The entire Bayan Telecommunications Bicol Market is very proud of Marilou R. Tapel, Head of HROD for being truly KAKAIBA. During the 4th Gawad Galing Awards Night, Bicol had reason to be proud of Malou or Mother as she is fondly called by BT employees.

Caption: Gawad Galing Awardee Marilou R. Tapel beside Tunde Fafunwa, Chief Executive Officer, to the right; and Philip Ruiz HROD head, to her left.

        Malou was awarded First Place of the Special Recognition Award for an Individual. It was for her exemplary actions during and after Typhoon Reming in November 30, 2006. Malou was in the office even during the height of the supertyphoon. She only went home when her husband repeatedly called her telling her that it was already very unsafe to be outside.

        The day after the typhoon, Malou was in the office again, to make an immediate roll call of all Bayan Bicol employees. She wanted to know about their welfare and if there was something she could do to help. For sacrificing her personal security and safety during and after the tragedy and for leading the company’s rehabilitation efforts, Malou indeed deserve this Gawad Galing award.

        As icing to the Gawad Galing cake, Malou also won the Fashionista of the Night award. Selection was done by employees who texted their votes from their Span phones.