December 06-January 07

Power Plant Mall: Shopping hot spot

LOOKING for a shopping experience that Rockwell Land Corp. to develop the whole dalgo Place, which were both turned over in won’t require rubbing elbows or exchanging 15-hectare expanse into a high end, self- 1999; and Amorsolo Square, scents with total strangers, and offers celebri- contained, mixed-use community. Every- turned over also in 2000; and the newest ad- ty sightings to boot? Then look no further- thing was torn down, including the old plant, dition, The Manansala, turned over in mid- this Christmas, all roads lead to Manila’s to give way to the development, christened 2005. fashionable mall, . the . The mall stands on the former site of the Five years later, in 2000, Power Plant thermal plant named for ’s first Mall was opened to complement the Rock- Turn to page 8 president, James Chapman Rockwell. When well residential condos: Tower and Hi- the facility was mothballed in the early 1990s, Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr. formed

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Upbeat ang Lopez Group sa 2007

AYON kay Lopez Group chairman Oscar Nag-target ng 25% na mas mataas na net OML sa mga executives na kakailanganin M. Lopez (OML), “upbeat” ang outlook ng income para sa 2007 ang Lopez Group ng Benpres na makatanggap ng mga grupo sa ekonomiya para sa 2007. kumpara sa 2006 at sinabi ni OML na kailan- dibidendo mula sa halagang ipinuhunan nito Sa annual budget conference na dinaluhan gang maabot ang target na ito upang mapa- sa mga investee companies mula pa noong ng mga senior executives ng Lopez Group, natili ng grupo ang posisyon nito sa napaka- 1990s. sinabi ni OML na kapuna-puna ang pani- competitive na business environment. “A balance must be obtained between bagong capacity expansion na nagaganap sa Isa sa mga priority para sa 2007 ang growth and the financial stability of our cor- manufacturing sector, lalo na sa electronics; pagkumpleto sa financial restructuring ng porate center...but to complete our debt re- malalaking pamumuhunan sa mining; Benpres Holdings Corporation na nagsimu- structuring at Benpres, we need your divi- lumalakas na property market kaya nawala la noong 2002. dends and we need you to maintain your A grand na ang dating over-supply ng office space; at “I believe we are now closer to a success- dividend promises. Let’s do this once and ...p6 ang darating na eleksiyon na karaniwang ful restructuring of (the Benpres) debt,” wi- for all, while conditions are favorable.” launching nagtutulak sa consumer spending. ka ni OML. Gayunpaman, pinaalala ni Turn to page 2 2 LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 Q3 financial results Malakas na piso nakatulong sa Benpres

By Carla Paras-Sison may hawak sa Manila North Tollways Q3 2006 Financial Results Corporation, at ng Meralco. Ang revenue Total Revenues Net Income/(loss) SANHI ng malakas na piso na nagpababa galing sa pagbenta ng kuryente, na bumuo Period sa halaga ng utang na dolyares,umabot sa ng 86% ng unaudited revenues, ay lumaki Jan.-Sept. 2005 2006 % change 2005 2006 % change P2.981 bilyon ang net income attributable ng 12% sa P37.8 bilyon dahil sa pagtaas to equity holders ng Benpres Holdings Cor- ng presyo ng natural gas at paglaki ng poration sa unang siyam na buwan ng 2006, paggamit ng fuel. Ang revenue naman ABS-CBN P12.740 B P12.949 B +2 P409 M P694 M +70 galing sa toll operations, na nagbigay ng mula P899 milyon sa kaparehong panahon Benpres P12.725 B P12.949 B +2 P899 M P2.981 B +232 noong isang taon. Kasama rito ang P588 10% ng unaudited revenues, ay tumaas ng milyon na foreign exchange gain dahil sa 16% to P4.3 bilyon. First Gen US$ 611 M US$725 M +19 US$ 62 M US$67 M +7 paglakas ng piso sa P50.21 bawa't dolyar. Ang unaudited consolidated revenues Nasa P12.949 bilyon naman ang unau- ng FPHC para sa Enero hanggang Se- FPHC P38.9 B P43.9 B +13 P3.2 B P5.2 B* +63 tyembre ay umakyat ng 13% sa P43.9 bi- dited consolidated revenues ng kumpa- Meralco P127.685 B P134.969 B +6 (P1.061 B)** P596 M*** +156 nya, 2% na mas mataas sa P12.725 billion lyon mula P38.9 bilyon. First Gen matibay din sa comparative period. *Including P2.7 billion gain on dilution in First Gen Umakyat ng 73.6% ang equity share Nagtala ng net income attributable to ng Benpres sa net earnings ng investees equity holders of the parent na US$67 mi- **After providing for probable losses in the amount of P4.69 billion dahil sa pagbenta ng First Philippine lyon ang First Gen Corporation sa unang ***After providing for probable losses in the amount of P4.62 billion Holdings Corporation (FPHC) sa bahagi siyam na buwan ng 2006, mas mabuti ng ng equity interest nito sa First Gen Corpo- 7% kaysa noong unang siyam na buwan ration (First Gen) sa initial public offering ng nakaraang taon. Ang consolidated rev- Meralco nakabawi Lumaki ng 5.7% ang revenues ng Mer- ay umakyat ng 70% sa P694 million sa unang ng huli noong Pebrero. enues naman ay lumaki ng 19% sa Nakabawi na ang Meralco sa pagkaka- alco sa P134.969 bilyon mula P127.685 siyam na buwan ng 2006, mula P409 million First Holdings patuloy ang paglakas US$725 milyon. lugi nito na P1.061 bilyon noong unang bilyon, bagama't tumaas lamang ng 1% noong 9M05. Nagsisimula nang maramdaman Nag-report ang FPHC ng net income at- Sinabi ng First Gen na ang magandang siyam na buwan ng 2005 matapos magtala ang benta ng kuryente sa 18,763 milyong ang kabutihang dulot ng pagbabawas ng gas- tributable to equity holders of the parent na resulta ng operasyon nito ay sanhi ng mas ng P596 milyon na net income nitong En- kilowatt-hours (kWh) mula 18,577 mily- tusin noong nakaraang taon, katulad ng pag- P5.2 bilyon sa unang tatlong quarters ng mababang gastos para sa professional ero hanggang Setyembre 2006. ong kWh. Bumaba ang volume ng kWh retire sa 20% ng mga empleyado at mas main- 2006, mas mataas ng 63% sa P3.2 billion fees, mas mababang administrative ex- Naglaan ang Meralco ng P4.621 bily- sales sa residential customers (-2.7%) at gat na paggasta para sa production na bumaba sa unang tatlong quarters noong 2005. penses, at mas mababang net interest ex- on para sa probable losses kung sakaling streetlights (-0.3%), samantalang tumaas ng 1% sa P4.191 bilyon. Malaking bahagi nito ay dahil sa pag- pense. Bumaba ang binabayarang profes- matalo ito sa unbundling rate case nito sa naman ang kWh sales sa commercial Halos hindi gumalaw ang total rev- buti ng kita ng mga subsidiaries at asso- sional fees ng kumpanya matapos ma-set- Korte Suprema. Kung hindi naglaan ang (+3.6%) at industrial (+2.2%) segments. enues na mas mataas lamang ng 2% sa ciates, lalo na ng First Gen Corporation, tle ang arbitration ng First Gen at ng Meralco para sa probable losses, aabot ABS-CBN umarangkada P12.949 bilyon mula P12.740 bilyon, at First Philippine Infrastructure Develop- Siemens ukol sa dating pagkakabinbin ng sana ng P3.6 bilyon ang net income ni- Ang net income attributable to equity hold- gayundin ang gross airtime revenues sa ment Corporation (FPIDC), na siyang konstruksiyon ng Santa Rita power plant. to. ers ng ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation P8.013 bilyon mula P8.014 bilyon.

Upbeat ang Lopez Group... ground lost to GMA 7 in Metro Mani- tion at nagpo-program ng mga com- Global, local loan accords from page 1 la. We are finally out of Maynilad. We puters bago ito i-install sa mga paar- are also close to making our net in- alan. Nagtuturo rin ukol sa kalinisan Kasama rin sa 2007 priority pro- come targets for the year, and we at kaligtasan ang mga environmen- ‘confidence vote’ for MNTC jects ang pagpapalakas ng gover- would have exceeded these targets tal, safety and health inspectors ng nance system ng Lopez Group, pag- had Meralco obtained a rate increase,” Meralco sa mga pampublikong paar- MANILA North Tollways Corpo- the country’s biggest banks, trust papalaganap ng risk management sabi ni OML. alan. ration (MNTC) has successfully groups and insurance companies. system at pagpapaigting ng excel- Bigyang-panahon ang CSR Nitong 2006, nakapagtayo ng closed its $210 million-equivalent Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd. lence at corporate initiatives na tu- Hinimok naman ni Meralco chair- siyam ng (GK) Sibol refinancing facility with a consor- was the arranger and underwriter mutulong sa pagpapabuti ng perfor- man Manuel M. Lopez (MML) ang Schools ang Meralco, kasama ang tium of global, local and other fi- for the $100 million long-term mance ng grupo. mga executives na payagang mag- isang pinondohan ng personal ng mga nancial institutions. USD facility while BDO Capital Gagamitin ang higit na matinding volunteer sa corporate social respon- opisyal ng Meralco. In his remarks before the gather- and Investment Corporation and performance management system sibility (CSR) initiatives ng grupo ang Sa pagtatayo ng mga preschool na ing of lenders at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, ING Bank N.V. were joint lead managers for para sa chief executive at operating kanilang mga empleyado. ito, ang Branch at Sector employees MNTC chairman Oscar M. Lopez (OML) not- MNTC’s P5.5 billion, seven-year fixed rate officers ng mga kumpanya. Mas ma- Sa kanyang pahayag sa pagtatapos sa komunidad na nasasakupan ay tu- ed that investors’ and creditors’ vote of confi- corporate note (FXCN) issue (see sidebar). linaw ang mga performance objec- ng annual budget conference, sinabi mutulong tuwing Sabado at Linggo sa dence is given to projects “that are judiciously ING Bank N.V. and Mizuho in addition acted tives at key result areas, at gayundin ni MML na bagama’t naging uso ang mga kapitbahayan at residente na managed and those that yield planned results.” as joint coordinating arrangers. ang panukat sa performance, evalua- CSR nitong nakaraang ilang panahon, makikinabang sa GKSibol School. There were 23 participating lenders in the mul- Citing the optimal mix of dollar- and pe- tion at feedback. Pagtutuunan din ng matagal na ang mga tumatakbong Para sa 2007, nag-commit na magtayo ti-tranche facility consisting of supranational and so-denominated loans, MNTC president Jose higit na pansin ang mga larangan ng CSR programs ng Meralco. ng 12 pang karagdagang GKSibol multilateral agencies, including global banks and de Jesus underscored the need to shield the “customer awareness and satisfac- Nagsimula ang CSR ng Meralco Schools ang Meralco. North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) project tion, leadership and strategic plan- noong 1960s sa pamamagitan ng mga Ang preschool curriculum na from foreign exchange risks. ning.” cash donations o endowments sa mga dinisenyo ng Meralco, na kung tawa- Bullish market “A good project like the NLEX must not Kaya naman bagama’t upbeat at institusyon tulad ng Asian Institute of gin ay Liwanag Learning Package, suffer simply because we have not shielded it exciting ang outlook para sa 2007, Management, Ateneo de Manila, Uni- ang siya ngayong gamit ng GKpara response prompts from risks, financial or otherwise. Our fi- sinabi ni OML na ito’y magiging versity of the , kasama na sa lahat ng Sibol Schools sa buong nancing transaction will provide a stronger “busy and demanding” din. ang mga professorial chairs at schol- bansa. MNTCtoup balance sheet to support initiatives that we Binati ni OML ang Lopez Group arships. “Let me assure all of you that the intend to pursue to further improve service to employees dahil marami sa mga Mula noong mid-1980s, ibinagay returns are well worth all the expenses notes issue our motorists,” De Jesus said. negosyo ng grupo ay nasa higit na na ng Meralco ang CSR projects nito and the efforts. From the attitudinal THE enthusiastic response of the finan- He added that at the start, the loan financ- maayos na kalagayan na. “Our sa negosyo nito, at sa kapasidad at transformation of our employee-vol- cial market has prompted MNTC to in- ing that funded the NLEX project was wholly baseload plants are being dispatched galing ng mga employee-volunteers. unteers, to the goodwill these activi- crease the size of its seven-year fixed dollar-denominated starting July 2001, for at close to 90%, in excess of MEQ Halimbawa na ay ang mga energy ties generate for the company, the rate corporate notes (FXCN) issue from which OML thanked the consortium of for- (minimum energy quantity)...There is conservation campaigns, pagbibigay happiness and chance for a better life P3 billion to P5.5 billion. eign banks for “their faith in us at a time when confidence that Meralco might finally ng serbisyo-kuryente sa mga rural at for the recipients are bonus already. MNTC received subscriptions of P7.1B the North Luzon Expressway was yet a new obtain its long awaited rate in- urban depressed communities, street CSR activities which are truly sup- for its inaugural debt capital market issue, idea-and thus was facing a new uncertainty.” crease...While traffic volumes on the lighting at pagsagip sa watershed. ported by employee-volunteers are thus, the decision to raise the issue size by Also cited at the signing ceremonies was NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) are Ngayon, nagtuturo ang mga Mer- better than any deliberate team-build- 83%. The proceeds from the issue will be the original international creditors’ decision lower than pre-rehabilitation levels, alco analysts ng computer literacy sa ing activities for our employees,” sabi used to partially convert its US dollar-de- to remain as lenders in the $100 million loan, they are sufficient to enable MNTC to mga paaralang nakakatanggap ng ni MML. nominated loans into local currency, reducing “which speaks well of their continuing con- meet all of its financial requirements computer donations mula sa Meral- “Let me therefore encourage you MNTC’s foreign exchange risk. PhilRatings, fidence in MNTC,” said Mitsutoshi Mizuno and the traffic volumes are steadily co. Ang mga courses na itinuturo ay all to give opportunities to all your an independent ratings agency, ascribed to of Mizuho Corporate Bank. moving up...ABS-CBN has solidified disenyo ng training people ng Meral- employees to volunteer for meaning- the P5.5 billion issue a PRS Aaa Issue rating, The international lending group now in- its ratings leadership in the non-Mani- co. Mismong mga computer techni- ful CSR projects,” pagtatapos niya. the highest possible credit rating on PhilRat- cludes the Asian Development Bank, the export la market and has begun to recover cians ng Meralco ang nagre-recondi- (C.P. Sison) ings’ national or domestic rating scale. credit agencies of France and Australia and four global commercial banks. (Kit Ventura) LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 3 @ the Focap Forum Completion of Epira reforms, lower taxes on power industry can ease electricity rates — OML

Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez in private ownership, the transition will the law while crossing midstream is the making power rates more competitive will The Lopez Group through First Gen (OML) said the completion ofreformsun- not be easy as some quarters resist and fa- surest way to drown and mire the econo- benefit from the removal of taxes and roy- Corporation is seeking to be a key partner der the Electric Power Industry Reform vor the status quo. my in another power crisis,” he said. alties “that gravely penalize the use ofin- ofgovernment in making power reforms Act (Epira) and a review oftaxes on the The worst thing OML urged the government to take the digenous fuels.” OML traced much of the work. power industry may help reduce electric- “But the reforms (under Epira) have to power reforms to completion and make tariff structure to Marcos-era Presidential “The Philippines is at the forefront of ity rates in the country. be relentlessly pushed towards comple- the industry attractive to investments. Decrees that provide revenues to govern- power reforms in Asia…I believe this is Speaking before members of the For- tion in order to work…The worst thing we “The more vibrant the competition, the ment but serve to make already expensive something our country can be proud eign Correspondents Association ofthe can do today as a country is to waffle in- better the chances for reducing power power even more so. of…Making power costs in the Philip- Philippines (Focap), OML noted that as decisively as to whether we should have costs and subsidies from government.” “Ifwe clamor to have cheaper power pines one ofthe most competitive in the the electricity sector shifts from being pre- gone this route in the first place. Restart- Key partner rates, why do we tax it so heavily in the world once again remains our overriding dominantly government-owned to being ing the legislative process by amending He added that the country’s efforts in first place?” OML quipped. goal,” OML said. Lopez Group to build homes for teachers, cops if it recovers bank shares

OSCAR M. Lopez (OML) said he will rec- the Sandiganbayan since no final determi- ommend to First Philippine Holdings Cor- nation ofownership has been made. poration (FPHC) shareholders the dona- FPHC wants to recover 51,827,640 Equi- tion ofhalfofwhatever proceeds the com- table PCIBank shares with a current market pany may be awarded for its claim over value ofP4.04 billion (at P78.00 per share in disputed Equitable-PCIBank shares to the Philippine Stock Exchange). The represent build homes for teachers and policemen. 7.13% ofthe present outstanding capital stock OML said during the Focap forum that ofE-PCIBank. FPHC is pursuing its intervention in the “After former President Marcos declared case over the E-PCIBank shares currently in September 1972, he ordered the being voted by the Romualdez group takeover ofMeralco. Eugenio Lopez Jr. was through Trans Middle East (Philippines) arbitrarily arrested and placed under indefinite Equity Inc. (TMEE). detention. Fernando Lopez was stripped ofthe “What we find shameful and alarming is vice presidency ofthe Republic. Manila that the second generation in these ill-gotten Chronicle and ABS-CBN were closed, and wealth cases, instead offeelingsome sense their buildings and equipment were seized ofremorse and without compensation. The Kokoy Romualdez thoughts ofatonement group took control ofPCIBank,” OML said. for the injustices that The PCGG sequestered the shares in transpired during the 1986 on the allegation that they are ill-got- martial law years, are ten wealth ofKokoy Romualdez. The now taking steps to Sandiganbayan lifted the sequestration in hold on and personally 2003 but ruled that the shares “be deposit- benefit from these se- ed with the Land Bank ofthe Philippines questered assets. We in escrow for the persons, natural or juridi- are fighting for our cal, who shall eventually be adjudged law- rights in this case as a fully entitled thereto.” matter ofprinciple,” Should FPHC win its claim over the dis- OML said. puted shares, OML said he will recommend From top row, left to right: Chairman Oscar M. Lopez; Benpres’ Boo Chanco; Benpres president and COO Angel Ong and consultant Danny Gozo; In 1996, the to shareholders the allocation ofat least P2 First Gen president Federico “Piki” Lopez; MNTC president Jose “Ping” de Jesus; ABS-CBN VP and Lopez Memorial Museum director Cedie Supreme Court upheld billion to build 20,000 homes through Gawad Vargas and Mrs. Connie R. Lopez; FPHC Manufacturing chief Dr. Arthur de Guia; FPHC president and COO Elpidio Ibañez; FPHC’s Jay Lopez; the right ofFPHC to Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity, specifical- First Gen vice chairman Peter Garrucho; First Gen’s Rudy Quetua and Meralco’s Ivanna de la Peña; and First Gen’s Lito Santos, FPIC president intervene in the case ly for the benefit of public school teachers Leonides Garde, First Gen’s Nestor Vasay and FPHC VP Pearl Catahan. between the Presiden- and policemen, describing them as “hard- tial Commission on working but poorly paid public servants.” Good Government “We hope and pray that, in the end, jus- In memoriam (PCGG) and TMEE at tice will prevail,” said OML. Max Soliven, publisher and ‘PDA’ exec producer ABS-CBN veteran, dies at 77 Joel Siervo, 38

Publisher and columnist Max- time) ofcardiac arrest. Evening News. He also had a “PINOY Dream Academy” executive A native imo Soliven, an icon in Philip- Considered as one ofthe successful foray into television a producer Joselito “Joel” Siervo, 38, ofBulacan, pine journalism, died Novem- last ofhis generation ofFil- public affairs show, “Impact,” on was found dead in his home in Que- Siervo ber 24, 2006 in Tokyo, ipino journalists, Soliven start- ABS-CBN. Soliven became a zon City on November 3,2006. started from complications arising ed his career as an editor of jail mate ofhis formerboss, Eu- News Channel (ANC) in 2004, Police said Siervo, who was found working at from pneumonia. The Sentinel before joining the genio “Geny” Lopez Jr., in Fort Soliven scored a coup by being by his laundrywoman when she went ABS-CBN Soliven, who was in staff of the Lopezes’ Manila Bonifacio a few months after the first to have a lengthy inter- to pick up his laundry, had suc- in 1998 as a Japan on official business Chronicle as a police reporter. martial law was declared in view with then presidential can- cumbed to stab wounds in different production assistant. He worked in and was waiting at the Narita He later became business edi- 1972. He ventured into newspa- didate Fernando Poe Jr. parts ofhis body. television programs such as “Star Cir- airport for his flight back to tor of Manila Times, and then per publishing again after martial President Arroyo posthu- In a statement, ABS-CBN said Sier- cle Quest,” “ASAP,” “Ang TV” and Manila, was rushed to the went on to distinguish himself law, cofounding the Philippine mously conferred on Soliven vo’s “unexpected and senseless passing “Teysi ng Tahanan.” Narita Red Cross Hospital as a foreign correspondent. Daily Inquirer and later, the the Order ofLakandula with brings great sorrow to…his ABS-CBN The funeral mass for Siervo was and officially pronounced In the 1960s, Soliven became Philippine Star. When “Impact” the rank ofGrand Officer family” and requested all Kapamilya to held at St. Paul’s Church on Mother Ig- dead at 11:26 a.m. (Tokyo the publisher and editor of The was revived on the ABS-CBN (Maringal na Pinuno). pray for “our beloved Joel.” nacia cor. Timog Avenue on Nov. 9. 4 LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 Meralco execs, teams cited for Milenyo restoration work

MERALCO chairman Manuel M. Lopez (MML) sults which are traditionally and widely acknowl- “It is in such totally unexpected situations that delivered the welcome remarks in the 2005 Busi- edged by the business community.” the true mettle of an excellent organization is tested ness Excellence Awards held at the Rockwell Calling the awards a “ways towards an end,” and proven,” MML noted as he thanked the Meralco Center’s The Loft on Oct. 27, 2006. the Meralco president cited three results that executives and staff who made the task possible. In his speech “Business and Excellence,” could be expected out of the recognition: em- “This is what Meralco is made of—employee MML congratulated the employee groups and ployee satisfaction, excellent team performance teams who can deliver as expected and much more companies that had achieved excellence as eval- and exemplary business results. when needed and when least expected. I look for- uated by external assessors using international He recalled the restoration work undertaken by ward to the results of this year’s performance of Post-typhoon benchmarks. Meralco linemen for typhoon Milenyo, saying it the various companies who we are honoring today He emphasized that excellence “is nothing if was a study in planning and management and bears to see whether such passing marks translated into test hurdled with it is not translated to individual, group and cor- “all the features of excellence as prescribed even by real business performance and therefore real busi- porate performance as measured by business re- the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award…. ness excellence,” MML concluded. flying colors Award conferred on MERALCO faced one of its toughest tests in years when typhoon Milenyo caused severe destruction on electric facilities following a collapse of the Luzon outstanding mom grid due to a series of outages by distribution circuits, and subtransmission and transmission lines. The destruction was most evident in the south area Meralco recently bestowed the Meralco Ilaw ng Tahanan Special Award to Teresita while the north area was the least affected by the ty- Lazo (2nd from left) of Marikina City. The honor was given during the 3rd Working phoon. Meralco crews began restoration work as soon Mom Balance Awards at the Astoria Plaza Hotel in City. The Ilaw ng as environmental conditions allowed. Tahanan Special Award is an annual award given by Meralco to mothers who pos- Nine electric utilities from across the country lent sess personal integrity and a pioneering sprit. She also provides inspiration and their crews to assist Meralco in the grueling restoration guidance to those who know her and her parenting style also brings out the best in task. They were Cabanatuan Electric Corp. (Celcor), her children. Lazo,a widow,has two grownup sons. She is currently the general Dagupan Electric Corp. (Decorp), Angeles Electric manager of Rustan’s Marketing Corporation. Photo shows the awardee with (from Corp. (AEC), Clark Electric Distribution (CEDC), Tar- left) Elpi Cuna,Meralco vice president and corporate communication director; lac Electric Inc. (TEI), Davao Light and Power Corp. Liza Rose Diangson,Meralco SAVP and customer process management head; and (DLPC), Visayan Electric Corp. (Veco), Subic Ener- Miguel Lopez,Meralco AVP and marketing head. (Ritzi V. Ronquillo) Zone Corp. (SEZ), and San Fernando Electric Light and Power Corp. (Sfelapco). Meralco energized its 660 distribution and 79 sub- Tony Meloto is 1st Gawad awardee transmission lines, representing 100% of the compa- ny’s 739 circuits, on Oct. 7. The main portions of the 423 distribution circuits serving and the 237 distribution circuits serving the provincial areas Pure of purpose and sincere were reinstated. (Maite Bueno)

By Ritzi V. Ronquillo of the compelling pow- er of their vision, phi- ITwas everything we imagined it to be. losophy, commitment, Meralco to An inspiring award to honor a leader who set action.” aside personal interest and ambition, and served He praised the GK simply and with a vision. Just like the late multi- and its volunteers, not- awarded Haydee Yorac, UP outstanding alumna ing that “they seem to and Meralco legal counsel. have a source of inner refund The search was difficult and the screening, un- strength as they work forgiving. The working committee was beginning seemingly tirelessly, to get concerned. Would anyone even come close patiently talking to all to the principled, brilliant, nationalistic, simple, kinds of people, tack- consumers honest Haydee Yorac? And this being the first ling the most difficult award, would the comparison end where the win- situations; …seeking ner’s attributes and public service begin? solutions to what seems Antonio Meloto, executive director of Gawad to be endless problems. Kalinga, was the answer. GK is a movement of Through all these, they P827M community building through people volunteerism do not seem to lose hope and despair.” in keeping with the Filipino bayanihan way. Meloto acknowledges cheers from the audience at the awarding ceremonies MERALCO is set to carry out another round of refunds in Warm was the evening as Meralco and Univer- Tony Meloto’s “in- Oct. 4 at the Meralco Theatre. He received his trophy,done by National January 2007 after the Supreme Court disallowed a tariff sity of the Philippines officials, Gawad Haydee cisive analysis of situa- Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva,from Dr. Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, hike implemented by the utility in 2004. Yorac officials, judges, search and screening com- tions, borne out of his UP vice president for public affairs; Sen. ,chairman of the The court ordered Meralco in August to refund cus- mittee members, Gawad Kalinga and Couples for personal experience, board of judges; and Manuel M. Lopez,Meralco chairman and CEO. Christ members, Yorac family members, associ- results in accurate con- tomers P827 million, saying the increase approved by the ates and friends, and other guests attended the first clusions and correct solutions to situations. These his family and the volunteers, supporters and commu- Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) between June and awarding rites at the Meralco Theatre. translate into concrete actions bridging relation- nities involved in GK. He donated his P200,000 cash August 2004 was void because it was applied without a Auspiciously, it was also the anniversary of ships among and between the rich, poor, govern- grant to the soon-to-be built Haydee Yorac Gawad public hearing or public notice. However, the utility will be Gawad Kalinga that day. And, just some days ago, it ment, corporate world, civil society, religious, Kalinga village in her home province of Negros. allowed to petition anew for a rate hike in order to recover was the first death anniversary of Haydee Yorac. mass media, even our countrymen living Awarding the trophy by National Artist for the amount, which represents the additional generation cost Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez said: abroad…,” OML said. Sculpture Napoleon Abueva were Meralco chair- passed on by Meralco suppliers. “We need models and examples if only to keep us “…His uncanny ability to bring people of dif- man and CEO Manuel M. Lopez, chairman of the “We are filing a new petition to cover the costs after we going and continue believing and working towards ferent persuasions together…His personal under- board of judges Jovito Salonga and UP vice pres- have refunded because we have already advanced these to a common dream of a better Philippines…Haydee standing of his country’s people and their situa- ident for public affairs Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, the generators,” Meralco spokesperson Elpi Cuna said, Yorac and Tony Meloto…influence people and tion…the template of a decent home, a decent fam- on behalf of UP president Emerlinda Roman. adding that the refund would be “revenue neutral.” The re- events…by the sheer power of their dreams and ily, a decent life,” he ended. The award is established in honor of the late fund proposal, which will be in the form of credits on three their courage and perseverance to make them come In his acceptance speech, Meloto paid tribute to Haydee Yorac whose attributes, personal work eth- months’ worth of electricity bills rather than a cash rebate, true. As important is their ability to lead and mo- those who started him on his mission of believing that ic, commitment and service to the nation are basis has been approved by the ERC. bilize people and other resources towards a com- poverty could be beaten—his mentor Frank Padilla for this distinction. It recognizes Filipino leaders Meralco is still completing a P30-billion refund to con- mon cause.. looked up to by one and all…because (who celebrated his birthday on the awarding day), whose personal lives are worth emulating. sumers ordered by a court in November 2002. LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 5 Let us take advantage of this season's blessings

Sa mga Kapamilya, Christmas That the year is almost over comes startlingly surprising for most of us. Deadlines and meetings remind us that time is short and we seem to still have a lot to finish. messages With the host of activities we have been so busy with the whole year,Christmas ap- proaches,most especially this year,with such haste that leaves us all surprised and almost bewildered. However,we are given this occasion to force us to take a breather and purposely Family unity this Christmas show our appreciation and gratitude to each other,with fellowships,warm greet- ings,and fervent wishes for everyone’s happiness and well-being. Triumphs,ac- Christmas in the Filipino context is associated with family. With complishments,problems,issues and never-ending concerns seem to naturally re- Christmas,the thoughts of every Filipino,wherever he may be in this treat to the background as we celebrate this most happy occasion. world,drifts back home to the warm embrace of family. Given the Let us therefore take advantage of this season’s blessings. Take time out even number of scattered all over the world these days,not too for a while to share good laughter,enjoy each others’ company and thank each many will experience the joys of celebrating the wonderful season other and the Lord for keeping us all together and for blessing us with yet another the traditional Filipino way with family by their side. good year in 2006. Let us also thank Him for always giving us the skill,strength While nothing could be lonelier than spending Christmas abroad away from loved ones in this season of and opportunity to be of service to our fellowmen not only through our businesses, joy,family unity has helped the Filipino survive the many years of trials and separation. After all,the focus but more so through our volunteer work to various communities. remains on the brighter future for the family the sacrifices would assure. Family unity will always keep the We look forward to an even better year in 2007. With Maritess and all my children and grandchildren,I wish you Filipino family together,even if just in thought,when it is time to have the traditional Noche Buena. all a truly blessed Christmas! I chose to talk about the virtues of family unity in this year's Christmas message because in a sense,the Manuel M. Lopez extended Lopez Group family and the OFW families have some things in common. Our corporate family Chairman and CEO,Meralco has been subjected to trials over the past few years that had a lot of impact on our future. Like OFWs,we have had some pretty anxious moments. And like any OFW family,our extended corporate family has been Christmas is all about remembering able to persevere and successfully meet the challenging hurdles thrown on our paths. While the challenges continue,we are also now more confident about the bright future that goes with our hard work. Christmas is,indeed,here. Another year has gone by all too fast,leaving us again At the base of such confidence is family unity. Like an OFW family,our extended corporate family with a montage of milestones to look back on. Maybe this is what Christmas is really manages to endure because we operate on the principle that for so long as we all work together and all about for us as an organization—remembering. support each other,we are able to surmount all difficulties any one of our corporate family members And this year,we remember the cheers we have experienced,the smiles we have helped may face. Family unity is the secret of our extended corporate family,as it has always been for cen- paint,the lessons we’ve been blessed with,the values that have been revived; we remember turies the secret of the Lopez family that led to our reputation for Phoenix-like rebirths. the resilience and faith innate in every Filipino; we remember the bond among each and This Christmas,allow me,on behalf of my wife Connie and my children and grandchildren,to extend the every kapamilya that has sure been strengthened even more; we remember the countless best wishes of the season to your families. Let us consider ourselves blessed because amidst the troubles of chances we have been given to seize the day and witness the many facets of life. our times,we are able to celebrate this most joyful of seasons in the company of our families. And let us For all these,we sit around our red- and green-decked trees,thankful. For all approach the new year with the thought that all these blessings are always ours for the taking provided we these,we sit in the golden company of friends ready to gift everyone with the most continue to put family unity above all at work within our corporate family and at home with our families. genuine smile and a joyous greeting of “Merry Christmas!” A very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year to all! Maligayang Pasko, mga kapamilya! Oscar M. Lopez Eugenio Lopez III Chairman,Lopez Group Chairman,ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. The LopezLink year-end report

LOPEZLINK looks back at the milestones Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig Inc. (LGFI) receives a grant of its own,this holding firms post increased revenues, July in the corporate life of the Lopez Group: City. ABS-CBN deploys teams of social time to launch a family planning program in Meralco’s net loss shrinks and ABS-CBN The third- January workers from ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. selected companies in the Group. bounces back to show a net profit from a generation In the (AFI) and other volunteers to provide assis- April net loss in 2004. FPHC in addition de- Lopezes Lopez Group tance in the wake and burial arrangements, ABS- clares a cash dividend of P1 per share. commemo- Strategic while Kapamilya executives and talents CBN’s For the second year in a row,BayanTel is rate the Planning spend time with the victims’ families. NCAG holds cited as the Most Outstanding Telephone 105th birth Conference, First Gen Corporation’s share price for a general Company in the Mindanao Awards and Gen- anniversary Benpres its initial public offering (IPO) is pegged at meeting to in- eral Santos City Awards of the Philippine of Don Eu- Holdings lays P47. The sale of 180.9 new shares is expect- troduce its Marketing Excellence Awards Institute,Asian genio Lopez forth the goals ed to generate P8.5B for the company,part Standards and Institute of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Sr. by imple- that must be of which will be used to fund new projects. Ethics Manu- and Marketing Insights magazine. menting housing,nutrition,education and met in order The Group takes home six of the 57 tro- al (also called June reproductive health programs in the patri- to realize the phies handed out at the 41st Anvil Awards the Code of FPHC cel- arch’s Jaro, hometown. growth envisioned by chairman Oscar M. organized by the Public Relations Society of Ethics) to the ebrates its The homecoming is part of the fami- Lopez (OML) for the Group in the next five the Philippines,including the Grand Anvil news team. 45th anniver- ly’s way of living the values held dear by years. In sum,Benpres expects Manila for MNTC’s Toll Rate Management Plan. Head Maria Ressa calls the Code “a step sary in June Don Eñing—nationalism,entrepreneur- North Tollways Corp. (MNTC),First Hold- March forward in bridging the gap between the 2006,recall- ship,philanthropy,a belief in the value of ings and Rockwell Land to yield dividends, Meralco standards of local and global journalism.” ing the step- education and democracy. and for ABS-CBN,BayanTel and SkyCa- celebrates its Still in ABS-CBN,Eugenio “Gabby” by-step pro- Rina Lopez-Bautista receives the Pub- ble to enhance their operations. 103rd an- Lopez III assumes the presidency of the gression of so- lic Service Award from Ateneo de Manila MNTC president , niversary network after the resignation of Luis Ale- lutions that University on July 25. Maynilad president Fiorello Estuar and with differ- jandro,while Charo Santos-Concio steps were imple- August Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. ent activities up as EVP and channel head. mented to turn The spot- (KCFI) president Rina Lopez-Bautista are for employ- OML leads the Lopez Group’s charge on the company around and be strong again. light is on the cited by the International Association of ees,retirees Mt. Sto. Tomas in Tuba,Benguet to celebrate The Lopez family,through FPHC,re- Lopez Memo- Business Communicators for “successful- and their his 76th birthday. The group includes Connie news their claim on Equitable PCIBank rial Museum ly harnessing communication in advanc- families, Lopez,Rina Lopez-Bautista,Federico Lopez, shares being voted by the Romualdezes and Library, ing the reputation,enhancing the prof- while First First Philippine Holdings Corp.’s Elpidio through their Trans Middle East (Philip- which en- itability or achieving major objectives to Balfour Ibañez,Art de Guia,Benjie Liboro and Well- pines) Equity Inc. The bank was one of deavors to their organization” in the 2005 CEO Excel completes the Asian Development Bank’s ness Team head the assets seized from the family during create stimu- Awards in De- Enhanced Security Access Control project. and Rafael the Marcos regime. lating learn- cember 2005. Eight groups and one individual hurdle Alunan III. The Lopez Group signs a grant agree- ing encoun- February the screening and judging process of the May ment with USAID’s Private Sector Mobiliza- ters with as- The first 2005 Lopez Achievement Awards,while 10 Listed tion for Family Planning (Prism) for a family pects of Philippine material and nonmate- anniversary Human Resources professionals from six Lopez compa- planning program to be implemented in five rial heritage by opening up its collections presentation of Lopez Group companies receive their diplo- nies report im- companies. “The Lopez Group… is fully both to visitors and to museum staff. “Wowowee” mas in HR Development from the Ateneo. proved first committed to charting this course we are tak- FPHC and Benpres participate in the is called off Five Lopez Group companies receive a quarter finan- ing with Prism to its successful conclusion,” latest corporate governance study conduct- following a grant from the European Union to establish cial perfor- OML emphasizes during the signing. ed by the nonprofit organization Institute of stampede at the Investors in People (IiP) standard in their mance in More than 30 employees are cited in the the venue,the organizations. The Lopez Group Foundation 2006; the annual Gabi ng Parangal 2006 on June 30. Turn to page 13 6 LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 A grand book launching

ABS-CBN recently unveiled its flagship coffee table book, “Kapitan: Geny Lopez and The Making of ABS-CBN” at a grand event that gathered big- wigs from the broadcasting, ad- vertising, political and corpo- rate worlds alongside society’s finest. “Kapitan” is the nickname by which all ABS-CBN employees called the late Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr. Written by Raul Ro- drigo, the book “Kapitan” is the dual tale of a man and the com- pany he made. It tells the story of his dream for ABS-CBN, and how he and a tightly-knit group of kindred spirits made it come true, not once but several times, 1 in the face of great odds. That night, Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez, Ge- ny’s children, ABS-CBN Foun- dation’s Gina Lopez and ABS- CBN CEO and president Gabby Lopez, and Charo Santos-Concio shared heartfelt anecdotes about Why was Geny the man whose vision continues called to influence not just the ABS- CBN family but also the coun- 'Kapitan' try’s broadcasting landscape. 2 3 Political personalities also ?honored the legacy of Kapitan. ABS-CBN executives gave Eugenio “Geny” In attendance were Sen. Aquili- Lopez Jr. the moniker “Kapitan” in the mid- no Pimentel, Sen. Serge Osme- 1960s. During a late-night drinking session, na, Sen. Jun Magsaysay, Sen. the men conjectured that had Geny joined , City the Army after graduating from the Virginia Mayor Feliciano Belmonte and Military Institute (VMI), he would by then al- former Department of Interior ready hold the rank of captain. and Local Government Secre- Almost 20 years earlier, Eugenio (Eñing) H. tary Rafael M. Alunan III. to- Lopez Sr. had sent Geny to the military gether with ABS-CBN pioneers school in Lexington, Virginia after Jesuit dis- and Kapitan’s closest friends, 4 5 cipline at the Ateneo de Manila failed to such as Jim Lindenberg, the “fa- keep “The Great Transgressor” in line. Geny ther of Philippine broadcast- and his barkada were a mischievous bunch, ing,” former VP for Manila Ra- who cut classes, courted girls and partied to- dio Rino Basilio and Atty. gether, activities that took their toll on the Lorenzo Tañada Jr. young man’s grades. Others who witnessed the The school that Don Eñing picked out for glittering tribute to Kapitan his eldest son worked its magic. “…That was were Lizelle Maralag of Star- very good training for me, the military train- com Worldwide; David Guer- ing. It was also very disciplined. Very struc- rero of BBDO Guerrero/Ortega; tured, and that was what I needed,” Geny- Yolly Ong of Campaigns and 6 said. Grey; Ed Cruz and Raymund 7 According to Raul Rodrigo in “Phoenix,” Timbol of Masscom; Jon Tim- the years at VMI changed Geny. “More than bol of Ace Saatchi; Ricky Jal- 50 years later, he still had the ramrod-straight buena of DDB; Angel Guerrero bearing he picked up from countless hours of of Adobo Magazine; Bong Oso- guard duty shouldering a Garand rifle. More rio of Campaigns Advocacy and NAVASERO important, he developed a seriousness and PR Inc.; Howard Belton of drive that had been dormant before.” Unilever Philippines; Alex Fer- ANDY nandez of United Laboratories Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez BY: M said that Geny’s hands-on, aggressive man- Inc.; Ed Sunico of Unilever; agement style also probably owed a lot to Gerry Ablaza of Globe Tele- thetraininghereceivedatVMI. com; and Butch Racquel, Felipe PHOTOS 8 Yalung and Meckoy Quiogue of 9 GMA 7. (Leah Salterio) LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 7 A hero for our times

By Boo Chanco cause these sectors afford- Next is his favorite, pub- Then there is passion. 10 11 ed the best opportunities to lic service. In another When Geny Lopez decides A SELF-respecting nation, render public service. speech before his employ- to go after something in busi- Senator wrote, must As a businessman, Geny ees, he declared that “public ness or perhaps even in more find its heroes not only among Lopez always saw the big service is the only reason for personal things, he does so its best warriors, statesmen, picture—he is interested in our existence. Profit alone is with a passion. I think that is thinkers and artists but also the impact not just on the not enough of a reason to go his competitive edge. among its best entrepreneurs. corporate bottom line but into business. But if we can Finally, there is faith. It is his opinion, the senator on everyone affected by a serve people, then I think Even if he is considered one wrote, that “Geny Lopez be- project. People are always our growth and our success of Asia’s most powerful longs to that pantheon and important to him. will follow. If we take care men, Geny Lopez never for 12 may the younger generation of As a person, he always of our customers, then they a moment thought things 13 Filipinos emulate him.” spoke from the heart as will take care of us.” can happen without the The heroic nature of Geny well as from his legendary The desire to render blessings from the CEO of Lopez was demonstrated sharp mind. He was patient public service, he pointed CEOs. He is religious, per- best not by his having en- and knew how to listen out, is why his companies haps even deeply religious dured an unjust incarceration well and was ready to learn are involved in building in- but he also kept that part of during the martial law years. from people. frastructure. “We will make himself private between him Nor by his dramatic escape As a citizen, he recog- money in the process but and his God. Nevertheless, from the Marcos prison. Ge- nized his civic duties. He more important,” he ex- you saw enough of his faith ny Lopez’s heroism lies worked hard with other col- plains, “we have also made to inspire you and make you much deeper into his person, leagues in media to make livesalittlebetter,alittle think that enduring faith is a 14 15 in the way he has lived his sure the first national elec- brighter. In other words, we good thing to have. life as a Filipino who had tion after the EDSA revolu- did something good and One of a kind taken full advantage of the tion was credible and peace- ended up making money.” Geny Lopez is definitely opportunity he was given to ful. He contributed not just Finally is compassion or one of a kind. He may not be of service to his people. his financial resources to social conscience. This he have been the classic hero A hero the Media Citizens Quick defines as “lending a help- of which monuments are Geny Lopez has shown Count, but actually flew ing hand, looking out for built to honor. He wouldn’t how it is to be a hero in or- from town to town to make the less fortunate.” It is not want that kind of venera- dinary times, something sure the vote count reached possible, he said, “for us to tion anyway. He has always 16 17 much more complicated the Manila operations cen- be so personally successful emphasized the value of than dying in battle or being ter accurately and quickly. and comfortable amidst so building institutions rather shot at dawn in Luneta. Geny Lopez is a man of much poverty.” than personality cults. Like most of our text- few words too. He rarely ac- “It is my feeling,” he told Public service is the most book heroes, it all starts with cepts speaking engagements. the Management Associa- valuable legacy he wanted a deep commitment to na- And when he does, he wants tion of the Philippines, “that to leave. He told me so him- tionalism. Geny, like his fa- to speak of things close to the soul of a business can be self a number of times. I am ther before him, believed his heart, like values. found only when social re- sure he didn’t think of that strongly in the Filipino and Values sponsibility tempers a fixa- as being heroic, only that it the Filipino’s ability to be Values, he told a graduat- tion with the bottom line.” is the right thing to do. And 18 19 among the best there is in ing MBA class at Ateneo, He emphasized that “we are that’s what precisely makes the world. Geny’s national- 1. Kapitan’s children (l-r):ABS-CBN Publishing’s Ernie, ABS-CBN are nothing more than things our brothers’ keepers, that it so heroic in the context of Foundation Inc.’s Gina, Yoga Manila director Berta and ABS-CBN ism was not of the flag wav- we believe in. “Values,” he is the essence of Christian- our times when almost ev- chief Gabby ing variety, but a more prac- said, “are an important part ity. In a developing econo- eryone else is obsessed with 2. Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez and wife Connie with tical one of doing something of our being because they my where mass poverty is running after personal gain Senator to improve the life of ordi- define our essence, our rife, the responsibility of and glory. 3. Kapitan’s only sister, Presy Lopez Psinakis, with AFI-USA’s Mitos nary Filipinos everywhere. soul.” He went on: “Our val- those in positions of leader- Public service, Geny Santisteban 4. Siblings Angela Lopez-Guingona and Jay Lopez and his wife In a way, Geny’s nation- ues help us distinguish right ship are even greater.” Lopez’s uncompromising Georgina alism, which he shared with from wrong. It may sound The man commitment to it, makes 5. First Gen president Federico “Piki” Lopez his family, found practical very simple, but it is not.” If there are three words him the kind of hero and 6. Business unit manager and producer Linggit Tan, Singer Vernie application in the way the He is more specific with that, to me, describe the Ge- role model we need for our Varga and EVP and Channel 2 chief Charo Santos Concio Lopez companies did busi- what he means. The first ny Lopez, the hero of our times. Heroes in times of 7. VP Maloli Espinosa and ABS-CBN Publishing’s Philip Cu-Unjieng 8. Manila Radio division president Peter Musngi and Father James ness. There was this com- value he recommended to times, it would have to be peace have to fight the Reuter, SJ mitment to invest primarily, the MBA graduates is in- courage, passion and faith. tougher battle with the in- 9. Former ABS-CBN president Freddie M. Garcia, now a member of if not exclusively, in the tegrity, which to him “is We all know how he has ner self. Geny Lopez suc- the board of directors, Pat-P Daza and VP for television Cory Vidanes Philippines. What little they nothing more than honesty demonstrated his courage as cessfully fought his. This is 10. First Gen vice chairman and CEO Peter Garrucho and Mayor have invested abroad also and fairness.” Integrity, he a political prisoner of the his claim for the right to be, Sonny Belmonte of 11. ABS-CBN vice chairman Jake Almeda Lopez and wife Aida had to do with serving Fil- said, is its own reward. martial law regime. Beyond in the words of Senator 12. BPI president Aurelio Montinola III ipino communities there. Then he cites loyalty. his Fort Bonifacio experience Ople, among the nation’s 13. NCAG head Maria Ressa and SVP Monchet Olives And in the Philippines, “This is about relationships,” however, I have seen him pantheon of heroes. It is al- 14. “Kapitan” author Raul Rodrigo there was a conscious effort he explains. “Our business is show courage in confronting so the best way for a man to 15. BayanTel’s Tunde Fafunwa and BBDO’s David Guerrero to put resources in broad- not just a series of cold trans- challenges that come his live on in the hearts and 16. Head of news gathering Charrie Villa and ABS-CBN Interactive chief Paolo Pineda casting, telecommunica- actions. We build relation- way. He does not go out minds of his people, even 17. Current affairs head Luchi Cruz-Valdes tions and in other vital in- ships with our customers, looking for a fight, but if he after death. (Excerpted 18. Bolinao Electronics founder Jim Lindenberg frastructure such as power, our employees, our commu- finds himself in one, he isn’t from the “Fookien Times 19. GMA 7’s Butch Raquel and ABS-CBN SVP-Engineering Bonbon water and toll roads be- nities and with our nation.” going to run away either. Yearbook”) Jimenez 8 LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07

Power Plant Mall... Power Plant Mall from page 1 “The mall is an amenity to the residential towers. Since Christmas we’re building a community, we needed a retail aspect to the center, and that’s where the mall came in,” says Rockwell Land assistant vice president and general manager Malou Pineda. Power Plant Mall’s location outside of the central business district means it does not generate exceptional num- bers in terms of shopping traffic. Space-wise, it is “very lim- ited” compared to other malls, its estimated 41,000 square meters putting it in the league of the smaller SM malls in terms of floor area. (The soon-to-open SM City Bacolod in the Visayas, for example, is projected to be slightly bigger at a little over 50,000 sq. m., according to Wikipedia.) Sense of security The mall makes up for these with, firstly, its vaunted security system, apparently a crowd-drawer in itself giv- en the mall’s discerning clientele. “What we’re proud to say is, when we did surveys in the past and we asked customers why they liked to come to Rockwell, number one is the security and safety that they feel when they come here,” the Power Plant GM discloses. “We’re not in the CBD, so we don’t get heavy traffic, just the right amount, and I guess if mall goers see that our guards are alert and they’re around but they’re also very discreet, they have that sense of secu- rity.” The twin issues of safety and security are on top of the list every time Rockwell Land develops a new build- ing, Pineda points out, adding that “it’s an aspect that Rockwell really emphasizes on.” Not to be discounted of course is the drawing power Visit Power Plant Mall this Christmas and of Power Plant Mall’s four floors of fashion brands from enjoy these musical treats: Anne Klein to Zara, and a clutch of carefully chosen spe- cialty shops, restaurants and entertainment choices for Musical Christmas@North Court every visitor’s fancy. 6 p.m. Focus on the Arts On the concourse level, P1, are all the restaurants, a Dec. 1 Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Mercury drugstore and anchor stores Rustan’s Super- 2 Aaron Paraiso, harp player (5 market and True Value. R1 Level is home to the inter- p.m.) national fashion brands, while the R2 Level offers a mix young designers and entrepreneurs. “What I really want for the whole mall is a balance be- 3 Children's Joy Foundation of specialty stores, including sportswear and children’s The themed bazaars—there have been four editions so tween mainstream fashion brands from abroad and a col- shops. The R3 Level, meanwhile, is where one can find far—are not your ordinary Christmas bazaars boasting of lection of those local young and talented designers, Pineda 8 Kilwayan Boys Choir home furnishing stores, a family-type restaurant, Power nothing more than export overruns. The objective, Pineda enthuses. “We want to push for them also so that you have 9 Ateneo Boy's Choir Plant Cinema, Power Bowl and anchor Fully Booked, says, is to bring in more people and attractions without eat- a balanced mix of local and foreign.” 10 Ateneo College Glee Club among others. A recent addition to this floor is the ing into the market of their existing tenants. This Christmas, shoppers looking for a hassle- and 15 DLSU Chamber Ensemble Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a soothing reminder “These designers’ and entrepreneurs’ items are not stress-free way of filling out their gift list can fall back on 16 Kundirana that “there is a need to take a step back amidst the flurry mass produced, limited in quantity and unique in design,” the old reliable—gift checks. Power Plant Mall Gift of nonstop activities happening during the day.” notes Pineda. “It’s just that…since they’re all upcoming, Checks in denominations of P1,000, to be specific. 17 UP Singing Ambassadors For a whiff of culture, Power Plant has tied up with and several of them are first-time tenants, first time to ever “It’s something which all the Lopez Group companies 22 Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Yellow Door Gallery for “Focus on the Arts 2006,” get into the retail business, their setup looks temporary be- can buy for their corporate gifts. They can use it in any of Philippine Children's Choir of where artists and photographers are brought in every cause it’s just like a booth. But they’re asked to set it up the stores and restaurants within Rockwell Center, except month to mount an exhibit. Among those who have ex- nicely also so that we can see the character of each and ev- the kiosks,” says Pineda. hibited their masterpieces in the mall are Malang, pho- ery product, of each and every designer.” First Christmas raffle 23 Mandaluyong Children's Choir tographer Isa Lorenzo, Gino Tioseco, Lucy Fernando A Power Christmas In addition, those who are hoping to extend the life of and the Saturday Group of Artists. The mall was also the She cites Young Designers Guild member Louis Cla- their 13th month pay have a shot at doing just that through @theLopezStrip venue of an exhibit of independent videos, as well as the parols, a “destination” in Malate, where he used to sell vin- the mall’s first ever Christmas raffle. Dec. 9, 16, 23 Balladeer Arthur Manuntag Ateneo Art Awards, in September. tage bags and pre-owned clothes out of his apartment, and Customers will be given one raffle stub for every Dec. 15 Planet Zips: SPINdependence Vintage Bazaar Irene Pineda, who did the same out of her home in Bel-Air P2,000 minimum single-receipt purchase from any estab- While Power Plant Mall wears the tag as Manila’s fash- Village. Now their Marni’s Room and Irene’s Closet, re- lishment at the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Information ionable mall like a badge of honor, habitués know that its spectively, are enjoying brisk sales in Power Plant. (Super! Center or The Manansala, except Rustan’s Supermarket; @ the Plaza Parking Independent Lifestyles section on the R2 Level is the place Awards’ Photographer of the Year Paolo Pineda recently and for every P3,000 minimum single-receipt purchase at Dec. 17 Ballet to go for one-of-a-kind yet reasonably priced finds from hip shot two models dressed by 16 of Manila’s top stylists in Rustan’s Supermarket. Even a P1,000 purchase of a Power Performance young designers. According to Pineda, their regular Vin- the Independent Lifestyles style meisters’ creations. These Plant Mall Gift Certificate at the Customer Care Desk en- tage Bazaars became the de facto launching pad for several masterpieces can now be seen all over the mall.) titles the customer to a raffle stub. At stake are five Samsung 32” LCD TV sets, two Mac- Santa Claus will Books and, for the luckiest shopper of them all, a Mer- be at the South cedes-Benz B-Class. The winners will be known on Jan- Court every Meet theteam weekend! Also, watch for MARKETING: Senior marketing associ- Lopez, leasing associate Glorie Parocha the opening of ate Crystie Garcia, retail marketing as- and leasing assistant Dyan Ty sociates Mira Marasigan, Henrik Res- The team designs and executes these new urreccion and Katrina Lalisan strategies aimed to strengthen mall stores: The team plans, organizes and sales and traffic by providing an attrac- Dec. 15 executes the mall’s marketing initia- tive tenancy mix. With a limited num- P2 South Lobby Sport Fit tives. These include events, some of ber of spaces in the mall, it is crucial to P1 Level Nokia which it coordinates with third party give variety to the market that knows organizers, or Power Plant’s own exactly what they want. This group es- events, like the Vintage Bazaar, East- tablishes relationships with clients, ten- Jan. 16 er and Halloween activities and pro- ants and key people in and outside the R2 Lifestyles Sumo Sam motions like the Christmas raffle. Al- organization. They make recommenda- so included are the PR and advertis- tions on future tenants as well as gen- ing of the mall within the Center and erate sales reports and analyze trends Jan. 21 in alternative forms like its website on tenancy issues. Blk 9 Cantinetaa, Good EArth, Roasts, Grams (www.powerplantmall.com) and di- SECURITY: Head June dela Cruz, detach- Diner, UCC, Power Plant marketing team (l-r): Mira rect marketing. Leasing team (seated): Glorie Parocha, ment commander Col. Onofre Punzalan, Pancake House, Starbucks Marasigan, Henrik Resurreccion, Crystie LEASING: Leasing manager Marie Janice Lopez; (standing) Dyan Ty, car park supervisor Lt. Odelon Cubar, super- Garcia, Katrina Lalisan Davila, leasing supervisor Janice Marie Davila LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 9

EXECUTIVE FEATURE

pearls. I used to attend trade shows in Europe, Japan, and other parts of Asia J most of the time. When in the P Masakayan, Rockwell country, I supervised our 16 retail Land vice president and the store sales operations located in person in charge of Power five-star hotels and malls and the Plant Mall, used to be man- priority clients of our head of- aging partner of a chain of fice,” Pineda recalls. restaurants located in several Having had this experience in malls around the city. retail, as well as her knowledge This is why he has so of the Rockwell community many insights on what ten- gained from the different assign- ants look for when they ments she was given early on, choose a location for their Pineda now has a better grasp of business. He was a marketing the needs of Power Plant mall consultant for Power Plant goers and their expectations of Mall for sixmonths before the Rockwell experience. deciding to come in full time. “We would like to invite all Masakayan has been navi- to come and visit the Power gating the mall through a Plant Mall. We have a variety of Top row, left to right: Can’t stop Christmas at F&B and entertainment that the Manila’s fashionable mall; Columnist Celine whole family will enjoy, sixcin- Lopez and Gov. Emily Lopez (2nd and 3rd emas, and a huge bookstore with from left) with friends; Paintings on sale at the Power Plant Mall's first Vintage Bazaar; Second row: Shoppers a very wide selection of books inspect the merchandise during one of Power and magazines plus all the clas- Plant Mall’s Vintage Bazaars; Bazaar JP Masakayan sical and hard-to-find CDs you participants Lindsay Garcia, Astrud Crisologo and Kate Torralba; Pinikpikan chanter at and Malou Pineda: ‘Marche du Monde’; Bottom row: A Christmas wonderland; Power Plant Mall Gift Checks ‘Lifestyle oasis’ come in denominations of P1,000 quite challenging retail busi- ness environment in the last can be enjoyed by everyone alance be- uary 14, 2007, which is also the last day of the promo. and a col- Exciting concepts brewing few years. rs, Pineda Male shoppers, who typically drag their feet when the “In the same way that the By Carla Paras-Sison you have girls invite them to a round of retail therapy, may just beat F&B (food and beverage) in- their partners to Rockwell when the mall holds its next dustry started experiencing a ssle- and bazaar at the Rockwell Club tennis court on December 9 supply glut during the second is because there will be no Power Plant Mall at every cor- could ask for. And a good vari- llbackon and 10—it will feature pre-owned BMWs, Audis, Volvos half of the 1990s, the retail ner. At most, Rockwell Land may be able to accommodate ety of shopping depending on Mall Gift and other luxury cars. industry is experiencing the a northern and southern location to serve the wants and your budget and needs,” says fic. Before that, Power Plant will have the R2 Lifestyles ompanies Christmas Wish List promo from Dec. 1 until Dec. 10. same oversupply with the needs of upcoming Rockwell communities. Pineda. in any of Customers can win the R2 Lifestyles Must-Haves on ex- sprouting of several malls “It is not our vision to proliferate as other malls do. But Dispelling the notion that er, except hibit at the R2 Lifestyles entrance just by filling up the and retail centers. These are wherever we choose to be—future Rockwell retail centers, Power Plant caters only to the wish list form for every minimum P500 single receipt pur- densely clustered within a 10- as the Power Plant Mall—ours will continue to be the mall rich and famous or socioeco- chase at designated R2 Lifestyles stores. kilometer radius of Power or malls to follow,” says Masakayan. nomic class AA+, Masakayan the life of What’s in store for Power Plant in 2007? Pineda whets Plant, offer the same brands, Malou Lacson-Pineda, Rockwell Land assistant vice echoes Pineda’s invitation for at through our appetite with the promise of an even more electrifying and vie for the business of a president who handles leasing and marketing for the everyone to visit the mall: “AA+ Power Plant Mall experience. for every Changes are a-brewing on the R2 Level, with three market that’s not growing at a mall, started as membership director of Rockwell Club in is only for batteries,” he says any estab- more restaurants beefing up the mall’s F&B offerings. Na- proportionate rate,” he ex- 1999. She was in charge of selling proprietary shares to jokingly and adds, “Lopez formation tional Bookstore will soon be moving in, while the furni- plains. future members and setting up the membership team. In Group employees are kapam- ermarket; ture area will give way to bigger Landes and Color Me If Power Plant is holding 2002, she became senior manager for sales and market- ilya—as such, you are especially urchase at Mine stores (see sidebar). its own, it is perhaps because ing, and since January 2005 was assigned to retail with most welcome to Power Plant f a Power “Our objective for next year is to bring in exciting con- of its unique positioning. It is the mall. Mall. The only spending re- Desk en- cepts that will make our shoppers want to keep coming back the mall that others try to im- “Prior to Rockwell, I was with Jewelmer International quired is time well spent relax- to Rockwell,” Pineda reveals. “Leasing priority is to be able two Mac- to bring in tenants that will also help us bring in more shop- itate, the benchmark for class Corporation as assistant sales manager for export and retail. ing with family in your compa- ll,aMer- pers… The concept is exciting, it’s a crowd drawer, and it’s and superior service. And that Our products are high-end jewelry making use of South Sea ny’s lifestyle oasis.” n on Jan- something that is appropriate for the market.” (JGJ) ocha visors Roel Lustre and Eulaida Fatagani, to its engineering team. The head of elec- ing, new, upcoming and outgoing tenants. It dit supervisor Ruby Regidor, treasury per- head guard at cinema Reynaldo Concep- trical services is responsible for the main- involves the facilities management of P4 bil- sonnel Janeth Alota, billing and collection utes cion, senior CCTV technician Jojit San tenance and operation of Power Plant lion worth mall properties. assistant Rosalinda Regachuelo, AP assis- mall Miguel, junior CCTV technician Joseph dela Mall’s electrical facilities and equipment. Belen Nones is the senior manager of tant Azenith Sikat, Cinema and Powerbowl ttrac- Cruz and 115 security guards The team makes sure that electrical facili- mall operations. Aside from being the accounting assistant Cherrie Glor, revenue num- The team acts as the emergency re- ties are in good working condition and boss of the engineering, security, accountant Fanny Mamon and treasurers ial to sponse team that also performs admin- that generators give 100% emergency carpark, and Joel Cruz and Mai Ignacio nows istrative functions such as tenancy rela- backup during other managers, The team handles the mall’s financial p es- tion, facility, events and supervision of power outages. etc., she is over- operations and budgetary requirements. ten- support teams. The mechanical, all in charge of The finance manager reports directly to e the ENGINEERING: Head of electrical services electrical, plumbing the mall’s day- the office of the CFO or SVP while plan- nda- Beng Solis, MEPF Works-engineering man- and fire protection to-day opera- ning, organizing and directing the oper- gen- ager Beng Rosales, civil engineer Jules Ron- works-engineering tions and up- ation and work activities of personnel un- ends quillo, mechanical engineer-supervisor Noli manager ensures keep. der the accounting, treasury, and audit Sorrida, 14 technical personnel and 15 the day-to-day effi- FINANCE: Finance sections for mall operations. Add to that tach- equipment subcontractors cient operation of manager Marichu the evaluation of reporting systems and alan, During Milenyo’s rampage, Power Plant Operations team (l-r): Beng Solis, mall facilities. He fa- Guerrero, ac- operating systems of other departments uper- Mall was the only Makati mall open that Beng Rosales, George Velayo (car cilitates technical re- counting supervi- such as leasing, marketing, operations night when all electricity was down, thanks park manager) and June dela Cruz Belen Nones quirements of exist- sor Jesse Tan, au- Marichu Guerrero and engineering. (M. Marasigan) LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 13

The Lopez Link... LGFI is conferred the IMD- to learn from his and his brothers’ Authored by Raul Rodrigo, “Kapi- from page 1 Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch experience.” tan”is also an engrossing history of Distinguished Family Business November the Philippine TV industry and of 2nd Pinoy Media Corporate Directors even as Dr. Award by Lombard Odier Darier The ABS-CBN. David Spong is in Manila to hold in- Hentsch & Cie and IMD in Monaco spot- Manny Pacquiao proves his teractive sessions with key execu- on September 21, along with family light 10th round stoppage of Erik Congress held tives of the Lopez Group. foundations from Canada and is on Morales in January 2006 was not a In the Group’s midyear perfor- . OML’s fluke as he stops El Terrible anew mance review, OML stresses the October lega- two minutes and 57 seconds into IN line with ABS- need to continually strive for excel- First cy the third round of “The Grand Fi- CBN’s thrust of lence in business operations. MML Philip- pro- nale”at the Thomas & Mack Cen- serving the Filipino, meanwhile commends the execu- pine ject, ter in Las Vegas on Nov. 19. With the station launched tives present for their hard work Conser- Lopez the win, “Pacman”improves his the Pinoy Media and commitment to do better for the vation Life- record to 43-3-2, with 33 KOs. Congress. Inspired benefit of the Group’s stakehold- Inc. long OML traces power rate situa- by the successful ers. (FPCI), Wellness, which officially kicked tion from the pre-martial law years outcome of last September acom- off on Sept. 8, 2006. when the Philippines was consid- year’s Pinoy Media The pany in FPHC declares a dividend of P1 ered the lowest in Asia to 2006 at Student Congress, Meral- the per share for stockholders of record the Foreign Correspondents Asso- ABS-CBN and Stu- co busi- as of November 6, while ABS- ciation of the Philippines (Focap) dio 23, in partner- Mil- ness of CBN Global eyes a possible listing forum, where he is the guest of ship with the Philip- lenni- saving the world, one natural re- in the stock exchange in honor. The chair of the Lopez pine Association of Communication Educators (Pace), con- um source at a time, brings Dr. Kent 2008. Group also discusses the popula- ducted the Second Pinoy Media Congress on November 27 and Foun- Carpenter to Manila for a forum on A consortium of global and lo- tion issue and the Lopez family’s 28 at the Marian Auditorium of Miriam College in Quezon dation marine biodiversity. cal banks and financial institutions struggle to recover their PCIBank City. Inc. Meralco and First Holdings are on November 8 sign loan agree- shares. This year, 900 students and teachers from different univer- (MM- among the top 10 listed companies ments with MNTC to refinance its December sities and colleges nationwide participated in the congress. FI) in terms of revenues and profits in existing loan. A special 10% discount in time Pace is an organization of Communication Arts teachers and con- the first half of 2006, based on Local banks arranged by ING for the Christmas holidays will be institutions which offer degrees in communication, broad- tinues the Lopez Group tradition of unaudited financial statements sub- Bank and Banco de Oro Capital given to motorists from December casting, journalism, advertising and communication re- philanthropy through a host of CSR mitted to the Philippine Stock Ex- sign loan agreements with MNTC 20-31, 2006. Toll fees will remain search. projects. change. worth P5.5 billion, while interna- at the reduced rate effective January The Pinoy Media Congress was held at Mirian College as a Former ABS-CBN president OML discloses the secret of the tional banks and financial institu- 1, 2005 in line with a provision in culminating activity of Miriam College’s 80th anniversary. It Freddie Garcia replaces outgoing Lopez Group’s longevity in the 5th tions, arranged by Mizuho Bank of the supplemental toll operations was a venue for interaction between media experts, teachers director Manuel “Beaver”Lopez Management Association of the Japan, conclude loan accords agreement (Stoa) allowing MNTC and students. First-hand information with regard to the actual on the company’s board of direc- Philippines International CEO Con- amounting to US$100 million. to adjust toll rates every two years. experience and learnings in the field of media and communi- tors, while Miguel Jose Navarrete ference. In his speech “The Lopez “Kapitan: Geny Lopez and the The toll rate reduction reflects sav- cations was provided to students and teachers. is appointed VP and chief financial Group Saga: Resiliency Under Pres- Making of ABS-CBN,”Eugenio ings on foreign debt service due to a officer. sure,”OML urges the business sector Lopez Jr.’s biography, is launched. stronger peso.

HR COUNCIL Lecture@ The 5th HR Summit: A Artist Talk: Kidlat Tahimik continuing commitment January 20, 2007 (Saturday), 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

RENOWNED filmmaker, writer and actor Eric de Guia, to investing in people better known as Kidlat Tahimik or “quiet lightning,”will give a talk on teaching a community to document its fast- disappearing practices on January 20 at the Lopez On November 15, 2006, the 5th HR Summit, Memorial Museum from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The techniques the annual get-together of the HR practitioners may be adapted for documentary purposes. in the Lopez Group, was held at the ELJ train- Tahimik grew up in Baguio City when it had several ing Center in Antipolo City. US military bases. This was an influence on the themes of The theme for 2006 focused on how in- his films, most notably the semiautobiographical “Per- vesting in people makes good business fumed Nightmare”(1977) and “Turumba”(1981). “Per- sense. fumed Nightmare”won the International Critics Award at In his keynote address, Lopez Group the Berlin Film Festival in 1977 while “Turumba”won chairman Oscar M. Lopez (OML) cited the the Top Cash Award at the Mannheim Film Festival. accomplishments of the HR Council partic- “Perfumed Nightmare”is currently running at the ularly in promoting the professional devel- Lopez Museum, as well as “GEd’I (Genius del Indio) opment of the HR practitioners and in foster- Rockwell Land president Nestor Padilla during the forum Warrior.”Tahimik says: “During the long Kultur Wars ing unity and oneness among the employees Lopez Museum director Cedie Vargas and Tahimik of the Lopez Group. agement Association of the Philippines (PMAP); flank the ‘GEd’I warrior’ ‘Milenyo’ heroes Lorenzo Tan, president and CEO of Sunlife In- A special portion was dedicated to honoring surance; and Nestor Padilla, president of Rock- Evading Benevolent Assimilation (KWEBA), the last the Milenyo heroes—employee teams that “rose to well Land, who talked with genuine interest and stragglers were a tribe who still believed in the ways of the challenge of restoring essential services despite passion about the people behind Rockwell. the past. They knew that the genius of the old indigenous risks and extensive damage wrought by typhoon The day’s learning sessions included schedule culture was not lost in the age of blue jeans and call cen- Milenyo by mobilizing as a single force and work- “Work-Life Balance: Singing to Reduce ters. They focused their battles in the field of image har- ing far beyond the call of duty.” Stress”and the “Art of Emceeing”by Butch vesting. Armed with a bamboo ‘kamera,’ the GEd’I war- They are the news crew of ABS-CBN, the Albarracin of the Center for Pop Music Philip- rior would shoot the Indio-Genius strengths of the sur- network technicians of BayanTel, the field op- pines; “Managing Your Personal Finances”by , “Herbs, Harmony, and viving masters. Despite having lost many battles to the erations personnel of SkyCable, the linemen of Armand Bengco of Colayco Foundation; and Health,” until January 31, 2007 invading kulturs, despite being called Indios because Meralco and the incident response team of “Competencies and Beyond”by Ma. Valerie Ateneo Art Gallery, “Flora: Beauty, De- they had accepted the god and language of their con- Tollways Management Corp. OML, with HR Vanessa Pascua of SGV-DDI. querors, they knew the ways of the Ged’I Tribe would Council chairperson Cedie Lopez-Vargas, The results of a special PMAP study on Value- sire and Death,” until March 31, 2007 still stage a comeback.” awarded the plaques of appreciation. Also giv- Adding HRM in the Philippines were presented Lopez Memorial Museum, “Fuzzy Tahimik’s talk complements Fuzzy Logic, the muse- en special recognition by the chairman were by Schubert Caesar Austero of Philippine Nation- Logic,” until April 5, 2007 um’s contribution to Zero In 5, a collaborative project the five companies that achieved Investor in al Bank. The Summit ended with an inspirational among Lopez Memorial Museum, Ateneo Art Gallery, People (IiP) status—Asian Eye Institute, Fed- talk from motivational speaker Francis Kong. , “The Healing , Bahay Tsinoy and Museo Pambata. cor, FPIP, MMLDC and Philec. As always, the Summit participants went Garden,” until January 31, 2007 The Lopez Memorial Museum is located at the ground Summit highlight home happy, not only because of the knowl- floor of the Benpres Building,Exchange Road cor. Mer- The Leaders Forum, a Summit highlight, fea- edge gained from the various learning sessions, Ayala Museum, “Black Bouquet: alco Avenue,Ortigas Center,Pasig City. Museum days tured heads of companies who shared what they but also because of the giveaways and raffle Juvenal Sanso Prints,” until March 1, 2007 and hours are Mondays-Saturdays,8 a.m.-5 p.m.,except did to build high-performing teams and organi- prizes that were donated by the member-com- Sundays and holidays. Call 631-2417 for details. zations—Evelyn Singson, president of the Man- panies and other sponsors. (Gie Sabayle) 14 LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07

LIFELONG WELLNESS Paths to

tivities has been drawn up for uary at the Ateneo grounds in ness in database development. wellness Lopez Group employees. Katipunan. In 2007, a health risk appraisal What do you think of al- Wellness education is high will aim to establish the demo- most year-round ballroom on the agenda too.Six forums graphics of the employee force IF there is one thing that defined Lifelong Wellness in its maiden What year, it is the “Walk the Talk” series that began in August within dancing lessons in boogie, cha- have been lined up for next year and their lifestyle choices. Metro Manila’s “walkable” environs, and the “Treks” in the cha, rumba, swing, hip-hop, to give everyone a better appre- Risk stratification will enhance great outdoors. tango and many more? How ciation of what it takes to be predictive capabilities and the Walking and trekking for a cause is due largely to chairman Os- lies about Latin aero, yoga, Pilates healthy.“Will Power” in late tailoring of programs especial- car M.Lopez, the lead wellness buff of the Group-an outdoorsman, and Tae-Bo to complement January targets the smokers, ly for those at risk, e.g., obesity mountaineer and trekker all rolled into one. ballroom dancing? Easing ten- overweight and drinkers that or those with Syndrome X.HR ahead sions, sweating out excess want to kick the habit but need will be Lifelong’s crucial part- calories, social interaction, the mental armor to get it done. ner in getting this done. new skills and body toning are Confidence-building Publicized on the agenda for a better Special confidence-build- Lifelong articles on well- in you! ing courses will be made avail- ness and programmed activi- Monthly walks able next summer.A 10-day ties will be publicized monthly For the outdoors and sports- safety and security course will in LopezLink in cooperation 2007? minded, one sports open and be offered in April, and will be with the PR Council.For up- one mountain trek, per quarter, open to the dependents of par- to-the-minute news, get on are in the pipeline.The Mt.Pu- ticipating employees on a your PC and click on lag climb and a chess open “pay-as-you-enter” basis.Ad- www.lopezwellness.com for By Rafael M. Alunan III tournament will kick off these ditionally, two Red Cross cer- the full range of information with the Wellness Team activities in January 2007.And tificate courses will be made about how to get fit physically, for those who prefer to work available in May also on the mentally and spiritually. UP Academic Oval “Walk the Talk” on Oct. 7,2006 with out excess poundage with their same terms. You may also watch for RMA3,Eric Comsti and wife Cynthia and other Lopez Group 2007 will mark the first full fellow employees, the monthly On a different plane, well- more information on your bul- employees year of Lifelong Wellness.A “Walk the Talk,” 12 in all next ness management will focus letin boards and email.Be well broadened menu of holistic ac- year, will commence in Jan- next year on unfinished busi- and stay well! “Walk the Talk” captures OML’s infectious leadership style. As he has said many times before, he does not expect people to do things that he himself is not prepared to do.Thus, his pres- ence in these walks and treks is drawing a growing multitude of employees who are gradually including members of their fam- Basketball tourney finale ilies to get on board the wellness train.It has also drawn stake- holders of the Lopez Group like the BPI-Benpres branch man- ager and her staff, and product sponsors. The inaugural walk at the Meralco compound netted 30 pio- Meralco champion with 94-88 neers; over 100 executives and employees at the Mall of Asia in September; over 200 at the U.P. Oval in October; and over 250 employees and family members at La Mesa Watershed in Novem- ber.CEOs like Tunde Fafunwa of BayanTel and Gina Lopez of win over Tollways ABS-CBN Foundation, supported by their HRs, have been instru- mental in whipping up the employees’ interest in these walks. As for mountain trekking, the Group has experienced climbers AFTER 36 games, the Lopez Lifelong employed in many companies.Their ranks are swelling too, rein- Wellness Basketball Tournament 2006 forced by the third generation of Lopezes and senior executives. concluded with the championship game The Meralco players raise Mt.Sto.Tomas in April their trophy in triumph on November 16 won by the undefeated and Mt.Daguldul (Batangas) in November provided suffi- Meralco team in a high-scoring game cient challenges to test the (94-88) against Team Tollways. stamina, strength and will After the game, the awarding cere- power of the “young once” monies, hosted by Jei-Jei Gertes, saw who braved the climbs.The the trophies for the champion team reward has been mainly psy- (Meralco), first runner-up (Tollways), chic generated by that inde- scribable moment of glory or second runner-up (ABS-CBN) and the exhilarating feeling of tri- third runner-up (BayanTel) given out by umph after overcoming the Oscar Lopez Jr., Jay Lopez, Mike heat, thinning air and pull of Lopez and Raffy Alunan.Special gravity, not to mention the medals were awarded to members of vista at the top. the Mythical 10: Ramon Fabros Jr.and The outdoor jaunts have "Walk the Talk” at La Mesa been trouble-free all this time. Renato Quimson of Meralco; Jay del Watershed forest: A long line of Credit goes to the expert han- walkers despite the rains on Rosario and Arnold Perreras of Toll- dling of Rico de Manzana, and Nov. 11,2006 ways; Marlon Simbajon of ABS-CBN; the able support of Eric Com- Paul Licuanan of BayanTel; Teodoro sti and Isagani Velasquez; likewise to the FPIDC staff, who have Blanco of First Holdings; Hermes Mi- from the trio was made possible with “Coming together is a beginning, been providing valuable back office support for all the Lifelong randa of Benpres-Lopez Inc.Jonas the effective playmaking of Nandy Pad- keeping together is progress, and work- Wellness activities, the U.P. Mountaineering Club, and the Red Cross as well as paramedics from the Army’s Ready Reserves. Sibug of SkyCable; and Hyatt Basman ua, Drigo Enriquez and team captain ing together is success.” This theme was Expect 12 walks and four treks in 2007! Details will be post- of First Gen. Rey Castillo, screen sets of John Adug, also echoed in the way the tournament ed shortly on our website www.lopezwellness.com, via email In a hotly contested match at the Reynante Cortez and Manuel Calderon, was facilitated by the Organizing Com- and the bulletin board. (R. Alunan III with the Wellness Team) Meralco Gym, Meralco showcased a and the inside hustle of Laurence mittee composed of Gani Velasquez of high-scoring offense in addition to its Palmiano, Mark Soriano, Noel Uriarte FPIDC, Macky de Lima of First Balfour trademark pressure defense.Featuring and Rommel Bonifacio. and the sports coordinators of the eight ‘Walk the Talk’ series the midrange jumpers of Fabros (25 Coached by Ruel Castillo, Team teams: Hermes Miranda, Alfred Go of goes to Roxas Blvd. points), three-point bombing of Quim- Tollways provided stiff competition all SkyCable, Dimpy Jazmines of Bayan- son (five made) and the offensive put- throughout the ballgame with four play- Tel, Cocoy Sulit of ABS-CBN, Nick Everyone is invited to sign up for “Walk the backs of Ace Lee, Meralco’s point pro- ers scoring in double figures: Perreras Cruz and Farley Cuizon of First Hold- Talk” on Roxas Boulevard on Dec. 16, 2006, duction for the championship game was (16 points), Marvin Paule (15 points), ings, Hyatt Basman, Joel San Miguel of from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 31 points higher than its semifinal aver- Santiago Garcia (10 points) and Bernan Meralco, and Bong Arcangel and Aries Contact Gani Velasquez at 631-6394. age of 63 points.The high production Simbulan (10 points). Ortiz of Tollways. LOPEZLINK Dec. ‘06 - Jan. ‘07 15

MNTC RECOMMENDS SINCE we’re about to welcome a new year (Year of the Fire Pig, in case you’re wonder- ing), we thought it was a good time to try this out—we combined the December 2006 and Masayang January 2007 issues of LopezLink and in- creased the number of pages; if it clicks, we DDeeaarr RRoossiiee Pasko just might make it a permanent thing. And this being our last issue for 2006, we’d like to sa Hilaga take this opportunity to thank every- Bantay Kalikasan, E-Media, Volunteers, or Knowledge Chan- one—Lopez Group management and em- nel Foundation Inc. It really depends on who you want to ployees—for being with us for the past year. help-children? The environment? Poverty alleviation? You MASARAP bumisita sa iba’t ibang Thank you all for reading, for keeping name it, the Lopez Group Foundation Inc. members will have sulok ng Pilipinas kapag malapit na us on our toes, for your words of encour- it. Of course, there is the PGH pediatric ward, their cancer de- ang Pasko. Bitbit ang Tagalog ver- agement and for calling our attention partment, etc. So maybe you can just give to the one closest to sion ng “Gabay Lakbay” handbook your heart. Thanks and Merry Christmas!” (Please read also na mabibili sa halagang P10 (tawa- when necessary. The whole year, for us, gan si Mean Tolentino ng TMC sa has been a gift—as you will recall with the Norman’s story on charities below.) 580-8900/09208190428 upang help of our roundup of Lopez Group mile- ooOoo umorder), join na sa mga pagdiri- stones and achievements. The Meralco Chess Club is very thankful for the exposure wang na ito: Merry Christmas and a Happy New you are giving to chess in general and to us in particular. Year to one and all! And one of the effects of that is that Mr. Alunan is now Christmas in Baguio ooOoo planning to include chess in the 2007 sports calendar! We Dec. 1-31, Baguio City Many thanks for the spread on Lifelong. Carla [Paras-Sison] did a owe this to your support. Thank you.— Raul Galicayo Festival fine job. Perhaps we can feature the website [www.lopezwell- ooOoo Dec. 1-19, Manaoag, Pangasinan ness.com] in the future. It’s a treasure trove of information on well- Finally there’s a book on Geny Lopez and ABS-CBN! I think it’s ness. Browsing through it is an enjoyable adventure. Re- long overdue. How can we avail of “Kapitan”? Will it be sold com- Sinukwan Festival gards.—Raffy Alunan III mercially?— Lorie Dec. 2-8, City of San Fernando, ooOoo According to Gino Evaristo of ABS-CBN Publishing, “Kapitan” is Rimat ti Amianan (Treasures of the North) Can you include a list of local charities or NGOs in your next issue already available at the ABS-CBN Studio Shop and at Fully Booked Dec. 3-19, San Fernando City, La Union for those who want to share their extras this Christmas? —Weng outlets. National Bookstore and Powerbooks also have copies avail- From Lopez Group Foundation Inc.’s Dulce Festin-Baybay: “There able for sale. The book costs P3,000 for the hardbound edition and Pampanga Day (Aldo Ning Kapampangan) are thousands of NGOs in the Philippines. The Association of Foun- P1,500 for the paperback. To place an order and have your copy de- Dec. 11, San Fernando, Pampanga dations has more than 100 members. Code NGO has 2,000 members, livered, call ABS-CBN Publishing Customer Service at 415-2752. Clark Night Market/Bazaar including ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. So, this is what I suggest: As the ooOoo Dec. 16, Bayanihan Park, saying goes, ‘Charity begins at home.’ Make your Christmas giving If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reac- Clark Special Economic Zone, Pampanga more meaningful by starting with your neighborhood, your parish, tions about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, then your community, your hometown, and finally our very own please send them to Dear Rosie through fax no. 633-3520 or to San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) NGOs like ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. and their Bantay Bata 163, [email protected]. Maraming salamat! Dec. 17-23, City of San Fernando, Pampanga Aguman Sanduk January 1, Minalin, Pampanga Kuraldal Jan. 6, Sasmoan, Pampanga Maging bukas-palad A bazillion Malatarlak Festival bazaars 2 Jan. 13-20, Tarlac City, Tarlac By Norman Sison aaral ng mga maralitang kabataan. Ang mga Sto. Nino Festival scholars ng Paafi ay nasa elementarya at high Dec. 1-23, 26-30 Jan. 25, Malolos, Bulacan “PANGINOON, turuan mo akong school. Sa halagang P4,000, Karl Edwards International Bazaar Panagbenga: Baguio Flower Festival maging bukas-palad,” ang sabi makakapag-sponsor ka na ng KEI Tent, Bonifacio Global City 32nd Street cor. 8th Avenue (in front of MC Jan. 27-March 12, Baguio City sa isang sikat na awiting pang- isang scholar sa isang school Eukaristiya. year. Ang iyong donasyon ay Home Depot) Ang Pasko at Bagong Taon gagamitin ng scholar para sa Bonifacio Global City, Taguig ay magagandang okasyon up- pamasahe, school projects, Dec. 9-10, 16-17 ang praktisin ang pagiging school supplies, uniform at iba 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bazaar, Bazaar '06 sudoku bukas-palad. Magtabi ng pang bayarin sa eskwela. Kung mabi- Christ the King Church Parking Grounds Maglaro naman tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan halaga—malaki man o gat masyado ang P4,000, maaari na- Greenmeadows Ave., Quezon City ng bayan! Ayusin lamang ang mga numero simula 1 maliit—para sa mga taong mang magbigay ng mas maliit na hala- Dec. 6-8 hanggang 9 para ang bawat numero ay minsan lang higit na nangangailan- ga, halimbawa’y P400 para sa isang 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. magagamit sa bawat row, column at kahon. gan. Ang Lopez Group buwang pang-gastos ng iyong scholar. A Bazaar@The Enterprise Center ay maraming sinusu- Tawagan ang Paafi sa 415-9297 o 631-3114. 3rd Level, Function Room portahang founda- Isa pang programa na makakatulong sa edu- Ayala Ave. cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City tions na maaari nating kasyon ng kabataang Pilipino ang Knowledge Dec. 6-10 tulungan. Channel Foundation na nagbibigay daan para sa Paskong Pinoy Year 2 Ang Bantay Kalikasan (BK)ng ABS-CBN mga pampublikong paaralan na makatanggap Araneta Expo Centro, Araneta Center Foundation ay mayroong Adopt a Tree project. ng Knowledge Channel by cable or satellite. Sa Cubao, Quezon City Sa halagang P250, magtatanim ang BK volun- halagang P200, mabibigyan ng isang set ng Dec. 7-17 teers ng isang puno at bibigyan ka ng BK card Teacher’s Guide na tutulong sa mga guro na ma- Mondays to Thursdays: 12 noon to 10 p.m. Fridays to Sundays: 10 a.m. to 12 mn na merong serial number. Ang punong inampon maximize ang paggamit ng Knowledge Chan- The 6th World Bazaar Festival 2006 mo ay aalagaan sa La Mesa Watershed sa ilalim nel. Sa P500 naman ay magkakaroon ng tatlong World Trade Center, Pasay City ng pangalan ng pagbibigyan mo ng BK card. At Knowledge Channel program calendars para Dec. 15-30 kung lahat naman kayo ng officemates mo ay masundan ng mga guro ang mga educational 3 p.m. onwards gustong mag-ampon ng puno, magkakaroon ng shows na ayon din sa curriculum ng Department Streetshop Bazaar@The Fort ceremonial tree planting activity kung mapa- of Education. Sa P1,000 ay makakapag-train na Fort Plaza, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig pagsabay-sabay ninyo ang pag-aampon ng di ng apat na guro sa paggamit ng channel at sa Dec. 16-17 bababa sa isang daang puno. P2,000 ay meron nang 100 na mag-aaral ang 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Ang Bantay Bata (BB)naman na programa makikinabang sa Knowledge Channel. Tiangge sa Valle Verde rin ng ABS-CBN Foundation ay nagbebenta ng Mamili na tayo kung ano o sino ang gusto Valle Verde One Park Clubhouse, Pasig City samu’t saring pang-regalo tulad ng BB pin nating tulungan: kalikasan, kabataan o Dec. 20-24, 26-30 (P75), paperweight (P120), denim bag (P100), edukasyon. Ituring natin itong isang pasasala- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Christmas Gifts Expo body bag (P175), BB soundtrack cassette mat para sa mga biyayang natanggap natin Megatrade Halls 2 and 3 (P120)at compact disc (P200),Christmas cards, buong taon, kasama na ang kalusugan at pag- SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City Difficulty Level: Very Easy T-shirts, at gift wrappers. Tumawag sa 415- mamahalan ng ating pamilya, mapagmalasakit Dec. 21-23 (Hall A) 6625, 411-0856 o 929-0967 kung interesado. na kumpanyang pinaglilingkuran, maarugang Noel Bazaar Solution, tips and computer program available at Ang Phil-Asia Assistance Foundation (Paafi) ’bisor o boss, at mga ka-opisinang kaagapay World Trade Center, Pasay City www.sudoku.com naman ay nagbibigay ng panustos para sa pag- natin sa pagtratrabaho sa araw-araw. 16 LOPEZLINK December 2006 GIFT IDEAS What’s new Have a from ABS-CBN Publishing in Dec. & Jan. Kapamilya Christmas Metro’s fashion forecasts with ABS-CBN licensed products! Start the new year with Metro’s annual Body Issue Celebrate the Christmas season Kapamilya-style with assorted ABS-CBN which features Iya Villania, Karel Marquez and Patrick licensed products! The “Super Inggo,” “Pinoy Dream Academy,” “Ka- Garcia; beauty queen Priscilla Mireilles; and model/in- pamila Deal or No Deal” and “Barkada Trip” merchandise are available at terior designer Isabel Roces. Photographed by Ron- the ABS-CBN Kapamilya Store outside the Pinoy Dream Academy and at nie Salvacion, the spread was shot around the theme leading department stores nationwide. of birthstones. On the cover is Dayanara Torres, who Employees of Lopez Group companies can avail of special discounts for talks about relationships and her most important res- bulk orders. For inquiries, contact the ABS-CBN Licensing Group at 415- olution for 2007. In “Talk,” Metro asks women: “Are 2272 locals 3602 and 3626. (Pia de Leon) you ready to be single for life?” Also in this Dec. ’06/Jan. ’07 double issue, read about skin whitening Live your dream in “Pinoy Dream Academy” injections, a guide for balikbayan, and our fearless Jacket (replica of jacket worn by the scholars). P800; fashion forecasts for 2007. Ladies’ shirt. P329; Men’s shirt. P369; Sling bag. P250 Guide to Divi, lucky businesses in Working Mom

One mother anticipates spending Christmas with her son, “Deal or while another remembers the daughter she lost. In the No Deal” Handheld Dec. ‘06/Jan. ‘07 issue of Working Mom, Dawn Zulueta game. talks about the miracle that is her baby Jacobo, and how P999.75 marriage and motherhood changed her life. Also in this Tabletop double issue, it’s Gina de Venecia two years after KC’s trag- electronic game. ic death. Find out how she became a source of strength P1,699.75 for others struggling with the same loss. Navigating your way around Divisioria, the luckiest businesses for 2007, and the best Christmas gifts for kids round out Working Mom’s year-end edition.

Fifty hotties in Chalk “Barkada Trip” Figurines: Abantao, Bok, As an early Christmas treat, Chalk gives you what you’ve Nikki, Trixie, Marla, Derek been waiting for: the annual list of 50 Hottest Guys of and Nori. P150 each ’06! Dennis Trillo leads the pack of hotties—find out who Tumbler. P100 each Kiddie racket set. P180 else made the cut and how they ranked. Plus, guys tell the truth about how they would like you to respond to pickup lines and how to “think like a guy” when it comes to relationships. Start 2007 right with the fashion and beauty essentials you’ll need for the next season. It’s all in Chalk’s December issue! (Joseph Uy)

"Super Inggo” An encounter with Rocco DiSpirito Character and logo kiddie shirts. P160 each; Kiddie costume. P570 (S-L sizes); Morcon gets a delicious makeover with new techniques P600 (XL-XXL); Slippers. P50/pair to make it tastier and more tender. Chef Chris Bautista, who has mastered meat cookery in his culinary studies Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo and work experience abroad, shows how braising the Executive Editor Rosan Cruz beef can be done either on the stovetop or in the oven. Contributing Editors Also in the Dec. ‘06/Jan. ‘07 issue of FOOD Magazine are Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene Ochoa (MNTC) Part II of the shopping catalogue of food gifts, recipes for Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (BayanTel) Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (Beyond Cable) great-tasting easy puddings, Dorothy Ferreria’s Chinese Leah Salterio (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) paella and Sanirose Orbeta’s tips for acquiring healthy Cesar Gomez (FPHC) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) habits. Another special treat is editor in chief Norma Rafael Alunan III (Wellness) Frances Bumanlag (AEI) Chikiamco’s account of her encounter with America’s sex- Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) iest chef, Rocco DiSpirito. (Cherie Mijares) Editorial and Layout IPI Creative Business Unit LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group, 4/F Benpres Bldg., Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading bookstores and magazine stands Ortigas, Pasig City Telefax: 633-3520 nationwide. For subscriptions, contact ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at 924-4101 or 415-2272 loc. For feedback, please email: 4658 or Joena Cabrera at 415-2852 or 415-2671. [email protected]