2

ack in the burgeoning days of

the ‘60s, when the portent of

unstoppable growth was in the

air, and the mood was decid-

edly upbeat, Unilab was hiring

‘em literally by the dozens. Eager hands

from diverse disciplines were tested, ap-

praised and if found capable, taken in: scien-

tists to man the laboratory; pharmacologists

to study drug formulations; accountants to

do the math and most of all, fieldmen to pro-

mote the brands and keep the shelves filled.

Mass interviews were the order of the day

and they were held in Manila, the Luzon

provinces and in Visayas and Mindanao, events that

had the atmosphere of fiesta and which drew hordes

of hopefuls, their application forms, wilted and

moist, clutched tightly in clammy hands. The appli-

cant had to go through several panels, made up of

staff from personnel and top executives of the com-

pany. The last stop was The Man himself, Mr. J Y

Campos, and to paraphrase New York, New York,

“if you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.”

Mass hiring was a whole day affair starting in the

morning and often ending well past midnight. Ding

Pascual of the two-man personnel department then

(his boss was the unsinkable Tito David) tells of one

such evening in Sta. Mesa when, looking up bleary-

eyed from the mountain of application forms on his

table, there was nobody in sight where just mo-

ments ago the grassy portion of the compound was

filled to overflowing. Ding did a double take. In the

half-light he finally made out bodies lying on the

grass – the applicants, fagged out by the long wait

for their turns, simply decided to grab some shuteye

in the meantime.

JY, ever mindful of the comfort and wellbeing of his

fellows, would ask the gofer to buy siopao and soft

drinks and distribute them among the hungry appli-

cants. JY always believed that nobody should go on

an empty stomach and that a well-fed person

worked harder. Even now this tradition of abun-

dance in food is a cherished practice in Unilab.

Finally, the applicant was ushered before JY, having suc-

cessfully worked his way through the panelists (usually

8 of them). Some of those who were interviewed by JY

recall that rather than probe the interviewee on his com-

petencies, he would ask about family, about the province

where the applicant hailed from – mundane things,

really, seemingly unrelated to the job applied for. Quite

abruptly, JY would extend his hand and say to the some-

what astonished applicant, “Congratulations. Welcome

to Unilab.”

The exhilarated applicant, mumbling his thanks, turned

to leave. “Before you go,” JY said, almost as an after-

thought, “I want you to do something for me.” He

handed the applicant a thick Merriam-Webster diction-

ary. “I want you to find the word impossible in the dic-

tionary.” The applicant sat down and began to leaf

through the pages. After what seemed a long while he

looked up, sure that he was going to lose the job he’d

just been hired for. “I’m sorry, Sir, I couldn’t find the

word impossible.”

“Of course you couldn’t find it,” JY said triumphantly.

“There is no such thing as impossible in Unilab.” It was a

neat maneuver of the Boss, cutting out the missing page

from the dictionary just to make a point with the new

recruit and to impress upon him early on, the kind of

company he was joining.

JYC: His legacy, his ways, his wisdom, as timeless as the sea

IMPOSSIBLE

B

IN SEARCH FOR THE

Long Perez

3

In previous columns, we were

introduced to potential toxins

in foods and pollutants in the

air and how they adversely

affect the quality of life if not

altogether shorten life expec-

tancy. Our concern in this issue

pertains to the water we use in

a variety of ways.

It has been said that the sim-

plest way to add more healthy

years to life is to drink plenty

of water. For one thing, if you

drink more than five glasses a

day (the recommendation now

is up to ten glasses) you could

cut by 50 percent your risk of

certain cancers.

Since it comprises 75 % of our

body tissues and 85 % of our brain, water must

be, indeed, the number one nutrient. But, is

drinking water clean and safe?

The answer is probably NO. Pollutants in the

air from factory and automotive emissions,

particularly, heavy metals such as lead, cad-

mium and mercury, and acid rain (sulfur oxide

+ rain) contaminate lakes, rivers and dams

from which we derive water for drinking and

irrigation. Should they get into the fishing

grounds, bottom fishes imbibe them and they

settle in their tissues – no wonder nutritional

oncologists warn us against eating hito, dalag,

crabs, tuna, etc.

Run-offs and sewage from chemically treated

farms, livestock feedlots and pastures, and

from factories and hospitals may enter water-

ways introducing not only toxins but harmful

organisms as well.

The absence of periodic

reports on the potability

( both bacterial count and

chemical composition) of

our water supply from

concerned sectors, e.g.,

regulatory agencies, sup-

pliers and environmental-

ists puts in grave doubt

the safety of the water we

use for our daily needs.

We have always been led

to believe that since water

coming out of the faucets

has passed through filters,

or that suppliers put chlo-

rine and fluoride into it,

that it is therefore clean.

Little do we know that

while chlorine does kill

some germs, it does not

affect other water-borne parasites, to say nothing of indus-

trial, agricultural, municipal and hospital residues. By the

way, chlorine when ingested over a long time may cause

bladder and rectal cancer. Fluoride, too, is actually a poi-

son that has been associated with osteosarcoma, a bone

cancer.

With no official reports to the contrary, the water we use

may contain toxic minerals such as aluminum, asbestos,

cadmium, mercury and, yes, lead which can leach from

old pipes. Water that passes through plastic pipes or

stored in plastic containers may be tainted with chemi-

cals that leach out from the PVC, polystyrene or polycar-

bonate material used. Such chemicals as toluene, xylene

and styrene are known neurotoxins and carcinogens.

These toxins take time to accumulate in the body before

they make us really sick. Sometimes loss of memory may

be the only early sign of toxicity. (Read article on dementia

in this issue for more info on memory loss)

TOXINS (3) :Our Troubled Waters

4

rescued Joe were George Mañalac of PR and Danny Tan of Pur-

chasing in whose car Joe was brought to the hospital.

The injury that Joe sustained was severe. He had hit the bottom

of the pool with his head, the impact absorbed by the vertebrae

causing damage to the spinal cord. Despite all medical efforts,

nothing more could be done for Joe: He was a paraplegic, para-

lyzed from the waist down.

Unilab and his co-employees did their best to help Atty. Santos

by way of financial and moral support. In the end, the promis-

ing lawyer had to go, retired with full benefits due to perma-

nent disability.

At a time when it would have been entirely expected for some-

one in a similar situation to give up, Joe’s true strength and

courage shone through. Undaunted, Joe made a decision to face

life squarely and get on with the business of living. He and his

wife Angelita, set up a garments store and fruit stand in Guada-

lupe market in Makati. That done, Joe opened a notary public

office in his residence in Pasig, eventually relocating to

East Avenue, Quezon City, just a stone’s throw from where he

now lives.

Atty. Jose Ma. Santos, despite the loss of the use of his lower

limbs, faces the world like the two-fisted fighter that he is.

As reported by Caloy Ardosa and Long Perez

his is courage in a man: to

bear unflinchingly what

heaven sends

– Euripides, 480 BC.

For Jose Ma. “Joe” Santos,

the speed mail from

heaven arrived one sum-

mer weekend in 1971. Joe had brought his two

children for a swim at the newly-inaugurated

Unilab gym pool facility. The kids gleefully went

into the water and in no time were cavorting and

splashing about. Joe stripped down to his

trunks, eager to join his kids. He paused at the

edge of the pool and dove in. Joe was aware that

that portion of the pool was not too deep and he

planned to make a shallow dive, which would

prevent him from touching bottom. But in that

short arc to the water, Joe knew that something

was awfully wrong: he was going in at too sharp

an angle.

Joe had joined Unilab 6 years earlier serving

with Ben Ocampo at the Credit Committee.

Shortly afterwards he moved to Legal Services

under Atty. Rudy Dimaano where his profession

was put to more proper use. Joe had graduated

from the UP College of Law in 1959; he joined

the bar the following year. Stints with the Ma-

nila Banking Corporation, the Quesada and later

the Poblete law offices provided the young law-

yer the foundations for a successful career in the

corporate world.

The gym, then as now, drew its own crowd of

users. This probably saved Joe’s life. Amidst the

screams of his children and of the other swim-

mers in the pool, Joe, barely conscious, bluish

and totally immobilized, was plucked out of the

water by many helping hands and rushed to the

nearby ABM Sison Hospital. Among those who

T

Atty. Jose Ma. Santos LIFE ON WHEELS

5

On the average, Atty. Santos and his four-man staff

attend to 10-20 clients a week. From his wheelchair,

now his “buddy, sparring partner and constant

companion” Joe patiently pores over 200 legal

documents on the average, before affixing his sig-

nature and notarial seal on them.

Of all his previous employers, he considers Unilab

the best, the only place where he experienced the

close-knit relationship of a family. Though he only

had a brief personal encounter with Mr. JY Cam-

pos, he looks up to him as a father whose concern

for his employees was – is - legend. The Unilab

culture of Bayanihan has never left him and when-

ever the opportunity arises, he spreads it around.

Any UBF-sponsored gathering finds Joe cheerfully

wheeling in, acknowledging the greetings of old

friends.

A native of Jaen, Nueva Ecija, Joe has five children

and 13 grandchildren. His more famous offspring

is Gel Santos Relos, formerly with ABS-CBN and

now a newscaster in ABS-CBN’s sister company,

The Filipino Channel in San Francisco, USA.

A soft-spoken and self-effacing man, Atty. Santos’

philosophy in life is: “As much as possible, be a

peacemaker, always keep in touch with the Lord

with complete trust and thanksgiving.”

Joe Santos surrounded by family in a sea of love. Celebrity broad-

caster daughter, Gel Santos Relos shown standing, center.

Did you know that the King of Hearts is the only King in the deck of cards without a mus-

tache?

Eggplants aren`t vegetables they`re really fruits.

No piece of normal-size paper can be folded in half more than 7

times.

The dial tone of a normal tele-phone is in the key of "F"

Bill Bowerman, the co-founder of the shoe company Nike, got his first shoe idea after staring at a waffle iron. This gave him the idea of using squared spikes to

make the shoes lighter.

Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

93% of all greeting cards are purchased by women.

6

The enviable con-

tinuing assistance

of UNILAB to its

retirees is the

q u i n t e s s e n t i a l

pursuit of JY’s

c r a d l e - t o - t h e -

grave concern for

its employees’

welfare. This al-

truistic philoso-

phy of the emi-

nent founder and

now warmly em-

braced by his

daughter and cur-

rent Chairman of

the Board Joy

Campos-Hess, is,

by itself, an act of

corporate social

responsibility par-

t i c u l a r l y a d -

dressed to former

employees. This

ennobling act,

while undoubt-

edly performed in

recognition of em-

ployees’ contribu-

tion in the past,

must find suste-

nance in the reciprocal role of its beneficiaries in ways

that continue to enhance the success of UNILAB.

Retirement from the company should not unilaterally

mean ending the Bayanihan continuum, precisely be-

cause the company by its profound benevolence per-

sists in maintaining the umbilical lifeline. On the part

of the retirees, it should be the beginning of a new tack

on contributing to the success of the company.

The new beginning can take the form of initiatives not

the least of which is participating in UBF’s CSR activi-

ties designed for corporate image building. Retirees, in

returning the favor, should continue to evangelize the

p o s i t i v e

image of

U N I L A B

and help

sustain the

company’s

leadership

status in

the phar-

maceutical

i n d u s t r y .

Such sus-

tained suc-

cess pro-

vides the

n e e d e d

assurance

that the

c u r r e n t

UBF wel-

fare pro-

gram for

r e t i r e e s

will con-

tinue and

even im-

prove in

the future.

UBF can be

viewed as

the instrument that fosters the reciprocal roles of

the company and its retirees in achieving the com-

mon business objective. Retirees must realize that

they have the moral obligation to reciprocate, in

however limited opportunity is available to them,

the assistance that UBF continues to provide. This

is the essence of the Bayanihan continuum in

which UBF plays a defining role. Through UBF, it

is still possible for the group of retiree -

beneficiaries on one hand and benefactor -

UNILAB on the other, to find a common ground

towards achieving mutually reinforcing success.

Retirees’ Doc. Vir Ofiana

7

eople saw President Obama skirmish-

ing recently with NBA stars led by

Lebron James on a newly built basket-

ball court at the White House grounds.

Much earlier during the campaign

American television showed the chief

executive engaged in a one-on –one against his

future brother in-law. On both occasions, Barack

displayed his agility and deadly left hand fromthe

3-point area.

Basketball is indulged in by pro’s, college boys,

and backstreet youths. It’s also played with as

much gusto by political leaders, government offi-

cials, and business executives.

One late afternoon in the early 70’s, Unilab’s gym

was filled with a big crowd. No, it was not an in-

ter-division final. The cheering audience was

watching an impromptu basketball game between

company officers and a hastily formed pick-ups.

The Executives Five included Sabas Isaguire,

Thelmo Garrucho, Joe Eduarte, Ben Basilio, Jorge

Ochoa, Joe Gatchalian, and JY Campos. Among

the rag-tag pulots were Cesar Luna, Philip

Villanueva, Roy Mujer, Louie Jimenez, Ely

Tongco, Gena Almario, and this writer.

At first shooting-shooting lang, kaunting scrim-

mage. Tapos nagkahamunan; there were enough

players on both sides for a full game. One to 20

ang usapan, 1 shot, 1 point.

After the jumpball, pakiramdaman. Man-zone ang

laro, to conserve energy. The execs got the first point after Joe

Gat (who also played baseball, soccer, and pelota) bulldozed

his way, a-la Noli Locsin, the Ateneo/Ginebra Sherman tank.

Serious at mahigpit ang laban: rebound for rebound, fastbreak

for fastbreak, punto por punto.

Mr. Campos was shifty. We were amazed at his speed. Ma-

galing mangagaw, mabilis sa fastbreak, matulis magpasa. He

could dribble with either hand, and easily got through the

defense for clear shots. He could also shoot straight from the

perimeter. Marami rin siyang naishoot, maybe nearly half his

team’s score. Siguro he learned the basics of the game in

school and from playing with friends in his younger days in

Quezon. Had he aimed to, he could have been collegiate ma-

terial as a forward or point guard.

Joe Gat and JY topscored for the

KPs, with the others also con-

tributing. Roy Mujer and Gene

Almario did most of the dam-

age for our side. Cesar could

have topscored for us, but pasa-

pasa lang siya, and kept the mo-

mentum, and didn’t really play

the way he did for Westmont in

divisional tournaments.

The game lasted for 45 minutes

or so, walang timeouts. Play

ended 20-18, but I can’t recall

which side won. Who cares any-

way? For the bosses it was good

exercise and a chance to un-

wind. For us, the game was

enough to tell our grandchil-

dren that one late afternoon in

the 70’s, nakalaro namin some of

the people who ran the com-

pany, led by the Founder-

Chairman himself.

It’s nice to think that in Unilab management and employees

were one in sports. At Unilab there are two important things

besides work: eating and sports.

After that, things moved fast and we didn’t have the privi-

lege or pleasure of that same afternoon. I still saw Joe Gat

play pelota and Joe Eduarte on the ping-pong table mostly

against Doc Vir Ofiana. But I missed JY. It's been that many

years since I saw him with that basket ball in his hand.

By Long Perez

Where are your uniforms, guys?

Whether on the hardcourt or in the corporate board-room, JY was the compleat ball handler

George Mañalac

P

8

didn't expect to get bitten by

the good virus called volun-

teerism when my friend and

officemate Henry Soriano

told me of their visit spon-

sored by UBF to a model farm in Tagaytay. "That's

what I'm looking for!" I thought. When the next

class of urban gardeners was called, I made sure I

was included.

And so, I was infected. The knowledge that I got

from the seminar inspired me to continue my roof-

top gardening hobby. This productive pastime not

only gets you appreciated when you just run up-

stairs to get some vegetables or nip some herbs but

also gets you nearer to God when a new flower

blooms or a seed sprouts. It also makes you want

to share. Halamanan sa Lualhati ng Maynila is a

fruit of the seed UBF planted for those retirees.

We also have plenty of time unless you have a new job

or a business. After planning the family's meal, doing

some laundry and walking the usual tricycle route,

there's still extra time. UBF to the rescue! My karaoke-

practiced voice was further trained in the UBF choir.

The UBF Medical Mission continues to call for volun-

teers. All these besides the seminars like Estate Planning

I and II, health exercises and all the usual get-togethers.

Why do I share these things with you? Wala lang. Kusang

-loob lang. But isn't this what volunteerism means? Pag-

kukusang-loob. It's when you go out of your way to share.

It's when you learn to give time, talent, or money with-

out expecting any returns. It's self-giving. It's our core

value as Christians. And it's what our beloved UB Foun-

dation develops in us.

I

RENATO JUNTEREAL

Retiree-voulnteer Rene Juntereal packs a mean rake at the Lualhati ng Maynila Gardening Project of the UBF - part of its reach-out/ CSR agenda

9

paid off. One day his professor, former Justice Puno,

took him aside and told him he should take up law.

After earning his A.B. degree, Dad studied law at MLQ.

His initial plan was to take up medicine but given the

family’s meager finances, he decided to earn his profes-

sional title as a lawyer. In order to support his studies,

he worked as a clerk at the Guzman Institute of Tech-

nology. He graduated cum laude from MLQ and

placed 8th in the 1955 bar exam.

A trusted friend and colleague

As a young lawyer, Dad first worked at the office of

Amelito Mutuc and then at SGV. Aside from the pro-

fessionalism and sense of duty he brought to his work, I

think one thing that characterized my Dad’s work life

was his ability to find and keep good friends. And at

SGV he made friends who stayed with him until the

very end.

It was during his days at SGV that Dad applied for a

Ford Foundation Scholarship to Harvard Law. He told

us how he and fellow applicants went into a room in the

U.S. Embassy to take the very tough test. One of the

most difficult parts was constructing trial balances. Dad

said he perfected this portion and how it clinched the

scholarship for him. He said the examiners were

amazed that a non-accountant beat the CPAs who took

the test. He told them he reviewed his accounting

books every night after work just to prepare.

At Harvard, his self discipline and hard work helped

him gain the respect of his professors and fellow-

students. He used to tell us how he’d scrimp and save

and relied on being resourceful. On Sundays, he’d go to

the market and ask for the heads of pigs or fish which

he would cook into paksiw and sinigang.

After Harvard he went back to SGV and was seconded

to the Ministry of Finance to help out Minister Rafael

Hechanova. Here began his close relationship with the

Finance Department and the BIR. After that stint, he

worked in the law office of Arturo Monson.

Unilab Family

In 1967 Arturo Monson died tragically in a plane crash.

Being one of the few tax lawyers in the country

with a Master’s Degree from Harvard Law, Dad

y father was born in 1932 in the small town of

Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija. He was the third of six

children. Despite not being the eldest, he acted

like the kuya. Even at a young age, he showed

signs of that sense of responsibility that characterized his

work later on.

Like most Filipinos, the de Guzmans had big dreams but

meager means. Dad would always tell us that they only

had money to buy shorts for school and the only time he

owned a pair of pants and shoes was in high school. To

reach their dreams, they had to work hard. As a boy he

would help his mother with her small tailoring shop by

going to the neighboring towns to buy supplies. Once

there, he would also sell shoes and slippers, pushing a

kariton in the market to earn extra money for school.

Hardworking student

That sense of responsibility and hard work applied itself

fruitfully in Dad’s academic life. In Cuyapo, he went to

the Pius X Parochial School and graduated Honorable

Mention. From there he went to the FEU in Manila and

took up A.B. Once in Manila, he realized how much his

early education lacked in preparing him for a college

course. He remembered his first few days in class when

he found out his English comprehension and grammar

were sub-par to his Manila-educated classmates. As it

was with Dad, he tutored himself nights. The hard work

Jake De Guzman

M

The brave optimism of youth is clear for all to see on the face

of FGG during senior high.

IN MEMORIAM...

10

was immediately swamped with offers. He chose

to join Unilab and started out as Mr. JY Campos’ ex-

ecutive assistant.

I don’t have many memories and stories about Dad in

the office but two stand out. One is that after dinner

he often would go to his desk at home and do some

work, writing on a yellow pad with a #2 Mongol pen-

cil. He always seemed to be focused on his work and

wanted to get everything just right -- even correcting

his own penmanship so that it would be more easily

read. The second story is one told by Dad himself.

He said that a Feng Sui master once went to the execu-

tive floor to look at the flow of energy. There was one

office that he pointed out and said, “All the problems

land on the desk of this office.” Dad said the Feng Sui

master was pointing to his desk. Typical of Dad, he

regarded his role in the company with a strong sense

of responsibility and humility.

My Dad and Mr. JY Campos worked together very

closely for many years and formed a relationship that

was not only professional but also very personal.

Mom recounts how Dad was always with Mr. Campos

on foreign trips during their early days. They always

told us how JY had a soft spot for his employees and

their families. I think Dr. Samson was the one who said

that Mr. Campos remembered the names of his first 100

employees at Unilab. Mom also recalls the many dinners

hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Campos in their home. Person-

ally, I remember Mr. Campos taking us to a restaurant in

Hong Kong and making sure that all of us had a good

meal. I remember him taking great joy in watching people

enjoy the food and listening to their stories.

As we grew up, Unilab became a big part of our family’s

life. Our summers were spent swimming in the pool, buy-

ing snacks from Aling Nene or having lunch in the cafete-

ria. Weekends found us playing with the other kids at

the old pelota courts. To this day, some of the closest

friends of our family are the friends Dad made at Unilab.

Once I was brought to the playground to play with a

young boy named Clinton. He seemed shy and very well-

mannered. I was told later on that he was Mr. Campos’

grandson. Amazingly today, 33 years later, Clinton and I

are playmates again in a triathlon team.

A big brother

A few years ago Dad was honored by the company he

served the longest with an award. It was an ivory carving

of a big brother carrying his younger brother. During the

awarding Butch Campos said that the big brother was

Dad and that the small brother was Unilab. There is no

better image of who my father was to many than that. He

was their big brother. He was the one they could count on

to do the right thing all the time; the friend they could run

to with their problems and trust that he would give his

best in every task big or small -- ultimately not because he

was being paid to do so, but because of his sense of ser-

vice. If he could help people, he would, whether or not he

was recognized for it. Because that is what big brothers

do.

Possibly the last solo photo of FGG where he seems to say “the best is yet to come!”

FGG and clan sit for a family portrait.

FGG stands tall with the pillars of Unilab: from left, Dr. Angel Florentin, Ben Talan, FGG and JY.

11

o sooner had the last issue of ST hit

the stands than a firestorm ensued

regarding the recipe-cum –humor

article Adobo DBS-style. There were

those who proclaimed outright, “No

way, my adobo tastes better than

that!” There were those who, recall-

ing the salty-sweet succulence of

their adobo-loving days, departed posthaste for the near-

est market to load up on the necessary ingredients and

try the recipe in their kitchen. Comments ranged from

“it’s different”, “tastes the same”, “it’s good”, to

“aargh!!!”

But surprise, surprise, the most heart-warming reaction

we received was from Mrs. Norma Samson, the better

half of Dr. Sonny Samson from whom the subject recipe

supposedly emanated. Ma’am Norma asked the family

cook to do the recipe exactly as it was written in ST and

hey, it came out nowhere near in texture, flavor and

taste to the adobo cooked and served in the Samson

home.

It proved once again that something is always lost in

the translation and either Morris of FSD failed to nail it

the first time around or, through the years, the original

formula evolved, although the name –adobo DBS- style,

remained. At any rate, here follows the definitive ado-

bong DBS, “handed down from my mother,” Doc Sonny

says. I tried it in my kitchen: I would have to agree,

this is the best-tasting adobo I have ever done, bar

none!

2kgs pork kasim , adobo cut

1 cup ea. vinegar and soy sauce

½ cup garlic, crushed

1 onion, lge

1 tomato, lge

1 tbsp black pepper, cracked

Mix and marinate for 1 hour. Bring to a boil and

cook over slow fire. Add 1 cup of water and continue

to cook until the meat is tender and approximately ½

cup of sauce remains. Strain the meat and set sauce

aside. Fry the meat until lightly brown (take care not to

over-fry). Strain meat of all oil. Return the sauce and

bring to a boil. You’re done. Serve hot.

N

Text by Long Perez

more on

DBS-style

12

We are very thankful for the concern shown by

Unilab through UBF in visiting their retired warri-

ors in the provinces. We are enlightened on all

the benefits and privileges that we and our de-

serving dependents could avail of through UBF

programs. Thank you and more power to the

Chairman of the Board and its stakeholders and

also to the untiring UBF employees. - Jess Ber-

nales, Iloilo, Distribution , 2001

First of all, I would like to thank UBF for visiting us

retirees. The visit made us feel that we belong to

the company for life. Unilab never tires of taking

care of our welfare for which I am truly grateful.

To UBF, more power. God bless you all! – Nani

Matalubos, Bacolod, Distribution, 2001

Your coming to us is something that touches me

so much within. It confirms the paternal love and

concern of Mr. Campos that I still warmly feel to

this day. I may not recall what he said to me, but I

will never forget how he made me feel. – Vic

Gonzales, Roxas, Distribution, 1997

Your visit with us makes us feel that UBF is con-

cerned about the welfare of provincial retirees.

We welcome the info and assistance programs

discussed – Eric Suguitan, Bacolod, Distribu-

tion, 2006

It was great to know that UBF cares for the retir-

ees living in the regions outside Metro Manila. I

had a chance to meet and bond with other retir-

ees from Iloilo, Aklan, and Capiz. Thank you for

the anti-flu vaccine and my supply of mainte-

nance medicines. UBF team did a wonderful job!

Fred Mombay, Iloilo, Administrative Services,

1987

Your visit in Bacolod just proves Unilab’s commit-

ment not only to its employees but also to its re-

tired employees. Unilab’s adherence to its Ba-

yanihan spirit is unparalleled even in the largest

corporations in the world. Our sincerest gratitude

goes to the owners and officers of our dearest

Unilab. Mahal na mahal namin kayo. God bless

you always.

Rey and Lindy Cenzon, Bacolod, Distribution,

2001

UBF is a unique corporate expression of genuine

concern for all retired employees of Unilab.

Therefore, a proper response would be a spirit of

joy and thanksgiving. Let us honor and live up

to the legacy of Mr. JY Campos. - Ray Marcuelo,

Quality Assurance, 2001

True to the BAYANIHAN CREED, the greatest as-

set is the human asset, even after retirement.

Thank God for Unilab. - Atong Guerra (†), Bio-

medis, 2002

Angkop at tugma ang paliwanag ni Ka Bert sa pag-

kakaiba ng “assistance” at “benefits”. Kaya po

kaming mga retirees ay taos pusong nagpa-

pasalamat sa ginintuang kalooban ng mga stock-

holders. - Mel Santiago, Medical Affairs, 2007

We live much happier lives if we constantly count

our blessings rather than dwell on what we lack.

In like manner, if we are able to distinguish assis-

tance from benefits, we would be more apprecia-

tive and thankful for what we receive and less

demanding for, what in the first place is a “gift”.

Ed Tenchavez, Medichem, 2004

Long overdue reminder to all concerned with

regards to benefit or assistance. Very well said. -

Ben Gatchalian, Distribution, 1999

Mr. Boy Lara’s article clearly defined the contrast

between assistance and benefit. I’m grateful to

the management’s highly charitable act as it is

not mandatory on their part. Benefit? Actually,

lots of them that we all used to enjoy being enti-

tled to as Unilab’s regular employees then.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed, Mr. Lara’s article

be an eye-opener for every well-meaning UL re-

tiree. – Manny Cordeta, Westmont, 2003

Iloilo-Bacolod Provincial Visit you said

Bert Lara’s article: Assistance or Benefit

13

COMPILED BY MARISA CAYABYAB

UPDATE ON CAR CODING! 10am – 3pm are the window hours on EDSA, C5, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Ave. and Roxas Blvd.,Pasay regard-less of the city (i.e. one can drive through Makati via EDSA any day). San Juan follows the same schedule. No Philhealth (PHIC) ID Policy What happens when a retiree is discharged from the hospital without a Philhealth ID? The patient pays for the Philhealth share. He can file with PHIC his reimbursement within 60 days after release from the hospital. Philhealth requires strict compliance of this policy. Wanted: Sr. Citizen ID Card No. Important! Please submit to UBF your Sr. citi-zen ID card no. for filing with Health First. Every time a retiree avails of the clinic’s ser-vices, an automatic deduction of 20% will be computed for every transaction. Annual P.E. and other promos are excluded in the dis-count.

New service at UBF Visiting retirees can now have their blood pressure and weight taken at UBF. Nursing students from Trinity University of Asia – St Luke’s Nursing School are deployed daily for the purpose at the UBF through Health First. New Policy on Cash Medical Assistance Effective January 1, 2011, all retirees’ checks for cash medical assistance shall be converted to ATM de-posit in RCBC-UBF account. Retirees concerned must accomplish the RCBC My Wallet form available at UBF and in any RCBC branch and submit the same to the Foundation with two (2) photocopies of valid IDs bearing the name and signature of applicant. The account will be solely used for medical reim-bursement.

Obituary August

Domingo “Domeng” Nipay – Manufacturing

September

Renato “Atong” Guerra – Biomedis

Eduardo “Ed” Desierto – Printing

Reminder: All official receipts, prescriptions and other supporting documents filed for cash medi-cal assistance MUST be submitted within TWO (2) MONTHS from the date of payment. The new policy shall be strictly enforced starting October 1, 2010. New HDSI Satellite Clinic Good news! HDSI recently opened its newest company-owned clinic in San Mateo, Rizal named “Check Up Clinic Health and Diagnostic Center.” The clinic is located beside the Jollibee branch in Guitnang Bayan, San Mateo, Rizal and is open everyday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. All Health First members can avail of the out-patient treatment but it is a must to have your ID when visiting the clinic.

Unilab has recently implemented the Unilab Visitor Management System in the main com-pound. All visitors, including retirees shall be issued a temporary Unilab "V" Pass which grants access to authorized destination only. Guidelines:

1. Office Visit Hours: 8am-5pm on Monday-Thursday and 8am-4pm on Friday.

2. Secure a Unilab "V" Pass at the UL Recep-tion area by surrendering your UBF ID or any valid government ID with photo such as SSS, GSIS, Driver's license, etc.

3. Avoid loitering around the compound. 4. Return Unilab Pass at the Reception Area.

In case a problem arises, please call local 7887 for immediate assistance.

5. Immediately inform the Reception Desk of misplaced card. Passholder is liable for lost card.

14

UBF ACTIVITIES IN PICTURES

1st sem birthday celebrants – Unilab retirees liven up the atmos-

phere at the JYC Hall A, Bayanihan Center, July 6, 2010. As the re-

tirees count more and more birthdays, each marking becomes a

joyous and memorable occasion.

Unilab retirees and volunteers put up this "bahay kubo" at the Lualhati ng

Maynila grounds. The “kubo” is made partly from salvaged materials do-

nated by PPMD and will serve as a rest area for volunteers doing outreach

projects at LNM.

Unilab retirees participate in a seminar on dementia and depression. The seminar, held last Sept 6 at the JYC Hall at the Bayanihan Center, was conducted un-der the auspices of the UBF.

A medical “missionary’s” job is never done, this time at the Jose Fabella

Memorial School. UBF Bayanihan Agad project – September 15. School

authorities noted that UBF is the first organization to conduct a medical

mission for Mandaluyong students.

-

15

After many years of neglect, th

e boys’ and girls’ rest-

rooms at the Rizal High Scho

ol in Pasig are converte

d

into the cleanest, most sanitary

facilities in the entire

school complex, courte

sy of the UBF Bayaniha

n Agad

Sanitation project.

Mr. John Tan of Fides Foundation, Mr. Richard Dee of Assisi Foun-

dation and the UBF staff and retirees during the 43rd Lualhati ng

Maynila Anniversary celebration last July 25.

The long arm of UBF reac

hes out to Western Visay

as as

Unilab retirees living in

Bacolod and Iloilo rece

ive im-

munization vaccines, medicines an

d updates from the

UBD/HF team that flew there recen

tly to touch base

with former company employees.

Green! Green! Green! That’s the UBF battle-cry

at its project site in Lualhati ng Maynila. Not for

long though, as the papayas planted months

before bear fruits that ripen and turn into gold.

16

Twice in a Row

The United Bayanihan Foundation (UBF) recently received a Reg, Cert as Aux Social Welfare

and Dev Agency – Resource Agency, from Ms Patricia Luna, Assistant Regional Director

during a simple flag-raising ceremony held on the grounds of the DSWD, NCR Division. The

certificate effectively makes the UBF a licensed social welfare and development agency ac-

credited with the DWSD for the next 3 years.

Last May, the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) granted UBF donee institu-

tion status for 5 years. PCNC is a non-stock, non-profit organization organized in 1997 by

six of the country’s largest national NGO networks such as the Association of Foundations

(AF), League of Corporate Foundations, the Phil. Business for Social Progress, to name a few.

Now on its 12th year of actual operation, PCNC continues its commitment to genuine social

change by keeping and improving its standards and evaluation mechanism it has set for

NGO legitimacy, transparency, accountability and governance.

Outstanding Youth Award

Every year the Foundation recognizes its students with exemplary academic performance.

In SY 2009-2010, 15 students out of 162 UBF beneficiaries, “brought home the bacon” to their

p r o u d p a r e n t s

(retirees). Awardees

this year include four

graders, nine high

schoolers and two col-

lege students. They

received certificates and

cash awards handed

out by UBF Executive

Director Bert Lara and

Ms. Belen Mandin of

Southville International

School. Top performers

were: Grade School –

Janella Kamill Baldovino,

Michael Andrew Batica,

Jean Aubrey Daquigan,

Jasmine Therese Mordeno; High School – Ma. Isabel Basilla, Angeline Loren Cruz, Christo-

phere Ghil Depasupil, Rakel Mandap, Rona Ma. Theresa Marquez, Samantha Louise Moises,

Audrey Luz Soriano, Jude Matthew Tordecillas, Ma. Lourdes Zata; College – Bona

Gutierrez, Jude Edsel Tordecillas.

The Foundation also gave special citation awards to three students who graduated cum

laude from UP and FEU. They were Christopher Ray Bayani, Edrielle Ruth Domingo and

Camille Mendoza who gave inspirational talks to the younger generation of UBF wards.

The awarding rites took place last Aug 21.

NEWSFLASH

The UBF fully supports the axiom that “Youth is the hope of the mother-land” as this photo shows. Occasion is the Outstanding Youth Awards and the Values Formation seminar held on August 21 for the scholars of UBF.

MARISA CAYABYAB

17

Together again Judy got married and had 13 children. Her first husband, Ted, died of cancer. She married again, and she and Bob had 7 more children. Bob was killed in a car accident, 12 years later. Judy again remar-ried, and this time, she and John had 5 more children. Judy finally died, after having 25 children. Standing before her coffin, the preacher prayed for her. He thanked the Lord for this very loving woman and said, "Lord, they are finally together." Ethel leaned over and quietly asked her best friend, Margaret, "Do you think he means her first, second, or third husband?" Margaret replied, "I think he means her legs."

18

I am elated by

the comments

on UBF’s so-

cial projects,

which was

the subject of

my letter

from the Pub-

lisher in ST’s

2nd quarter

issue. But

much more

encouraging

was the ex-

pressed wish

of our fellow

retirees to join

us on our hu-

manitarian undertakings, but are prevented from doing so be-

cause of certain limitations. Do not fret, brothers. Being with us in

spirit is tantamount to being with us in person. Isn’t this Bayani-

han?

Nevertheless, we hope that the time shall come when they shall

have overcome their temporary hindrances and join hands in this

effort. There will always be depressed communities, institutions,

and people that need help. And UBF is looking to embark on

more projects that will require more volunteers from the ranks of

our retirees, projects through which UBF and all of us who pitch

in, can make a little difference in the lives of the less privileged.

Time was when "corporate social responsibility" was uncommon

in the vocabulary of the business community until in the early 70s

– and this may warm our hearts to know – when Unilab spear-

headed a movement urging business to combine its resources for

social development. Today that movement has become an unoffi-

cial arm and advisory body of the government’s programs for

social progress.

Noble is the mission of a company that devotes substantial re-

sources to help retirees. Nobler still when a company and its re-

tired employees join hands to uplift people in need. Noblest of all

if this work is done for Him, Who gives us everything, in spite of

odds and limitations.

I recall a famous world leader saying in his inaugural address . . .

“that here on earth, His work is truly our own.”

SILVER THREADS

Silver Threads is a quarterly publication of The

United Bayanihan Foundation for Unilab

retirees and their families.

Comments, suggestions or contributions can

be sent to the Editor-In-Chief, care of UBF

Secretariat, United Street, Mandaluyong City

or emailed to

marissacayabyab@unilab.com.ph

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Jocelyn Campos-Hess

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Clinton Campos Hess

PUBLISHER

Lamberto S. Lara

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Gonzalo E. Perez

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

George J. Mañalac

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

Guillermo C. Gastrock

Eduardo S. Alcaraz

Virgilio M. Ofiana, M.D.

LAYOUT & ART DIRECTION

Spot On Productions

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Marisa M. Cayabyab

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Miguel Hidalgo

Remedios Balajadia

Noah Padecio

Arvin Bailey

CONTRIBUTORS

Aurora G. Macaspac

Carlos T. Ardosa

CIRCULATION

Miguel Hidalgo

Genaline Binsol