March 2009 Run for a cause on March 8 (Sunday), 5:30 a.m. @ the . Sign up now! Details on page 10

Available online at www.benpres-holdings.com FPSC: Bullish on solar energy AFI launches ‘Kapit THE future’s bright for First Philec Solar friend to a senior executive of SunPower, Off and running Bisig sa Ilog Pasig’ Corporation (FPSC) and its trailblazing which was then looking for somebody to After edging out more established com- ...page 2 incursion into the sunrise industry of so- outsource its wafer slicing operation. petitors, FPSC—as the JV company came lar power. “For the past three years, our mandate to be called—the JV agreement was signed An 80-20 joint venture between First was to expand the manufacturing busi- and the project was off and running. Philippine Electric Corporation and Sun- nesses, both electrical and electronics. We Lachica, a Silicon Valley alumnus, was re- Power Manufacturing Ltd. were always on the lookout for other op- called by First Philippine Holdings Cor- (SPML), FPSC came about after a series portunities,” Lachica says. poration (FPHC) from FSCI where he of fortuitous events. First Sumiden Their then-prospective partner, SPML, was seconded and came onboard as FPSC Circuits Inc. (FSCI) chief is the subsidiary of SunPower Corp., president and chief executive officer. Dan C. Lachica was which was cofounded by Stanford Univer- FPSC’s wafer slicing facility within the introduced by sity electrical engineering professor Rich- 315-hectare First Philippine Industrial a common ard Swanson. The 25-year-old, California, Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was inaugu-

PHOTO BY: RYAN RAMOS USA-based company today is known for rated on June 18, 2008, with Lopez Group designing and manufacturing the world’s chairman Oscar M. Lopez and guest of highest-efficiency solar panels. honor Energy Secretary among those in attendance. Turn to page 6 Lopez Group hauls in the Anvils ...page 4

Best gift ideas for new grads from …page 12   Lopezlink March 2009 Lopezlink March 2009 UPDATES Solons respond to movie industry’s call SKY braces for the big change THE Philippine Motion Picture reduce the amusement tax on lo- been a significant decline in the on films also added to the prob- IN 1992, SkyCable revolution- Internet Protocol (VoIP). An- launch of new services like high SKY recently cascaded its aimed at bringing progress to Producers Association (PMP- cal films from 30% to not more number of films produced lo- lems of the industry. And as lo- ized household entertainment other groundbreaking offering definition (HD) TV and video- new direction through a gen- Filipino households. PA), the Movie Producers Im- than 10%, was filed and later cally. cally produced films continue when it offered cable television is SkyBroadband, the fastest on-demand (VOD). eral assembly in Mandaluyong. In order to effectively carry porters Distributors Association approved by the House of Rep- “In the 1990s, 160 films to decline, cinemas also suffer. to . In 2006, it intro- residential broadband internet With all these developments The event brought together ex- out this change, SKY employ- of the Philippines (MPDAP) and resentatives in January. The bill were produced annually. In the During the hearing conducted the National Cinema Associa- is an adoption of the Amuse- year 2000, only 80 films were by the House Committee on SKY president Eugenio duced SkyCable Prepaid, giving service. came the need for the brand to ecutives and employees under ees must live up to the chal- subscribers more flexibility with- The company has consistently gather its services under one the battle cry “Change Begins lenge of extending high-quality tion of the Philippines (NCAP) ment Tax Bill earlier passed by produced. It dipped further in Local Government, NCAP Lopez III encourages called on lawmakers to pass a bill the Senate. The Senate version 2007 where only 47 films were president Ric Camaligan said employees to touch people’s out missing out on the best cable been at the forefront of bringing corporate identity—SKY. SKY with Me,” which reiterated the customer service to subscribers that will significantly reduce the was authored by Sen. Bong Re- produced,” Ilacad said. that from 1,500 cinemas, there lives by offering a positive shows. change in cable television and remains steadfast in living up to company’s new direction. More and understanding that SKY is amusement tax on local films. villa. Aside from the rising cost of are only 620 cinemas in opera- change through SKY’s The company also strength- communications. Proof of this is its new corporate tagline—“It than just a cable TV provider, more than just a company, but Accordingly, the Amusement According to PMPPA presi- production and rampant piracy, tion in the country today. (Er- groundbreaking products ens family bonds through Sky- the ongoing expansion of digital- changes you”—by bringing prog- SKY has ventured into offer- a catalyst for nation building. IT Company of the Year Tax Bill (HB 5624), which will dent Orly Ilacad, there has the 30% amusement tax levied nestina Magboo) and services. Voice, which uses Voice over ready areas and the impending ress to Filipino households. ing telecom-related products (Arlene Torres) CyberPress Inc., the country’s only organization of IT re- porters, chose Bayan as IT Company of the Year during Meralco, Cainta team up to address public safety PROMOS & OFFERS the first CyberPress IT Choice Awards. The company’s bayanWIRELESS landline service was one of the big- Meralco recently @Notebook gest telco success stories in 2008, allowing Bayan to gain signed a memoran- AFI gets Pasig River Meralco to comply with dum of agreement computer majority vote among 31 CyberPress members. Receiving (MOA) with the from Adtel the award from CyberPress president Jing Garcia and municipality of ERC order on refund DOST executive Maribel Dario are (shown in photo from Cainta in its cam- Adtel is offering, left) chief executive consultant Tunde Fafunwa and VP through Me- rehab under way MERALCO will comply with the Energy The ERC said that Meralco must refund the paign to strengthen for corporate brand and communications John Rojo. sala or HR, Regulatory Commission (ERC) decision or- amount of P3.92 billion through a 4-centavo/ public safety and flexible pay- A major push for the rehabili- that people should have for the Lopez stressed that, in addi- dering the power company to refund its cus- kilowatt-hour reduction in customers bills eliminate electric- Family Ties now in Belgium ment terms to those tation of the Pasig River is now Pasig River.” tion to the media, the support tomers the over-collection on its Currency starting March 2009. ity pilferage. BAYAN recently signed a contract with 3D Telecom who want to avail of an @ under way with the launch of A study by the PRRC of the private sector and local Exchange Rate Adjustment (CERA). The commission in its order added that it is The agreement SARL allowing the latter to distribute the Bayan Family DVANCE note- “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig,” a showed that 60% of the gar- government units was needed Meralco vice president and head for util- cognizant of the fact that requiring Meralco to was inked at the Ties service to the Belgian market. The expansion follows Meralco Business book computer. multi-sectoral cleanup drive bage dumped in the river to help ensure the project’s suc- ity economics Ivanna de la Peña said that the refund the amount of P3,924,922,762.58 would the successful launch of Bayan Family Ties in France Center in Cainta. The @DVANCE spearheaded by ABS-CBN comes from households, while cess. “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig” distribution utility will comply with the order result in substantial and tremendous impact on and Italy still under 3D Telecom SARL, a provider of Meralco committed to minimize, if not eliminate pilferage of electricity and at the same time notebook is a 12.1” Foundation Inc. and the Pasig industries contribute 35%. aims to raise at least P700 mil- which modifies the pace of the refund imple- the utility’s financial resources. Thus, the ERC telecommunications products and services in France and ensure the welfare and safety of its customers and the public. The Cainta municipal govern- screen ultraport- River Rehabilitation Commis- The “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog lion to acquire the technology mentation. deemed it “reasonable to recalculate the amount Italy. Bayan Family Ties offers a fixed monthly rate of ment, on the other hand, agreed to take part in the program to serve the best interest of its able laptop weigh- sion (PRRC). Pasig” proponents will cre- and meet operational expenses “We feel that the refund will now be man- and the period of CERA refund in order to 29.99€ for unlimited calls to the Philippines. Overseas constituents. Photo shows (l-r) Meralco president and COO Jose de Jesus, chairman and ing 1.8kgs. With an Intel Core 2 Duo proces- AFI managing director ate “clean river zones,” ar- needed to clean the Pasig River ageable with respect to our cash flow,” De la cushion its impact on Meralco’s financial vi- Filipinos who avail of Bayan Family Ties also get a free CEO Manuel M. Lopez, Cainta Mayor Ramon Ilagan and municipal administrator Atty. sor, 2GB memory and 250GB SATA HDD, said during the eas along the river where within seven years. Peña said. ability.” (Meralco Corporate Communication) Bayan Phone service upon subscription. (Freyja Santos) Crispino Pablo. (Meralco Corporate Communication) project launch at the Makati the discharge of toxic waste Seven Metro may- users can expect excellent performance. It also Park and Garden that the proj- will be minimized or elimi- ors have pledged support for includes a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam, card ect aims to achieve zero toxic nated using facilities for the the “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig” Physicists win 3rd Gawad Haydee Yorac reader and built-in biometric fingerprint reader. input into the river and its 47 treatment of solid and water project: Feliciano Belmonte Jr. @DVANCE is pre-installed with Windows XP FPHC pares dollar debt Home. Avail of the @DVANCE notebook now major and minor tributaries, wastes. To this end, some of , science, research and a new meth- strengthens the science focus of its of physics in the Philippines with esteros and creeks. 1,100 informal settlers living of Manila, JV Ejercito of San FIRST Philippine Holdings FRNs since last year, support- dollar-denominated debt by od of teaching founded on excel- students; and the Education Re- that of the global community. and get a free backpack! For more info, call 910- “No matter how much on the banks of the river will Juan, Marides Fernando of Corp. (FPHC) bought back ed by the P4.3 billion raised $39.45M. FPHC incurred lence and values won the judges’ search Center for continuing devel- The innovative “Learning Physics 2727 or 466-4918, or email [email protected]. money you spend to clean it, be relocated to Calauan, La- , Jejomar Binay of another $5 million worth of from the sale of Series B per- obligations when it increased approval over nominations received opment of the learning program. as a Nation” is beginning to revolu- ph. (Genevieve Capistrano) the river is still going to be guna, with private sponsors Makati, Ben Hur Abalos of floating rate notes (FRNs), re- petual preferred shares issued its stakes in core investments from different parts of the country. Marivic Bernido captures their tionize high school education in the dirty,” Lopez said. “We have providing housing, education Mandaluyong, Sigfrido Tiñga ducing the amount of its out- in April 2008. such as Meralco, and for new In the 1990s, the couple, then nation building approach in these country, with over 30 high schools Free subscription to to change the way we look at and health facilities and live- of and Vicente Eusebio standing notes maturing Oc- Until the end of 2008, strategic investments in elec- University of the Philippines phys- words to their students: “We in different provinces of Regions 1 TFCnow! tronics/electricals manufac- ics professors— director and assis- want you to be good in science, to 12, ARMM, CAR, Caraga and the river. We should use the lihood assistance. Another of Pasig. tober 2009 to $16.1 million. net proceeds of the Series SkyBroadband, in partnership with TFCnow!, media to awaken the con- batch of 4,040 settlers will Goldilocks Bakeshop, Ma- FPHC has been paying B shares allowed FPHC turing. tant, respectively, of the UP Na- in math, in the languages but all NCR already using it. Dr. Chris and Dr. Marivic Bernido. offers free download and online video stream- The company remains cur- tional Institute of Physics—moved these are useless if your character The Gawad Haydee Yorac was sciousness and the reverence also be relocated. nila Water Co., Maynilad down balances on its $52M to reduce the principals of ing of shows from ABS-CBN. TFCnow! is the rent on all interest payments to Jagna, a little over one hour away is not well-developed…” established by Meralco in coop- Water Services Inc., the Met- RESEARCH Center for Theoret- exclusive video content website from ABS-CBN due. (Angelo Macabuhay) from Tagbilaran, Bohol. The research center has been eration with the University of ropolitan Manila Development ical Physics president Dr. Chris- Interactive, which provides access to ABS-CBN Bayan partners with Verizon There they established the Cen- hosting physics workshops, draw- the Philippines. The late Haydee Authority, the Department topher Bernido and principal Dr. programs via the internet. Subscribers who sign tral Visayan Institute Foundation ing experts from all over the world, Yorac was a former Meralco le- of Science and Technology Ma. Victoria Carpio Bernido up for the service until April 2, 2009 will re- for int’l roaming service Mesala lowers (CVIF), the home of the Dynamic including two winners of the Nobel gal counsel and multi-awarded (DOST), Vice President Noli will be conferred the 3rd Gawad ceive a free two-month subscription to videos Learning Program. It included a Prize for Physics, Gerard t’Hooft UP alumna, law professor and, de Castro, and Department BAYAN has partnered with ship, Bayan taps a large segment interest rates Haydee Yorac in March. from TFCnow! and access to an online archive of Environment and Natural Verizon Wireless for an inter- of Verizon Wireless subscribers The partnership of the physicist- research center in physics, the Re- (1999 winner) and Frank Wilczek among other positions, chairman MESALA reduced the in- of ABS-CBN programs. Also available is the Resources (DENR) Secretary national inbound voice roam- who want to keep in touch with researcher-educators from Jagna, search Center for Theoretical Phys- (2004 winner). The workshops of the Presidential Commission terest rates for special savings Power Block subscription plan bundle with also vowed to ing service to serve the needs their American contacts while in Bohol to build a nation through ics; the high school department that have been connecting departments on Good Government (PCGG). deposits by 0.25% beginning SkyBroadband, SkyCable and SkyVoice. Call help. of US-based Filipinos who the Philippines. (Freyja Santos) February 2, 2009. the customer service hotline at 631-0000 for “Just imagine, if we succeed cannot receive CDMA service The revised rates are as fol- details on how to avail of the free 15-day trial in cleaning the Pasig River, while in the Philippines. The Grove by Rockwell lows: or log on to www.skybroadband.com.ph. (Arlene this can be a model for all the “Verizon Wireless custom- Term/ Rate per/ Tax Torres) endangered river systems in the ers travelling to the Philippines Amount annum exempt Ease and comfort for young professionals Power firms cited for 10 safe years of opera- country. We’re sending a signal can now make and receive calls 90 days Extraordinary deals from tions to everybody else that you need on the Bayan CDMA network P100,000 P990,00 3.75% THE Grove by Rockwell, Rock- hectare The Grove by Rockwell the weekend, invite friends and First Gas Power Corporation (First Gas) and FGP Corpora- to revere the river because…it within the service areas of bay- P1,000,000 P4,990,000 4.00% well Land’s latest development— will make you feel like you are family over for a roast at the SkyCable Platinum P5,000,000 and up 4.25% tion (FGP), subsidiaries of First Gen Corporation, bagged the “Ten is your life,” Lopez said. anWIRELESS landline,” said and its first, exclusive residential living in a resort within the barbecue pavilion, or enjoy a Years No Lost Time” Award for having 10 safe years of operations. 180 days Great news! Until April 5, 2009, SkyCable Shown in photo on page 1 Tunde Fafunwa, chief executive development beyond Rockwell city. date amidst the alfresco dining Both firms earned the recognition from the Department of Labor and P100,000 P990,000 4.25% Platinum subscribers will receive exclusive are (L-R) QC Mayor Sonny consultant of Bayan. “We are the Center—aims to be an urban The central waterfall, koi cluster. Finally, find time for Employment’s Bureau of Working Standards (DOLE-BWC) after log- Signing the contract to launch an P1,000,000 P4,990,000 4.50% and huge discounts—up to 33%!—on selected Belmonte; Pasig Mayor Vi- first network in the country to of- P5,000,000 and up 4.75% oasis for the young professional. ponds and multilevel pools yourself and head to the well- items in participating Abenson stores. Plus, ging 1.5 million “safe man-hours/no lost time incident” from Oct. 25, international roaming service are Located along C5, near Ortigas provide the perfect scenery for ness center for spa treatments. 1998 to Oct. 25, 2008. First Gas operates the 1,000-megawatt Sta. cente Eusebio; National Hous- fer CDMA-based international Marvic Molina, VP of Bayan 1 year any purchase of an LCD TV in any Abenson P100,000 P990,000 4.50% Avenue, The Grove by Rockwell a morning run along the jog- Visit The Grove by Rock- Rita combined cycle power plant, while FGP operates the 500-MW ing Authority general manager mobile roaming services, further Global; Kirby Coo, Bayan head branch in entitles you to get the P1,000,000 P4,990,000 4.75% will be just a short drive away from ging trail that surrounds the well’s model units at Power San Lorenzo combined cycle plant. DOLE-BWC director for Region Arch. Diogracias Tablan; AFI proof of our commitment to giv- of business development; Michael first month free when you subscribe to Sky- managing director and PRRC ing Filipinos their voices back.” P5,000,000 and up 5.25% Makati, Ortigas and Taguig. property. Cap a hectic day with Plant Mall or call 793-0088. 4 Maria Brenda Villafuerte (3rd from left) hands the plaque for the Burns, Verizon Wireless director 2 years Cable Platinum. For more info, call 631-0000. award to First Gen executive vice president and COO Richard Tantoco executive director Gina Lopez; Verizon Wireless has the of international roaming; and Jeff The combination of aesthetics a cocktail by the pool deck un- You may also log on to www.e- (A. Torres) P100,000 P990,000 5.75% and amenities found in the 5.4- derneath the palm trees. Over rockwell.com. (Vienn Tionglico) (4th from left). Also in photo are (from left) Chito Panzo, senior man- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay; largest number of customers in Herrigel, Verizon Wireless man- P1,000,000 P4,990,000 5.90% ager for environment and chemical services; and Cesar Aguilar, senior and MMDA technical consultant its industry, numbering around ager of international roaming, P5,000,000 and up 6.05% manager for quality assurance. (Joel Gaborni) Martin Ongpin. 80 million. With the partner- inter-carrier services. Did you miss an issue of LopezLink? Access our archives at www.benpres-holdings.com/disclose.asp!   Lopezlink March 2009 Lopezlink March 2009 BIZ CALENDAR couch potato PRCHALLENGE The Art of Public Speaking Bugoy, Pokwang release solo records March 7, 8am-5pm@ Filipinas Heritage Library, Star Records’ freshest artists Pangarap” (also by Cayabyab); with her Star Records album Makati as he comes out with his first “Kung Pwede Lang Sana,” “La- titled “Pokwang… Ang Album Another Grand Anvil for Lopez Group The course aims to help treats solo album, “Bugoy: Paano Na hat ng Yan” and “Muli” (Vehnee Na May Puso.” THE Lopez Group won an- Programs); ABS-CBN Studio 1. (L-r) EDC president Paul participants manage fears Kaya?” Saturno); and “Bakit Ba” (Jona- “Hindi man ako kasing husay other Grand Anvil at the 44th Tours and Museum (Excel- A. Aquino; Lopez Group chair- and anxieties related to The superhero for all Though not the big winner than Manalo). nina , Rachelle Anvil Awards of the Public Re- lence, PR Programs), Ka- man Oscar M. Lopez; EDC public speaking and ensure seasons! in “PDA,” the farmer’s son has The Most Promising Male Ann Go at Sheryn Regis, pero SVP for environmental and a connection to the target lations Society of the Philippines pamilya Services (Merit, PR Luis Manzano will soon proven his talent to the thou- Performer in the 2008 Asian kung ano ‘yung taas ng boses nila, external relations Agnes de audience. Fee is P3,000. (PRSP), through Energy Devel- Programs) and online publica- breathe life to an over-the- sands of fans who have made Entertainment Awards, Bugoy ganun kataas ang pangarap ko na opment Corporation (EDC). tion e-Frequency (Merit, PR Jesus; NNGP resident manager For reservations, call Jen his song “Paano Na Kaya” attributes his success to his avid makapagpasaya ng mga tao,” she Gino dela Cruz; and environ- top superhero in “Komiks EDC’s communication plan Tools); EDC’s Privatization Bascoguin @ 892-1801 or (written by Ryan Cayabyab) followers and supporters. said. mental superintendent Erwin Presents Mars Ravelo’s Flash for Northern Negros, “Harmo- Program (Excellence, PR Pro- 0917-8009857. number one in most of the “Taos-puso po akong nag- Grab a copy of Bugoy’s and Magallanes. CEO Excel Bomba” on ABS-CBN. nizing Environment and Tech- grams), 2007 Annual Report radio stations in the country. papasalamat sa kanila sa pag- Pokwang’s albums, available 2. Anvil Awards juror and Su- Awards Despite a physical disability, nology,” bested over 200 entries (Excellence, PR Tools), and 1 FROM being a sanitation The song was also nominated suporta nila sa akin. Maraming in all record bars nationwide. PHOTO BY: RYAN RAMOS & JULIA NAVASERO RYAN BY: PHOTO preme Court spokesperson Atty. Roldan Legazpi (Manzano) IABC/Phil- and gained the approval of the Geothermal Power audiovisual Midas Marquez with EDC’s was able to study martial arts and worker in Bicol to being the as Song of the Year in his tar- salamat sa paniniwala nila sa For updates, log on to www. ippines is 25-member board of jurors as the presentation (Merit, PR Tools). Toni Nieva and Dave Devilles. strengthen his upper body, eventually 2nd Star Dreamer in “Pinoy geted radio stations. talento ko,” he said. starrecordsph.multiply.com or a c c e p t i n g best public relations program in Also taking home awards 3. director Cedie learning to walk using his hands. As Dream Academy Season 2,” Bugoy Other tracks in the album Meanwhile, Pokwang has www.starrecords.ph. (Lorelie nominations for the CEO 2008. The program allowed EDC were Eugenio Lopez Founda- Lopez-Vargas, Rosan Cruz and Flash Bomba, his trademarks are his Drilon has now become one of include “Simulan Mo Isang entered the recording scene Dionisio-Piravalasamy) Excel Awards 2009. Dead- to gain community acceptance for tion’s publication, “The Power Prof. Maita Reyes with their outsized hands and feet. Other mem- line is on March 9. Fee is its Northern Negros Geothermal and the Glory” (Excellence, two Awards of Excellence. Luis Manzano bers of the cast are Roxanne Guinoo, P10,000 per nomination. Project inside the Mt. Kanlaon PR Tools); Bayan B2BIZ 4. ABS-CBN’s corporate com- Sid Lucero, Lito Pimentel, Nanette Inventor, Alan Paule, The biggest and grandest For more info, contact Natural Park. Outsourcing and Offshoring munications division (l-r): Empoy and Rio Locsin. For updates, log on to http://komik- the IABC Secretariat @ EDC chairman Oscar Report (Merit, PR Tools); and Internal communications officer spresents.multiply.com. (Lorelie Dionisio-Piravalasamy) Spyro Gyra, Dianne Reeves in town for jazz fest M. Lopez and president Paul Lopez Group Foundation’s Cristina Tan; PR manager Kane 750-5667 or iabc_philip- A. Aquino led the team that Bridges, a report on Business 2 3 Choa; writer Jan Enriquez; [email protected] CATCH the March performanc- jazz artists and 30 local artists. include Tots Tolentino, Nyko ends on March 4 with Spon- Syd Field Screenwriting received the Grand Anvil in Excellence and Social Respon- Studio Tours tour administrator Lifestyle Network’s colorful es of the most exciting interna- International guests include Maca + Playground, Sinosikat?, sors Night at the Mandarin Seminar ceremonies on February 20. The sibility (Merit, PR Tools). Aaron Domingo; corporate com- 2009 tional and local jazz artists as they Spyro Gyra, Dianne Reeves, Cookie Chua, The Jerks, Wally Oriental’s Captain’s Bar. Fea- EDC program was announced In addition, the group munications head Bong Osorio; March 14-15 @ AIM, In “Style Her Famous,” a participant receives a crash course come together in the Philippine Mike Stern, Ivan Lins, Hiromi, Gonzales, Jun Lopito, Johnny tured artists are Charlie Green, Studio Tours manager Rogy as the Grand Anvil winner after received four Awards of Rec- Makati in hair, makeup, clothes and accessories under the supervi- International Jazzfest 2009 spear- Viva Brasil, Chieko Fukuda, Alegre Affinity, The Company, Charito, Ivan Lins, Viva Brazil Panganiban; and public affairs receiving an Anvil Award of Ex- ognition for the 2007 Meralco For the first time in Asia, sion of makeup artist Jay Manuel. Learn new fashion tricks headed by ABS-CBN’s Cable Amir Gwirtzman, Marcel Chillitees and Skarlet. and Escola Samba de Manille. officer Edgardo Wenceslao. cellence earlier in the evening. Annual Report and for Bayan’s author and screenwriter Channel and Print Management Worms, Laurence Elder and On March 1-2, 2009, don’t For more updates and in- 5. LGFI president Rafael M. every Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (replays on Sunday, 2:30 p.m. The Lopez Group last won Wireless Landline PR program, Syd Field conducts a Group (CCPMG), with flagship Sacbe. Three of the interna- miss Festival Nights featuring formation, tune in to Lifestyle Alunan III, program associ- and Thursday, 10:30 p.m.). For food lovers, Jamie Oliver the Grand Anvil in 2005 for Biggest Bill Loser electronic and screenwriting master class cooks up fresh, simple food for good times with family and brands Lifestyle Network, Velvet, tional artists are Pinoys—Ed- Humanfolk, Gospel Concert Network (SkyCable Channel ate Vanessa Suquila and project focusing on the art and Metro and Metro Society. die K, Charito and Charlie and Spyro Gyra, Hiromi, Di- 52) and Velvet (Channel 53), the exemplary integrated com- interactive media campaign, and consultant Dario Pagcaliwagan. friends in “Oliver’s Twist.” Catch it Mondays and Fridays at craft of visual storytell- Now on its fourth year, the Green. Some of the featured anne Reeves and Mike Stern at or check out Metro and Metro munication program of Manila www.bayan.com.ph website. 4 6. Bayan corporate brand and 8:30 p.m. (replays on the same days, 1:30 p.m.). “How Clean is ing, and updating classic festival features 14 international Filipino artists meanwhile the Rockwell Tent. The festival Society. (K. Solis) North Tollways Corporation, Awarded annually by the communications manager Freyja Your House?” is the US follow-up to the UK’s home makeover storytelling conventions. which helped with the imple- PRSP, the Anvil Award sym- Santos, VP show with a difference. Hygiene experts Kim and Aggie keep Fee is P15,500. Contact mentation of new toll rates at bolizes excellence in public John Rojo, chief you company every Friday at 9:30 p.m. (replays on Thursday, DZMM on air on radio, cable, web and ABS-CBN the North Luzon Expressway. relations and is awarded by executive con- 415-2272 loc. 3988 or 2:30 p.m.). Don’t miss these exciting shows, only where your Five other Lopez Group a multi-sectoral jury to out- sultant Tunde 0928-5549188 for more life and style blend—the Lifestyle Network, Channel 52 on Jump-start your day with ‘Gising Pilipinas,’ ‘Todo-Balita’ communication entries re- standing public relations pro- info. Fafunwa, mar- Europa SkyCable. (Katherine Solis) ceived Awards of Excellence grams and tools implemented DZMM continues its expan- roundup of the biggest news makes his first TV appearance keting head for Awards and another five received in the past year. A record 234 Bayan Business Chat with your fave artists sion with DZMM TeleRadyo stories, live reports from on ABS-CBN as he never Awards of Merit. entries were received in 2008, Anne David, The European Cham- programs “Gising Pilipinas” and field correspondents and went on-cam before, even for Chat with your favorite musical artists and icons on These are Lopez Memo- with 104 receiving Excellence, and corporate ber of Commerce of the “Todo-Balita” gaining viewer- amusing quips that spice up DZMM TeleRadyo. www..tv to get the latest updates and stories straight rial Museum’s Conservation Merit and Recognition awards. brand web officer Philippines is accepting ship on ABS-CBN by deliver- every morning since the si- With DZMM’s entry in 5 6 from the stars themselves. At 3 p.m. on the Wednesdays Program (Excellence, PR (Carla Paras-Sison) Julius Conanan. nominations for achieve- ing the earliest live news telecast mulcast began in late 2008. ABS-CBN, its programs can ments of excellence-driven of March, get to know more of singer Julianne on March in the Philippines. The tandem of Cheryl now be heard or seen in five Philippine and European 4, musical icons The Dawn on March 11, up-and-com- “Wherever you are, as long Cosim and Alvin Elchico platforms: on the radio over organizations. Deadline ing singer Diane Elise on March 18 and crowd favorite as there is access to the radio, signs on at 4:30 a.m. to re- DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, on for submission of entries is 6Cyclemind on March 25. Also, tune in to MYX, the TV or internet, you have access port on the latest national, cable via DZMM TeleRadyo, Welcome to the blogosphere on April 8. For more info, No. 1 music channel in the Philippines, on SkyCable to DZMM,” said station man- metro, sports and showbiz on the net through audio contact Elaine Garcia- Channel 23 for more information and updates. MYX is ager Angelo Palmones. Host Cheryl Cosim with ‘Kabayan’ Noli stories on “Gising Pilipi- streaming at www.dzmm.com. ed to last year’s election we can in carrying out our But blogs are also more bloggers maintain a presence Gatchalian @ 845-1324 or available on SkyCable Gold, SkyCable Silver and other The new programs have been de Castro; Neil Ocampo makes his first nas.” ph or through TFC Now! at of US President Barack corporate communications than just online outlets in Web sites that have heavy [email protected]. quality cable operators nationwide. (K. Solis) providing early risers with a on-cam appearance Following them is Neil www.abs-cbnnow.com, and on Obama as an example functions,” Chanco stressed. mouthing company press re- traffic to generate Internet LAA Ocampo’s “Todo-Balita” mainstream TV via ABS-CBN. of the need for busi- The objective of the work- leases, Geiser said. It’s about presence such as Digg, Face- 2008 Kris, Boy share showbiz from 5 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. Neil (Kane Choa) nesses to enter the shop, held by Chanco’s de- giving the company a human book and YouTube. Cycle @theMOVIES blogosphere. partment at Rockwell Center, face and voice. Instead of the He also pointed to why explosives daily! The Busi- Importance of so- was to update participants on usual bland company news, blogs exist in the first place. Get your daily dose of showbiz news and lifestyle as ness Ex- cial media the latest PR strategies and blogs can sometimes discuss “For the most part, they ABS-CBN’s first primetime entertainment news show, Sarah, John Lloyd tandem back in ‘You Changed My Life’ c e l l e n c e “The success the dynamics of marketing for everyday goings-on at the of- don’t report the news—they “Showbiz News Ngayon” (SNN), makes primetime view- By Norman Sison group is STAR Cinema brings back “We were surprised but Rayver Cruz, who’s is rumored of the Obama campaign for the internet community. fice, such as the day’s canteen recall experiences,” said Fer- ing hotter! Hosted by the undisputed King and Queen accepting one of the most exciting young very happy that the Sarah- to be one of Sarah’s admirers, the White House has, once PR and marketing guru menu. nandez, cofounder of BlogBank of Talk, Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, “SNN” will feed IF the workshop’s theme were nomina- actors in the country, John John Lloyd team-up generat- will also appear in the film; his and for all, underscored the Brad Geiser, cofounder of the Beauty of blogs Inc., the country’s leading us with up-to-date intriga, unknown celebrity facts, be- to be summed up in two words, tions for Lloyd Cruz, and pop prin- ed a big number of followers character will surely add more importance of social media GeiserMaclang Marketing One beauty about blogs, advertising platform for blogs hind-the-scenes drama and inside information. All it would have been “Blogging the 2008 cycle. There are cess Sarah Geronimo in “You and supporters, considering zing to the flavorful love story in winning hearts and minds Communications, maintains according to Geiser, is that and online viral campaigns. these delivered to you fresh, hot 101.” six categories. Companies Changed My Life”! Helmed that ‘’ was of Laida Magtalas (Geronimo) of people for whatever pur- that having a bad corporate they’re easy and inexpensive If anything, Chanco said, and fast! Hold on to your seats With guidance from two of that need help in devel- by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the their first film together,” and Miggy Montenegro pose,” he told an audience of blog is “often worse” than hav- to maintain. But they can also the workshop is a big step for- as showbiz explosives are about the country’s top Internet mar- oping a nomination may movie is now showing in over said Roxy Liquigan, Star (Cruz). the various PR and corporate ing no blog. be tricky, he cautioned. “Are ward into the realities of the to blow as Kris and Boy deliver keters, participants were given participate in the clinic a hundred cinemas nationwide Cinema’s advertising and Don’t miss this communications practitioners “Limited exposure means you willing to answer tough 21st century. you news by the minute and a step-by-step course on basics on March 6. Deadline for as Star Cinema’s post-Valen- promotions director. surefire blockbuster of the Lopez Group in a work- your organization can be blind- questions online or practice “From there, our imagi- by the hour on “Showbiz such as how to make a blog and submission of entries is on tine offering for 2009. As the sequel to “A Very Spe- film as it invades shop dubbed “Every Business sided from a medium you are transparency?” nation should bring us to News Ngayon,” week- writing their first entry. April 17. For more info, The first movie of the Sar- cial Love,” moviegoers can ex- over a hundred the- Should Have a Blog.” unfamiliar with and there will Professional blogger Jayvee new levels of achievement nights on ABS-CBN Boo Chanco, PR Council contact Bheng Rubia @ ah-John Lloyd tandem, last pect a more funny and romantic aters nationwide! “I firmly believe that it is be little you can do to defend Fernandez, who also gave a in our task of spreading the Primetime Bida. (L. head and SVP for corporate 449-6005 or MRRubia@ year’s “A Very Special Love,” story in “You Changed My Life.” (L. Dionisio-Pirava- communications of Benpres our obligation to harness all yourself,” he told workshop presentation at the workshop, good word about the Lopez Kris Aquino Dionisio-Piravala- fphc.com. was a phenomenal success. Another Cruz, dance sensation lasamy) John Lloyd and Sarah Holdings Corporation, point- available technology as best participants. recommended that corporate Group.” & Boy Abunda samy)   Lopezlink March 2009 Lopezlink March 2009

executiveFEATURE

How By Carla Paras-Sison executive,” Lachica recalls with pride. DAN C. Lachica, managing As was done in FSCI, director of the electron- Lachica schedules ics division of First weekly bible Philec Corpora- studies with solar tion, was on the employees, works lookout for op- “ u s i n g SOLAR power is converted por t unities the Word into electric energy when the to expand of God energy of the sun strikes the manu- to instill a silicon surface that has facturing corporate gone through a wafer fab- business values.” rication process, or a thin of the A n d film layer on a substrate, L o - t h e the two common technologies for the manufacture of solar panels. Thin film has a flat base of glass, silicon or some other substrate Clockwise from top left: Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez (2nd Dan C. Lachica: material on which lay- from right), assisted by First Philec president Arthur de Guia, FPSC GM ers of chemicals are ap- Chito Angco and FPSC president Dan Lachica, delivers FPSC’s first wafer Riding high as the sun rises plied to approximate the shipment to SunPower VP Greg Reichow on June 18, 2008; The debonding effect one gets from a pro- cessed silicon station; At the groundbreaking ceremony on January 21, 2008; The FPSC pez Group when in 2007 he was referred to workforce has responded favorably. wafer. In a wafer fab, on the other hand, the devices are building at the FPIP, Batangas; The employees bond during a wellness activ- SunPower Corporation, which was searching “We asked them to work through Christ- fabricated directly on the silicon wafer. ity; and automated wafer cleaners. for a wafer slicing service provider. mas and New Year because we had to fill the Photons from the sun hit the solar panel surface, and Chairman Oscar M. Lopez had repeat- gap caused by the temporary shut-down of because of the devices that are fabricated on that surface, “The Philippines is in a good posi- “It’s still expensive to set up a symptoms. That’s not the Six Sigma order to grow, we need cash to pay Leveraging on its partnership with FPSC... from page 1 edly discussed his desire for the manufac- one of SunPower’s Japanese suppliers. We electrons are generated. Electric current is made up of mov- tion to reap the benefits of solar power system in the Philippines. You have approach. You identify the root for equipment, to pay for materials. SunPower, Lachica hopes to build turing sector to grow to be a core business. found that our people are resilient and flex- ing electrons. The photons from the sun excite the device because we enjoy lots of sun; unlimited to install an off-grid system which is cause and that’s what you’ll resolve, The banks are very conservative and FPSC up into the biggest, if not the US-based SunPower is the world’s fifth ible and can step up when called upon,” says and generate electrons which produce the current. That’s the The fledgling venture, for which supply of solar energy. We’re well po- practically useless at night unless you because if you’re just trying to fix rightly so. What we need to do is come only local Filipino solar company. The largest manufacturer of solar power systems, Lachica. physics behind it,” FPSC chief Lachica explains. First Philec and SunPower shelled out sitioned. We just have to ensure that have a battery. However, the demand the symptoms, the problems will up with a project that’s very attractive strategy is to branch out higher into Growing the business including solar cells and solar panels. How many panels does one need to run a household on an estimated $76 million, is “the first the legislation and the technology are will be spurred by the Renewable En- recur,” Lachica says. and even to a certain extent, bite the the value chain to solar panel assembly “In the early stages of negotiation, we FPSC managers and executives helped solar? large-scale silicon wafer-slicing com- in place.” ergy Act,” Lachica says, as it will allow “Calibrating and getting ev- bullet.” and installation. Also in the pipeline Silicon ‘loaves’ were able to edge out other local manufac- by distributing lechon meal to the employ- Say it takes 225 watts to power up a computer. Solar pan- pany in the Philippines” and currently connection to the grid. erybody on the same page so that From an industry standpoint, is an overseas venture, specifically in turers who were interested in the SunPower ees, that is, literally serving the meals in all els, depending on the technology, can go from 10 watts to employs 450 people. In the short term, SunPower’s photovoltaic or PV The Renewable Energy Act, among everybody’s marching to the same FPSC is “healthy,” Lachica notes. Malaysia; SunPower is expected to in- joint venture because of the credibility of the shifts. 300 watts. Assuming one’s panel is rated for 100 watts and is FPSC aims to churn out 240 million products currently have 23% efficiency, others, “provides the legal and in- tune, and of course explaining why Growth projections for the solar power crease its demand for silicon wafers for Lopez Group, as well as the track record of Lachica and his crew look forward to 85% efficient, it will take three solar panels to supply enough silicon wafers a year for two SunPower the highest among solar companies stitutional framework necessary for you’re doing things and what results industry, despite having been flattened its soon-to-rise 1.2-gigawatt facility. First Sumiden (Lopez Group member First growing the photo-voltaic or PV business as power to run just a PC. plants using 100 saws “to support ap- that use the silicon wafer technology, harmonizing policies on the swift you’re after help a lot. Communica- a bit, remain in the rosy double digits “The name of the game in the so- Sumiden Circuits, Inc. or FSCI manufac- the sun rises on the Philippine solar power To be able to harness the power of the sun, first, you need proximately 720 megawatts of solar Lachica notes. This means that “if you development of renewable energy tion, communication, communication at 30%. lar business is lowering the cost per tures flexible printed circuits),” says Lachica. industry. While semiconductors and elec- to find a flat and even location on your house that also receives energy.” have the equivalent of 10 watts cap- technologies.” is important.” “That’s why from our standpoint, watt,” Lachica sums up. “To achieve Learning from Sumiden Exceeding all metrics tronics manufacturers are experiencing de- enough sun. This is where the solar installation will go. What do wafers have to do with tured from the sun, that solar cell will Growing pains aside, how does the we’re still bullish about pursuing proj- grid parity, the price has to go down SunPower did not regret choosing the clining, if not negative growth globally, the “If you’re generating solar power during the day, your solar power? And what exactly does produce 2.3 watts.” Thin films panels Being a startup company, Lachica FPSC chief see the company faring in ects, we’re still bullish about expanding to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour. Right Lopez Group as Lachica, now president and current estimate for solar this year is a 30% installation will be useless at night. But you can still buy in FPSC do? in comparison have a lower efficiency, and his group started out in 2008 the next few months? because the demand is there. Plus, you now, it’s probably at 30-plus cents. Building up FPSC chief executive officer of First Philec Solar growth, down from the original projection of what we call the off-grid situation, where you can use that “Solar power falls under the cat- generally in the low to mid-teens. knowing next to nothing about wafer have President Obama in the United The projection is by 2013, we will have Corporation (FPSC), harnessed the troops 50%. solar-generated power at night if you have a battery,” Lachica egory of renewable energy, mean- FPSC basically provides a service, slicing. With the help of SunPower, “This year, the challenge is fund- States giving the solar industry a shot accomplished that. But what’s in the and led the joint venture in exceeding all “We want to build up the company to full expounds. “In other words, during the day you’re using the ing energy generated from natural slicing silicon “loaves” into wafers the FPSC team learned the ropes as ing,” Lachica admits. “Because of the in the arm by extending the income horizon, we want to build up FPSC metrics, not least of which is successfully capacity, then set up our operations in Ma- energy from your solar cell and at the same time charging a resources—such as sunlight, wind, that it sells to SunPower. SunPower, soon and as fast as they could. Thus, financial downturn, cash is king. In tax credits.” to full capacity, we want to set up our starting up the solar wafer slicing facility laysia where SunPower will build its third battery which you will use at night.” rain, and geothermal heat which are in turn, assembles the wafers into the crew often fell back on the systems Malaysia operations, we want to find one month ahead of schedule and less than wafer fabrication facility, and find other At night, “you can hook up to the Meralco line, and use naturally replenished,” Lachica ex- solar panels or grids of wafers. Buy- that served them well in First Sum- other customers.” budget. customers as well,” he says. an inverter and meter that feed the surplus of whatever you plains. “Under this classification, you ers range from residential customers, iden. meet the Employee focus, commitment TEAM With a wealth of business excellence tools generate during the day to Meralco. The net effect is you will will have wind, water, solar. Why is it commercial establishments like Tar- “We introduce the concepts earlier applied in FSCI, Lachica and the Lachica gives full credit to the FPSC em- have lower power cost because you are supplying your own.” solar power? Because you take the light get or Wal-Mart, and resorts, but for used in Six Sigma. For example, THE wafer slicing learning curve was shorter, Dan C. Lachica (seated, 4th from left) proudly says, because of its com- FPSC team established quality management ployees: “We could not have done this with- energy from the sun and convert it to now, power plants make up the bulk of when you have a problem, most of posite team “from different cultures, different backgrounds.”Standing, l-r: Erick Perlas, Robert Ison, Benz Dimanalata, systems from scratch, beginning with plan- out the employees. To execute a project of electric energy, to voltage and current. high-demand customers. the time people will talk about the Carol Nipales, Mel Estabillo, Camille Gargantiel, Arnold Francisco, Ainee Santo, Rose Ramos. Seated, l-r: Lanie ning all the way to accountability and moni- this complexity in a crunched schedule and MILESTONES Gomos, Darin Valley, Raul Sinocruz, Lachica, Chito Angco, Genie Salvana. FPSC toring. Because of this deliberate choice to difficult circumstances requires focus, dedi- IT may have been in existence for less First Philec Solar Corporation (FPSC), 2008 apply best practices from the start, the FPSC cation, and commitment. We also received than two years, but the newest addition a company that will provide wafer slicing The FPSC building breaks building was completed in record time de- support and cooperation from SunPower and to the Lopez Group of companies is with- services in the Philippines. • ground at the First Philip- spite unexpected challenges such as the spike I believe we have established a good model out a doubt on its way to setting more pine Industrial Park, Batan- in steel prices and the rains that came early in for joint ventures.” milestones and breaking records. The gas on January 21. 2008. And for LopezLink readers, he quotes company’s sparkling performance thus Lopez Group chairman The FPSC building broke ground on Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have far bears this out: • Oscar M. Lopez and DOE January 21, 2008 and was finished in four for you,” declares the LORD,” plans to pros- 2007 Secretary Angelo Reyes, lead months. FPSC was running qualification per you and not to harm you, plans to give In April, First Philec Corporation the inauguration of the new wafers for SunPower by May, although its you hope and a future.” Lachica says our job • managing director Dan Lachica is in FPSC plant on June 18. contract required start of operations only in is to believe in God’s word. talks with an executive of SunPower In December, FPSC is among July. “We read the papers and watch the news Symbolic first shipment Corporation, which is then looking for • the top suppliers of silicon on TV and all see many companies closing a wafer slicing service provider. wafers to SunPower in terms “During our inauguration on June 18, and thousands of jobs lost. Let’s not focus the chairman (Lopez) gave our symbolic on the world economy. Let’s focus on God’s On October 1, First Philippine Electric Dan C. Lachica, Greg Reichow (seated) and other of volume and quality. These At the FPSC building inauguration with (front row) FPHC • economy,” he concludes. All’s well! The fu- Corporation enters into a joint venture FPSC executives during the signing of the joint include three Chinese and president Elpidio Ibañez, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, first shipment of wafers actually sliced by ture is sunny. agreement with SunPower to establish venture agreement. three Japanese suppliers. OML, Lachica and Reichow. the plant to Greg Reichow, SunPower senior   Lopezlink March 2009 CSR ACTIVITIES Lopezlink March 2009 KCFI shoots for Samsung Hope grant BayaniJuan spirit ONGOING EXHIBITS@Lopez Museum NOSTALGIA KNOWLEDGE Chan- quality of life, with emphasis available to 2.9 million elemen- Conservation issues the works of Kiri Dalena, Egay Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat nel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) on empowering the youth to tary and high school students Navarro, Rica Concepcion and it.— George Santayana has been chosen as one of reach their highest poten- in nearly 2,000 schools across lives in Calauan tackled in forum Agnes Arellano alongside mas- March 14, 1903 the beneficiaries of Samsung tial. the Philippines, but there are WHEN I first terpieces by Juan Luna and Felix Meralco is incorporated. Its 106th Hope, Samsung’s corporate KCFI is dedicated to bring- still thousands more students saw 105-year Resurreccion Hidalgo, National anniversary celebration, dubbed philanthropic initiative aimed ing quality education to Fili- to reach in many parts of the old Lola Isabel, Artists Vicente Manansala, J “106 Intensity,” kicks off on March at helping underprivileged pino schoolchildren through country. she was sitting Elizalde Navarro and Benedicto 21, 2009. youth. its flagship project, Knowledge Log on to www.samsung- in front of a Cabrera, and Jose Tence Ruiz Samsung Hope has Channel (KCh). KCh is the hope.org to cast your vote and d i l a p i d a t e d and Danilo Dalena. Until April awarded over $2.2 million to first and only all-educational give KCFI more chances of shanty made 4, 2009. 54 organizations, benefiting channel in the Philippines obtaining the grant from Sam- of salvaged over 600,000 children and with curriculum-based and life sung. Join KCFI’s journey in Students from UPLB. plywood and people with disabilities since skills programming accessible providing quality education to yero. This is the 2003. Samsung aspires to primarily to the public basic our public school students. All 600 UP studes view KCFI president Rina Lopez- place that she, go beyond technological in- educational system through it takes is a few clicks! (Skye Bautista at the launch of the 2009 together with exhibits Samsung Hope campaign. novation to improve people’s broadcast and new media. It is Male) her mentally For three Saturdays, Lopez Memorial Mu- ill son, calls seum welcomed students from the University Ekslusibong, Eksplosibong, home. The 2- of the Philippines-Los Baños, who viewed the A comic strip by Fernando Amorsolo sq. m. house Artist as Storyteller, Amorsolo as Co-author Ining’s Ateneo AB graduating class of 1919 serves as their and Keeping the Faith exhibits. A total of 600 Artist as Storyteller, Amorsolo as Co-author: A Exposé: BK vs dynamite fishing Lola Isabel cries on Gina Lopez’s shoulders March 1919 living room, students from the Laguna campus of UP came. survey of the results of Fernando Amorsolo’s By Ana Terrese Junio the spirit of BayaniJuan lives Eugenio “Iñing” Lopez Sr. graduates cum laude from through a test buy operation. caps and kitchen, dining FR. Pedro Galende (standing), director of the The Amorsolo exhibit is part of the Amorsolo collaboration with early 20th century Filipino on among the residents. Lola the Ateneo de Manila. The samples were submitted to a sack of area and bedroom. San Agustin Museum in , shares Retrospective project, which aims to take an- writer-editors. Also includes works by Ikoy Isabel, who has no source of March 1923 BANTAY Kalikasan (BK) upon Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic ammoni- Lola Isabel’s house is just his thoughts on China’s conservation labora- other look at the country’s first National Artist Ricio, who created sculptures and paintings food or livelihood, regularly Iñing graduates from UP College of Law, passes receiving reports of rampant Resources (BFAR), which con- um nitrate one of more than a hundred tories during the second Conservators Forum through a multi-venue exhibition of his finest based on Amorsolo’s illustrations for Philip- receives food from her kindly the bar exam and enters Harvard for graduate dynamite fishing in , firmed that the samples were dy- from the box-like shanties lining the held at Lopez Memorial Museum. Also pre- works. Keeping the Faith meanwhile is part of pine Readers. Until April 4, 2009. tapped ABS-CBN’s investigative namited fish because the internal man. These Calauan resettlement site in neighbors. sented during the forum were the results of The Lopez Memorial studies in law. In the same BayaniJuan the annual project Zero March 14, 1969 news program “XXX (Ekslusi- organs were ruptured. pieces of Laguna, a 107-hectare gov- Lopez Museum’s survey of museum employ- In undertaken by a con- Museum is at the ground spirit as that of Lola Isabel’s The new Meralco Building bong, Eksplosibong, Exposé)” to The “XXX”-BK team, with e v idenc e ernment relocation site for ees, which offered data on the trainings re- sortium of private muse- floor, Benpres Building, neighbors, ABS-CBN is inaugurated in Pasig. The keep an eye on this environmen- operatives of the Philippine prov ided informal settlers from Metro ceived by conservators practicing in the Phil- ums composed of Ateneo Exchange Road corner XXX footage of dynamite fishing Foundation Inc.-Sagip Ka- Bolshoi Ballet performs at the tal crime. Seaborne operations Navy, tried to apprehend the il- sufficient Manila. ippines, additional training they wish to have, Art Gallery, Ayala Muse- Meralco Avenue, Pasig last August 2008 resulted in The living conditions in pamilya (AFI-SK) recently and the materials and equipment they use and City. Museum days and for five nights legal fishers caught on tape, but grounds for the Regional Trial spot because the resources are um, , Lopez The Meralco Building the apprehension of a number of failed because of the speedier Court of Manila to issue a search abundant and blasting has just Calauan are sadly deplorable. distributed food packs and need, among others. The data indicated the hours are Mondays to Sat- from March 22 until April 1. clothing to the residents of Memorial Museum and today March 25, 1991 violators. On January 24, 2009, boats used by the culprits. The warrant. The suspect confessed started there.” The residents lack necessities need for pooled procurement and accredita- . urdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., ex- “XXX” aired the actual blast team presented the video foot- and has been detained. On February 3, 2009, “TV such as sanitation and wash- Calauan. tion of the group; afterwards, two committees cept Sundays and holidays. The Lopez Group puts up SkyVision and SkyCable, fishing incidents in Manila Bay. ing amenities, electricity, food AFI-SK also provided were formed to deal with the issues, with the Exhibits For more information, call the leading cable TV operator in the country. age to the Philippine National “Dynamite fishing not only Patrol” featured another BK ‘Barricade, book of slogans, erased slogans and Using a telephoto camera, the source and potable water. They five sewing machines to the 28 forum participants signing up for one or Keeping the Faith: Acts of 631-2417 or email ad- Source: Mercy Servida, head librarian, Lopez Memorial Police Maritime Group (PNP- kills small fishes, it is also de- operation in Naic, Cavite where isolation room’: Installation art by Kiri Dalena “XXX”-BK team surveilled the MG) which ordered the appre- stroys their habitat—the coral fishermen were caught and ap- also lack crucial opportunities residents. With these sew- both committees. Mediation: A showcase of [email protected]. Museum Library fishermen’s illegal acts for several hension and confiscation of the reefs,” said BFAR director prehended as they employed like schools and teachers, live- ing machines, the livelihood days. The fishermen sold dyna- boat used by the fishermen. Malcolm Sarmiento. buli-buli or hulbot-hulbot (trawl lihood and employment. issue of residents like Lola SPECIAL Despite the poor condi- Isabel is gradually being ad- feature mited fish of varying species and “XXX” also received infor- BFAR fishery law enforce- fishing), where purse seine nets sizes in a Parañaque wet market. mation about a resident of Navo- ment officer Angelito Arnaco are used to drag schools of fish. tions in the resettlement site, dressed. (Faizza Tanggol) The team obtained fish samples tas City who sells crude dynamite said “cases of blast fishing are “Napakalaki ng pinsalang du- BAYAN ACADEMY to fishermen engaged in illegal also rampant in , Bicol, lot ng dynamite fishing sa ating CALENDAR fishing. An “XXX” asset was Leyte and Cavite. But Palawan coastal and marine resources. Coloring books able to buy 50 pieces of blasting is recently considered a hot Hindi agad natin nakikita ang for a cause Where the are pinsala nito sa lupa pero sa ilalim Ang Batang Makulay coloring books, jobs ng tubig, sinisira nito ang mga published by Ateneo de Davao PROBABLY next only to wed- during crisis,” “’Hundreds’ lose jobs There are sectors that are fairly mand during these times. (The THE following certificate Now showing: FUSE coral reefs, pinapatay nito ang University, are now for sale at P200 mga maliliit na isda, nilalason nito dings, graduation day is one of daily—RP official” or “Experts warn of “recession-proof,” and will generate salary is another story.) training programs will THE courses of the Foundation for per set. Proceeds from the sale will ang karagatan” a BK officer said. the proudest, and relief-inducing more layoffs in RP.” jobs for those who are truly looking for The police academy be conducted at the 2/F Upgrading the Standard of Education go to Bantay Bata 163. The books BK is committed to go moments of a parent’s life. Never On the other hand, there are pin- one. is also recession-proof, Cinderella Bldg., EDSA, (FUSE) on literature, physics, science, feature the works of Cotabato-born artist Kublai Ponce- against destructive illegal fish- mind that the baby you once held points of light at the end of the tunnel The business process outsourcing in part because the crisis Quezon City: chemistry and English are now airing on Milan. Ponce-Milan, who holds a degree in Fine Arts from the Management Develop- ing activities and urged authori- in your arms is stepping out to join with such headlines as “Manufacturers sector is expected to grow 20% this year, is likely to spark a surge in Knowledge Channel. FUSE, organized University of the Philippines, produced these works “to create a ment Series ties to strictly implement the spark in , to start the fire burning so that the young the dog-eat-dog “real world”—at ready for growth in ’09,” “Citibank to crisis notwithstanding, and remains a crime. in 1994 by Dr. Lucio Tan, Sen. Edgardo least 15 years of education have expand KPO operations in RP” and viable option for fresh graduates look- Other hot jobs can March 5-6: Marketing law and be vigilant in prevent- will strive harder and move forward.” For orders and inquiries, Angara and Rep. Salvador Esudero III, is a member of somehow armed your bright-eyed “RP nurses still in demand—BoN.” ing to get some work experience. be found in the energy, March 12-13: Operations ing further exploitation of our call Frieda Dador at 411-0856 or visit Bantay Bata at AFI, Mo. Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI). youngster for the battles ahead. In addition, for those who have While notorious for low salaries, healthcare and environ- March 18-20: Human coastal and marine resources. Ignacia St., Quezon City. The coloring books are also available But what awaits young gradu- already been made redundant, a Labor working for the government is always mental sectors. Resource at Bantay Bata-Davao. (Freda Dador) ates today as the world flounders official has announced, the government a safe bet for those aiming for job secu- A word of advice: March 24-26: Finance in a financial quagmire? More has safety nets in place in the form of rity. Every year they say jobs March 27-28: Business MMLDC ‘SAILS’ with ASM-Manila to the point, what are his or her retraining programs and a P7-billion The worldwide web is still a mine- are scarce—heck, they Planning Strategic Planning and MERALCO Management enhance Filipino seafarers’ ticipants. We will ensure that prospects in the Philippines, nest egg for “emergency jobs.” field of opportunity, being “the primary probably said it a decade Management Leadership Development leadership skills in communi- the officers can become more where thousands of workers The truth is that somewhere, some- channel for communicating with cus- ago when your uncle was have already joined the ranks of time, companies will still be hiring to tomers and building brand identity” fresh out of college, and March 9-11 Center (MMLDC) and Asso- cation, motivation, coaching effective leaders once they can Cash and Treasury ciated Ship Management Ser- and discipline. It also teaches get back to their respective the unemployed and hundreds replace employees that have resigned for many organizations. If you have an maybe even when your dad Management vices (ASM-Manila) forged them modern and practical assignments on the ship,” said more are joining them every day? or retired; and enterprising souls will interest in, and talent and training for graduated 30 years ago. It’s Consider some headlines think of products or services that will website design (and adept in applica- not all true. If you’re pre- March 23-24 a partnership agreement for techniques on how to handle Vivien Arnobit, MMLDC from the past few weeks: “39,000 prove to be a necessity in the new, tions like HTML, Cascading Style pared to check in a bit of Fee is P2,000 per MMLDC to conduct three people concerns, which are director for academic services. lose jobs in 4 months—DOLE tighter economic environment. (After Sheets and Flash ActionScripting), your pride and unrealistic participant per day. For batches of a leadership de- adapted to “life and work” at For more information on chief,” “Government fears all, don’t crises beget opportunity? Tai- then try your luck in this lucrative mar- expectations at the door, then more info, contact KC velopment program designed sea. MMLDC programs, call 632- 60,000 IT job losses,” “Asian pan Henry Sy, for example, is known ket, even if only on a part-time basis. we can guarantee that—to para- Villanueva at 920-5203 or for officers of ASM-Manila. “MMLDC will consistent- 8111, email mmldc.academic. MMLDC and ASM-ISN officers at the MOA signing (seated, l-r): tourism set for rocky ride in for opening new SM malls when times The well hasn’t run dry for future phrase the “X-Files”—the jobs are at mcesvillanueva@yahoo. Called Sharpening Aptitudes ly be at its best in delivering [email protected], or Alberto Gomez, ASM managing director; Vivien Arnobit, MMLDC 2009,” “Corruption may worsen are particularly difficult.) educators, as they continue to be in de- out there. Good luck! com. in Leadership or SAIL, the quality learning solutions to visit www.mmldc.org. (Peng academic services director; Capt. Rene Dzicki, ISN training manager; three-day program aims to continuously delight our par- Young) and Capt. Teodoro Moro, ISNTC-Manila president. 10 Lopezlink March 2009 11 LIFELONG WELLNESS Lopezlink March 2009 sports & wellness Sudoku Record number of walkers join Hacienda Escudero WTT Maglaro tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan ng bayan! WE have three or four significant milestones Ayusin lamang ang mga numero simula 1 hanggang 9 para to be thankful for this month. The first is for IT was only the second month generated so much buzz because Registration started as early Garde, started around 8 a.m. After the walk, par- calendar ang bawat numero ay minsan lang magagamit sa bawat row, the Lopez Group harvesting 10 awards in MARCH of Lifelong’s Walk the Talk of the participants’ excitement as 5 a.m. at the participants’ Wellness Team members ticipants had breakfast at the column at kahon. PRSP’s 44th Anvil Awards, including the 6-8: Weekend retreat, (WTT) 2009 series, but the over the venue. respective buses while they such as Rico de Manzana hacienda’s clubhouse. Several coveted Grand Anvil Award for Energy attendance swiftly went up Negotiations between the enjoyed a light breakfast. An- and Louie Martin were also employees, especially those Makiling West Wing, Dear Rosie Development Corporation’s (EDC’s) “Har- workshops with Loreto Apilado of the Cottage Industry Technology from only 100-plus in Janu- Lifelong Team and Hacienda other registration at the venue present. While Walk the who brought along their chil- Laguna. Fee is P1,000/day monizing Environment and Technology” Center this May. We will keep you posted as to the final schedule and ary to over 600 employees and Escudero to conduct the walk- was held at 7 a.m., followed by Talk activities are intended dren, paid to take a dip in the inclusive of all meals and ac- communications plan. This is the second fee, as well as that of the other workshops we will be offering. Thank their friends and families in athon at the estate started as early warm-up exercises. for adults, this one became pool. Meanwhile, 20 lucky commodations. For queries, email Atty. Leny Oxales @ Grand Anvil for the Group, the first time you.” February. as January. Pre-registration of The eight-kilometer walk, an exception when many kids employees had the chance to [email protected]. being in 2005 courtesy of MNTC. ooOoo The activity held at the participants was also conducted led by Wellness head Rafael also walked their way to the get a glimpse of Villa Escu- 7: Everyday Vegetarian The second is graduation day, when we For Ms Ariola: How can an ordinary employee without a stock port- Hacienda Escudero in Tiaong, to establish the size of the crowd M. Alunan III alongside 80 finish line. The walk ended dero courtesy of management. Cooking Class, 2pm- thank all the children for completing their folio or a fat savings account such as myself cut costs and save “pain- Quezon on February 21, 2009 that will be handled. Days program manager Galo about 10 a.m. 5pm, Yoga Manila Alabang studies and, of course, the parents who made lessly”? Would appreciate your ideas. Thank you.—Sonny C. @ Ayala Alabang Village. this achievement possible. Graduation 2009 is bittersweet for the Ariola offers the following suggestions: Step 1—List down your Learn vegan recipes from graduates however as they seek to join the workforce at a time when monthly expenses from Day 1 to Day 30. Step 2—Identify the wants Renowned stem cell therapy expert in Manila Frieda Colet Lim. Fee is many companies are closing down or cutting jobs, and the world at and the needs. Wants are things you can live without (like soft drinks, P1,200 with advanced STEVEN is every parent’s Michael J. Tolentino in an Asian where there is no cure.” He is in patients with car- large is facing a deepening financial crisis. But, in fact, every year the cigarettes and the like), while needs are those you can’t live without reservation. For info, call same old record is played before each batch of graduates—it’s a dog- dream child, a straight-A stu- Eye Institute-sponsored lecture also Steven’s father. diac failure, cerebral (like food, shelter, education). Step 3—Eliminate or delay the wants; 0917-522-YOGA or email eat-dog world out there, your 14 years of schooling wasn’t enough, dent who excels in sports. He is Gene therapy and stem cell therapy: According to Dr. Tolentino, palsy, Alzheimer’s, buy the needs, but before doing so canvass for the best price. By doing [email protected]. jobs are hard to come by, ad infinitum. also a miracle boy. Is it ready for prime time? stem cells have the ability to self dementia, paralysis 8: ‘Takbo this, you can generate savings, no matter how small. It is not how The situation is not as bad as it seems, with some sectors actually Ten years ago baby Steven Dr. Tolentino, a graduate of renew and to make exact copies and stroke. One Para sa much you save that is important, but the habit or discipline to save thriving despite the meltdown. As First Philec Solar Corp. (FPSC) that you develop by cutting down on unnecessary expenses. was diagnosed with biliary atre- Harvard Medical School and of itself. There are many kinds of promise of regen- Kalikasan,’ president Dan C. Lachica put it, “Let’s not focus on the world econ- ooOoo sia, a life-threatening condition currently research director of the stem cells: umbilical cord, fetal- erative and restor- 5:30 a.m. omy. Let’s focus on God’s economy.” I was happy to see more PR articles in the February issue, all touch- wherein the “bile duct between Center for Retina and Macular derived, embryonic, induced, ative medicine is to @ Quirino Grandstand,  Lachica has every reason to be optimistic. FPSC, our cover feature ing on very timely topics. More, please!—Emil the liver and the small intestine Disease in Florida, discussed the hematopoietic or bone marrow, isolate, harvest and Manila. Proceeds will go to Very Easy this month, is the Lopez Group’s new venture into renewable energy, We hope you’ll enjoy our story on our very own social media intro, is blocked or absent.” On top of scientific basis and background and dental pulp stem cells. They store stem cells to the rehabilitation of the La  Easy specifically the sunrise industry of solar power. With the application “Every Business Should Have a Blog” in this issue. Thanks for keep- that, he had cerebral hypoxic of gene and cell therapy and the can also be produced by clon- replace damaged Mesa Watershed. Contact  Medium of the same best practices and quality management methodologies ing an eye on our PR page and keeping us on our toes! encephalopathy and a lacerated latest breakthroughs in the tech- ing, as was done by the team cells. Rowena Sayat @ 415-2272.  15: Run for Their Lives: Hard that reaped accolades for First Sumiden Circuits Inc. (also headed ooOoo nasal septum. Doctors gave him nology. supervised by British embryolo- Dr. Tolentino is Oscar Lopez flanked by ophtamologist father and son Dr. Mike (left) and Felipe Tolentino. The Rotary Gift of Life by Lachica), the company has been performing extremely well, so Thanks for featuring us in the Feb issue. To chess fans, please log on only two years to live. Dr. Tolentino has been a gist Ian Wilmut in 1996, which recognized as an ex- Charity Run, 5 a.m. @ much so that the president is already looking beyond the horizon to to meralcochess.blogspot.com. Regards.—Rolly part of 29 human clinical tri- cloned Dolly the lamb. pert in his field and as an author exciting new treatment for macu- Yet, only a few weeks later, Fort Bonifacio Global City. expanding to regional markets and related products. ooOoo after undergoing treatment, the als of retinal diseases and is, Used in regenerative and re- and researcher has over 83 jour- lar degeneration and diabetic Visit www.extribe.com.ph. Finally, we are thankful that our PR group took the very impor- Is there an ongoing laptop plan for Lopez Group employees? I’m in 22: The DV Ilocos Sur boy was completely cured using according to Dr. Roland E. storative medicine, gene therapy nal publications. He has several retinopathy. tant step of acquainting its members with Internet strategies, with the market for an affordable unit for my kids’ use. Thanks.—Ellen Triathlon, Answer to February puzzle umbilical cord stem cells. Houle of Restoring Sight In- and stem cell therapy have the patents, including Laser Induced 1.5k swim-40k emphasis on its significance as a PR tool in today’s information-ob- Adtel Inc. happens to be offering a low-cost but high specs note- “Stem cell therapy gave Ste- ternational Foundation, “emi- potential to restore vision in the Gene Therapy and siRNA Inhi- SMPs postponed bike-10k run, 6 a.m. @ Solution, tips and computer program available at www. sessed world. If you are not familiar with blogging, tagging, plurking book called @DVANCE. On top of that, it offers flexible payment ven a new lease on life,” said Dr. nently qualified to lead research blind, and even restore function bition of Angiogenesis which is an Cabugao-Vigan, Ilocos sudoku.com LOPEZ Lifelong Well- or Twitter, check out page 4. terms and a gift to Lopez Group employees who avail of a unit. For Sur. Contact Triathlon ooOoo more info, see our Promos & Offers column on page 3. ness’ Stress Management Association of the Philip- Programs (SMPs) for 2009, I’m planning for a short break during the summer and was wonder- FINANCIAL pines (TRAP) @ 710-8259 ing if Lopez Museum will again have its bookbinding workshop. It’s If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions about wellness which were set to start in ear- travel or Rick Reyes @ 0916- GRIFFIN SIERRA something I’ve always wanted to take up, so I’m preparing (financial- anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send them to Dear Rosie ly February, were postponed 5046513. ly) for it already. If not, what are the workshops on offer?—Lowell through email DearRosie@benpres-hold- due to problems with the 28: Walk RECOMMENDS From Mary Ann Pernia of Lopez Museum: “As part of its advo- ings.com or send text to bayanWIRELESS venue. The former MNTC the Talk landline number 02-3820139 (for Globe, add Create abundance cacy to teach techniques that hinge on preservation and conserva- office located at the second @ La Mesa 2963 + 02 +3820139). Hong Kong tion, Lopez Memorial Museum will once again offer bookbinding floor of Benpres building Watershed, Quezon City. for the next generation where SMPs like ballroom Companies are advised and yoga/meditation were to provide a list of their By Susan Ariola neglect in providing for their passive income so that his participating employees held is not available anymore. Nusa Penida, Bali children, and that is protecting grown-up children can de- Lifelong is still looking for a for accommodation in the shuttle service. Contact ISN’T it that the best gift par- their ability to earn. Puzzled? vote their resources to rais- eleventh year, he will receive new venue, especially be- Rico de Manzana @ ents can give to their children is Let us explore. ing their own family. Such is a pension of P30,000 per year cause belly dancing and Krav Summer destinations 449-6122. painted back- with beautiful white sand beaches or before March 31, 2009. Both pack- education? Without education, What will happen to the fam- the importance of financial for the next 10 years. If he de- Maga have been added to the 29: 4th Pinay in Action drop. It has rice and gentle seas. Bali has world-class ages are valid for two passengers travel- one has a slimmer chance for a ily once the provider, the parent, education to the parents and cides to reinvest the amount of list of activities. Lifelong will All Women’s Run, bright future. Remember Prov- dies too soon? Will there be an to the children. P30,000/year until age 60, he paddies tripping scuba diving, snorkeling and won- ing together. keep participants updated 1.6k-5k-10k, Mall of Asia erbs 13:22: “A good man leaves inheritance for the family? Yes, There is a scheme that will receive P15,368,076.71. down hillsides, derful day trips out to Nusa Penida For more info, call Jacqui of Griffin regarding this matter. (B. Grounds, Pasay City. Visit inheritance to his children’s and most probably it will be used will make this scenario pos- To learn more, contact the volcanoes soar- for beach sports and coral viewing. Sierra Travel Inc. at tel. no. 898-2451 Sandoval) www.pinayinaction.com. Saving a bundle children….” That is why parents to pay for debts. Otherwise, the sible—Cocolife’s “Buy Term, author at 0928-4783305 or THIS summer, take the kids on a ing up through or email [email protected]. (Pauline strive hard to provide for their inheritance will be wealth if the Invest the Difference.” For ex- sunshinephme1958@yahoo. well-deserved vacation. Check out the clouds, dense Griffin Sierra Travel offers reason- Cala-or) children’s education. parent was properly protected. ample, for a 13-year-old child, com and let her help you cre- Griffin Sierra Travel’s top picks: tropical jungles, ably priced airfare and hotel packages Hong Kong, shopping mecca But there is one thing major- If the parent lives for a you invest P26,205.33 for the ate your abundance for the next long sandy for Lopez Group employees. Instead DFA: Green is still in ity of the parents unknowingly long time, he should have next five years. Starting on the generation. Hong Kong is a great destination beaches, warm of spending your hard-earned money for shopping; prices are cheaper com- If your family is into the tradi- blue water, crashing surf and friendly on pricy hotels, increase your spend- THE Department pared to Japan, North America and tional, visit Lantau Island, which people who don’t just have a culture ing mileage by saving on this major of Foreign Affairs Need extra income? Europe. Upscale shopping malls are in features the world’s tallest outdoor but actually live it. In Bali, spirits come expense. has announced that Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui seated bronze Buddha, along with the out to play in the moonlight, every On offer is a 3D/2N Hong Kong non-machine read- Be an Aquabest partner for P6,500 and check out the ladies’ night market Po Lin Monastery and Tai O village night is a festival and even a funeral is package for $359++ per person, able (or green) pass- ports will be valid PEOPLE always need clean water for state-of-the-art reverse osmosis tech- Grander technology from Germany, at Mongkok and Silk Road at Stanley. on stilts. For a treat that everyone will an opportunity to have a good time. which includes round-trip economy until the stated date drinking, which is why putting up a nology from the US, which removes and the ultraviolet sterilization sys- The skyline of Hong Kong is one appreciate, head to Hong Kong Dis- The island has a unique blend of airfare via Hong Kong Express and of expiry. Until then, water refilling station is a no-brainer bacteria, viruses, parasites, pathogens, tem of Tanwing from Australia. of the best in the world. Drop by the neyland, where the magic begins the modern tourist facilities, wonderful transfer in the hotel shuttle bus, and Soque tops Dasma Masters Cup ESAP veteran there is no need to apply for the in these uncertain times. pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and You can be a distributor of Aqua- Lugard Road Lookout, Lions View moment you set foot inside the gates. shopping and a rich past and heri- hotel accommodation with break- Danny Soque of Operations topped the Dasmariñas Masters Cup held Picturesque Bali new, machine-readable passports. Aquabest Purified Drink- inorganic materials, and primes the best Purified Drinking Water in your Point Pavilion, the viewing terrace at tage. The Balinese people are proud fast. Travel must be completed on or at the Dasmariñas Sector in Cavite. He garnered a score of 7.5 points The agency issued the clarification ing Water is said to be one of the water to retain the maximum amount area for only P6,500. For more info, the Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower If the hustle and bustle of Hong of having preserved their unique before March 28, 2009. in eight games. Bilibid veteran Edson Gonzales of Alabang Business as erroneous information regarding best and purest brands of bottled of oxygen possible. call 379-2863 or visit the Aquabest Sky Terrace. Also, check out Victoria Kong is not for you and your fam- Hindu culture, and this is reflected Also available is a 4D/3N Bali pack- Center placed second while Brando Banzuela of Admin placed third. the validity of the green passports water available in the Philippine In addition, Aquabest Purified store at 8 Walnut St., Marikina East Harbour, one of Hong Kong’s great- ily, then grab your shades and slip on in their day-to-day life. age for $548++ per person. This includes The other participants were Mon Pesebre, Ben Larga, Rolly Sapalasan, started circulating. Machine-read- market. This is because it passes Drinking Water undergoes a more Subdivision, San Roque, Marikina Tito Beros Jr., Willy Abud and Bong Masa. For more photos and chess est assets. You can catch the spec- your flip-flops because the world’s Some of the best surfing beaches round-trip economy airfare via Singa- able passports have been in use in through a 24- to 28-stage complex form of purification, the City. (Lanie Caimol) activities, log on to meralcochess.blogspot.com. (Raul Sol Cruz) tacular harbour view at the Tsim Sha best beaches are waiting for you. in the world can be found on the pore Airlines and seat-in-coach airport Tsui Promenade and a magnificent Bali in Indonesia is so picturesque western side of the island, while the transfer, and hotel accommodation with the country only since July 2007. (Source: http://dfa.gov.ph/?p=3060) Don’t keep the good news to yourself. Pass on your copy of LopezLink! For your comments and suggestions, please text 02-382-0139 (Bayan Wireless Landline). symphony of lights. and immaculate it could almost be a eastern side is a haven for families, breakfast. Travel must be completed on 12 Lopezlink March 2009

What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this March By Sheila Quieta Hot summer with Cristine in ‘Metro’ Cristine Reyes relates how it feels to be the current “It Girl” and HOT PICK fantasy girlfriend of Filipino men. In “Men of Summer,” 20 gor- geous guys bare their stories and accomplishments (among others). ‘Underage’ on ‘Your Song Shine with a feature on how to wear the new metallics and learn how to pick out the asymmetrical dress for your body type. Get Presents’ on ABS-CBN! gorgeous with features on mesotherapy, painless body waxing, “Your Song Presents Underage” is the initial bronzers and the best sunscreens. Go on a sojourn to Bhutan with offering of ABS-CBN’s “Your Song Pres- Tristan Choa or head north to the rice terraces, and celebrate 15 ents” which will feature the adaptations years of excellence with The Filipino Channel. of well-loved Pinoy teen flicks from the ‘80s. Three Bs in ‘SSM’ Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, Empress Schuck, Lauren Young, Valeen Monte- StarStudio Magazine throws the spotlight on two fabulous fe- negro, AJ Perez, Rafael Rosell, William males: Dr. Vicki Belo and Bebe Gandanghari, formerly known as Lorenzo and Sylvia Sanchez all give life to Rustom Padilla. The third “B” is not a woman, but is just as inter- important roles in the story. esting: Baron Geisler, who tells the story of how he is rebuilding Under the direction of Manny Palo, his life. Take a closer look at two of the most talked-about movies the story will revolve around three young this year: “You Changed My Life” and “When I Met You.” Also, sisters (Melissa, Empress and Lauren) who find out what showbiz talk show gals Phoemela Baranda, Bianca grew up in the province, about to face a Gonzalez and Ginger Conejero have to say about hot showbiz whole new world. “Underage” was released issues in “When Girls Talk.” by Regal Films in 1980 and was considered the launch pad of Dina Bonnevie, Snooky Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading bookstores Serna and as young-adult and magazine stands nationwide. Exclusive to Lopez Group employees actresses. Don’t miss “Your Song Presents within Metro Manila, use your office address and get a full year sub- Underage” as it premieres on March 1 on scription discount up to 50% off cover price. For inquiries, call ABS- ABS-CBN after “ASAP ’09.” (L. Dionisio- CBN Publishing Inc. at 455-9434. Piravalasamy) ROCKWELL POWER PLANT FINDS Salute to the grads of 2009 By Lisa Gomez the applications one may find in the iPhone. The excit- ing applications and games will keep your graduate busy GRADUATION day is one of the biggest milestones in while enjoying the summer break or while job-hunting! (L-R) MacBook, anyone’s life. And as on any special occasion, the graduate The iTouch comes with 8GB memory (P14,490), 16GB iPod nanochromatic MP3 player, deserves unique gifts on this day. (P18,990) and 32GB (P23,990). iPod nano-chromatic MacBook Air iTouch phone, Canon 1000D The iPod nano-chromatic proves that the best gifts come Give your graduate what everyone wants—a MacBook DLSR camera, in small packages. Choose from a wide range of unique and Air (P107,990), the thinnest notebook computer. It features a ‘The Purpose funky colors that will suit your graduate’s personality. You can larger hard drive, a slimmer battery pack, faster performance, Driven Life’ by view movies in any direction on the iPod nano-chromatic a built-in iSight camera and a whole lot more! (All Apple Rick Warren, and since graphics and videos can rotate 360 degrees. Plus, the products are available in Power Mac Center at the R3 Level) Samsonite luggage slim design makes it very handy! The iPod nano-chromatic My Phone Samsonite comes with 8GB memory (P8,990) and 16GBb (P11,990). With the My Phone’s (P8,690) dual-SIM feature, you iTouch can keep in touch with everyone in your phone book. It Samsonite is known for sturdy bags that do not sac- This new addition to the iPod family has a touch also features a touch screen, FM radio, 2GB memory and rifice style. Their new model is classic yet modern at the screen, is wi-fi compatible and has practically almost all weighs only 120 grams! same time. The large-sized luggage sells for P18,000 and Canon 1000D the smaller-sized luggage sells for P13,750. Cross pens The Canon EOC 1000D has a 10.1-megapixel Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo CMOS sensor, 7-point AF System, high ISO noise re- If you want to give your graduate something that he Executive Editor Rosan Cruz duction function, auto lightning optimizer, 2.5” LCD will surely use, Cross pens are the gift to give. The prices Contributing Editors with live view shooting and an EOS integrated cleaning of these special pens range from P7,000 to P10,000. You Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) John Rojo (Bayan) system—definitely a photographer/ photographer-to-be’s can even personalize the pen to make it more special! Maite Bueno (Meralco) Arlene Torres (SkyCable) ‘The Purpose-Driven Life’ Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Sheila Quieta (ABS-CBN Publishing) dream come true! (The My Phone and Canon 1000D camera Kane Choa (ABS-CBN) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) are available in AV Surfer at the R3 Level.) “The Purpose Driven Life” (P225), a best-seller written by Angelo Macabuhay (FPHC) Vanessa Suquila (LGFI) Rafael Alunan III (Wellness) Rick Warren, will answer one of the graduate’s most Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) important questions: What is my purpose? This Editorial and Layout Mousetrap Publishing book will help your graduate realize and discover things about him and his purpose after graduation. (Cross pens and “The Purpose Driven Life” are avail- LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group 4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City able at National Bookstore at the Archaeology area.) Telefax: 633-3520 At Power Plant Mall, you will never run out For feedback, please email of gift ideas. The mall has big and little treasures to [email protected] offer for each occasion, so start your gift-shopping Available online at www.benpres-holdings.com MyPhone, assorted at Power Plant Mall—where fashionable Manila Cross pens shops.