March 2008 MERALCO’S 105 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE: Record Breaking Performance

Come and join MERALCOlympics 2008 on March 7, 2008 to celebrate and pay tribute to Meralco’s 105 years of rich history and leadership in the industry. Available online at www.benpres.holdings.com See story on page 2 THE POWER AND THE GLORY Indelible ‘Chronicle’ The who’s who of Philippine journalism gathered at Group pointed out that more than being “home to so the Rockwell Club’s Palm Grove on February 7, 2008 many talented people,” the Chronicle had an important to witness the fulfi llment of a cherished dream, a major historical role as “both recorder and actor in some of the enterprise that its No. 1 backer, Lopez Group chairman most signifi cant moments of Philippine history.” Oscar M. Lopez (OML), said he wanted to see completed For instance, the Chronicle broke the “What are we in “before we all keel over.” power for?” expose that brought down Senate President The launch of The Power and the Glory: The Story of Jose Avelino in 1949. Under Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr.’s the Manila Chronicle (1945-1998) was the clarion call watch as publisher, the paper tangled—to devastating that drew them. They were from different generations effect on the Lopez family—with the dictator Ferdinand and incarnations of the Chronicle, but were bound by Marcos on the issues of corruption, hidden wealth and the distinction of being titans among titans: Amando absolute rule in the 1970s. Doronila, Eggie Apostol, Rod Reyes, Carmen Guerrero The Chronicle was home to four Filipino winners Nakpil, Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Benjamin of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism (Zac Defensor, Vergel Santos, Baby Orosa, Paulynn Sicam, Sarian, Raul Locsin, Sheila Coronel and Apostol) and Gemma Cruz Araneta and a lot more. other top journalists, editors, photographers and artists. Lopez breaks Against a backdrop of black and white photos “In a sense, what we are celebrating…is the spirit ground in PMA... page 2 depicting scenes from the Chronicle newsroom and that made the Manila Chronicle a great newspaper. We pivotal national events interspersed with portraits of are celebrating the quality of excellence in journalism, of Chronicle editors, OML greeted former associates as dedication to the craft and the unwavering commitment he reprised one of his fi rst assignments in the Lopez to the principle of free expression, of freedom of the Group—as journalist and publisher. press as the cornerstone of our democracy,” he noted. In his welcome speech, the chair of the Lopez Turn to page 6

Pioneers and big names in Phillipine journalism gathered at the launch of “The Power and the Glory”. L-R: Vergel Santos, VP Noli de Castro, Oscar M. Lopez, Rod Reyes, Amando Doronilla, Benjie Defensor and author Raul Rodrigo

Group bags 11 Anvil Awards ABS-CBN wins Bronze...page 4

Turn to page 6

Graduation fi nds at Rockwell...page 12

lopezlink.indd 1 2/29/08 10:21:47 AM 2 LopezLink March 2008 Meralco celebrates 105th Anniversary As the world eagerly awaits the start Competitions pitting the Shared, from the Awarding Ceremony BayanDSL goes beyond of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Supply, Network & Subsidiary for the different winners of the Beijing, China, Meralco is kicking groups of the company. In various games, there will be a off its own celebration of the 105th keeping with the times, a Meralco- Tribute to Meralco Linemen, the the downloads Anniversary and Employees Week version of the hit game show Gawad Haydee Yorac Award, the Two to three day blackouts, IP Blocks, and then bayanDSL is part of the maverick by patterning the theme with the entitled One Versus 105 will also Service Awards for employees, the when you do fi nally get a connection, it’s in the telecommunications company’s line of customer- quadrennial games. be featured, with game master par Corporate Rites which recognizes wee hours of the morning when you’d rather sleep driven communication solutions. It offers a As the PBR (Performance Based excellence Edu Manzano doing the company’s model citizens, than start chatting---at this rate, you wouldn’t competitive package rates, exciting promos and Regulation) regime is already in hosting duties. A Meralco Photo a Testimonial Dinner with be surprised if DSL actually stood for Defective Speed-On-Demand which doubles your DSL effect, “MERALCOlympics 2008” Contest and the WIT & PRIME Outstanding Employees, and the Slow Line than Digital Subscriber Line. speed anytime you need it. emphasizes the need and serves as Inhouse Conventions will also be Night of the Tribute to the women You see, beyond downloads, unreliable Because Bayan’s focus is on customer a primer for employees to deliver held to highlight the artistry and executives of Meralco who have DSL connections also lead to unsent important satisfaction, it’s the fi rst and only the best performance possible in creativity of Meralco employees helped transform the formerly business emails, unfi nished school projects and telecommunications company to guarantee quality a competitive and deregulated and departments. male-dominated company through constantly interrupted conversations between service on its voice and data services. bayanDSL environment. With the tagline As with any Meralco their own brand of wit, candor, you and your family members abroad. And as comes not only with a 15-day Money Back “105 Years of Excellence: Record Employees’ Week celebration, the passion, and work ethic. a company that understands the importance of Guarantee but a 24-Hour Quick Service Guarantee Breaking Performance”, the 2008 family of the employees, and the As a responsible corporate a reliable DSL connection, Bayan ensures that as well. celebration also aims to pay general public are also treated to citizen, Meralco will also take this you have communications options that you can “bayanDSL tribute to all Meralco employees, enjoy the weeklong celebrations. opportunity to show its support actually count on. offers so much for their hardwork, malasakit, and For them, the Appliance Fair, of the campaigns of the DOE “At Bayan, we always say ‘Gaganda pa ang more than dedication to the company, while Karnabal sa Obal, Kiddie Show, (Department of Energy). With buhay’ and that’s because we mean it,” says John technology. revisiting the company’s 105 years Tiangge, The Game Room, its advocacy of clean energy Rojo, Head of Marketing Services and Corporate It could land of rich history. Cinemania (free movies), and and energy effi ciency campaign, Communications. “That’s why we’re giving you that The celebration starts with Chess Exhibition Games. The 105 Meralco will be showcasing its own Filipinos Bayan’s array of business deal opening ceremonies on March 07, years history of Meralco will also electric jeep during the festivities, communications or talk to 2008 reminiscent of Olympics from be highlighted through the exhibits and this jeep will be dispatched and data services your dad that ages past. There will be a Lighting of the Meralco Photo Contest to do non-stop, marathon-like starting with hasn’t been of the Torch, the unveiling of the entries, the CSRO (Corporate shuttling services between venues bayanDSL.” able to come 105th Anniversary Banner and Social Responsibility Offi ce) as it within the compound. home from the the switching on of the Lights and looks back at its evolution through Finally, capping the whole States. What it really gives you is a better life,” Sounds Display. the years, and the Meralco Shining Olympic-themed celebration is adds Rojo. The following activities have Moments of photos of Meralco’s a Street Party with Fireworks Through its unparalleled quality of been lined up in the tradition of the defi ning moments during times of Display and Celebrity Guests on communications services and customer satisfaction Olympic motto of “Citius, Altius, calamities and crises. A theatrical the evening of Saturday, March programs, Bayan continues to improve the lives Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger): play “Sulyap sa Kahapon, 15, 2008, a banquet which is a and weblives of Filipinos. (Freyja D. Santos) Lineman’s Rodeo, Lineman Pagtanaw sa Hinaharap” will go fi tting tribute to all the men and Olympics, Fire Brigade, Fun back in time to reenact milestones women of Meralco, as well as their Run, A-MACE-ing Race, Kiddie- in Meralco’s history. families, victors all for sharing in lympics, Interschool Basketball No Olympic celebration will 105 years of service excellence. & Volleyball Competitions, and be complete without the awarding (Ritzi V. Ronquillo) the highly charged Cheering ceremonies and tributes. Aside Text speak no more Magin f DIS ntyr RtikL iz RitN we are giving Filipinos their two phones for as low as Php n txt spk lIk DIS. U problE wud voice back.” 2,495. hav stopped rEDN alredi & The maverick telecommuni- “What we want is when PMA’s new Lopez Hall of Leaders turnD d pg 2 d comics sectN cuz cations company’s power packed something funny happens while evry sNteNc n d RtikL iz lIk an wireless landline telephone serv- you’re in the mall or at your Lopez Group executives went up to Baguio to witness give way to the Lopez Hall of Leaders. The multi- ntrplanetry 4m of cmUnik8shn ice, Bayan Wireless Landline of- favorite coffee shop, you’d pick the groundbreaking ceremonies led by Philippine purpose hall will also serve as venues for “ring-hops”, onlE alienz uz. fers an unlimited calling feature up your BWL, give your family Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent General conferences and other activities. Its 660 square meter- If you can read this text, that is sure to mum fi ngers all or friends a call to laugh your Leopoldo Maligalig, Lopez Group chairman Oscar Main Hall, which among other functions, can be either you’re a small, green over the country from excessive heart out,” says Fafunwa. “We M. Lopez and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita at used as a lecture type seating event, will be able to man from outer space or you’ve text speaking. don’t want your hearty laugh the PMA’s Fort Del Pilar grounds for the construction accommodate 600 seats. been talking less and texting too Because Bayan believes that to be reduced to a colon and a of a multi-purpose hall to be called Lopez Hall of LGFI member companies First Balfour will take much – way too much. your life cannot be expressed in closed parenthesis.” Leaders. care of construction while architects from Rockwell “Your fingers should only 160 characters or less, they aim Bayan Wireless Landline’s The building will be turned over by LGFI to the Land Corporation provided the design. be dialing the number you to give your thumbs a texting unlimited calling feature PMA by November 2008, as part of Lopez Group’s As stipulated in the Deed of Donation the multi- wish to call, it should not do holiday with deals and promos underscores the need to bring contribution to the development of the country’s purpose hall may also be used for other events to help the talking for you,” says Chief like individual service offers back communication from outer future leaders. defray maintenance, repair and improvement costs of Executive Consultant for for regional as well as Metro space and down to earth. Lopez has always encouraged leadership and the auditorium. (Dulce Festin-Baybay) Bayan Telecommunications, Manila and their Two for Two (Freyja D. Santos) excellence not only in business but in all aspects of Tunde Fafunwa. “This is why promo which allows you to get nation building. Since many PMA graduates have become leaders also in the academe and business sectors, the Lopez Group chairman has offered to construct the leadership training venue as a patriotic initiative. PMA for its part envisions strengthening academic excellence of future military leaders and providing a venue where students can converge for healthy exchanges of ideas and undertake training programs. The PMA committee in charge of the project, headed by Maligalig, provided the site consisting of an approximate area of 1,603 square meters. The Lorenzo Hall currently stands on the site and will Bottom: Superintendent General Leopoldo Maligalig, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Loopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez at the contract signing ceremony; First Gen Peter Garucho; FPHC president and COO Elpidio Ibanez and LGFI executive director Dario Pagcaliwagan; the wives Susan Padilla, Jojo Maligalig and Connie Lopez. Top: Rockwell president Nestor Padilla and architects Rochelle Baylon and Gabby Paulino; FPHC vice president Jay Lopez; Atty. Jake Almeda Lopez; Col. Solomon and Ces Drilon; consultant Danny Gozo, ABS-CBN managing director Charo Santos-Concio, Lifelong Wellness guru and FPIDC president Raffy Alunan.

lopezlink.indd 2 2/29/08 10:21:51 AM LopezLink March 2008 3 TRO fi led against ABS-CBN Survey shows NLEX users “very satisfi ed” ABS-CBN is extremely disappointed virtual immunity from accusation. No with the court order that restrains the airing person or entity has ever enjoyed such The North Luzon Expressway continues to gain NLEX. Through regular and frequent data of legitimate news reports on a matter a privilege, not even the highest public wider acceptance among motorists, with its offer gathering, MNTC is able to see trends in motorists’ imbued with a clear public interest. offi cers of the land. It is a clear attempt of shorter travel time and better road conditions, behaviors and perceptions as they continue to use Corruption is a matter of public to cover up and suppress information on according to a survey recently commissioned the NLEX. interest regardless of where it is found. the ratings manipulation issue. by the Manila North Tollways Corporation “For example,” Ticzon said, “we notice the Thus, whether it be in the executive, ABS-CBN further maintains that (MNTC). changes in customer’s perceptions when there legislative, or judicial branches of continued news reporting on GMA The survey, conducted by GfK Custom is maintenance work being done on some of the government or even the private sector, it Network’s involvement in connection Research Philippines, showed that most NLEX lanes.” There are also those who indicated that is the responsibility of media to expose with the ratings manipulation will not users are satisfied with their experience traveling they no longer use any other alternate roads corruption. All who are liable must be deprive it of a fair trial in as much as along the expressway, with 20 percent saying they because they want shorter travel time. held accountable. the issue pending before the court is are “very satisfied” with their NLEX experience. The survey was conducted for a period of one The temporary restraining order the accuracy of the ABS-CBN news “Customer feedback is very important to us at year using a static base of 600 respondents per prohibiting news reports that mention report on AGB General Manager Maya NLEX. It enables us to respond to customer needs month, or 2,400 per annum, who were regularly GMA Network Inc. as the party behind Reforma’s disclosure in her interview and provide us a mechanism to keep track of their asked about their motoring preferences and the manipulation of television and and affi davit submitted in court and not concerns when they use the expressway,” Renie satisfaction with the NLEX during the survey radio ratings is a prior restraint that the culpability of GMA Network. Ticzon, MNTC vice president for marketing, period. (Marlene N. Ochoa) violates ABS-CBN’s constitutionally ABS-CBN will take legal action said. guaranteed freedoms of speech and of to reverse and set aside the temporary “Our programs are tailor fit to meet those the press. It grants GMA Network a restraining order. (Bong R. Osorio) needs.” Ticzon said that “most of the respondents cite the shorter travel time as their primary reason for regularly using the NLEX.” “And while there were those who initially had Life-changing treats reservations about the new toll rates, they said that the toll fees were still worth it,” he added. Data gathering for this survey is conducted every month to closely monitor customer from SkyCable! satisfaction of those who continually use the Balintawak toll way SkyCable pushes the envelope in giving One loyal subscriber and a companion the ultimate entertainment to its loyal will also enjoy a fi ve-day all-expense- subscribers with “Live Large in 2008” paid trip to picturesque Puerto Galera and SkyCable Silver Prepaid and Star World raffl e promo where once-in-a-lifetime become certifi ed National Geographic treats are up for grabs simply by staying divers courtesy of Nat Geo Dive Masters, releases limited edition American Idol cards subscribed to SkyCable. while another winner will take home a Calling all NBA Fans! For the fi rst luxurious Tiffany & Co. His and Hers SkyCable Silver Prepaid subscribers draw on March 5, one lucky SkyCable Jewelry and gift set from HBO. As soon can enjoy TV’s biggest talent search, subscriber and a companion will get the as a winner is drawn, he simply has to American Idol, every Wed and Thu, chance to fl y to New York City and witness name the title of the song written by Hugh 6, 8, and 11:30 pm on Channel the excitement of an exclusive, money- Grant and Drew Barrymore’s characters in 48. Specially marked cards with can’t-buy NBA All-Access Sweepstakes HBO’s featured movie for March, “Music American Idol icons will also be courtesy of ESPN STAR SPORTS. The and Lyrics.” available in selected retail outlets prize includes roundtrip airfare to New All SkyCable Silver, Gold, Platinum, for a limited period only. SkyCable York City with accommodation, tickets and ZPDee postpaid subscribers are Silver Prepaid is initially available to the New York and New Jersey game, automatically qualifi ed to join this in Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, and and a tour of New York City and the NBA special promo. Subscribers also earn Mandaluyong. For details, please TV studios. To enjoy this exclusive perk, extra raffl e entries whenever there is call the Customer Service Hotline at the winning subscriber will only need to activity on their accounts, for example, 631-0000. name the New York Knicks’ Home Arena when they upgrade their subscription as soon as his name is drawn. package, if they subscribe to ZPDee From hard-court action, another Broadband Internet during the promo FSCI sets safety record SkyCable subscriber will win a special period, or if they simply request for First Sumiden Circuits Inc. (FSCI) marked a new has revitalized its Health and Safety Committee; dinner for two at Makati Shangri-La Hotel, additional TV outlets at home. milestone on February 4, 2008 as it surpassed its conducts monthly safety inspection of all areas; trains made possible by the Hallmark Channel. “Live Large in 2008” raffl e promo January 2006 record of 15.48 million safe man- chemical handlers and its own emergency response All subscribers with current and active is SkyCable’s way of showing its hours. team; participates in the inter-locator fi re brigade accounts from January 28 to February 29, gratitude to its loyal subscribers who FSCI President Hisahiro Miyake said the feat was competition of the Light Industry and Science Park 2008 are eligible for the March 5 draw. have made SkyCable the leading cable achieved after more than two years of implementing where it won 1st runner up in 2007; orients and Three more special prizes are scheduled TV service provider in the country for intensive safety programs at company’s plant in inspects on-site contractors and suppliers on proper to be raffl ed off on April 9 for SkyCable the past 16 years. For more information Cabuyao, Laguna. FSCI, a joint venture of Sumitomo safety; runs a safety awareness campaign that subscribers with current and active accounts on this once-in-a-lifetime promo, Electric Industries, Sumitomo Corporation, and First continuously monitors and highlights safety-related from March 1 to 31, 2008. Cartoon Network contact SkyCable’s 24x7 Customer Philippine Holdings Corporation, is the pioneer incidents and communicate these to all employees; will bring a family of four to scenic Gold Care Hotline 631-0000, send a text manufacturer of fl exible printed circuits in the and includes safety incidences, even without lost Coast, Australia to visit the Warner Bros. message to SkyCable’s SMS hotlines Philippines. man-hours, as a performance measure of all line Movie World and see the Cartoon Network 0917-631-0000 (Globe) and 0918-8- “FSCI believes that safety is everybody’s leaders and offi cers. stars up close. Roundtrip airfare and 631000 (Smart), or log on to www. business. This includes all our contractors and Miyake is confi dent that, with the commitment accommodations are also included plus an skycable.com. See fl yers for details. suppliers,” said Miyake. of management and the active participation of the exclusive breakfast and photo session with Per DTI NCR Permit No. 0372 Series To ensure the continuing safety consciousness employees, FSCI will maintain zero lost man-hours Cartoon Network characters. of 2008. (Karen Zabaljauregui) of all employees and partners of FSCI, the company continuously. (Laarni Panopio)

Free wi-fi service is now www.wigo.ph. Once connected, desktops with pop-up ads, the views,” De los Reyes said in groups they prefer to target. available at the Power Plant the toolbar remains on the toolbar shows ads in a “discreet an interview. De los Reyes is optimistic Enjoy your mall and Block 9 restaurants desktop and shows banner ads yet persistent” manner, said More than a thousand that WiGO’s model aligns in Rockwell. every 15 seconds or so. Users Liza De los Reyes, WiGO users have registered and with the current thrust among The service is offered by need to register a username and Corp.’s chief operating offi cer. downloaded the WiGO advertises to target Internet free wifi @ WiGo., newly launched ad- password on the WiGO site. “Because we know how toolbar, De los Reyes said. She users a lot more. supported free wireless internet The connection shuts down many users are logged on added the company plans to “Internet penetration is service To get free Internet after an hour but users can log with the toolbar, advertising do some “profi ling” programs increasing, especially the Rockwell access, users need to download in again to continue surfi ng. is completely measurable on WiGO users so advertisers number of laptop users,” she and install the WiGO toolbar at Rather than cluttering users’ in terms of the number of have the option which user noted. (Boo Chanco)

lopezlink.indd 3 2/29/08 10:21:53 AM 4 LopezLink March 2008

Lopez Group 80th anniversary sina Gina Lopez, Managing Director ng ABS-CBN Lopez Group Foundation; Dr. Eduardo A. Morató, Jr., Pangulo ng Lopez Bayan Foundation; Rina Lopez-Bautista, Pangulo ng Knowledge Channel Foundation; Rodolfo Ferdinand bags 11 Anvils N. Quicho, Jr., Executive Director ng First Philippine PR heads Conservation, Inc.; at Dario Pagcaliwagan, Executive Director ng Lopez Group Foundation. nagplano Sa workshop proper kung saan facilitator si The Lopez Group of Companies received recognition Lopez Group consultant Danny Gozo, bumuo ng apat for 11 communication campaigns and projects at the 1 Nagtipon ang mga pinuno at miyembro ng corporate na pangkat ang grupo upang pagsama-samahin ang 43rd Anvil Awards of the Public Relations Society of communications unit ng iba’t ibang kumpanya ng mga plano sa larangan ng komunikasyon, enerhiya, the Philippines. Lopez Group noong Pebrero 1 at 2 upang planuhin infrastructure at property development, at mga holding The Anvil is a symbol of excellence in public ang buong taong selebrasyon ng ika-80 anibersaryo ng companies sa pamumuno ni First Philippine Holdings relations, awarded by a distinguished multi-sectoral employees and their families develop a healthy lifestyle conglomerate. Corporation (FPHC) Vice President Benjamin Lopez. jury to outstanding public relations programs and tools through voluntary behavioral changes. Its main goals Mahigit 30 katao ang dumalo sa unang Sa ikalawang araw, dumating ang mga executives ng designed and implemented in the past year. are to reduce health risks and to maximize the potential pagpupulong ng Public Relations o PR Council at Lopez Group sa pangunguna ni Chairman Oscar M. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation led Lopez Group of every individual in the organization. The most mga kinatawan ng Corporate Social Responsibility Lopez (OML) upang makinig sa mga napagkasunduan awardees with a Bronze Anvil for its book Kapitan: important key in enthusing the employees was the total (CSR) units ng grupo. Sinabi ni Benpres Holdings ng PR at CSR heads. Kasama ni OML sina Federico Geny Lopez and the Making of ABS-CBN written by commitment, involvement, and active participation Corporation Senior Vice President for Corporate R. Lopez, Pangulo ng First Gen Corporation; Elpidio Raul Rodrigo. Kapitan tells the dual tale of Eugenio of top management as exemplifi ed by Lopez Group Communications Boo Chanco sa kanyang pambungad L. Ibanez, Pangulo ng FPHC; Angel S. Ong, Pangulo Lopez Jr. and ABS-CBN, the company he made. It tells Chairman Oscar M. Lopez when he summited Mt. na pananalita na mahalagang mag-usap at magplano ng Benpres; Directors Jake Almeda Lopez at Felipe the story of his dream for ABS-CBN and how he made Pulag last year at the age of 76. bilang isang grupo upang lalong mapayabong ang Alfonso; Jose De Jesus, Pangulo ng Manila North it come true. Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Foundation copped kooperasyon at mapalakas pa ang mga PR initiatives Tollways Corporation; at Giles Puno at Lito Santos, ABS-CBN also won an Anvil Award of excellence an Anvil Award of Merit for its La Mesa Ecopark hindi lamang para sa 80th anniversary celebration executives ng First Gen. for its Pinoy Media Congress-Years 2 and 3 and an Communications Campaign that increased public kundi para na rin sa kapakanan ng bawa’t kumpanyang Base sa napagkasunduan ng grupo, magkakaroon Anvil Award of Merit for Boto Mo, IPatrol Mo. ABS- awareness of the Ecopark and generated visitor miyembro ng grupo. ng institutional media campaign ukol sa anibersaryo CBN’s Pinoy Media Congress brings together media traffi c for the 33-hectare public park. Also honored Noong unang araw, kinuwentuhan ni Lopez at base sa tinatawag na Lopez DNA. Magkakaroon practitioners and the academe annually to discuss with Anvil Awards of Merit were Lopez Memorial family historian Raul Rodrigo ang grupo ukol sa din ng isang grand anniversary program o musical current issues in media and communications. Boto Museum (LMM) for exhibition-cultural; group-wide kasaysayan ng pamilya sa negosyo, magmula pa extravaganza sa Hunyo. Pumayag naman ang MNTC, Mo, IPatrol Mo was an innovative election advocacy employee publication Lopez Link for Tools of Public noong 1830s sa ilalim ng founders na Basilio at Sabina Tollways Management Corporation at Rockwell campaign that empowered Filipinos to fi ght election Relations-Internal Publications category; Manila Lopez. Nagkaroon ng malaking pagbabago sa negosyo Land Corporation na gamitin ang 80th anniversary fraud by using their mobile phones. North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) Driver’s Safety sa ilalim ni Eugenio H. Lopez, Sr. (Don Ening) at logo sa kanilang mga banners, billboards, at iba pang The Lifelong Wellness (LLW) Program won Forum for Advocacy and MNTC’s Rediscovering kapatid na Fernando ng itayo nila noong 1928 ang E&F communication collaterals sa buong taon. an Anvil Award of Excellence for institutional the North calendar for External Publications; and Enterprises, na ngayo’y tumatayong ninuno ng Lopez Sa kanyang panghuling pananalita, sinabi ni OML and corporate PR programs directed at specifi c Bayan Telecommunications, Inc. and Meralco under Group. na ibig niyang mapalaganap sa buong grupo ang public stakeholders–employees and families. LLW is an Publications-Annual Report for their respective 2006 Tinawag ni Rodrigo na Lopez DNA ang service philosophy ng mga Lopez. “It is my desire that ongoing program designed to help Lopez Group annual reports published in 2007. (RKC) pamamaraan ng pamumuhunan ni Don Ening: willing before I retire from active management and leadership to break old paradigms; predisposed to be a pioneer, of the Group, the values and philosophy of the Group and ready to invest in leading-edge technology; aimed are already ingrained among our staff and properly at serving the Filipino market, not the export market; communicated to all our external publics. Our 80th year 2 oriented toward opportunities in mass media anwd celebration should be a good starting point for a kind of public utilities; at resilient despite adversity. Lopez Group orientation that was started June 12, 1928 Maghapong nakinig ang mga participants sa mga when everything we now call Lopez Group came into nakalinyang gawain ng iba’t ibang sektor, kasama being,” pagtatapos ni OML. (Carla Paras-Sison) And the nominees for the LAA

3 4 2007 cycle are… 1.) ABS-CBN Corporate Communications division led by Bong Osorio won four Anvil The year 2007 was a very busy Bayan Telecommunications’ Awards including the Bronze Anvil for the coffee table book Kapitan: Geny Lopez and the making of ABS-CBN. 2.) Lopez Group initiatives awardees are Lopez HR Council year for the different Lopez Bayan Wireless Landline Challenge and First Philippine Holdings HR Vice President Elizabeth Canlas, HR Council Group teams. All seventeen Team for The 100K Bayan Wireless Head and Lopez Museum Director Cedie Vargas and Benpres Group PR Assistant nominations submitted to the Lopez Landline Subscriber Challenge; Vice President Rosan Cruz. 3.) Brand Offi cers Julius Conanan, Boyette Perfecto, and Achievement Award last January Bayan’s Corporate Brand Refresh Caloy Campos. 4.) Bayan Telecommunications awardees are (r-l) Jojo de Jesus, VP- Marketing; John Rojo, VP-Corporate Brand and Communications; Tunde Fafunwa, fall under the team category. Team for Engaged Employees Chief Executive Consultant; Freya Santos, Corporate Brand and Communications Since 2002, thirty four teams Delivering Excellence; Manager; and Corporate MNTC received their Anvil Awards of Merit for MNTC and three individuals have received First Electro Dynamics Driver’s Safety Forum for Advocacy and MNTC’s Rediscovering the North calendar for the Award. The LAA continues to Corporation’s (FEDCOR) IT Software External Publications. recognize and reward team and Development Group for Outsourcing individual achievements that are Information Systems Development: exceptional in nature; exemplify the Cost Effective and Innovation PR CALENDAR Group’s core values; and contribute Through Team Empowerment, and to business objectives, which could for its Team Fedcor’s Succeeding in Asia Pacifi c Conference be under the area of Business IiP Program: Creating a Sustainable March 3-5, 2008 @ Hyatt Hotel, Manila and Boracay Regency Hotel, Aklan Management, Customer Focus, Organization; International Association of Business Communication (IABC) Chair Todd Hattori Operations Management, Human First Gas Power Corporation’s and other prestigious speakers will talk about latest communication strategies and Resource Focus, Public Responsibility or Corporate Image- O&M Team for Santa Rita and San Lorenzo CCPP Capacity Building. Depending on the project’s results and impact, an Upgrades, technologies. entry can be entered into multiple Results areas. First Philippine Industrial Corporation’s (FPIC) Interested parties may call the IABC Secretariat at tel. nos. 750-5667, 751-3205 and For this current cycle, seven out of the seventeen Comptrollership Department for Setting a Higher Standard 810-1631 local 123 or email [email protected]. nominations were nominated under two Results areas; in of Excellence for Reporting Monthly Financial Results effect, twenty four nominations were distributed into 6 and Management Committee for Engaged Employees Results areas: four nominations for Customer Focus, four Delivering Excellence; for Business Management, four for HR Focus, three for Sky Cable’s Management Team for its Business Asian Eye Institute’s pre-summer splash! Operations Management, six for Corporate Image-Building Turnaround; and three for Public Responsibility. These nominations were Star Recording Inc.’s Lucky, Lucky Me Team for Edu- Get a free Lasik and cataract screening at AEI’s Rockwell and Trinoma branches. submitted to the screening committee members who will Value Training Campaign; Simply schedule your screening with by logging on to www.asianeyeinstitute.com or recommend semi-fi nalists for evaluation of the Panel of Meralco’s HR Team for Strategic HR Response to e-mail [email protected]. The promo runs until April 15, 2008. The can- Judges in March. Performance-based Regulations, Branch Excellence in didates for Lasik screen must be 21 to 51 yeaars old and candidates for Cataract screen- And the 17 nominees are… Service Team, and Networks Corporate Image Working Team for Pursuing Service Excellence Among Frontliners ing must be at least 40 years old. For more information, call 898-2007 (Rockwell) or ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation’s Teleradyo Team for DZMM Teleradyo Radio Reinvented, PDA Team to Enhance Corporate Image among Residential Customers (632) 901-3931 (TriNoma). for Pinoy Dream Academy; Bandila Team for the Top and e-MVI for Business Management for e-Meralco Newscasts in the World; and, Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo Team for Ventures Inc. *All Lopez Group employees are entitled to a 25% discount on surgeries Voter Education with Voter Empowerment Who will be our 2007 recipients of the Lopez ABS-CBN Foundation’s Events and Communications Achievement Award? Watch out for the formal offered at Asian Eye Institute. E-Media Program Unit for Adopt your Hometown School; announcement of winners in April. (Maribel Rubia)

lopezlink.indd 4 2/29/08 10:21:55 AM LopezLink March 2008 5

Star Records garners Cinema One calls on 7 major awards from i-FM’s all fi lmmakers Cinema One opens its doors once again to all Pinoy Music Awards fi lmmakers by giving them a chance to film Star Records collected 6 awards in the their creations through the annual ‘Cinema recent i-FM’s Pinoy Music Awards. Kim One Originals.’ The goal of this project is to Chiu’s “Crazy Love” was Best Song encourage Filipino talents who have fresh and Marrying a Millionaire Performed by a Female Performer and new ideas to generate original full-length fi lms Most Popular Song of the Year. Erik that sell without having to sacrifi ce depth and Koreanovela enthusiasts will surely Santos won the Best Song Performed by substance in content. get excited with ABS-CBN’s latest a Male Performer award for the love song Cinema One will fund chosen completed fi lm offering, Marrying a Millionaire. “Your Love”. Erik Santos also won the scripts with a budget of P1,000,000 to cover for Inspired from the show Joe Millionaire, same award during the 1st i-FM Pinoy all fi lming expenses and costs. Selected creations this shows the romantic story of a Music Awards for his song, “I’ll Never will be shown here and abroad. penniless delivery boy Young Hun Go”. Being a multi-awarded singer, he For those interested to join, submit a full- (Ko Soo, Green Rose), who acted as has once more caught attention for his length feature script in either English or Filipino, a millionaire in a TV program in the effortless fl air for singing. a brief resume with photos, samples of previous quest of fi nding a woman whom he will The nominees were selected through work dubbed in VHS, CD or DVD, and a duly marry and will unconditionally accept nationwide airplay, requests and through accomplished application form to the Cinema One his real identity. An exciting twist happens when Young i-FM’s radio hit charts from their 16 radio Originals Secretariat, CPI Programming offi ce, Hun’s fi rst love, Eun Young, happens to be one of the girl stations. An annual event, the 2nd i-FM 10/f, ELJ Communications Center Building, contestants who battle in getting his marriage proposal. Pinoy Music Awards was held at Cinema ABS-CBN compound, Eugenio Lopez Drive, Catch this romantic comedy series which will surely tickle 4, SM Megamall last February 1, 2008 Quezon City or email to cinemaone@abs-cbn. your heart only in Primetime Bida this March! and hosted by i-FM DJ Rob and singer/ com. Only those with complete requirements will Pare Koy: All out Comedy actress/VJ Nikki Gil. Wowowee toppes be accepted. Deadline for submission of entries is Pare Koy, the fi rst comedy-serye to the charts and the hearts of listeners as on March 14, 2008. Visit www.cinemaone.tv for hit Philippine television history, will it won the Most Popular Novelty Song updates and details. certainly stir your lazy noontime. Award. (Katherine Solis) The characters came from the Kim Chiu comedy defunct show, Aalog-alog. Its original cast includes John Prats as Johnny Montero, Zanjoe Marudo as Banjoe Rosales and Third MYX Music awards MYX nominated in USA’s Jason Gainza as Jason Santiago. Angelu de Leon, Bobby 14th NAMIC Vision Awards Andrews, Tetchie Agbayani, Charee Pineda, Long Mejia, to be held on March 26 Dennis Padilla, Michelle Carbonell, Mikylla Ramirez, Igi ABS-CBN’s US-based Global joins a list of Boy Flores, Christian Mercado as Young Jason Santiago, Now on its third year, the MYX Music Awards received four awards: Favorite Artist, Favorite 29 cable networks vying for the 14th Annual Ronald Jaimeer Humarang as Young Johnny Montero, Jacq will be presented at the Meralco Theater on Group Award, Favorite Rock Video, and National Associations for Multi-ethnicity in Yu and Raymund Concepcion completes the wacky cast. Wednesday, March 26. MYX, the music channel Favorite Song for their composition “Bitiw.” Communications (NAMIC) Vision Awards on of ABS-CBN, assembles an impressive roster of Expect MYX to make rounds in various April 16, 2008 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Kung Fu Kids performers and presenters for a night of the best malls where fans and OPM artists can cast their Hills, California. The Vision Awards exemplifi es After the successful hit of Super music that the industry can offer. votes. Artists’ votes will account for 40% of the the best of what the cable television industry Inggo, now comes another kiddie Garnering the most nominations in the 2008 overall tally while the remaining 60% will come produces annually in multi-ethnic and cross superserye, Kung Fu Kids. This kiddie MYX Music Awards are rock groups Bamboo from viewers’ votes. cultural original programming that positively action-packed series shows the story and Chicosci with 5 nods each. They are closely The voting period is from February 7 to refl ects the diverse interest of its viewers. ABS- of Lembot (Jairus Aquino), a weak followed by pop princess Sarah Geronimo, March 10. Just tune in to MYX 24/7 on Skycable CBN’s Global garnered a nomination for DIG in boy who trains with other Kung Fu kids under the guidance rapper Gloc 9, and last year’s biggest winner Channel 23 for the latest update on the MYX its music lifestyle channel MYX. of a Kung Fu master. Watch how these young super heroes Sponge Cola who all received 4 nominations. In Music Awards. (Jocelyn Dimaculangan) battle it out to fi ght the evil forces. Completing the Kung Fu the second edition of the MMA, Sponge Cola kids are Paul Salas, Eliza Pineda, Jane Oineza, Kristopher Dangculos, Joshua Dionisio, and Andre Garcia, showcasing their martial arts skills. This also stars Sid Lucero, Allen DZMM’S Takbo para sa Kalikasan Dizon, Matteo Guidicelli, Erich Gonzales, Kian Kazemi, About 3,000 runners responded to DZMM’s call to help save the La Mesa Watershed “Criminal Minds,” “Reaper,” and Asia Agcaoilli, with the special participation of Jodi project via the “9th Takbo para sa Kalkasan” held at the Quirino grandstand Sta. Maria and Mariel Rodriguez. Catch Kung Fu Kids last month. The event also marked the public launch of DZMM Teleradyo which and “Private Practice” every night in Primetime Bida. uses 3G technology and now available for cable TV intensify Studio 23 Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo operators nationwide to carry You can now watch the top grossing in its line-up of channels. Those primetime programming MMFF 2008 fi lm SAKAL, SAKALI, who joined the event were Studio 23 premieres the intense second season of the hit crime-series SAKLOLO (SSS) in the comforts of “Criminal Minds” last February 22. your home. SSS is now out on video (in photo, from left) Winnie Cordero, ABS-CBN VP for Join FBI Special Agent Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) and the rest beginning March 3, 2008. SSS tells of FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit as they analyze the country’s most Manila Radio Peter Musngi, the story of Angie and Jed who are twisted criminal minds and anticipate their next moves before they Marah Faner Capuyan, Judy fi rst-time parents who experience strike again. The team returns for another season in continues search the joys and pains of raising a child. Ann Santos, Vice President to decipher the clues given to each of them by a psychopath to save his Not only do they have to meet the Noli de Castro, ABS-CBN most recent victim. demands of parenthood, but their Foundation Inc managing Also, don’t miss the exciting episodes of newest international hit families’ confl icts as well. Watch how director Regina Lopez, Ariel series “Private Practice” airing Thursdays, 8:30 PM and “Reaper,” on Jed and Angie happily surpass the Ureta, May Valle Ceniza and Tuesdays at 8:30PM. sacrifi ces that come along with their family life. Nina Corpuz. From the creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice” tells the story of renowned surgeon Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). After leaving behind Seattle Grace Hospital, a broken marriage with Derek My Big Love “McDreamy” Sheperd and a torn relationship with Mark “McSteamy” Love comes in all shapes and sizes Sloan, Addison is off to a fresh start as she heads to Los Angeles in Star Cinema’s romantic comedy “My Big Love” is the third time that Sam Milby search of a sunnier weather and happier possibilities. and Toni Gonzaga are paired together. But it will be the fi rst time that they will be “Reaper”, on the other hand, is a comedy-fantasy story about Sam working together with Kristine Hermosa. The story revolves around pastry chef (Bret Harrison) who always wondered why his parents are so easy on Macky (Sam Milby) has struggled with his weight for most of his life. It’s not easy him only to fi nd out that his parents sold his soul to the devil before he being fat, especially when you’re in love with a young socialite columnist named was even born. Now that he’s at the right age of 21, Sam must face his Niña (Kristine Hermosa). new boss Satan and serve as his bounty hunter, tracking down evil souls Two years passed and the Macky who was once laughed at is now one of the that have escaped and returning them to hell. most sought-after bachelors in town. Unfortunately, his heart is now owned by The two will soon be part of the Kabarkada network’s Fresh from the her ultimate fantasy - Niña. But an untimely encounter with Aira (Toni Gonzaga) US Episodes (FUSE) campaign wherein the programs aired on Studio reminds Macky of his happy old days. Macky now has to choose who really is his 23 are only a few weeks behind their current US runs. L-R: Sam Milby in a fat suit; Sam Milby pairs up with big love – is it the woman he dreamt of all his life or is it the woman who loved him Watch all these great roster shows only from your one and only Toni Gonzaga. unconditionally? Catch this big romantic comedy in your favorite theaters. Kabarkada, Studio 23. (Kane Choa)

lopezlink.indd 5 2/29/08 10:21:57 AM 6 LopezLink March 2008

Indelible... reporter to cry” after being scooped). After being VERGEL SANTOS from page 1 fi red three times through various emissaries as The much-awaited Chronicle narrative also he gallivanted abroad, the young Belmonte ‘Once the Chronicle took you, it kept you’ serves as a prelude of sorts to the celebration was nevertheless sent by editor Celso Cabrera The following is an excerpt from Vergel Santos’ speech of the 80th anniversary of the former E&F to cover Senator Claro M. Recto’s presidential during the launch of The Power and The Glory on Lopez Enterprises Inc. (the forerunner of the campaign when he fi nally returned to work. Feb. 7. Santos, now chair of the BusinessWorld present-day Lopez Group) on June 12, 2008. “I’ll never forget the Chronicle, it editorial board, served as Chronicle deskman from A lot of activities are being scheduled to was a terrific part of my life,” Mayor 1966-72, and editor in chief in 1986 and again from commemorate the milestone, including the Belmonte declared. 1990-1994. production of a coffee table book on the Former Press Secretary Rod Reyes, who As I sit there, amid the sparse late-night picket, I Group, OML said. fi rst joined the Chronicle 54 years ago (like get the growing sense that this is it—the beginning of Family tradition many others, he had put in several tours of duty the end, the unfolding of the predictable fi nal act of the By purchasing the two-year-old Chronicle with the paper), holds the distinction of having tragedy that is the Manila Chronicle. from its original owners in 1947, Don Eugenio as a co-respondent in his fi rst libel suit the It is not so easy to take, not for the strikers, “Eñing” H. Lopez was simply continuing a publisher himself, Don Eñing. Under his watch, whose very living is at stake, not for the owners, in whose very hands death family tradition in journalism. Governor Benito the Chronicle was cited as the “Newspaper of is occurring, and not for someone like me, who, through now an outsider, Lopez founded El Tiempo in his native Iloilo in the Year” twice, in 1969 and 1970. just cannot stop feeling involved. 1901. Don Eñing took over from his late father Benjamin Defensor (currently a columnist I got on as copyeditor on September 1, 1966. I was 20, a veritable learner, having in 1929 and complemented El Tiempo with for BusinessWorld), Amando Doronila dropped out of college two years earlier and simply strayed into journalism. the English-language Iloilo Times three years (Philippine Daily Inquirer) and Vergel Santos The Chronicle was more than just a newspaper; it was a family. Once it later; the elder Lopez sons, Geny and OML, (BusinessWorld) also shared their war stories took you, it kept you. As a newspaper, it distinguished itself by its technical helped by hawking their papers on the streets as stalwarts and pioneers of the Chronicle. quality—it read well, for one thing. As a family, it obeyed its patriarch, of Iloilo, and as young men, took on real and Planting a seed Eugenio Lopez Sr. and put the newspaper in the service of his business and signifi cant roles in running Don Eñing’s latest The seed for The Power and the Glory was political interests. Even so, the staff enjoyed enough measure of independence acquisition. planted in 2004 during a Chronicle reunion to feel adequately professional. OML formally joined the Chronicle fresh out with Teddy Benigno and Max Soliven (both While the Chronicle was there, it never occurred to me to work for of the Littauer School in Harvard in 1955-56, but now deceased), Mauro Malang Santos, another newspaper. I loved the newspaper, I loved the family and I loved its left after a year to complete his Ph.D thesis. Doronila, Santos and Orosa at the Lopez labyrinthine home near the docks. [But]… on my fi fth year, we moved miles “During my year of cub reporting, I home. The host lamented that “there really east to a hospital-like structure that stood forlornly in an expanse of nowhere enjoyed the exhilarating experience of going has been no book that has dealt with the entire (Ortigas Center now). from one beat to another under the guidance history of the Manila Chronicle from the time All this loving was interrupted by martial law…. I resumed 14 years of [founders and subsequent editors in chief] it was formed by a group of newsmen headed later. The dictator was…hounded into exile, democracy was reinstalled Ernie del Rosario and Celso Cabrera,” he by Bert Villanueva on April 21, 1945 until its and the Chronicle was revived. I found the Chronicle even more lovable recalled. “It was an education in itself which fi nal demise in January 1998.” much after-hours camaraderie,” Rodrigo noted now…much more open-minded than before. Indeed, I have not been given you could not get in any school. I also enjoyed He added: “I would like to have that book of his latest subject. as much independence as an editor as in the revived Chronicle. the long conversations with [opinion writer] written before we all keel over.” In his introduction, the author described the I remember the publisher, Eugenio Lopez Jr., telling me, his executive Yeyeng Soliongco on culture, nationalism and Raul Rodrigo was the natural choice to Manila Chronicle’s place in the pantheon of great editor, “Run the paper as you like. I will not interfere. All I ask is if you have social issues.” undertake the project, having written four other Philippine newspapers thus: “It assembled the bad news about me or my family or our business, print our side in it.” In A second stint at the paper from 1961- books for the Lopez Group. most journalistic talent ever gathered in a Filipino short, he asked for no more than any other news subject deserves, and each 66, this time as publisher, “served as the best After two years of writing and research, newsroom. The Chronicle newsroom was once time his word was tested, it proved good. possible training program” for the young including interviews of more than 70 Chronicle home to all four Filipino Ramon Magsaysay Alas, for all the rich professional excitement and fulfi llment it promised, man’s career in business—just as his father employees, Rodrigo accomplished the task. He awardees for journalism and many of the biggest the Chronicle’s was a late second coming. Cheap tabloids were screaming intended it to be. had distilled the colorful and exciting saga of names in the industry. Certainly, other papers the broadsheets down; the cost of publishing was running away; radio had Trial by fi re the Manila Chronicle—and that of its editors, were more successful as businesses—the old bounced back and television was the medium favored by a new technology. “The Chronicle was my trial by fi re. reporters, photojournalists and artists—into Manila Times and the Philippine Daily Inquirer At the end of 1993, Eugenio Jr. sold the Chronicle to Antonio Cojuangco Having survived it, I could face the world with what OML hailed as a “500-page masterpiece come to mind. But none were better written or Jr. and Roberto Coyiuto Jr. I quit forthwith, knowing I could not work more confi dence and meet any challenge that which will stand the test of time and scrutiny.” better edited.” under the new arrangements. But the Chronicle wouldn’t quit me. came my way,” OML said. “It was all there: great friendships and The Chronicle’s former publisher Oscar By then it had moved again, back now near the docks, in a building For his part, Mayor Belmonte elicited intense interpersonal confl ict, moments of high M. Lopez proudly took it a step further not far from the other one it had occupied originally. And now, in this chuckles with his recollection of his beginnings drama and low comedy, a mentoring process so that February evening: “Here’s to the best predawn hour, I keep vigil in front of it. I know it in my sad heart: My as an offi ce boy/copy boy (earning P60 a stringent it bordered on hazing, and a newsroom paper the country ever had—the Manila Chronicle has run its course. month)-turned police reporter (“the fi rst police bound by hard work, a quest for excellence, and Chronicle.” (JJavier)

1945 1955 1972 1989 A group of journalists—Ernie del Rosario, Abelardo Oscar M. Lopez (OML) works as a cub reporter for the On May 10, Marcos calls for a truce in the 15-month- The Chronicle is hard-hit by the fallout from a major coup Lorna Kalaw (later Tirol), Paulynn Paredes (later Sicam), Subido, Bienvenido Dollente and ex-Tribune staff Chronicle for a year. He goes on the police beat with long feud with the Lopezes. However, he declares attempt in December. Still, Geny persists in publishing the Dick Malay, Edmund Sicam and Fort Yerro. Roberto Villanueva, Celso Cabrera, Armando Malay Sonny Belmonte, who brings him along on raids and martial law on the evening of September 22-23. paper, cutting costs where he could, but cutting no corners and Horacio Borromeo—form a cooperative with a other police matters. 1969 Almost immediately, ABS-CBN and the Chronicle on the paper’s principles. capital of P6,000. On April 21, the Manila Chronicle are shut down. THE 1960 In March, Rod Reyes, who fi rst joined the Chronicle as a 1991 publishes its maiden issue. • Managing editor Celso Cabrera, one of the original Businessman Antonio Cojuangco agrees to fund the sports reporter in 1954, stages a comeback. Reyes and 1986 group of Chronicle pioneers, succeeds Del Rosario as • On March 1, Geny Lopez comes home from Chronicle. Tony Samson of Philippine Long Distance 1947 Geny transform the paper into an AB-quality conservative In September, Eugenio “Eñing” H. Lopez acquires the editor in chief. exile. He joins forces with Chino Roces for a new Telephone Co. (PLDT) is named publisher. newspaper. Chronicle Chronicle for P255,000. He buys a private plane for • In June, OML returns from Cambridge to Manila with Chronicle. The new company is called Chronicle 1993 1971 the reporters’ use and delivery vehicles, gives salary his family to succeed Geny as publisher. He brings in Securities Corporation (formerly Manila Chronicle In June the Fidel Ramos administration bans tri- TIMELINE • Under Geny and Reyes, the Chronicle begins to increases, creates provincial supplements and distributes new journalistic blood who would later take their place Publishing Corporation). media ownership under its domsat [domestic satellite] attack Marcos for corruption, cronyism and favoring the paper nationwide. among the greats: Manila Times’ Eugenia Apostol and • The chief editor of the martial law-era Chronicle, communications policy. In October 1993, Geny Lopez The story of the Manila Chronicle, author Raul Rodrigo the military. fellow Ilonggo Raul Locsin. Amando Doronila, returns to head the revived paper. sells his equity in the paper to Cojuangco and Robert said, is the story of a country in continual transition, 1953 • On Jan. 13, on a live radio-TV broadcast, President In June, eldest son Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr. graduates Vergel Santos is managing editor. A new generation Coyiuto. the story of the men and women who chronicled these 1966 Ferdinand Marcos accuses the Lopezes of fomenting from Harvard Business School. His father assigns him to be In October, OML lets go of his duties as publisher of the of journalists, including 2003 Ramon Magsaysay transitions, and the story of the Lopez family. Here, we unrest and supporting demos. 1998 general manager, and later, publisher of the Chronicle. Chronicle to focus on his new job as Meralco Securities awardee Sheila Coronel, Patrick Paez, Lito Zulueta, In January, the Chronicle is closed down by present a summary of the high points and low points • On April 3, Eñing and Geny Lopez inaugurate the Corp. (MSC) head of research and development. Geny Jose Tence Ruiz, Manny Mogato and others sign up Coyiuto after a labor dispute, ending a story that of the iconic, indelible Chronicle. new Chronicle Building in Pasig. In a speech, Don returns to become publisher. In turn, Geny brings in more for a tour of duty with the paper. began in 1945. Eñing says: “I have fought the biggest battles of my fresh recruits to beef up the staff, including Nestor Torre, • On June 12, the new Chronicle puts out its fi rst issue. life at the Chronicle.”

lopezlink.indd 6 2/29/08 10:22:02 AM LOPEZLINK March 2008 7 EXECUTIVE PROFILE

In 1997, author Raul Rodrigo was 1991, Meralco: A Century of Service researching material for the coffee in 2003, Kapitan: Geny Lopez and table book, Pinoy Television: The the Making of ABS-CBN in 2006, and Story of ABS-CBN, under editor The Power and the Glory: the Story Thelma San Juan when the project’s of The Manila Chronicle, 1945-1998 production manager recommended late last year. him for a book project. The trust Geny gave him continued The late Eugenio Lopez, Jr. to motivate Rodrigo, which is why (Geny), then Lopez Group chairman, he liked writing Kapitan. “It was a was scouting for someone to write the tribute to Geny, and how he built biography of his dad, Lopez Group ABS-CBN.” Raul Rodrigo with founder Eugenio H. Lopez, Sr. Outside of book writing, daughters, Isabel, They met in November 1997, a Rodrigo has a black belt in aikido, 9, and Sofi a, 13 RaulRAUL RODRIGO Rodrigo: “ e books By Carlaare Paras-Sison more interesting”

month before A Matter of Honor: The a Japanese martial art developed by movie reviews—not exactly the norm, 1990-91 RP-US Bases Talks, which Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of but not surprising if your parents are he co-wrote with Dr. Alfredo R.A. his martial studies, philosophy, and Rodrigo and wife Nancy who writes Bengzon, came off the press. religious beliefs. documentaries. “After looking at the material, I “I went to Japan for training at Having sifted through so much told him the book can’t be just about Aikido World Headquarters. While historical material on the Lopez family, your father. I need to do the whole I was there, I particularly liked the Rodrigo is every so often described as 200 years (of the Lopez family in aikido of senior teachers like Seishiro “more Lopez than the Lopezes.” His business),” recalls Rodrigo. Endo and Masatoshi Yasuno,” says motivation for doing the work that he Clockwise from top to left: His proposal was approved and Rodrigo, who is on his 12th year in the does? “I like writing books. I enjoy it. much after-hours camaraderie,” Rodrigo noted Second generation Chronicle in 2000, the two-volume, 720-page of his latest subject. Joseph Uy, Manny Mogato, martial art. He is dojo cho (head of an It’s hard, physically and mentally. But Lito Banaag & Vergel Santos; Phoenix: the Saga of the Lopez Family, In his introduction, the author described the aikido school) in Pasig and believes this is fun.” Amando Doronilla, editor-in-chief 1800-2000 was published. Manila Chronicle’s place in the pantheon of great it is a perfect counterpoint to all the From among his books, he (1962 and 1986-93), blows his “(Geny) trusted me when he had tough mental stuff like researching, recommends the two-volume Phoenix Philippine newspapers thus: “It assembled the 80th candle; Former police beat no reason to trust me. And for that, most journalistic talent ever gathered in a Filipino reporter Mayor Sonny Belmonte analyzing, writing, and creating that as the “starter set” for Lopez Group I am grateful. I was 32 years old, I newsroom. The Chronicle newsroom was once (1952-58) with his then cub he has to do as an author. employees. It not only traces the roots reporter, Lopez Group chairman had no track record. My fi rst book (A home to all four Filipino Ramon Magsaysay He practices aikido four times of the Lopez family, but also places Oscar M. Lopez; Columnist Matter of Honor) had not even come awardees for journalism and many of the biggest a week, although his ideal is six the Lopez family’s experience in the Carmen ‘Chitang’ Guerrero out yet. Before the project (Phoenix), times a week “but that would create context of history and gives readers names in the industry. Certainly, other papers Nakpil (1953-65); Paulynn he had never read anything I wrote. He were more successful as businesses—the old Paredes Sicam (reporter, 1968- family problems.” a better understanding of events 72; reporter/editor, 1986-90) and had never met me. That really stuck Manila Times and the Philippine Daily Inquirer Speaking of family, Rodrigo has and consequences for the current Tiny Defensor, desktop publishing in mind,” Rodrigo says of Geny, who come to mind. But none were better written or daughters aged 13 and 9, both of generation of leaders. specialist and son of Chronicle died in 1999 before all 18 chapters of whom have been writing stories since “I have my personal favorites, but better edited.” veteran Benjie Defensor; Romy Phoenix had been written. The Chronicle’s former publisher Oscar Vitug, Ramon Magsaysay they could read—which means even start with Phoenix,” says Rodrigo That project was followed by M. Lopez proudly took it a step further awardee Eggie Apostol and movie before they started going to school. adding there was little to write columnist Behn Cervantes graced Firebringer: 40 Years of First that February evening: “Here’s to the best The younger one fancies herself as a about him. “The books are more the book launch. Philippine Holdings Corporation in paper the country ever had—the Manila future reporter and would like to write interesting.” (Carla Paras-Sison) Chronicle.” (JJavier)

1945 1955 1972 1989 During its two incarnations under the A group of journalists—Ernie del Rosario, Abelardo Oscar M. Lopez (OML) works as a cub reporter for the On May 10, Marcos calls for a truce in the 15-month- The Chronicle is hard-hit by the fallout from a major coup Lorna Kalaw (later Tirol), Paulynn Paredes (later Sicam), aegis of the Lopez family (1945-72 and Subido, Bienvenido Dollente and ex-Tribune staff Chronicle for a year. He goes on the police beat with long feud with the Lopezes. However, he declares attempt in December. Still, Geny persists in publishing the Dick Malay, Edmund Sicam and Fort Yerro. 1986-93), the Manila Chronicle was Roberto Villanueva, Celso Cabrera, Armando Malay Sonny Belmonte, who brings him along on raids and martial law on the evening of September 22-23. paper, cutting costs where he could, but cutting no corners the fi nest newspaper in the country. It and Horacio Borromeo—form a cooperative with a other police matters. 1969 Almost immediately, ABS-CBN and the Chronicle on the paper’s principles. assembled the most journalistic talent capital of P6,000. On April 21, the Manila Chronicle are shut down. 1960 In March, Rod Reyes, who fi rst joined the Chronicle as a 1991 ever gathered in a Filipino newsroom, publishes its maiden issue. • Managing editor Celso Cabrera, one of the original Businessman Antonio Cojuangco agrees to fund the sports reporter in 1954, stages a comeback. Reyes and 1986 and was once home to all four Filipino group of Chronicle pioneers, succeeds Del Rosario as • On March 1, Geny Lopez comes home from Chronicle. Tony Samson of Philippine Long Distance 1947 Geny transform the paper into an AB-quality conservative Ramon Magsaysay awardees for In September, Eugenio “Eñing” H. Lopez acquires the editor in chief. exile. He joins forces with Chino Roces for a new Telephone Co. (PLDT) is named publisher. newspaper. journalism and many of the biggest Chronicle for P255,000. He buys a private plane for • In June, OML returns from Cambridge to Manila with 1971 Chronicle. The new company is called Chronicle 1993 names in the industry. The Power and the reporters’ use and delivery vehicles, gives salary his family to succeed Geny as publisher. He brings in Securities Corporation (formerly Manila Chronicle In June the Fidel Ramos administration bans tri- • Under Geny and Reyes, the Chronicle begins to the Glory: The Story of the Manila increases, creates provincial supplements and distributes new journalistic blood who would later take their place Publishing Corporation). media ownership under its domsat [domestic satellite] attack Marcos for corruption, cronyism and favoring Chronicle (1945-1998) weaves together the paper nationwide. among the greats: Manila Times’ Eugenia Apostol and • The chief editor of the martial law-era Chronicle, communications policy. In October 1993, Geny Lopez the military. the story of nation with the story of fellow Ilonggo Raul Locsin. Amando Doronila, returns to head the revived paper. sells his equity in the paper to Cojuangco and Robert 1953 • On Jan. 13, on a live radio-TV broadcast, President the men and women who covered that In June, eldest son Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr. graduates Vergel Santos is managing editor. A new generation Coyiuto. 1966 Ferdinand Marcos accuses the Lopezes of fomenting nation and how they did it. from Harvard Business School. His father assigns him to be In October, OML lets go of his duties as publisher of the of journalists, including 2003 Ramon Magsaysay unrest and supporting demos. 1998 The Power and the Glory: general manager, and later, publisher of the Chronicle. Chronicle to focus on his new job as Meralco Securities awardee Sheila Coronel, Patrick Paez, Lito Zulueta, In January, the Chronicle is closed down by • On April 3, Eñing and Geny Lopez inaugurate the The Story of the Manila Chronicle Corp. (MSC) head of research and development. Geny Jose Tence Ruiz, Manny Mogato and others sign up Coyiuto after a labor dispute, ending a story that new Chronicle Building in Pasig. In a speech, Don (1945-1998) is available at the Lopez Memorial Museum. For book returns to become publisher. In turn, Geny brings in more for a tour of duty with the paper. began in 1945. Eñing says: “I have fought the biggest battles of my inquiries, contact Fanny at 631-2417. fresh recruits to beef up the staff, including Nestor Torre, • On June 12, the new Chronicle puts out its fi rst issue. life at the Chronicle.”

lopezlink.indd 7 2/29/08 10:22:08 AM  LopezLink March 2008 CSR activities Bayan adds color to merrymaking in Iloilo Every year, Illongos celebrate the new generation technology and quality welcoming of the Senor Santo Nino and service that fit the requirements of a fast- the Christianization of the region. This paced, mobile lifestyle. Likewise, its new year, they have also warmly accepted tagline, “Gaganda pa ang buhay”, captures Bayan Wireless Landline. the brand’s unique promise of being To show appreciation for its subscribers committed to give customers something in Iloilo, maverick telecommunications to celebrate. (Freyja D. Santos) company Bayan took part in the 2008 Dinagyang Festival. As a participating sponsor, Bayan paraded the streets of Iloilo City as it joined the Kasadyahan— the opening ceremony of the event. The five companies under the Family Planning (FP) in the workplace program of Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI) signed an agreement last February 4, 2008 that will enable employees to avail of No Scalpel Vasectomy Bayan infused a lot of red into the services in the Meralco Corporate Wellness Center (CWC). The employees are expected to consult their FP already vibrantly colored atmosphere counselors first from their clinics before going to CWC for the procedure. Seated: left to right: JunMayo with participants clad in Bayan’s (AVP-HR, First Sumiden Circuits Inc.); Dr. Efren Vicaldo (Medical Director, CWC-Meralco); Leonila dela signature “Gaganda pa ang buhay” shirts Llana (First Vice President, Meralco); Barbara Reyes (Director-HR & Admin, SkyCable Corp.) Standing: and mounted on Bayan Wireless Landline left to right: Jocelyn Malitig (Company Nurse, First Sumiden Circuits Inc.) Dr. Roman Manalang (Head-Gen. Medicine/NSV Provider, CWC-Meralco); Felipe Alfonso (President, LGFI); Dr. Eric Cruz (House Physician- floats. And for joining the event in festive Hope floats. Bayan coasted through the streets Gen. Medicine/NSV Provider, CWC-Meralco); Nina Carmina Pablo (Administrator, CWC-Meralco); Teresita apparel, the city presented Bayan with a of Iloilo bringing a blast of red and the message Sicangco (Nurse Supervisor-Satellite Clinics, CWC-Meralco); Winston Espina (Sr. Superintendent Alabang Best in Costume award. “Gaganda pa ang buhay” Sector, Meralco); Diane Ebarle-Minon (FP Program Coordinator, LGFI). Dinagyang, which means merrymaking in the vernacular, is Iloilo City’s biggest and most colorful religion and cultural festivity. The tradition spurred around 40 years ago Meralco honors as a devotion to the Señor Santo Niño. Bayan Chief Executive Consultant accomplished mothers with Tunde Fafunwa says, “Bayan Wireless Landline has given Ilonggos a reliable communication tool to let them invite Ilaw ng Tahanan Award friends and relatives to the fiesta.” Meralco, in cooperation with Working Meralco Vice President for Corporate Mom Magazine, recently honored Communication Elpi Cuna, Meralco True to its vision, Bayan continuously The whole Bayan joins merrymaking at the provides consumers nationwide with Kasadyahan Parade. working mothers who trailblazed in First Vice President and Customer Retail their respective fields and contributed Services Head Roberto Almazora, ABS- significantly to society during an CBN Publishing President Ernie Lopez, awarding ceremony held recently at and (seated) Pediatrician and Founder Power of dreams… The Fort, Taguig City. Shown in photo of the Institute of Maternal and Child are (from left) Working Mom Magazine Health Dr. Fe del Mundo. Meralco power of education Editor-in-Chief Dedet Reyes-Panabi, bestowed the special award on Tobiano By Suzette Catalla Meralco Marketing Head Melinda and Dr. del Mundo not only for their Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. and ABS-CBN Head of E-Media Program of AFI. Derpo, QualiBet Testing Services Inc. achievements but also for their personal Foundation, Inc. recently forged a partnership ETV Adopt-A-School is a project of the E- President and CEO Pinky Pe Tobiano, integrity and pioneering spirit. with Educational Television (ETV) Adopt-A- Media Program of the ABS-CBN Foundation, School campaign by donating ETV packages Inc. (AFI) in coordination with the Department and computers to two (2) schools in Sta. of Education aimed at providing public Rosa, Laguna. ETV package consists of schools with curriculum-based supplementary 108 volumes of DVD materials in Science, video materials. For inquiries on how you can Mathematics, History, Values Education and help, dial (632)415-6296 or log on to: www. English , 21-inch TV set, and DVD player. abs-cbnfoundation/emedia. “Our dream of having modern equipment in Santo Domingo Elementary School has finally come true” said Mrs. Lilia Bascon, Principal of Santo Domingo Elementary School. “Honda believes in the power of dreams and by supporting the education of the youth, we have paved their path towards a better future” Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. said in the recent turnover ceremony. “By giving public schools United Pulp and Paper Company Inc. (UPPC) adopts Iba Este Elementary School in Calumpit, Bula- access to multi-media learning, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. officials headed by its President and can, under Knowledge Channel’s Cable-A-School Program on January 29, 2008. (Photos from L-R) we hope to make a difference in General Manager, Hiroshi Shimizu (second from left) and ABS-CBN Calumpit Councilor Mel Balingit, KCFI President & Managing Director Rina Lopez-Bautista, UPPC Foundation represented by E-Media Distribution Unit Head, Rino the lives of Filipino children” said President & CEO Khun Chartchai Leukulwatanachai, Schools District Supervisor Rebecca Mapue and Ramos (third from right) with students and school officials of Santo Rino Ramos, Distribution Unit Domingo Elementary School, ETV Adopt-A-School beneficiary. Iba Este Elementary School Myrna Salvador.

lopezlink.indd 8 2/29/08 10:22:10 AM LopezLink March 2008 

Ongoings@Lopez Museum MUSIC FOR A CAUSE Stories on Philippine Art Lecture Series CECILE LICAD IN MANILA Graphic Design as a Means of Communication to P(l)ay It Forward The Lopez Memorial Museum and the Museum landscape, both locally and internationally. Internationally acclaimed classical Foundation of the Philippines Inc. have invited The Stories on Philippine Art lecture series aims pianist Cecile Licad is in town for Team Manila Graphic Design Studio to give a talk to create more awareness of various personalities, a series of outreach concerts with on the history of graphic design in the Philippines art forms, and practices in the country. Fee is PhP50 Casa San Miguel’s Pundaquit and the contemporary graphic design scene. for students, PhP100 for Museum Foundation Virtuosi and Young Musician’s Graphic design has traditionally been to members, and PhP150 for non-Museum Foundation Development Organization’s communicate ideas and meaning through the use of members. Lectures will be held at the Lopez Memorial (YMDO) Philippine Youth graphic elements like typography, photography, and Museum, Ground Floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Symphonic Band (PYSB). illustration. Team Manila’s dynamic duo Raymund Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. For more Cecile Licad “P(l)aying It Punzalan and Owee Alvar will lecture on March info, call 631-2417 or 404-2685. Forward” aims to mentor a new 8, 2008 (Saturday) from 2 to 4 pm at the Lopez generation of artists to raise Memorial Museum. Date: March 8, 2008 (Saturday) awareness and financial support Team Manila is a multi-disciplinary design Time: 2-4 pm for marginalized children. The studio based in the Philippines whose broadcast and Venue: Lopez Memorial Museum proceeds will go to ABS-CBN print designs have won numerous awards from MTV G/F Benpres Bldg., Pasig Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163 Cecile Licad Pilipinas, PDI, etc. It was formed to educate the eyes Fee: P50 (students) program, Casa San Miguel and taste of the public through its output and work. P100 (Museum Foundation members) Foundation’s scholarship fund Team Manila intends to make a lasting mark on P150 (Non-members) towards developing talent in rural areas, and the YMDO’s training visual culture and to contribute to the graphic design Designed the Nike Silos campaign program for the development of wind and brass players. The performing artists are Cecile Licad (pianist), Coke Bolipata (guest concertmaster/artistic director), 7-year old violinist Julian Duque, Renato Lucas (strings), Jourdann Petalver Hain: Memory Spreads Exhibit (piano accompanist), the music students of PYSB, and the The International Wine and Food H. Taft (1905) who later became The winner of the “Doreen the first and currently the sole na- Pundaquit Virtuosi. Society Manila Ladies Branch the president of the United States, a Gamboa-Fernandez (DGF) Food tionwide food writing contest in the The program consists of Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro (12 (IWFS-MLB) will host the open- dinner in Malolos for National Art- Writing Award” will be announced country. violin soloists of Pundaquit Virtuosi), Vivaldi’s “Spring Concerto” (Pundaquit Virtuosi with Julian Duque), Vivaldi’s “Summer ing of the exhibition Hain: Memory ist Guillermo Tolentino (1925) who at the event. Named after the long- The exhibition and the award Concerto” (Pundaquit Virtuosi with mixed soloists), Mozart’s Spreads on March 10, 2008 (Mon- sculpted the University of the Phil- time dean of Filipino food writers, are part of the Manila branch’s Serenade in B-flat, K362 for 13 winds (YMDO), Dvorak’s day). The exhibit will feature the ippines Oblation and the monument Filipino food anthropologist and larger efforts to fulfill IWFS Serenade, Op. 44 (YMDO), Haydn’s Symphony #45 in F-sharp IWFS-MLB’s donation of menu in Caloocan, and the coronation of founding vice chairman of IWF- founder Andre Simon’s vision of an Minor “Farewell Symphony” (Pundaquit-YMDO), and end cards from 1900 to 1940 com- the image of our Lady of the Rosary MLB, , the DGF Writing Award organization that offers an ‘intelli- with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19 (Pundaquit-YMDO with Ms. Cecile Licad). memorating historical events such (1907), popularly known as La Na- hopes to foster the preservation of gent approach to the pleasures and as the banquet to honor William val at Sto. Domingo Church. Philippine culinary heritage. It is problems of the table rather than PERFORMANCES March 14 (Fri)– Miriam Auditorium @ 7:30pm Zero In exhibition venue Miriam College, Loyola Heights, QC ZERO IN 6 Tickets at P1500 and P1000 “Blur” Ongoing until April 5, 2008 March 15 (Sat) – Casa San Miguel @ 5pm Zero In: Blur Lopez Memorial Museum Opening of the 15th Season of the G/F Benpres Bldg., Exchange Pundaquit Festival An exhibition of works which Taking off from the notion of desirable or thought to boost Road, Pasig City San Antonio, Zambales show crossing over as an intrinsic hybridity as used in the fields ‘purer’ formulations), power (in the Tel no. 631-2417 Tickets at P1500 option, Blur features the works of genetics, Blur hopes to sense that not all hybrids/pairings of National Artists Ang Kiukok, demonstrate how artists take it are carried out between peers March 16 (Sun) – Insular Life Theater @ 7:30 pm Bencab, Cesar Legaspi, Vicente upon themselves to work outside or equitably positioned strains Filinvest Corporate Center, Alabang Manansala, J Elizalde Navarro, the boxes or categories constructed and how meshing comes out of Tickets at P1500 and P1000 and the works of Jose Tence by art history, criticism and even negotiations between dominant Ruiz and Lyra Garcellano. This art education as the artworld and marginal), and vantage or For ticket reservations, call Bantay Bata: 4110856 (Freda) or crossing over or the production of attempts to make sense of their positionality (in that in specific 9290967 (China). FREE delivery within Metro Manila for a something in a new field or style work. Going beyond the idea of contexts, the hybrid takes over minimum of 2 tickets is possible because there are many arbitrary fusing, hybridization as the more stable or alternately, elements which artists can choose here takes into account such sterile construct—non-replicable to use or create. That artists choose notions as deliberation (the act due to chromosome count Featured artists Jose and what their choices are may of choosing among elements to incompatibility or in extending Tence Ruiz and Lyra Abueg imply the artists’ development -- be appropriated or amalgamated the metaphor to art, in terms of Garcellano with their works movement or stasis. because they are regarded as contextual mismatches). PAKWELA FOR THE 2008 GRADUATES Career guide for the new graduates At this time, students are eagerly practicing for business process outsourcing is growing rapidly socializing with their families. On the other hand, some companies usually their commencement exercises while their parents in the country. According to the news, the call Sales require a minimum quota, which an employee has can hardly wait to see them marching with their center industry will hire more than millions of If you’re aggressive, a good negotiator to meet to stay on the job. diplomas and togas on. All the hardships will finally Filipinos, raking more revenues by 2010. Many with exceptional people skills, you may find Information Technology (IT) pay off after spending at least 16 years in school. fresh graduates apply in call centers because of yourself working in the sales industry. Since With the advances of technology, the IT As college students are facing graduation to mark its high hiring rate and compensation they offer. this department is the money driving force in industry captures a wide array of jobs such as the end of their school days, they’re on for a new Applicants may be involved in various fields such a company, there’s a great demand for sales software programming, web design and 3D start, the employment world. Here’s a quick look as customer service, medical transcriptions, IT and people. Pharmaceutical companies, real estate animation. This industry will remain strong even at today’s industries where new graduates usually software programming. and the fast moving consumer goods industry within the next few years because of high demand. have their fresh start: On the other hand, since most call centers cater (FMCG) are the usual targets of fresh graduates. A big percentage of overseas jobs is also under IT. Call Centers to foreign countries, many call center agents work Getting into sales is also a good training ground Check out the Lopez Group’s HR Council’s With Filipinos’ proficiency in the English on night shifts, increasing their risks of ill health. as one can get into other departments such as Apprenticeship Program. Contact Beth Canlas at language and low labor costs, it’s no wonder why Their shifting schedules also disable them from marketing and business development. 449-6114.

lopezlink.indd 9 2/29/08 10:22:11 AM 10 LopezLinkMarch 2008 LIFELONG WELLNESS unning is one of the most Rpopular and easiest Meralco Chess Club sports to participate in. Holds Grand Master Rosendo Balinas Memorial Chess Tournament Running strengthens the As tribute to a former Meralco employee who contributed add another feather in his cap. However, it was tougher playing with heart, lungs and can be to the rich history of chess in the company and country, the the youngsters who showed that age does not matter in chess. Paulo done just about anywhere, Meralco Chess Club and the 105th Anniversary & Employees Bersamina, who won the Best Junior Player and actually fi nished 4th anytime alone or with your Week Chess Sub-Committee held the Grand Master Rosendo in the standing, won over three employees. Jerome Saltorio won over family and friends. Balinas Memorial Chess Tournament on February 2, 2008 two while Earl Cabugao won over one. (Raul Sol Cruz) The problem is most people to start the pawn rolling for the chess exhibition of the don’t know where to begin. It is MERALCOlympics Employees Day. The 1-day event drew a not how hard you run total of 17 players. but how often you are GM Balinas (1941-1998), who worked with the Meralco moving. The fi rst step is LEARN TO Legal Department, was the country’s second grandmaster. to get medical clearance His fi nest Olympic moment was in the 1966 World Chess from your doctor. And Olympiad in Havana, Cuba where he won the silver medal. then, get fi tted for the He delivered his best performance in topping the Odessa right running shoes. Running shoes should Run International Tournament in 1976 and became a Grandmaster in the process. be at least 1/2 to a full in 8 Weeks The exciting 16-rounds of blitz was won by Albert Casiano of size bigger than your regular shoe size. You also need a Baliuag Business Center who tallied 14 points in 16 games. NM timer to time the workouts and if possible, get one with a Andador, as guest entry and being a titled player was excluded from heart rate monitor. the medal race. It was tough playing with NM Andador but Darryl Tournament winner Albert Casiano playing against Now you’re ready to start running. Make sure though Mata, who won the silver, forced the NM to resign in their match to Paulo Bersamina, the Best Junior Player. to warm up properly by walking for at least 5 to 10 minutes and end with a cool down and stretch. Here’s an easy comfy attire and walking shoes, and bring cap, extra shirt, towel and workout schedule: water/refreshments. For more info, call Elizabeth Canlas at 449-6112 Week one: Walk for 6 minutes, then jog at an easy pace for Check out this March or 633-3396 or visit www.lopezwellness.com 1 minute. Repeat 3 times. Aim for three sessions with that same sequence for week one. March 1: Meralco Chess Clinic Week two: Walk for 5 minutes, then jog for 2 minutes. Repeat 9am to 3pm @ the Lopez Building Canteen March 28 – Yoga for Menopause, Part 1 3 times. Aim to do three sessions in week two. A one-day chess workshop for kids to be conducted by coach Part 2 on April 4, Part 3 on April 11 Week three: Walk for 3 minutes, then jog for 4 minutes. Rodolfo Tan Cardoso, our country’s International Master. 3pm @ Yoga Manila, 120 Perera St., Legaspi Village, Makati This special series, taught by Linda Naulty, is designed to help Repeat 4 times. Aim for four sessions in week three. Week four: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 5 minutes. Repeat (8am) women cope with the psychological, hormonal, and physical eff ects March 8 and 9 : Pranayama 4 times. Shoot for four of those sessions in week four. (9am) of menopause and perimenopause, as well as aid in the prevention Mysore-style yoga Week ve: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 8 minutes. Repeat @ Yoga Manila, 120 Perera St., Legaspi Village, Makati of postmenopausal ailments. For info, contact 0917-8127015. 3 times. Do four of those sessions in week fi ve. This will be taught by AYRI certifi ed visiting yoga teacher Week six: Walk for 2 minutes, then jog for 9 minutes. Repeat Paul Dallaghan. For more info, contact 0917-8127015. March 29 – Yoga workshop just for kids! 9:15am @ Yoga Manila, 120 Perera St., Legaspi Village, Makati. 3 times. Try to do four sessions for week six. Brynne Caleda of Yoga Ed.™ teaches Concentration for Children 5 to Week seven: Walk for 1 minute, then jog for 11 minutes. March 15: Walk the Talk Repeat 3 times. Do four sessions this week. 6am to 9am @ Paradise-3, San Jose, Del Monte City 9 year-olds. Children will learn lifelong skills to improve their ability Week eight: Congratulations on making it to week eight! Participants must register with their respective HR departments. Wear to focus and pay attention. For info, contact 0917-8127015. For your fi rst run this week, try walking for 5 minutes to begin and end the workout, and run for 20 minutes in between. By the end of the week, try to run for 30 minutes without stopping. Staying a step ahead of aging YOU know what is Researchers say that you should be able to maintain your RUN FOR A CAUSE supposed to happen when muscles as you age, including the muscle enzymes needed for If you missed DZMM’s race, here’s upcoming races you grow old. You will slow good athletic performance, and you should be able to maintain this month: down, you will grow weak, your ability to exercise for long periods near your so-called lactic Mar 2: Condura 3k/5k/10k Run @ Fort Bonifacio, Taguig your steps will become short threshold, meaning you are near maximum effort. Register for P350 and save the Tubataha reef in Palawan. and mincing, and you will lose “Train hard and train often,” said Hirofumi Tanaka, a Contact Mr. Rudy Biscocho at 727-9987 or 0918-9158536. your sense of balance. That’s 41-year-old soccer player and exercise physiologist at the Mar 9: Pinay in Action 1.6k/5K/10K Run @ NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio Visit Maxiworks branches in Rockwell and High Street, Fort what aging researchers University of Texas. Bonifacio or contact at 0917-8554489. consistently fi nd. “One of the major determinants of endurance performance Mar 9: 7th DND-AFP Gintong Pangarap Half-Marathon/5k But it is worth is oxygen consumption,” Dr. Tanaka said. “You have to make Run @ the Grandstand, Camp Villamor Air Base, Pasay City remembering that the training as intense as you can.” Registration fee is P150. people in those studies were sedentary, said Dr. Vonda Wright, a Not every aging athlete does so well. But for those who still Mar 16: Exodus Run for a Cause 3k/5/10k Run @ Ultra professor of orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh. have the drive, the news that muscle mass and lactic threshold can Philsports Field Oval. Register for P200. Contact Edwin Tobias at 6322326 or 09178259405. Dr. Wright, a 40-year-old runner, decided to study people who be maintained is encouraging. The reason people become slower, Mar 30: Fellowship Fun Run @ Libingan ng mga Bayani kept training as they got older or began competing in middle age. though, is that oxygen consumption declines with age. Registration fee is P50. She wanted to know what happens to them and at what age does Dr. Michael Joyner, a 49-year-old exercise researcher at the performance start to decline. Mayo Clinic who also is a competitive swimmer and a runner, Their results are surprising. The investigators found that while added another factor: the lungs of older athletes cannot take in you will slow down as you age, you may be able to stave off more quite as much air. of the deterioration than you thought. Researchers also report that With a slower heart rate and less oxygen in the lungs, less people can start later in life — one man took up running at 62 and oxygen-rich blood gets to the muscles. In one study, Dr. Joyner ran his fi rst marathon, a year later, in 3 hours 25 minutes. found that highly trained athletes age 55 to 68 had 10 to 20 percent It’s a testament to how adaptable the human body is. less blood fl ow to their legs than athletes in their 20s. Researchers said that people can start serious training at an older But older athletes still can have spectacular performances, Dr. age and become highly competitive. It’s also a testament to Tanaka notes. For example, the world best marathon time for men their fi ndings that some physiological factors needed for a good 70 or older (2:54:05) was set by a 74-year-old. performance are not much affected by age. Excerpted from NYTimes.com article of Gina Kolata

Meralco Billiards Club’s Ute de Borja, Meralco Chess Club’s Edson Gonzales and a basketball MERALCOselection led by Patrick de Silos and Ernie Cube, with the support of Alabang and Las Pinas VS NEW BILIBID Business Centers, played billiards, chess and basketball with the inmates of the New Bilibid PRISONPrison last Januaryy 19 under the wings of Monsignor Bobby Olaguer.

lopezlink.indd 10 2/29/08 10:22:13 AM LopezLink March 2008 11

Sudoku This year is already shaping up to be Maglaro tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan a very good one for the Lopez Group ng bayan! Ayusin lamang ang mga numero in terms of recognition from esteemed simula 1 hanggang 9 para ang bawat numero award giving bodies. ABS-CBN received the lion’s share of awards in the ay minsan lang magagamit sa bawat row, Gandingan 2008 of the University of Dearary issue of the Lopez Link. Expectedly, Rosie the article was very well writ- column at kahon. the Philippines-Los Baños Community ten. It could have been complete, however, if it also mentioned that Broadcasters Society in January and the the successful award of the SCTEX ISP Contract also rested partly on University of Santo Tomas’ 4th USTv the earnest work of some people, namely, FPHC’s Ardel Fadri, Beng 3 8 Students’ Choice Awards a month later. Relatado, Esmer Amistad, Faye Paredes, and Bon Asis; Egis Road Also in February, the Public Relations Operations’ Paul Aquino; and TMC’s Dacky Casiño. … Of course, the 1 7 9 258 Society of the Philippines (PRSP) added Joint Venture (JV) Bid could not have flown without the imprimatur 11 Anvils to the Group’s haul, including of the JV principal signatories Messrs. El Ibañez, Am Mabasa, and 4 5 1 the Bronze Anvil and an Anvil Award of Marc Obrowski. … By the way, allow me to make a slight correction Excellence for Kapitan:Geny Lopez and in the article: BCDA first issued its invitation for the bidding of SC- the Making of ABS-CBN by Raul Rodrigo, Pinoy Media Congress and the TEX through the major newspapers on December 21, 2006—not April 6 5 8 9 1 Lifelong Wellness Program. The winners of Anvil Awards of Merit were 2007. … Again, thank you for highlighting TMC’s contribution to the La Mesa Eco Park, Lopez Memorial Museum, Manila North Tollways infrastructure development efforts of the Lopez Group—Nathanael V. 7 4 5 Corp. for its Driver’s Safety Forum and Rediscovering the North Fernandez of the Tollways Management Corporation. calendar, Bayan and Meralco for their annual reports, and your very own Thank you, Mr. Fernandez. Your letter would inspire the team to work Lopez Link. Congratulations (page 4)! harder and make the future issues of our publication better. 5 8 7 1 3 We are also celebrating many exciting milestones this year. First up ooOoo is Meralco’s 105th anniversary this March, and ABS-CBN’s 55th year in Since DZMM already has Teleradyo, do you also plan to have the 6 3 8 November. Of course, in the middle of the year is the much anticipated same format for 101.9 For Life? I think it would be a good idea so that 80th anniversary of the founding of the E& L Enterprises, the original listeners can see their favorite artists on TV too. I hope they can play company put up by brothers Eugenio Sr. and Fernando. Oscar M. Lopez Korean songs and feature Korean singers as well.—Grace 6 5 8 4 1 2 (OML) said at the PR Council Workshop in Tagaytay, that one of the Peter Musngi of ABS-CBN Radio said they’re now working on highlights will be a big musical telling the Lopez Group story, which will several key projects: (1) live audio/video streaming on the internet via 8 5 be co-produced by ABS-CBN and singer/actor/producer Audie Gemora. TFC-Now and (2) test broadcast on HD (Hybrid transmission) on radio “ABS-CBN did my 75th birthday extravaganza at the Meralco (this means broadcasting on both analog and digital and spawning two c Very Easy 25 3 16 9 87 4 Theater. Audie Gemora…did a musical about [founder] Henry Sy on additional sub-channels with different programming—meaning two other c Easy 7 41 23 968 5 the 50th anniversary of Shoemart last month. Most of the cast were SM music formats—on top of what 101.9 has at the moment on the same fre- employees, very similar to those that participated in my 75th. All of you quency—101.9 MHz.) c 9 68 7 4 5 21 3 Medium get ready to be in the Lopez extravaganza in June,” OML said. The HR ooOoo g Hard 9 5 81 64 73 2 Council will be calling for auditions soon, so watch for that! I’ve heard about DigiBoxes. Are all subscribers required to get one? 3 7 6 5 2 1 9 4 8 OML also said that he wished to see the company values and philoso- What will it benefit me? I think SkyCable must inform their subscribers 4 8 2 9 7 3 5 1 6 phy ingrained among the staff and communicated to the external publics by showing a commercial or at least a flyer.—Hermes 6 3 7 1 5 2 4 8 9 before he retires from active management of the Lopez Group. Jolina Bantayan of SkyCable says DigiBoxes make it possible for you 8 1 4 3 9 6 2 5 7 For now, however, the spotlight is on the Manila Chronicle, the to enjoy the many benefits of digital cable TV entertainment such as clearer 5 2 9 4 8 7 3 6 1 iconic newspaper led by a succession of Lopezes—Eugenio Sr., Geny TV reception, real-time on-screen program schedules and highlights, control and OML—that produced some of the best Filipino journalists ever. The over what your kids watch, and access to more cable TV subscription options. Power and the Glory is definitely a must-read—a treatise and tell-all book SkyCable is currently in the process of upgrading and digitally encrypting Answer to February puzzle: in one. its service areas. This means subscribers who reside in these areas will enjoy Another year, another graduation: for the parents among us, one of the fully digital cable TV service and would need a DigiBox to continue receiving Solution, tips and computer program available most important questions is how to make this milestone more memorable SkyCable signal. Subscribers outside these service areas who want to upgrade at www.sudoku.com for their hardworking offspring. Dinners and parties are nice, but how about to SkyCable Platinum or avail of Season Pass Pay-Per-View Events or other a little something that they can use as they make their way in the world? Premium Channels also need a DigiBox as these services are digital services. Check out some of our finds courtesy of Power Plant Mall(page 12). Happy ooOoo graduation, Batch 2008 (and moms and dads, too)! If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions about anything ooOoo and everything about the Lopez Group, please send them to Dear Rosie through fax no. Thank you for the front-page space you accorded TMC in your Febru- 633-3520 or to [email protected]. Maraming salamat! REDISCOVER THE NORTH A Taste of Holy Week in the North Being a Christian nation in Asia, Holy Filipinos observe various Holy Week tra- Week in the Philippines is much celebrat- ditions that are distinctively Filipino such ed. People take a time off to reflect and as “salubongs” and “cenaculos,” which go to pilgrimages for self-healing. Our appeal even to foreigners. Lenten Season combines traditional and From the Ash Wednesday signaling contemporary Christian rituals that show the start of the Lenten season to the “sa- how rich our culture is in celebrating the lubong” on Easter Sunday, every locale death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. in the country shows variety of practices These practices are pivotal components during the Holy Week. So this early, mark of our history and culture, which also your calendar with these recommended trace back Christianity in the country. places and activities in the North where you can celebrate Holy Week. L-R: Devotees in a lenten procession; man carries a cross to reeanct “Vin Crusis.” Pilgrimages Northern provinces tions where one visits many churches on clothes to reenact “Vin Crusis.” Their offer lots of pilgrim- as possible during the Holy Week. The dramatization may seem too agonizing, ages where devotees churches of Ilocos would be a great but it’s actually the penitents’ way of test- can visit for their choice for those who want to reflect and ing their faith and self-sacrifice. spiritual awakening. discover our Philippine heritage at the Some of the popular same time, since most of these churches Pabasa and Salubong pilgrimages in the Pabasa, seven days of reading and singing of are already centuries old. Holy Week would never be complete North are the Our Bible verses, accounting Christ’s life. without a pabasa. Almost all places, Lady of Manaoag in Cenaculo even in the metro, observe pabasa. It is Pangasinan, Agoo lacan. DOT also cited Monasterio de A play showing the dramatization of a narration of Christ’s passion, death, Basilica in La Un- Tarlac in San Jose, Tarlac as the most the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. and resurrection in a form of a chant or ion, Basilica of the revered pilgrimage site in Central Luzon San Fernando, Pampanga, Tarlac, and a song. Filipinos end Holy Week with Our Lady of Piat because of its spiritual prominence. Bulacan are known for the accounts of Salubong on Easter Sunday. This festive in Cagayan, and the Crucifixion where three penitents get event shows the meeting of risen Christ Pilgrims visit Our Lady of Manaoag, known for its miraculous Nuestra Kapitangan Chapel Visita Iglesia nailed on the cross. Some devotees and with Mary. (Karen Valeza) Senora del Rosario. in Paombong, Bu- This is one of the old Filipino tradi- local residents also wear Roman centuri-

lopezlink.indd 11 2/29/08 10:22:15 AM 12 LopezLinkMarch 2008

By Joseph Uy What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this March Celebrate the end of the school Karen Davila on Working year with Chalk’s March issue! Mom Whether you’re a fresh graduate or someone who just can’t wait for Karen Davila reveals her secret on how she the summer break, there’s plenty for you to look forward to in Chalk juggles her high-pressured job and her family life this March! Learn job interview tips from the experts, makeup that that now includes her newborn son, Lucas. She is helps you get hired, plus how to be stylish when dressing for work. joined in the magazine by other super moms who A personal shopper, photographer, scriptwriter, chef, and more talk about how to achieve that work-life balance. talk about what it’s like to have one of the coolest jobs around. Be Also in the March issue, 15 surprising boosters for your baby’s brain; tips on how to draw the line inspired by the success stories of young stars Maja Salvador, Gerald with an “antipatika” yaya; a gift guide based on our Anderson, and Kim Chiu. It’s all in Chalk’s March issue, out in graduates’ wish list; summer trends you can wear newsstands now! to the offi ce; and 35 of the best beauty buys in the market now. Dress your house for summer, and other how-tos in new Metro Home Society’s hottest Find out how you can make your home a cool sanctuary this coming hot season—with very easy do-it-yourself ideas. This and many wakeboarders bare for 4th more helpful stories make Metro Home & Entertaining’s fi rst outing Annual Men’s issue for 2008 a must-have guide for homemakers and interior design One of Metro Society’s most anticipated specials, the annual afi cionados. Tips on how to transform your empty outdoor wall into men’s issue, hits stands this month with three half-naked men a living garden, how to decorate with color, set a dining table at any on the cover: Isabela councilor Ian Dy, businessman Fitz Puyat budget, and even save the earth in the easiest ways possible, complete and Stoked, Inc.’s JV Borromeo, all expert wakeboarders and this issue’s ‘how-to’ package. all very successful in their own careers. Metro Society joins the With each issue, Metro Home and Entertaining informs and three in one afternoon of going against the water in Taal Lake, guides readers in the art of elegant homemaking and entertaining. center of the country’s chic surfi ng and boarding lifestyle. Some of the most informative stories this issue includes the latest in Ian, Fitz and JV are just three of the men the magazine is do it. the chicest wallpapers, a design element making a huge comeback, honoring this month. It’s fourth annual list of best dressed men is The season to be partying? and some unique off-the-beaten-track sources of furniture and home also one of the issue’s many highlights. Find out who made it to this Max out on summer fun accessories. Needless to say, the magazine remains a showcase of year’s Hall of Fame, and the suprising choices that complete 2007’s and get the 411 on being some of the most awe-inspiring homes—from the ultra-modern (see dandiest. Also part of the men’s special portfolio are feature profi les fi t at any age—so you can how architect and designer Gerry Torres turned a small space into a on designer Joey Samson, motorcycling champ Joey Almeda, and a wear your dream summer livable “light box” with just the right amount of light and height) to fashion story starring some of the most prominent men in the land dress and show off some the ones that defy categorization. all wearing the latest of the smartest suits this side of fashionable skin; learn the proper Last but not least, Metro Home and Entertaining comes with a Manila. workout for any age—may you be in your 20s, 30s, or 40s. handy directory of over 200 retail stores and services outlets, compact Also in this issue, Rafa and Amina Alunan hie of to the luxurious A fab fan of fashion? Be a style-setter and take tips and trade secrets yellow pages on anything related to the home from air conditioning Eskaya in Bohol to fi lm a special story exclusively for Metro Society, from Metro’s fashion editorial team: see the summer’s hottest trends, to water pumps. plus all the hottest socials and events in and out of town. Metro then take your shopping shoes for a ride! Sizzle in the summer of The latest edition of Metro Home and Entertaining (Vol.5 No.1) Society is now out in bookstores and newsstands. sun, learn how, so grab your March copies of Metro magazine, on is now on sale at bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. Packed newsstands NOW! with informative articles and stunning photographs, Metro Home and Entertaining is a quarterly publication of ABS-CBN Publishing, Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at Inc. Priced at P200, each issue of Metro Home and Entertaining is Sizzle this summer with Metro leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. a collector’s item offering the best and brightest ideas on living in METRO magazine gets hotter in this season of sun! Learn how to make For subscriptions, contact ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. style. that change— lose weight and change your image, start a business, and at 924-4101 or 415-2272 locals 4658 or Joena Cabre- drop that deathly habit of smoking! Metro tells you how you can (and will) ra at 415-2852 or 415-2671.

By Luis Reyes

Dishes with a Twist leather skinny organizer is the perfect tool to carry Celebrate Easter at Power Plant Mall this Welcome the your resume and other documents that might defi ne turning of coming March 23rd from 12NN to 5PM as your career path. Boasting not only of its superb we bring you a circus-themed Easter Event a new leaf design and elegance, its practical purpose in everyday with a fresh at the Rockwell Tent! Limited slots available. work life is limitless. Call 898-1702 for more details. twist, as Available at Fino Store, R2 Level. Contact 898-1456 for more details. Living much to its reputation of graduation ceremonies C2 Classic A Ride Away and the start of new beginnings, the month of March Cuisine lets What better way to ride the wave of life than in the offers endless opportunities to soar to the greater you take in All-New Subaru Tribeca. This compact but muscular heights of life. From fashion to banking to surfboard a stomach 7-seater SUV from Subaru is the perfect vehicle shopping, allow Power Plant Mall to lend you a lift full of for jetting away to the beach or to other exciting as you ascend to the new and the unexplored with the sumptuous destinations with your friends and family. Available most viable offers and simply irresistible novel fi nds. and delectable dishes only from the foremost this year, make sure to catch its debut exhibit at the Banking on the Future innovator in Filipino food fusion. Formal yet homey, North Court of Power Plant Mall this coming March What’s a more perfect way to start your future than by the restaurant’s ambiance let’s you play around with 7 to 9, 2008. investing in a savings account. The Hong Kong Shanghai your mood and fi ts any occasion, whether it’s a Banking Corporation (HSBC) has exclusively opened graduation dinner or a simple celebration. its fi rst Premiere Banking Centre in the country. HSBC C2 is located at the Archaeology Wing, R2 Lifestyles. Call 897-3911 Premier promises to deliver to its customers the best for reservations. service that money can buy, literally. The centre, which boasts of Asian-inspired interiors, will surely make you Fashionably Equipped feel at ease as you deal with your fi nancial matters. For fresh grads, to be equipped is to survive, not just mentally, but also fashionably. Fino For more information, contact HSBC Premiere at (02) 85-80800, or better Leatherwear lets you do just that. Their genuine yet visit them at the R1 Level, Lopez Drive.

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