Good Transmission

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Title: Good Transmission
Description: A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the interest of the Employees of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company
Issue Date: Volume IV (Issue No. 5) May 1938
Year: 1938
Language: English
Rights
Place of publication: Manila
extracted text: MAY, 1938 ®ur C!Lnuer •.. NO one who beholds Mt. Mayon can fail to be impressed with its terrifying beauty. Like some haughty queen, it can appear serene, its brow towering among the lazy clouds, and then, without warning, rumble in rage, belching forth molten rock in an avalanche that sweeps everything before it. For long a symbol of Philippine scenic beauty and the attraction of many a tourist it has-with the recent welding of the rails of the Manila Railroai Company-become the symbol of that forward step towards the unification and solidarity of the Filipino nation. May it also stand for the materialization of the dream and yearning of a good part of this nation, and the extension to the regions around it of the advantages and conn~nience of the telephone. -J. A. PAREDES, JR. Good Transm.ission VOL. IV A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Interest of the Employees of the Phihppme Long Distance Telephone Lompany Manila, Philippines DOMINGA A. RUIZ, Editor ASSOCIATE EDITORS R. A. SOBRAL (Executive) J. A. PAREDES, JR. (Commercial) M. C. PARRENAS (Accounting) J. P. TABUENA (Plant) T. OSORIO (Traffic) A. FERNANDEZ (Radiophone) Entered as second-class mail matter at Manila Post Office, August 25, 1936. MAY, 1938 Editorial LET'S BE REASONABLE ~ !THIN the pages of this magazine are published the views of two JLlrJ prominent men of the Philippines today, one representing the stand of the government, and the other that of capital. Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon in his usual characteristic frankness, minced no words when he stated. that while he has the interest of labor at heart and recognizes the right of labor to declare a strike, a resort to such means before labor has presented its complaint before the Department of Labor and the Court of Industrial Relations, both of which have been created to carry out the policy of the government for the protection of labor, is, according to the President, "prima facie a defiance against the Government or an expression of lack of confidence in the Government, and as such, it cannot expect sympathy from the Government and must face the consequences of its actions." Such a statesmanlike expression of the Government's attitude toward irresponsible leadership among the ranks of labor, serves the double purpose of acting, not only as a warning to unjustified strikes, but also as a reassurance to capital that contrary to the mistaken belief which is unfortunately gaining currency, labor is not pampered in this country. Our Vice-President and General Manager Stevenot, on the other hand, went a step further. While fully appreciating the value of government conciliation and arbitration in the settlement of industrial disputes, he suggests that both Labor and Capital should come to an understanding, in a spirit of mutual confidence and cooperation before their differences are exploited by others. In the words of Mr. Stevenot. "where men are not given justice or fair consideration they are naturally entitled to seek redress through other lawful means; but where Management is fair and interested in the welfare of its workers, it is unreasonable for Labor to seek outside leadership." No. 5 GooO TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines EMPLOYEES' ROLL OF HONOR The following is a list of Manila Area employees who secured two or more extensions to their credit as of Ap,il 25, 1938. No. of No. of Employees Dept. Exten- Employees Dept. Extensions sions MANILA AREA MANILA AREA Jones, M. A. ·········· so. 40 Pcriquet, F. Com'l. J Cruz, E. 17 Stminiano. A. Plant J Ocampo, A. M. Com'l. 14 Visco, B. R. Com' I. 3 Seo. Domingo, A. Plant 11 Ahutan, L. Plant 2 Mariano, E. L. 9 Ambat, J. Com'l. 2 C.Jrpus, D. s. 6 Acgeles, E. Exec. 2 Nazareno, M. Com'l. 5 Bagtas, M. Com'l. 2 Paredes. J. A. Jr. 5 Concepcion, s. 2 R((iO, A. M. 5 Coronado. !. s.o. 2 Sacra. M. Plant 5 Cuasay, L. Com'!. 2 Worthen, H. M. Com'l. 5 Cuison, F. L. Plant 2 Cuison, J. Plant 4 Garcia. J. B. Com'I. z Espiritu, D. T. Com'l. 4 Garcia, M. Traff. 2 Garcia, s. Plant 2 Gatchalian. v. Plant 4 Perez, H. F. 2 Martin, F. 4 Pilar, M. 2 Piiilisoc, A. 4 Prado, M. Com'l. 2 Zaldarriaga. F. Com'!. 4 Reyes, G. B. 2 Atanacio, c. v. Plant 3 Santos. P. de los Plant 2 Cruz. F. de la 3 Sobral. R. A. Exec. 2 Llamas, Y. Com'l. 3 Sucgang, L. ·········· Plant 2 Perez, c. 3 Villaverde, P. Com'!. 2 The following is a list of employees who secured stations and extensions to their credit in their corresponding districts as of April 25. 1938. Employees Dept. No. of Emplovees Dept. No. of Stns. Stns. CEBU DISTRICT PANAY DISTRICT Mar. R. V. de! Com'!. 20 Riarte, de la Plant 16 fa villa. M. A. Traff. 6 Rodriguez. L. Com'!. 10 Jadormeo, F. Plant 5 Vidal 7 .Montejo, R. Traff. 5 Zepeda 7 Torre. A. de la ·com'!. 5 Cadiz Radio 4 Ocampo, C. M. 4 Mendez Traff. 4 Villacrucis. M. Traff. 4 L~gaspi Plane 3 Ledesma, E. Plant 3 Adle 2 Hiponia, R. M. Traff. 2 Alib 2 Ramirez, A. 2 Lcbrilla Tratf. 2 Bondoc, A. B. ........... Radio 1 Leon. d' Radio 2 Famador, A. Plane 1 Memoria Plane 2 Gaerlan. A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radio 1 Ramirez 2 Lim. C. J. Traff. 1 Rendora Traff. 2 Parilla, B. Plane 1 Bo.1lgos 1 Talon, A. ·Traff. 1 Bendicion 1 Talon, M. 1 Blanco Radio 1 Torres, A. 1 Constantino Traff. l (Conti11ued on page. 2'5') M•y. 1918 GOOD TRANSMISSION Worker/ Warned by Quezon 1Reprint from the Philippines Herald. May 2. 1938.) 0 N the occasion of the celebration of Labor Day. I desire to address a few words to the laboring class in general and to the labor organizations in particular. On two occasions when I had the pleasure of enterta'ning in Malacaiian labor organiza· tions. I summed up my attitude toward the workingman and the poor in the words. "My beart is with you but my mind is open and impartial." I wish to give voice once more to these sentiments and explain their import and implications. Strikes without sufficient grounds won't receive Gnernment sympathy All my sympathies are with the men and women and their children who earn their livelihood by the sweat of their brows. It is my daily hope and prayer that their lot may be improved and that they may all enjoy the use of those commodities that have become almost prime necessities in our day. And it is my ambition, which I do not consider at all impracticable, that in this beloved country of ours, so rich in natural resources. o ur national economy may be so readjusted that it will permit all who can and desire to work to live a life of relative comfort. But Fl'orn "Phil. Free Preu ", Mou 6, 1938 ien1• GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila, Philippines every reasonable man should see that the task ts gigantic, almost chimerical, and that it will require for its accomplishment all the patience, wisdom, fairness, sense of propriety of the practical mind, by which I mean of one that can counterbalance and harmonize high ideals and high purposes with realities. This is what I mean when I said that "my heart is with you but my mind is open and impartial." In the first place, in the conflict of interests between the different elements constituting the community, including capital and labor, the government will have to take into consideration every side of each question as it affects the public as well as the parties whose rights and interests have to be adjusted. I also mean that I realize, as all must realize, that every important task especially those that have varied and farreaching consequences and besieged with obstacles and difficulties in their accomplishment, require time to attain fruition. In such kind of enterprises, what is important is that every forward step should be taken that no unforeseen event may force its retracement. The policy of my administration and of the N<itional Assembly to give labor its dt!e must need the intelligent and responsibl< c0operation of labor organizations if the gov.:rnment is to be permitted to carry out its policies under most favorable circumstances. Unfortunately, I see signs that are nor en· ccuraging for it seems that there are indica· tions of impatience on the part of labor leaders who, whether in good or in bad faith \that is to say, who, either inspired by a passionate zeal to improve the lot of the workingman or under the impulse of base purposes so as to benefit themselves from labor unrest) are agitating and counselin~ labor bodies to present unjust demands or to declare strikes without sufhcient grounds. Strikes have been in the past, and up to the present time, the weapon used by laoor to secure recognition for its rights. At best the strike, by its very nature, will inevitably bring harm to the strikers themselves. It deprives them of their wages during the time that the strike lasts and even when the strike is successful they suffer during the strike hardships that might have been avoided, Particularly in the Philippines, strikes are always seriously prejudicial to the strikers because there are no labor organizations in our country with funds to provide the strikers with means for their daily subsistence while the strike lasts. At the time when governments _were prone to take the side of capital or they were reluctant to listen sympathetically to the claims or grievances of labor even when they were fully justified, to strike was the only recourse of labor to secure justice. Such is not the case in the Philippines now. For we have the department of labor primarily concerned with carrying out the policy of the government for the protection of labor, and we have the court of industrial relations empowered to decide questions arising between employers and employees. Every strike in the Philippines, therefore, that is declared before the strikers present their complaint to the department of labor and, if not settled there, is not taken to the court of industrial relations is, for such failure to use the means created by law to secure justice when labor is entitled to it, prima facie a defiance against the government or an expression of lack of confidence in the government. Therefore, I desire to make public that my attitude toward strikes of this nature is unsympathetic and that when labor strikes are declared without first recurring to the department of labor or the court of industrial relations. it cannot expect sympathy from the government and it has to face the consequences of its action. May I not then appeal to every labor leader in the Philippines, to every labor organization, to the great mass of the workmen and women and to the poor of my beloved native land that they keep faith with their government, that they exercise the virtues of patience and restraint and that they resort to the methods provided by law for the redress of their grievances. May I not request you, one and all, to avoid strikes, violence, and the disturbance of public order, and to bear in mind that it is only through respect for the law and a proper sense of justice, a love of justice not only for one's self but also for his neighbor, can we make of the Philippines a land of happiness and of plenty for the enjoyment of everyone of its inhabitants. To go forward is important. To go straight is more important. 1'1.ly. 1918 GOOD TRANSMISSION Labor AND Capital IN order to give the readers of Good Transn1ission an idea of the stand of the Management of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company regarding the relation that should exist between Capital, as r e p r e s e n t e d by the Management. and Labor, as represented by the rank and fil, of our widespread organiution. a member of the Staff. interviewed our General Manager. Mr. Stevenot. who gladly consented to state his personal MR. STEVENOT views on the much mooted question. The first question asked Mr. Stevtnot was: "What is your opinion regarding the so-called 'social justice' plan oi the present Administration ?" Mr. Stevenot smiled and in his usual measured way of speaking, said: " ! have nothing but words of praise for the human attitude taken by President Quezon. Having been a poor man himself, he knows from experience the privatio ns of the underprivileged and the less fortunate man, who, perhaps. through no fault of his own. is the product of our constantly increasing complex economic life. "Here in the Philippines, we are entering upon a new era of industrialization, w hich may bring about temporary hardships and difficulties, but the plan of the Administratio n for social justice will no doubt hasten and minimize the ill effects of readjustment. The policy of the Government, for instance. of giving a fair minimum wage to laborers Our General Manager firmly believes in a relationship of mutual respect employed on the various government projects will serve at least as an example to those who have not appreciated the necessity for paying 'human beings sufficient compensation to keep their bodies and souls together and permit them to enjoy a higher standard of living." Although his solicitude and fatherly interest in the welfare of the employees is so well known, he was asked: "What plans do you have for our employees?" Mr. Stevenot's face brightened up. We suspected we have touched a soft spot in his heart. " W ell". he began, " the attitude of the Management toward the employees of our Company is no secret. We believe that the success of our common efforts depends large! y upon the kind of service that we render to the public. The quality of that service is conditioned upon the efficiency of the employees, and that efficiency may only be secured when our personnel is satisfied with the conditions under which they work and the compensation they receive." As if recalling some memorable incident in the past, he continued : "As a matter of fact, I have, for years, taken a keen interest in the welfare of those with whom I am working, following the trend of commodity prices anJ rents, not only in Manila but also in the provinces, so as to see that even the humblest telephone employee is given a fair 'living wage' sufficient to cover not only th< bare necessities of life but a little more for his personal comfort and his dependents." Realizing that prices of commodities havo gone up and the cost of living in the city of Manila is higher than in the provinces. the Management put into effect, beginning May I. 1938, an order covering the payment to all regular employees of the Manila Area. a minimum salary of 1'40.00 a month, or a minimum wage of P0.20 per hour. GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Ph:lippines The last question asked was: "What is your opinion regarding the strikes that we read about almost daily in the papers?" "I feel", declared Mr. Stevenot, "that such extreme measures as 'strikes' and 'lockouts' are most unfortunate-usually the result of impulsive thinking. More frequently a boomerang to Labor and Capital. Industrial disputes and differences should be decided in a fair and reasonable way. If men today go before the criminal and civil courts of justice, I see no reason why Labor and Capital should not be willing to do likewise. when a mutually satisfactory understanding cannot be arrived at in an organization. They should avail themse'.ves of the good offices of the Department of Labor and the newly established Court of Industrial Relations, which have been created to adjust differences between Labor and Capital. and which are presided over by men of proven ability and integrity. "Collective bargaining is a method which has been used to enable Labor to express itself as one man, in its relationship with Capital. However. if Labor is to reach the position it merits before the people of this Commonwealth. its attitude should be based upon the golden rule of conduct- to act toward Capital and Management as it expects Capital and Management to act toward Labor-fair and reasonable. "I feel confident that strikes and lockouts could be avoided if those concerned would only adopt a tactful. reasonable human attitude and realize that losses from unemployment generally bring distress and unhappiness to many innocent people. Capital and Labor have more to gain by an intelligent and friendly understanding than by adopting the old practice of 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'. "If Capital and Labor think that they may place themselves above the law, as organized minorities, we shall see the day when the great unorganized public will no longer tolerate being the ultimate victim of such wasteful social-economic acts as we now witness in a matter-of-course way, and will demand that justice be rendered to all con - cerned as we have learned to accept it from the civil and criminal courts of the land. "Where men are not given justice or fair consideration, they are naturally entitled to seek redress through other lawful means: but where Management ·is considered fair and interested in the welfare of its workers, it is unreasonable for the personnel of an organization to seek outside leadership. " Our telephone personnel is to be complimented for its loyalty. The leadership that exists amongst them mindful of the responsibility and the welfare of its fellow workers, is commendable." The character and qualifications of the leader are reflected in the men he selects, developes and gathers around him. Show me the leader and I will know his men. Show me the men and I will know their leader. Therefore. to have loyal and efficient employees-be a loyal and efficient employer. - Arthur W. Newcomb. Don't seek things. Seek to serve. Then and then only can you become rich in mind and soul. :,t~'.~~\.,'' ;,\:~~; 0 hillnih in the service ofr11ilnkind- ar3diJp:1on! station. M•y. 1938 GOOD TPANS\HSSION My Impression of the Bicol Region By JOSE P. TABUENA ·Asst. to the Plant Manager BEFORE Mr. Stevenot left for the United States last January, he requested that estimates be prepared for extending long distance s1?rvice to the three important provinces c.omprising the Bicol Region: Al bay, Camannes Norte and Camarines Sur. I was born and reared in this part of the country and having left during the worst part of the depression, I was naturaly skeptical as to whether we could secure enough business to warrant the large capital investment rhos! extensions would require. However, I couLi not rely on my impressions acquired ten years ago. So. to get a first-hand information and at the same time to renew childhood acquaintances, I decided to spend my two weeks vacation in the Bicol provinces. What a big surprise was in store for me~ I found a great difference between the Bicol provinces I used to know and the Bicol provinces of today. Everywhere I went I found business considerably improved and in many places brisk. Practically all towns in Camarines Norte are now buzzing with activity. Even the small and sleepy town of Sipocot, the place where one transfers from train to bus in going to Paracale and Daet, is now a thriving little town with a very bright future. Naga and lriga in Camarines Sur, Ligao, Guinobatan, Daraga, and Legaspi in Albay have been transformed from the sleepy towns that they used to be to very busy ones. The transportation companies are enjoying large incomes from their business. The factors that have contributed greatly to the improved conditions in the Bica! provinces are first: the mining business in Camarines Norte and, second, the completion of the Manila Railroad Company's line to Legaspi. Some of our best gold minos are also found in Camarines Norte. This has atA story of once-sleepy towns rousing at the roar of the wheels of progress tracted capital into this province which accounts for its progress. In the past, we had to make three transfers in going from Manila to Legaspi. First, we had to go from Manila to Aloneros by train. At Aloneros we had to transfer from the train to the boat; then from the boat to autobus at Pasacao, and from the autobus to the train again at Pamplona. This made the trip to the Bica! Region a very tedious one. With the completion of the Manila Railroad Company's line through to Legaspi, trips to the Bicol Region has been made very much easier. The Government has erected rest houses on the shoulder of Mt .. Mayon, for the convenience of the many tourists, who are now continuously going to Legaspi in large numbers, to see Mt. Mayon. the most perfectly shaped volcano in the Far East. There had been submitted for the consideration of the Management three proposed projects for extending our long distance telephone service to the three Bicol provinces. One project proposes to build land lines from Manila through Sipocot to Paracale. Naga and Legaspi. Although, from the stand point of service, this proposition seems to be the best, yet the capital investment involved is apparently prohibitive. The second project proposes to install a radio station at Batobalani in Camarines Norte and build land lines from this place through Sipocot to Naga and Legaspi. The third project, which I consider our best, proposes to install two radio-telephone stations. One station located at Batobalani would connect Daet, Mambulao and Paracale by means of land lines. The other station to be installed at lriga. would connect Naga and Legaspi with land lines. (Continued on page 11) GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines Guardians of Our Toll Lines By ANDRES K. MARIN Toll Maintenance Section WHEN we come to think of daring workers exposed to dangers at all times, most of us will at once picture in our minds, builders of sky-scrapers, firemon, miners and other phases of occupation which are always confronted by dangers and unexpected tragedy. Right here though, in our organization, only a few know that thore is a group of men whose constant carefulness once neglected during their daily activities, would cause either death or physical deformity. These men are none other than the Outside Plant personnel whose carefulness and watchfulness. I will conclude, increases proportionate! y with their length of time in service. It is needless for m? to describe the dangers that haunt them at all times of the day as the Company records alone will show that most accidents come to these outside men. From these men, we pick the guardians of our toll lines-the Toll Repairmen, whose time is mostly spent in the maintenance of our Long Distance Service, helping the Telephone Company in its desire to render the best •elephone service possible to the public. Never does a stormy day or a hot summer day stop these men. Ozspite dangerous weather or disagreeable climatic conditions, they stick to their duty of patrolling the lines along the railroad tracks or other toll routes. A Toll Repairman is the least seen of Telephone employees. He comes to the cntral office only when he needs medical attention or in other very rare instances. His station which automatically becomes his adopted homesite is located at a strategic position along the line, but most practically at the mid-point of his section which is approximate! y 3 0 or 40 kilometers in length. He is expected to keep this whole section Just a few words about our own army of silent, self-sacrificing men clean and free of cobwebs, tree branches or any line obstacles that might hamper the service .of which we and they are very proud. Although a Toll Repairman is rarely seen in the office, yet he is just as familiar to us as any of our office mates. This is true because he reports all his activities by telephone daily and begins it with a "hel'.o" through the line as early as five in tho morning. This shows that while we of tho office force are often still in bed and before we get up and say "good morning" to our mothers and fathers. the toll lines are alroady busy, and humming with calls, some due to the daily routine tests of the Wire Chiefs and reports of these everyday men. When viewed by an ordinary individual. a Toll Repairman seems to have an easy time with his patrolling. But when we consider the monotony of being alone day after day with nothing to see but cobwebs, broken insulators. trees that insist on growing up into the lines, and the same old railroad concrete poles, the whole year round. and carrying a weight of about 30 pounds including tools, materials and other equipment, I would say, that one certainly needs a lot of patience and perseverance in order to go through with it. Frankly speaking, a Toll Repairman really has no time which he can call his own as all of it is devoted to his work except during his yearly vacation. The truth is that during the time a line is in trouble, whatever day it is (either Sunday or holiday). or whatever the time (either night or the wee hours of the morning), he is always up and ready at the first notice of trouble. Because of the fact that most troubles are caused by storms during the rainy season and often at night, a Toll Repairman some( Continued on page 11) GOOD TRANSMISSION Cost Accounting System B~ E. M. DE PAZ Assistant Plant Accountant DUE to the increasing expansion of our plant and the complexity of its records on account of its numerous transactions, an up-to-date system which would reduce its intricate accounting classifications and records into a more simple and comprehensible data, became one of the most baffling problems which have confronted the heads and section heads of our Accounting and Plant Departments. One of the difficulties which perplexed their minds was the question of reports on completed plant orders and estimates. In order, therefore. that this difficult problem could be solved. they have established our present cost system which has simplified to a great extent one of the complicated plant records, thereby making theso particular reports easy and understandable to everyone in our entire organization. Every member of our Company, from the humblest employee to the highest executive, I presume, will be interested to know the important phases affecting this particular system of plant accounting. We cannot fully appreciate the importance of the installation of such a system without quoting the comment of such a well-known American author as Mr. D. C. Eggleston, in his treatise on cost accounting. He says: "Accurate and efficient records are quite as important to a business as are the charts and compass to a ship at sea. They, too, show th< location of the rocks which menace disaster, and also the channels in which the water is deep and safe, and they point surely and steadily the course to be followed." This paramount remark of such a distinguished authority in accounting, has perhaps, encouraged the ones who were and are responsible for installing our cost accounting system, and who thus made use of Mr. Eggleston's charts and compass. Pointers on record-keeping necessary to effective management control As we are inclined to know the importance of this system, we are the more interested in learning what a cost system means. In common commercial parlance, it simply means a method and process used so as to determine the actual cost of a certain manufactured or made article by grouping or compiling the different cost records affecting its manufacture from its raw material stage to a finished product. Such a cost system as applied to our plant accounting means a series of shop and plant records, which, when properly adjusted to the general scheme of our Telephone accounting (Uniform System of Accounts for Telephone Companies) would enable us to ascertain and record accurately the actual shop or plant cost of any job or unit of article (done either in our shop or outside of our plant) plus the other elements which enter to make up that cost. The above definition will be more understandable if we reduce it to a general common formula for arriving at the cost of any article or job performed. Where DL is direct labor, DM is direct material, PC is prime cost. SE or 0 is shop expense or overhead, MC is miscellaneous, SC is shop cost, and P'C' is plant cost, we have the following formula to arrive at as the shop cost or plant cost (Cost in Plant) : DL + DM +PC PC + MC + SE or 0 = SC or P'C'. It should be noted that in computing the cost of any job other than the work performed in our shop, the same formula is applied except that shop expense is omitted and in lieu thereof. transportation and other similar expenses are added. As we glance at the above formula, we notice its simplicity. One arithmetic process only is used-addition. Yet, to those who are in charge of the preparation and verificaIO GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines tion of this particular report, it is not as easy as it appears. Why? Because in order to arrive at a correct cost, they must have at least the following basic principles in mind: 1. Whether or not all the items of material and supplies used for a particular order or estimate are included in the report. 2. Whether or not the prices and extension are correctly stated. 3. Whether or not the cost of labor is correctly computed. 4. Whether or not the other elements of cost are included. 5. Whether or not some elements of cost which are not supposed to be taken up in the report were inadvertently included. Our cost system is divided into different orders and estimates. For orders, we have the following: Shop, routine, job and custom work orders. For estimates we have two only: Routine and specific estimates. All routine and job orders and some minor shop orders chargeable to either plant or maintenance accounts are classified as routine estimates. Shop orders are done at our Repair and Paint Shops consisting of converting, rebuilding, repairing, dismantling, and reconditioning our telephone apparatus and also manufac~uring and increasing or decreasing the capacity of our PBX switchboards. There are also the so-called miscellaneous shop orders covering such minor and odd jobs such as: making wooden boxes, placing cable stubs, repairing furniture and office equipment, etc. . The routine and job orders and specific estimates are done either inside or outside of our plant. Inside plant work usually consists of those jobs pertaining to constructions. additions, repairs, improvements, etc., of our central office equipment. Outside plant work is composed of similar performance with that of inside plant work except that the job is done in the field. The outside plant work may be further distinguished from the inside job because the latter is composed of accounts from the 2 3 3 to 244T groups and from 602 to 607 groups except 604 account. Custom work orders are jobs done for outside parties. The plant of which does not belong to our Company. As we become familiar with the use of this system, we realize the benefits and important advantages which it furnishes our Company. Some of them are: I. It is an aid to efficiency. 2. It indicates comparative costs. 3. It controls production wastes. 4. It establishes standard procedures and operations. 5. It serves as a guide for our plant executives and section heads. Altho it is an axiomatic principle of factory (shop or plant in our case) management that 100 % efficiency cannot be attained in spite of strict supervision and efforts of the men behind it, nevertheless, a 1 00 % service efficiency is attainable. according to the accountant's point of view, if a well devised cost system is maintained. Why' Because losses and leakages due to waste of labor and material; failure to utilize and maintain any machinery to reach a_ certain standard so that day by day expenses can be kept down to the lowest practicable level without in any way jeopardising its efficiency will be disclosed and corrected only thru the information furnished by a good cost system. Taking everything equal. it would also trace and reveal accurately the efficiency of a workmen by comparing his present performances with that of the same line of job with those of the past. A detailed record of an effective cost system makes it possible to prepare comparative and analytical statements showing such important comparisons as: (a) Machine work with handwork . ( b) Piece work with day work. (c) Overtime work with regular time work. ( d) Actual plant or shop orders cost as against the corresponding cost of the same kind of orders from a previous period. ( e) Actual cost of plant or shop orders with a predetermined estimates or standard costs. (f) The cost to produce or manufacture a certain unit of article compared with the cost of the same unit in the market. May. I 938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 11 An accurate cost system always brings to light many inefficiencies such as: waste of time, of material. or space, defective or inefficient work, and also the other sources of wastes are all accounted for, thereby giving the plant supervisor or head a basis for the correction and control of such waste. Standardization of: procedures, operations, sizes of productive unit, material contents of any major item of property, method of wage payments, and planning of production control of our shops and plant jobs are made possible by maintaining an accurate cost records. On the basis of the reports of completed shop, routine, job and custom work orders and specific estimates, it is possible for our plant executives, plant section and sub-section heads to decide more intelligently with respect to the preparation of future plant orders and estimates. A well-devised cost system serves them as the guide to locate any individual and sectional responsibility whenever a question as to the poor or inefficient performance of any job arises. thus achieving an ideal aim of an effective plant executive supervision and control. The Accounting Department, particularly the Plant Accounting Section, would indeed be handicapped in the preparation of completed orders and specific estimates without the full-hearted cooperation of both the Plant and Radiophone Departments. This system especially affects those who are in charge of preparing the reports of material and supplies used and recovered and also labor, miscellaneous and transportation expenses which affect any of the completed orders and estimates. As we are, therefore, ushered into another new year. I hope that through the columns of Good Transmission, the Radiophone, Plant and Accounting Department personnel, will cultivate better understanding and cooperation in order to reach the goal which the builders of this system have hoped to attain. This does not necessarily mean. however, that in previous years we have not had the cooperation of these two Departments. We always have. But, what I mean here is that in order that completion reports of our shop, routine, job, custom work orders and estimates can be accurately prepared and submitted we. who are entrusted with the preparation and care of these records, cannot accomplish anything without the proper and correct reports submitted by both the Radiophone and Plant Departments as they are the sources of all these records which make up an accurate and efficient cost system. Guardians of Our . .. (Continued from page 8) times has to walk all the way to locate the cause of the trouble with only a five-cell flashlight to find his way through the dark night. Often he walks shivering from cold with nothing to cheer him, but the spirit of service as he goes on trying to clear the line as quickly as possible. We feel proud of this wonderful service, giving such full satisfaction to the public. However, we must not forget the men, who are doing their splendid part so that we may render "good transmission" and uninterrupted service over our long distance lines, by keeping constant vigilance over them from day to day. My Impression ... (Continued from page 7) The big mining concerns in Camarines Norte. the business houses in Naga and Legaspi and the people who go to the Bicol region to see Mt. Mayon could well afford to give us enough business to make the investment worthwhile. My last trip to the Bicol provinces surely changed my opinion from one of skepucism to enthusiasm. 12 Goo6 TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines Things Pass .. By Mrss ILUMINADA RAMOS Stenographer to the Asst. to the Plant Manager JANUARY the 12th, 1938. marked my first experience as a steno-typist in the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, and how! Everything was Greek to me then. My mind was 1 b 1 an k regarding the work all around me. During the first few days I was given light work which related mostly to the filing system. This shows how considerate my new Boss was to me, by not giving me a heavy burden at the start. My coworkers were so Miss RAMOS friendly to me. I could not h e 1 p feeling a little embarassed. There were times when I wanted to know something more about this or that around me. but I often gave up, disappointed because I was too timid to ask anyone in the office for an explanation and I would go home with a heavy heart. So many thoughts of what I. had to learn flashed through my mind on my way home that they made me feel restless all night. Many a time I found myself crying for no reason at all. The worst part came when I was first asked to take dictation. With my heart pounding heavily each second. I took firm h. old of my pencil and notebook and sat down beside . Mr. Tabuena. my Boss. 1 could hardly hear what he was dictating to me, I was so nervous and overwrought. 1 Another discovery that, after all, our worst fears are • • • nothing could not keep my mind on my work but kept thinking of all the people around me. I was so self-conscious that I thought everyone in the whole room was staring at mepointing at me with accusing fingers. an3 thinking I was "no good." When you remember that this was during my first few days with the Company you will understand just how I felt. The moment final! y came when my first job of taking dictation was finished and I sat down to transcribe my notes on the typewriter. Imagine my surprise and dismay-I could hardly decipher my strokes, taken so hurriedly and in such a nervous manner. This made me feel miserable. "I am a no-good stenographer." I muttered to myself. "Why did I ever accept this job I" I was really so discourage:! that I thought of quitting the next day. My new friends and co-workers said this happened to almost everyone at first and urged me to stay and do my best, to which I acceded. I tried to regain my poise and appear calm in the days that followed, but in vain. I was really ashamed to have my friends in the office. and especially my boss, the Assistant to the Plant 'Manager. know how miserably I felt. I tried to be extra careful in my work the · next time and the succeeding ones but it seemed that the more careful I tried to be, the more mistakes 1 made. I did not lose hope though, and still live in the expectation that some day I will be able to make good. "And I will." One thing about my friends in the office is that they work so hard and are so full of pep. You should hear them crack jokes with each other-they seem to be "born wisecrackers" and merry-makers. too. I enjoy hearing their jokes, and honest now, 1 don't feel nearly so much embarassed as l (Continued on page 30) May.1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION I J Notes on Recent Occurrences Reprint from BELL TELEPHONE QUARTERLY July, 1937 CHINA is the most recent addition to the list of foreign countries to be brought within voice reach of this continent by means of the transoceanic radio telephone circuits of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Conversations formally opening the new service took place on May 19, when the speakers talked from the office of the Secretary of State in Washington. D. C., and the Palace Hotel in Shanghai. The time at the American end of the 9.400 mile radio and telephone circuit was 10:00 A. M .. E.S.T .. while the clocks along the Bund registered 11 : 00 P. M. In addition to conversations engaged in by Secretary of State Cordell Hull. Dr. Wang Chung-hui, Minister for Foreign Affairs for China. and other government officials in the two countries, the ceremonies were made especially interesting by chats between leading women of the West and the East. In this connection, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt talked with Mme. Chiang Kai-shek, wife of China's Generalissimo and President of that country's Executive Yuan. Later. Mrs. Roosevelt exchanged greetings with Mme. H. H. Kung, wife of the Chinese Minister of Finance and Vice-President of the Executive Yuan: and Mme. Kung spoke with Mme. Sao-Ke Alfred Sze, wife of the Chinese Ambassador to the United States. Both Mesdames Chiang and Kung, incidentally, are graduates of American colleges. The ceremonies began with a conversation between T. G. Miller, Vice-President of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company and master of ceremonies and Dr. Yu-ching Wen, Director General of Telecommunications for the Chinese Government. Following these greetings, Secretary of State Hull, while speaking with Dr. Wang. recalled that the first American ship to visit China with a cargo of merchandise arrived there in 1784. The voyage from China phone service brings country within voice reach of Bell System New York to Canton occupied more than six months, he said. But "today", he added, "I am exchanging greetings with you halfway around the world in approximately the same time as would be required were we talking by telephone from different points in the same city." In reply, Dr. Wang pointed to Confucius' ideal of universal brotherhood and remarked that scientific achievements "have gradually led human beings, whatever their race, religion and political creed, to live, think, and act like members of one great family." Secretary Hull and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang then turned their telephones over to others who engaged in additional conversations. Among these were Chinese Ambassador Sze and Nelson T. Johnson, American Ambassador to China; Anning S. Prall, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission; General Yu Fei-peng, Mimster of Communications in China; and other well-known persons in the two countries. The extension of service to China, the seventieth country to be brought within reach of the Bell System, leaves but two large telephone systems-those in Russia and New Zealand-yet to be connected with the United States. The new service is available to about 57,000 telephones in Greater Shanghai and to Bell and Bell-connected telephones in the United States, Canada, Cuba and Me~ico. . The short-wave circuit connecting radio stations near San Francisco and Shanghai is more than 6,000 miles long. The things worthwhile for you are within your reach-if you reach hard enough and long enough. Success is nothing but doing your full duty to the very best of your ability. Whatever rewards come are only trimmings. GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines My First Visit to Cebu Fram the Diary of MRS. CONCEPCION ESPINO (Mrs. Espino, is the wife of Mr. Gabriel Espino. District Manager, Negros.-Ediror·s note.) Thursday, April 14, 1938. H OW thrilling to spend the Easter Holidays in Cebu! To have a dream come true--one my husband and I bad cherished these many months. To see the land of the Cebuanos as we had seen Occidental Negros and Iloilo. We were up at four and at the office .by five o'clock. Mr. Kincaid. who came by plane yesterday, joined us there. We were going by bus for a lark. It was due at five -it finally arrived at six. an hour late. It lost three hours before we arrived in San Carlos, 147 kilometers away. It took us six hours to make the trip, horse and buggy time, fifteen miles an hour. We understood it was an "Express Bus" -it was, but in name only. It stopped at every Barrio, and every time any one wanted to get off or on. We expected to catch the morning boat from San Carlos to Toledo, on the Cebu side. By the time we reached Silay (fifteen kilometers) we realized we would be lucky even to catch the afternoon boat. We sent a message to Mr. Ocampo. who had kindly arranged to meet us in Toledo, hoping to catch him before he left Cebu City, and save him a long wait in Toledo. We arrived in San Carlos about noon. It seemed days since we left Bacolod. There was a crowd of people at the boat landing, looking very dejected. They told us the afternoon trip of the boat had been cancelled because it was a holiday. This seemed impossible. We refused to believe it until we boarded the boat; heard it from the Captain in person. It was really true-the trip had been discontinued without notice. Fine public service! We told him what we thought, and how. Back on the pier we stood in the hot sun debating what to do. Mr. Espino was How the rnoon changed an annoying trip into a rnost glorious adventure for return.ing to Bacolod-but not on the bus with its hundred stops. My heart sank to the lowest depths. It was so set on the trip. I had dreamed of it-planned it for days, weeks, months. I just couldn't stand to see it put off. We decided to go to a nearby hotel--clean up, have lunch, and talk it over afterwards. That was a little break for me. A hungry man is an angry one, and Mr. Espino was that right then. After a shower, a good meal, a little rest, I knew we would all feel better. Alas!-the hotel was a disappointment. There was no water for a shower, very little for anything-as the city water system was out of order. There w.is no ice water -nothing cold to drink as the ice plant was out of order. The lunch was poor-we ate little. We tried to send a telegram to Mr. Ocampo, but the telegraph office was closed. Everything seemed wrong. I went into my room, closed the door, tried to get some rest. I heard Mr. Espino and Mr. Kincaid go out-to arrange for a car, I thought. I wanted to cry. Next thing I knew they were back again. They knew how disappointed I was. They had tried to charter a motorboat to Toledo. There was none. They could get a sailboat as a last resort. Would I take the chance? I remembered how sick I always was in a boat, but my goal was Cebu. I was ready to go, no matter how. Gathering all my courage I said: "When do we start". The landlady tried to dissuade us-telling me what a risk it was-but my mind was made up. There was just enough room in the sailboat (a banca of the outrigger type) for the three of us. Gabriel thoughtfully May. 1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 15 brought along two bottles of drinking water, and best of all an umbrella. What a blessing it was in that hot afternoon sun! I managed to hold it over the three of us, it was tiresome, but there was a song in my heart: We were on our way. We were terribly crowded but, all in all, enjoyed the trip. There were flying fishflocks of them. Dolphins played around the boat-diving in all sorts of ways. The vista of the distant hills-the blue waterwas entrancing. The yard-arm creaked loudly every time it moved. The captain promised me to have it greased next trip, but someway I do not believe he was serious. As we neared Toledo the sun behind us set in a golden halo and the moon appeared over the mountains ahead, pale and romantic. It was a beautiful sight. We dropped anchor at 6: 10 P. M. The trip of about 20 kilometers had taken three hours and forty minutes. Before we left the boat I inscribed our names on the yardarm. That was to remind the captain of his promise to oil it up. There were no familiar faces to greet us in Toledo. We learned that Mr. and Mrs. Ocampo and Mr. Sinay, of the Radiophone Department, had returned to Cebu at four o'clock after waiting all afternoon. Luckily there was a bus for Cebu-the last one that day. We boarded it, anxious to get going. Our trip up that winding road over the very top of the mountain range and down to Cebu City, was interesting and beautiful, especially so in the bright moonlight. We arrived in Cebu at 9: 00 P. M., telephoned Mr. Ocampo from the bus station, and in a few minutes he and Mrs. Ocampo were there. They were greatly surprised to see us and were full of admiration at our courage in risking the dangerous trip across the strait in a small sailboat. Shortly we all sat down to a good dinner at the Elite Cafe. Mr. Rodriguez and his charming wife and his sister Nena joined us there and welcomed us to Cebu. Friday, April 15, 1938 (Good Friday). At eleven o'clock the "telephone family" of the Visayas drove down to meet the s. s. Mayon to welcome Mama and Papa Hall, to Cebu. From there to. the telephone office, then to a splendid luncheon served by that most charming and capable hostess, Miss Nena Rodriguez. Then sightseeing until 4:30 P. M. At five o'clock the Mayon sailed away with Mr. and Mrs. Hall aboard, enroute to Manila via lloilo. Saturday. April 16, 1938. We will never forget the wonderful swimming party at Talisay today, or the merienda given by Mr. and Mrs. Luis Rodriguez. Nor the fine dinner party given this evening by that model couple, Mr. and Mrs. Del Mar. It was a wonderful evening and we enjoyed every minute. To complete a perfect day we went to see an excellent picture in Cebu's new and beautiful airconditioned theatre, the "Vision." I could write pages regarding Cebu-the beautiful shaded drives, the irregular splashes of moonlight converting them to lanes of light and shadow-veritable "roads to romance", The cross planted by Magellan, four hundred years ago; the first cross in the Philippines. It has stood all these years as a shrine. We viewed with delight and reverence, the beautiful churches hundreds of years old; Colon Street, the Escolta of the old Spanish days; Lahug Drive below which the city spreads like a great panorama. We will long remember the swimming pools at Talisay with their ever-flowing supply of fresh water. The huge Apo Cement Factory at Tana-an, and, last but not least, the new and beautiful Capitol Building, a fitting monument to Visayas' oldest city, and its most progressive one. Sunday, April 17, 1938 (Easter Sunday) After these three wonderful, flying days of our trip, we reluctantly turned our faces toward home, leaving Mr. Kincaid in Cebu. We were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Ocampo, in another wonderful trip over the beautiful winding road topping the mountains to Toledo. This time we did not miss the ferry boat "Tolar". We had made sure of that in advance. Perhaps, however, our little sailboat-all greased up as promised-and its (Continued on page 3 1) 16 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Phitippinti A L THOUGH I have visited our southern division offices many times, and have told Mrs. Hall of the kind people to be met there and the many interesting sights to be seen. circumstances were never just right so that I could have the pleasure of showing jsu RAMO• PRISD~! these sights to her or of introducing her to my friends in the southern cities. Aboi.n-Mr. and Mrs. Hall visit prison Right-Doch scene at Zamboanga A combination of three things ---'- t w J good friends in Jlbnila who wanted to take a round-trip on th e Mayon - the Easter holidays- and my desire to see our new office in Bacolod-was too much for her. So Tuesday afternoon, April 12th, at 2 o'clock. we were on the Ma yon with a delegation of friends to see us off as if we were again starting on a trip around the world. Among these was Mrs. McCain, who, with a very sober face but a twinkle of mischief in her eye, presented each one of us with a ban voyage gift. When these packages were opened the shouts of glee almost stopped the ship. She knew each ones pet foible and her gifts were most appropriate. After ·arranging our cabins so that we would have the maximum amount of comfort for the days that were ahead of us (one who has never travelled much does not know the comfort and convenience of having one's belongings arranged properly in the cabin on a steamer) we were ready for a good, cold I planned carefully for a ·wonderful trip,., and Mrs. Hall went with me! drink--of orange juice. By this time we had passed Corregidor, the Gibraltar of the Philippines, and were skirting the heavily wooded shores of the Province of Cavite. I have sailed through the much advertised Inland Sea of Japan on several occasions, but to me the trip on one of our inter-island ships offers as much, if not more, of interest and beauty. What is more beautiful than a cocoanut grove as seen from the ocean ! After a cold and refreshing bath, a good dinner and a full night's sleep we awoke to find ourselves sailing along the southern end of the Island of Panay. of which Iloilo is the capital city. Among thos e awaiting us on the pier at Iloilo w ere M r. Luis Rodri~uez. our District Manager; Miss Rose Heise. our C h i e f Operator: and Mr. Kincaid. We barely had time to dash up to the Office, say "hello" to everybody, and chen hurry over co the airport where we (Mrs. Hall. Mr. Kincaid and I) took the airplane for Bacolod. Miss Cordova described this airplane trip so well in our February issue that I need say no more about it. Our new office in Bacolod is a great improvement over the old office and the Traffic force is very proud of its quiet, well-ventilated operating room and spacious and com - fortable rest room : while the Plant Department personnel have adequate space for cheir testing desk and the supplies that are necessary for them to carry in Bacolod. May. J 9l8 GOOD TRANSMISSION 17 \Vhile tht menfolks u.'ax hot over management prob · /ems, lhe ladies keep cool in rhe shade of Cebu's coconut rues. The employees honored Mrs. Hall with a delicious lunch served at the University Club on the porch overlooking the sea. The piece de resistance was a /echon (roasted young pig) cooked by no other than that master chef. our own Wire Chief Carpio. although I have my suspicions that Mrs. Carpio did most of the work. After attending to several business matters in the afternoon, while Mrs. Espino and Mrs. Carpio took Mrs. Hall out to show her the town and out to a sugar central to see how the lank as grow (a large fruit which grows, not from the branches but directly from the trunk of the tree), we returned to the airport and flew back to lloilo. Mrs. Hall secured for herself the scat next to the pilot. It was a tight squeeze getting into the seat. and it was harder getting out backwards. but it was well worth while as the view ahead was clear and unobstructed. W e arrived in lloilo just in time to catch our boat and away we sailed for Zamboanga. Who has not heard of Zamboanga? It has been the subject of songs, stories. and even moving pictures have been taken of it. Its tropical setting, its beautiful orchids, and its Moro villages, built on piles over the clear waters of the sea make it appear like a city out of some old fairy tales. The town itself is a sleepy place with remarkably clean well shaded streets. As you walk up-town from the ship you will be greeted by a Moro in a fez and queerly fashioned trousers who will try to sell you beautiful pearls or a Moro kris. I am sure that the kris are made for the tourist trade and I am afraid that the pearls may have come from Japan, although people who are good judges can sometimes secure some beautiful pearls which have been brought in from nearby islands. As the ship approached the pier several outrigger canoes came alongside and the occupants thereof, boys and girls in all stages of dress and undress. called out to the passengers to throw coins into the water so that they might dive for them. In one of the canoes was a 200 lb. Mamma and her two naked sons. Mamma was about three times as wide as the canoe and seemed to be wedged firmly into its stern, but when I threw a peseta Mamma, fully dressed, plunged overboard and secured the coin before any one could get near it! When one of the passengers threw a copper or a five-centavo piece she sent one of the children after it. Coppers were too small for a big girl like her co chase. The last time I was in Zamboanga several years ago, the diving girls all called out " Throw me money, sweetheart," but this time someone must have told them that Mrs. Hall was along as they changed their plea and Nothing k~s thun a dime a dr'L:e for her. 18 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines called "Nice man, I dive for you, throw me money!'' We were a tired but very well satisfied group of people when the Mayon cast off her hawsers and we all waved goodbye to the people who had come down to see the boat sail. The next morning we arrived in Cebu where we were met by Mr. and Mrs. Ocampo, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez, Mr. and Mrs. Espino, Mr. and Mrs. de! Mar and Mr. Sinay. All the ladies went sight-seeing while the men went to the Office, where a miniature '"Manager's Conference" was held and views exchanged on the possibility of local toll billing. Miss Nena Rodriguez was hostess at an excellent lunch served at her home-after which the ladies took Mrs. Hall and our three Manila friends for a long ride out to Talisay and around town and away up into the hills back to town, from whence a wonderful view of the entire city and harbor was disclosed. The men all went back to the office for further conference until it was time for the ship to sail. The next morning we were in I1oilo again where we were met by Miss H eise and Dr. Cullen- the Company's physician, the friend of everybody, and exofficio, a member of every organization in town. The same Dr. Cullen who is described at such length by Dr. Heiser in his book ""An American Doctors Odyssey." Under the leadership of Dr. Cullen and M iss Heise we visited a place where a fiber similar to silk in texture is taken from the leaf of the pineapple plant and woven into· a. very strong and fine cloth. So far as we could determine, Iloilo is the only place where the piiia cloth is woven. The ladies of the party went wild over the beautiful lunch sets. and left with their arms full of purchases and their purses correspondingly empty. A visit was then made to the Asilo de Molo, a Catholic Orphanage, where we saw children doing embroidery work, that when finished looked as if the design had been drawn on the cloth with a very fine pen dipped in various colored inks. We were informed that a fine silk thread is split into three strands and just one of these cobwebsize threads is used at a time. The work is wonderful but it must be very hard on the eyes of the worker. We were also told that the girls are all kept busy and happy, and that they are put through regular courses in housekeeping, cooking, laundry work and (Continued on page 2 8) Above-M('ssrs. Half and Ocampo behir'1d the ban on the window of Mr. Ocampo's offire in Cebu. LeftMr. and M rs. Hall's party outside the door of our Cebu office. Note M r. Kincaid's interest in Mr. Ocampo looking out of his "cage". l\loy. 1918 GOOD TRANSMISSION 19 Summer Romance By CABESANG CULAS Commercial Department A S soon as the heat begins to produce humidity of perspiration beyond normal around one's collar. the natural instinct of the mind is to turn towards the cool breezes of higher altitudes. to rolling hill; of pine-clad verdure and incidentally. to figure out how soon and by what means one can reach there during the Holy Week holidays. Not everyone of us. however. can afford to leave Manila, even though the barometer may show positive indications of climbing to higher altitudes. But have you considered that, even with the heat, Manila can be restful. especially after half of the noisy population have gone away carrying with them the over-excessive monoxide gas from their cars and the nerve-shattering noise of their horns? Vacation time, as the name suggests, is supposed to be a period of relaxation. a sort of men ta! rest from the usual daily routine, a season where the spirit may roam about in a different surrounding, circulate in a distinct sphere of human relations and so forth, thus allowing the body to absorb a certain charge of new energy to replace the amount dissipated during the year. Summer heat can be philosophically considered with a degree of comfort and even with a touch of pleasure if you know how. Take Manila during the peak of the exodus of vacationists. which occurs during the Holy Week holidays. If you can master the right courage and mental attitude, particularly that tempered with the fortitude which bore the Christian martyrs to their glory, you will find pleasure in the newness of seeing familiar things and objects under a different aspect. After the sun has set in the bay and the remaining radiated heat has dwindled down A follower of Dr. Coue reveals how. one can keep cool while perspiring to a tolerable stage, you can walk over the Jones Bridge, stroll over the Escolta, look at the windows with a sense of placid calmness and actually find pleasure in seeing the display therein. There will perhaps be one little draw-back in your walk which will impress your sensitiveness, and that is the rare taste of some stores in exhibiting sweaters and winter clothing at a season when those garments should be stored away with moth balls. If you still have enough supply of fortitude, you can continue walking to Plaza Santa Cruz and cross the street with the carefreeness of a child, sure that no taxicab will jeopardize the efficiency of the Telephone Company by taking away an employee from the pay-roll. During this stroll, you begin to notice things which heretofore have failed to attract your attention and on the degree of interest that you can show over these things in your mind, will depend the thrill that you will get. Staying in Manila even with the heat at its highest, can after all offer a certain amount of mental relaxation and if you are philosophical enough, arouse a certain sense of pleasure. And to crown the accomplishment of the day and reward such a display of fortitude, you can end your summer adventure on the streets of Manila, by seating yourself before the counter of a soda fountain, sipping a cold drink and later topping the whole treat with a cigar. And, of course, to complete the reward, the walk can be terminated in an air-cooled movie house where you can sit down, relax and, in a present offering, watch a ski tournament in the snow-clad mountains of the Alps. And then will you tell me is there no romance in Manila during the summer? 20 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippinu "BETTER ENGLISH" CORNER By RICHARD KUPSCH CORRECT USE OF WORDS In this month's issue of the Good Transmission, our readers are afforded the opportunity of participating directly in our weekly lessons on Practical English. These are so important and beneficial, that both the Editor and the Instructor have decided to introduce some of the more useful but confusing rules of Everyday English in our monthly "Better English Column". Employees of the Telephone Company, especially secretaries and clerks who are working in the provinces and others unable to attend our classes, will no doubt find these lessons (prepared specifically for them) applicable in their daily work. In this issue, we will discuss the rather puzzling rules governing the correct usageas opposed to popular misusage - of shall and will; should and would; may and might; and can and could. (Lesson 4.) Shall and Will: In sentences where simply futurity-that is, a simple statement concerning the future and beyond the control of the will-is implied, shall is used in the first person, and will, in the second and third; thus:1 shall probably see him to-night. . We shall be glad to have you with us. You will help me, will you not?. They will either telephone or cable you. When however, resolution, promise or determination is expressed or understood, the simple future for shall and will is reversed; thus:1 will not fail you. !Promise.) We will certainly look into the matter. (Resolution.) You shall do as you are told. (Determination.) They shall not be allowed to enter. (Determination.) In questions. use always shall with I and we; with the other persons use the same word as expected in the answer; thus:Will you call him up? I will. (Promise.) Shall we be late? I think we shall. (Simple futurity.) Should and Would: The rules governing the use of shall and will are therefore clear enough. With should and would, on the other hand, there is apt to be some confusion at first owing to the fact that these words have special use of their own. Primarily however, should is simply the past tense of shall; would, that of will. Hence they follow, in general, the same rules. Apart from this, should emphasized means 'ought to' and is then used with all three persons. (Example: They should do their duty.) It thus expresses obligation. INDIRECT DISCOURSE: Irrespective of futurity, determination, etc., always report should with shall and would with will in indirect discourse. Example: "I shall go." (Simple futurity.) He said that he should go. (Indirect discourse.) "I will go" (Promise.) He said that he would go. "I should (ought to) go." (Obligation.) He said that he should go. Notice that the use of shall and will, or should, in the above examples alone shows the speaker's determination (will) or probability (shall) or obligation (should). This is an important observation which the present writer has been surprised to discover most grammarians neglect to insist in on their often tedious and elaborate explanation of these rules. This observation actually holds the key to an otherwise confusing rule, as sometimes doubt arises as to whether determination, promise, etc., is apparent in certain statement. What makes this confusion very understandable regarding the use of would for should, is the popular misusage of these words. The following example, I hope will make this point clear: We would appreciate your kind endeavours to assist us in this matter. (Wrong-popular misusage.) May. 1918 GOOD TRANSMISSION 21 Now the use of would is misapplied m this statement because would, like will, in the first person, conveys a definitive sense of resolution or determination on the speaker's part, who in the above sentence is actually making a plea - not enforcing his authority: in other words, he is asking for assistance. Therefore should is the correct word. In the following sentence, however, it is clear that a demand is made, hence would shows the determination on the subject's part: We would appreciate an immediate payment of your account long since overdue. (Determination, but courtesy-should.) We should appreciate your kind endeavours to assist us in this matter. Would in the first sentence is therefore forceful: so that, out of courtesy, should may be used, in the second sentence, however, the substitution of would for should gives the statement an unpleasant, peremptory connotation. A few examples of the correct usage of should and would are given below:We should be glad to come. (Simple contingent. futurity. Contingent means likely, but not certain to occur, probable.) We would certainly have carried out your order if we had received it in time. (Promise.) We should (ought to) pay our debts and so should (ought) they. (Should in obligation.) would if I could but I cannot. (Promise.) They should certainly have done their duty if you had not interfered. (Determination.) Can and May Can denotes ability or power, whereas may only expresses permission or possibility. The contention that can and may will soon be interchangeable, is not upheld by careful speakers. It is said that George Bernard Shaw once reproved an American Dramatic Club on this very point. According to the story, they cabled him for permission to present one of his plays, the message reading, "Can we act your Pygmalion?" To which the famous dramatist replied characteristically, "You may, but you probably cannot." The distinction is clear. Ex. "Can you read French?" (Ability.) "May you read her French book'" (Permission.) "Yes, I may, but I cannot. (Permission, ability.) "He may be right after all. (Possibility.) Could and Might: Could is the past tense of can; might that of may. In indirect discourse, quote may with might and can with could (like will with would, shall with should). Ex. Can you read French?" (Direc\ discourse.) He asked me whether I could read French. (Indirect discourse.) "May you read her French book?" . Study all these rules carefully and then fill in the blanks given below with the word you should use, stating after each sentence the reason for your choice. In our next month's issue, we will (promise) give you the correct answers and a new lesson, too. Lesson No. 4. Exercise l, Fill the blanks below with shall or will, and give after each sentence the reason for your choice (futurity, promise, determination, or volition). I. " you be home to dinner'" "No, I have dinner downtown." 2. I know I not enjoy the bridge party, but I go to please you. 3, If there is no further discussion, we now cast our ballots. 4. "Unless Harold attends class regularly, he be expelled," said the principal with finality. 5. We take care of the children: don't worry about them. 6. We must reach Elsie at once. I telephone her, or you? 7. What we do if he doesn't come? 8. I am sorry Mr. Lyman is not in: I ask him to call you as soon as he returns. and I am sure he do so. (Continued on page 24) Philippine Industries .. @ ... fl'. o· o!l, ~ .... ( o"lo .0 .c:f?j ... ·winnowtnl' rice t~: Abo1.1e - T resh 1n:he l'rana r y of 7 • Nueva Ec11a, Ph1hpp1nes. GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila, Philippines "Better English" Corner (Continued from page 2 I) 9. I think he sing for us if I ask him. In any case, I take charge of the entertainment. I 0. you be busy tonight, Ben? If not. you go sailing with us? Exercise 2. Use should or would in each of the blanks below: ]. We have been late if we hadn"t taken the bus. 2. Do you think it offend her if we invited him? 3. We be glad to come. 4. I swear I do it for you if I could. 5. We knew we be criticized, no matter what we did. 6. ··. you have spoken to him, if you had been in my place?". "Yes even though I were angry, I think I have spoken." 7. I not have known Billy: he has grown so tall! 8. He not testify under any circumstances, I am sure. 9. I like to see him again. I 0. you care to go to Ideal theater to-night? Exercise 3. Use may. might, can, or could in each of the following sentences, giving the reasons for your choice (ability, possibility, or permission.) I. I use your telephone? 2. He wondered whether he have been misquoted. 3. you read French? 4. I asked whether I leave the office early. 5. have the book after you have read it? 6. 7. You you go if we called for you? use my office all afternoon. 8. Mother said we swim for an hou'9. I have the machine until six o'clock. IO. He after all. refuse to sign the lease, Monthly Merit Cards are given to such Employees of our Telephone Company who have demonstrated their keen interest in our Better English Classes by their regular weekly attendance. As may deserve a special mention, the Instructor has prepared below an imposing merit list with a double aim in view: to encourage them to continue to do so and to incite other members enrolled to emulate them. Name HONOR ROLL MONDAY CLASS Barrameda, Anastacio Barrientos, Catalino Camaya, Esteban R. Corpus, Serafin Cruz, Esteban Maliksi, Enrique R. Manzano, Benito Marcelo, Serafin Pondevida, Basilio Salacup, Felix Simundo, Nicomedes WEDNESDAY CLASS Name Alonzo, Deane Canseco, Antonio Carlson, Marie Cartera, Ramon C. Cruz, Perfecto D. Daza, Gabriel A. Garcia, (Miss) Milagros Garriz, Carmen Javier, Mariano Ledesma, Ernesto B. Lema, (Miss) Diana Y. Noble, (Miss) Iluminada Oclassen, F. J. Olayres, Lupo B. Pereno, Baltazar Recio, M. R. Reyes, (Miss) Prudencia Richards, Carmen Romero, A. Santos, Bernardo Talamayan, (Miss) Erlinda Tolentino, Santiago M. Y raola. E. Rosales Department Commercial Plant Plant Plant Accounting Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Department Plant Accounting Commercial Accounting Executive Commercial Traffic Plant Accounting Commercial Executive Executive Plant Plant Plant Commercial Traffic Executive Commercial Plant Traffic Accounting Plant (Continued on page 2 8) M•y. 1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 25 TELEPHONE FACTS (From: The Miracle of Talking by Telephone, by F, Barrows Colton) Today any conversation between continents half a world apart is far easier and clearer than was the first telephone message sent over a wire stretched only between two rooms, when Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 said to his assistant: "Mr, Watson, come here, I want you." In 61 years, less than a lifetime, the telephone has grown from a scientific toy to a world-wide workaday network. A manufacturer in Ohio tooted his new two-chime automobile horn over the transatlantic telephone to a prospective customer in England, and landed a big order. • • A buyer for a New York store who never has been outside the United States makes purchases in half a dozen European countries in a single day by telephone . • An Englishman in London, learning to play the bagpipe, was "stumped" by a diffi. cult piece of music and called his teacher in Scotland. The teacher played the piece over the phone to his pupil correctly, then the pupil played it back while the teacher listened. And so they skirted away on the pipes back and forth to each other over the wire until the composition was mastered. Presumably the pupil paid the toll charges. * In the United States, most telephoneminded of all countries, 85,000,000 telephone conversations take place every day. This means, with two people to each conversation, that the daily number of talkers is far greater than the Nation's population. More than 800 people talk across the United States every business day. "Out of reach of a telephone" is almost unheard of in the United States, with 19,000,000 instruments, or one for every seven people, Of a total of 38,000,000 telephones in the entire world, half are in that country, New York City alone has more telephones than all France with a population of nearly 42,000,000. Chicago has more than all South America. There are more in Los Angeles than in all of Africa. • Only for a comparatively few miles from the nearest broadcasting station do network programs travel through the air, whereas they may have sped nearly 3,000 miles over a telephone wire before taking to the air at all, Photo9ro.ph by J . Bay/OT Roberts "PAGE ONE," A THOUSAND EDITORS WILL SLUG THIS "WIREPHOTO" W ithin an hour newsboys from Boston Harbor to the Gofden Gate were yelling, "All about the Roose· i;e/t-Du Pont wedding!" Here a picture of the bridal part y is mounted on a roller in the sending apparatus of the Associated Preu in New Y ork City. As the roller turns, a tiny light moves ovt r the picture, and dark and light areas are translated into electric impulses flashing over special wires of the telephone svstem. A r the receiving end the impulses are turned back into light, exposing a negative on another_ u - vofuing roller. When deL!eloped it provides a duplicate of the original photograph. T elephone engineers perfectt>d the "Wirephoto," one of setX!'ral "picture-bywire"' systems now in usr. 26 GOOD TRANSMiS.SlON Manila, Philippines: , I <FromC~~~?,~N·sM!~!~~~S BusrNEss SUCCESS: VOLUME ON BUSINESS ENGLISH) SENTENCES All the words in the unabridged dictionary will profit you nothing if you cannot marshal them into sentences to express your thoughts. It is said that the reason the average French boy is superior to the Amer1.can youngster in the use of his native tongue is that from the earliest grades he is taught w handle the most difficult of composition problems-the sentence. It is slovenly thought that makes slipshod ·sentences, and the old rule is still good: Look to the sense and the sentence will look to itself. Let each sentence express only one -complete thought. Be sure that it is emphasized and that the subordinate elements .are 'kept subordinate. Don't introduce the main idea with if. when, since, because, or .any other similar conjunction. Place modifiers as near as possible to the words they modify. Never omit the subject of a verb. It is discourteous to say, "Have just received your request for a catalog." Don't compound sentences with so, "You wrote for a ·catalog: so we are sending you one.": and don't string a lot of sentences together with and and but. Avoid awkward repetition by using synonyms and pronouns but never be afraid to repeat a word if it makes the meaning clearer. Don't begin all sentences with the subject and don't build them all on the same plan. Such a procedure is very tiresome to the reader. Aim for simplicity and variety. The first will make it easy and the second will make it pleasant for your ·reader. The average man is too ignorant, too lazy. or too busy. to puzzle over your meaning. Revise your sentences even to the third and fourth times. It is hard to mix ideas and rules and since the ideas are the more important, it is best to write them down and then apply the rules. This is true in the beginning. after a while you will find that your thoughts shape themselves according to rule. Short sentences. like short paragraphs. hurry the thought along; Ion'"{ sentences are more deliberate and soothing. They are very effective in adjusting complaints and refusing credit. People like to feel that you have plenty of time to discuss their grievances. Educated people and conservativ< business men do not like to be jerked along by short sentences. In writing to them you will find that the best rule is to stick to th< golden mean. Don't abuse the single short sentence paragraph: it is very emphatic and should be saved for ideas worth emphasizing greatly. And don't try to knock your correspondent down with your first sentence. Th< startling introduction has been used so mud: that it has lost its force, and no matter to what class of people you are appealing, you will find that a ouiet beginning is more satisfactory than all the verbal sky-rockets you are capable of throwing. Good sentences are produced by careful observance of the laws of grammar and punctuation. CUSTOM By MISS ANNE BARNES T raueling Chief Operator. Iowa Independent Telephone Association. Des Moines. Iowa Someone has said: "There is no tyrant like custom. and no freedom where its edicts are not resisted." Custom becomes second nature after one has followed a beaten path for a considerable time. Until we grow used to its edicts, we fume, fret and resist acceptance. After a while it sometimes tricks us into indifferent acceptance without selling us the reason for its need. If a custom is a good one. then its benefits are wasted. If it does not fulfill the purpose intended, it is sooner or later discarded and we have had our fuming. fretting and resisting all for nothing. No. not all for nothing-but for no good purpose because we are stamped as folks who do not take instructions kindly. How often this has been proved true in our acceptance or resistance of new telephone operating practices. We will fare better in the long run if we conform to the customs of the majority for. by so doing. we will not draw attention to ourselves. "Excess either way shocks." Moral: Use is the test of the value of things. (From 1'efrphm111. April 23, 1038) May. 1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 27 II HEALTH CORNER COLDS (Reprint from First Aid T<>xt Booh. AmcricJn Red Cross) Colds are probably caused by a germ or a variety of germs. although the cause is not absolutely determined. These germs may be present in the nose and throat at anytime. and the body have enough resistance to prevent their getting a footho!dthen some cause such as insufficient rest. the chilling of the body. exposure · to drafts. or being in overheated room with poor ventilation, may lower one's vitality to such a point that the germs begin to grow. Colds frequently occur in epidemics. During epidemics, they are particularly contagious. Colds are more common than any other disease. From most of them. recovery is good: but a cold that is not properly cared for, may be the start of serious trouble such as pneumonia or mastoiditis. Prevention- Avoid undue exposure which tends to lower the body's resistance. Do not cough so that the spray will fall on anyone. Not only colds but other contagious diseases are spread by carelessness in this respect. A person having a cold should always sleep alone. Individual towels should be used by anyone having cold. Also use paper handkerchiefs which can be burned. T reatment : When a cold does begin, prompt 'treatment will often break it up. J. Avoid unnecessary exposure. 2. Drink plenty of fluids. 3. Bicarbonate of soda or baking sodaa rounded teaspoonful every two hours for about three doses--often helps. 4. A laxative, such as Epsom salts or milk of magnesia may welJ be taken. 5. Take a hot bath followed by a hot lemonade or similar drink just before going to bed. Do not get into a warm bed at o nce. If no marked improvement is noted or fever or cough persists, consult the doctor. Among Our Company "Pensionados" BRAULIO ANGELES Born of poor parents. he started his schooling under Spanish tutors. At the age of sixteen, he began working as an office boy at a salary of !'4 monthly in the now defunct commercial firm "Ongcapin y Cia.," and was later employed as teller in the International Banking Corporation ( now National City Bank of New York). and then as timekeeper and paymaster for J. G. W hite 8 Company. He was lastly engaged by the Philippine Islands T elephone and T elegraph Company as bookkeeper in 1908. At the head of eight men, he was in charge of the accounting work of the Company up to December 3 I. 1923, when he retired at the age of 44, to devote his time to private business. He is at present still actively engaged in business, owns real estate properties in the city and a cattle ranch and agricultural lands in Cavite Province. Proud owner of a new P3 0. 000. 00 home and three automobiles. he prefers to walk whenever possible. says walking keeps him fit. He is married to Asuncion A. Reyes and has three children : Ramon, a practising physician: Natividad, a high school teacher : and Enrique, who is secretary to T reasurer Galvez of our company. 28 GooD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines uBetter English" Corner (Continued from page 24) FRIDAY CLASS Name A bilo, Arturo Caragay, Inocencio Cifra, Bueaaventura Fernandez, Mariano Gatchalian, Valentin General, Valeriano Jiao, Braulio Mariano, Emiliano Musgni, Regino Pagunsan, Espiridion Reyes, Hipolito G. Romero, Jose Vitan, Dionisio Department Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Plant Making a fool of others doesn't necessarily proclaim you a wise man. A Southern Cruise (Continued from page 18) embroidery, so that when they grow up and are ready to leave the orphanage they are well able to take care of themselves. Miss Heise then took us for a drive around the city, pointing out the principal points of beauty and interest, and then back to the Office where we discussed a few local problems before it was time to return to the ship. Mr. and Mrs. Brookman and Mrs. Cook, the friends who took the trip with us, were generous in their praises of the courtesy and hospitality of Miss Heise in lloilo, and of all the Managers and their wives whom they met in Cebu. They are still speaking of what fine people they are-and I asked them what else would they expect from people who work for such a good company as ours; and besides, Mrs. Hall went with me. Employees' Roll of Honor (Continued from page 2) Employees CENTRAL DISTRICT Twaiio. H. Traff. Twaiio, T. Cruz. Plant Leyba. v. Com'!, Bondoc, R. Traff. David. N. Plane Dimarucue, A. Com'!. Lacson, v. Traff. Pacheco. v. Plane Santos, J. Traft. NORTHERN DISTRICT Grande Traff. Jovellanos Borja Cruz. A. de la Ci:artel Plant Duay Traff. Herrera, D. Com'!, Samson Plane Narciso Traff. Malana IO 6 2 2 I I 1 I I I Employees Dept. PANAY DISTRICT Deremal . ... . ... ... Traff . Heise Jainga Plant Juurio Traff. Peleiia Plant Serdefi.a Traff. Ybarzabal NEGROS DISTRICT Demadara Traff. Carpio Plant Espinosa Traff. Mansillo Plant SOUTHERN DISTRICT Gum ban, E. . ......... Plant Li~on, A. Traff. No. Of Stns: May. 1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 29 ]Vew~ of the Month We Could Say a Lot of Fine Thinga About "Joe" Galvez Of the splendid record he made when he first came into our organization. Of how he studied nights and Sundays and graduated as a Lawyer through plain hard work. Of how much we missed him when he left us that time to open a Law Office of his own. Of the splendid success he made "on his own." Of how Mr. W. Z. Smith, our General ManMR. GALVEZ ager at t hat time, finally induced him to come back to us. Of the fine job he did as General Commercial Manager when he returned. Of the genius he always displayed in handling our financial affairs. Of his elevation to the position of Treasurer to meet our fast growing financial demands. Of a last crowning achievement when he was made a V ice President in recognition of his splendid work as Treasurer. Of the fact that he is the first member of the Filipino race to be so signally honored by our Company. And last but not least-of how proud we all are of him an<l his success. We are sort of bound in honor though, not to do this. because. while Mr. Galvez is al ways the first to say a good word about the other fellow, he is pretty modest about blowing his own horn, and the fine things we could say about him-would embarass him. We know. So we will just let it go at that, and say that, by virtue of an action on the part of our General Manager and our Board of Directors, Mr. Galvez, is now a full -pledged vice-president of our Company, and that everyone. from the newest employee up to Major Stevenot, is immensely proud of him and wishes him all the success and happiness in the world. Mi1111 Cedrun'a Home-Coming On Thursday afternoon, April 28th, 1938, a gay, excited and expectant crowd of telephone folk and others gathered at Pier 7, to welcome Miss Asuncion Cedrun, our Traffic Manager, home again. As the big ship, the President Coolidge, swung alongside the pier, we all gazed anxiously and eagerly to see who would catch the first glimpse of our long lost world traveler. We do not know just who caught the first glimpse, because in the excitement of the moment, we forgot all about everything except that she was there at the railing looking like a million dollars and waving us a welcome that was so happy, it almost had an element of sadness in it. Gowned in a frock that made her look as if she had just stepped out of a Paris shop, she was a model of fashion; chic and pretty. However, we forgot all about that as we made one grand rush down the "gang plank" into the boat. The deck where we located her was just about the happiest spot you ever saw for the next half hour or so with everyone crowding good-naturedly around her, and all trying to speak at once and express a welcome that came one hundred per cent from their hearts. Major Stevena! was the first to greet her and we are sure that, as he did so, his thoughts must have gone back to a day in lloilo. a few years ago, when he employed a bashful young girl who had blossomed into the charming sophisticated world traveler who now stood before him. And we think. too, that he must have felt mighty proud of her. Welcoming her home was one of those privileges and pleasures that are always afterwards milestones in our lives, and we will look back upon this one with special happiness. JO GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila, Philippines Additional Equipment to Be Installed to Relieve Congestion Good Transmission believes that the following article, which appeared in the Philippines Herald on April 29. 1938, will be of general interest to our employees and it is reproduced herewith, in part: "The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company is doing its best to relieve the present overloaded condition of the trunking facilities in the City of Manila, company officials announced recently. During the past rhree months approximately P300,000 has been spent already and P300,000 more will be spent for additional equipment to overcome the congestion. "Coincident with this large expenditure the telephone company has decided to discontinue its supplementary service which has been found to be the cause of the present congestion of traffic on normal telephone calls. * * * The present trunking facilities of the system are sufficient for what would be considered legitimate telephone calls, but the demand for supplementary service is greatly responsible for the present congestion. "It was pointed out that in many cities in America today the telephone systems are charging on the basis of the number of telephone calls. This prevents the use of tel - ephones for unnecessary cal1s. However, there is no intention at present to adopt this system here." Our Company Participates in NEPA Broadcast On Saturday evening, April 30th, the Voice of Industry, radio programme sponsored by NEPA (National Economic Protectionism Association) of which we are a sustaining member, was devoted exclusively to our company and rendered entirely by telephone employees. The program is as follows: I. Company March (theme song)-Compan Y. orchestra 2. Thanks for the Memory-played by Company orchestra 3. Ang Maya (a composition by Prof. Estella )-sung by Miss Andrea Baduria 4. A two minute talk by Mr. E. B. Ledesma, General Commercial Manager 5. You Are a Sweetheart-played by Company orchestra 6. Mahal Pa Rin Kita (kundiman by Prof. Guzman)-sung by Miss Eden Murillo 7. Theme song by Misses: Deana Alonzo, Pilar Miranda, Andrea Baduria, Iluminada Noble, and Company orchestra. The music furnished by our orchestra was excellent and the splendid organization that has been developed in such a comparatively short time by our able director indicates the fine talent in our company, and the consistent, hard practice that has brought it to this state of perfection. Mr. E. B. Ledesma, General Commercial Manager, was the guest speaker of the evening. His speech related to the efforts of our Company to meet the demands of public service and the improvements actually under way along this line. This talk, while of necessity brief, was well delivered, timely and to the point. From the many comments heard outside, we are sure it was well and favorably received by the public. The vocal solos and the Company theme song were equally well rendered. Mr. Paco Zamora acted as master of ceremonies and did his usual fine job. Good Transmission compliments our people on this excellent program. Things Pass ... (Continued from page I 2) did during those first few days after I entered the office. I have never known people like them before-and mind you they are flatterers, too. They say things that will make any girl's heart skip a beat and turn her face pink. I have become so used to these passes that I do not now take them seriously. But really they are good, helpful people. I have nothing to complain about them. Instead, I appreciate them. This is my first experience as a steno-typist in the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. I have never been so serious in my work as I am in this firm. Perhaps the readers of this magazine, looking back on those first few days will think I showed a streak of yellow-but at that moment it was a real tragedy. The memory of those first hard days still hurts-but the hurt is gradually dying out, I have found out that I was not so dumb after all. Moy. 1918 GOOD TRANSMISSION 31 By J. A. PAREDES, JR. Correspondent Distinguished visitors to the Manila Area, the second week of May, were Bulacan provincial officials: Governor Molina. Treasurer Basilio Santiago, Fiscal Daza, Chief Accountant Marcelo, and others. Things that apparently impressed them, were the fact that so many positions of responsibility in our Company were in the hands of Filipinos. They also commented on the neatness of the Traffic Department office and the efficiency of the traffic girls. Guiding them through their brief tour of Manila Area offices were S. Fernando and District Manager Leyba of San Fernando, Pampanga, who were in Manila. Overtime sessions of the service representatives are often enlivened by the use of a pidgin-English understandable only to the chosen few. In the proper spirit of cooperation we offer a few words for the consideration of those interested in evolving a national language as follows: Sueldo marina-Commissions for extensions and regrades. Ba/anju-Collector' s way of pronouncing "balance due". Bendicion-Rebate. Speaking of overtime, the way Messrs. Ledesma and Daza are wrecking their brains to eliminate it, certainly speaks very highly of their personal interest in the employees under them. With characteristic quickness, Mr. Ledesma has proposed a plan which he thinks will send every employee home by 5: 30. Meanwhile Mr. Daza has appointed Cashier Carballo and the Service Representatives a Committee of Ways and Means to eliminate overtime. Here's hoping they will be successful. Most recent conscript to the Sales Office force is Miss Andrea N. Baduria, of Bicolandia. She will be remembered as one of the young ladies who sang so sweetly over our recent radio program. The post of Records Supervisor has changed hands. Mr. Jose Llamas has left his Pilar Bldg. work to replace Mr. Francisco Zaldarriaga, who has been transferred to the Sta. Cruz force. Helper to Mr. Llamas is Mr. Gonzalo Tanega, formerly clerk under Mr. Inexcelso. * * * Fresh and well-rested, ready for another 50 weeks of efficient work, Miss Romero, secretary to Mr. Daza, is back at her desk. She did not leave Manila during her vacation. That's news. It would also be news, if she had. Vacation fever is certainly decimating the ranks of the Manila Area employees. Mike Nazareno, Moises Urbiztondo, Aniceto Recio and Gonzalo Reyes are the latest victims. * We would like to take a vacation ourself, but we are so busy these days we just cannot force ourself to ask for one. Not having been in the Company for a full year as yet-our vacation wiil be short of the full two weeks, we will get hereafter. * With wedding bells still echoing in his ears, Mr. Leopoldo Tolentino one of our final account men, has returned from a two weeks vacation. Already having a prize in the charming young lady who is his bride, he was not interested in the results of the Sweepstakes draw. M:y First Visit to Cebu (Continued from page 15) crew were waiting somewhere close by"just in case." We bade a sad adieu to those most accommodating and lovable of hosts who had taken us so warmly into their hearts, almost as their own children, and with a sigh watched the hills of Cebu fade in the distance. Our own car was waiting for us in San Carlos. No more bus for us. We stowed our luggage in the front seat and started on the last lap home. Our Holiday was over. 32 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila, Philippines ACCOUhTlhC = /:Jj_.~. (_,~ l.O~ ... ,~.!. ... By A. R. AZARRAGA, Correspondent The extreme warmness and sweltering heat of April have driven people from all walks of life to seek the coolness and invigorating mountain air of the highlands There is no place like Baguio, city of pines and enchantment our Plant Accountant, Mr. A. Javier, left for a brief sojourn up in that city, one day last month. No doubt he enjoyed his well-deserved vacation in this city of pines. He left, when the April heat was all but baking us, and came back in this month of flowers and romance, May-time Spring time We welcome you back, Mr. Javier. We are sure glad to have you with us again and happy that you had a lull from the daily grind of duty. During Mr. Javier's absence, Mr. E. M. de Paz took over the administration of the Plant Accounting Sub-Section. He was all punctuality, impartiality and efficiency. During his short administration, the much awaited calculating machines came, and proved of great help. From now on, it is expected the Plant Accounting employees will reach the highest grade of efficiency, considering the readiness and handiness of these calculators to each and everyone of the employees. In our previous Brevities, we failed to express our condolences to Mr. Tajo of the Auditor's office in the untimely death of his beloved sister. We are now expressing condolences, to Mr. Tajo and also to Mr. S. Tolentino who so recently and sadly lost his sister this leads us to turn our minds to the great unknown. and death who comes like a thief in the night But this is Maytime the sun shines more radiantly and the birds and the trees seem to respond to the rhythm of nature. Young hearts are younger and old hearts feel once again the heat and flame of youth and delights to remember things that were .... The trek of vacationists from this Department leads out to the great open spaces .... We have for instance Mr. C. San Pedro of the Accounting Section who recently left for a couple of weeks' stay in Bulacan. We understand he took the opportunity to attend to the farm of his parents-in-law, also incidentally did a little farming himself. And Mr. A. Lazaro, who went up north to La Union, thence to Baguio. when we hear him ·rave about Baguio it rankles us to think we have been there ourselves this season And then Mr. Tony Limjap wears a sun-tan very fitting for him he, too, betook himself to some remote country corner and came back to us all eagerness to begin office work all over again Mr. S. Aguas is vacationing in some quiet place we missed to asked him about. We hope he spends much of his time breathing deep of the pure country breezes. This is a good idea when going out of the city sometimes, you know Mr. A. Carluen is also having a fill of the country and we hope he is having a time after his own we can go on enumerating people on vacation but it will rob us of space so we shall continue this in next month's issue One day last month, wedding bells rang out for Mr. A. Azarraga ... and that makes us remember a silly little piece which runs "needles and pins when a man marries, the trouble begins. The unexpected large number of organization charts submitted, made it impossible for our Auditor, Mr. S. Javier, to release the winning chart and the cons~quent winner . .. Mr. Javier had to go through every detail of the chart piece, you see, this is quite an important one which needs an analization of all the points pointed out So, perhaps, by next month's issue we may be able to report on this matter Mr. 0. Ayalde, presently our Payroll Supervisor, entertained his co-employees at a "Pabasa lunch" last month. The Boys had a real fill for themselves, thanks to the hospitality and generosity of the host and the hostess Not to be outdone, Mr. H. Tiap, of the Revenue Accounting Section catered some delicious eats in celebration of the district fiesta recently Out there in Maypajo, Rizal, Mr. A. Tolentino had almost all the Accounting Department employ( C anti nued on page 3 4) May.1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION ~1$LANT ~ ~A~TIVITIESe. By L. D. DUMLAO, Correspondent When this issue comes off the press, Mr. J. P. Tabuena, Asst. to the Plant Manager will have returned from a two-week's stay in his hometown. Sorsogon. It's ten years since Mr. Tabuena last saw his native heath. We are sure the town gave a royal welcome to a local boy who made good in the Big City. Our own "Mameng" Garriz is spending her vacation down South visiting our Visayan Exchanges and renewing old acquaintances. Remember her as the shy countrylass who cutely sang "Hello! Hello! Hello! at the picnic? * It has been one of the biggest ambitions of our department to hang the Inter-Depart" ment Act prize banner in the Bodega. Last year we landed in the cellar in a heroic but futile attempt to bag it. Only one more ~tone to cross over and that pennant will be fluttering in our Bodega. * The entire personnel of this department wish to extend their sincere appreciation and congratulations to Miss Sobral, of the Execu:ive Department, for the most enjoyable, most wholesome, "best-fed" picnic we ever had. Lots of refreshment and swell food for everyone plus good prizes. If she manages the next picnic, we are all for Charita. Due to the heavy work the rearrangement of central office equipment in all our automatic offices will entail to take care of in~ creases in subscribers, "Vic" Tatlonghari, the Company's star draftsman, has been temporarily transferred to the office of Mr. Oftedahl. Supervisor of Automatic Equipment, to help plan out the big job. * * * Outside Construction sometimes do get all the luck. Castillo''s gang is up in Baguio rearranging poles, placing guys, anchors, and additional circuits over our pole line between the cemetery and our cen.tral office. With the heat we are enduring in the city, we certainly envy those boys. Bet you once in a while the boys do slip on their work. You can't blame them entirely. The vacation season is in full swing in Baguio and girls, and girls are all around. Well, boys will be boys. MAINTENANCE'S ''THIS AND THAT" By T. DE CASTRO, Correspondent The other day we wrangled among ourselves over the many activities of the different sections as published in Good Transmission and, believe it or not, the Wire Chief and Installation Sections literarily "popped out" in those interesting pages we read so carefully each month. Funny, because we have always wondered why these sections did not break the tradition of keeping themselves hidden behind the line and watching the literary glory go to others. We, therefore, as loyal members of these sections, are desolate, fearing that our existence in the Company, might never be discovered. So now, before your very eyes, there will march every Month, this yet unknown legion of laboring "Thomases", as portrayd by the pen of those we shall discuss immediately below, First we have Basilio Conde Pondevida, who boasts of his "Better English" -classe1 meritorious attendance, parley-voes, etc. H2 is a member of the Wire Chief Section, holding down the seat which controls the assignment of line switches, terminals, etc., in the Manila Area. Confessing that he began talking the moment he first drew breath, and has been infected with the mania to put his words and thoughts into writing ever since, he has collected many literary ideas in his head, but none to dat.e· have. been committed to the printed page, fearing his articles might gain the waste basket rather than the attention of the Editor. As a matter of biography, he is 33 years of age, happily married, a big success in his job, and well thought of both in and out of our Company. Next comes Mr. Agapito G. Baldos, a sentimental-looking fellow who so much resembles Ricardo Cortez, that he would make an excellent double for that famed movie actor. He is a clerk in the Installation SecH GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines tion. That serious poise of his comes from no balmy incident, but from a studious nature. We are sure that he has in him the inspiration to write the particular brand of news that will favorably advertise our section to the world at large. So watch now and then for his literary efforts. We will next introduce Mr. Lorenzo Balagtas, who is a young married man and an ambitious member of the Wire Chief Section. He handles one of the afternoonevening shifts. He has promised to round up some interesting features, and we are sure he will do so. He makes his promise with an honest-to-goodness confession that his articles will probably fall short of a gilt edged bond, and therefore asks that the blue pencil be extraordinarily kind, even to the point of indulgence in judging his work. A fellow whose articles may result in unfolding some new literary talent in our Com: pany, is Aurelio Tolentino, another hard working and sincere member of the Wire Chief Section. He was a bright student in College, and is still busy taking his C. S. Degree at the Far Eastern University. We rest assured that he can ably tackle the odds and ends among us with pencil and pen, and turn them into interesting bits of news for Good Transmission fans. * * To drive away the worries of a tedious job brought on by the pressure of work fo• the past few weeks, the clerks in the Installation Section headed for the outkirts of Caloocan on the 24th of April, 1938, and held an all-day outing in a shady, restful spot near that pretty little suburb. The gang, hiking from Santa Mesa to Barrio Diliman, lost itself in a day of sport, merriment, and a fine picnic lunch. A swimming exhibition was the feature of the day. Manuel Ramos, impersonated the famous Johnny Weismuller. Agapito Baldos, demonstrated his Lake Taal strokes, while the so-called "American Crawl." was shown by Catalino Barrientos. In the afternoon, in the shade of a big santol tree, the whole party including Hipolito Reyes, Mariano Aguilar, and Antonio Jose, of the Engineering Section, enjoyed a very appetizing chow. Our deepest condolence is extended to Hector Perez, Installer-helper, in the untimely death of his beloved wife. "Thy memory lasts both here and there, And thou shall live as long as we. And after that-thou dost not care, In us was all the world to thee." (MATTHEW ARNOLD) Accounting Brevitiea (Continued from page 32) ees in his home. It was Saturday, and the whole lot of his hungry co-employees coming out almost as one in the afternoon sim~ ply "worked" on the suculent lunch served by the hospitable Mrs. Tolentino, with such evident enjoyment that hardly a word was said. All that was heard was the clatering of spoons, forks and knives and plates after which cold drinks were passed around We are very happy to learn that lady-luck came for a visit to this Department The recipients of "some money" from the sweepstakes deserves to win, al tho the money won was not a large amount . .. Mr. A. Jordan and Mr. M. V. Javier will sometime, one of these days, go to the offices of the Philippine Charity Sweepstake in Avenida Rizal to collect what rightfully belongs to them Congratulations to you both We hope that next time more Accounting boys win in this legalized form of lottery. lest we forget, Mr. V. C. Alegre also had his share of last May 15th' s sweepstakes draw Mr. R. D. Laforteza made us a surprise visit one day last week. He had with him the typical "Posadas helmet" and he wore a ruddy glow and tan of the skin all over .. That's what he gets and that is what we, city people. get when we get out to the provinces. He expects to be back sometime next month. Our one and only girl, Loreta, Toll Billing Supervisor, has an additional employee in her Sub-Section. The heavy work in this Sub-Section makes Mrs. L. Sanchez work overtime so much so that when we come down on Sundays we also find her in her place patiently fingering a lot of bills Cheer up, Loreta, there is always a reward for diligence and patience. May,1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 35 By L. N. GUERRERO, Correspondent 6:07 p. m., April 26, 1938, will always stand out in our memories as commemorative of our first long distance contact with a ship station of local registry. It was on this date that a successful two-way contact was accomplished between Manila, lloilo and Cebu and the de la Rama liner, m. s. Don Esteban. while enroute to Hongkong for her first annual dry-docking. The liner at the time was approximately five hundred miles from Manila and ten miles off the Hongkong rock. The boys felt very much elated at this accomplishment that everyone wore a smile for days that no amount of hard water soap and water could wipe off. A major change was introduced in our traffic contacts with the Presidential yacht, s. y. Casiana, the early part of this month, when (on the strength of a memo from the Management) calls, wh:ch heretofore, have been considered for test purposes on! y, are now considered commercial. This is another source of revenue for our company and we certainly feel proud to be instrumental in making it possible. however meager it may seem, at least for the time being. Ever since "Time Service" was discontinued, we have been running a recording of Miss Pilar Miranda's voice advising "07" dialers, that time service has been discontinued between the hours of six in the morning and nine at night. To the uninitiated, it may seem as though Miss Miranda was made to talk that many hours in order to make the record but, believe it or not, the whole recording. that is, both sides of the record took only fourteen minutes to finish. It took the combined ingenuity of Messrs. Oclassen and Grey to keep Miss Miranda's pleasing voice and personality on duty from six in the morning to nine in the evening, by phonograph recording we mean, and KZRM Radio Manila's precision recording equipment to make the record as flawlzss and natural as possible. She certainly deserves a great many compliments for the sple:idid record she made and for the pleasing and clear quality of her voice. * * * Quoting Acting Terminal Operator Gaerlan, on his chip of news for the "Radiophone Flashes" ,-"When voices come with 'hellos' from places miles away, it gives us a thrill: one feels like jumping, and a spark of life and happiness is kindled. . " Well. he is optimistic. When someone gives us a "hello there", especially from behind at plus six decibels volume, our first impulse is to run or face the bill collector meekly and give. * * Ambitions and dreams are all aflutter in the Radiophone Section for we hold nine winning (future tense) tickets for the May 15th sweeps. Our only ambition, however, if we win, is to be able to purchase all the available cans of pork and beans in Manila and to find the one and only bit of pork in each can which we have not found so far. * * * We have inaugurated a weekly conference between all supervisors on one hand and Messrs. Oclassen and Grey on the other hand, to discuss problems of the Radiophone Section. Many petty as well as serious problems have been straightened out and several constructive suggestions have also been brought out. In one of these meetings, Mr. Blanco, Radio Station Supervisor of Iloilo, who is on vacation in Manila, and Mr. Fernandez, Terminal Office Supervisor of Manila. brought up some problems, which in the heat of discussion assumed the semblance of a verbal tussle in the Philippine Assembly. The discussion ended in a better understanding between the problems of both stations and was amicably called a draw at the Universal Restaurant. * * Death has recently stricken our Radiophone Family twice. The first blow resulted in the untimely death of the sister of our comrade in arms, J. Borromeo, Relief Terminal Operator, and the second, in the death of Mrs. Tanega, wife of Mr. Tanega, one of our Terminal Operators. and two newly born baby boys. They all have crossed "that Great Divide" to join the innumerable caravan" and we pause to offer them our prayers that they may rest peacefully in eternity. 36 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manib. Philippin2s By M. GARCIA. Correspondent "When cupid shoots his arrow, I hope he Mrs. you." This little thought has no doubt been read by many of you on quite a few "autograph albums." Cupid did shoot his arrow during this year amongst the Traffic girls. Listed below are the girls who vowed, "for botter or for worse. till death do us part": P. Santiago-now Mrs. P. S. Barry, Gen. Oic.. Jan. 17, 1938. M. Laulhati-now Mrs. M. L. Tabanda, Pst. Ofc .. Jan. 26, 1938. R. Posada-now Mrs. R. P. Rames, Pza. Lawton, Mar. 28, 1938. R. Timbrevilla-Mrs. R. T. Cox, Plazi Lawton, Apr. 21, 1938. F. Maringuran-now Mrs. F. M. Flores, Cebu, Mar. 28, 1938. R. Bunda-now Mrs. R. B. Doromal, lloilc, Mar. I, 1938. J. Sabasales-now Mrs. J. S. Lim, lloilo, Feb. 8. 1938. F. Sinope-Mrs. F. S. Oscares, Iloilo, Jan. 31, 1938. B. Ronquillo-now Mrs. B. R. Jimenez, S. F. IP.), Mar. 28. 19'l8. M. Yutuc-now Mrs. M. Y. Cuelles, S. F. IP.). Feb. 11, 1938. N. Galvan-now Mrs. N. G. Siapno, Cabanatuan, Apr. 7, 1938. We must tell you about a Merienda Party that a group of Traffic girls gave for Miss Cedrun, at the Selecta Ice Cream Parlor. This had been a long-anticipated event, planned at the Annual Company Picnic, when the Traffic girls were awarded first prize, amounting to twenty pesos, for the best Department act. They decided to use the prize money for a party for Miss Cedrun, and Miss Gertie Hains and Miss Feliza de Guzman were appointed a committee for the arrangements. The girls who took part in the act were all present, of course, and acted as hostesses for the occasion. A number of guests were invited, including Miss Brown, Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Tomkins, Miss Jones, Miss Chicote, Mrs. Reyes and, last but not least, your modest Correspondent. It was a happy party in that officially welcoming our beloved "Boss" we all enjoyed ourselves to the utmost. Many thanks are du2 Miss Hains for the delicious cake and ice-cream she provided. We are immeasurably saddened by the great sorrow which has come to Miss V~c toria Russell in the death of h2r belovod mother, who passed on May 15th last, at Sibul, Bulacan, the victim of a heart attack. We offer our deepest and most sincere sympathy to Miss Russell and her family in this sad affliction. We wish we could adequately express the grief we feel for one so dear to us. LONG DISTANCE TEAM WINS IN CITY "Y" COMMERCIAL LEAGUE The basketball team of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company is entered in the Commercial League of the City YMCA. On Saturday, April 23rd, this team inflicted a crushing defeat on the strong Botelho team. Instead of a big audience of our people there to root for them, and hearten themthere were only two or three company employees present and their brilliant plays were met only with silence. They had no uniforms-not even a supply of lemons and lemons are such a vital necessity in this strenuous game. But someway-somehowfighting every inch of the way, they won by a splendid score. That wasn't fair to the "boys" who are carrying our banner, was it? Let us make it up to them-show our appreciation for their efforts to enchance the name of our Company by giving them a hand. A voluntary financial contribution will help much toward "Building Up" a fund for uniforms and a supply of lemons. If you have th' interest of our c9mpany at heart, you will loosen up the old purse strings and come through for our boys. Send your contributions to the Editor of this Magazine or to Mr. Angel Ocampo, of the Commercial Department. Now is the time for all good PLDTCO employees to show their appreciation for thi; splendid team. Who will be the first? -A. OCAMPO. May. 1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 37 CEBU By NENA RODRIGUEZ. Correspondent The most distinguished visitor to Cebu this month was no less than our Assistant General Manager, who came with Mrs. Hall on her first trip to the Southern Islands. They arrived on Good Friday, April 15th. Mrs. Hall was high! y impressed by the sights she saw and we the Cebuanos are inclined to believe that she was not mere! y trying to be nice but really meant it. Luncheon hour found them at the residence of Assemblyman Celestino Rodriguez, where, due to the latter's absence, the writer played hostess to various telephone officials, among them being the District Managers of the lloilo, Negros and Cebu Exchanges with their corresponding wives, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez and Mr. and Mrs. Ocampo respectively, and Mr. Kincaid, Mr. and Mrs. del Mar and others. It looked as if a rendezvous had been arranged in Cebu for the District Managers from the South for all of them were presznt on that day. Mr. and Mrs. Hall left for Manila on the S. S. Mayon that same aft2rnoon but not before Mrs. Hall saw the picturesque Toled) sights, Talisay pools, the heights of Lahug and other in'.eresting spots the city of Cebu has to of[ er to her visitors. We were glad to be hosts to such fine people and hope they come again soon. The installation of the noise reducer for our present terminal equipment was completed early this month. The device greatly improved our circuit. Mr. Santarromana, our Maintenance Supervisor, installed thz equipment with the help by Mr. Sinay. Mr. Grey, our Radiophone Engineer, dropped in Cebu from lloilo with Mr. Santarromana on Thursday March 31. 1938, to make his first inspection trip and to see what improvements were necessary for Cebu station. He also installed a temporary rhombic antenna for observing the possibilities of an ultra high frequency radiophone circuit between Cebu and Iloilo. We are sorry that the stay of Mr. Grey and Mr. Santarromana in Cebu was so short. They left for Manila on board the S. S. Don Esteban on April 2nd, 1938. · Three cheers for Messrs. T. Sinay, Amado Gaerlan. Jose Tancinco and F. Solon, all from the Radiophone D2par:ment. To amplify their knowledge in Radiophone operation and to make a more extensive study of it, the four of them are taking correspondence course!:: from various schools in the United States. The first two are enrolled in th2 Lincoln Engineering School for Radio and Electrical Courses and the next two in the Spray Berry Institute, Radio Servicing Course. They deserve the highest praise we can offer for their thoughtful ambition and for their sincere efforts to be of greater service to our company. On the other hand, Mr. D. Folache, the transmitting attendant, is now burning midnight oil, busy in his preparation for the coming first-class license examination to be held on April 25th. On the sick list this month we only havo one of our Operators who is confined to her home with measles and Mr. Gonzalez, our Wire Chief, who is in the hospital suffering from a fever complaint. They have our deep and sincere sympathy. DAGUPAN By E. E. ARGAO, Correspondent Gather round folks and lend an ear. "Our Chief Operator, Miss Malana, is home again. Can you imagine how eagerly we all welcomed her after that long month's absence? And how much we missed her while she was away? Or how inquisitive we were about where she had been and what she had been doing? We didn't give her a minute's peace until she told us all about it. First of all. she went to Manila. After a day or two there she boarded a train for Lucena, where she met some of her old-time friends and made some new ones. Among these were Mr. Gomez, the District Manager, 38 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippin~s and his charming wife who invited her to their home for lunch and followed it up with a "merienda" in which the "piece de resistance" was a delicious dish of pansit Malahan. After visiting some of the beauty spots of Lucena as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Gomez, she proceeded to San Pablo. There MiS> Casulla, and her two alert and capable operators welcomed her with open arms, and demonstrated how things are done in a telephone way in that live exchange. They also took her to see some of the many beauty spots of that area, which she found exceedingly interesting. From San Pablo sh2 journeyed to Lucban, Atimonan, Cavite Navy Yard, Dalahican, and other places in the Southern District. Returning to Manila she was the guest of her friend, Miss Tenorio, who initiated her into the intricacies of the information service, over-seas and inter-island radiophone services, the long-distance switchboards and teletype service. Many interesting things about the management of the Manila office were explained and demonstrated to her by Miss Brown, the Manila Chief Operator. Demonstrating the old saying that "into every life some rain must fall," she was taken suddenly ill almost on the last day of her Manila visit, and was rushed to the hospital for an appendicitis operation. This turned out all "OK" and she returned home all well again. Of course, we will have to keep an eye on her to see that she doesn't get too strenuous, but that will be easy for us. In the meantime she wishes to express through this column, her deep appreciation and most sincere thanks to the executives and personnel of the different offices she visitd for the kindness and consideration they showed to her. She hopes to see them all again some of these good days and express this appreciation in person. Miss Cresencia Sevilla, one of our bestliked operators, was among the many vacationists who observed "Holy Week" in Baguio. Her trip served the double purpose of escaping the intense heat we were experiencing at that time in Dagupan, and of giving her a much needed change. She returned with a rosy glow of health, and full of life and vigor. Baguio with its cool invigorating climate and health giving properties, is indeed a wonderful place, and we to whom it seems so far away cannot help but look toward it with longing eyes. A few weeks there each year would doubtless restore the rosy color of health to many an ailing cheek, and re-instill the old "pep" we seem to lose after a long year down in th2 lowlands, just as it did to "our own Cresencia." * Another vacationist from our Dagupan telephone family is Miss Maria Calimlim, an efficient and popular member of the Traffic Department. Her only address we are allowed to know is "somewhere in Luzon." Wherever that may be, we sincerely hope that she is having a pleasant time and will return to us all well and happy and ready to turn out another one of those fine job3 that has made her so popular. A very pleasant and agreeable surprise was given our Dagupan traffic people recently when Mrs. Connie Monahan, Traveling Traffic Supervisor, of Manila, favored us with a brief but instructive visit. Classes were held each afternoon of her stay. From these we emerged with a practical knowledge of Teletype, of which we are justly proud. Our last class was closed with the Company theme song. After that we were guests at a picnic at beautiful Bonuan Beach, given in honor of Mrs. Monahan, through the courtesy of the Manager of Erlanger and Galinger. We will always remember her visit and the splendid help she gave us. Another victim of Cupid's dart is Miss Galvan, of Cabanatuan Exchange, who was recently led to the altar by Mr. Pedro Siapno, a promising young man of that town. The wedding took place in the Roman Catholic church in Cabanatuan, and was largely attended as both parties are well known and well liked there. Attorney Isidoro Siapno, a relative of the groom, and Mrs. Felicidad Callanta were the sponsors. Mr. Liberato Reyna was the best man and Miss Demetria Legaspi was the maid of honor. May. 1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 39 Immediately after the wedding a delightful and appetizing luncheon was served at the home of the bride. In the afternoon the groom formally presented the blushing bride to his family and relatives. Added to all this happiness the newly-weds are going to make their home in our Queen CityBaguio. What could be more perfect! Our congratulations and most sincere wishes of good luck and happiness go out in full measure to the happy couple. As a fitting end to the recent celebration of Holy Week holidays, a triumvirate of happy-go-lucky pals in the persons of Misses Felicia Jovellanos, Gregoria Duay, and Mr. Dominador Clar, of the Tarlac Exchange, favored our Dagupan office with an unexpected but welcome visit. There was not sufficient time to notify our night operators so they missed the pleasure of the call. As the traffic girls were all on duty the plant people \in the persons of Messrs. Bellenson and Cruz) rose to the occasion and entertained the visitors with a trip to our Capital City, Lingayen, where they briefly enjoyed the cooling breezes of its beautiful beach, a welcome escape from the intense heat we were in the midst of at that time. After their visit to the beach they returned to Dagupan and boarded the last train for their hometown, Tarlac. And so ended a perfect day. ILOILO By L. V. LEGASPI, Correspondent We take advantage of this opportunity to record that our District Manager and his wife spent their Holy Week holidays in their home town, Cebu. * Through the wonderful spirit of cooperation among the personnel of the Panay District, this exchange was able to make a gain of 11 stations for the month of April. According to our records April is a month for disconnects. Our Manager, however, proudly assured us, that we made a good showing not only in station development but in our collections as well. Speaking of vacations, Mr. F. Blanco, our Iloilo Station Supervisor, sailed on April 23rd for his home town, San Miguel. Bulacan. He is on vacation leave for two weeks. Relieving him is Mr. Santarromana, Maintenance Supervisor of the Radiophone Section, Manila. Mr. Santarromana is a favorite with all of us here in lloilo and we are more than glad to have him with us. * Mr. McCain, our Gen. Supt. of Plant, paid us one of his surprise inspection visits recently. He stayed in lloilo for three days after which he boarded the s. s. Mayon for Manila. We were glad to welcome him here, and regret that he could not stay longer. We hope that his voyage home was a pleasant one. * * * As the S. S. Mayon glides smoothly into the lloilo river every Wednesday morning, she is invariably greeted at the dock by the same crowd that gathers in any port, whenever a ship comes in. There is the usual sprinkling of the curious who never fail to turn up; there are those who go for the lack of something better to do; and there are those who, eager and expectant, await the arrival of friends. In the latter class belonged Mr. Rodriguez, our Acting District Manager, and myself, when on April 13th, we stood watching the Ma yon unload her passengers, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Hall. The Halls were taking advantage of the Holy Week holidays to make the round trip and visit the different Exchanges in the Southern Islands. I met Mrs. Hall for the first time, and I must say she is altogether the charming person that I have always heard she is. On leaving the boat we paid a short visit to the office where I heard the disappointing news that Mr. and Mrs. Hall had made reservations for a plane trip to Negros, returning that afternoon with barely enough time to board the Mayon before it sailed for Zamboanga. No amount of coaxing could persuade them to change their plans and remain in lloilo. So instead, we had to content ourselves with waiting until Saturday rolled around and brought the Mayon back from her Zamboanga-Cebu trip. Well, Thursday and Friday flew by, and 40 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines before we knew it, Saturday arrived. The Mayon docked bright and early, and hardly was the gang-plank in place, than I was on board and shaking hands with Mr. and Mrs. Hall again. Mr. Rodriguez was at this time enjoying a short vacation in Cebu so the role of hostess and guide fell upon me, and I must say I was delighted. We visited the office for a few minutes, after which we drove out to Arevalo, that Mecca of tourists, to see samples of embroidered piiia and piiia in the process of being embroidered. Dr. Cullen, our Company physician, was there too with some friends. Mr. and Mrs. Hall seemed much impressed with what they saw, and I must confess that the working of the looms and the finished product did not fail to draw an "oh" and an "ah" of admiration from me, seasoned Arrevalo visitor that I am. Our next stop was at the Asilo de Malo, where we again met Dr. Cullen and his party. We were shown the refectory, kitchen and sewing rooms of the orphans by Dr. Cullen who seemed to know the way around the place very well. We were also shown bits of embroidery remarkably well done, of such a quality as to almost take your breath away. So much time was spent in Arrevalo and the Asilo that scarcely any was left in which to see Iloilo inself, but we made the most of what little time we had. We managed to squeeze in a drive along the waterfront and through the principal streets, and short visits to places of interest, stopping for refreshment at the Spanish Casino. Our last stop was at the office where we found Governor Confesor, looking and feeling completely at home. The Governor had made previous arrangements with Mr. and Mrs. Hall to meet them there. I took my departure, but before I did so, Mr. and Mrs. Hall very charmingly thanked me for showing them around, and assured me that they had a thoroughly enjoyable stay. I must say that I enjoyed myself every bit as much as they did and only regret that they could not have prolonged their visit. It was a pleasure acting as hostess and guide to such splendid people and I sincerely hope that they may give me the opportunity to do so again in the near future. -R. HIESE. LUCENA By E. G. GUMBAN, Correspondent Mr. Crispin Jeturian, Assistant Auditor of our Company, paid us a surprise visit recently. As our District Manager, Mr. Gomez, was on an inspection trip at the time that Mr. Jeturian dropped in our office, he was a perfect stranger to everyone except the Wire Chief who was only too glad to meet and welcome such a distinguished visitor. Through his kindness, Mr. Jeturian was introduced to the members of our telephone family in the Lucena office. Thereafter, Mr. Jeturian was the guest of the Wire Chief at a simple Filipino dinner in his humble home. We hope Mr. Jeturian was pleased with his visit in the Southern District and will call on us soon again. Mr. Lamaca, our popular toll patrolman was confined at the Tayabas Provincial Hospital for several days beginning April 20, 1938. He was attacked with severe abdominal pains while patrolling the line near Sariaya. * Our Toll Station in the Far Eastern Manufacturing Company has been removed. The factory closed its doors to the public and a long distance station was of no further value to us. The equipment was removed on April 27, 1938. * The people of Lucena and those of the neighboring towns deeply mourn the untimely death of the Mayor of Lucena, Dr. Anselmo Nadres. Dr. Nadres died on April 29, 1938, and was buried the following day. He was a true and tried friend of our District Manager and our Wire Chief who miss him greatly. Between three and four hundred people, including high Government Officials, attended the funeral services. * * Mr. Gomez, our District Manager, recently took one week vacation, which he said he would spend hunting in the forests of Tayabas. Upon his return he threw a big party which was well enjoyed by his numerous guests including Governor and Mrs. Sandoval. District Engineer and Mrs. Diaz, Third Member of the Provincial Board, and many army officers. May. 1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION 41 The guests of Mr. and Mrs. Gomez Amidst the noise and gaity of the gathering, all those present were asked to be silent at 9: 00 p. m. to hear the special program of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company broadcast from station KZRM in Manila. A voice 130 kilometers away, that of our beloved Mr. Paco Zamora, rang out, opening the program. Our District Manager was happy when he together with his guests heard the voice of his boss, the General Commercial Manager, right in his own house. Mr. Gomez's guests felt themselves honored by that program. * * * Our Chief Operator, Miss T. Gonzaga, left us on May I st, to start her two weeks vacation. She did not tell just where she intended to go, but it must have been heaven where she went for she came back radiating health and happiness. In Miss Gonzaga's absence, Miss Afable, our Senior Ooerator, took her place. · The Provincial Board of Tayabas has sent a resolution to our District Manager, asking us to transfer the Company's Office to another location. The quarters which they so kindly al. lowed us to use when we took over the Provincial System are now needed for public purposes. Moving. of course, is quite a serious thing w ith us and we are awaiting a visit from Mr. Zamora. Commercial Representative, before any decision can be made. NEGROS By FLOSSIE J. CORDOVA, Correspondent The Negros employees recently welcomed the Big Three (Bernabe, Acuna and Cruz) of the Engineering Section with their boss, Mr. V. Hagos. Their coming was for the purpose of installing the switchboard in our new building. They did a line job, which we are very glad to report is giving excellent results. Baco!od was one of the places visited by Mr. McCain, General Superintendent of Plant. on his recent inspection trip. He also made a trip north to Fabrica while here. He left on Wednesday for lloilo. We enjoyed his visit and appreciated the help and advise he gave us. The Negros District people were recently favored by a surprise visit from Miss Carmen Garriz, the able and efficient stenographer of our General Superintendent of Plant, Mr. McCain. She arrived in Bacolod on Monday, April 25th. She came here from lsabela where she had been vacationing with her relatives. We hope she saw many of the beauty spots while here and thoroughly enjoyed her short stay. Bacolod Traffic was quite badly congested during the Negros Carnival Exposition, both on local and long distance. Mrs. Columbia C. Lopez, the Bacolod Chief Operator and the writer spent most of our time during these days supervising ar,d assisting the aperMr . and Mrs. Espino t•niertain Mr. and Mrs. Hall 42 GOOD TRANSMISSION Manila. Philippines ators. It was a big job on an already overloaded switchboard. However. we all tried our very best to serve our customers and.as proof that we did a good job-there were few, if any, complaints. There were telephones installed in the carnival grounds and it was a pity that the fine exhibit we prepared and the careful preparations we made were spoiled by rain. A happy day was spent by the Negros ~mployees in the famous Mambucal resort on Sunday, May !st. This affair was given by the Plant men of Negros District in honor of Mr. McCain. All the construction men of Damasco' s gang and members of the Plant Department were there making quite a showing for our District. Our construction truck helped out in the transportation. Among the girls who attended were Miss Garriz, Miss Olandriz, her cousin, Mrs. Espino, Mrs. Carpio and Miss Cordova. Lechon, fruit salad, shrimps, crabs, adobo, cold drinks and many other delicious things were served. Miss Garriz, Miss Cordova. Mr. McCain, Mr. Carpio and construction men went swimming in the big pool. while the others bathed in the wonderful hot spring. It was a wonderful party and everyone went home happy and contented. We arrived in Bacolod about 8: 00 in the evening. This was a despedida party for Mr. McCain in a way, for we understand that this is his last inspection trip before he leaves on a trip to the United States sometime next month. We all sincerely wish him a happy trip and a successful one. SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA By THE SHADOW, Correspondent Mr. Severo Santiago, Supervisor of Maintenance, Outside Manila Area, arrived here on the 23rd of April and made a tour of inspection of the Provincial lines of Pampanga. Improvement in the present system is being contemplated, whereby the Repeating Coils at Bacolor will be removed and placed at San Fernando (P.), and all lines up to Guagua will be metallic passing thru Repeating Coils to produce a Phantom Circuit. If this plan materializes. induction on the lines to Guagua will be reduced as they expect to cut some phantom transpositions to take care of the inductive interferences resulting from parallel power lines. This improvement is just what the present system needs to take care of the ever increasing demands for stations in that particular section of the province. The job is expected to be started after a transposition layout has been mapped to suit the circuit route. * We are glad to announce that Mrs. Maria Y. Cuelles is able to perform her duties as operator after five days of confinement in the local Provincial Hospital. Mrs. Cuelles is the former Miss Yutuc, who was recently married to Mr. Ignacio Cuelles of the Company's Garage. We are hoping that Mrs. B. Jimenez of the Traffic Force, who is also confined in the hospital will soon recuperate from a sudden illness, so she can join us again in the office. Mrs. Jimenez is the former Miss Ronquillo who was recently married to Mr. Ricardo Jimenez of the Philippine Army. Mr. and Mrs. Andres Dimarucut were hosts to a group of friends on the occasion of the barrio fiesta in San Juan of this town. Among those who attended were the Misses Twaiio, Nuqui, Mercado, Lacson, Santos, Maglalang and Bondoc. Among the gentlemen were Messrs. Untalan, Garcia, Paras and the writer. Miss Bondoc, Chief Operator of our Malolos Exchange, is spending her vacation with her family in this town (San Fernando, P.). Miss Herminia Twaiio, Chief Operator of the San Fernando (P.) Exchange, is at present enjoying a well-earned vacation. Her sister is acting as Chief Operator while she is away. The spirit of fiesta is in the air. Very soon San Fernando will celebrate its annual town fiesta and, judging from the preparations now in progress, I'll say that everyone will have a grand time. May.1938 GOOD TRANSMISSION TARLAC By G. L. DVAY, Correspondent First of all, the Tarlac personnel wishes to extend a most hearty welcome to Miss Cedrun. our Traffic Manager who has just returned from a world tour. We all wish her the best of health and happiness after her long absence. and will be happy when she finds time to visit our Exchange. * Mrs. Connie Monahan, Traffic Supervisor, favored the Tarlac Exchange with an unexpected but nevertheless welcome visit during the last three days of March. She came primarily to put the finishing touches on the training of our Teletype operator after which she gave the rest of the Traffic force a course of training in Teletype service and the methods and practices governing it. Consequently the Tarlac Exchange now boasts of a bunch of experts along that line. * * * "Things do happen in Tarlac"-mighty nice ones too, sometimes. On March 28th. for instance, at about nine o'clock in the morning we looked up from our work to find the nicest young lady imaginable standing right in front of us. Guess who. None other than Miss Malana, the Chief Operator of Dagupan. Of course, we were flustered - who wouldn't be? She is quite a popular young lady, you know; and justly so. All on account of a fire which happened about a year ago in Dagupan, and burned out most of the business section including our office. We will not try to tell you about it here-it is a long story-but she surely did some heroic work. She is a cracking good Chief Operator, too, if anyone asks you. Never showy, but she does it so well you only see the effects. Has the nicest smile you ever saw, too. A "regular telephone smile"-if you get what we mean. She did not stay long. Just came inturned around-and walked right out again, as you might say. However, we enjoyed our few minutes immensely. Even in that time it wasn't difficult to see why Dagupan gets such good service. "What it takes" sticks out all over her, and, in the words of our Wire Chief, she is some "gal." She was on her way home from a vacation trip, including Manila, Lucena, San Pablo, and way points. Next time we hope she can stay longer. Give us a break maybe, and show us how she really does all those fine things in Dagupan. "How about it, Chief?" * * We would like to report that Mr. Ricardo· D. Laforteza, who is on a leave of absence· from the Accounting Department, Manila, is living in a quiet spot near Tarlac, and' visits us now and then. We always enjoy his visits, and the long talks we have regarding old times here and the telephone business in general. We are glad to say that he is looking and feeling much better and that he hopes to be back at his desk one of these good days before long, registering one hundred per cent physically. Miss Rosa Landingin, one of our charming and efficient operators, further endeared herself to her co-workers recently by inviting them all to a "lumpia" party given to celebrate her birthday. (Never mind which one because she hasn't had very many.) Needless to say everyone enjoyed themselves. immensely and only regret that such occasions come but once a year. Fact is, we don't see why a charming girl like "Rosa'' couldn't squeeze in an extra one now and then just to give her friends one of those fine treats her parties always are. Many happy returns of the day. The latest one of our Northern District Telephone girls to step into the bonds of matrimony is Miss Galvan, who left Tarlac some months ago to take over the job of Acting Chief Operator in Cabanatuan. Recently she became the bride of Mr. Siapno a promising young man in Cabanatuan. The Tarlac office takes pleasure in extending to them our most sincere good wishes. of a happy and prosperous marriage with all the good luck in the world mixed in with it. * During the early part of April. Tarlac office had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. F. Gonzaga, of the Accounting Department, Manila. We enjoyed his visit greatly, and hope he "comes up to see us again sometime." IN THIS ISSUE I'u.11~ \\forh :-rs \Varned b:1 Presidt>nt Qunon Loh or AND Capital J. E. H . Stevenot. Gm. Manager My Impression of the Bicol Region . Jose P. Tabuena. Asn. lO lh• ~ Plant Mana~er ' Guardiuns of Our Toll Lines r. . Andres K. Marin, Toll MaintC'nI ancr Section Cost Accnunring System E. M . de Paz. Asst. Pl.int Accountant Things Pass l Z Iluminada Ramos, Stenograpber I Notes on Recent Occurrenet'S l 3 M y First Visit to Cebu 14 Concepcion Espino A Southern Cruise 16 Theo L. Hall, Asst. G~n. Mgr. Summu Romance 19 Cabeung Culas News of rhe Month Z9 - Other Departments Special Features NIVER lll AN ACCIDENT YOU.VI EARN ED I I I' SUCCESS T HE impulse that leads to great success is almost impossible to identify. Some think it is energy, of which a few men seem to have a limitless store. Others think it is luck. Still others think it is intelligence. Perhaps the real an" swer is a combination of the three. Perhaps the surest way to reach the pinnacle is to have such a burning desire to get there that nothing can divert us. If our life is our work, and if we have energy, plus intelligence and a moderate amount of luck, we can accomplish anything we set our hearts on. -ANONYMOUS. ' Printed at the Su;::ar ~ew~ Press, ;\lam~a I I 11 I