September 2005 New BL@ST Cards for Gamers BL@ST Has New Variants for Internet Online Gamers and Budget Conscious Internet Users

September 2005 New BL@ST cards for gamers BL@ST has new variants for Internet online gamers and budget conscious Internet users. The BL@ST Tantra Gaming card offers seven days of unlimited gaming time and direct game connection for only P150. BL@ST is also available in P50 cards for nine hours of fast Inter- net access. BL@ST Tantra and P50 cards are available at BayanCenters and official Sky Internet sales outlets in Metro Manila. A whole new

Lopez Group NLE experience backs German By Lianne R. Padilla Month...p. 8 TRAVERSING the 84-kilometer stretch of the North Luzon Expressway (NLE) used to be every traveler's nightmare. Thanks to the Tollways Management Corpo- ration (TMC), traffic woes have become a thing of the past. Gone were the days when motorists had to wait for Ang ‘teleserye hours just to pass through the tollways. Now it's just a smooth and safe ride inside the NLE with motorists treated as real customers. ng totoong After taking over the NLE operations in February 2005, Anthony "Tony" M. Mabasa, president of TMC, buhay’...p. 5 now talks about the whole new NLE experience. He noted that the situation in the NLE has since dramatically improved—for the better. Challenges Of course, Mabasa affirmed, with every new development comes a new challenge. The TMC chief said that the motoring public is beginning to go through ad- justments now that the NLE has had a major road surgery. "Because the roads have become wider and smoother, we have realized that a substantial number of our drivers actually do not know how to drive properly. There are some who don't practice proper care before they make long trips and sometimes run out of gas in the middle of the tollway. "So, while this was not apparent in the old tollway because everyone was going slow, we're beginning to see that some of our drivers have to relearn basic driving skills, techniques and road courtesy. This is something new not just for the motorists but also for us. We consider it a challenge to educate our users because, defi- nitely, we want everyone to have a safe, comfortable and convenient travel within the tollway," Mabasa said. TMC president Anthony M. On this note, Manila North Tollways Mabasa beams with pride Corporation (MNTC) and TMC over his team's performance launched the "NLE Motorist's Hand- at the NLE. Measures are in book" to give motorists practical place to ensure the public's satisfaction for the long term. Winners...p. 10 Turn to page 6 2 LOPEZLINK September 2005

Lopez Group companies' first half financial results BayanTel posts 6 quarters of EBITDA, net revenue growth BayanTel sustained its continuous earnings before interest, tax- First Holdings wagi es, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and net revenue UMABOT ng P25.181 bilyon ang unaudit- ong tubo noong 2004, patuloy na na- EPS noong parehong panahon ng 2004. growth posted since early 2004 and is poised to assume a ser- ed consolidated revenues ng First Philip- mayagpag ang flagship Channel 2 sa labas Tumaas naman ng 21.4% ang operating vice leadershippositionin the telecommunications industry. BayanTel chief executive consultant Tunde Fafunwa said: pine Holdings Corporation (FPHC) sa ng Mega Manila samantalang nag-stabilize revenues ng Meralco noong Enero hang- "With our solid performance in the first half of the year, we unang anim na buwan ng 2005, mas mala- na ang Mega Manila TV ratings noong gang Hunyo 2005 at umabot ng P83.064 have now seen six consecutive quarters of sustained growth in ki ng 23% kumpara sa P20.459 bilyon Abril hanggang Hunyo. bilyon mula P68.406 bilyon noong unang our business." noong Enero hanggang Hunyo 2004. Ang Halos hindi gumalaw ang total unaudit- anim na buwan ng 2004. Lumaki ng ba- From January to June 2005, BayanTel posted a 19% growth umakyat na revenues ay nagmula sa ben- ed consolidated revenues (+2%) sa P6.742 hagya ang bentahe ng kuryente (+0.8%) in EBITDA at P1.30 B compared to P1.09 B during the same tahe ng kuryente at sa pag-umpisa ng com- bilyon mula P6.614 bilyon noong dahil sa pagsigla ng commercial usage period in 2004. Net revenues also grew by 9% to P2.90 B as of June 2005 mercial operations ng bagong North Luzon nakaraang taon. Gayunpaman, humataw (+4.1%) kahit na bumaba ang residential compared to P2.66 B during the same period last year. This was Expressway noong Pebrero. ng husto ang ABS-CBN Global at buma- usage (-2.4%). on the back of a 17% hike in data services during the compar- Gayunpaman, lumaki rin ang finance gal ang paglaki ng mga gastusin kaya Benpres umangat ative period. DSL revenues also posted a 96% increase to P130 costs (+13%) at interest expense (+25%), nakapananabik ang tuluyang pagsigla ng Nagtala ang Benpres Holdings Corpora- M compared to P66 M in the first half of 2004. kaya bumaba ng 6% ang unaudited consol- ABS-CBN. tion ng unaudited historical revenues na Fafunwa attributed the growth in BayanTel's revenue and idated net income sa halagang P1.968 bil- Meralco bumabawi rin P5.193 bilyon sa unang anim na buwan ng cash flows and the increase in fixed line and DSL subscriber base to its approach of guaranteeing satisfaction to its cus- lion o P3.52 per share kumpara sa P2.090 Nakabawi na rin ng Meralco mula sa 2005, 37% na mas mataas kaysa P3.792 bi- tomers. He added that the implementation of debt restructur- billion o P3.82 per share noong isang P1.71 bilyong 2005 first quarter loss nito. lyon noong isang taon, dahil sa paglago ng ing allowed BayanTel to expand its core business and gener- taon. Bagama't kinailangan pa rin ng Meralco na negosyo ng Maynilad Water Services Inc. ate new revenue streams. ABS-CBN bumabawi magtabi ng P3.1 bilyong provision para sa (Maynilad). Lumaki rin ng 36% ang bahagi As of June 2005, BayanTel's fixed line subscribers reached Unti-unti nang nakakabawi ang ABS- possible losses para mapunan ang anu- ng Benpres sa tubo ng mga investees nito almost 280,000; DSL subscribers have also seen solid growth. CBN Broadcasting Corporation. Matapos mang pagkalugi dulot ng pagkatalo nito sa dahil sa magandang resulta ng First Hold- Customer satisfaction has increased, with 82% registering a favorable impression on BayanTel's service delivery com- magtala ng 2005 first quarter loss na P114 kaso ng rate unbundling sa Supreme Court, ings investment sa First Gen Corporation. pared to 77% in 2004. BayanTel further ensures customer sat- milyon, nagtala ng P185 milyong net profit nagtala ito ng P73.6 milyong net income, Ang net income ng Benpres para sa isfaction through a money-back guarantee for the residential ang kumpanya para sa unang anim na mas mababa ng 95% kaysa P1.4 bilyon unang kalahati ng 2005 ay P297 milyon market and an installation, repair and quality of service guar- buwan ng taon. Bagama't mas mababa ito noong isang taon. Pumatak ng P0.38 ang kumpara sa P191 milyon na net loss noong antee program for the corporate market. ng 67% kumpara sa naitalang P560 mily- earnings per share (EPS) kumpara sa P1.70 unang anim na buwan ng 2004. (CPS) "We are the only telcommunications provider that offers a 24-hour ‘Guaranteed Quick Service.’ The speed of our installation and restoration are benchmarked against world-class January to June 2005 Financial Results (in pesos) standards," Fafunwa said. (John Rojo)

Total Revenues Net Income/Loss

2004 2005 % Change 2004 2005 % Change ABS-CBN 6.614 B 6.742 B +2 559.998 M 185.09 M -67 ABS-CBN sa Benpres 3.792 B 5.193 B + 37 (191 M) 297 M +255 FPHC 20.459 B 25.181 B +23 2.090 B 1.968 B -6 kalagitnaan Meralco 68.406 B 83.064 B +21 1.416 B 73.583 M* -95 ng reorg *After providing for probable losses in the amount of P3.06 billion NASA kalagitnaan ng reorganization ang ABS-CBN Broad- casting Corporation ngayon bunsod ng three-point recovery plan na inaasahang magbabalik sa network giant sa numero unong posisyon sa industriya. Ayon sa pamunuan ng ABS-CBN, "We have been con- Healthier revenues, Global boost fronted with a new competitive landscape characterized by players obsessed with one goal: Dislodge the industry leader in broadcasting." Sa isang memo na pinirmahan nina ABS-CBN president ABS-CBN recovery in 1st half Luis Alejandro at chairman Eugenio Lopez III, kasama sa three-point recovery plan ang pagbawas ng general and ad- ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.'s financial Gross airtime and other broadcasting-re- increased by 12% to P1.2 billion in the first six ministrative expenses. Dahil dito, pinag-aralan ng kumpanya situation continues to reflect the impact of a lated revenues reached P5.2 billion, down months of 2005, lower than the 19% increase ang mga proseso nito at ang workload ng bawa't empleyado. lower ratings performance and a highly com- 6% year-on-year as Mega Manila Channel 2 of net sales and services. Non-cash expenses, Natunton ng kumpanya ang kinakailangang bilang ng emp- petitive environment, resulting in weaker air- household ratings fell to 14% in the first half on the other hand, went upby 14% to P1.2 bil- leyado upang ipagpatuloy ang agresibong pagsulong nito. time revenues and higher costs compared to from 16% in the same period last year. For lion due to higher amortization charges. "We started implementing the reorganization program in last year. the second quarter, in particular, gross air- With operating expense growth of 9% out- June 2005. This will continue until the end of the year," sabi nina Alejandro at Lopez sa memo. However, a recovery was evident in the time revenues declined by 5% year-on-year pacing the 2% net revenue growth, operating Natapos na ang review at reorganization sa news and cur- second quarter because of an improvement in to P2.9 billion. Excluding the political ads income fell by 38% to P639 million from P1 rent affairs, at sa sales and marketing departments, at sa revenues, the strong performance of ABS- that were booked in the second quarter of billion. Consequently, operating margin was buwang ito, sa engineering. CBN Global and slower increase in expens- 2004, however, gross airtime revenues were down to 10% from 16% in the first half of the Nagbigay ang ABS-CBN ng special separation package o es. As a result, the company posted a net upby 6% in the second quarter of 2005. previous year. Earnings before interest, taxes, SSP sa mga naapektuhan ng reorganization. Ang SSP ay para profit of P185 million in the first half of the Meanwhile, operating expenses increased by depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) sa mga empleyado na may posisyon o gawaing naging redun- year—reversing its losses in the first quarter- 9% to P6.1 billion on the back of higher cash ex- were also down by 16% to P1.9 billion. dant sa ilalim ng reorganization review. Nagbibigay ang ABS- but still 67% lower than last year. penses. Production cost rose 10% to P2.1 billion Meanwhile, total consolidated assets CBN ng tatlong buwang bayad para sa bawa't taon ng serbisyo Net sales sustained their growth, up19% due to the full-year impact of new programming, reached P24.6 billion, up4% from end-2004 kaya maraming long-time kapamilya ang na-engganyo rito. Ang package ay hindi papatawan ng buwis at ang HMO year-on-year due to the robust subscriber specifically special effects-heavy fantasy soap levels. Long-term debt increased to P6.5 bil- coverage ng mga apektadong empleyado ay tatagal pa ng growth of ABS-CBN Global, translating to operas (fantaseryes) and two game shows. lion from P6 billion following the final draw- isang taon mula sa petsa ng separation. Bukod dito, ang Em- 1.7 million viewers worldwide by end-June General and administrative expenses also down in March on the US$120 million SCA ployee Assistance Program ay magbibigay ng training ukol sa 2005. As a result, net revenues went up grew 9% year-on-year to P1.7 billion, roughly loan. Nonetheless, net debt to equity is still bagong knowledge at skills na maaaring magamit sa pani- slightly by 2% to P6.7 billion. in line with inflation. Cost of sales and services manageable at 38%. bagong career ng mga empleyado. (Carla Paras-Sison) LOPEZLINK September 2005 3 Eight years and counting... All systems go for Maynilad takeoff AFTER eight years, Maynilad Water Services Inc. NRW level of 10%, and in the 77 "Bayanihan (MWSI) is poised to become a viable company able to Bayan Tubig" projects in Payatas, Quezon City, where sustain its growth and fulfill its mandate of serving the the NRW is only 5% with not a single illegal connec- needs of more than six million customers in the West tion, the Maynilad chief said. Zone. He pointed out that the company is recovering more In a simple program to mark the company's eighth water than before through its accelerated water recov- Meralco widens the scope of its fire prevention drive by partnering with the anniversary on August 1, 2005, Maynilad president ery program, resulting in a unique problem—where to DILG. Shown during the MOA signing are Meralco chair and CEO Manuel M. Fiorello R. Estuar cited the positive developments that sell the water being recovered. Lopez (2nd from left) and DILG Sec. Angelo Reyes. Looking on is Meralco president Jesus P. Francisco (extreme right). took place in the company. Estuar attributed these accomplishments to several “Noong nakaraang taon, ipinagdiwang natin ang factors, among them the return to basics in recognition ika-pitong anibersaryo ng Maynilad nang may kaunt- of the essential nature of Maynilad—that it is an en- ing bagabag at pag-aalanganin,” Estuar said in his an- gineering company engaged in public service and that niversary speech. “Today, as we celebrate our eighth it has experienced and skilled people. Meralco turns up heat anniversary, there is genuine cause for celebration.” He also said the reorganization of Maynilad is mak- Estuar said that the company registered a net in- ing the company more efficient and responsive to the come of almost a billion pesos in February this year needs of its customers and the community. He cited the vs. power pilferers and expects to meet its yearend target of P1.9 B. He new focus on making community relations a formal also lauded the “wondrous feats of engineering” that program and responsibility of the business centers to THE Manila Electric Company ination campaign for Republic Act the business areas, together with the program manage- ensure the acceptance of the company’s projects. (Meralco) recently entered into an No. 7832 ("Anti-Pilferage of Elec- ment group and other units, have achieved, “resulting “As we mark our eighth anniversary, we do so agreement with the Department of tricity and Theft of Electric Power in dramatic drops of no-revenue water (NRW) levels in amidst a more positive and celebratory atmosphere, far Interior and Local Government Transmission Lines/Materials Act problematic areas of the concession.” removed from the specter of doom and gloom that (DILG) to eliminate pilferage of of 1994"). Estuar, who pioneered the tempfacil concept with haunted our past rites of passage,” Estuar said. the Tondo Foreshore F-1 Zone pilot project, noted that Much remains to be done to sustain the company’s electricity and to facilitate the legal- Meralco shall also facilitate the the NRW in the area went down from 90% to 39%, a viability, Estuar said, but he was optimistic that Mayni- ization of illegal service connec- legalization of illegal service con- drop of 51%. lad can secure a brighter future with God’s help and tions. Signing the memorandum of nections, while the DILG will assist The same results are being achieved in the Dagat-Da- with everyone united and working harmoniously. (Jen- agreement were Meralco chairman in facilitating the grant of the neces- gatan area, where the tempfacil project resulted in an nifer Casipit) and CEO Manuel M. Lopez and sary right-of-way (ROW) and is- DILG Secretary Angelo Reyes. suance of Certificates of Electrical VP for corporate communication Inspection (CEIs) from the local CPI launches Elpi O. Cuna said: "Meralco stresses government agency. that pilferage is not only morally Meralco encourages customers to wrong, but that it also puts cus- report cases of illegal connections. new cable tomers at risk because of substan- To improve the public's reporting of dard connections which may result electric pilferage, the DILG has channel in accidents such as wire down, made available its Hotline Patrol ABS-CBN subsidiary Creative Pro- transformer overload and even 117. Meralco's call center, on the grams Inc. (CPI), the creator and distrib- fire." other hand, can be reached through utor of leading cable channels Cinema One, MYX and the Lifestyle Network, The DILG shall help in the drive telephone number 16211. recently unveiled its newest cable chan- against pilferage and in the appre- The campaign against illegal con- nel, Hero, the country's first and only hension of persons involved in elec- nections complements Meralco's all-Tagalog dubbed anime channel. tricity theft. Meralco, for its part, year-round fire prevention drive, Hero showcases anime classics such will conduct an information dissem- Cuna said. (Maite Bueno) as "Voltes V," "Zenki" and "Shaider." Popular anime programs like "Naruto," "Beyblade," "Gate Keepers" and "Tokyo Underground" are also featured, together with latest anime offerings like "Crush Gear Nitro," "Beyblade V- Meralco promotes energy Force," "Captain Kuppa," "Gransazers," First Gen ESOP "Rocket Kidz" and "D.I.C.E." conservation thru 'MAC' Completing Hero's exciting lineup are feature presentations and full-length ani- Meralco and Abenson join forces to promote the wise use and me films like "Ghostfighter the Movie," purchase of electric appliances through the Meralco Appliance "Dragons: Fire and Ice," "Metropolis" and gets SEC nod Calculator (MAC) in Abenson stores. The MAC computes the "Cowboy Bebop the Movie" and pro- consumption amount of appliances like televisions, air condi- grams like "Bakit Kuya?," "AniMYX," FIRST Generation Holdings Corpo- stock. The shares will be offered at tioners, radios and refrigerators, and serves as a guide for con- "Hall of Heroes" and "Anime 101." ration's application to offer 113,071 P2,600 each for a total of almost sumers on electricity usage and the prudent use of household Hero, whose programs are guaran- shares under an employee stock op- P300 million. appliances. Meralco has installed the MAC in Abenson stores at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Sta. Lucia East Mall, Harrison teed to capture the hearts of cable's tion plan or ESOP has been ap- First Gen is offering the shares Plaza and QUAD, Makati. Use of the MAC information kiosks is young anime audience, will soon be proved by the Securities and Ex- to eligible employees as an ad- free of charge. It may also be accessed through www.meral- available on Sky, Home, Sun and all change Commission (SEC). ditional incentive and to encour- co.com.ph. Photo shows Mike Lopez, Meralco AVP and market- major cable systems nationwide. Three hundred twenty-four em- age them to stay with the company. ing head (center); Ruth David, Meralco SAVP and customer ser- CPI also distributes ABS-CBN's ANC vice office head; and Winston Lim, Abenson business develop- and Studio 23 through its PowerBundle ployees are eligible to buy the It said the stock option is a part of ment manager, during the unveiling of the MAC in Abenson's distribution group. (Leah Salterio) shares, which will constitute 1% of its total rewards program for em- Shangri-La Mall branch. the company's outstanding capital ployees. 4 LOPEZLINK September 2005

Lopez Group adopts ‘IiP’ BayanTel HUMAN Resource (HR) practition- underdirectorFelipeB. Alfonso to BayanTel backs ers in the Lopez Group have adopted find a model of excellence forHR is 'most the Investors in People (IiP) Stan- practices. It is envisioned that the ini- dard, an international quality bench- tiative will ensure that HR remains outstanding mark for effective training and peo- an active partner in the achievement IAFEI confab ple management and development. of corporate goals. phone BAYANTEL and the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines "The IiP Standard provides a Launched in the United Kingdom (FINEX) have come together to bring one of the most prestigious events structured way of assessing HR de- in 1991, IiP is based on fourprinci- company' in the country this year, the 2005 World Congress of Financial Executives velopment practices, systems and ples of good practice in the area of to be held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on December 5-7, 2005. policies within an organization, and people development: commitment, BAYANTEL was honored dur- The congress is organized by the International Association of Finan- cial Executives Institutes (IAFEI), of which FINEX is the local represen- identifying and implementing actions planning, action and evaluation. ing the 2nd Philippine Market- ing Excellence Awards as the tative. necessary to bring these practices to To be certified under the IiP Stan- BayanTel chief consultant Tunde Fafunwa said: "We are proud to part- the level of the best. It is particularly dard, organizations must demonstrate "Most Outstanding Telephone Company" in the General Santos nerwith FINEX on this endeavor,which will showcase not only the best effective in helping organizations commitment to staff development; of what the Philippines has to offer, but will also convey the turnaround manage change while keeping sight clearcommunication and under- City Awards and Mindanao Awards categories. of BayanTel." of theirlonger-termobjectives," said standing of the business goals; in- The Philippine Marketing Ex- For his part, Melito Salazar, the president of FINEX and co-chair of Pinky Diokno, Benpres Holdings HR vestment in people that directly helps cellence Award is given to compa- the organizing committee, said that the organization looks forward to a vice president. in meeting these goals; and under- nies that undertook "best marketing successful hosting of the World Congress so "we can show the world that Senior HR practitioners and sever- standing the impact of people invest- practices," resulting in marketing the Philippines remains a vibrant and dynamic economy." al line managers from at least 13 ment on company performance. dominance and acceptability, IAFEI chairChit Manabat expressedherappreciationforthe commit- Lopez Group companies recently at- Organizations working with IiP goodwill and customerconfidence. ment of the organizers and sponsors of the XXXVI IAFEI World tended a three-day workshop to cre- have experienced countless benefits, Awardees were determined Congress. ate a pool of internal advisers who including increased productivity, re- through votes from consumers and "BayanTel's participation sets the tone for the international event, which will have the involvement of foreign delegates from IAFEI mem- will carry out the internal assessment duced costs, a bettermotivated work- marketing professionals through the use of surveys, focus group dis- berinstitutes and FINEX. This ushersthe much-needed push forenhanc- process that will jumpstart the IiP force, more effective training, a high- ing the Philippine image in the global setting," Manabat said. rollout. er standard of recruits and an en- cussions and market research. The recognition was organized Edgardo L. Limon, overall chair of the World Congress committee and The IiP rollout is in response to hanced corporate image. Over 50,000 president of Intex Telecom Systems added: "This event is a reflection of Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. organizations worldwide are now IiP- jointly by the Philippine Market- ing Excellence Awards Institute the confidence of ourcolleagues in the Philippines and a testament to the Lopez's mandate for Corporate HR certified. (Carla Paras-Sison) Inc., the Asian Institute of Mar- ourhaving one of the best and brightestpools of financial minds in the keting and Entrepreneurship and world." Sales & Marketing magazine. The theme of this year's congress is "Global Markets: Thriving in BayanTel marketing services Shifting Financial Landscapes." (John Rojo) Brown Bag Series: First and corporate communications head John Rojo accepted the Gen/First Gas Corp. award in behalf of the company.

Corporate HR invites Lopez Group CEOs and BayanTel chief executive consultant COOs to First Gas Corporation's presentation on Tunde Fafunwa and FINEX presi- "Negotiations and Financial Packaging" on Thurs- dent and co-chair of World Congress day, September15, 2005. Formoreinformation, committee Melito Salazar, Jr. (3rd please call Beth Canlas at tel. no. 631-3167. and 5th from right) with, from left, Grace Tiongco, co-chair of the ways and means committee; Conchita Manabat, IAFEI chair; Edgardo Limon, overall chair, World Congress committee; CFO Salvador Tiron; and Franklin F. Ysaac, chair ‘Ang pagnanakaw of the ways and means committee. ay pagnanakaw’ Anti-illegal cable connection FAQs WHAT is "illegal cable (IC) signal connection What steps are we taking to address this prob- “ANG pagnanakaw ay pagnanakaw.” nanakaw ng cable signals,” sabi ni theft"? lem? Iyan ang diniin ni Philippine Cable Paras. “Ngunit ang illegal CATV con- It is defined as the illegal interception of cable Skycable has initially taken the lead role with Television Association (PCTA) vice- nections ay nakadudulot ng 30 hang- programming services without the authorization of NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) chairman Elpidio Paras kamakailan ukol gang 40 porsiyento na pagkasira ng ca- the cable service operator. It is a serious problem be- and PCTA (Philippine Cable Television Association sa mga maling akala tungkol sa pag- ble signals. cause it impacts on communities. It can: Inc.) in protecting the subscribers from the negative nanakaw ng cable TV signals. “Sa bawat lehitimong subscriber, • Interfere with the picture quality of paying effects of IC through a mass media campaign. We “Walang justification ang pagna- mayroong katumbas na ilegal na customers will bring to public attention and understanding the nakaw ng cable signals,” sabi ni Paras. koneksyon,” sabi ni Paras. “Ang ibig • Increase the likelihood of service failure initiatives to crack down, expose and prosecute, as “Makasisiguro ang mga pirata ng cable sabihin nito, ang mga lehitimong sub- • Deprive the cable operator and government necessary, individuals and groups engaged in the TV na sila ay mahuhuli at kakasuhan ng scribers ang nagbabayad para sa ilegal agencies of needed revenues, and theft of CATV signals. mga cable companies.” na CATV connection ng ibang tao.” • Increase the cost of maintenance, which is We also carry on a regular basis IC "cleanup" or May mga pirata ng CATV na ang Dahilan naman ng nagnanakaw ng shared by the company and paying customers disconnection activities in various municipalities. pinakulong ng mga kumpanya ng cable signals ang paniniwala na maram- What is cable theft? What can we contribute to decrease the spread of CATV, dagdag ni Paras. Isa rito si “Jun” ing nakakalusot at hindi nahuhuli, o It is the act of taking cable unlawfully. illegal connection? ng Makati, na nahuling nag-aalok ng kaya’y itinuturing nila itong pagkaki- How many illegal subscribers are there in Metro Communicate among otheremployees the effects kanyang serbisyo sa pagkabit ng ilegal taan. Manila? of IC, especially the huge loss in company rev- na koneksyon ng CATV. Si Jun ay na- “Kahit marami ang nagpapakabit ng There is one illegal subscriber for every one legal enues. hatulan na mabilanggo ng Makati Trial ilegal na CATV, hindi ibig sabihin ay le- subscriber. Where and how do we report illegal connec- Court noong 2002. gal ang gawaing ito,” punto ni Paras. What area/municipality has the most widespread tions? Ang payo ni Paras: Huwag tularan si Dagdag pa niya: “Sasampahan ng ka- illegal cable connection? Should you have any information on illegal cable Jun na nabiktima ng maling akala. so ng sinumang mahuhuli na nagkakabit Illegal cable connection is rampant in Pasay, connections, please advise Joey Torregoza at tel. no. “Marami ang may maling paniniwala o gumagamit ng ilegal na koneksyon ng Quezon City, Manila and Parañaque. 746-7299. na walang masamang epekto ang pag- cable TV.” (Arlene Torres) LOPEZLINK September 2005 5 Pinoy Big Brother update FOR the next three months, The hosts. Toni Gonzaga viewers will surely be glued to hosts the primetime telecast their television sets and PCmon- from Monday to Friday; she Rico Barrera Uma Khouny Jenny Suico Franzen Macaraeg Chx Alcala Jason Gainza itors as they watch the unfolding will be joined by Willie Revil- 23, single 23, single 29, married 23, married 24, has a boyfriend 25, married of the "teleserye ng totoong lame for the live evictions ev- Olongapo City San Juan Olongapo City Sampaloc, Manila Caloocan City Batangas buhay." Who will emerge victo- ery Saturday, while Mariel Ro- rious from the yellow "Pinoy driguez will present the daily Big Brother House" in front of updates and late night shows. ABS-CBN in December? Asia Agcaoili will host "Pinoy The housemates. Twelve Big Brother" on Studio 23 on strangers from all over the Philip- Monday to Thursday and Satur- pines—selected out of 25,000 day. hopefuls—live in a two-bedroom The prizes. In this winner- house with 26 cameras recording take-all competition, the last their every movement and state- housemate standing will enjoy ment for the next 100 days—or a house and lot in St. Monique Nene Tamayo Bob de la Cruz Sey Alonzo Cass Ponti JBMagsaysay Racquel Reyes until they are evicted from the Valais, a Nissan Frontier Titani- 23, single 28, single 26, single 25, single 25, single 31, single Pinoy Big Brother House. um 3 and P1 million in cash. Romblon Bulacan San Juan Davao City La Union Tanauan City One night in the Pinoy BB house MEMBERS of the movie press and a group of celebrities re- PPiinnooyy BBiigg BBrrootthheerr cently braved the 26 cameras and 60 mics of the “Pinoy Big Brother” house in an abbreviated version of the 12 house- factoids mates’ 100-day “Pinoy Big Brother” experience. • "Big Brother" began in Holland in 1999. John “Sweet” Lapus won the artista edition of “Pinoy Big • The Philippines is the 31st country to host the Brother,” beating out Ricky Davao, Giselle Sanchez, Apreal reality show, and the second in Asia after Thai- Tolentino, Aiza Marquez, “Pinoy Big Brother” host Asia Ag- land. caoili, Dominic Ochoa and Chinggay Andrada, among others. • There are 26 visible ceiling-mounted and four secret tripod-mounted cameras in the "Pinoy Meanwhile, Walden Belen of the Manila Bulletin bested Big Brother" house compared to 3-4 cameras his fellow writers in doing the tasks assigned by Big Brother used for a news program and 6-7 cameras for a to take home P10,000 in cash. The movie writers’ group in- noontime show. cluded (in photo) Chit Ramos, Mario Bautista, John Romulo, • There are about 50 TV monitors in the techni- Julie Bonifacio, Glen Sibonga, Butch Roldan, Jobert Su- cal areas of the house. So who gets the remote caldito, Beth Gelena, Emy Abuan, Jimmy Navarro and Den- control? • There are 60 microphones installed throughout nis Aguilar. the house to capture every sound and every conversation 24/7. • The swimming pool is 5 feet deep with 15,000 gallons of water. • The facility has 75 tons of air conditioning. That's enough to cool 10 or 15 average-size houses. ‘Probe’ is back on ABS-CBN • The polished hardwood furniture is by Benji Reyes. This gives the house interiors a stylish THE award-winning show “Probe” returns to television history as the longest-running and nalist, Ressa has reaped citations and was contemporary Filipino look. the Kapamilya network as executive produc- most multi-awarded show in its genre. nominated for an Emmy for her book “Ter- • The garden was designed and planted by Farm Inc. er/host Cecilia “Cheche” Lazaro recently “Probe,” rejoins ABS-CBN’s current af- rorism: Al-Qaeda” based on her documen- Modern tropical aesthetic-combining araal stone, signed a contract with ABS-CBN. fairs program roster with Ressa and Valdez tary “Seeds of Terror” aired on CNN. pole vault bamboo, fire bush, eugenia and more. “Probe,” a hard-hitting investigative pro- assuming executive functions in the coun- The equally multi-awarded Valdez, who • The total house lot size is equivalent to about gram, was launched on ABS-CBN in 1987 by try’s largest broadcast network. headed ABS-CBN’s NCA division for four three basketball courts—although the housemates will probably have to stick to volleyball Lazaro, former “Probe Team” reporter Luchi Ressa, former CNN Southeast Asia oper- years, has signed up as current affairs head in the backyard. Cruz-Valdez and producer Maria Ressa. ations bureau chief, is the overall head of the and the top executive overseeing the • The roof sign was spotted by the crew of space It pioneered the newsmagazine format in News and Current Affairs (NCA) group. An primetime newscast “TV Patrol World.” shuttle Discovery. Or was I dreaming? Well, it's the country and made its way to Philippine award-winning international broadcast jour- (Leah Salterio) huge, anyway. (Karen LaRosa) ‘Wazzup Wazzup’ is better, bolder STUDIO 23 recently launched a better, needs of the youth through a more hilar- bolder, funnier and more colorful “Waz- ious and more comprehensive newscast zup Wazzup” with Vhong Navarro, about current national concerns delivered “tagapaghatid ng balitang maaan- in a light, funny yet informative way. As gasan,” news diva Toni Gonzaga and for- Vhong describes it, “mas interactive, mer “tadjock” and kaasar ng bayan kaya parang nagkukuwentuhan lang.” Archie Alemania a.k.a. Boy Reklamador. “Wazzup Wazzup” is adapting to the Toni says viewers will be treated to a fluid preferences of today’s youth. Archie “more full-packed and solid ‘Wazzup promises that viewers will become their Wazzup.’” kabarkada through the connection and in- The show has also moved to the hipper teraction that “Wazzup Wazzup” assures The funny news crew of (left) Archie, Toni and livelier set of the new “Wazzup Waz- weeknights at 7 p.m. on Studio 23, and Vhong and the "tadjocks" (above) zup" coffeehouse. The show caters to the kabarkada mo. 6 LOPEZLINK September 2005

A WHOLE NEW NLE EXPERIENCE and southbound lanes. By simply press- from page 1 ing the talk button, the ECBs will directly The TMC even entered into several part- connect you to the Traffic Control Room tips and valuable information on driving nerships that will further allow them to pro- where the operator will give appropriate in the NLE. A tabloid promoting safety vide the best service to their customers. emergency assistance. If there are no consciousness is also on the way to be For towing and roadside emergency ECBs in sight, one may call the emergen- distributed among the motorists. services, TMC partnered with Automo- cy hotline (580-8911) and a patrol crew M Together, MNTC and TMC have been bile Association Philippines (AAP), a will respond within minutes. very aggressive in investing in TV and ra- nonprofit organization with an advocacy The traffic management patrol crews dio plugs to get their message across. in safety driving and proper care for ve- are highly trained individuals and always They have been also successful in talking hicles. ready to respond to any kind of situation. directly with various groups by conduct- For emergencies, TMC has Lifeline They take that extra mile by escorting ing safety seminars. Both MNTC and Arrows, which has 911-type of ambu- motorists to the nearest gas stations if THE TM TMC hope that the situation would im- lances in Balintawak, Sta. Rita and San they run out of gas and even carry water their fie prove over time. Fernando that could respond to any kind for overheated vehicles. world's Quality service of emergency situation. With these types of service providers in motoris In an effort to make the motorists feel "Under the contract, we should be re- place, motorists can rest assured that once Claro S like true, valued customers, the TMC responding to incidents at an average of 20 inside NLE, everything would be taken cruited people from high customer-con- minutes. So far, our record has been any- care of. From the warm greetings to the tact businesses to make sure TMC would where between eight and 10 minutes, help extended by the patrol crews, TMC deliver quality service. The feedback has which I think is pretty good for a new kid had the NLE take a complete turnaround. been pretty good so far, Mabasa stated, on the block," Mabasa explained. The TMC is undertaking driver education adding that the TMC will continue im- MNTC also installed 100 emergency through this driver’s handbook as well as proving their services so motorists would call boxes (ECBs) throughout the entire through a series of safety seminars for always get their money's worth. 84-kilometer stretch located in both north transport group drivers and operators.

early 20 safety a Nathan Big Brother is in the NLE Manag THE Tollways Management Corporation (TMC) op- erates the North Luzon Expressway (NLE) anchored on four basic aspects—safety, enforcement, driver education and customer service. According to marketing services manager Benjie Suzara, the common cause of roadside accidents is reckless driving coupled with speeding. To date, over 3,800 speed limit violators been apprehended in the NLE. To address this alarming trend, TMC has dou- bled its efforts in coming up with a driver education 1 2 3 plan to make responsible drivers out of motorists passing through the expressway. Also, media and non-media initiatives have been undertaken to promote safety consciousness among motorists. velopme construc TMC president Tony Mabasa noted that using a Francis modern tollway comes with certain responsibili- ties—that is, to observe traffic regulations and basic road courtesies to ensure everybody's safety inside the NLE. If motorists think they can get away with their vi- olations, they should think again. If ABS-CBN has "Pinoy Big Brother," then TMC has its own version of 4 5 6 Big Brother with its close circuit TV cameras (CCTV). These cameras have very powerful zoom, tilt and pan features and can monitor activities in the toll plazas and even the motoring lanes where accidents sometimes happen. For speed-limit violators, TMC is equipped with speed radar guns that capture digital images of vehi- plazas, cles. These cameras are portable and the patrol team Migue handling these is just a radio message away from the toll plazas where the erring motorist may be appre- 7 8 9 hended. So if you think you got away unnoticed, think again, TMC’s Big Brother is watching. If motorists would just be sensitive enough to care for Our eyes are on you : (1) Traffic control room at the OMC in Balintawak; (2) One of the 100 emergency their fellow motorists, then everybody would drive with call boxes; (3) Speed radar gun; (4) The Lifeline Arrows emergency roadside medical assistance team available 24/7; (5) caution—saving them from the possibility of a mishap Proper coning and safeguarding of distressed motorists and vehicles; (6) Portable scales for axle load weighing; (7) and inconveniences. Although help is just a push-button Speedy extraction of victim by highly trained paramedics; (8) Patrol assistance responding to traffic accidents at an av- away with the ECBs, it would be better if accidents erage of 20 minutes; (9) Roadside towing services provided by Automobile Association Philippines could be avoided accidents altogether. (L. Padilla) awardee LOPEZLINK September 2005 7

EXECUTIVE PROFILE Meet Lea M. Wong: ‘You reap what you sow’ and other philosophies MCT relies on a fewe good mena and women—allm experts in Bernard RomaricoT G. Sanchez,M VP-ComptrollerC eld-who work together to keep the NLE at par with the Sanchez, a 41-year-old CPA, used driving HR management most modern roadways. Meet the people responsible for to be chief information officer of sts' safe, smooth and comfortable travel on the NLE: IBM Solutions Delivery, where he By Carla Paras- S. del Rosario, QESH Manager was responsible for managing the Sison A member of the American So- day-to-day internal operations of the ciety of Safety Engineers and company's Information Support Ser- Safety Organization of the Philip- vices group. He was also formerly af- IT seemed like déjà pines Inc., Del Rosario is an ac- filiated with Platinum Plans, SGV vu for Lea M. credited Occupational Health and and Andersen Consulting. Now, he is Wong, assistant vice Safety Consultant by the Depart- responsible for the overall corporate president-Human ment of Labor and Employment financial functions and activities of Resources (HR) and (DOLE). He was involved in line the TMC. He consolidates corporate Administration at safety from 1982 to 1993, first as a budgets and prepares periodic budget Tollways Manage- field engineer for sales outlet variance reports; develops, imple- ment Corporation equipment from 1980 to 1986 and ments and maintains all financial, taxation and accounting policies, (TMC), when in marine safety officer from 1986 to systems, and processes; and accounts for toll revenue and reviews and September 2003 she 1993 and later as corporate safety assess concurrence of revenue process with appropriate controls. set about the task of officer while working with Pilip- Denn Charly G. Española, OIC-Segment 7 recruiting over 800 inas Shell until his retirement in A former Navy man, Española people in the 17- 003. Del Rosario is engaged in the business of providing heads the expressway operations month countdown to and consultancy and training services. and maintenance of Subic-Tipo commercial opera- nael V. Fernandez, VP for Commercial Road or Segment 7. Prior to his tions of the new North Luzon Ex- Since most of the hires came from gement transfer to Subic, he was chief of pressway (NLE). the cruise, hotel, retail and food indus- Fernandez brings added value the traffic management and safety Eight years earlier, in 1995, she was tries here and abroad, and possibly less to his job from his experience department of the NLE based in part of the team that set up the HR sys- than ten had experience in toll road op- with, among others, a highly diver- Balintawak. Española served in the erations, they had to understand the dy- sified construction conglomerate Philippine Navy after graduation tems at BayanTel. “It was the buildup namics of the business. They had to where he held various positions in from the US Naval Academy in years of the International Communica- different management areas of cor- 1995. Previous assignments in- tions Corporation, now BayanTel. know what drove their revenues and porate and construction opera- volved stints with the training com- They hired me as the senior manager expenses, what would constitute a good tions, and had operational review mand in Zambales as instructor. He for compensation and organization de- job for TMC, and what each depart- function for the toll operations. A also served the fleet aboard patrol velopment,” said Wong. ment or function had to contribute. licensed engineer, he is responsi- and research vessels of the Philippine Navy. Española was most re- She had come from another tele- “The company has clear deliver- ble for contract administration and cently the operations officer of the oceanographic and hydrographic com company, Philippine Global ables to the Manila North Tollways compliance, legal services, pur- unit of the Philippine Navy. Communications, Inc. Her boss had Corporation and to its shareholders. I chasing, and risk management and Benjie A. Suzara, Marketing Services Manager joined BayanTel and convinced her to have to make sure that my department insurance. Fernandez joined the Suzara, a Lopez Group "balik- follow suit. is able to achieve its deliverables to First Philippine Infrastructure De- bayan," joined ABS-CBN when it After BayanTel, Wong moved to support our corporate objectives,” ent Corp. in 1995 and was involved in the bid process for and reopened in 1985 and was a "Probe Benpres Holdings to manage Corporate said Wong. ction of the SBMA-Tipo Road Project. Team" original, together with Luchi HR, a synergy function that allowed Now that the recruitment frenzy is s Gerard E. Aberilla, Toll Operations Manager Cruz-Valdez. He brings more than HR services to be extended to compa- mostly over, challenges continue for A former plant manager of a 20 years of work experience in ra- nies within the Lopez Group. When the HR group of TMC. But Wong says multinational manufacturing dio and TV, sales, advertising and TMC president Anthony Mabasa asked she is happy where she is: “I do what I company, Aberilla is responsible public relations and brand manage- Corporate HR for help with his staffing need to do for the welfare of our em- for the state-of-the-art toll opera- ment, corporate communications needs, Wong thought it was just another ployees and the interest of our compa- tions of the multibillion-peso col- and events management in such project within her function. ny. I’m happy when I’m able to con- lection in the NLE. He led the companies as Bayer Philippines tribute. When faced with difficulties, I takeover of toll operations from Inc., Jardine Davies Inc. and Sanofi. “It turned out he needed a full-time the Philippine National Construc- Suzara currently oversees the Point- person to handle his requirements. He pray to God and follow my heart.” tion Corporation in February of-Sales and Customer Service departments of the TMC, and when and Pinky Diokno, the Benpres HR What does the HR head advise 2005 with new 470 personnel and necessary, acts as the media spokesman for operations. head, talked to me about taking on the coworkers in an increasingly difficult upgraded facilities and equip- Benigno C. Valles, Community Relations Manager job,” Wong recalled. job market? ment. Overall, Aberilla is respon- Valles brings to the TMC his consid- She became TMC's eighth employee. “Everything that you do will come sible for the cash collection of erable experience as project manager of Eight hundred employees and two years back to you. You work hard, you per- tolls, efficient bank collection, community-based enterprise develop- later, Wong remembers the passion that severe—you will be blessed in your smooth traffic flow in 22 toll ment processes, where he organized drove those frenetic first months. work. You try to put one over your and effective customer service by toll tellers. thousands of households for a common “My objective was to hire employ- company—it will be seen and felt, l M. Zosa, VP for Asset Management economic planning process; a Depart- ees and train them very well, to make someday, sometime. You reap what A one-time Asian Institute of Man- ment of Environment and Natural Re- sure we are ready for the takeover of you sow. You must align your goals agement associate professor, Zosa is sources consultant on reforestation pro- the NLE. It wasn’t easy. We are to op- with that of the company.” responsible for engineering and main- jects; and as consultant and team leader erate a world-class highway. We pro- Wong cites their experience at the tenance functions. for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Author- cessed more than 15,000 applicants. TMC as an example: “We are open He holds the distinction of being the ity social fencing project. Recruiting for best fit is a major feat, 24/7. There is no holiday, typhoon, youngest general manager of General Nicolas G. Manalo, VP for Operations but training the new hires is an even flood or transport strike in our oper- Electric at the age of 28. Zosa was also An ex-PMAer (Class of 1974) who used to work for an oil greater challenge,” Wong said. ation. If you are on duty, you have to the assistant secretary of agriculture in company, Manalo is responsible for overall operations func- Wong and her team came up with a be there. That is part of public service. the late 1970s, where he worked with tions, including traffic management, toll collection and com- Each of us has to have the heart for it Sec. Bong Tanco on the "Masagana mercial operations. His extensive background in distribution pool of talents through advertising, 99" rice program. He was a TOYM and management lends to the efficiency in the critical areas of community recruitment and going to and make that sacrifice for our com- e for public administration and business in 1978. security and patrol management and operations in the NLE. job fairs. pany and for our country.” 8 LOPEZLINK September 2005 Nearly in between jobs? By Norman Sison • Internet website designer. You may want to take an Internet website de- RECENTLY, the latest unemploy- signing course after work or during ment figures from the Department of weekends. There are computer learn- Labor came out and proved me ing institutions that offer such cours- right—joblessness did rise. And es. There is one catch: You have to thanks to the political opposition and learn how to be creative and artistic. President Arroyo’s “lapse in judg- • Networksales agent. No license to ment,” we may be guaranteed of an- sell is required. For a capital of P500 other poor year for the economy. to P700, you get your catalogue and Dahil sa ganung posibilidad, almost everything at 40% off. mabuting tayo ay umaksyon na ha- • Photographer. If you have an eye for (From left) Phil-German Council co-chair and Lopez Group chair Oscar M. Lopez, bang maaga at tumingin ng ibang visualizing good pictures, why not be Ambassador Dr. Axel Weishaupt, ABS-CBN chair & CEO Eugenio Lopez III and trabaho kung sakaling tayo ay masi- a freelance photographer for wed- Philippine Star’s Miguel Belmonte during the MOA signing. (Photo: Joel Sol Cruz) bak. Below is a list of alternative jobs • Caterer/chef/cooking instructor. dings, birthdays, magazines, newspa- that we may want to consider: If you love cooking and you have pers, websites, public relations firms • Badminton instructor. You’ve some money (approximately and whatnot. Again, don’t forget to sharpened your game because you P200,000 to start with weddings or make receipts for your service. Lopez Group backs love the sport. Surely you can pro- garden parties) from your early re- • Publicist. This is another job that is vide instruction on the proper way tirement package, why not become suitable for writers because they of whacking that shuttlecock. a caterer? Or if you have no capital, meet a lot of people in the course of German Month anew Those who have won tourneys apply as a back-up chef for a cater- their work. But just like any other charge an average of P250 per per- ing business. You can also open service, a lot of legwork would be The Lopez Group supports German Month Present during the signing of the me- son per hour, while students your own cooking school. needed to find clients. festivities for the second consecutive year, dia partnership agreements were Phil- (school varsity team members) • Freelance accountant. Many com- • Real estate agent. Real estate com- with ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation German Council co-chair and Lopez charge about P100. panies outsource their accounting panies are always in need of agents. being chosen as media partner for TV. Group chair Oscar M. Lopez, Ambas- • Freelance writer. The usual route needs. Go look for them. Don’t for- And you can sell properties of dif- Lopez Group chair Oscar M. Lopez sador Dr. Axel Weishaupt, ABS-CBN for freelance writers is to write for get to have receipts printed out—for ferent companies. Again, lots of leg- said when he was conferred the Order of chair & CEO Eugenio Lopez III and magazines, newspapers and newslet- accounting purposes, of course. work needed, plus a license to sell. Merit by the German government in Philippine Star president Miguel Bel- ters. You can also provide a consul- • Insurance agent. Insurance compa- • Swimming teacher. If you’re a fit- June 2005: "The Lopez Group will again monte. The Philippine Star was desig- tancy service for big businesses, es- nies are always on the lookout for ness buff and you’re a good swim- join the German Embassy and the local nated as partner for print media. pecially those that have corporate agents. But you’ll need to show you mer, you might make a good swim- German community in celebrating Ger- The German Month celebration aims communications divisions. are determined to get into sales, so ming teacher. One catch: This job man Month. We hope to focus on the as- to boost awareness of German art, cul- • Small business consultant. Put up you can get training for free. You is most likely seasonal—unless you pects of our relationship that constitute ture, cuisine, and products and services a consultancy for small and medi- will need a license to practice being like swimming in a typhoon. the foundation of our enduring ties." among Filipinos. um enterprises and charge them an insurance agent so magpakitang Lean on your talent or learn a skill. reasonable fees on a project or re- gilas ka sa interview. No one can take that away from you tainer basis. • Masseur or masseuse. Many of and you can use it to help yourself. It • Fitness instructor. You could set the locals in Boracay work as gives you options that other people up a fitness consultancy or become masahista. And they learned how may not have. And though they say Reward and recognize a gym instructor. Depressed people to massage at a learning center. Got ignorance is bliss, believe me—you are going to need you. the idea? can’t take too much bliss. the LAA way By Maribel S. Relatado ment, corporate image-building and public It's time to gather your achievements, se- responsibility. lect which has the most impact and submit Since 2002, the LAA has brought a nomination to the fourth cycle of the recognition to 18 team projects and an in- Lopez Achievement Award (LAA). dividual achievement. The award aims to The Lopez Achievement Award seeks inspire employees to go beyond their day- to recognize exceptional team and individ- to-day scope. It is also a source of best- ual achievements that demonstrate Lopez practice information that members of the Group values: entrepreneurship, strong Group could tap. work ethic, nationalism and teamwork. Nomination forms are available The impact of the achievement may fall through the LAA program management or under the following business areas: cus- your respective HR offices. For more in- tomer focus, business management, hu- formation, please contact Rene J. Mayol at man resource focus, operations manage- 449-6035 or at [email protected]. KCFI receives P1 M grant KNOWLEDGE Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) recently partnered with Johnson & Johnson Philippines to provide educational television to 10 public schools. J&J allo- cated a grant worth P1 million to be used to provide cable connection to five schools in Parañaque City and satel- lite connection to five schools in Basey, Western Samar for five years. The average teacher to student ratio in these schools is 1:50. Shown with KCFI president Rina Lopez- Bautista and resource mobilization OIC Cita Musni (3rd and 4th from left) are Johnson & Johnson Philippines managing directors Michael del Prado and Carlos Vitas. LOPEZLINK September 2005 9 Maynilad's ‘Bayanihan Bayan Tubig’ program: Bringing potable water to low-income communities ARIEL Salazar, 11, used to walk 300 the fee in installment over a period of water accessible, it has also expanded meters from his house in Kalookan six months to one year. Maynilad's service coverage, reduced and endure long lines to fetch water Saranay president Andres Aquino the problem of illegal connections from a deep well, which served over said that with their individual water and lessened chances of people con- 130 families living in the Saranay service connection, they pay only tracting water-borne diseases. area, Barangay 178, Camarin II in around P76 every month for 20 cubic Making the undertaking more sig- Kalookan City. Since the water was meters, compared to the P45 per cu- nificant is that the residents con- not enough, residents augmented it bic meter they used to pay for the use tributed to the completion of the pro- by buying from vendors at about P30 of the deep well. He added that they ject. Tapping into the Filipino per drum. no longer have to boil water for bayanihan spirit, Maynilad provided Maynilad Water Services Inc. was drinking. pipes and other equipment while res- bent on eradicating such scenes Young Ariel also expressed happi- idents dug the trenches. through its "Bayanihan Bayan Tubig" ness that "Bayan Tubig" reached their Through the "Bayan Tubig" pro- program. Indeed, after this program community. "Maraming salamat po gram, which Maynilad introduced reached Camarin II, households in sa Maynilad kasi may tubig na kami despite financial difficulties, the the area that have never had water ngayon sa bahay. Hindi na po ako company saved money for labor and supply for 30 years now have water mag-iigib sa malayo." inspired pride among residents who from their own faucets. "Bayanihan" spirit helped in the project. Making water accessible for Since its inception in early 1999, Since the residents now have wa- the poor Four-year-old Mar Llames takes a bath at his family's faucet with help from the "Bayan Tubig" program has al- ter flowing directly into their homes, "Bayan Tubig" is Maynilad's so- Quezon City councilor Winston Castelo after the inauguration of the Bayan ready benefited close to 800,000 fam- they devote their time towards liveli- Tubig project in Sapphire St., Payatas. Looking on are, from left, Maynilad cialized water delivery service for the Novaliches sector manager Benjamin Nacion, NEBA water service connec- ilies in the West Zone concession. As hood pursuits. It is in this way that urban poor, providing low-income tion head Ricardo Arguel and barangay kagawad Wilma Ingalla. of March 2005, the number of house Maynilad, through its "Bayan Tubig" families with safe and affordable wa- service connections had reached program, contributes to an improved ter through individual water service Under the program, Maynilad pro- community with its own connection 87,481. quality of life, especially for those connections. vides each household in a selected for only P5,200. Applicants can pay The program not only makes clean living in blighted areas. (J. Casipit) In memoriam: BayanTel, CSFB pitch in for GILAS BAYANTEL and Credit Suisse First to Zobel de Ayala II and steering commit- Boston recently signed on to take part in a tee member Tunde Fafunwa; the govern- Mike Herrera project called "GILAS" (Gearing Up In- ment of Quezon City, represented by May- ternet Literacy and Access for Students), or Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte, agreed to which aims to provide Internet access to match CSFB's contribution. The com- public high schools. bined amount will be used to provide In- GILAS is a consortium of IT and ternet access to at least 12 public high telecommunications companies, including schools in Quezon City. BayanTel and Ayala Foundation, which BayanTel will donate the Internet ser- aims to provide Internet connection to all vice for the 12 schools. Under the pro- public schools nationwide. gram, the company shall connect about CSFB's Simon Paterno (in photo, third 100 public schools in its service areas na- from left) presented a donation of US tionwide like Bicol, Eastern Visayas and $10,000 to the GILAS Consortium, which in Northern and Southern Mindanao. was represented by co-chair Jaime Augus- (John Rojo)

LOPEZ MUSEUM WORKSHOP TRAVEL FEATURE

IT is with a deep sense of loss that the Lopez Book Repair Workshop Memorial Museum notes the passing of one of Ugnayan sa Kalikasan its esteemed employees, Miguel Santos Her- by Loreto Apilado rera, on July 27, 2005. Mt. Banahaw retreat Kuya Mike, as fellow employees fondly Six Saturdays starting September 3, 2005 Sept. 2-4, 2005 called him, began work at the Lopez Memorial Museum as a janitor/messenger in 1971. He re- 9 a.m. to 12 noon AWAKEN the power of feminine wis- tired in 2001, but was retained as a technical Fee: P5,500 (includes materials) dom and compassion through the Sacred supervisor for the handling, preservation and Feminine, a one-of-a-kind retreat in mys- tical Mt. Banahaw: inventory of artworks, and the maintenance, THE Lopez Memorial Museum starting September 3 and ending • Source and manage your major rela- When: September 2, 3 and 4, 2005 (Fri- upkeep and preservation of museum properties is again offering its popular October 8, 2005. Fee of P5,500 tionship issues day, Saturday and Sunday) and office equipment. Book Repair Workshop, a includes materials. Slots are lim- • Cleanse your physical, mental and Where: Mt. Banahaw, Dolores, Quezon Kuya Mike possessed a special talent for hands-on workshop where par- ited to 12 participants only. emotional bodies through movements, Fee: P6,000 things requiring a steady hand, like calligra- ticipants learn the types of dam- The Lopez Memorial Muse- diet and nature rituals What to bring: Sacred objects and clothing phy, matting and mounting. His dedication to age found in library collections, um is located at the ground floor • Cavort with kindred spirits as you taste the for Free Movements; trekking wear to get and the repair options, from of the Benpres Building, Ex- his job was inspiring; co-employees described mystique of Mt. Banahaw and be healed wet and dirty in; rubber sandals, towel, at- mending paper tears, attaching change Road corner Meralco Av- by her earth, water, air, fire and ether tire you feel best in; notebook and ball pen him as a perfectionist. loose pages, replacing end enue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Kuya Mike was admired not only for his skills, • Be at home with your body as you freely Meeting place: 6 a.m. on Friday, Septem- sheets and recasing a book in its Museum days and hours are move to different sounds of music ber 2, 2005 in Magallanes (in front of but also for his generosity of spirit, which was ev- original cover, among others. Mondays through Saturdays, 8 • Feel good about expressing your authentic Starbucks) ident in his gifts of food, the help he extended and Loreto Apilado of the Cottage a.m.-5 p.m. The museum is self in a safe and nurturing environment For inquiries, call the InterSelfEmpower- the smiles he gave to his fellow employees and vis- Industry Technology Center will closed on holidays. For more in- • Have fun while energized by the full ment Institute: Riza (872 9341/0917 825 itors. Godspeed, Kuya Mike! facilitate the workshop for six formation, call Fanny at 631- moon or new moon 4333) or Bhakti (811 2657/0917 836 0353) Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon 2417. 10 LOPEZLINK September 2005 ‘Laro Tayo Kapamilya’

winners Yu Nathan Photos:

Scenes from the first Lopez Group Badminton Cup: (Clockwise from extreme left) Meralco AVP and marketing head Mike Lopez recites the oath of sportsmanship; Meralco chair and CEO Manuel M. Lopez declares "Laro Tayo, Kapamilya" open; overall champion Meralco celebrates; second runner-up ABS-CBN; the exciting exhibition match; Benpres Insurance Agency executive vice-president Beaver Lopez; and first runner-up Skycable/Pilipino Cable.

THE first Lopez Group Badminton Cup, (Class A), Rea Retugal and Me Ann Selga dubbed "Laro Tayo, Kapamilya," was a of Skycable/Pilipino Cable (Class B), and smashing success with eight teams repre- Claire Paulino and Mae Dimacali of Mer- senting various companies from the Lopez alco (Class C); mixed doubles—Joel Noga Group participating in the two-day event. and Flor Vivas of Meralco (Class A); Larry Players and cheerers had a lot of fun as ex- Nerida and Tuts Manalac of Meralco ecutives and rank and file employees unit- (Class B); and Rommel Pajarillo and ed in their teams' quest for victory. Agnes Canita of Meralco (Class C). Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel M. Advanced badminton players were Lopez congratulated the teams for perse- grouped in Class A of "Laro Tayo, Kapam- vering in the games and for showing unity ilya," while intermediate level players as well as sportsmanship throughout. were in Class B; beginners played under The following emerged as winners: Class C. men’s doubles—Allan Dilla and Boy Given its teams’ strong showing in all Morelos of Meralco (Class A), Nandy Pad- three categories, Meralco ended up as the ua and Romy Justiniano of Meralco (Class "Laro Tayo, Kapamilya" overall champion B), and Ronnie Abrantes and Dodie with six points, followed by the BayanTel Bautista of Skycable/Pilipino Cable (Class and the ABS-CBN teams as first runner-up C); women’s doubles—Rose Santos and and second runner-up, respectively. (Gie Mace Dugenia of Skycable/Pilipino Cable Sabayle) BayanTel badminton team takes 2nd place in NTC tourney THE BayanTel badminton team emerged ern, NTC, Globe, Helius, ABS-CBN, as the second place overall winners during PLDT, Innove, Stratex, Meridian, GMA 7, the recently concluded 3rd National Digitel and Smart. Telecommunications Commission (NTC) The tournament was held at the Green- Inter-Telecoms Badminton Tournament, hills Badminton Center on August 20 to coming second only to the Philippine Long 21, with former First Lady Amelita "Ming" Distance Telephone Company team. Ramos as the guest of honor during the Common badminton injuries Aside from the winning efforts of its opening ceremonies. (John Rojo) FOR sure may ilan-ilan pa sa atin na nakabenda mabilis at magbago ng direksyon.Stop-and-go men's doubles and pa rin dahil sa natamong injuries o kaya naman ang aksyon sa sport na ito kaya ang tamang sap- mixed teams, what ay kinakailangang uminom ng painkiller nang atos ay yung walang masyadong friction sa pag- tinamaan ng pulikat nang ginanap ang Lopez itan ng tapakan at sa playing surface para helped the BayanTel Group Badminton Cup tournament sa Club 650. nakakapag-slide ka sa court.Dapat din medyo team earn the award Ayon kay Dr.George Canlas, isang expert sa mataas ang heel at nakaka-absorb ng shock. was the performance sports medicine at orthopedic surgeon, ang mga No-no’s ang basketball or running shoes, at wag of Team D of its ladies' karaniwang injuries ng mga badminton players gumamit ng shoes na pang-competition o doubles team, which ay “tennis” elbow, iba’t ibang problema sa propesyunal kung beginner ka dahil iba ang fea- remained unbeaten tuhod at pamamaga ng pulsuhan o wrist at ng tures nito sa pangangailangan mo. during the tournament. Achilles tendon. Iwasang matamaan ng shuttlecock sa mata Nearly 40 teams Nakukuha ang tennis elbow ng mga players dahil umaabot sa 134 miles per hour ang bilis from 18 companies na masyadong mahigpit ang hawak sa raket o di nito—pangalawa lamang sa larong squash sa participated in the af- kaya’y mahina ang masel sa forearm, yung ba- bilis. hagi ng braso na nasa pagitan ng siko at wrist. Di hamak na kumpleto ang saya kapag wala fair.Among the partic- Mag-ingat kung masyadong magaan ang raket tayong sakit na natatamo.Konting ingat, tamang ipating companies mo o mahigpit ang strings nito—nakakadagdag pag-warm-up, tamang raket at sapatos at “in were Sun Cellular, ET- ito sa stress sa siko. moderation” ang pagbisita sa court—ilan lamang SI/SIEMENS, Fujitsu, Importante ang pagsuot ng tamang sapatos iyan sa mga paraan para makaiwas sa disgrasya Telecom Concept, sa badminton dahil kailangan mong kumilos ng habang naglalaro ng badminton. (JGJ) PT&T/Capwire, East- LOPEZLINK September 2005 11

Thank you for your comments and BINASACrossword mo ba from cover to cover ang huling isyu ng queries regarding the contents of the re- Lopez Link? Isa ka ba sa mga masugid na tagasubaybay cent issue of Lopez Link. I am pleased to ng mga programa sa ABS-CBN, Studio 23 o ANC? know that you are keeping tabs on the Patunayan na isa kang ganap na kapamilya sa pa- developments in our company, especial- mamagitan ng pagkumpleto ng crossword puzzle na ito. ly in these times of flux. We do have to update ourselves on what’s what and Dear Rosie who’s who in the Lopez Group, right? Dear Rosie Keep those questions coming! Actually, surveys show that ABS-CBN is slowly gaining lost ooOoo groundin the ratings game, kung ratings dinlang ang pag- For sale ho ba ang “Bridges”? Maga- uusapan. There are days when we’re on top, and days when ndang resource material siya para sa we’re yes, in secondplace, but we can say that we are on ibang kumpanya o kahit na sa mga course on our quest to return to the top. The reorganization that kumukuha ng PR, kaya sana it will be is being implementedat present is in aidof this objective. available commercially. —Sheila May ooOoo What happens now that the Supreme Court has ruled From Dario Pagcaliwagan, executive director ng Lopez Group against Meralco’s petition for a rate hike?—Eric Foundation Inc. (LGFI): “Bridges” is not for sale, but will be made available to companies and partners working with us in From Meralco’s Corporate Communication: “The Supreme CSR. It shouldbe available at their office for reference. Other- Court decision on the 12-centavo rate hike is moot and academic. wise, they can come to our office andwe can lendthem a copy. We withdrew that rate hike petition in April. All collections made ooOoo based on that provisional rate increase were already refunded to The Brown Bag series sounds interesting. Can you provide a some 1.6 million affectedcustomers in their July bills. schedule of the other programs that will be tackled for the rest of the year? Also, what are the criteria for getting a pro- Meralco hadfiledbefore the ERC an application for a 13.58 cen- ACROSS gram in the series? Thank you. —Marie tavo-increase on Oct. 10, 2003. On Nov. 7 that same year, the 1. Florida ---, “Pinoy Big 9. Managing editor, abbr. ERC grantedMeralco provisional approval for a 12-centavo av- Brother” business unit 11. Human Resources, From Beth Canlas of First Philippine Holdings Corp.: We in Cor- erage increase effective January 2004. The Supreme Court, act- head abbr. porate HR wouldlike to be a repository of “best or next prac- ing on oppositors’ petition vs. the increase, stoppedits implemen- 4. ------Dyogi, “Pinoy 12. Revenue Memoran- tices” andthe Brown Bag series is one intervention we use to doc- tation in a status quo order dated Jan. 13, 2004. On June 15, 2004 Big Brother” director dum Order, abbr. ument andshare such practices in the group. We have no specific the Supreme Court annulledERC’s provisional approval andad- and business unit head 14. Again, prefix criteria but if you say “best practice,” that means creative and visedMeralco to start with a clean slate.” 8. --- Consunji, ABS- 15. Not off innovative practices which have yielded excellent results. These ooOoo CBN International 17. Highest level of recog- practices are usually discussed in the MANCOM/EXCOM, and Can Norman Sison write about starting one’s own business senior director for sales nition for performance then Corporate HR lines them up for possible Brown Bag topics. with, for example, P50,000 or less as capital, yung tipo ng and marketing excellence in the The next Brown Bag skedis on September 15 andthe featured amount that you can borrow from the employees coop or the 10. Advertisement, abbr. Lopez Group company is First Gen/First Gas. SSS? I know it’s not much, but I want to start small. 13. Energy Regulatory 19. Austria, abbr. —Arnold Commission, abbr. 21. First Gen president ooOoo 15. Official Receipt, abbr. 23. ---- Records, 2004 Ang galing-galing ng “Pinoy Big Brother”! Ilang linggo pa Sure, Norman can advise you on a small business you can start 16.Memorandum of LAA awardee for busi- lang addict na ’ko sa show na ’to. Congrats sa mga taga-ABS! Agreement, abbr. ness management —Lynette with the kindof fundsyou have. Watch for the story in an upcom- 18. Cooling device 24. Lopez Group Founda- ing issue. You might also want to check out the “Hanapbuhay, Ki- 20. Operating System, tion Inc. annual publi- Salamat sa iyong pagtangkilik sa “Pinoy Big Brother.” Rest as- ta Atbp.” fair at the Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, on Sept. 2- abbr. cation report suredthat this is only the first of many surprises from ABS-CBN! 4, 2005. Contact 687-6139 to 41, or visit http://dsaptrade- 22. “---- ng Pangulo,” 26. Chemical compound ooOoo fair05.businessfinderph.com for more information. ANC coverage containing hydroxyl Bakit parang hindi pa rin nakakaungos ang ABS-CBN sa rat- ooOoo 25. ---- Vidanes, SVP for 28. ----- Bag Series, show- ings? Sa halip na gumanda ang performance nito, mas lalo pa If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and TV production case of Lopez Group yata itong bumubulusok at nabasa kong may layoffs at reor- reactions about anything and everything about the Lopez 27. Power Plant ---- companies’ best prac- ganization na namang nangyari. Ano po ang masasabi n’yo Group, please send them to Dear Rosie through fax no. 633- 28. Anuska ---, Endemol tices tungkol dito? —Edwin 3520 or to [email protected]. Salamat! executive director 29. “Significant other,” 29. Yes, Spanish abbr. 30.ABS-CBN’s FM 30. You and I station 31. ---- Alejandro, ABS- Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 16-18 Sept. 17 Sept. 23-26 Sept. 23 31.Cash on Delivery, CBN president Mercedes Benz “Lounge@fter German Car Show: "Lounge@fter German Car Show: BMW presents “The abbr. 32. Chronicle Broadcast- Fashion Show Sunset” with DJ Ben Porsche and Audi Sunset" with DJ Ben BMW Hire,” screening of 32. Corporate Social Re- ing Network powered by Mono Rockwell Power Mono Rockwell Power eight short films sponsibility, abbr. 33. Registered nurse Lufthansa 10 p.m. Plant Mall, North 9 p.m. Plant Mall, North Rockwell Power 34. Executive Order, abbr. 35. Emmy-nominated Stu- 7-11 p.m. @ the Embassy, Fort Court @ BMW Autohaus, Court Plant Plaza Strip @ Westin Philippine Bonifacio Libis 35. Certificate of Insu- dio 23 show Plaza, Harbour Tent rance, abbr. 37. Air conditioning, abbr. 36. Not applicable, abbr. 39. -- Tag, MNTC trans- 38. ---- zone ponder Sept. 24 Sept.30to Oct. 7-9 Oct.7-8 Oct. 8-15 Oct. 17 40. Opposite of yes Siemens Soccer Cup Oct. 2 German Car Show: The Oktoberfest Art Contest: Esther Kaiser Jazz 41. Charo Santos------, powered by German Car Show: Volkswagen 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. "Germany-It's more Concert by Goethe host of “Maalaala Mo Answers to Aug. puzzle Lufthansa Mercedes-Benz Rockwell Power @ NBC Tent, than you think!" Institut Kaya” Manila Polo Club Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Fort Bonifacio 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 p.m. Plant Mall, North Court @ Glorietta @ RCBC Auditorium DOWN North Court Ayala Mall 2. And, Tag. 3. Not yes Oct. 21-24 5. ABS-CBN News Expo of German Channel, abbr. products and 6. ----- Lopez, ABS-CBN services Global CEO 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. @ 7. -- Sharples, Endemol Series Glorietta Activity sales director for Center Southeast Asia of events 12 LOPEZLINK September 2005

FOOD Magazine's Isabel Preysler on 10 best desserts Metro Society cover TO kick off its 10th anniversary celebration, the Isabel Preysler graces the cover of the September issue of Metro September issue of FOOD lists the 10 best Society. A folio of photos exclusively for the magazine was ar- desserts. The desserts were selected by the editors ranged by editor in chief Lia Bernardo in close coordination with and publisher of FOOD for remaining consistently Isabel Preysler, whose absence from Manila publications makes this good through the years. Except for a few, their cover a fitting first anniversary offering for Metro Society readers. makers are enterprising individuals who produce Other features include a special on the country's best spa, the confections right in their own kitchens. Shangri-La's Mactan Island CHI; the De La Salle Museum in The list includes Baby Yulo's strawberry short- Cavite; the Eugenio Lopez Memorial Museum; and Dr. Jaime cake, chocolate rum cake by Joyce Aragon, mango Laya's collection of Philippine santos. "Entertaining with Flair" torte by the Cuerva family, caramel cake by Estrel's, highlights dinners hosted by Patxi and Sofia Zobel, and Pacqui Or- chocolate decadence cake by Dennis Hipolito's Jo- tigas, while VS takes a look at the closets of journalist Manolo Que- conde and macaroon de Paris by Bizu Patisserie. zon III and historian Carlos Celdran. Find out more in the September issue of FOOD Get your copy today. Metro Society is available at all bookstores and available in bookstores and newsstands nationwide. newsstands. For subscriptions, call 412-2272 locals 4656 or 4657. September Powertreasures Plant Mall By Monicaat Eleazar the POWER Plant Mall has something for every shopper, whoever and whenever—eats, sounds and accessories. Checkout the trea- Our very sures we've unearthed this month! All stores are located at the R2 In- dependent Lifestyles Wing of the own... Power Plant Mall. Chef Myrna CHEF Myrna Segismundo’s book, "Philippine Cuisine: Home-Cooked Recipes Wherever You May Be,” is now available. It is filled with recipes for Head to J.F. Lazartigue for the practically every Filipino dish. kind of pampering that only Chef Myrna, the managing director of Necklaces from Details. P495 Restaurant 9501 in ABS-CBN, wanted a the French can give. The new Filipino recipe booknot only for Filipinos, J.F. Lazartigue opens at the R-2 Level of Power Plant Mall Drop down but also one simple enough for cooks of earrings, other nationalities to understand. On a trip on September 15. to the United States, she tested the recipes in Mimi. From her sister’s kitchen to find out if she could P150 to do it the way she wrote it. The whole pro- P695 cess involved having to find ingredients at the corner grocery or Asian stores. Have a Cinnabon mini "Philippine Cuisine” is a no-nonsense strawberrybon and regular Café bookfilled with recipes that really work.It’s Pokers Wild Game, Landes. for every cookand for every kitchenhere Americano for only P70. Or, add and abroad. The bookcosts P350. For more P10 for a 16 oz cup of iced tea or P1,625 info, contact ABS-CBN Publishing at 924- lemonade. Belle 4104 or 415-2272 loc. 4641-42. Have a ball with the Philips Micro handbags, Component PSS010. From SM Tru. P6,198 Appliance Center. P6,590 Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo Executive Editor Rosan Cruz Contributing Editors Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene N. Ochoa (MNTC) Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (BayanTel) Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (Beyond Cable) Leah Salterio (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) Jess Matubis (Maynilad) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) Frances Bumanlag (AEI) Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) Editorial and Layout IPI Creative Business Unit LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group, 4/FBenpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City Telefax: 633-3520 For feedback, please email: [email protected]