First Holdings at 45

June 2006

First Holdings at 45 Coming full circle AT 45 years, First Philippine Holdings Test case law in 1972 cut short MSC and Meralco’s Corporation (FPHC), formerly the Meral- The $62-million buyout of Meralco high-flying years. With his eldest son Eu- co Securities Corporation (MSC), has in- crafted by Don Eñing’s right hand man genio Jr. (“Geny”) held hostage by the deed come full circle. Bert Villanueva was a landmark under- dictator, Don Eñing agreed to surrender First Holdings began in 1961 as the taking not only in monetary terms, but es- control of Meralco for a paltry sum in MSC, a company created by Lopez Group pecially because it served as a de facto 1973; this, in turn, prompted OML and founder Don Eugenio “Eñing” Lopez pri- test case for Filipino managerial ability. other executives to resign practically en marily to consummate the transfer of own- With a team of topnotch young profes- masse. First Holdings subsequently em- ership of Meralco from General Public Util- sionals that included Don Eñing’s son barked on an ambitious diversification ities. GPU, as required by the 1954 Laurel- Oscar M. Lopez (OML), MSC—and lat- program that eventually contributed to Langley agreement signed by the United er as First Holdings—in the next decade the depletion of the firm’s coffers. States and the Philippines, was under pres- expanded and diversified into construc- Thirteen years would pass and the fall sure to divest its interest in Meralco by July tion, manufacturing, oil exploration, of the dictator come about before the 4, 1974; after the 20-year grace period, all power generation, trading and even Lopezes regained Meralco and their other companies operating in the Philippines had banking. assets. to be at least 60% owned by Filipinos. However, the declaration of martial Turn to page 6

Sta. Rita and San Lorenzo power plants in Batangas City. 2 LOPEZLINK June 2006

January to March 2006 Financial Results (Unaudited) Listed companies Total Revenues Net Income/(loss) ng Lopez Group 2005 2006 % change 2005 2006 % change ABS-CBN P3.458 B P3.954 B +14 (P132 M) P121 M +192 bumabawi na Benpres P3.457 B P3.954 B +14 P281* M P2.081 B** +640 BUMUTI ang financial performance ng lahat ng publicly listed compa- First Gen US$188 M US$217 M +15 US$21.6 M US$25 M** +18 nies ng Lopez Group noong first quarter ng 2006kumpara sa 2005. Lumaki ang kita ng holding companies, lumiit ang pagkalugi ng Meralco FPHC P11.7 B P13.4 B +15 P622 M P3.7 B** +501 at may net profit na ang ABS-CBN mula sa net loss noong 2004. Meralco P36.449 B P41.614 B +14 (P2.2 B) (P748 M)** +66 Hindi maikakailang patuloy ang pakikibaka ng Lopez Group sa iba’t ibang pagsubok sa ekonomiya. Patuloy na kaya ang pagsikat ng *As restated araw para sa mga premyadong kumpanyang ito? **Attributable to Equity Holders of the Parent Company First Holdings kumita ng P3.7 bilyon, nagbigay din ng dibidendo KUMITA ng P3.7 bilyon ang First P11.7 bilyon noong first quarter ng sa mas maliit na pagkalugi ng Meral- lumiit ang net loss ng Meralco sa P748 lyon. Nasa ilalim ng FPIDC ang inter- Philippine Holdings Corporation 2005. co. milyon sa 2006kumpara sa P2.2 bilyon est ng First Holdings sa Manila North noong first quarter ng 2006, mula Bumuti ang performance ng First Nagkaroon ng “gain on dilution” na noong Enero hanggang Marso 2004. Tollways Corporation na nagpapatakbo P622 milyon noong unang tatlong Holdings dahil sa IPO (initial public P2.7 bilyon ang First Holdings mula sa Maganda rin ang performance ng ng bagong North Luzon Expressway. buwan ng nakaraang taon. Tumaas ng offering) ng First Generation at sa IPO ng First Gen noong Pebrero at First Philippine Infrastructure Devel- Nagbigay ng P1 bawat share na 15% ang consolidated revenues ng pagbenta ng shares nito sa SiRF, sa P199 milyon naman sa pagbenta ng opment Corporation (FPIDC), na cash dividend ang First Holdings kumpanya sa P13.4 bilyon mula pagtaas ng kita ng subsidiaries nito at SiRF shares noong Marso. Samantala, nagkaroon ng net income ng P486mi- noong Mayo 5. Cost cutting nakatulong sa ABS-CBN FPHC ililipat NAKATULONG sa ABS-CBN more judicious production cost Tumaas ang gross revenues ng primetime ratings in Metro Manila Broadcasting Corp. ang pagpapatu- spending,” pahayag ng kumpanya 14% year-on-year sa P4.0 billion, specifically in the 6p.m. to 10 p.m. ang shares pad ng special separation package sa isang statement. bunsod ng license fees mula sa Di- block,” dagdag pa ng kumpanya. (SSP) noong 2005 at aggressive Ayon kay acting CFO Geronimo recTV at airtime revenues, ayon sa Ang total expenses ay lumaki ng cost cutting upang magtala ng prof- Estacio, ang first-quarter perfor- statement ng kumpanya. Umabot na- 4% sa P3.7 billion dala ng higher sa units nito it na P121 million sa unang quarter mance ng kumpanya ay hindi pala- man sa P2.3 billion ang gross airtime cash operating expenses. Kung ng 2006, isang turnaround sa net tandaan ng performance nito sa revenues, mas mataas ng 4% mula sa wala ang nonrecurring charge na ILILIPAT na ng First Philippine Hold- loss na P132 million na iniulat nito nalalabing bahagi ng taon. P2.2 billion sa first quarter ng 2005. P208 million para sa marketing ex- ings Corp. (FPHC) ang shares ng mga sa parehong period noong 2005. “Even during the good old days “Although ratings were almost penses na may kinalaman sa migra- manufacturing subsidiaries nito sa ilalim “It is attributable to a lower cost of ABS-CBN, the first quarter was flat year-on-year at 14% in the first tion sa DirecTV, ang total expenses ng First Philippine Electric Corp. (First base brought about by last year’s never indicative of full-year perfor- quarter, parent airtime revenues ay mas mababa ng 2% year-on- Philec), tulad ng ginawa sa First Gen headcount optimization as well as mance,” paliwanag ni Estacio. grew 3% due to a recovery in the year sa P3.5 billion. Corp. kung saan pinagsama ang lahat ng mga power generation companies. Ayon kay assistant information officer Rodolfo Waga Jr., ang pag-aari na shares BayanTel chief consultant speaks at employers confab ng FPHC, partikular na sa Philippine BAYANTEL chief executive “I can say that opportunities better alternatives,” he said. Electric Corp. (Philec), First Electro Dy- consultant Tunde Fafunwa are abundant and this beautiful Fafunwa also touched on namics Corp. (Fedcor), First Sumiden was a guest speaker during the country, with its hardworking BayanTel’s efforts to involve Circuits (FSCI) at First Sumiden Realty 27th National Conference of people, presents a lot of poten- itself in Corporate and Social Inc., ay ililipat sa First Philec. Employers (NCE) of the Em- tials,” said Fafunwa during his Responsibility (CSR) pro- Sa ngayon ay wala pang major invest- ployers Confederation of the address, in which he show- grams in order to further im- ments na ibinuhos sa manufacturing Philippines (ECOP) at the cased BayanTel’s and the prove the lives of the people business nito ang FPHC pero balak ng Manila Hotel on May 22. Lopez Group’s various posi- that it serves. kumpanya na magsagawa ng karagda- Part of the objective of the tive contributions to society. “Business cannot do it all,” gang investments, pahayag naman ni El- conference was to get a view “In BayanTel, we pushed Fafunwa said, “but when ev- pidio Ibañez, chief operating officer ng from established business the envelope further. We took eryone works together we can FPHC. groups on how big companies a hard look, go through a rigid be a formidable force towards Ang Philec ay manufacturer ng single can make a difference in the exercise to determine what the making a difference. Making a at three-phased distribution at power society, and this was tackled BayanTel brand really stands difference is the responsibility transformers na hanggang 15 MV at naghahanda sa pag-export ng dry-type BayanTel’s Tunde Fafunwa (right) during the open by Fafunwa through his pre- for. At the end of the day, this of everyone-business, the gov- sentation entitled “How Big is what came out to be what ernment, nongovernment or- transformers sa pamamagitan ng Ameri- forum at the ECOP conference. With Fafunwa is HSBC can Power Conversion Co. Samantala, CEO Warner Manning, who also shared his expertise Business Can Make a Differ- our brand and company really ganizations and even the con- through a talk during the event. ence in Society.” stands for: people’s rights to sumer.” (Dimpy Jazmines) ang Fedcor ay service at product provider sa distribution, control at efficient uti- lization ng electric energy para sa domes- tic at global markets. Nag-diversify na rin ito sa pagkumpuni ng substations, pad Meralco mas maliit na ang net loss mounted transformers, pagpapanatili ng electric distribution systems ng high-rise LUMIIT ng 66% ang net loss ng nito sa Korte Suprema. Noong first gy sales noong first quarter at 12.6%) at depreciation and amorti- buildings at pag-ayos ng automatic volt- Meralco (parent company) noong quarter ng 2005, umabot sa P1.411 ang sales noong Marso ang zation (-6.4%). age regulators. first quarter ng 2006. Mula sa net bilyon ang provision for probable pinakamataas sa isang buwan Sa kabuuan, tumaas lamang ng Ang FSCI, isang joint venture kasama loss na P2.2 bilyon, naging P748 losses ng Meralco. sa loob ng nakaraang limang 8.5% ang total expenses ng parent ang Sumitomo Electric Industries at milyon na lamang ang net loss ng Lumaki naman ng 14% ang taon. company at napapaloob dito ang Sumitomo Corp., ay gumagawa ng Flex- parent company. revenues ng Meralco parent sa Samantala, tumaas lamang ng mga sumusunod: purchased power ible Printed Circuits (FPCs), mga wiring Ito ay matapos maglaan ng P41.614 bilyon mula P36.449 8.5% ang total expenses ng parent (+ 9.7%), operations and mainte- components na may electronic circuits na P1.426bilyon para sa probable bilyon dahil sa pagtaas ng company kasama na ang purchased nance (+29.5%), taxes other than naka-imprenta sa flexible film. losses kung sakaling matalo ang 4.2% sales volume. Umabot ng power (+9.7%), operations and income tax (-12.6%), at deprecia- Meralco sa unbundling rate case 5,824 gigawatt-hours ang ener- maintenance (+29.5%), taxes (- tion and amortization (- 6.4%). LOPEZLINK June 2006 3

Bl@st promo Meralco initiates ‘power winner is P100,000 richer BayanTel’s MM Retail of choice’ program Markets Division recently concluded a successful promo MERALCO customers with a demand of the actual blend of energy sourced from to realize some potential benefits of re- with its “BL@ST Prize Bar- at least 1 megawatt (MW) may soon Napocor and Meralco’s independent tail competition,” said Meralco first rage Online” promotion, choose to avail of the time-of-use (TOU) power producers or IPPs. vice president and Customer Retail Ser- which gave users a chance to rates of the National Power Corporation Meralco stressed that these average vices head Roberto Almazora. win P100,000 in cash, laptop (Napocor) if the Energy Regulatory generation charges could be further re- “The program is not a form of ‘direct computers and trips for two to Commission (ERC) approves the guide- duced if its IPPs can be dispatched at connection’ since regardless of where Hong Kong Disneyland. Win- lines to be drawn by the company in co- their minimum energy quantities the power is sourced, it will still be ner Ernest Serote (center) operation with the Napocor and the Na- (MEQ). wheeled and distributed through our fa- claims the grand prize of tional Transmission Corp. (Transco). The company clarified that the pro- cilities to the customer,” Almazora P100,000 from MM Retail’s How much a customer will benefit gram is not yet retail competition and added. Dave Buenviaje and Tess from the TOU rates will largely depend open access as defined in the Electric Meralco and the NPC have created Canlas at BayanTel’s Diliman on his consumption characteristics. Power Industry Reform Act (Epira). negotiating panels to discuss the guide- office. On the other hand, customers who “Providing customers the power to lines for the program implementation, will not benefit from the TOU rates can choose either NPC’s TOU rates or Mer- which will be later submitted to the opt for Meralco’s average generation alco’s average blended rates is the best ERC for approval. (Meralco Corp. charges, computed monthly based on option currently available for customers Comm.) amazing deals! BayanTel Win an HP Pavilion Media Center PC from BayanTel celebrates Year SkyCable Platinum launches SKYCABLE Platinum turns TV viewing is for the movie lover and boasts of three 3 of ‘Gawad Galing’ notches higher as it gives away an HP additional HBO movie channels: HBO Pavilion Media Center PC to a lucky sub- Hits, HBO Signature and HBO Family. BAYANTEL’s Gawad Galing Awards ed the ceremonies that marked the third SPAN scriber. The second package, the Metro Pack, Night 2006, with the theme “Our Time to successful year of the annual employee Subscribers stand a chance to win a TV, has four Discovery Channels, two movie Shine!,” was held at the Bahay ng Alumni recognition program. Linked via live wireless DVD player and personal computer all channels and two kids’ channels. In addi- in UP Diliman, Quezon City recently. videocon, BayanTel employees in Naga, rolled into one simply by subscribing to tion to all-time favorites such as Fox About a thousand BayanTel employ- Tacloban and Davao and in other provin- SkyCable Platinum (applications until News, Star Plus Indian, it also has new ees from the Metro Manila offices attend- cial areas also celebrated the affair in their local loop June 17 only). Current SkyCable Platinum channels like Wine TV and CNN Headline own areas. subscribers automatically earn electronic News. With 20 additional channels, the Great food and service raffle tickets. Monthly subscribers earn Metro Pack is sure to have the right mix of flowing drinks greeted BayanTel introduces an alterna- one raffle entry while quarterly sub- programming for subscribers’ varied tastes the employees during tive to standard wired connec- scribers get two entries. Semiannual and and lifestyles. that bright night, and tion. Wireless Local Loop ser- Annual subscribers are entitled to three With the most number of channels and they were also treated vice offers new means for the and four entries, respectively. superb shows, SkyCable Platinum is the to exciting entertain- delivery of communication to SkyCable Platinum has never-before- ultimate and best cable TV package ment numbers, and customers, combining the quali- seen cable channels with two premium around. Subscribe to SkyCable Platinum even to a raffle to spice ty of landline and flexibility of packages initially available. The HBO Pak by calling 631-0000. (Arlene Torres) things up. However, mobile. The service, which is bright as everything initially being offered by the was, no one shone MM Retail group, is called Be James Bond with SkyCable Gold brighter during the BayanTel SPAN. special evening than BayanTel SPAN boasts of uni- Perhaps one of the most iconic pop culture worth P2,500 (10 winners). Definitely, the the individuals and versal service—it provides limited figures is James Bond. Who doesn’t want world is not enough with all these fantastic teams that were ac- mobility that allows subscribers to to get his gadgets, his getups or his girls? Bond prizes! corded honor and roam in their neighborhood and SkyCable can help you live like Bond Winners of this promo will be an- recognition as Bayan- make unlimited local calls at no as new SkyCable Gold subscribers stand a nounced on MySky and SkySked cable Gawad Galing Top Seller of the Year Joseph Pinero (2nd Tel’s Gawad Galing extra cost, it is capable of sending chance to win the ultimate James Bond ex- channels and notified via registered mail from left) with (l-r) BayanTel board member Dory Tirona, winners for 2006. and receiving SMS SPAN to perience!Together with Star Movies, Sky- and telephone. chief executive consultant Tunde Fafunwa and CFO Al Roy. (Dimpy Jazmines) SPAN and is loaded with features Cable Gold is giving away a trip for two to “This promo is our way of welcoming like three-way calling and call for- Greece for the ultimate Bond experience. our new subscribers to the limitless possi- warding. Enjoy all these benefits Relive the unforgettable scenes and be like bilities of SkyCable Gold,” said Malou Es- for only P749 a month! Bond in exotic Greece where many of the parrago, SkyCable brand management BayanTel SPAN is available Bond movies were filmed! head. BayadCenterisRP’sbest for sale to residential and micro- Just subscribe to SkyCable Gold (appli- “Together with Star Movies, we want business customers in Marikina. cations until July 10) for a chance to win to give our new subscribers the excitement Find out more about BayanTel the trip for two to Greece and do the 007 of living like Bond. Because like Bond one-stop payment shop SPAN through BayanTel’s cus- tour! movies, SkyCable programming is packed tomer service hotline 412-1212, Other prizes to be given away include with action, excitement and so much CORPORATE Information tional Product Quality Excel- sales hotline 436-2399 and at five Sony Ericsson K750i phones, P10,000 more.” Solutions’ (CIS) payment lence Awards in February Bayan Centers. (D. Jazmines) worth of Nike gift certificates (10 winners) Live like Bond with SkyCable. For collection service, Bayad 2006. and a Makati Shangri-La dinner package subscriptions, call 631-0000. (A. Torres) Center, was acknowledged as Manuel Lorenzo Tuason, the No. 1 bills payment cen- Meralco assistant vice presi- ter during the National Shop- dent and CIS president, said: pers’ Choice Awards held at “These awards reaffirm our the Hotel Dusit Nikko recent- commitment to further develop First Gen vice chairman and CEO ly. the payment collection busi- Peter Garrucho Jr. awards a The National Shoppers’ ness in the Philippines. But be- certificate of attendance to a Choice Awards is conferred by the Asia- yond these citations, our commitment is representative of the Mangyan tribe Pacific Market Research Council, the with our customers. We will ensure that they during the Second National Sales and Marketing Professionals Asso- continue to experience a payment service Volunteers Summit held in Miriam ciation of the Philippines, National Shop- that is both reliable and convenient.” College, Quezon City. The summit pers’ Choice Annual Awards, and Shop- Bayad Center was developed in 1997 traced the roots of volunteerism in pers’ Choice magazine. as a worry-free, one-stop payment collec- the rich cultural heritage of the The award comes on the heels of an tion service for major bills such as Mer- Filipino people and raised the value earlier citation conferred by the National alco, BayanTel, SkyCable, Sky Internet, of understanding culture as a tool in Council for Product and Service Quality, Maynilad, and other bills for utilities, the promotion of volunteerism. the National Product Quality Excellence communications, cable TV, insurance, in- Around 300 volunteers attended the Awards and Consumer Today magazine. ternet service, NGOs and government summit to strengthen formal Bayad Center was named as the best one- agencies. The Bayad Center network now volunteering practices in the country. stop payment shop during the 2005 Na- has over 600 branches nationwide. (Vince Magtibay) 4 LOPEZLINK June 2006

PR CHALLENGE Shoestring PR 101: Ideas The truth about to get creativity flowing the Anvil Awards By Cathy-Anne O Brien Narrow your objective partnering on a PR initiative can deliver By Carla Paras-Sison Instead of creating the goal of secur- impressive results. AT some point you’ve likely been assigned ing 30 articles in daily newspapers, why Guerilla PR works IN the March 2006 issue of LopezLink, to a public relations project that has next to not focus on the top 10 major dailies and Consider the stories that are already we reported that the Lopez Group re- no budget. Don’t despair: You can deliver a TV opportunities—media where you’ll making news. Monitoring newswires ceived six Anvils at the 41st Anvil highly successful campaign on a make the biggest impact? Ask yourself and hot stories of the day may present an Awards of the Public Relations Society shoestring—but it requires some creativity. what market comprises your company’s opportunity to offer your spokesperson of the Philippines (PRSP). The Internet, of course! growth opportunity. Focusing on a par- for comment. Become part of any story Manila North Tollways Corporation We can now reach mass audiences at ticular industry or consumer base will relevant to your industry. If you do this (MNTC) was the big winner, receiving the push of a button. Emailing story pitches successfully, eventually reporters will the Grand Anvil for its Toll Rate Manage- to reporters is now a favorite approach for consider you an expert and will be more ment Plan and an Award of Excellence for media relations professionals; it gives you likely to call you for comment. Institutional and Corporate PR programs. a chance to sell a well-developed idea with The old-school approach But lo and behold, a national broad- a compelling subject line, which the re- Securing speaking and bylined article sheet also received a “Grand Anvil” porter can then read at his or her leisure. opportunities are tried-and-true PR tactics. about a month later, supposedly given The ‘blogosphere’ There are an endless number of associations out also by the PRSP. Organizations of all types are using in need of keynote speakers for monthly The real PRSP’s Grand Anvil winner, Manila Are there two Anvils, or two PRSPs, North Tollways Corp. blogs to help shape public opinion, pro- meetings and events. This need gives you for that matter? vide information about a product or dean opportunity to reach your target audi- No, there is only one PRSP giving out the the Anvil Awards received 19 entries and all fend a position—but the “blogosphere” ence, raise the profile of your company and legitimate Anvil Awards. And this is the of them won, topped by the broadsheet. is not without critics, so be cautious. It is position yourself as an expert in the field. PRSP that awarded MNTCits Grand Anvil, The case remains in the courts but Lopez important to identify who you work for Preparing articles for online or trade having bested 116 entries where only 57 re- Group PR Council members have supported and what your intentions are so that publications is a low-cost exposure oppor- ceived awards of either Excellence or Merit. the legitimate PRSP headed by newly re- readers don’t feel misled. tunity. No one knows your service like you In 2004, the PRSP had a crisis when its elected president Ma. Amylyn de Quiros, If you are working on a major allow you to develop specific activities do, so preparing your articles will be then president refused to hold elections APR, of Full Circle Communications. fundraiser, establishing a blog for that that reach that audience. straightforward. If you are granted permis- scheduled annually. PRSP members, led by ABS-CBN’s Maloli Espinosa is PRSP vice specific purpose is easy and effective. Goodbye to glitz and glamor sion from the publications that run your ar- past presidents, sought the assistance of the president-internal. Meralco’s Ritzi Ronquillo With the right subject line and posting, When it comes to securing media cov- ticles, you can also republish the articles on Securities and Exchange Commission to sits in the board and heads the Professional De- you can rally a team of volunteers, pro- erage or reaching your customers, give your web site, e-newsletter or sales kits. hold its regular election of officers. velopment and Publications committees while mote the event and identify people in the them something they can use. Splashy PR These suggestions may seem basic, Since then, bona fide PRSP members have Meralco public relations head Elpi Cuna Jr., community who support the cause. events may attract attention, but tailoring but sometimes a good refresher of low- conducted two elections; more than two- APR, is among the PRSP’s board of advisers. Leverage your web site compelling story angles to meet the needs cost ways to implement a PR campaign thirds of the membership participated in these Aside from Lopez Group companies, Your web site is a vehicle that you in- of various media may be more effective; can trigger great ideas. When you have a elections, forming a quorum for the purpose. PRSP members come from other respected vested in, but is it attracting new and repeat it’s about quality rather than quantity. limited budget, you are forced to think However, the former PRSP president organizations like San Miguel, Manila Wa- visitors? One way to ensure visitors is to up- Piggyback on another event more creatively and often you end up who refused to give up his office still claims ter Company, Globe Telecom, Aboitiz date it regularly. Make its contents dynamic. Is there a company or organization delivering a more focused campaign that he is representing PRSP. He also contin- Transport Systems Corp., Total Philippines, Write an e-newsletter, supply links to articles that you can partner with on a mutually that, in the end, may be even more effec- ues to duplicate major projects of the PRSP, GMA Network, Philippine National Bank or upcoming events and ensure your mar- beneficial initiative? Identifying organi- tive than the big-budget endeavor. (Ex- including the Anvil Awards. His version of and Land Bank of the Philippines. keting efforts drive customers to your site. zations in a complementary business and cerpted from Communications World) HR COUNCIL Biz Calendar MMLDC’s i-Learn BayanTel’s Farinas Lopez CEO Forum: The Collapse of Chaebol Daewoo June 2, 2006, 3 p.m., Rockwell Luna North Function Room makes training receives APP designation Contact Alma/Joy at 449-6129 or Amy at 449-6032 NELIA Farinas of practitioners. The process of certification is a Dr. Joongi Kim, associate dean and associate professor of BayanTel’s Logistics-Pur- rigorous one where candidates are required law of the Graduate School of International Studies, will easy and fun chasing has recently been to pass different supply management mod- discuss the collapse of South Korea's Daewoo Motor, where the company was placed in court-appointed receivership By Ma. Vivien Arnobit given the designation of an Accredited Purchasing ules and show proof of work experience and Practitioner (APP) by the Institute of Supply Man- track record in the same field. with $10 billion in debts. MERALCO Management and Leadership Development agement (ISM) based in the United States. Farinas’ newly conferred APP designa- Systems Thinking and Modeling Complex World Behavior Center (MMLDC) has teamed up with IBM, the world’s The ISM is a global organization that rection is a recognition of her efforts to uplift the June 12-13, 2006, JW Mariott, Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia largest information technology company, to develop an E- ognizes the practice of supply management practice of supply management in BayanTel. Contact John Michael at johnm@CorporateStrate- learning program called i-Learn. This is IBM’s first busi- through certification of supply management (Dimpy Jazmines) giesIntl.com or +65-6220 3424 ness venture with another company for its e-learning ser- Delegates who register for the training course must fill out vices, IBM being one of MMLDC’s major donors. a pre-course questionnaire to customize and maximize i-Learn offers extensive training programs on supervi- training investment. Attendance is restricted to number of sory, management and professional development, with seats. First come, first served. courses on leadership, sales and marketing, customer ser- Call for entries: Oscar Awards Reinventing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vice and communication. Meanwhile, the computer literacy THE Oscar Awards is calling for appli- Baldrige-based assessment. The results en- June 19-23, 2006, Asian Institute of Management, Makati City curriculum focuses on applications, from desktop operating cants for its 2006 cycle. Launched in able companies to focus and prioritize con- Contact Yola or Raul at 892-4011 locals 228, 526 or 365 systems, Internet skills and Microsoft Office and project The program aims to develop corporate managers who can courses. 2002, the Award aims to strengthen the tinuous improvement efforts towards the translate the philosophy and rhetoric of CSR into effective MMLDChas put in place an i-Learn administrator, an i-Learn competitiveness of the companies with- critical and strategic areas of the business. and efficient practice consistent with corporate objectives. passport for tracking and motivating learners, an instructional in the Group by motivating through The Oscars adopted the Malcolm Underlying this course is the philosophy that CSR creates manual for the system startup and a curriculum to assist the proper recognition, promoting aware- Baldrige National Quality Award system shareholder value while contributing to societal value. Fee of client’s administrator in the identification of specific courses for ness of factors that contribute to perfor- of the United States and the criteria for P40,000 is inclusive of tuition, materials, lunch and snacks. each learner. mance excellence and facilitating the performance excellence, on which as- i-Learn’s learning solutions were tailor-made to make sharing of information. sessments are based. “Building Better Brands”: Al Ries’ Brand Marketing Conference training easy and fun. Although it simulates the actual en- Although none yet have captured the You may address your inquiries on the June 23, 2006, Hotel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City vironment for hands-on practice, it is not intended to re- Oscar Award, companies that have applied Oscars Program Management to Rene Contact Gina, Fina or Juliet at 813-2732/03 place actual classroom training. Rather, it is best mixed Ries is the best-selling author of “Positioning: The Battle for with other training delivery methods for optimum learning can benefit from addressing the opportuni- Mayol or Bheng Relatado at telephone your Mind” and “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing.” His effectiveness and cost efficiency. ties for improvement indicated in the Feed- numbers 449-6035 or 449-6005; mobile seminars are always full of impact, interaction and insights. As an advocate of technical excellence, MMLDC’s i- back Report. The Feedback Report con- 0917-5306380 or 0917-8270757; or email Ries goes through more than 1,000 slides in a day—full of Learn can be considered as a step towards the quest for con- tains the assessment results of the Oscar [email protected] /msrelata- examples that bring principles and marketing laws to life. tinuous people development. examiners, who were trained to do [email protected] (Bheng Relatado) Fee is P11,977 per person plus VAT. LOPEZLINK June 2006 5

All about the goddess of the sky CPI powers on IT was a “powerful” evening as different cable operators and dis- Fast facts about Mt. Everest—and the Pinoys’ connec- tinguished guests leveled up with Creative Programs Inc.’s (CPI) tion to the world’s tallest peak: Pinoy on top! Powerbundle as theycelebrated the ultimate cable partydubbed • Mt. Everest was named for Sir George Everest in A FILIPINO has reached the as “Power On!” at the Hotel Philippine Plaza’s Sunset Pavilion. 1859, the British surveyor-general of India. In Nepal, summit of the world’s high- Hosted bycomedians Chocoleit and TuesdayVargas, over the peak is known as Sagarmatha (goddess of the est mountain—and he wasn’t 400 people composed of CPI Powerbundle affiliates and sky) and as Chomolungma (mother goddess of the the one manyexpected Philippine Cable Television Association (PCTA) and National universe) in Tibet. would do it first. Telecommunications Commission officials experienced “cable • Everest’s summit ridge marks the border between Heracleo “Leo” Oracion heat” as the event intensified. Guests enjoyed the overflowing Nepal and China, but the summit itself is in Nepal. made it to the top of the food and drinks, exciting raffles and performance-level produc- • An Indian mathematician and surveyor from Bengal 8,848-meter (29,035-foot) tion numbers Andrea del Rosario, SayAlonzo, Christian named Radhanath Sikdar first identified Everest as the Mount Everest at 3:30 p.m. Bautista, CherryLou, Geoff Eigenmann and Nikki Gil. world’s highest peak in 1852. Before it was surveyed on May17 in Nepal (5:30 Before the cable party, Hero TV took part in the Philippine and named, the surveyteam knew it as Peak XV. p.m. in Manila), ending the International Cable Convention 2006 organized bythe PCTA • Sir Edmund Hillaryand Sherpa Tenzing Norgaywere suspense of a tropical nation at the World Trade Center in PasayCity.A well-supported ac- the first to reach the summit of Everest via the South riveted bythe stories of a Heracleo “Leo” Oracion Erwin “Pastor” Emata tivity, the convention was attended by about 400 cable sys- Col Route on May29,1953. It was Norgay’s seventh handful of its countrymen tems from all over the country, including Sky, Home, Destiny attempt to summit. conquering the peak. Oracion was alreadyon Valdez confirmed word and others, plus cable hardware/equipment suppliers and for- • In 1978, Norgayput up Tenzing NorgayAdventures, a “The Philippine eagle has his waydown from the that Emata set foot on the eign program providers of HBO, ESPN, Discovery, Disney companythat offers trekking in the Himalaya.The ven- landed at the summit of Ever- mountain, hoping to help his peak of 8,848-meter moun- and AXN. (Jan Bautista) ture is now being run byhis son Jamling Tenzing Nor- est,” Art Valdez, leader of the regular climbing partner, Er- tain earlyThursdaymorning gay, who himself reached the summit of Everest in 1996. First Philippine Mount Ever- win “Pastor” Emata, reach (May18). • Nima Norgay, one of Tenzing’s daughters with his est Expedition, quoted Ora- the summit too, added “We we’re stunned [and] first wife, married a Filipino, respected graphic artist cion as saying through satel- Valdez. excited,” he told Rodriguez Emmanuel “Noli” Galang (among others, he worked lite radio, in a press confer- In a matter of 14 hours, in an interview after Emata’s on the book “PinoyTV: The Historyof ABS-CBN”) ence in Makati City. Emata became the second successful climb. who died in 2003. Valdez said Oracion, the Filipino to reach the summit Oracion has returned to • Tenzing himself died in Darjeeling, West Bengal, In- Everest team’s lead climber, of Mount Everest. Emata, a the mountain’s Camp 4 and dia in 1986. had onlyone Sherpa guide native of Davao, summitted was on his wayto Base • Junko Tabei of Japan became the first woman to with him on the wayup Ever- Everest at 5:34 a.m. (7:34 Camp to meet Valdez and the summit Everest on May16, 1975. In 2005, Moni est. He said Oracion, a 35- a.m. in Manila), according to rest of the team. Valdez told Mulepati and Pemba Dorjie got married on top of year-old native of Lucban, ABS-CBN News correspon- ABS-CBN’s “Insider” that Everest. Mulepati became the first non-Sherpa Quezon, reached the Hillary dents Abner Mercado and Oracion arrived at Camp 4 at Nepalese woman to summit on May30, 2005, while stretch of the mountain, Vince Rodriguez who report- 9:30 p.m. on May17. (Ex- Hero Channel’s Joy Go, actors Joseph Bitangcol and Sandara Dorjie currentlyholds the record for the quickest which is 1,000 meters from ed live via videophone from cerpted from abs-cbn- Park, CPI’s Chinky de Jesus, actors Blair Arellano, Bob dela climb on Everest at eight hours and 10 minutes. the peak, at 12:30 p.m. the mountain’s Base Camp. news.com) Cruz, Igiboy Flores and Hero’s Eric Go feel the power. (Photo by Nico Bacay) Lavinia at Dorina, Sam Milby rocks your world The music spotlight is now gle, he will also make you get up ing You.” And of course, last but on “PinoyBig Brother” big and rock the house with his other not the least is Sam’s instant hit muling magtutuos discoverySam Milby!The tracks. Koreanovela fans had a with SayAlonzo, “Magmahal realityshow might have re- taste of his rocking but sweet ren- Muli.” MUSIKA. Drama. Kakilig-kilig na Cruz). Maging ang adoptive mother ni vealed his musical talents but dition of Elvis Presley’s “Only But that’s not all! You can also romansa. Lahat nang pwedeng hana- Dorina na si Adora (Ai-Ai delas Alas) Star Records shows us his full You” as sang the theme of the hit sing to seven of Sam’s songs with pin sa isang sineserye ay mapapa- aynapapailing na lang sa pagiging fa- potential in his self-titled debut al- Korean drama. The album’s other the minus one of each included in nood na sa “Bituing Walang Ning- natic ng anak kayLavinia. bum. The eight-cut album also fea- tracks include “MyGuitar,” The the album as a bonus. Let Sam share ning.” Ano ang karapatan ni Lavinia sa tures the theme to Star Cinema Calling’s “Wherever You Will with you his passion for music! Base sa sikat na kuwentong pang- ganoong debosyon? Walang gaano, and Close-Up’s Valentine pre- Go,” the first song he sang in the Grab your copy of Sam’s album komiks ni Nerissa Cabral, na naging ayon sa mga nakatrabaho niya. Si sentation and Sam’s first Big Brother house that made girls’ now at anyAstro Plus, Astrovision, basehan rin ng hit movie nina Sharon Nico Escobar (Ryan Agoncillo), ang film, “Close To You.” hearts go a-flutter, and three other Odyssey, SM Record Bars, Tower Cuneta at Cherie Gil noong 1985, prodyuser at boyfriend ni Lavinia, ay Not onlywill Sam tickle original songs: “This I Swear,” Records, New Radio Cityand other ang bersyon ng ABS-CBN ng “Bitu- pinakawalan na siya matapos nitong you pink with his first sin- “I’ve Fallen In Love” and “Miss- leading record bars. ing Walang Ningning” aymagdadala hindian ang alok ni Nico na mag- sa klasikong kuwentong ito sa pakasal. Ngayon ay nagbuo ng saril- bagong henerasyon ng manonood. ing record label si Nico kasama ng ‘Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition’ Update Mapapanood ang mga sikat na ka- kanyang best friend na si Zosimo rakter ni Cabral sa katauhan nina (Mico Palanca)—isang record com- Sarah Geronimo, Ai-Ai delas Alas, panyna ang layuninlamang ay Angelika dela Cruz, Ryan Agoncillo, pabagsakin si Lavinia. BILANG na ang araw ng teen Mico Palanca at Dominic Ochoa; Hindi naman ganoon kadaling housemates sa Bahayni Kuya. mga orihinal na karakter na ginawa kalabanin si Lavinia. Suportado siya Dalawa pa ang nakatakdang para lang sa sineserye ang bubuhayin ng kanyang inang si Barbara (Amy umalis bago ang Big Night sa nina Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Tonton Gutier- Austria), ang ultimate stage mother. June 3. Balikan natin ang mga rez, AmyAustria, John Prats at Carlo At napabagsak na rin ni Lavinia si kaganapan: Kim Clare Mikee Gerald Aquino. RosaMia Suarez (Zsa-Zsa Padilla), In and out. Naunang lum- Si Dorina Pineda (Sarah Geroni- ang dating sikat na singer na naging abas sa bahaysi Aldred matapos mo) mismo ang magsasabing siya ang mentor ni Lavinia. Ngayon ay limot ang isang linggo dahil hirap itong number one fan ng singer na si na si RosaMia at kung saan-saang bar maka-relate sa mga kasamahan. Rigodon de ‘Big Brother’ Lavinia Arguelles (Angelika dela na lamang siya kumakanta. Sa kabila ng pakiusap ng ibang Matapos housemates, nilisan ni Aldred Bam! Dahil sa sunud-sunod 14 points, samantalang tig-tat- Mikee noong May20, tinalo ng maging kampe- ang bahaynoong April 29. na violations, apat na house- long puntos lamang ang nakalap Atenista ang masang love team on si Dorina sa Tres Marias. Kinabukasan, mates ang nanganib na ma-force ng mga kasabayan nito. upang makasama sa huling anim “Search for a tatlong babae ang naging candi- evict sa bahayni Kuya—sina Fil-Am No. 3. Kasunod nito, na housemates. Dalawang Star in a Mil- dates for eviction sa unang nom- Joaqui, Fred, Gerald at Bam. Sa ipinakilala si Brenda Fox ng housemates pa ang lalabas bago lion,” mukhang ination night. Si Mikki aylum- huli, si Bam ang pinaalis dahil Olongapo. Nangako ang kapalit ang Big Night. parating na ang abas noong May3; siyaaysin- sa bigat ang mga naging viola- ni Bam na magpapakatotoo ito Big Four. Pasok na sa Big karma ni undan ng best friend niyang si tions niya. Kasabay lumabas ni sa loob ng bahayni Kuya. Four sina Clare, Mikee, Kim at Lavinia. Magig- Niña noong May6, kung kaya’t Bam ang love team na si Niña. Foursome 2. Sa foursome Gerald. Sino sa kanila ang maging malaking nakahinga nang maluwag si Foursome. Sina Jamilla at nina Jam, Clare, Fred at Joaqui, uuwi ng bonggang prizes? Iboto star si Dorina. Olyn, ang pangatlong nominee. Clare, Fred at Joaqui ang bumuo tinalo ng girls ang boys noong ang inyong mga paboritong Pero siya na nga Pumasok sa bahayang kang next batch ng nominees. May13 upang mapalawig pa housemates at tumutok na sa ba ang makakat- palit ni Aldred na si Joaqui mat- “Runawaywinner” sa nomina- ang pamamalagi sa bahayni last few days ng “Pinoy Big apat ni Lavinia? apos ang first nomination. tion si Joaqui na nakatanggap ng Kuya. Sa labanang Matt-Olyn- Brother Teen Edition”! (Amy Mosura) 6 LOPEZLINK June 2006

Coming full circle from page 1

‘Giving it a try’ OML recalled: “When we (Lopez group executives) resigned in 1973, I thought we’d be completely out of the Meralco group of companies forever. One day, Jake (Almeda-Lopez, now First Holdings vice chairman) came to see me. He said, ‘when an opportunity arises, we must grasp it.’ Geny also worked on me.” Therefore, although First Holdings was in a precarious financial situation at the time of the EDSA Revolution in 1986, OML decided to “give it a try.” With patience and perseverance, First Holdings followed a step-by-step progres- sion of solutions to turn around and be strong again. “Back in April 1986, I didn’t think it would last 20 years,” said OML. And so it happened that for most of the 45 years, First Holdings did go from strength to strength and from milestone to milestone-pro- pelled originally by Don Eñing’s determination that the MSC’s newly acquired utility and its people were going to be “as good as the best in the world”; a topnotch team of bright and fearless young professionals; and then later by the sheer will to survive and to give value to its stakeholders. Clockwise from above: First Holdings chair Oscar M. Palaro 2006 Lopez, with wife Connie Lopez, accepts the In 2006, First Holdings kicks off the cele- Management Man of the Year 2000 award; the Bauang bration of its 45th year by spearheading the Power Plant, which began commercial operations in reprise of Palaro, the Lopez Group-wide sports 1995; a Subic expressway tollbooth; the Rockwell Center, the redevelopment of which is still ongoing; fest, on June 10. Themed “Laro Uli Tayo, Ka- Federico Lopez (in black) at the Santa Rita plant; OML pamilya,” the competition will be held at the and Pres. Marcos at the plant during the inauguration Marikina Sports Park and exclusively features of Philec in 1970; a worker at First Sumiden Circuits team events—men’s 4x100 meter dash, wom- Inc. en’s 4x50 meter dash and mixed relays, “pag- ulungan” race, Catch the Dragon’s Tail and other fun and exciting games. plishments will be feted during the “Gabi ng munity service or otherwise devote their own Even the food that we will serve will be Ilong- The event is held under the auspices of the Parangal” at the Rockwell Tent. A total of 21 private time to civic and social actions, such as go dishes.” HR Council. The Palaro 2006 steering commit- employees will be honored, including First Gawad Kalinga or the Rotary Club. CSR programs tee consists of the representatives of the differ- Holdings and Lopez Group chairman & CEO “Gabi ng Parangal” will also honor the out- Of course, through all these, First Holdings’ Wit ent companies led by First Holdings VP for hu- Oscar M. Lopez, who, Sarmenta explained, standing employees of Benpres Holdings and corporate social responsibility programs have man resources Rey Sarmenta. Eight teams rep- joined First Holdings in 1986 but “in reality Lopez Inc., said First Holdings assistant vice not been overlooked. The company is now pers resenting the different companies and sub- was there from the beginning, except during the president for HR, Beth Canlas. looking into establishing a First Holdings Vil- sidiaries will vie for trophies and cash prizes, martial law years.” First Holdings’ 45th year also coincides with lage with Gawad Kalinga that will include low- with Marikina’s very own sports personalities Extra milers another milestone-the 105th birth anniversary of cost housing for indigent families, in addition First and outstanding athletes as well as mayor Sarmenta said that in addition to the service Don Eñing, whose historic purchase of Meralco to its ongoing integrated community develop- Marides Fernando invited to grace the affair. awardees, First Holdings is also looking for became the springboard for the creation of First ment program in Paliparan, Dasmariñas, follo On June 30, service awardees and deserving “extra milers,” employees who are outstanding Holdings and a string of other successful compa- Cavite. individuals and teams with outstanding accom- outside of the company, who engage in com- nies and subsidiaries. “What we plan to do is request each of the For this reason, Canlas said, a Filipiniana 16 subsidiaries to donate at least a house,” Can- step theme will be adopted for the three events in las said. “One house costs about P50,000 only, keeping with the values held dear by the Lopez but you’re already building lives and giving the pro patriarch—nationalism and love for family. beneficiaries dignity as Filipinos.” “Even the decorations for the ‘Gabi ng “Basically, if you look at the principle which Parangal’ will be Filipiniana, but we are focus- we try to do every year, our activities are peo- solu ing on Jaro, Iloilo, because that’s the birthplace ple-oriented, employee-oriented. Even yung of Don Eñing,” added Canlas. “Like in the mga so-called summer outings, hindi lang ’yan arou backdrop, we will use Jaro landmarks, mga enjoy, may values yan, there is always a deeper houses nila, the White House, Boat House. meaning,” Sarmenta stressed. stro

1961 1967 1972 1975 1977 1986 1987 1989 1990 On June 30, Don In March, MSC On September Don Eugenio dies MSC is renamed The EDSA I The company The power crisis Sandiganbayan Eugenio Lopez Sr. organizes 22, President of cancer in San First Philippine Revolution begins the begins to be felt. opposes and other leading Meralco Ferdinand Marcos Francisco, Holdings topples the process of FPHC goes into mechanism of businessmen Securities declares martial California on July Corporation Marcos regime. In recovering a power generation FPHC, Benpres, form Meralco 1966 Industrial Corp. 1970 law. 6. Meralco agrees (FPHC). Meralco April, Oscar M. portion of its as a response to MFI and Securities In October, MSC (MSIC) to build MSC completes to the eventual Foundation Inc. Lopez assumes Meralco stake the crisis. Malacañang for Corporation, puts up a pipelines carrying the payment for 1973 sale of its (MFI), the the presidency of and the the privatization which will business petroleum Meralco several On November 29, transmission lines instrument in First Holdings. settlement of its of Meralco. First acquire Meralco development products from months ahead of Don Eugenio is and major plants. taking over MSC, debt to the Holdings files a from General group headed by Batangas to schedule. In forced to hand acquires all Development motion with the Public Utilities. Oscar M. Lopez to Metro Manila. October, it over his Meralco shares Bank of the Supreme Court to MSC is the guide an Also, MSC begins inaugurates the controlling stake from FPHC. Philippines. overturn the forerunner of First expansion and to acquire a Philec plant in in MSC and Sandiganbayan Philippine diversification controlling stake Taytay, Rizal. Meralco to the decision. Holdings Corp. program. in PCIBank. dictatorship. “ LOPEZLINK June 2006 7

EXECUTIVE FEATURE Oscar M. Lopez and Elpidio L. Ibañez:

By Carla Paras-Sison on the thankless job of heading a trou- “I felt that we had to get somebody It’s just a question of time. The Group bled company like First Holdings. I don’t younger than me to take over the oper- will still be around way after 2010 and SHORTLY after First Philippine Hold- know myself but I said I’ll try and see ational position. I couldn’t think of one day we will all look back on these ings Corporation (FPHC) president El- how far I can go. I was 56 years old then, anyone else. I saw how he (Ibañez) op- problems and laugh,” says Ibañez. pidio L. Ibañez joined the company in nearing retirement. I was asking myself erated in the field of finance. There was “I want the Lopez Group to last for 1979 as assistant manager of Manage- why I would still want to do this at this trust in what he was doing. We’ve been the next 400 years. We won’t be able to ment Information Systems or MIS, he age. But when you get confronted with a working well,” OML says. see the end of that, but this is the ultimate was asked by then president Eduardo Re- situation that requires all your energy and For Ibañez, working with the chair- goal. So we must build solid foundations gala how he saw himself 10 years hence. imagination and a whole lot of hard man is like tying the knot. “He’s been my for our group of companies to last be- He facetiously replied that he was going work, for example having a bankrupt longest boss, 20 years. It’s almost like yond our lifetime,” says OML. to be president of First Holdings. company, what do you do?” getting married. You get comfortable This is why he forges ahead with It took longer than 10 years, but pres- Supporting the CEO with each other’s style. If there are dis- initiatives to make the group more unit- ident he did become, impressing Lopez One by one, taking a step at a time, agreements, I choose to discuss with him ed, cohesive, efficient and competitive. Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez OML saw an appropriate solution ap- privately. My primary duty remains to Even sports activities are conduits to (OML), who returned to head First Hold- plied to each problem. He even sent support the CEO (chief executive offi- instill camaraderie, teamwork and a ings in April 1986, with his expertise in then newly appointed First Holdings cer). The CEO sets the long-term strate- sense of belonging to one family. finance and his strong work ethic. senior vice president Steve Psinakis to gies, he still makes the final decision. I “My example is always Sumitomo. “He’s a low-key type of individual,” Saudi Arabia to negotiate for the return pay attention to day-to-day matters. My Sumitomo is over 400 years old. Even if OML says of Ibañez, adding, “I knew of P250 million in First Holdings responsibility is to point out problem ar- the group split up after World War II, his expertise was in finance and this bonds for an electrification project. eas or raise the red flag. Sometimes, I’m they came back together because of the was utilized to the full in the rehabili- “Steve looked like an Arab, anyway,” the bearer of bad news.” sense that they belonged. Their loyalty to tation of First Holdings.” OML recalls with a smile. Building solid foundations the group was much stronger than their Indeed, it was not love at first sight, In 1987, Both OML and Ibañez are confident loyalty to the individual companies. I but respect for each other’s strengths Ibañez was ap- that the Lopez Group will overcome all don’t know if you can call that esprit de that has brought the working relation- pointed ex- its problems, just as First Holdings had corps but we must continually work to ship between OML and Ibañez through ecutive vice done in the mid-1980s onwards. develop that spirit of unity and oneness what could be the toughest 20 years in president “I have no doubt our group of com- in the group,” concludes OML. any company’s history. of First panies will survive our current problems. New blood Holdings “At the time he (OML) came back and be- (to First Holdings), we had serious came presi- h patience and problems. After (former senator) Ni- dent in noy Aquino was assassinated, the 1994. whole economy was in shambles and severance, First Holdings was fighting for sur- vival. That was the primary thing on t Holdings our minds,” recalls Ibañez. First Holdings was struggling as its debt ballooned due to the devaluation The CEO and the president: First Holdings’ Oscar M. owed a of the peso and rising interest rates. It Lopez (left) and Elpidio L. had in fact sold some assets in 1985 to Ibañez p-by-step partially pay off debt but remained deep in the hole. It was longtime family friend and gression of now First Holdings vice chairman Au- gusto Almeda-Lopez who had first utions to turn talked OML into returning to First Holdings. “He talked about grasping an opportunity as it arises, about First und and be Holdings being down and out and needing new blood, new leadership.” ong again OML narrates, “Ed (Regala) was in fact asking me why I would want to take

1991 1994 1996 1997 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 In November, On November 24, In December, FPHC opens the OML is awarded FPHC becomes San Lorenzo First Holdings is The company First Gen goes FPHC is FPHC creates First FPHC signs a First Sumiden “Management the first Filipino gas-fired plant cited in achieves its public. recognized by Gas Power Corp. contract with plant in Laguna, a Man of the Year” holding company completes its Asiamoney biggest revenue the Supreme to generate Siemens for joint venture with by the MAP for to be certified first full year of magazine’s Best and income Court as the power through construction, Sumitomo. In turning around against the ISO commercial Companies Poll amounting to rightful owner of natural gas. First equipment and November, it FPHC. First 9001:2000 operations and for the Philippine P53.3 billion the controlling Gas allies with engineering for forms First Holdings marks standard. It takes First Gen sells small market while net income stake in Meralco. Shell, Siemens the Sta. Rita gas Philippine Balfour its 40th year of the lead in its equity in capitalization attributable to FPHC winds up and others to plant. Beatty with service on June completing the Panay Power category. parent was P4.9 owning around build a power Balfour Beatty. 30 and NLE and increases Corp. billion. MNTC 16% of Meralco. plant in Batangas. consolidates its its stake in FPIDC. starts commercial Source: “Firebringer: Forty Years of The Bauang 1998 power generation operations of the power plant is FPHC goes into toll assets in First NLE. First Philippine Holdings” inaugurated a roads with Manila Gen. by Raul Rodrigo, and FPHC “year later. North Tollways. Corporate Communications 8 LOPEZLINK June 2006

CSR ACTIVITIES Meralco Lopez Group, PRISM sign backs GK’s accord for FP program ‘Kalinga THE Lopez Group became one of the first “I concluded my speech in Bangkok by say- Philippine conglomerates to include family plan- ing: ‘I feel like I am on the Titanic right now. I ning (FP) in the workplace after signing a grant just do not know how far we are from that ice- Leyte’ project agreement with USAID’s Private Sector Mobi- berg that will crush and sink our ship.’ Meralco, through the Meralco lization for Family Planning (PRISM) at the Re- “My message remains the same today, but the Millennium Foundation Inc. naissance Hotel on March 16. analogy should now more appropriately refer not (MMFI), supported the Kalinga Meralco, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp., Sky to a big ship like the Titanic but rather to a small Leyte project of Gawad Kalinga Cable, Tollways Management Corp. and First leaky wooden boat, a batel if youwish, that is Bayan’sRoderick Ramos (4th from left) with other resource persons at the ‘Go which aims to build 1,300 houses Sumiden Circuits will take part in the FP program overloaded with passengers and buffeted by big NeGOsyo MicroNegosyo’ fair for the victims of the Leyte land- in October 2006. Collectively, the five firms have waves in a turbulent sea. We are aboard this slide in February 2006. more than 9,000 employees of reproductive age. overloaded batel, but hopefully in collaborating Last April 4, Meralco turned At the ceremony, Lopez Group chairman Os- with USAID PRISM we are charting a course to- over P720,000, representing dona- ward a safe harbor where we can unload Bayan Foundation joins tions from its employees and re- some of the excess passengers and then pro- tirees for this project. This amount ceed more safely towards a better destiny,” shall enable Gawad Kalinga to OML said. ‘Go NeGOsyo’ expos build 12 homes for landslide dev- “The Lopez Group of companies who I By Raul Punzal astated families in Southern represent is fully committed to charting this Leyte. course we are taking with PRISM to its suc- ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation Inc. (Bayan) took part in the “Go NeGOsyo” Last April 24 to April 30, Mer- cessful completion,” OML told the assem- (Get into Business) expos spearheaded by the Philippine Center for En- alco, together with other compa- blage at the grant signing, which included trepreneurship under presidential consultant for entrepreneurship Jose Ma. nies, took part in GK’s “Isang Mi- PRISM chief of party Lief Doerring and oth- Concepcion III. lyong Bayani (GK1MB) summer er private sector grantees. The first event, the “Go NeGOsyo” entrepreneurship expo, was held at build 2006 and Bayani Challenge” “I am looking forward to its replication the Market Market Mall, Taguig in February. The expo aimed to popularize through 15 employee-volunteers in the other Lopez Group companies and the entrepreneurship as an instrument to invigorate economic growth. Bayan was which they sent to Magbagacay, application of the learnings to our endeavors represented in the panel discussion by operations development and training St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. The outside of the workplaces, as initiatives like manager Noel Camacho. contest, with the theme “Lakas ng this will ultimately reduce the pressures Meanwhile, the “Go NeGOsyo MicroNegosyo” fair at the Philippine Pagkakaisa, Lakas ng Pagbaba- coming from our rapid population growth,” Army gym in Fort Bonifacio aimed to provide alternate income possibilities go,” was opened to individuals OML with PRISM chief of party Lief Doerring the Lopez Group chair concluded. for the spouses and children of enlisted men. Roderick Ramos, NCR-South and organizations with a passion OML had earlier directed the members of the regional manager, represented Bayan at the event. for building homes for the poor. car M. Lopez (OML) recalled his statement de- Group to integrate family planning and other re- Ramos and Camacho discussed Bayan’s strategies for entrepreneurs, The massive landslide hit the livered at the plenary session of the Asian Forum productive health services in their human re- which consist of financial services through micro finance loans and devel- municipality of St. Bernard in on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) held source development programs. opmental services. The latter includes trainings and seminars on business de- Southern Leyte and left over a in Bangkok, Thailand on September 2003. “More than compliance to Article 134 of the velopment, leadership, management, values formation, parenting, livelihood, thousand people dead, and dam- “I pointed out that arresting the population Philippine Labor Code and the Department of and skills enhancement. aged millions of pesos worth of growth was an imperative in getting the econo- Labor and Employment order, the major mem- The spokespersons took questions about Bayan’s enabling strategies, loan property and livelihood. my to move faster. Today, the country’s average bers of the Group have looked into reproductive procedures and processes, and location of branch operations. The audience The Gawad Kalinga movement per capita income and labor productivity are at health as part of their wellness program for their was encouraged by the foundation’s thrust to help alleviate poverty by pro- aims to ultimately help marginal- about the same levels as it was in early 1980s. employees and CSR agenda,” he said. moting and supporting entrepreneurship. ized sectors of society and trans- The country doubled its population from 36.8 The Lopez Group Foundation Inc., which co- Concepcion organized “Go NeGOsyo” to encourage entrepreneurship form poor communities into digni- million in 1970 to 75.6 million in 2000, and if we ordinates the CSR work of eight foundations op- among Filipinos, especially the youth, and to provide a setting that will gath- fied, self-reliant societies. (Ros- don’t do anything now, our population will ex- erating in the Group, will monitor the grant. er enablers of entrepreneurship programs from various sectors. alyn Damaso) ceed 100 million in less than 10 years. (Vanessa Suquila) ‘Save the La Mesa’ raises red flag Petition Manifesto Preserve La Mesa watershed! on watershed housing project WE, acting for and in behalf of the 12 Housing Project REMAIN A PRO- million inhabitants of Metro Manila, TECTED WATERSHED AREA Environmentalists and nongovernment or- and representing various organizations AND NOT BE CONVERTED TO A ganizations have joined forces to ask the concerned with a sustainable future for HOUSING PROJECT AREA”; Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage the next generations of Filipinos yet un- • We strongly object to the endanger- System (MWSS) and the Department of En- born, hereby come together and declare ment of the largest remaining forest of vironment and Natural Resources (DENR) that: its size in Metro Manila located adja- to reconsider the plan to establish a housing We uphold the right of Filipino cent to a vital water resource com- project within La Mesa Watershed. • households in Metropolitan Manila bined with the water from Angat and “Save the La Mesa,” a coalition of or- to have unimpeded access to clean Ipo dams, considered to be among the ganizations and individuals, cited an inde- drinking water. top three of the largest sources of pendent study conducted by the Universi- • We strongly advocate the protection drinking water in Southeast Asia; ty of the Philippines National Hydraulic and preservation of the La Mesa We seek to uphold the integrity of the Research Center (UP-NHRC) on the ef- Reservoir as one of the largest alterna- • water supply of Metro Manila, which fects of the proposed MWSS housing pro- tive water sources of Metro Manila. is in clear and imminent danger of ject on the La Mesa Watershed and Reser- echoed Prof. Liongson’s concerns and ly, a new site located within the perimeter of • We strongly oppose the privatization of contamination if the MWSS employ- voir. The study underscores the need to re- recommendation. La Mesa Watershed was designated. the 58-hectare portion of the La Mesa ee housing development is estab- view the plans for the proposed site and The proposed project is part of the col- The deal was consummated with the Reservation Area, for the purpose of lished in the planned site; consider relocating the project. lective bargaining agreement between turnover of the absolute deed of sale to the establishing housing units therein, on We call on all residents of Metro Prof. Leonardo Liongson, director of MWSS and labor unions Kaisahan at Kap- claimants in March 2006. the basis of 2004 scientific and techni- • Manila to join us in asserting our right UP-NHRC, in a letter to MWSS adminis- atiran ng Mga Manggagawa sa National This development prompted the group cal findings of the National Hydraulic to clean water and a healthy environ- trator Orlando Hondrade, recommended Waterworks & Sewerage Authority to call on the support of DENR to recon- Research Center UP College of Engi- ment, as enshrined in the Constitution that “it will be in the best interest of (KKMK-NWSA) and Balara Employees sider the issuance of an Environmental neering, which recommended that “It of the Republic of the Philippines. MWSS and the general public who utilize and Laborers Association (BELA) in 1968. Compliance Certificate (ECC) to the would be in the best interest of the We urge the government to declare the La for drinking the water in La Mesa Reser- Under the agreement, MWSS allotted 58 claimants that would allow them to start MWSS and the General Public who Mesa Watershed a protected area! voir that the 58 hectares of the area being hectares of its property near the La Mesa building on the proposed site. eventually utilize from drinking the To save the La Mesa, sign in your pe- proposed for the housing project shall re- Watershed to be sold at P5.50 per square me- The group also appealed to the MWSS water in the La Mesa Reservoir that the tition at www.lamesaecopark.com. For main a protected watershed….” Conse- ter to the unions, with total value of P3.19 housing project claimants to consider the vi- 58-hectares of the La Mesa Watershed inquiries, contact the Save the La Mesa quently, Hondrade, in his letter addressed million. The property was raffled off and was ability of an alternative housing area in An- area being proposed for the MWSS Hotline at 925-3333. to then DENR Sec. Michael Defensor, awarded to 1,411 union members. Eventual- tipolo in lieuof the La Mesa Watershed site. LOPEZLINK June 2006 9

A of Exhibit @ Lopez Museum: glimpse ‘Babble, Bauble — Tweaking Femme’ PLAYING on the idea that women continue to be Visitors will find how multidimensional and com- working life associated with vanity and gab, the Lopez plex issues of gender can be read and reread amidst the By Elaine Valerie Ramos, Summer Youth Memorial Museum in collaboration with ABS- works of Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Car- Program Batch 2006 CBN Media Asset Management Division opens los Francisco, Cesar Legaspi, Vicente Manansala, Ang “Babble, Bauble: Tweaking Femme.” The exhib- Kiukok, Anita Magsaysay Ho, Bencab, Romeo Tabue- it inquires into how its own collection figures in na, Juvenal Sanso, Macario Vitalis, Lee Aguinaldo and THREE words that give me chills—summer, youth and light of how females have historically changed Pacita Abad, among others. A simultaneous exhibition program. Together, these words bring back first-day-in- the way they look upon themselves and have drawn from the Lopez Memorial Library’s image and new-school uneasiness and excitement. been looked upon by others. publication archive complements the museum’s collec- I liked the idea of doing something worthwhile on my As women have been portrayed as docile vir- tion. vacation. And no one can deny that every participant gin, devoted handmaiden, coy flirt, vampy villai- The exhibit hopes to suggest that tugs-and-pulls looked forward to Fridays. On that day, a platoon of eager ness, busty heroine, bored matron and wretched constantly occur between what is generally regarded as teenagers would march to the HR Department, one arm hag, “Babble, Bauble” invites viewers to find elite art against the meaning-making power of popular swinging with anticipation and the other ready to pounce traces of how females have played up to or resist- culture. Seminal pieces such as Ishmael Bernal’s “Hi- on a small brown envelope. ed being pinned down to types. The exhibition mala,” Peque Gallaga’s “Oro, Plata, Mata,” and Lu- brings together images of women as represented alhati Bautista’s “Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa” are in classical and modern painting, sculpture, pho- projected alongside the museum’s collection of art “Babble, Bauble: Tweaking Femme” runs until tography, graphic art, film, video, television, the- pieces as well as montaged clips from newsreels, fea- September 15, 2006. The Lopez Memorial Museum is ater, dance, church art, pageantry and daily rituals ture interviews and still other Filipino filmic versions of open daily except on Sundays and holidays from8 a.m. of work and play. truth. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact 631-2417.

MasEnrollment maganda kung meron kang for cash na magagamit na mo para sa namanpara sa mga tanong ukol sa Salary annual savings plan para mas enrolment ng iyong mga anak. Ang Stretch ng Chinatrust. masinop ang kabuhayan. Ugaliing reduced interest rate ay nasa 1.5% Siguraduhin lamang na kaya magtabi ng lima hanggang sam- per month lamang, o wala pang kala- mong itawid ang buwanang hulog pung porsiyento ng iyong take hati ng regular charge rate. para sa 12-month term. Huwag gaw- home pay para gumaan ang iyong Ang pinakamababang rate na ing two or three years ang termdahil problema pag panahon ng enrol- na-canvass natin ay galing sa Chi- baka hindi ka na makautang sa ment, tulad ng Hunyo at Oktubre. natrust na nagbibigay ng salary susunod na taon kung magamit mo Mataas naman ang interes sa loan sa interes na 1.39% per month. ang buong halaga ng iyong credit By Norman Sison straight charge option ng mga credit Kung P30,000 ang loan mo, P2,917 limit o kaya’y hindi ka pa natatapos card—3.25% hanggang 3.5% per ang monthly installment mo. maghulog sa dating utang. KUNG hindi ka nakapagsubi noong month. Gayundin sa mga sanglaan. Kailangan mag-issue ng postdated Totoong priority ang pag-aaral ng Disyembre ng pang-matrikula, o Kahit may naipamana na Rolex checks. Para ma-approve ang loan, mga bata. Tiyakin lamang na may ka- kaya’y kulang pa ang iyong naipon, watch ang lolo mo para maisanla, i-ready ang application form, Xerox kainin pa sila kahit na sa private school siguradong mangungutang ka ng 3% hanggang 4% per month ang in- ng company ID, BIR Form 2316 at sila nag-aaral. Turuan silang magtipid. pampuno sa inyong pangangailan- teres sa mga pawnshops. latest pay slip. Isang araw lang ang Kung wala nang extra para pamasahe, gan ngayong pasukan. Lalo na Mas maigi ang mag-installment. processing pero dapat ay kunin ng huwag muna bumili ng load sa cell ngayong nagtitiklupan ang mga Halos lahat ng credit card companies personal sa Makati office ng China- phone. O para mas matipid pa, isanla o pre-need companies na maaaring tulad ng BPI, HSBC at Banco de trust ang iyong nautang na salapi. ibenta ang cell phone. Para sa mga es- binilhan mo ng educational plan. Oro ay nagpapautang ng installment Tumawag sa 635-5013 o 632-1864 tudyante, worst-case scenario na iyan.

If everyone were present, you would see a horde of 20 people waiting impatiently for three o’clock. After a sec- Bridging gaps on ond or so, the group would rummage through what seems to be a parcel of happiness. And if you blink, you would be surprised to see yourself in a deserted office. Don Eñing’s 105th But the programis not all about the dough. What made A family planning program the summer of 2006 different is that I had caught a By Dulce Baybay Festin will provide health care and glimpse of what working life could be. You could be re- THE Lopez family is commemorating the seminars to high-risk lactating moving hundreds of staple wires and then sitting in front 105th birth anniversary of Don Eugenio women and high-risk males for of a computer and realizing that your eyes are slowly “Eñing” Lopez Sr. by going back to their prostate cancer early detection squinting…amI seeing double? roots and improving the quality of life of and awareness, as well as Or you could be finding your way through various de- their town mates in Jaro, Iloilo City. youth counseling. This is being partments, confused by the different buildings and faces. Lopez family representatives Ernie Lopez and Mike As of May 2006, four programs have undertaken in partnership with the Family Lopez with GK’s Antonio Meloto and Boy Montelibano On a tour, you could be walking under the merciless heat been approved and funded for imple- ProgramOrganization of the Philippines. during the MOA signing. The Eugenio Lopez Sr.-GK of the sun, riding someone’s bike or galloping with an mentation using the Lopezes’ personal Organizing the activities for the Village project is one of the activities to commemorate imaginary horse. family funds. These include programs 105th is the Lopez Group Foundation the 105th birth anniversary of the Lopez patriarch on And when you finally find your way back to the office, related to housing and family planning, Inc., the coordinative hub of the corpo- July 20, 2006. a ringing telephone could give you shivers as you wonder as well as education and training. rate social responsibility initiatives of the who could be at the other end of the line—it may be your The feeding programfor 649 children in five Lopez holding companies and seven worried parent or someone having a bad day and ready to Jaro district, in partnership with Bantay Ba- foundations. Lopez hometown make the next person burst into tears. ta 163, was officially launched on March The theme chosen for the 105th is But with work, people and money, this experience has 27, 2006 with Iloilo City mayor Jerry Tre- “Bridging the Gaps” and underscores how hosts Eugenio been truly incredible. I now know how hard it is to earn ñas and other local government units. the Lopezes are acting as bridges—on air money. Thinking back on what had occurred for the past There is also a housing programto for communication and public service; on Lopez Sr.-GK Village wires for power distribution; on land for weeks, ear-to-ear smiles were everywhere. But the wis- provide 50 housing units to church work- THE representatives of the late Eugenio Lopez Sr. er-recipients. The project is being imple- health and environment; and on quality of domis irreplaceable. Guess what I have just realized—I and Gawad Kalinga (GK) recently signed a Memo- mented through Gawad Kalinga (see re- life through family planning, wellness and randumof Agreementfor 50 houses to be built by am, step by step, earning my ticket to the real world. lated story). providing livelihood opportunities. (The author, an incoming ECE freshman at the Ateneo GK and sponsored by the Lopez family in Jaro, Iloi- Meanwhile, Knowledge Channel and Commemorative activities espousing lo City, the Lopezes’ hometown. de Manila, took part in Philec’s Summer Youth Program the E-Media Programof ABS-CBN Foun- the 105th theme message of “bridging” 2006. The program aimed to develop the values of work To be named the Eugenio Lopez Sr.-GK Village, the dation Inc. will extend education and will be carried during Lopez Group com- project site is in Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, in a lot donat- appreciation and ethics by exposing students to actual training to help provide Jaro public ele- panies’ events to raise employees’ aware- ed by the Archdiocese of Jaro. Beneficiaries of the hous- work situations, thus gaining worthwhile experiences in a mentary and high schools with media ness of the Lopez family’s values of public es are Jaro church workers who are informal settlers. working environment provided by Philec.) based learning and educational television. service, nationalismand entrepreneurship. 10 LOPEZLINK June 2006

LITTLE LIVES, BIG DEEDS Nobela ng buhay sa First Holdings GRADUATING na noon si Federi- Pursigido siya sa trabaho, dose Lopez noong noong 1999. Pinag-araldin siya ganda pa ang hinaharap ni Rico. co “Rico” de Manzana sa kursong oras araw-araw, kaya na-promote 1986 at pinama- ng First Holdings sa AIM at mula Abut-abot ang pasasalamat niya sa Bachelor of Science in Marine siyang supervisor noong 1984. It- halaan niya ang 2003 ay senior manager na siya. kanyang mga naging boss na bini- Transportation at nangangarap ng inuring niyang mentor si Manda construction ng Malayo na ang narating ni Rico. gyan siya ng break upang mapatu- buhay marino, pero nahimok siya ng kaya nang makiusap ito na “stay mga opisina sa Mula utility clerk na sumusunod nayan ang kakayahan sa trabaho, tiyuhin na mag-apply sa Meralco. put” lang si Rico sa First Holdings Benpres Building lamang sa instructions, siya na kay Manda, kay OML, kay First Natanggap kaagad as proba- bagama’t lahat ng kasamahan at nang maremata ngayon ang nagbibigay ng instruc- Holdings VP Reynaldo Sarmenta, tionary employee sa Meralco si boss niya ay nag-resign na, ng bangko ang tions. Siya na ang nag-iisip ng mga at sa kasalukuyan niyang boss na si Rico at makalipas ang ilang sumunod naman si Rico. office sa Makati. strategy para masuportahan ang di- First Holdings VP Oscar R. Lopez buwa’y na-transfer as utility clerk “Napakahirap noong panahong Hindi niya rection ng kumpanya. At dahilsiya Jr., na siyang nag-promote kay Rico sa First Philippine Holdings Cor- bankrupt ang First Holdings. Our makalimutan ang point man para sa Environmen- bilang senior manager. poration na kilala pa noon bilang future was uncertain. Wala kaming noong una talSafety and Healthat Security, Para sa mga kapareho ni Rico na Meralco Securities Corporation. salary increase for three years. It silang magkita audited ang performance ng depart- may humble beginnings, ito ang tip Taong 1978 iyon at bilang util- was frustrating that no vendor ni chairman Os- ment niya twice a year. Bagama’t niya: “Napaka-importante to have Rico de Manzana with wife Janet ity clerk sa ilalim ni General Ser- would extend credit to First Hold- car M. Lopez hindi kailangang mag-clock in ng confidence in yourself. Do not be vices Department manager Edgar- ings, believing it was bankrupt. We (OML) sa sixth floor. Kinausap was trying to get a feel, or back- dose oras, puno ng research, pag- afraid to think out of the box. Love do Manda, all-around ang ser- were always planning what assets siya ukolsa kung anong nangyari ground information, from the low- aaralat pagkonsultasa mga experts your work, love your company. bisyo ni Rico, ginagawa ang lahat, had to be disposed of just to sustain sa First Holdings. Bilang supervi- er echelons of the organization.” ang daily schedule ni Rico. Dedicate yourself to work.” At para pati pagiging messenger at min- the salary of the employees and cov- sor na namamahala ng construc- Mula noo’y pinagkakatiwalaan na Eligible for retirement na si Rico sa taong nanilbihan ng 28 years sa sa’y driver sa out-of-town trips ng er other expenses,” sabi ni Rico. tion, halos hindi makapaniwala si si Rico ng mga proyekto para sa sa 2008 for 30 years of service. Pero iisang kumpanya, talaga namang noo’y pangulo ng kumpanya na si Siya ang naging pinaka-senior na Rico na mahalaga kay OML kung Office of the Chairman at naging bata pa naman siya, 47 pa lamang kapani-paniwala ang sinasabi niya. Eduardo Regala. tao sa GSD nang bumalik ang mga anuman ang sasabihin niya. “He manager siya sa Administration sa taong ito. Kaya masasabing ma- Go, Rico! (CPS)

FROM THE CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAM Weekend escape NATURAL lang para sa isang atleta na • Manood ng VCD o DVD ng idolmong • Magpa-sports massage bago ang competition makaramdam ng nerbiyos. Ang problema, magaling sa parehong event • Kapag medyo malapit na ang laro, mag- @ MMLDC kadalasan ay nagdadala ito ng kawalan ng • Matulog ng sapat, pito o walong oras conduct ng relaxation at mental re- kompiyansa sa sarili. Ang hangarin natin Sa araw ng competition: hearsalprogram The Meralco Management and Leader- ay i-refocus ang manlalaro upang sila ay • Gumising ng maaga para may sapat na • Gawin ang iyong hinandang pre- ship Development Center (MMLDC) is maging positibo at magkaroon ng oras sa pagitan ng iyong paggising at competition warm-up program emerging as the newest destination in An- pananalig sa kanilang kakayahan. pag-alis patungo sa venue • Tipunin ang anumang equipment tipolo. Known as a training center, Ang mga sumusunod na competition Mag-light stretching bago mag-almusal na kakailanganin sa competition MMLDC is opening its doors to the public stages ay para sa track and field athletes • Magsagawa ng mentalrehearsalng iy- Pumunta sa collection point through various packages. pero maaari rin itong i-apply sa kahit • ong warm-up at actualna laro • para sa iyong event sa “MMLDC has new offerings for our anong event o sport: Kumain ng healthful breakfast. Iwasan angkop na oras growing clientele. This will definitely at- • Isang araw bago ang competition: ang mga pagkain o inumin na maaar- • Maging relaxed at fo- tract families who want to have a different • Panatilihing magaan at simple ang ing makasira ng iyong sikmura cused lamang sa iyong ob- experience in their visit to Antipolo,” said training, ayusin ang iyong technique • Ihanda ang mga inimpakeng equip- jectives para sa competition managing director Agnes Fidelino. • Alalahanin ang inyong objectives sa ment, pagkain at inumin MMLDC’s “Family Weekend Getaway” competition-focus at performance • Siguraduhing umalis nang may sapat is especially suited for families who want to • I-check at ihanda ang lahat ng gamit na na oras upang makarating sa venue, bond in a safe, relaxed and peaceful envi- kakailanganin sa competition magbigay ng allowance ronment. Since MMLDC used to be a fruit • Gumawa ng equipment checklist para Bago ang competition: farm, and its architecture blends with the siguradong walang makalimutang gamit Mag-register agad pagdating sa venue Pagkatapos ng competition: Magpa-post competition sports mas- greens, families can tour the aviary and en- • Game ka• na ba? • Maghanda ng pagkain at inumin para • I-check ang oras ng events at mag-set • I-congratulate ang mga kalaban sa sage joy the bird show, indulge in outdoor sports sa competition ng time kung kelan dapat maghanda laro Ayusin ang mga gamit at umuwi upang while appreciating nature, or use the swim- • • I-check ang directions papunta sa venue at para sa iyong event • Pasalamatan ang game officials i-celebrate ang iyong laro (Source: ming poolor basketballcourtfacilities. umalis ng maaga para kahit may delays, • Iwasan ang iyong mga competitors. • Gawin ang warm-down program http://www.brianmac.de- For inquiries, call 632-8111 or email makakarating ka pa rin sa tamang oras • Kung kailangan, kausapin sila pagkat- Kasama ang iyong coach, i-discuss at mon.co.uk/comprep.htm) [email protected]. Kumain ng high-carbohydrate dinner apos ng laro • i-evaluate ang iyong performance (Peng Young) • SPORTS All set for ‘Pacman’-Larios fight ‘Laro uli tayo, Kapamilya!’ TWO-time world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao comes face to face Lopez Group employees with Mexican buzz Oscar (Chololo) Larios of Mexico for the second time in a news conference as they meet with the world press for their 12-round mano-a- face off in Palaro 2006 mano super-featherweight champi- Everyone is in for a day of fun in the sun Inc. and subsidiaries (Yellow), FPHC The overall champion will celebrate onship in Manila. as the Lopez Group Sports Fest 2006, (Mocha), BayanTel (Blue), Meralco with P25,000 in cash, the second placer The bout is scheduled on Sunday, themed “Laro Uli Tayo, Kapamilya!,” (Green), ABS-CBN (Gray), Manila P20,000 and the third placer P 15,000. July 2, at the Araneta Coliseum. kicks off at at the Marikina Sports Park North Tollways Corp./Tollways Man- The fourth to eighth placers will still go This early, world champion Oscar Track and Field Oval in Sto. Niño, agement Corp. (White), SkyCa- home happy with P8,000 in cash. dela Hoya warned Pacman not to take Marikina City on June 10, 2006. ble/Pilipino Cable Corp./Knowledge Following is the program pre- Larios lightly, because “at 130 lbs. Lar- “This year’s sports fest is a special ChannelFoundation Inc. (Orange), pared by the Palaro 2006 committee: ios should be stronger where he fits well Lopez Group-wide activity as we also and First Generation (Red). 6:30 a.m. Assembly with his height and heft.” commemorate the 45th founding an- Who will reign supreme in the 7:00 Thanksgiving mass Pacman’s July 2 showdown with niversary of First Philippine Holdings men’s 4x100-meter relay, women’s 7:45 Parade of colors Larios is compared by media as crowd Corporation (FPHC) and the 105th 4x50-meter relay and mixed 4x100/50- 8:15 NationalAnthem drawer, possibly bigger than the Ali- birth anniversary of our founder, Don meter mixed relay? And which compa- 8:20 Opening remarks Frazier III “Thrilla in Manila” also held at the ing for the bout is during their press conference Eugenio Lopez,” said Lopez Group ny will show the strongest team spirit 8:45 Oath of Sportsmanship “Big Dome” about 31 years ago. before Filipino media men, possibly on June 26, chairman Oscar M. Lopez. and unity to emerge victorious in Catch 9:00 Exercise, Kapamilya The duo had earlier met on April 28 at the at the Big Dome. Eight teams are raring to flex their the Dragon’s Tail, the obstacle course 9:10 Games begin ABS-CBN Studio 10, media partner of MP Pro- American trainer Freddie Roach described muscles in the competitive games and relay, wood plank relay and the “pag- 2:30 p.m. Awarding ceremonies motions, owned by Pacman himself and promot- Pacman’s current training as “going on sked, fun events lined up by the Palaro ulungan” race? What are you waiting for? See you at er of the blockbuster. Their third and last meet- ganado, sure to make Manny ready for Larios.” 2006 committee: defending champi- At stake is not only company pride, the Marikina Sports Park at maglaro uli on Benpres Holdings Corp./Lopez but also cash prizes for the winners. tayo, Kapamilya! (Geraldine Sabayle) LOPEZLINK June 2006 11

This month’s LopezLink has the same number of pages that it’s always had, but CrosswordBINASA mo ba from cover to cover ang huling isyu ng Lopez it somehow doesn’t feel like it. As we Link? Isa ka ba sa mga masugid na tagasubaybay ng mga were working on this issue, we were programa sa ABS-CBN, Studio 23 o ANC? flooded by contributions from the differ- Patunayan na isa kang ganap na kapamilya sa pamamagitan ent companies in the Group, a very good ng pagkumpleto ng crossword puzzle na ito. sign that means, we take it, that the past DDeeaarr RRoossiiee month or so was exceptionally good for everyone concerned. from the a shareholder at the IPO (initial public offering) Already, we know that June is a “hap- price. Normally, this is 15% of the issue size. The reason pening” month because Palaro 2006 orga- behind this is that the period immediately following listing nized by 45th anniversary celebrator First of a company’s shares can be volatile. Retail and short- Holdings is happening a few days from to- term institutional investors may cause initial selling pres- day; also on the calendar is “Gabi ng Paran- sure on the company’s stock. An overallotment option, or gal,” where First Holdings, Lopez Inc. and greenshoe, is a mechanism to promote price stability in the Benpres Holdings employees and staff will immediate aftermarket. It is a mechanism to allow a com- be honored for their long and dedicated ser- pany’s stock to find its natural trading level—it is not a vice to the company. Congratulations! means of sustaining artificially high share price levels. The Of course, we’re moving ever closer to greenshoe is an established part of the IPO process and is the date of Don Eñing’s 105th birth an- expected by international institutional investors.” niversary. As you will discover in this issue, various activities have ooOoo already been initiated to remember our founder, notably in the I read that the Lopezes of the Lopez Group are fromIloilo, but Lopez hometown in Iloilo; definitely, the scope of these endeavors aren’t they somehow related to other Lopezes from other will soon be widened to include other cities and provinces. places? Thanks.—Gigi Thank you for sending in your queries and comments. Take a The particular branch of the Lopez clan that we are concerned with look at what we received in our inbox last month. comes from Iloilo. They are not related to, say, the Batangas Lopezes. ooOoo ooOoo Thanks for the features on branding/marketing and blogging I’mwondering why no one fromamongthe younger generations in the last couple of issues of LopezLink. Reading stories with followed in the footsteps of Vice President Fernando Lopez, international flavor keeps me updated on PR and provides maybe even someone from Eugenio Lopez’s side? Many of them ACROSS 5. “--- Anghel na Walang useful insights and information that help me do my job bet- are doing CSR/charity work anyway.—Jali 1. Current edition of Langit” ter.—Irene M. Albertito Lopez, former Vice President Lopez’s son and OML’s “Pinoy Big Brother” 6. Meralco is a bringer of ooOoo cousin, is still active in politics. He was most recently representative of that started April 23 this What is a “greenshoe”? I came across the term in the “FPHC the second district of Iloilo. 4. Lopez Group chair 8. Center lalong lumalakas” story in the May 2006 issue but couldn’t ooOoo 7. - - Tag—MNTC device 11. Airman, for short find it in my dictionary. Hope you can enlighten me on this, If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reac- for hassle-free travel up 12.Sto.------Benguet thanks!—Michelle tions about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, north peak Ang sagot ni Erwin Avante, CFA, ng First Gen: “The greenshoe please send themto Dear Rosie through fax no. 633-3520 or to 9. And, according to Juan 13. General education or a [email protected]. Maraming salamat! dela Cruz refrigerator brand is an option on the part of the stabilizing agent to buy more shares 10. The angels in the hit 16. Dad, also ABS-CBN soap didn’t 17. An interrogative, or a have this United Nations body 13. “Generation,” for short 19. What Lopez Group 14. Earlier than now climbers did to cele- MNTC recommends 15. Operating expense brate OML’s birthday 18. Housemate 20. Ang munting prinsesa 19. A lot of the eighth letter 21. What Meralco does Abangan ngayong Hunyo: of the Greek alphabet with the light in its cor- 22. District in Iloilo where porate image program the Lopezes trace their 22. She’s acting in Sky Kalayaan, putik at si St. Peter roots 23. A fact that 24. Concepcion or Milby 25. Meralco chairman’s first Don’t be a NGAYONG buwan, dumako naman tayo sa 26. “Pinoy Big Brother” - - name wet driver! Nueva Ecija at Pampanga para sa dalawang - - - Place where a 27. Being in operation feast day celebrations. Siyempre pa, maben- Tollways Management Corp. offers some dozen teens will live 28. Asian---Institute tang-mabenta pa rin ang Baguio, lalo na sa suggestions for safe driving in wet weather: until June 3 29. Dagitab is a techno one mga feel magpalamig sa Europe pero pang 28. The letter “F” 33. Old Quezon City resto • Slow down! It takes longer to stop or ad- local lang ang budget. Tara na! 30. The Epira is one ran by a celebrity chef just in wet weather. June 12 31. Judy’s second name 36. Only, said Juan dela • Stay toward the middle lanes as water Philippine Independence Day 32. Owner of “Pinoy Big Cruz tends to pool in the outside lanes. Baguio City Brother” house 38. Weak or ineffectual • Maintain proper following distance by Para maiba, bakit hindi dumalo sa Philip- 34. Annum, for short 40. The president of this re- selecting a fixed object on the road pine Independence Day celebration sa 35. Compound containing ceived an honorary de- ahead such as a sign or overpass. When Baguio City?Tipikal ang pagdiriwang na tu- hydroxyl gree from the FEU the vehicle ahead of you passes the ob- lad lang din sa ibang lugar sa Pilip- 37. Head cover used by 42. You, also ject, slowly count “one one thousand, inas—merong parada, pa-kontes at kung women 44. A vehicle that moves on two one thousand, three one thousand.” anu-ano pa—sa main road ng siyudad pero 39. Each, for short wheels • If you reach the object before complet- hindi ka hihimatayin sa init. Cool, di ba? June 28-30 41. Also known as 46. Tennessee, for short ing the count, you’re following too June 24 Apung Iru Fluvial Festival 43. Contest, may be or may 47. “Sa Piling --,” —Juday closely. In heavy traffic, at night, or when Taong Putik Festival Apalit, Pampanga not be amazing and Piolo are together weather conditions are not ideal, double Aliaga, Nueva Ecija Masaya ang selebrasyon na hinahanda ng mga taga- 45. Volcano in Italy in this the three-second rule to six. May rason ka na upang huwag maligo sa feast day Apalit para sa patron ng mga mangingisda. Sa unang 48. Bad, abnormal or inade- • Don’t follow large trucks or buses too ni St. John the Baptist sa June 24—sabihin mo lang araw ng selebrasyon, ang imahe ni St. Peter (o Apung quate (combining form) Answers to May puzzle closely. The spray created by their big- na kasali ka sa selebrasyon ng Taong-Putik festival sa Iru) ay kinukuha mula sa kinaluklukan nito sa Brgy. 49. Meralco has One ger tires reduces your vision. Barangay Bibiclat (ang biclat ay Ilokano for “snake”; Capalangan at dinadala sa Brgy. Sulipan sa pamamag- 50. Meralco made this its • Avoid using the brakes. If possible, take si San Juan umano ang nagpaalis ng mga poisonous itan ng fluvial parade sa Pampanga River. Ang imahe core business in 1919 your foot off the accelerator to slow snakes sa barangay). Madaling araw pa lamang ay na gawa sa ivory ay nilalagay sa isang pagoda na hini- down. umiikot na sa lugar ang mga residenteng may suot na hila ng grupo ng volunteers na binansagang “Knights DOWN Replace old or brittle wipers and make costumes na gawa sa dahon at mistulang gumulong of St. Peter.” Ito ay sinasamahan sa kanyang biyahe ng 1. “Laro Uli----,Ka- • sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights sa putik. Kumakatok sila sa mga kabahayan at humi- daan-daang makukulay na banca at motorboats sakay pamilya"-Palaro 2006 and turn signals are working properly. hingi ng kandila o di kaya’y perang pambili ng ang isang brass band at mga nagdadasal na mga deboto slogan • When driving through a puddle of un- kandila para kay San Juan. Maya-maya, pupunta na at turista. Habang sinusubaybayan ang parada sa dagat, 2. Drew Barrymore movie certain depth, go slow. If it’s deeper than ang lahat sa plaza upang magsindi ng kandila at mag- may mga deboto rin sa ruta ng parada na nagbibigay- or ethyl the bottom of your doors, turn around dasal o magpasalamat sa patron saint. Ang prusisyon pugay sa patron sa pamamagitan ng pagsayaw ng Ku- 3. Old name of NLE and find another route. kasama ang imahe ng patron saint ng Bibiclat ang raldal at pagdasal. Nagtatapos ang pagdiriwang sa pag- 4. Not off highlight ng pagdiriwang na ito. balik ng imahe sa Brgy. Capalangan sa ikatlong araw. 12 LOPEZLINK June 2006

MALL FINDS What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this June: Ultimate supermarket, Back-to-schoolBy Mira Marasigan basics palengke guide GOING back to school means a lot of new things—new classes, new teachers and new Working Mom magazine presents its fearless ratings of Metro Manila’s supermarkets and groceries—and clothes! Here are some of the basics every student knows they should have to start a with over 100 of the best grocery and palengke trea- good school year: sures ever! Find out which ones are the cleanest,the friendliest to kids and moms,the ones with the best layouts,the widest variety of items,and more. Plus,Marjorie Barretto reveals the secret to her happy family life; discover why more Pinoy parents are sending their kids to Chinese schools; and learn how to earn dollars through online trading. Also, Working Mom celebrates Father’s Day with to-die-for gift ideas,must-have grooming products,and a few good dads and their meditations on fatherhood. FOOD discoveries

In FOOD’s June issue,discover recipes for moist, fudgy chocolate crinkles and nutty butterscotch bars that will surely liven up your scholar’s lunch box. For savory baon or after-school snacks,try mush- room adobo and chicken pizza toasted sandwiches, and Mexican grilled burgers with salsa-flavored cheese sauce. As a Father’s Day tribute,three chefs recall Dependable white top. Cool enough their respective dads’ influence in molding their One good-fitting pair of denim Guys need not fret, a collared shirt on hot days, hot enough for school culinary careers: Vicky Rose and Reynaldo jeans. Classic enough to pair with Pacheco,Baba and Jose Ibazeta,and Lorna Cruz- with little details like these stripes days. It can go from day to night and basic tees when hanging out at the Ambas and restaurateur Larry Cruz,with their fa- can be worn with board shorts or from one class to the next. Cotton gym or with crisp polos when vorite family dishes. jeans. This makes you look button-down white collared top having presentations with the dean. For those who wish to embark on a food business,try presentable enough for your with stitch detail from Topshop the recipe for bangus sardines in olive oil prescribed by Lydia Castillo. Culinary in- Dark Moto denim from Topshop professors and cute enough for the P1,395 structor Dorothy Ferreria,meanwhile,demonstrates how to make classic angel food P2,795 girls. Striped collared shirt from cake in “Step-by-Step Masterclass.” Extras. School will not be complete Topman, P2,195 without these little extras—those All-purpose bag. A bag to fit calculus, personalities that will be French notes and your laptop, a bag remembered because of what they that’s as fashionable as you are when Models Inc. and more in Metro wear. Try this green delicate running from one class to the next. cardigan with ribbon detail to make So you want to be a model? Here’s the low- Green canvass messenger bag from down on this glamorous but grueling you stand out in the class. Olive Topshop P1,545 job—from ramp divas through the decades to green cardigan from Topshop the hottest young stars of today,including the P2,796 first Asian to place in the Supermodel of the World competition,Charo Ronquillo. Good shoes. Casual Learn what it takes to be a good model, walking shoes made of how Pinoy talents are working runways abroad,where to go to school,how models waterproof Italian And for those that bring a lot of eat and keep in shape,and much more. Plus, leather that has rubber stuff to school, it's best to have read up on Metro’s own search for the next outer soles in brown a pack that fits everything and Pinoy Super Model,and get a chance to win and black are all you at the same time doesn't hurt modeling contract and cash. need to run after your your back. Samsonite has Also,feast on our fashion spreads featur- crush and your ing the best in corporate style,and read about backpacks that are sturdy professors. Casual the controversial Becky Garcia—the juicy enough for school and for walking shoes from details on how she deals with intrigues,how out-of-town trips. Outliners Traffic, P 2,999 she keeps men on their toes,and how she met and married husband No. 3. sidewinder P2,790

Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo Pink hands out first beauty awards Executive Editor Rosan Cruz Pink gives you the best of the best as we hand out our Contributing Editors first ever Beauty Awards for the top makeup items. Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene N. Ochoa (MNTC) Plus,we’ve got an exclusive interview with the Maite Bueno (Meralco) Marlon Arada (BayanTel) “Pinoy Big Brother” teens. Pink got the chance to Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (Beyond Cable) dress up the housemates before they entered the Leah Salterio (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) house,and you can read about our “PBB” en- Frances Bumanlag (AEI) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) counter in the June-July issue. Pink’s latest issue is also loaded with lots of Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) Outliners Connection freebies and discount coupons. We’re giving away Editorial and Layout IPI Creative Business Unit (available in P25,000 worth of Miners products at Beauty Bar charcoal/orange, and an iPod mini from AXN’s “Supernatural.” charcoal/black, Get the newest issues of your favorite mag- LopezLink is published by Benpres Outliners, Swerve P2,290 azines at leading bookstores and magazine PR Group, 4/F Benpres Bldg., charcoal/red), P3,690 stands nationwide. For subscriptions,contact Ortigas, Pasig City Thanks to: Traffic Footwear, R1 (898-1394); Samsonite, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at 924-4101 or 415- Telefax: 633-3520 R3 (729-6109); Topshop/Topman, R2 2272 locals 5656 or 5658 or Joena Cabrera at For feedback, please email: (topman.com/895-2042). All shops located at the Power 415-2852 or 415-2671. (Joseph Uy) [email protected] Plant Mall