Benpres Insurance: the ‘Little’ Company That Could

October 2005

Benpres Insurance: The ‘little’ company that could

By JG Javier

IT may not be huge or glamorous, but Benpres Insurance Agency Inc. (BPIA) may well serve as the Lopez Group’s “poster child” for longevity: The agency got through Martial Law relatively un- scathed and has shown steady growth since it was established almost 40 years ago. A general agent representing different insurance companies, BPIA was established in 1968 as the life insurance division of the Agricul- ture Fire Insurance Co. (AFISCO) and was incorporated as a separate life insurance agency called AFISCO Insurance Agency in 1971. 2nd Oscar The agency—one of only two Lopez companies left untouched during the Marcos dictatorship—adopted its present name in 1983 to high- Awards... p.4 light its relationshipwith Benpresand its subsidiaries. As BPIA, the erstwhile three-man organization quickly became a force in the life and nonlife insurance industry. It was one of the topgeneral agencies of In- sular Life, and earned the sought-after General Agency Award in 1987. Today, BPIA is a lean and mean Makati-based organization of around 30 people, led by Ma. Margarita Lopez-Lichauco as president and Manuel “Beaver” L. Lopez Jr. as executive vice-president. They are ably supported by Lopez Group stalwart Ramon “Mon” A. Sanchez, who, as general manager, oversees the company’s operations, particularly its finance/administration and marketing divisions. According to Sanchez—a “second-generation” member Ramon Sanchez, BPIA general of the Lopez Group as his father, Atty. Domingo Sanchez, manager was assistant comptroller of Meralco during the time of Turn to page 6 KCFI, AFI win in Asian CSR Awards '05 SKYCABLE and the Knowledge Channel Foun- dation Inc. (KCFI) and the ABS-CBN Founda- tion Inc. (AFI) were honored for their outstanding corporate social responsibility programs at the third Asian CSR Awards held on September 9, 2005 in Jakarta, Indonesia. SkyCable and KCFI won the topaward in the Support and Improvement of Education category, while the "Bantay Kalikasan" program of AFI emerged runner-upin the Environmental Excel- (L to R) Dario Pagcaliwagan of Lopez Group Foundation Inc.; Paolo Canivel of lence category. KCFI and AFI are members of the Knowledge Channel Foundation (KCH); Roberto F. del Rosario, AIM president; Rina Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI). Lopez, KCHpresident; Carlo Katigbak, Central CATV Inc. chief operating officer; Ramon V. del Rosario Jr.; Dr. Arifin M. Siregar and Felipe Alonso, AFCSR 2005 co- Turn to page 4 chairs. 2 LOPEZLINK October 2005 Meralco cuts rates by 23 ctvs per kWh in Sept By Maite Bueno (NPC)—in August. or 15.03 centavos per kWh, while those “We are beginning to realize the bene- In addition, system loss charge by deliv- consuming 100 kWh will get a reduction fits of allowing the IPPs to run at contract- THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco) ery voltage also went down. The decreases of P18.41 or 18.41 centavos per kWh. Cus- ed levels since it brings down generation reduced its rates by as much as 23 centavos ranged from 0.33 centavos for 115 kV customers with consumption beyond the life- costs and eventually the rate of electricity per kilowatt-hour due to the combined ef- tomers to 2.57 centavos for residential and line level will have a reduction of 23 cen- as seen in the reduction in Meralco’s fect of the reductions in the generation and other secondary customers. The Power Act tavos per kWh. September bills,” Cuna said. system loss charge components of the un- Reduction, a discount in the residential bundled bill. bills, slightly improved by 0.36 centavos According to Meralco vice-president per kWh from P0.1997 to P0.2033. ’Unfair competition’ Elpi Cuna, the 19.43 centavo-reduction in The bills of lifeline residential cus- Pasay todo the generation charge was due to the in- tomers consuming 50 kWh will decrease suit laban sa ABS, creased generation of Meralco suppli- by P5.82 or 11.64 centavos per kWh. ers—the independent power producers Those consuming 70 kWh will experience suporta sa ibinasura ng SC (IPPs) and the National Power Corporation a P10.52 decrease in their electricity bills IBINASURA ng Supreme Court ang petisyon ng ‘tempfacil’ GMA-7 na i-overturn ang pag-dismiss ng lower court ng damage suit nito laban sa ABS-CBN at mga kaalyadong cable firms na nagkakahalaga project ng ng P10 milyon. Ayon sa September 23 decision ng SC, tama ang Quezon City Regional Trial Court sa ruling Maynilad nito na ang National Telecommunications Commission ang may primary jurisdiction sa By Jennifer Casipit kaso sa dahilang technical issues ang kailan- gang maresolba. BILANG maagang pamasko sa mga residente ng Pasay City, nagpasinaya ang Dinahilan ng GMA sa lower court na ni-rechan- Maynilad Water Services Inc. ng bagong nel ng ABS-CBN at ng mga kaalyado ang cable proyekto na makapagbibigay ng sapat at broadcast nito, na naging sanhi ng pagkasira ng sig- malinis na tubig para sa mga residente nal ng GMA. Nagawa umano ang nasabing pag- ng lugar. rechannel dahil sa “common ownership at inter- Ang groundbreaking ng nasabing locking relationship” ng respondent corporations. proyekto ay ginanap noong Setyembre “Ang mga nireklamo ng GMA na ‘wrongful 16 sa Betty’s Vermillion Academy sa acts’ na batayan ng hiningi nitong damages ay Pasay, sa pangunguna ni Pasay mayor may kinalaman sa operation at ownership ng Wenceslao Trinidad, Maynilad president mga cable companies. Ang mga ganitong us- Fiorello Estuar at Metropolitan Water- apin ay dapat ihain sa NTC at hindi sa regular works and Sewerage System administra- courts,” sabi ng SC. Meralco, Haribon renew partnership tor Orlando Hondrade. Sa katunayan, may parehong kaso nang Meralco recently renewed its partnership with the Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Ang “S-2 tempfacil project” ay mag- pending sa NTC. Wala ring cause of action na Natural Resources Inc., which covers the "Boto Para Sa Inang Bayan" campaign, "Paraisong papalit ng 46 kilometro na lumang linya pinaka" billboards, the Haribon-Meralco biodiversity information drive and the use of the sinaad ang GMA laban sa ABS-CBN at sa ng tubig sa distrito ng San Roque at San ibang respondents, dagdag pa ng SC. Lopez Building Mini Theater for the Haribon Forum every month. The "Boto Para Sa Inang Rafael sa Pasay. Inihayag ni Estuar na Bayan" campaign aims to raise one million signatures to stop illegal logging and mining while Maliban sa ABS-CBN, ang ibang respon- "Paraisong pinaka" calls for biodiversity conservation. An education campaign, on the other ang konstruksyon para sa proyekto ay dents ay ang Central CATV Inc., Pilipino Cable hand, will be put in place to support the biodiversity information drive. Signing the memoran- matatapos sa loob ng 120 na araw Corp. at Philippine Home Cable Holdings Inc. dum of agreement for Meralco were chairman & CEO Manuel M. Lopez, president & COO Je- lamang dahil gagamit ng temporary fa- sus P. Francisco and first vice-president and head of HR and corporate services Leonisa C. de cilities o “tempfacil” ang Maynilad. la Llana. Signing for Haribon was president Fr. Jose Mario C. Francisco, SJ, with executive di- “Inaasahan namin na bago mag-Pas- rector Anabelle E. Plantilla. (Maite Bueno) ko ay maganda at malakas na ang supply ng tubig dito,” ani Estuar. Hiniling ni Estuar sa mga residente Drive to expose ang kanilang pang-unawa, sa dahilang makakaapekto sa daloy ng trapiko ang cable TV thieves First Gen nag-file sa paghuhukay na gagawin sa mga kalye upang mapalitan ang lumang pipeline sa lugar. gains ground Tinawag naman ni Mayor Trinidad na THE intensified campaign against the prolifera- isang “landmarkproject” ang S-2 temp- tion of illegal cable television connections has SEC para sa IPO facil project. gained momentum with full support on the com- “Ako, kasama ng mga mamamayan NAG-FILE ang First Gen Corporation ng Reg- Ang First Gen ang pinakamalaking Filipino- munity level. istration Statement sa Securities and Exchange controlled independent power producer. Ang ng Pasay City, ay nagpapasalamat sa Commission noong Setyembre para sa pag-re- consolidated capital expenditure nito ay um- Maynilad sa dahilang matagal na nam- Subscribers have begun giving information histro ng 151,574,000 hanggang 219,930,900 abot ng P510 milyon noong 2004, P154 milyon ing pangarap na magkaroon ng malakas about incidents of cable TV signal and subscrip- na bagong common shares nito. Gayundin, nag- noong 2003 at P2.2 bilyon in 2002. Noong na supply ng tubig,” sabi ni Trinidad. tion theft, including the identity of individuals who apply ang kumpanya para sa listing ng naturang unang anim na buwan ng 2005, sinabi ng First Ang S2 tempfacil project, na offer the installation of illegal connections. Acting common shares sa Philippine StockExchange. Gen na gumastos ito ng P86 milyon (US$1.5 nagkakahalaga ng P26.7 milyon, ay from tips from subscribers tired of getting bad ca- Ang mga bagong common shares ay milyon) para sa pagbili ng Agusan Mini-Hydro magkakabit ng 9,000 house service con- ble signals and virtually paying for the illegal cable tinatayang magkakahalaga ng mula P51 hang- Plant. nections. Pag nabuo na ang proyekto, connections of others, cable industry personnel re- gang P74 bawa’t isa. Nagtabi ang First Gen ng US$12.7 milyon ang Maynilad ay inaasahang makak- cently conducted a series of raids in Makati City. Inaasahang makakalikom ang First Gen ng para sa capex ngayong 2005 hanggang 2006. abawi ng 46 milyong litro ng tubig kada Residents with illegal connections were invit- araw, na dati ay nawawala lamang dahil gross proceeds na P11.216 bilyon mula sa IPO. US$10.7 milyon ng halagang ito ay para sa ed to the nearest police stations or barangay hall Ibabawas dito ang lahat ng mga gastusin ng kumpa- kasalukuyang taon. sa mga tagas ng lumang pipelines at sa nya ukol sa IPO at ang net proceeds ay gagamitin Na-incorporate ang First Gen noong 1998 bilang mga ilegal na kuneksyon ng tubig. for interrogation in connection with possible para sa “general corporate purposes,” sa pagpa- primary holding company para sa power generation Ang tubig na mababawi ay maaaring qualified theft charges to be filed against them. pabuti ng mga facilities ng First Gen at sa pag-in- at iba pang energy-related businesses ng Lopez mailipat sa mga lugar na nangangailan- The charge carries a jail term of six to 12 years. vest sa pagpapalawig ng capacity nito pati na ang Group. Ito ay magiging panlimang publicly traded gan ng tubig, tulad ng ibang bahagi ng The sweep was the third in a series of raids in pag-develop ng mga bago o greenfield projects. firm ng Lopez Group. Pasay, Parañaque at Bacoor, Cavite. different cities in Metro Manila. (Rhea Neria) LOPEZLINK October 2005 3 US firm designs new Rockwell towers By Kim Uy tail. An elevated drop-off point Bernardo Fort-Brescia. at the second floor of each tow- Rockwell officials said that ROCKWELL Land Inc. has er will make it more exclusive. the residential towers will be tapped American architectural Enclosed in all-glass windows, presold by mid-November firm Arquitectonica Internation- the lobby will provide first-row 2005. The towers will be com- al Corp. to design two residential seats to the action below. pleted in four to four-and-a-half towers along Rockwell Drive. The 45-storey building was years. Nestor Omar T. Arce-Igna- planned to be “terraced” to give Arquitectonica, which is cio, Rockwell Land vice-presi- residents alternative views. Its based in Miami and New York dent for technical services, said seven corners will provide with offices in Hong Kong, that the developer chose the US unique lighting to the building. Shanghai, Los Angeles, Wash- firm because it wanted the tow- The other tower will be cylindri- ington DC, Paris, Lima and Sao ers, which will be strategically cal, allowing an unobstructed Paolo, has developed an inter- situated at the entrance of the view of the surrounding areas. national practice recognized for Rockwell Community, to be “We wanted a nautical form excellence and innovation. The “extraordinary.” that is softer. We sought the firm is best known for its ability The two towers will be pri- contrast with details in the fa- to design projects with memo- marily residential with the çade to tie the two together,” rable imagery and regional Architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia, founder of Arquitectonica, shows Rockwell Land ground floors dedicated to re- said Arquitectonica founder identity. president Nestor Padilla a rendition of the new project. BayanTel at the forefront Joya at Rockwell 85% sold ONLY 18 months into the preselling “The introduction of the loft concept phase, Joya at Rockwell is almost sold fueled interest in Joya at Rockwell. When of delivering VoIP service out with only 15% of the residential units buyers came to see what we had to offer, up for grabs. The project, a combination they saw that there was so much BAYANTEL, a leading provider greater opportunity to deliver of bi-level lofts and twin towers, is Rock- more—boutique shops, outdoor swim- of affordable and reliable voice IP-based services to house- well Land Corporation’s latest opus. ming pool, a club room, a games and bil- and data services, extends the holds." Lofts are living spaces with high ceil- liards room, a two-story gym and fitness benefits of voice over Internet According to Rivera, the ings, large windows and open floor plans. center and badminton and multipurpose Protocol (VoIP) to regular con- most compelling feature of Within eight weeks from the time it courts, among others,” added Soliven. sumers. VoIP is the savings on long dis- was introduced, all 59 residential loft- Future residents of Joya already have Sky Internet VoIP is the first tance charges. Calls made via type units were sold. their own prime piece of Rockwell. “We reviewed the plans to determine if Those who are looking for a haven in the carrier-grade VoIP service tar- Sky Internet VoIP to the US, we could add more. Imagine the excitement midst of an urban jungle still have a geting households as end users. Canada and countries in South- when we announced that there were 20 more chance to call Joya their home. The service runs on VoIP tech- east Asia would cost as low as lofts available,” Rockwell sales and market- Joya Lofts and Towers are scheduled nology, which transmits tele- US$ 6c a minute, or 85% ing assistant vice-president Val Soliven said. for completion in 2008. (Vicky Riosa) phone calls over a data network cheaper than standard IDD instead of the traditional voice rates. network. And depending on the Sky In- BayanTel vice-president for ternet VoIP plan, users can also product development Joevel avail of free IDD minutes. For Get hooked on SkyDSL 192 Rivera said the company be- the P499 plan a month, users get IT'S here—the most affordable DSL package that even packages and surf at speeds of up to 384 kbps during the lieves the market is ripe for a re- 100 free IDD minutes and for students or up and coming corporate newbies can afford: prescribed period. liable VoIP service. the P999 plan a month, users get SkyDSL 192! Plus, for a one-time activation fee of P500, SkyDSL "BayanTel has been one of 300 free IDD minutes. Under a SkyDSL 192 comes from SkyDSL, the DSL brand of subscribers get unlimited Wi-Fi access in over 180 Wi-Fi the more aggressive players in normal telephone subscription, BayanTel and one of the leading providers of broadband hotspots nationwide. providing DSL services to the the user would pay more than DSL services. SkyDSL, which is available in selected areas in Que- residential market. With wider P6,700 on IDD charges alone. Get the speed of Internet surfing in a 192 kbps (kilo- zon City, Manila, Malabon and Valenzuela, is throwing in Internet penetration, there is (John Rojo) bits per second) bandwidth for only P899 a month. a free one-month subscription or free installation with the For a limited period, SkyDSL is also offering Speed- offer. SkyDSL also offers a money-back guarantee for the on-Demand, which lets you surf the Internet beyond sub- first 15 days and a 24-Hour Guaranteed Quick Service. scribed bandwidth without any extra charge. Just log on For inquiries, call 449-3118 or 449-3293 or visit from 12 midnight to 8 a.m. with any of the SkyDSL www.skydsl.com.ph. (J. Rojo) BayanTel, ABS-CBNnow! power ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ on the Internet BAYANTEL, in collaboration with ABS-CBNnow!, has unique locally-developed content to the fast growing broad- brought the engaging reality of “Pinoy Big Brother” into the band user base in the country.” realm of cyberspace. ABS-CBNnow! sales and marketing director Rowell To- BayanTel and ABS-CBNnow! have deployed a streaming lentino added: “With this partnership, Sky DSL and BayanTel server that will videocast “Pinoy Big Brother” in real time 24 customers across the country will have their own personal hours a day via the Internet. window to the ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ house and the closest they BayanTel vice-president for product development Joevel can get to becoming housemates themselves.” Rivera said: “We are excited to partner with ABS-CBNnow! “Pinoy Big Brother,” the first local show that is video streamed Sky Internet VoIP allows subscribers to make calls using their regular phones to make ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ accessible to thousands of “live” to the Internet using IP technology, is available in three dif- for as low as $0.06per minute. broadband Internet users. This is a significant step to offering ferent subscription packages at www.abs-cbnnow.com. (J. Rojo) 4 LOPEZLINK October 2005 19 Lopez Group companies honored in 2nd Oscar Awards By Maribel S. Relatado and Oscars examiners. To inspire them to go further in the journey to THE Lopez Group held its sec- business excellence, companies ond Business Excellence Awards that achieved certifications in ISO and Recognition ceremony at the 9001, ISO 1400 and OHSAS new Rockwell Tent on August 30, 18001 (Meralco Management and 2005. Leadership Development Center) BayanTel—President's Award ESH MARS 2B The annual ceremony aims to as well as those that have started to recognize companies that have implement their Six Sigma pro- participated in the Business Excel- jects (Philippine Electric Corpora- lence Programs and achieved mile- tion, Bayan Telecommunications stones in their performance. Two Inc. and the Asian Eye Institute) hundred thirty-nine Lopez Group were also recognized. employees attended the event. This year's theme, "Maintaining Meralco chair Manuel M. Lopez as Focus on Business Excellence in key speaker for the night shares Meralco's systems and processes Challenging Times," is exempli- that contribute to Business Excel- fied by the companies that sus- lence (right);Rockwell Power Plant tained their efforts to achieve their Mall, President's Award ESH MARS desired prize, such as the Environ- 3A (below). Bauang Private Power Corp.—Founder's Award ESH MARS 3C ment, Safety and Health (ESH) Management Assessment and Rat- ing System (MARS). It indicated that these companies were deliber- ate in implementing their ESH Management System and reaped benefits from doing so. This year, there are 19 recipients of the ESH MARS, of various distinctions from the different levels. Other honorees were the ESH Recyclables Events Sponsors, companies that achieved 10Mil- Lopez Group chair Oscar M. Lopez with Oscar examiners (l-r) Moje R. lion Man-hours with No Lost Time Aquino, Mark F. Pabon, Ramon T. Pagdagdagan, Maribel S. Relatado, Accident, Oscars 2004 applicants Robin C. Rubina and Lito Yanga

ESH AWARDEES KCFI, AFI win... MARS LEVEL AWARD COMPANIES from page 1 MARS 3C FOUNDER'S • First Gas Power Corp. • Bauang Private Power Corp. • First Philippine Industrial Park KCFI president Rina Lopez- • First Sumiden Circuits, Inc. Bautista, SkyCable COO Carlo • Philippine Electric Corp. Katigbak and LGFI executive • First Philippine Industrial Corp. director Dario Pagcaliwagan re- CHAIRMAN'S • First Balfour (Construction) ceived the awards on behalf of • First Electro Dynamics Corp. the LGFI member-foundations. MARS 3B FOUNDER'S • First Gas Holdings Corp. Also present at the awarding • First Private Power Corp. ceremonies were LGFI presi- CHAIRMAN'S • First Balfour (Office) dent Felipe Alfonso, First Gen's Benpres Holdings Corp.—President’s Award MARS 2B (above);and • Adtel Inc. Rey Laguda and Knowledge ABS-CBN—Special Citation recipient (below) MARS 3A FOUNDER'S • Asian Eye Institute Channel's Paolo Canivel. CHAIRMAN'S • Manila North Tollways Corp. One hundred and sixty entries PRESIDENT'S • Rockwell Power Plant Mall from 12 countries and 91 organiza- MARS 2B PRESIDENT'S • First Philippine Holdings Corp. tions were received for the 2005 • Benpres Holdings Corp. Asian CSR Awards, the premier • Bayan Telecommunications, Inc. awards program on CSR in Asia. MARS 1 FOUNDER'S • Manila Electric Company Aside from the LGFI members, the ESH SPECIAL CITATIONS only other entries from the Philip- pines that won were Shell Philip- Earthday Recyclables Event Sponsors • ABS-CBN • First Philippine Holdings Corp. pines Exploration, B.V.'s Sitio • Rockwell Agusuhin Development Program Achieving 10 Million Man-hours • First Balfour as runner-up in the Support and With No Lost Time Accident • First Sumiden Circuits Improvement of Education category, and the Ospital ng Maynila OSCARS APPLICANTS Medical Center's Department of • Philippine Electric Corp Surgery as runner-up in the Best • First Electro Dynamics Corporation Workplace Practices category. LOPEZLINK October 2005 5 ‘Vietnam Rose’ premieres on primetime Chin-Chin champions eco crusade in 'MUP' A DIAMOND became a rose on War. Soon, Yeu finds herself pushed out married to an equally powerful man, September 19 when ABS-CBN pre- of her homeland along with thousands of Alexander dela Cerna (John). But Carina AWARD-winning actress miered its long-awaited teleserye “Viet- refugees. Finding herself in the Philip- feels unsuccessful and unfulfilled—until and environmentalist Chin-Chin Gutierrez is nam Rose,” starring Diamond Star Mari- pines, Yeu is adopted by a Filipino fam- she gets a vision of her mother, who stayed the latest kapamilya to cel Soriano. ily and starts rebuilding her life. in Vietnam. Carina decides to go to her join ABS-CBN's daily The story centers on Yeu, a young In the present day, Yeu has transformed homeland, where she finds her mother—but morning wake-upper, Vietnamese girl whose life undergoes herself into Carina Mojica dela Cerna she also finds a half-sister, Tin (Angelica), a "Magandang Umaga, devastating changes during the Vietnam (Maricel), a successful businesswoman street-smart young woman who resents the Pilipinas" with her own sister who broke her mother’s heart. segment, "Green Patrol." “Vietnam Rose” is truly epic televi- "I am happy to join sion, with the tandem of Maricel and di- ‘Magandang Umaga, rector Joel Lamangan leading the pro- Pilipinas' with 'Green ject’s roster of talents. The project also Patrol' because it gives me a chance to engage attracted John Estrada, Jay Manalo, As- our countrymen to take sunta de Rossi, Gina Alajar, Chanda action now. Environmental consciousness is not just a Romero, Ricky Davao, Michelle Madri- matter of doing good deeds—it is a matter of survival," gal, Joseph Bitangcol, Ms. Rosa Rosal said Chin-Chin, who is also vice-chairman of the en- and Angelica Panganiban. vironmental group Mother Earth Foundation. Also appearing in “Vietnam Rose” are Every Thursday, Chin-Chin delivers vital information Jason Abalos, AJ Dee, Ilonah Jean, Tony on the state of our planet, makes the rounds of barangays Mabesa, Lollie Mara and Jim Pebangco. to checkon their waste management practices, and Multi-awarded scriptwriter Ricky Lee is shares eco-friendly tips to help households adopt a "zero- the creative manager, with Felinda waste" lifestyle. Viewers can also write or call in to raise environmental issues pertinent to their communities or to Bagas handling head writer duties. An- commend exemplary ecological projects whenever other award-winning talent, Joey Luna, "Green Patrol" goes live on the last weekof the month. is the production designer. "We cannot afford to leave environmental issues to government, nongovernment organizations or other sectors anymore. Everyone must do the patrolling, must be aware of each one's irresponsible consumption, and assist in bringing backecological balance be- ABS-CBN statement fore it is too late," Chin-Chin said. on MTRCB suspension Mahiwagang umaga ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ update: "THE Movie Television Review with the suspension. We com- and Classification Board (MTR- plied with the MTRCB decision. sa ABS-CBN CB), through its chairperson, "We understand that ‘Pinoy ANG mga Disney animation ay sadyang malapit sa pu- Consoliza Laguardia and its adju- Big Brother’ represents a new, un- so ng bawat bata, sa edad at sa puso. Mula sa una nating dication committee, suspended- precedented expression of Filipino tinangkilik na “Mickey Mouse and Friends,” hanggang Pasaway na ABS-CBN’s ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ reality, a microcosm of human be- sa inidolo nating mga Disney prince at princess, bawat for one episode as penalty for air- havior that opens valuable studies isa sa atin ay siguradong may kanya-kanyang paborito ing certain scenes that the Board and insights into social interac- na maaari pang maipasa hanggang sa ating mga anak. deemed beyond the parental tion, relationships and discipline. Sa eksklusibong pagsasama ng Disney at ABS-CBN housemates, guidance classification of the "We will continue to workwith Broadcasting Corp., ang saya at hiwagang dala ng Dis- show. the MTRCB in producing well- ney animations ay mapapanood na sa ating mga bahay. "In our opinion, we have oper- screened episodes given the inher- Mapupuno na ng adventure ang ating mga umaga. Ang ated within the parameters agreed ently free-form genre of reality TV. iba’t- ibang Disney features ay hindi lang maghahatid sa evicted na! upon with the Board in the first We remain committed in offering the buong pamilya ng kasiyahan kundi magtuturo rin ng meeting held on August 26, 2005. best presentations of ‘Pinoy Big mabuting asal at pakikisama sa pamilya at kaibigan. FIRST eviction night, September 10. Nanaig ang kagustuhan ni However, after a discussion with Brother’ to the Filipino audience that Gawing kaaliw-aliw ang bawat umaga. Manood ng Big Brother nang mapalayas si Rico Barrera, ang hunkng Olon- the board on September 21, 2005, has embraced it as their nightly fa- “Disney Adventures,” Lunes hanggang Biyernes, alas- gapo, sa unang eviction night na ginanap sa “Pinoy Big Brother” the committee decided to proceed vorite in television viewing.” 9 ng umaga sa ABS-CBN. House. Bawat housemate ay maaring pumili ng dalawang kasamahan na nais niyang ma-evict sa bahay; each first nomination was equivalent to two points, while the second nomination was worth one point. Racquel got 11 points and Franzen seven points. Hindi kasali sa pinagpilian si Rico dahil si Big Brother na mismo ang nag-nominate sa kanya. Una siyang napili dahil naging pasaway ito sa loob ng tatlong linggong pamamalagi sa bahay. Second nomination night, Sept. 17. Suki pa rin ng nomination si Racquel, na nakakuha ng nine points. Si JB, ang bad boy ng La Union, ang co-nominee ng titser at dating OFW. Ang pamamaalam ni Jenny. Samantala, kusang lumabas sa Rico Barrera Uma Khouny Sam Milby Franzen Macaraeg Chx Alcala Jayson Gainza “Pinoy Big Brother” House si Jenny Suico pagkatapos ng nasabing nomination night sa dahilang may sakit ang kanyang ama. Anim na x buwan umano ang taning sa buhay ng ama ngunit pumanaw ito ilang araw pagkatapos umuwi si Jenny sa Olongapo. Ang bagong housemate. At dahil may umalis, may pumasok na bagong housemate sa bahay ni Kuya—ang poging Fil-Am commercial model na si Sam Milby ng Surigao. Second eviction night, Sept. 24. Sinusuwerte pa rin si Rac- quel. Kahit pangalawang nomination na, naisalba pa rin ito ng text votes. Si JB naman, pinalayas na. Ang third eviction night ay gaganapin sa Oct. 8. Sino ang susunod na uuwi? Abangan! Nene Tamayo Bob de la Cruz Say Alonzo Cass Ponti JBx Magsaysay Racquel Reyes 6 LOPEZLINK October 2005

Benpres Insurance... “There are companies that are having from page 1 a hard time and number one na tinitipid nila, ang (that they scrimp on is their) in- Don Eugenio H. Lopez —BPIA only surance premium. So we tell them, used to handle the requirements of the ‘What’s your budget? We’ll get the best Lopez Group for life insurance,as non- insurance for your budget.’ And we de- Meet Team life insurance was the turf of AFISCO. termine how much they can absorb or tol- However,the company responded to the erate.” BPIA call of the times by widening its scope to Such readiness to go the extra mile BENPRES Insurance Agency Inc. owes its success to the hardworking team include pre-need and nonlife insurance on the part of Sanchez and his team re- as well. sulted in several employees deciding to that ensured its steady rise in the industry. Here, get to BPIA sells individual programs to move their business to BPIA. meet the people up close and know what it takes to be part of the BPIA team. employees,a “continuous thing that the “The key is good service,you have to company has been doing ever since.” A take care of your clients. So far,we have Paolo Q. Lagdameo group was also organized recently to sell been able to do that,” the GM noted. COO pre-need although the plan has been At present,BPIA looks to increasing Lagdameo's main task is to formulate policies and help temporarily shelved,Sanchez said. its "outside business"—currently mak- direct the company's operations towards its goal. He is also Then,three years ago,the different HR ing up about 20% of the agency’s mar- in charge of overseeing the executives who handle various departments of the Lopez Group compa- ket—despite the fact that the present departments and sees to it that the organization's policies nies agreed to consolidate the whole economic situation makes the job dou- are implemented on a day-to-day basis. He's responsible for group under one program—another bly hard. timely move that ultimately benefited “Groups of companies and even banks monitoring,measuring and reporting on operational issues, the employees. also have their own insurance agencies opportunities and development plans and achievements “We recommended it because with a now,so you can’t do any business with within agreed formats and time scales. In addition,Lag- bigger volume,we can ask for a lower them. The way we see it,our biggest com- dameo is tasked to manage and control the departmental rate for it. Other groups of companies al- petitor is ourselves. We have to conquer expenditure within the set budget. so practice it although there are still our weaknesses and build on our some employees with individual poli- strengths. That’s why we constantly train cies,” Sanchez noted. our people,expose them to the innova- Francisco A. De Torrontegui With BPIA,Lopez Group employees tions in the industry. We have to be updat- are assured of the careful handling of ed and it has to be continuous,” Sanchez VP-Operations their various insurance requirements as said. Primarily responsible for the insurance production and the agency takes to heart its mandate to Such perseverance and competence are attainment of the company's marketing objectives,De Tor- offer the best comprehensive coverage apparently paying off,for BPIA is weath- rontegui is also in charge of the service,training and col- at the least cost to its clients. ering the ups and downs of the insurance lection,and at the same time,plans,coordinates and super- “That’s our responsibility to the Lopez business quite well,thank you. Its GM, vises the account executives. He submits his findings and Group,” the GM said. “We have to ad- too,is pleased by the agency’s slow but recommendations to the chief executive officer. dress the employees’ insurance needs, steady upward climb through the years. and we assure them that,honest to good- “In this business,you can never be ness,we will handle their requirements assured that you can maintain your bot- properly. We always go to the market to tom figure. Your income is proportion- check the rates,and whoever has the best ate to your client’s premium—when it and the lowest offer,that’s who we get.” goes down,your income goes down The GM added that BPIA readily along with it; it’s not like other products, Roberto C. Angeles helps out employees who approach them whose selling costs just keep rising. VP-Marketing and Business Development even for personal requirements,such as “When I joined BPIA,it was very Angeles has direct supervision of the account managers. vehicle insurance,or when they have small,its paid up capital was only trouble collecting on a claim from their P40,000; now it’s more than P10 mil- He is also tasked to prepare and supervise the implementa- principal or provider. Cash-strapped lion. You can see that it has really been tion of the marketing strategies for clients. He conducts risk companies get the same considerate and growing—and we look forward to main- management surveys and prepares loss control programs for helpful treatment from the agency. taining this growth,” Sanchez said. the clients and most importantly,provides the clients with cost effective insurance programs.

Rafael E. Inog AVP-Finance A certified public accountant,Inog is responsible for the Benpres Insurance Agency Inc. at the Erlag Bldg. in Legaspi Village pro- company's centralized finance functions and activities. He vides a wide range of life and nonlife insurance as well as pre-need and prepares,analyzes and interprets financial reports for the health care services to all its sister companies in the Lopez Group that management. He also supervises the maintenance of files may consider its services. Its nonlife programs include: and records of important documents such as contracts,loan • Fire insurance agreements,insurance policies,tax returns,licenses and the • Vehicle insurance (private and commercial) like. Last but not least,Inog makes sure that all taxes due • Personal accident insurance the government are paid on time. • Marine insurance • Aviation insurance • Liability insurance • Bonds • Engineering insurance: Contractor's all risk and erection all risk Graciano A. Lopez • Electronic equipment insurance AVP-Claims • Money, security and payroll The liaison officer between the company and the client, robbery Lopez regularly conducts investigations to determine liabilities, • Dishonesty, destruction and negotiates the claim and submits his recommendations to the disappearance insurance company. He also holds policy and claims orientations for the • Industrial all risk insurance clients to educate them about the terms and conditions of their • Special risk insurance existing policy. As part of his routine,Lopez also regularly vis- (paintings and other works its his clients to maintain visibility and at the same time proof art) mote a harmonious business relationship. (Lianne Padilla) • Property floater insurance LOPEZLINK October 2005 7

EXECUTIVE PROFILE Manuel ‘Beaver’ L. Lopez Jr.: BPIA’s man on a mission Unlike in other conglomerates, the Lopez and manage stress to healthylevels. Group does not require its member companies "I don't expect BPIA to get the contracts to award all insurance contracts to BPIA. For outright with one sales pitch. But at least, we Lopez, all he requests from Lopez Group should be given the chance to present. I firmly companies is that BPIA be given the opportu- believe this is the healthiest wayto conduct nityto bid for their insurance needs. such an exercise, especiallybecause huge "Often, BPIA is the underdog because we sums are involved. It's in the millions of pesos have no Caucasian delivering a PowerPoint and sometimes, in the millions of dollars. And presentation like foreign-affiliated brokers. even if the companyeventuallychooses an in- But when the details of the contract are com- surance broker from outside the group, involv- pared, ours turns out to be verycompetitive. ing BPIA allows the companyto know or For one, we don't charge service fees, which is evaluate if it got a good rate or a good return in dollars, bythe way,when youchoose a for- on its premiums," said Lopez. eign-affiliated broker. Because of our He believes all members of the Lopez malasakit (concern) for our group of compa- Group, companies and workforces, must work nies, we always extend help to them beyond together and sacrifice some for the common WHEN Manuel "Beaver" L. Lopez Jr. decided national) in establishing The Filipino Channel their standards or expectations," he said. good. to take a more active role in Benpres Insur- in the US. In 1996, Lopez left ABS-CBN But during performance reviews when op- "We are diversified as a group. But if we ance AgencyInc. (BPIA) in late 2002, he im- Global and worked at Skycable, eventually erating companies are behind targets, insur- can put aside our differences and work togeth- mediatelyrealized how the company'sser- moving to Pilipino Cable Corporation (PCC) ance premiums are among the first to be cut. er, we can return to the 'glorydays,'as myfa- vices tended to be forgotten or taken for grant- in 1999 to manage the Camanava (Caloocan, This, along with the alreadyheavycompeti- ther [Meralco chairman Manuel M. Lopez] ed byits comembers in the Lopez Group. Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) franchise. tion in the insurance industry, naturally re- puts it. Remember that in times of adversity, BPIA is owned byprivate holding compa- When he resigned from PCC-Skycable in quires BPIA to do a lot of pencil pushing to there is opportunity. We have to look at the big nyLopez Inc. and serves many,but not all, 2002, he had not planned on returning to BPIA come up with competitive offers. picture and the long term. Acknowledge that Lopez Group companies. "Some of our client but fate led him back to the Lopez Group com- Still, Lopez does not allow the stresses of our companyis part of the whole. If we show companies have not utilized us to our full po- panyhe started with. his work and business to affect his familylife. malasakit for the group, we will make deci- tential," said Lopez. As BPIA executive vice-president, Lopez Now parenting two boys with wife Jackie, he sions that will be good for the entire group and He first joined BPIA in 1988 as a manage- is now championing the cause of the family- has found a balance between these aspects of not just the individual companies. It's an atti- ment trainee with a monthlyallowance of owned agencyoften forgotten in the midst of his life bybeing patient and recognizing that tude we must develop, thinking of the major- P1,500. He left BPIA in 1993 and joined diverse pressures bearing on the Lopez he "can't solve everything in one day." The ap- ity, instead of just looking after our own turf," ABS-CBN Global (formerlyABS-CBN Inter- Group. proach has helped him take things in stride Lopez concluded.

LITTLE LIVES, BIG DEEDS Gerry Cabellon: Ang Meralco fieldman na chess master By Raul J. Sol Cruz Gayunpaman, pinili ni Gerry na manatili sa Mer- Gerry ang mga kapwa empleyado, dating empleyado alco sapagka't nakita niya na hindi maganda ang at kani-kanilang mga anak. Nagtala ng 14-1 win-loss NAGSIMULA si Gerardo Cabellon, Gerrysa kabuhayan sa chess sa Pilipinas. score si NM Gerry. kanyang mga kasamahan, bilang bill collector ng "Ang chess aymalaking pakikipagsapalaran. Noong Mayo naman, nagkaroon ng chess clinic Meralco para sa Malate branch noong 1980s. Kahit magaling ka, hindi ka pa rin makakabuhayng para sa mga anak ng Meralco employees at si NM Noong 1990s, ang galing niya sa chess ang naging pamilya dahil masyadong matindi ang competition Gerryang naatasang mag-analyzeng laro ng wonder puhunan niya upang mapabilang sa prestihiyosong lalo na sa international tournaments. At para ka mag- kid ng Pilipinas na si WesleySo, ang 11 anyosna Na- Meralco chess team na nanalo sa Enterprise Sports ing Grand Master aykailangang lumaro ka sa ibang tional Master. Ito ang naging highlight ng naturang Association of the Philippines or ESAP champi- bansa dahil sa bihira naman ang international tourna- chess clinic. onship. Sa pagpupursige ni Gerrysa puwesto niyasa ment dito sa atin. Mas maigi na ang stable job tulad "Hindi naman ako nagsisisi sa hindi ko pagpatuloy Board #1, nanalo ang Meralco ng limang sunud-sun- ng trabaho ko sa Meralco," pahayag ni Gerry. sa professional chess. Masaya na ako sa marami kong od na championships mula noong late 1980s hang- "Subali't chess din ang naging puhunan ko sa naging magagandang experience noong nakaraan. gang sa early1990s. buhay, dito ako nakapag-aral ng kolehiyo ng libre at Talagang priorityko ang pamilyako kayatuloy Nasa Meralco na si Gerryng siya'ymagingNa- ito rin ang malaking bagaypara makuha ako sa Mer- lang ako sa pagsisipag sa Meralco," pagtatapos ni tional Master (NM) dahil naabot niya ang Top 10 ng alco. Ang maipapayo ko sa mga magulang ay turuan Gerry. Philippine championship noong 1990s. Halos puma- nila ang kanilang mga anak ng chess. Ang training na sok din siya sa Top 10 ng International FEBTC Open made-develop sa pagiging systematic thinker ay kung saan naglaro ang mga International Grand Mas- malaking tulong sa pag-aaral sa eskwela," dagdag ters. niya. Sa isa pang Philippine championship aynabiktima Ngayo'y43anyosna si Gerryat mayapat na anak. niya ang ngayo'y Grand Master (GM) na si Bue- Ang pamilya Cabellon, kasama ang maybahay na si naventura "Bong" Villamayor na itinuturing ni Gerry MaryFe, aynakatira sa Meralco Village sa Bocaue, na best game of his short-lived chess career. Hindi iy- Bulacan. Inspector na si Gerrypara sa systemloss on ordinaryong panalo dahil ginamit niya ang program ng Manila sector at dahil sa shifting sched- tinatawag na "queen sacrifice," ang ina ng lahat ng ule, kulang ang oras niya para sa chess practice at sakripisyo sa chess na pinapangarap maipanalo ng la- wala siyang makalaro sa mga oras na available siya. hat ng chess player. Pero noong Marso 2005, inimbita si Gerryng Mer- Noong 1990s tinalo ni Gerryang mga GMs tulad alco Chess Club para mag-simultaneous exhibition nina Rogelio Antonio at Villamayor, at maging ang para sa FamilyDaykaakibat ng celebration ng Mer- mga kasapi ng Philippine team na mga National o In- alco Foundation Day. Ito'y isang 15-board simultane- ternational Masters tulad nina Ben Florez, Petronio ous playkung saan sabay-sabaynagingkalaro ni NM Roca at ReyBancod. 8 LOPEZLINK October 2005

Roby Lopez’s legacy: Remembering Roby WHO was Roby Lopez? Presy L. Psinakis PAAFI sends 5,000 kids to school His death at the age of 42 de- “Roby had a very sunny disposi- prived the younger generation of tion with his round face and smiling By Vanessa Jane T. Suquila ciety, there are still people who care,” said Lopez family members and Lopez eyes.After EDSA 1, I told him, ’Ro- Roby about the urban poor children in a PIA Group employees of the opportuni- by you’re so bright, you’re probably A TOTAL of 5,607 children from urban poor newsletter published in 1987. ty to know the man known for his the brightest among my brothers. communities have gone to school through the Presy Psinakis, Roby’s sister, now chairs love of the arts and his philan- Why don’t you take care of one of Phil-Asia Assistance Foundation Inc.or PAAFI with Yvonne Yuchengco as president. thropy expressed by his enduring the businesses?’ And he said, ’If you PAAFI. Psinakis feels that PAAFI was Roby’s baby. work at the Lopez Memorial Muse- let me handle any of the businesses, PAAFI is the Philippine counterpart of She has vowed to help PAAFI continue its um and the Phil-Asia Assistance I’m going to give them away.’ He Foundation Inc.(PAAFI). was very generous by nature and not San Francisco, California-based nonprofit or- work among urban poor children. Roby took after his father’s in- too keen about making money.An- ganization Philippine International Aid PAAFI has only two full time social work- Roberto Moreno Lopez ers and a handful of volunteer staff, admin- clination for art and philanthropy. other memory I have of him is that (PIA).With PAAFI headed by Roberto “Ro- In a 1996 newspaper interview, as a 10-year-old boy, he loved play- August 28, 1950-September by” Moreno Lopez, the youngest son of Eu- istering scholarship funds for 380 students 26, 1992 enrolled for school year 2005-2006.The Lopez Museum consultant Dr. ing mahjong.After school, he’d sit genio H.Lopez Sr.,until his demise in 1992, Rod Paras Perez said: “He did not behind our mom who would be scholarship requires the children to just collect artworks; he helped playing with her friends.He’d ask, pala ni Eñing” ("So you’re the son of pass the year and show a strong de- nurture the milieu that would ‘Mom, aren’t you tired? Don’t you Eñing”) because he did not like to sire to be educated. make art thrive.” It was during Ro- want to rest? I can take over.” He broadcast that he was the son of a rich The children are mostly from by’s stint as director of the Lopez was always hoping to get Mom off man.His concern for the poor was CARITAS Manila, Sta.Cruz Parish, Memorial Museum that the insti- the table and sit in her place.That very much part of his character.What Sto.Niño Parish, Our Lady of Sor- tution acquired works by contem- was a source of amusement for us- made him different was that he was rows Parish, Resurrection of Our porary artists and had various pub- Mom, her friends, everybody.” genuine about helping.I consider Ro- Lord Parish, Christ the King Parish, lication projects; he wanted the Cedie Vargas by as the quintessential Jesuit “man and Parokya ng Ina ng Laging Sak- museum to be “a vibrant, living “His name alone evokes many for others.” Handa tumulong (Ready lolo. The scholars send copies of space.” This vision is being con- vivid memories of his infectious to help) without the publicity. their report cards and write regular tinued by his niece, Mercedes laughter, the warmth of his person- Felipe A. Santillan Jr. “thank you” letters to their donors Lopez-Vargas. ality, his happy disposition, his Roby Lopez will always be re- whom they have come to regard as a Meanwhile, his work of sending love for life and his genuine kind- membered as a soft-spoken and tito or tita. urban poor children to school ness and concern for not just his well-mannered gentleman who en- Roby’s personal touch lives on in through PAAFI (see related story) family but for all those around him joyed sharing what he had with his vision of PAAFI, which is for the is being continued by his sister as well.He possessed so much love others.I will never forget the birth- foundation to be “an active hand in Presy Psinakis. and joy and shared that limitlessly day party he had at his home some- where in Dewey Boulevard.I re- changing the conditions of the poor His siblings, niece and friends with the family.He was totally un- from school, those who were fortu- selfish and had the kindest disposi- member the swimming pool, the the PIA-PAAFI partnership worked with in our society, no matter how small the con- CARITAS Manila and metropolitan parishes nate enough to have known Roby tion.He was uncle, friend, media- good food and the motorized mini- tribution might be.” Lopez, share their fondest memo- tor and godfather to us all.It was cars.I remember the gift I got even to identify beneficiaries of the flagship “Off PAAFI is not a big foundation, but like the ries of the brother, the uncle, the his vision for the Lopez Museum’s if it was not my birthday.I also re- the Streets, Off to School” scholarship pro- man who started it, it is clear that no grand classmate who touched their lives: art collection to be of equal impor- member the trip to the Lopez Mu- gram. gestures are needed to make a difference. Manuel M. Lopez tance to that of its Filipiniana li- seum, the nice paintings and other Since 1986 when PIA head Mona Lisa Yuchengco wrote in the PIA newsletter in “Roby and I were very close. brary holdings.Today, the Museum displays.My memories of Roby Yuchengco asked Roby, a personal friend, to 1993: “It has never been the same since Ro- We were the youngest brothers and is recognized by scholars as one of will always be with me and will al- set up and head PAAFI, thousands of children by’s death…but at the same time, I feel that we more or less grew up together. the most important repositories of ways be good. of drivers, laundrywomen, carpenters and la- he is watching over us and urging us to con- He was a very bright boy and he both fine Philippine art as well as Buddy Firmacion borers, who did not have enough money to tinue the work.” had plans of serving the country by rare Filipiniana archival material in The last time I saw Roby was at send them to school, have benefited from the Help PAAFI send more urban poor chil- joining the Foreign Service.He the country.He is and always will our get-together in a house in San PIA-PAAFI program. dren to school.Contact Leah at 0920- studied Chinese history and his be very much alive in our hearts Lorenzo.What I vividly recall is “We want to show them that in their so- 5667910. dream was to be assigned someday and in our memories.” his great simplicity and humility.I to China.He always obeyed and Gabriel Lopez was shocked to see him riding in a did errands for all of us, he never Roby was a very private person. low-cost Nissan Sentra when he complained.He loved traveling, We were classmates from Grades 2 to could very well afford the most ex- First Gen leads coastal cleanup day visiting museums and historical 7 at the Ateneo Grade School.He pensive cars.I wish more people places.He was a very special son would get embarrassed whenever my had his “down-to-earthness” and and brother.” other classmates teased him, "Anak ka pureness of heart.

September 17 coastal cleanup with BPPC volunteers in Bauang, La Union

FIRST Gen Corporation and its operating Private Power Corp.also trooped to clean companies took part in the celebration of Barangays Payocpoc Sur and Pilar in At the Sept. 16 cleanup in Sta. Rita, Batangas International Coastal Cleanup Day 2005. Bauang on Sept.17, which coincided First Gen’s power plants in Batangas City with the international celebration held ev- and Bauang, La Union spearheaded the ery third Saturday of September.Around cleanup of coastal areas with members of 15 First Gen Volunteers crossed the Verde their host communities. Passage on Sept.24 to join the residents Heavy rains on September 16 did not of Barangay San Andres in Isla Verde in deter First Gas employees from cleaning cleaning up the shores. the shorelines of Sta.Rita Aplaya, Sta. International Coastal Cleanup Day is Clara and Cabubulag River with PENRO observed to focus global concern over the and Southbend Security and Investigative worsening marine and coastal pollution. Agency, among others. It has evolved into the largest volunteer Almost 100 volunteers from Bauang effort for the environment. (Rey Laguda) At the Sept. 24 cleanup in Isla Verde LOPEZLINK October 2005 9

First Gas Holdings Presents ‘Zero-In: Constructs’-A visual feast of genres “ZERO-IN,” the consortium ofthe Gallery’s exhibit. The nine—Vir- country’s leading private museums, gilio Aviado, Benjie Torrado Cabr- ‘Hewn presents a series ofexhibitions that era, Ambie Abaño, Pablo Baens revolve around a term that con- Santos, Amiel Roldan, Sid Gomez verges conceptually as imagined re- Hildawa, Marina Cruz, Noëll El Territories’ ality (’kän"-str&kt) and imagina- Farol and Eugene Jarque—proffer Until January 2006 tion made real (k&n-’str&kt). alternative modes ofproduc- Gallery, Lopez Memorial Strengthening their partnership tion/reproduction which straddle Museum by building on each other’s areas of human and mechanical interven- expertise, the Lopez Memorial Mu- tion. The nine banded together to TRAVEL writer William Least Heat-Moon once seum, Ayala Museum, Ateneo Art assert their desires in the imagina- said: “Whenever we enter the land, sooner or lat- Gallery and Museo Pambata ng tive playgrounds ofthe analog; this er we pick up the scent ofour own histories.” Maynila harness the potential of Juan Arellano’s Christ Down the exhibition investigates various no- Whether this history is long or short, per- Cross (above) is part of the Lopez sonal or otherwise, traces ofit remain in the their collections and public programs tions ofretrograde resistance to the to create a front that defies social de- Museum exhibit; a Gabriel Barredo “electronization ofsensibility.” form of the vegetation we plant, the work we opus (left) at the Ayala Museum do on the land and the structures we build, volution: Constructing constructs Museo Pambata among others. These activities we do alone or which form a symbiotic whole. “Junk Art Carnival” in conjunction with others, and affect the way Lopez Museum together landscapes and midscapes, icons from Christian and Eastern October 27, 2005-January 15, we see the land. “Juan Arellano: Drawing Space” which make for disjointed accounts religions into intriguing emblems, 2006 “Hewn Territories” asserts that we impose October 6, 2005-April 8, 2006 offlight-diasporaand restless habi- creating objects which take view- An exhibition ofworks done by ourselves upon the places we behold visually, “Juan Arellano: Drawing Space” tation in pursuit ofone Filipino’s ers on a multisensory journey into Romy Gabriel, the “Prince of breathe in, move into and live within. Featured in this exhibition are works of19th century Filipino explores the dynamics ofspace in constructed sense ofself. the artist’s fantastically baroque Junk,” at Museo Pambata ng masters Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidal- relation to memory-making and Ayala Museum mental universe. Reality and fanta- Maynila culminates the “Zero-In” go. This exhibition ties in with the ongoing “Zero- acts ofself-imaging.Threaded “[IN]VISIBLE” sy collide as texture, movement, series. The show features carnival In” exhibition “Juan Arellano: Drawing Space.” through by pictorial anecdotes in Art installation by Gabriel Barredo light and sound are assembled in a miniature rides made out ofrecy- The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the the life of the modernist painter-ar- Oct. 13-November 6, 2005 designed theatrical environment. clable materials—a creative way ground floor of the Benpres Building, Ex- chitect, the show coaxes visitors to Gabriel Barredo continues his ex- Ateneo Art Gallery ofpresenting the waste disposal change Road corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas consider Juan Arellano’s (1888- plorations with kinetic sculpture “A/P: Analog Playground” crisis. By combining the concepts Center, Pasig City. Museum days and hours are 1960) work by summoning inter- and assemblage with “[IN]VISI- Oct. 19, 2005-January 20, 2006 ofart and recycling, it is hoped that Mondays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., sections ofrelationships between BLE.” The show takes Barredo’s The state ofcontemporary art this exhibit will allow children to except Sundays and holidays. For more information, call 631-2417 or geographies ofbuilt structure and surrealist juxtapositions from the marked by its move towards cy- discover the importance ofpre- email [email protected]. psychological terrains visited and realm ofthe uncanny to the ether berspace inspired the Filipino serving the environment and its thus virtually possessed. It brings world ofthe sublime, combining printmakers behind Ateneo Art natural resources. Did you know? There's abaca in your Mercedes-Benz! German Month ’05 celebration continues this October MERCEDES-Benz has pioneered the use of ental Hotel.” “Oom tah tah” Poems” and the forthcoming abaca banana plant fibers as an exterior car the night away with the Bavar- follow-up, “The Moment We component in its three-door A-Class, a com- ian Sound Expressas they pro- Met." Call the Goethe-Institut pact model sold in the global market. The use vide Manila with authentic Manila at 722-4671 to 73. of the fibers for the spare tire compartment Bavarian entertainment. Tick- marks a first for exterior use for Mercedes- ets via The Mandarin Oriental Digital Video Benz. Hotel. Call 750-8888. Broadcasting: Manila Cordage, a Philippine producer of A seminar on DVD semi-finished materials, supplies the fibers Art Contest/Art Exhibit technology by Rohde & while Swiss automotive supplier Rieter man- Porsche Car Show ufactures the components. Oct. 8-15, 2005 Schwarz October 7-9, 2005 The Ambassador’s Cup Abaca fibers have a very high tensile 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 19, 2005 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Golf Tournament strength and are rot-resistant. They have a Ayala Mall 1-2:20 p.m. "The Correspondents" Rockwell Power Plant Mall Oct. 15, 2005 very good ecological balance combined with These are the racing cars The exhibit features works by DLSU College of Oct. 3 & 10, 2005 Mount Malarayat Golf and excellent technical properties, similar to made for the streets. No other Filipino artists in response to Engineering, W. Shaw ABS-CBN those ofglass fibers.Up to 60% energy sav- Country Club, Batangas car combines luxury and driv- the question, “What is Ger- Theater at William Hall Watch the special episodes of ings can be achieved with abaca fibers, sig- "The Correspondents" on Oct. 3 ing experience in a more un- many all about?” Awarding of Michael Bola and Noel Edeleon nificantly reducing carbon dioxide emis- and 10. Correspondents Karen compromising way. art contest winners will be on of Rohde & Schwarz Philip- sions. Davila and Abner Mercado Oct.9at3p.m. pines Inc., will present “The Fu- Research engineers from global automak- highlight the rich history and ture of MPEG2 and DVD Tech- er DaimlerChrysler, which owns Mercedes- culture of Germany while they Bosch Siemens nology: Bringing Digital TV to Benz, first patented a mixture of polypropy- discover the Filipino stories Hausgeräte Your Mobile Phone.” Rohde & lene thermoplastic and abaca fibers in 2002. within. Abner joins the Okto- Schwarz has been developing Since January 2004, DaimlerChrysler has Oct. 14, 2005 berfest celebration, the biggest and marketing electronic been working on a public-private partnership 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. public festival in the world, and products for the capital goods in Leyte together with the German Invest- Mapua Institute of visits the birthplace of Pope sector for the past 70 years. ment and Development Association (DEG) Technology, Intramuros Benedict XVI in Marktl. Then, and Hohenheim University. The goal is to campus, AV-Room Expo of German Karen and Abner unveil the sto- achieve sustainable planting ofabaca bushes Gerd Strobel of BSH will lead ries of the successes and failures The Mandarin Oriental’s Goethe-Institut Manila products and services while optimizing production processes for a discussion about environ- presents finest jazz by that Filipinos in Germany have abaca fibers. Oktoberfest mental and corporate re- Oct. 21-24, 2005 endured—a croissant chain Oct. 7-8, 2005 Esther Kaiser 10 a.m.-10 p.m. This year, DaimlerChrysler, Rieter and sponsibility. The company owner, "Miss Saigon" artists and Manila Cordage were presented by the Jour- Starts 7 p.m. at the NBC has developed a plant oil Oct. 16-17, 2005 Glorietta Activity Center German-wed Filipinas. Travel 7 p.m. at The Podium and nals and Exhibitions on Composites (JEC) Tent, Fort Bonifacio cooking stove that conserves and Ayala Mall through Germany via "The Cor- Group with the JEC Award in the category of P 1,750 (includes 1 mug) resources and protects the RCBC Plaza Auditorium Exhibition of companies, prod- respondents," right after "The Ground Mass Transportation for their inno- The celebrations would never environment. BSH is the Free admission ucts and services and pro- Insider" on ABS-CBN. Replays on vative use ofthe fibersin car underbody probe complete without the “Ok- world’s third largest manufac- Esther Kaiser will perform grams by German Develop- ANC at 7 a.m. on Saturdays and tection. toberfest by the Mandarin Ori- turer of home appliances. songs from her album “Jazz ment Assistance organizations. 1 a.m. on Mondays. 10 LOPEZLINK October 2005

SPORTS Ruy Lopez opening is chess' most playable By Raul J. Sol Cruz Wilhelm Steinitz, the first official world The 1978 World Championship match champion, immortalized the Ruy Lopez by between the Russians Anatoly Karpov and “Kabayan” Noli de Castro walks with Lopez Group chair Oscar THE Ruy Lopez opening was popular- playing it in eight of the 10 times he was with Viktor Korchnoi in Baguio City placed our M. Lopez and KCFI president Rina Lopez-Bautista during the ized by the Spanish friar Ruy Lopez de the White pieces against Johannes Zukertort country in the history of chess with the 2004 “Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko.” Segura in his 1561 work "Librio del Aje- in the 1886 World Championship match. birth of the Baguio Variation (from Tar- drez." After more than 400 years, it is Emanuel Lasker popularized the Ex- rasch line 6 d4 b5 7 Bb3 d5 8 de5 Be6 9 c3 still one of the most playable systems as change Variation, which was later re- Bc5 10 Nbd2 O-O 11 Bc2 Bf5). ‘Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko’ attested by its 60 appearances in World vived by Bobby Fischer, by winning with Our very own Eugene Torre registered Championship matches from 1908 to it in the first game of the World Cham- an impressive 9-8-2 win-draw-loss now nationwide 2000, producing 20 wins for White, nine pionship match versus Siegbert Tarrasch Olympiad record with it, dating from the ON October 8, 2005, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. for Black and 31 draws. in 1908 where the Ruy was played in 1970 Siegen to the 1998 Elista (KCFI) will hold “Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko 2: Nationwide The main line is 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 seven of 16 games of the match. olympiads. His finest is with the Tar- Na!,” a 5-kilometer walkathon for education in key Philip- Bb5 a6 and Black's move was originally Jose Raul Capablanca, who did not rasch line versus then World No. 4 pine cities—Manila, Cebu and Davao. It is for the benefit of known as the Morphy Defence. The ma- give up a single game in his 1921 World Veselin Topalov in the 1996 Erevan the public elementary and high-school student beneficiaries jor variations are the Exchange 4 Bc6; Championship match versus Lasker and Olympiad. The October 2003 World who will use Knowledge Channel as a vital learning aid. Modern Steinitz 4 Ba4 d6 5 O-O d6; Tar- who has a record of not losing a single Chess Federation or Fédération Interna- Joining the walk are Piolo Pascual and other top artists rasch 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 O-O Ne4; and Closed game in eight years, from 1916 to 1924, tionale des Échecs (FIDE) rating has from ABS-CBN Star Magic, students, employees, govern- 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 O-O Be7. has crushed the debut of the tactical 5 … Topalov at No. 6 with a 2735 ELO. ment officials and members of the academe. The minor variations are the Classical d5 of Marshall that was eventually called Garry Kasparov, the Armenian-Jewish Walker participants of "Lakad 2" will pay a registration fee of 4 Ba4 Bc5, Bird 4 Ba4 Nd4; Alapin 4 the Marshall Counter-Attack. 13th world champion, has not only played P200, which will serve as their donation to KCFI. The Metro Ba4 Bb4; Schliemann 4 Ba4 f5; Among the world champions, Vasily the Ruy Lopez with the White pieces but Manila leg of "Lakad 2" will start 7 a.m. at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Bayreuth 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 Bc6; Spanish Smyslov recorded the most wins with the has played it with impunity on account of Plaza at the Luneta and end at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay. Gambit 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 d4 and what we can Ruy Lopez with 84 and used the Modern his 17-27-0 record, including seven wins in Organizations and companies are encouraged to send del- consider the Filipinos' pride, the Torre Steinitz in Game 11 of the 1954 World the World Championship matches spread egates to "Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko 2: Nationwide Na!" For Gambit 4 Ba4 Nf6 5 O-O Be7 6 d4 b5 7 Championship match versus Mikhail among Karpov (1986 and 1990), Nigel more details, contact your HR department. ed4 7 e5 Ne4 8 b4. Botvinnik en route to the title. Short (1993) and Vishy Anand (1995).

FROM THE CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAM Now open: Benpres Fitness Gym LOPEZ Group fitness buffs don't have to go It's never too late to quit! far to get their CIGARETTE smoking regular dose of continues to be the leading What's in your cig? exercise as the preventable cause of Benpres Fitness chronic diseases like heart DID you know that there are about 4,000 Gym at the disease, cancer, and chron- chemicals in tobacco smoke? These include: ground floor of ic lung diseases such as • Acetone is widely used as a solvent, for ex- the Benpres emphysema. ample, in nail polish remover. Building near Researches have shown • Tar,a mixture of chemicals (formaldehyde,ar- East Parking is senic and cyanide, to name a few). About 70% now open for membership. that people who smoke For a one-time nonrefundable membership fee of P500 half a pack of cigarettes a of the tar is left in smokers' lungs when they inhale cigarette smoke, and this causes serious and monthly dues of P500, a member can take advantage of day have twice the risk of lung diseases. the topnotch facilities and equipment of the gym. The first- developing heart disease • Carbon monoxide (CO) combines with month dues will be waived for the first 50 applicants. So compared to a nonsmoker. molecules in the blood that are supposed to gather your colleagues and sign up for group exercises such Smoking produces up to a carry oxygen; this makes breathing more dif- as Tae Bo, aerobics and body pump, and bodybuilding pro- fourfold-increase in the in- ficult. Up to 15% of a smoker's blood may be grams for men and women. cidence of sudden death carrying CO instead of oxygen, which Gym hours are from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays to Fridays; and doubles the risk for means the heart has to work harder. 8 a.m.-12 nn on Saturdays; and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on pub- stroke compared to nonsmokers. • Ammonia is found in cleaning fluids. lic holidays. sis; support groups; medication and For program and membership information, call Maricar Smoking can also act with other behavior modification. • Arsenic is a deadly poison used in insecti- de Guzman at 449-2385. risk factors like hypertension and Exercise can help an ex-smoker cides. diabetes to increase the risk for cope with the weight gain that sets • Formaldehyde is used to preserve dead bodies. Erratum chronic illnesses. in upon quitting. Exercise will in- • Cadmium is a highly poisonous metal used In our September issue story, "‘Laro Tayo, Kapamilya’ It may be effective to identify your crease stamina and energy, raise in batteries. winners," the last paragraph should have read: underlying needs and to start address- metabolism to burn calories and • Shellac becomes a wood varnish when "Meralco ended up as the 'Laro Tayo, Kapamilya' ing these if you want to stop smok- help curb one's appetite. mixed with a form of alcohol. overall champion with six points, followed by the Skycable/Pilipino Cable and ABS-CBN teams as first ing. There are alternatives available As soon as you quit smok- • Benzene is used as a solvent in fuel and that may help you quit—nicotine re- runner-up and second runner-up, respectively." ing—regardless of how long you've chemical manufacturing. The photo captions correctly identified placement in the form of patches, been at it—the risk for various dis- • Cyanide is a deadly poison. Skycable/Pilipino Cable as first runner-up. gum, lozenges and inhalers; hypno- eases begins to fall. LOPEZLINK October 2005 11

A LOT of people sent in their questions and comments on our September cover story on the Tollways Management Corp., proof that BINASA mo ba from cover to cover ang huling isyu ng Crossword the physical and other improvements on the Lopez Link? Isa ka ba sa mga masugid na tagasubaybay North Luzon Expressway have made an im- ng mga programa sa ABS-CBN, Studio 23 o ANC? pact on our readers, whether they commute Patunayan na isa kang ganap na kapamilya sa pa- on the expressway themselves or heard DDeeaarr RRoossiiee mamagitan ng pagkumpleto ng crossword puzzle na ito. good things about it from others. More power to Anthony Mabasa and his team! ooOoo Thanks to all Lopez Group employees Any updates on the rehabilitation of Maynilad? What does who wrote in. Keep those letters coming. the DCRA mean for the company’s contractual employees? ooOoo Will they be regularized?—Catherine Kudos to the staff of Lopez Link for the in- ooOoo formative and extensive TMC feature. It We’re happy to report that Maynilad is not behind on its pay- really helps regular users of the NLE such ment obligations as per the approved rehab plan. We have a cap as myself to know the people behind the as regard Operational and Capital Expenditure, and we are company and also the security systems making sure that we are within those caps set by the DCRA. that have been set up in the expressway; it makes us feel very safe. Maynilad VP for finance Phil Torio is confident that we will hit Keep up the good work, guys!—Noli our target revenue ofP1.9 billion for2005. ooOoo The programs instituted by Dr. Estuar, on the other hand, are be- How much does the "NLE Motorist’s Handbook" cost and how ginning to show positive results in terms ofwater recovery despite the do I get a copy?—Tammy problem oflow raw water supply. ooOoo Protection for existing regular employees naturally is foremost in From Benjie Suzara, marketing services manager ofTMC: For now the company’s agenda, but it is hoped that contractual employees will we have copies that are complimentary. The second version, which have some measure ofprotection also. We’re still looking into the has the revisions, will be for sale. We have not finalized the cost yet, specifics of the issue and will update you through this column soon. but it shouldn’t be expensive; less than P100, for sure. ooOoo ACROSS 5. A cutting tool ooOoo Congratulations to ABS for bringing back “Probe” to its real 1. ------Month, October 6. RP’s most modern ex- Do you happen to have an online or soft copy of the article “Big home. ABS is the only channel that can give Ms Cheche Lazaro cultural event backed by the pressway, for short Brother is in the NLE” as printed in the September issue of Lopez and her team behind the award-winning show the exposure and Lopez Group 8. Mother Link? I intend to share the information on the forum boards of a support that they deserve. I hope this reunion is for good 7. NLE operator, headed by 9.Elpi----,Meralco VP car club that I’m a member of.—JV na!—Jaime Tony Mabasa for corporate communi- ooOoo ooOoo 10. First name of TMC’s as- cation With regard to the story “First Gen ESOP gets SEC nod” in your Isa ako sa officers ng Meralco Chess club at nagko-contribute rin sistant vice-president for 10.“----Tayo, Kapamilya,” last issue, I would just like to clarify whether employees of other ako sa Meralco News. Dahil nagkaroon ng Lopez Group bad- Human Resources and theme of the sports event Lopez Group companies are allowed to buy First Gen shares. If minton tournament kamakailan, naisip namin na baka pwede Administration held at Club sixfifty not, are there safeguards in place to assure that only the eligible ring magkaroon ng parehong event para sa Lopez Group. Pero 11. Maximum allowable ---- 12.“Entertainment Konek,” people can purchase them? Thanks.—Vanessa tinatantiya pa namin ang pagtanggap ng mga kasamahan natin load for short ooOoo sa kumpanya sa pamamagitan ng pagsulat ng mga articles 13. Latin for gold, abbr. 15.A division of the psyche Ayon kay Shirley Hombrebueno, AVP for Human Resources ng First tungkol sa chess at pag-organize ng mga exhibition games. Kaya 14.Preposition 17.Ornamental object of- Gas (na subsidiary ng First Gen Corp.), merong Employee Stock Pur- kalakip po ng sulat na ito ang aking article tungkol sa isang pop- 15.Illegal cable, abbr. fered as a prize, as in the chase Plan o ESPP para sa mga empleyado at mga subsidiaries o ular chess opening, ang Ruy Lopez, para sa future issue ng Lopez 16.And others, abbr. Lopez Group Badminton affiliated companies ng First Gen. Link. Salamat po!—Rolly 18.- - Sharples, Endemol --- Idinulog na ng First Gen sa Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ooOoo sales director for South- 18.The, Span. ang ESPP, na iba pa sa First Gen Executive Stock Option Plan o ESOP. Thank you for your letter. Check out your article in this issue’s sports east Asia 19.Lopez Group recognition 20. Big Brother, Tag. for exceptional achieve- Ayon sa naaprubahang Plan Rules, ang ESPP ay para sa mga el- section! Also, I’ll forward your letter to the HR Council, which was 22.Phil-German Council co- ments, for short igible employees na nominated o awarded para rito. Ang mga ito ay responsible for putting together the badminton tourney. They will chair and Lopez Group 21.Affirmative manggagaling sa mga sumusunod: First Gen; mga kumpanya na hig- look into your request to hold an inter-company chess event. chair, for short 23.“Laro Tayo, Kapamilya” it 30% ng voting stock ay pag-aari ng First Gen; at mga iba pang ooOoo 24.Advertisement champion team kumpanya kung saan may pag-aaring shares ofstock ang First Gen If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and re- 26.Physical exam 25.Deoxyribonucleic acid, ayon sa pagdedetermina ng First Gen board ofdirectors. Hiningi na actions about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, 27.Sta. Rita for short ng SEC sa First Gen ang listahan ng mga empleyadong qualified at please send them to Dear Rosie through fax no. 633-3520 or to 30.Street, abbr. 27.“Pinoy Big Brother,” for eligible para sa ESPP. [email protected]. Salamat! 32.Award-winning program short on ABS-CBN hosted by 28.----Salterio, Lopez Cheche Lazaro Link editor from ABS- 33.Nonprofit organization CBN TRAVEL FEATURE that provides towing ser- 29.EC---,MNTC vices in the NLE, for transponder short 31.TMC president Anthony 34.South America Mabasa, for short Bacolod City's 35.Brown---Series, 32.Postscript showcase for best prac- 36.Gross income earned; tices in the Lopez Group Geraldine, for short MassKara Festival 37.Not out 39.----Records 38.Left side, abbr. 41.----Canlas 40.Used in a cheer 42.Alma mater of TMC VP ALL roads lead to Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, as the city celebrates the line via Philippine Airline (airfare at P4,896.00). Booking is valid for 42.Alliance of local cable Nick Manalo, abbr. MassKara Festival for 20 days starting October 1, and its charter day anniver- one month only. service providers, for 43.ABS-CBN News Chan- sary on October 19. Griffin-Sierra also offers these pre-holiday discounted tour packages, short nel Here's a partial list of the fun activities in store for visitors and tourists: which are valid until Oct. 31, 2005 (quoted rates per person): 43. Asian Eye Institute 45.Airman, abbr. Majika MassKara—Oct. 5-31 Hong Kong Package with optional Disneyland Tour (4 days/3 nights): 44. Document signed by OML 47.Intermediate frequency; Masks by Bacolod artists Dennis Ascalon, Charlie Co and Nunelucio Al- US$297 and the German ambas- whether varado are on display at the Gallery Orange in Bacolod City Bangkok Package (3 days/2 nights): US$ 253 sador, for short MassKara Festival Queen Beauty Pageant—Oct. 9 (Talent Night); Oct. Singapore Package (3 days/2 nights): US$280 46."Tago nang tago” Answers to Sept. puzzle 13 (Pageant Night) Kuala Lumpur Package (3 days/2 nights): US$347 48.Given name of head of MassKara Dance Parades—Oct. 14 (Schools Category); Oct. 15 (Baran- Kota Kinabalu Package (3 days/2 nights): US$354 Oscar Awards secretariat gay Category); Oct. 16 (Open Category) Phnom Penh, Cambodia Package (3 days/2 nights): US$486 Mayol Pasundayag sa MassKara—Oct. 17 Tokyo Package (4 days/3 nights): US$1,015 49.Myrna Segismundo MassKara Fantasy Costume Show Brunei Package (3 days/2 nights): US$345 DOWN Street party and concert Taipei Package (3 days/2 nights): US$401 1. First ---, company featured Countdown to Charter Day Mardi Gras Party—Oct. 18 US Tour Packages in the September Brown Bacolod City's birthday bash promises to be the biggest street party ever San Francisco (4 days/3 nights): US$920 Bag seminar with bands, giant screens, light shows and pealing church bells. Los Angeles (5 days/4 nights): US$1,275 2. Each For those interested in joining the fun, Griffin-Sierra Tours can pack- Guam (3 days/2 nights): US$273 4. Meralco device that com- age a trip to Bacolod City with hotel accommodations at L’Fisher Hotel For more information, call 898-2451 to 57 or email Reservation@Griffin- putes power consumption (P2,500.00 per night, single, and P3,000.00 per night, double; and air- Sierra.com.ph. 12 LOPEZLINK October 2005

ROCKWELL FINDS What’s new from ABS-CBN Publishing this October: Fruity Salad Summer Salad HHooww ttoo ttrraavveell lliikkee aa ffaasshhiioonniissttaa iinn MMe et tr roo HERMÉS scarves for chilly Western Salad Asian Salad flights and comfy Ferragamo loafers for all the walking, handy moisturizers and carry-all bags- find out what Manila's leading fashionistas pack on their trips to look good all the time, even after transcontinental flights! Fashionable beauties Angel Jacob, Iza Calzado, Angel Aquino, Sara Black, Ciara Marasigan, Amanda Griffin, Geni Fresh food finds, Psinakis and Rissa Samson grace our cover as the ageless BBeeaa aanndd tthhee beauties leading Ponds' "Youthopia" crusade. In the juicy "Metro Talk," wags talk about women who mar- hhoouusseemmaatteess iinn German gems ry for name and money, and how they do it. Get the lowdown on popular diet pills and whether or not they can do you more SSttaarr SSttuuddiioo harm than good. Plus, learn from our handy guides to dealing THIS October, StarStudio cele- at the Power Plant Mall with every kind of hair problem, the best jeans on the market, brates the biggest stars in the coun- A WELL-loved German gift brand known for and the most gorgeous empire-cut gowns for formal affairs. try today: Bea Alonzo and the its original designs and top quality items as well All these and more in the October issue of Metro, the mag- housemates in the hit reality show as the latest healthful offerings from a Filipino azine for the independent woman, available at selected mag- "Pinoy Big Brother." favorite are our Power Plant Mall picks for the azine outlets and newsstands nationwide. StarStudio treats its golden girl month of October. Bea with four dreamy debutante Nici ("niki"), which generates enthusiasm in looks that say she's all grown up. people of all ages around the world, is exclusive- GGeett ttoo kknnooww tthhee ''rreeaall'' The birthday girl reveals she is fi- ly distributed in the Philippines by Humor Post. Megastar in Working Mom nally allowed to date, can now Pancake House, on the other hand, has com- Megastar in Working Mom learn to drive and that she hopes bined low-fat, protein rich ingredients into appe- tizing concoctions of vegetable salads that are WORKING Mom magazine is proud to have no less than to do a European tour soon. Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan on the cover of its October issue. Meanwhile, learn about the both tasty and South Beach diet-friendly! Try Max and Milly. Gray sitting these salads at Pancake House at the Rockwell Sharon has been lying low to give way to family matters but scandals, confessions and sob sto- elephant with magnets and Center: still found the time to talk to Working Mom about losing ries of Uma and company with Asian Salad. A mix of tropical island flavors- mouse from Nici. P1,439.00 weight, not going back to showbiz and SSM's ultimate guide on every- pomelo, shrimps, tofu cubes and coriander leaves other things that you must thing "Big Brother." SSM digs into tossed with lettuce and fresh turnips and cucum- definitely read about. the housemates' past and present, ber. This salad comes with delicious Asian vinai- Talking about must- and clues you in on the secrets of grette. reads, this month, Working the "Pinoy Big Brother" house. Summer Salad. A colorful vegetable combi- Mom magazine also tackles Other features include the nation of lettuce, carrots, mango, bell pepper, cel- ery and olives topped with spicy bangus. It is the business of buy-and-sell homes of TV host Paolo Bediones served with lemon vinaigrette. and why it could work for and champion singer Erik Santos, Fruity Salad. Fresh ripe mangoes, avocado, you. If you want to raise chil- celebrity retoke stories, bands grapes and papaya on top of lettuce and cucum- dren who are matipid, check Hale, Orange and Lemons, ber, tossed with cheddar cheese cubes, olives and out the "Growing Up" section. Spongecola and Cueshe and the re- croutons. It is served with a dollop of original All this and more in the Octo- al score between Heart and Echo. creamy lemon and mustard dressing. ber issue of Working Mom For more celebrity lifestyle Western Salad. A mix of lettuce, young corn, Wild friends. Nici lion and magazine. Get one from your news and features, grab your asparagus, tomatoes, cheddar cheese cubes, favorite newsstand. StarStudio now. turnips and olives, spiced with roasted chicken tiger picture frame in strips and hardboiled egg. It is served with a may- polyresin, with box. P719.00 onnaise dressing and mustard.

Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo Executive Editor Rosan Cruz The Family Wellness Festival: Contributing Editors Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene N. Ochoa (MNTC) Get your tickets now! Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (BayanTel) Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (Beyond Cable) DON'T miss the first ever Family Wellness Festival tak- Magno, Mitch Valdes, UP Jazz Ensemble and Verni Varga Leah Salterio (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) ing place on the weekend of November 12-13, 2005! will be on Saturday, Nov. 12. A neo-ethnicartist music Jess Matubis (Maynilad) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) Enjoy the crafts for children, teens and adults, the event with Grace Nono, Joey Ayala at ang Bagong Frances Bumanlag (AEI) healthy-cuisine food court, healing centers, wellness Lumad, Pinikpikan, Makiling Ensemble, Chin-Chin bazaar, workshops, organicmarketplace,exoticbird Gutierrez and others and will be on Sunday, Nov. 13. Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) and reptile shows and a lot more. For dads, there will The Family Wellness Festival is organized by Editorial and Layout IPI Creative Business Unit be workshops on camping tools and accessories, gar- ABS-CBN Foundation to foster wellness of mind, dening, hydroponics, fishing and carpentry. Kids can body, spirit and environment. Proceeds will go "Ban- LopezLink is published by Benpres spend time papermaking, finger painting and doing tay Kalikasan," for its rehabilitation efforts to save PR Group, 4/F Benpres Bldg., origami. Teens can go for wall climbing, rappelling, La Mesa watershed. Ortigas, Pasig City aerial challenges and others. Get your tickets for P150 (excluding concert tick- Telefax: 633-3520 The festival opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. To cap et) and P500 (including concert). For information, For feedback, please email: the evening, enjoy concerts in the theater-style open-air call 415-2272 loc. 4551 or email kalikasan@abs- [email protected] pavilion. A jazz concert featuring Bituin Escalante, Jacqui cbn.com.