themed “Inspiring
the Individual; Empowering the Community,”
the session was held in 25 key areas nationwide.
Through Radyo Inquirer and Inquirer.net, the Read-
Along was broadcasted live, reaching more children
across the country. The session lasted from 10 a.m.
to 12 noon.
The next activity is on Dec. 16, to be initiated
by the Entertainment Section—a night to celebrate
and recognize the accomplishments of our country’s
Cross-dressing IT-DPU-HR-Admin staff danced ala Spice Girls indie filmmakers. Following that is the Inquirer
Exhibit, which will run in February at The Block in
SM City North Edsa.
“Corporate affairs, together with Photo and
Arts departments, will take the lead on collating
the materials for the exhibit,” says Kalagayan. “The
materials will include Inquirer memorabilia from
the archives, employees as well as PDI’s avid readers.
The exhibit will be a showcase of the paper’s colorful
history, and the country’s history PDI was able to
document on its pages.
Also in February is the Inquirer Fun Run, with
the theme “We Empower the Filipino People.”
Twenty-five institutions and other causes will
benefit from the run, such as Hands-On Manila,
Virlanie Foundation, WWF, the Inquirer Newsboy
Foundation, families of Maguindanao massacre
victims. Runners can choose to register in the 3K
(P200), 5K (P300) or 10K (P400) events.
Editorial A, with their “Showtime”-inspired number bagged the top prize
11
 5-Year Service
Awardees
1. Anne Stephanie R. Asuncion
2. Julie Anne M. Aurelio
3. Maria Romina S. Austria
4. Daxim-Rey L. Banagudos
5. Rissa Katrina M. Camongol
6. Fernando C. Del Mundo
7. Jerito R. Dela Cruz
8. Nicolette Kristine Nonna L.
Dizon
9. Connie R. Kalagayan
10. Rafael S. Lerma
11. Joyce-Marie B. Monponbanua
12. Ana Cristina R. Montevirgen
13. Vanessa D. Ong
14. Angeli Kate V. Pedroso
15. Emlyn Hope B. Rillon
16. Eugenio L. Rivera
17. Gina V. Rodriguez
18. Bayani S. San Diego Jr.
19. Miguel C. Suarez
20. Gemema S. Subong
21. Nastasha Isobel B. Verayo

Values that we have to embrace, live

By Connie Kalagayan Editorial Independence
Corporate Relations Manager We tell the Filipino story with neither fear nor favor.
5-Year Service Awardee
Responsibility

W
orking in the INQUIRER for five years feels like you’ve We never forget our accountability to our democracy, the Filipino
been working here for the past 10 years. Each day, you people, and our stakeholders.
gain wisdom and knowledge. Everyday you face a lot of
challenges and you just need to discern and hurdle them for you to
Teamwork
survive.
We work as one
My hopes and wishes for PDI is encapsulated by our new
Leaping over silos
and revised values which was developed recently during the
Serving the brand to build and maintain our reputation.
management’s Brand DNA workshop which I would like to quote
and share to all PDI employees, in the hope that we will embrace
and live it. Dynamism
We believe…
In continued improvement
Integrity That change is fun
We are fair and incorruptible
Complacency is boring
We pay our own way
And stagnation is death.
We tell both sides of the story.

12
 A lot of new beginnings
By Evelyn Bacani the VIPs and VVIPs of the society, and PDI’s PDI believes in its people. PDI supports and
Counter Trade Officer multi-awarded writers and reporters. takes care of its employees well.
10-Year Service Awardee PDI helped me develop my skills, grow My life as a career woman, as a wife and
professionally, mature as an individual, and as a mother began and continuously evolves

T
en years ago, I never thought that overcome my shyness. PDI believes in me. in PDI.
I will be working in a newspaper.
Why? Well, simply because I am not
a Journalism graduate. At that time, I was
aiming for banks, fast-food chains, insurance,
10-Year Service Awardees
and real estate companies. One Sunday 1. Evelyn A. Bacani 11. Helen P. Poblete
morning while scanning the newspaper for
2. Leticia Z. Boniol 12. Jesse Francis N.
job vacancies, my brother told me that the
INQUIRER
NQUIRER is in need of an encoder, I think 3. Alden Joshua D. Cedo Rebustillo
and told myself, why not? And 10 years after 4. Pamie Rhandy H. Cordez 13. Ma. Rosabelle
that Sunday morning here I am working 5. Robelyn R. Cullo B. Roberto
not in a bank, or in an insurance or real
estate company but in the country’s No. 1 6. Ronnel W. Domingo 14. Albert Adrian G.
newspaper! 7. Christian V. Esguerra Rodriguez
I began as a records clerk then became a 8. Gabriel P. Formoso Jr. 15. Ma. Theresa S.
collection assistant a year later. Just two years
9. Carlito C. Isles Samaniego
ago, I was promoted as a counter trade officer.
In all those years, I matured professionally, 10. Federico Gregorio A. 16. Mary Jane Theresa T. Tiu
met my husband and started my own family. Olona 17. Rodelio R. Roberto
I’m very thankful that I’m part of PDI.
Here, I have the privilege and honor to meet

13
 15-Year
Service
Awardees
1. Santiago R.
Alcantara
2. Christine M. Ang
3. Arnold A. Buño
4. Adriano
C. De Jesus
5. Rolando P. Delluta
6. Joel Y. Macawile
7. Grig C.
Montegrande
8. Joel V. Nigos
9. Enrico M. Salazar
10. Zaldy L.
Templonuevo
11. Emelyn Lynett A.
Villariba

Successes happening by design

By Lynett A. Villariba INQUIRER
NQUIRER just as its founding chair was retiring, leaving her baby
15-Year Service Awardee who is now 10 years old to the care of more affluent parents (in
Art and Design Director terms of business management) in the Rufino-Prieto family.

M
y ties with the INQUIRER
NQUIRER go a long way back beyond the
payroll roster. I was part of its prequel in 1985 working
under the chaos of the Ninoy Aquino assassination with
founding chair Eggie Apostol in bringing the Philippine Weekly-
then-Daily Inquirer from conception to birth.
Encountering birth pains, the daily came out under meager
resources. If it could not even afford graphic publishing equipment
as basic as a headline-maker, it would see no need for a full-time
design person. I would only come into the picture on call. That was
how the look of “an unmade bed” came to be through the early years
as I watched from a distance how the character of the newspaper was
evolving.
So when the INQUIRER
NQUIRER finally plugged into the computer age
with desktop publishing capability, I was lured back to the INQUIRER
to put order and design into all those new techno gizmos, replacing
the cut-and-paste manual operations. Ironically, I returned to the
When we came in 1995, the 10-year-old was growing
fast—and affluently dressing up as the No.1 newspaper it had
become. Our batch of new hires joined the INQUIRER
NQUIRER workforce in
a corporate environment of the spanking newly built head office on
serendipitous Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City.
The newspaper also started sporting a new visual identity
identity—
discarding its “macho” logo for a more classic one. The front page
news was reader-friendlier with a layout cleaned up of clutter by
technology. PDI was looking good literally and financially on
paper—all of which rubbed on our work ethics. For that year, the
company gave out the highest (in gross) six-figure profit share among
employees.
Today, 25 or 15 years after, we have witnessed the INQUIRER
grow from a guerrilla-type operation to a newspaper to-go to 24/7
news browsed online and news heard on radio. We’re glad to have
been part of PDI long enough to see its successes happening by
design.

14
 Witness to PDI’s evolution
By Sharon Felipe because I like working for the company, I like the work that I do, I
Editorial Assistant, SIM like the people that I work with, and the company has been good
20-Year Service Awardee to its employees. Working for PDI allows me to work in a homey
environment. It is like a second home to me because I have become

L
anding a job at the INQUIRER
NQUIRER in January 1990 was certainly close to the people I work with.
the best way to start the year a few months after I left my first If there’s one thing I wish for, it is to remain a part of the
job. INQUIRER
NQUIRER in the coming years. And hopefully, after 20 years, I would
With no computer background, I was introduced to the finally win a prize in the raffle draw.
computer on my first day at work by a colleague who patiently
taught me the computer basics and the routine of the proofreading
section. 20-Year Service Awardees
Twenty years ago, I remember how the newspaper layout was
done paste-up style, all stories were inputted by typesetters, beepers 1. Josefina A. Dela Cruz
were used to contact reporters and correspondents filed their report 2. Sharon M. Felipe
by dictating the story on the phone. That was in the early ’90s when
we were still behind in technology. I am glad those days were gone. 3. Ma. Veronica T. Fernandez
From a newcomer to an old-timer, I am proud to be one of 4. Hugh R. Jaymalin
the remaining few who have become part of the evolution of PDI 5. Carina G. Rivera
from a struggling newspaper to a reputable organization. More than
6. Ernesto U. Sarmiento
the changes that PDI has gone through, I would remember the
friendships forged through the years and the countless memories— 7. Juan V. Sarmiento Jr.
both good and bad. 8. Roy T. Sarmiento
When people ask me why I lasted this long at PDI, it is

15
 Dream becoming a reality
By Kenny Nuyda to say that I, along with everybody in PDI, am part of that dream
AVP-Advertising coming true.
25-Year Service Awardee All those years of hitting sales targets, receiving journalism

H
awards, being industry leader and becoming a multi-platform news
as it been 25 years? Time really had slipped away. These organization has given us the feeling of fulfillment, satisfaction, great
25 years went so fast as if we’re just beginning our journey pride and achievement. I hope that the next generations of Filipinos
as the INQUIRER
NQUIRER never stops to make it relevant today. will be able to experience what we had with PDI in the last 25 years.
We innovate, we change, or we just keep on moving forward. This And I’m ready to be part of that journey to the next 25 years.
is why we have stayed this long. We had undergone setbacks like
in the 1999 ad boycott during the Joseph Estrada administration.
Financially, we were hit hard but amazingly, we survived and became
even a stronger and more respected organization.
25-Year Service Awardees
There’s really no secret why we have gone this far. It could be
passion, dedication, commitment and strong belief to what the 1. Ramona A. Abad
INQUIRER
NQUIRER stands for. But more importantly, it’s mutual respect and 2. Rizalino L. Alejandrino
understanding between the management and the employees. It has 3. Lorna T. Araneta
to be a two-way street—the employees not only should do their job
4. Cipriano M. Frias
as effectively and efficiently but should also carry the responsibility of
helping and nurturing the company to grow. Management, likewise, 5. Edward T. Llantada
should support its people for professional advancement as well as 6. Leticia Jimenez-Magsanoc
personal through effecting a harmonious working relationship and 7. Jose Ma. D. Nolasco
life-work balance.
Seeing the INQUIRER
NQUIRER now, especially for me who was there 8. Kenneth G. Nuyda
during its struggling years, just makes me smile. I remember 9. Stella D. Panlilio
what our chair, Ms Marixi Prieto, said during one of our strategic 10. Ma. Rosalia V. Viray
planning workshops some years ago. It was her dream for PDI to
11. Margarita V. Viray
be a multi-platform news organization serving Filipinos here and
abroad. That dream is slowly becoming a reality. And I’m proud
16
 As a matter
of
fact
People at the Research Department know that they play a vital role
in the production of the newspaper since they are the ones
in charge of cross-checking all the facts, dates and other
information about personalities and events that have shaped
our nation’s history.

Their task is crucial since accuracy could further strengthen

the INQUIRER’S integrity while a single error could mean a lost in
credibility for the paper.

A very daunting task maybe for these people but for them their job
is just part of their day. The highlight always is meeting up with
the barkada—their colleagues in the department. This kind of
work attitude and relationship just exemplifies
that work can be fun.

17
 MINERVA GENERALAO
‘My job is like
my nickname’
By Annelle S. Tayao
A
s head of Inquirer Research, Miner presently handles a nine-man
team. She describes her department as Inquirer’s “call center,” as
they readily provide information (deadline is within 30 minutes)
needed by reporters, editors, correspondents, columnists who text, e-
mail or call. “We are like my nickname–‘miners’–who dig up what has
happened in the past and make obscure facts reader-friendly.”
Miner joined PDI 12 years back on Aug. 10, 1998. Her
professional background has always been connected with research. As a
certified public accountant, Miner’s first job was with Petrophil Corp. as
financial analyst under the company’s accounting research and services
group. She has also worked as a researcher for UP School of Economics,
Development Academy of the Philippines and Radio-TV Malacañang
Malaca
during the Corazon Aquino administration, which she says helped
prepare her a lot for her present post in PDI.
But Miner admits to being something else—a “closet
fashionista or couturier.” Her favorite TV shows are “America’s Next Top
Model” and “Project Runway.” Aside from watching TV, Miner takes a
break from work by reading, listening to music, and surfing the Internet.
“I am in front of the computer monitor 99 percent of my working
hours, and most of my free time is also spent in front of a computer,”
she says.
Work hardly gets boring for Miner, “in the sense that we have
different news every day… [and] we get to know the stories behind the
news as well,” she says. When deadlines get tight, she does her best to
find that “second wind” to avoid feeling ngarag.
ngarag
KATE PEDROSO
Surprises along the way
By Vanessa B. Hidalgo
“T
here are a lot of surprises here. You’ll never get bored.” Thus says
Kate Pedroso when asked what made her stay in the Inquirer
considering that her department has endured staff resignations
during the last few years.
Kate’s journey in the INQUIRER
NQUIRER began on May 26, 2005. She was
first assigned as an editorial assistant for the Metro section. In 2006,
she applied for research assistant and was eventually absorbed. She’s
now the assistant head for the said department.
Kate relates that her baptism of fire in the department was when
most of her colleagues resigned at the same time. “Only two of us were
left and we have to do the job of the whole department. It was a big
challenge but we were able to hurdle it.”
In going about her job, she says she has picked up small yet
important lessons along the way. ““Ang Ang buhay ay tiyaga lang
lang”” is one
of those lessons that her superior, Miner Generalao, shared with her.
“Another reason why I stayed this long is because I have a good working
relationship with my boss and my colleagues in the department,” she
adds.
Kate says that she’s in the INQUIRER
NQUIRER for the long run because for
her “the longer you stay, the more valuable you get and you become an
institutional memory.”
18
LAWRENCE DE GUZMAN
Surrounded by ‘crazy’
people
By Annelle S. Tayao
L
awrence joined PDI’s Research Section in 2006 as fulfillment
to his obligation as an INQUIRER
INQUIRER scholar. Before joining PDI,
he worked for a year as corporate communications officer at the
University of Asia and the Pacific, plus other volunteer work.
In 2007, Lawrence resigned from his post as researcher to return
to doing full-time volunteer work. In August 2008, he rejoined his old
department.
As researcher, his tasks involve maintaining databases on various
information of different organizations, verifying facts from reliable
sources, and providing background material for sidebar stories, among
others. “Our work can really be heavy, but enduring one hour of
‘Willing Willie’ is much more stressful, so we are consoled,” Lawrence
jokes.
“Seriously, this bunch of people I work with in our department
takes a lot of load off your mind. We laugh a lot. They are crazy. I am
not.”
Lawrence used to be into dragonboating, a sport he was active in
for two years until his schedule became too tight for it. Now, he tries
to run during his free time. “[Although] trying is a harder sport than
running,” he says.
ALMI ILAGAN
Undoubtedly
busy workdays
By Annelle S. Tayao
Almi Ilagan’s workdays are undoubtedly busy, what with writing
content for the paper’s correction box, updating internal files,
attending day desk meetings, compiling stock reports, monitoring
the peso-dollar exchange rate, and preparing weather reports. But this
research assistant, who’s been with the company for a year and three
months, knows how to enjoy herself during her free time.
“I like reading fiction books, blogging, cooking, shopping,
watching movies and TV series, going to videoke bars and dancing,”
says Almi. “I am also into photography, scrapbooking and costume
jewelry-making.”
Although admittedly not adept at sports, Almi is adventurous
enough to try new activities when invited by friends. She plays
volleyball, basketball, lawn and table tennis, badminton and futsal. At
the office, she joins the once-a-week Pilates session.
Almi was hired on Sept. 1, 2009. As a Journalism graduate, her
position as PDI researcher, she says, is actually her “dream job.” After
taking her internship with the company in 2004, covering the May
elections, she realized she couldn’t see herself as a reporter.
Her biggest challenge at work is “providing the correct
information from the most reliable source you can find in the soonest
possible time to meet the deadline.”
“But, as Miss Miner always tells us, ‘tiyaga lang,’
lang,’” Almi adds.
SCHATZI QUODALA
Little treasure
By Vanessa B. Hidalgo
S
chatzi Quodala is not at all bothered by having a very unique
name. “I would surely not have a hard time getting an NBI
clearance,” she quips. Actually, her name means “little treasure”
in German.
She has been with PDI since June 25, 2007. So far her most
unforgettable experience was when she was asked to locate a public
relations officer. “It was a Saturday so walang pasok.
pasok But they insisted
that I find this guy,” she narrates.
“I found out that the PR’s dad was in the hospital so I called
the hospital just to talk to him. I felt so embarrassed because I had
to bother him knowing his father’s condition,” she adds. But after
that “ordeal” she says she has learned what it really takes to be a
researcher.
Schatzi’s very proud of being part of her team. “Isa lang ang
taluhin mo, anim na kaagad ang kalaban mo!” she says. She enjoys
the fact that her colleagues have become her barkada.
She considers her boss, Miner, as a tita more than a superior.
“Her work ethics and guidance makes me want to do better,” she
shares.
Schatzi says she wants to travel and to see the world. She has
four dogs and 22 cats in her stable which she takes very good care of.
From left: Almi Ilagan, Schatzi Quodala, Minerva Generalao,
Kate Pedroso, Eliza Victoria and Lawrence de Guzman
ELIZA VICTORIA
Carlos Palanca awardee
By Vanessa B. Hidalgo
“M asayang gumising sa umaga kasi masaya ang trabaho,” shares
Inquirer researcher Eliza Victoria who happens to be a
Carlos Palanca Memorial awardee.
With the company since Aug. 20, 2007, she was a PDI scholar
prior to her employment as a research assistant. One of her most
unforgettable experiences was when she was given a compliment on
one of her timelines about Rolito Go. A reader called the following
day to inform her that her timeline was very accurate.
She shares there are many things that she learned from the
Research Department. But one that has truly left a lasting impact is
perseverance. “Kailangan gawin kaagad ang trabaho at huwag kang
susuko kapag hindi mo pa nakikita ang hinahanap mo,” she says.
It was in 2009 when she received a Palanca award for her poem
“Reportage. She describes her award-winning poem as, “If one can
look at the news reporter as the often tormented author or creator,
and the news reports as his or her narratives, then you’ll have my
collection.”
When she’s not busy stringing words, Eliza likes to read books
and she also jogs regularly. She’s all praises for her boss Miner. “She
really makes sure that you know that she’s got your back. Hindi ka
basta-basta iiwan sa ere,” she says.
19
 6TH MRP BADMINTON CUP

Jun Isles Cedelf Tupas John Nery Ronald San Jose

Team Cyan smashes opponents, captures title

‘till they dropped to their knees, and smashed
in every opportunity against their opponents,
Vangie Reyes as they were grouped into four levels according
to aptitude.
By Penelope Endozo Team Yellow, being last tournament’s

A
fter a year of hiatus, the MRP
Badminton Cup resumed its tradition
of colliding color-coded teams on court
as Team Cyan inked its championship title this
year against Teams Yellow, Black and Magenta,
which came in second, third and fourth places,
respectively.
Sixty-four INQUIRER
NQUIRER players toed the
proverbial in-or-out lines, chased shuttlecocks
champion, owned Round 1 with 23 points.
Team Cyan took over Round 2 with 14 points,
while Round 3 concluded to be a close fight
between Teams Yellow and Cyan with 18
against 16 points.
Team Magenta, however, stole Round 4’s
limelight away from the two leading teams
with three points, while Round 5 was a tie
between Teams Cyan and Black with three
Sharon Robas Rijin Gidayawan

points. By Round 6,
the winner has been
sealed when Team Cyan
took the lead with three
points.
Total points showed
a tie between Teams
Cyan and Yellow, which
forced match coordinator
and Philippine
Badminton Team coach
Cecille Gernale to
add the breakdown of
accumulative points per Margie Dela Vega (left)
round to clinch the tie. and Jojo Samonte
Team Cyan had beaten Team Yellow with 17
points compared to the latter’s 10 points.
Members of the champion team each
received a medal while all participating teams
received trophies and gift certificates. The one-
day tourney was held at the Rizal Memorial
Stadium last Nov. 20. The teams were led
by captains Genie Lagman (Cyan), Carlo
Mercado (Yellow), Cedelf Tupas (Black), and
Old and new faces composed Team Cyan, this year’s MRP Cup champion
Rolly Delluta (Magenta).

20