January 2006

Lopez execs bag Excel awards ...p. 6 Lopez Group lalong tatatag sa susunod na 5 taon By Carla Paras-Sison Upang makamit ang katatagan at Media and communications paglago na inaasahan ni OML sa Para sa ABS-CBN Broadcasting “Though there are still daunting envi- susunod na limang taon, idinulog ng Corp., kailangang patatagin ang organ- ronmental imponderables and also ma- Benpres Holdings Corporation sa isasyon, mabawi ang pangunguna sa jor business problems in some of our bawa’t kumpanya ng mga kailangang Mega TV ratings at ipagpatuloy companies, I am optimistic that we are mangyari sa taong 2006. ang paglago ng ABS-CBN Global. making definite progress toward group stability, growth and increased prof- Turn to page 2 Meralco Phase 4 itability in the next five years,” pa- hayag ni LopezGroup chairman Oscar refund ongoing...p. 2 M. Lopez(OML) sa nakaraang Strate- gic Planning Conference.

Abangan ang ‘Pinoy Big ’ Season 2! ...p. 5 2 LOPEZLINK January 2006

Lopez Group lalong tatatag ... from page 1

Bagama’t nakapaglunsad ng mga mga bagong proyekto para sa strategic ings sa 2006 kung maaprubahan ang Para sa Manila North Tollways Property development bagong programa ang ABS-CBN growth. rate hike na hinihiling ng Meralco. Corp. (MNTC), nakatuon ang pansin Inaasahang mabebenta ng Rockwell noong 2005, hindi pa nito nababawi Sa , inaasahang magawa Walumpu’t dalawang porsiyento sa pagpapadami ng motoristang du- Land Corporation ang 100% ng Joya ang leadership sa TV ang pilot encryption ng Sky Cable ng kita ng First Holdings ay mangga- madaan sa North Luzon Expressway condominium sa taong ito. Tuloy rin ratings. Gayunpaman, inaasahang signal sa piling bahagi ng franchise galing pa rin sa First Gen Corp., na (NLE) ngayong 2006. Ang aktuwal ang pagbenta ng One Rockwell at magkakaroon ng magandang resulta area nito. Kasama nito ang na traffic volume sa NLE noong mababawasan nang husto ang mga ang bagong likhang integrated distri- mithiin na mabawasan ang ille- 2005 ay mas mababa ng 35% sa utang ng kumpanya. bution channels para sa news and cur- gal subscribers. “Nangangahulugan forecast ng traffic consultant. Inaasahan din ang full delivery ng rent affairs group kaakibat ng pag- Ang programming costs Mula 2002, pababa na nang Manansala sa Marso 2006. May bawas ng headcount noong 2005. para sa mga major channels tu- itong maaaring pababa ang traffic volume dahil plano ang Rockwell na pumasok sa Ang paglago ng ABS-CBN Global lad ng HBO, Star at AXN ay sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo mga bagong development projects na ang mag-aangat sa performance ng mapapababa na ng Sky Cable matapos na rin ang ng gasolina at ng toll rates. hindi gaanong kamahalan o less ABS-CBN dahil sa kasunduan nito sa para sa 2006 sa 42% ng rev- Noong 2002, ang average na risky. Kasama sa mga pinag-aaralang DirecTV. enues kumpara sa 54% noong debt restructuring presyo ng unleaded gas ay proyekto ang maliit na resort devel- Ang BayanTel ay kailangang 2005. Bumaba na rin ang head- P17.08 bawa’t litro kumpara sa opment sa Tagaytay, mga affordable pumusisyon sa mga bagong produk- count ng Sky Cable mula sa P32 bawa’t litro noong 2005. condominiums sa Makati o Ortigas at to, tulad ng VOIP (Voice over Inter- 704 noong end-2005 mula 972 negotiations ng Gayundin, ang toll rate noong sa properties ng Lopez Inc. sa net Protocol), WLL (wireless local noong end-2004 kaya 2002 ay P0.26 bawa’t kilometro City. loop) at WBB (wireless broadband). nakakatipid ito sa mga gas- Benpres Holdings sa kumpara sa kasalukuyang P2.48. Sumatotal, umaasa ang Benpres Noong 2005, nagtala ng 7% rev- tusin. Gayunpaman, laganap Naka-base ang pagpapadami ng Holdings na makakapagbigay ng enue growth ang BayanTel at bumuti ang pagnanakaw ng signal at susunod na 12 trapiko sa NLE sa mga sumusun- dibidendo ang MNTC, First Holdings rin ang EBITDA (earnings before in- lalo pang dumadami ang illegal od na plano ng MNTC: mataas at Rockwell, samantalang inaayos ng terest, taxes, depreciation and amorti- subscribers, bagay na dapat hanggang 24 na kalidad ng highway at ser- ABS-CBN, BayanTel at Sky Cable zation) margin nito. Dalawang taon na pagtuunan ng pansin sa bagong bisyo; mas mabuting access sa ang kani-kanilang mga operasyon. ring lumalaki ang revenues at EBIT- taon. buwan” NLE; patuloy na marketing cam- Nangangahulugan itong maaaring DA ng kumpanya kaya tama lamang Power and infrastructure paign; pinag-isang promotions matapos na rin ang debt restructuring na pumasok ito sa mga “disruptive Ang power generation and kasama ang mga travel destina- negotiations ng Benpres Holdings sa products” upang maging competitive distribution associates ng First inaasahang matatala sa Philippine tions; at pagtatayo ng mga motorist fa- susunod na 12 hanggang 24 buwan. sa larangan ng telecom. Ang hina- Philippine Holdings Corp. ang mag- Stock Exchange sa Pebrero. Gayun- cilities sa loob ng NLE. Dahil sa mga At tulad ng sinabi ni OML, ito ay harap ng BayanTel ay nakasalalay sa dadala sa kumpanya ng patuloy na paman, bababa na rin ang kita ng aksiyong ito, inaasahang maaabot ng bahagi ng daan tungo sa mas matatag maingat na paglagak ng mga limited paglago sa 2006. Inaasahang kikita First Gen dahil sa expiration ng in- MNTC ang traffic forecast sa loob ng at mas yumayabong na Lopez resources nito sa core business at sa ng halos P11 bilyon ang First Hold- come tax holidays nito. limang taon. Group.

Statement of Meralco chairman Meralco refutes FPI, says and CEO Manuel M. Lopez Phase 4 refund ongoing MERALCO is com- ject to adjustment I AM making this statement in support alco and NPC officials have been on the viability of key industries and of plying with the based on actual of the official statement of the Meralco working together in presenting evi- publicly listed companies, particularly timetable set by the Meralco purchases Board of Directors. dence to the ERC these past few at a time when the country needs to Energy Regulatory from NPC from July For the past few days, there have months in support of the Settlement present a sober and attractive invest- Commission (ERC) 15, 2003 to Decem- been numerous news reports and me- Agreement. ment environment. with regard to the ber 31, 2004. dia coverage, primarily in the Philip- Last December 19, 2005, the press We are also distributing a point-by- processing of the re- “The adjusted pine Daily Inquirer, about an alleged relations officer of NPC, Mr. Dennis point rebuttal of the contents of the fund for Phase IV, net settlement P42 billion debt that Meralco owes the Gana, called up our VP for corporate memorandum. said Leonardo Ma- amount is P14.3 bil- National Power Corp. (NPC) arising communication and public affairs Elpi May I reiterate that we shall contin- bale,headofthe lion, representing from a “long standing dispute” on a Cuna Jr. to deny that Mr. Del Callar or ue to provide the best service possible Meralco Refund costs of power that 10-year contract of electricity from for that matter, NPC, was the author of to our customers, given our resources Management Task Force. is being charged through billings of the dis- 1994 to 2004. the cited memorandum or source of the and creditor constraints, and will coop- “Much as the decision on the refund had tribution utility. The Settlement Agreement Firstly, there is no such thing as a story. erate fully with every government ini- a substantial financial impact on Meralco, is being reviewed by the ERC. P42 billion debt of Meralco to NPC. If Mr. Del Callar denies authorship, tiative consistent with the EPIRA. the company implemented the refund of With the Settlement Agreement, there is Secondly, there is no such thing as a it is only the reporter of PDI who can On the other hand, we appeal to about P30 billion as ordered by the no longer any dispute between NPC and “long-standing dispute” between Mer- confirm if the source of the story and government officials, particularly in Supreme Court and the ERC. The refund Meralco on the CSE. There is no provision alco and NPC because the dispute was the memorandum we have are one and the energy sector, to be more forthright effectively wiped out our profits from 1994 in the Agreement for conversion to equity laid to rest by a Settlement Agreement the same. And it is also the PDI re- in their initiatives to address the prob- to 2002,” Mabale said. of Meralco of any amount to be paid to signed in July 2003, with former Jus- porter who can confirm, even as we re- lems of the industry and not to confuse At the same time, the utility poured NPC, the board stressed. tice Secretary Sedfrey Ordoñez and spect his right to protect his sources, if objectives and prescriptions or to mis- around P60 billion into its capital expendi- “... Efforts to subvert the Settlement and NPC-appointed mediator and former the memorandum, which he attributes lead the public with false solutions. tures program aimed at improving and up- talks of government takeover will have se- president of the World Energy council to a “top Malacanang official” was Proposals such as those contained in grading its system and service. vere repercussions on the general invest- Antonio del Rosario as Meralco-ap- properly verified before the story was the memorandum, or statements like “We finished sending out the letters to ment climate. We thus appeal for responsi- pointed mediator, which is now await- published. those attributed in the PDI to “consul- Phase IV-A active customers in November ble journalism and for the government and ing approval by the Energy Regulatory Be that as it may, we noted the tants” and administration officials in- 2005 and will continue to send them out to private sector to work together for a sus- Commission. striking similarities between the con- sisting on the P42-billion debt, do Phase IV-B and government services,” Ma- tainable power industry,” the board said. We actually came into possession tent of the story and the memorandum nothing to clarify the real issues and to bale added. Meralco VP for corporate communica- of a memorandum purportedly written in our possession, and felt constrained provide constructive solutions to the Meanwhile, the board of directors of tion and public affairs Elpi Cuna Jr. also by NPC president Cyril del Callar a to answer the issues raised. However, problems of the industry. Moreover, Meralco issued a statement in response to questioned the motives of Federation of few days before the story broke out. despite our explanations, the story con- they are most unfair to those who may news reports on the alleged P42-billion li- Philippine Industries (FPI) president Jesus But we ignored it because it did not ap- tinues to hog headlines, with various wish to seek redress when those who ability of Meralco to the National Power Arranza in bringing up a “rehashed issue.” pear to be authentic: (1) the author’s personalities riding on the issue for may be accountable are nameless and Corp. (NPC), pointing out that the figure is “As a responsible business leader, Mr. name and that of the addressee were their own purposes, such as Mr. Jesus faceless government officials. deceptive. Arranza should have updated himself on is- handwritten; (2) the memorandum was Arranza of the Federation of Philip- Meralco believes that there is a “We passed a resolution on March 17, sues concerning the industry. However, he addressed to “GMA” which is an un- pine Industries. need for more transparency and for a 2003, authorizing Meralco management to chose to grandstand and exploit an issue likely way to address a person of high Just as there could be irresponsible thoughtful and fair-minded review by explore all means to resolve the dispute be- which, unfortunately for him, is a false office; (3) it was so full of inaccuracies public officials and segments of media, the government of the policy frame- tween Meralco and NPC with respect to the one,” Cuna said. and irresponsible prescriptions and we so could there be irresponsible indus- work for the power industry. We hope 10-year Contract for Sale of Electricity Meralco also clarified that nowhere in assumed that a responsible public offi- try leaders. We appeal to all of them to this happens soon and that Meralco (CSE) signed in November 1994…. the Supreme Court’s decision nor in the cial such as Mr. del Callar is incapable be more circumspect about the adverse will be part of it as one of the largest “Meralco and NPC entered into a Settle- ERC’s latest order that a conversion of col- of contriving it, especially since Mer- effects of their stories and statements stakeholders in the industry. ment Agreement in 2003 for a net settle- lectibles into equity was an option. (A.R. ment of P20 billion. …This amount is sub- Zaldarriaga) LOPEZLINK January 2006 3 BayanTel provides DSL Internet to QC high schools BAYANTEL and the government recently formal- “This is a key program for BayanTel as it allows us to make ized their partnership in the Gearing Up Internet Literacy and our DSL service available to the youth and harness their poten- Access for Students (GILAS) project that would make the city tials as the future leaders of our nation,” Lopez said. one of the first in the country to have all its public high schools He also unveiled plans to make the , the ca- connected to the Internet. ble-based educational program targeting the youth, available on- The Ayala Foundation-led GILAS is a consortium of telecom- line so it can be accessed by students under the GILAS program. munications and IT companies that aims to provide Internet con- To date, BayanTel has provided 12 QC public schools with free nection to all Philippine public schools in the next five years. DSL connection on the first year. More than 30 schools are expected to BayanTel president & CEO Eugenio Lopez III, chief execu- be connected before the 2006 school year starts in June. (John Rojo) tive consultant Tunde Fafunwa, Mayor Feliciano Belmonte and Ayala Foundation president Victoria Garchitorena signed the (R-L) BayanTel president Eugenio Lopez III, Mayor Feliciano memorandum of agreement (MOA) in a simple ceremony in Belmonte, and Ayala Foundation’s Victoria Garchitorena for- Quezon City. malize their partnership as (from right) BayanTel’s Tunde Fa- Lopez said that the company is committed to provide free funwa, Quezon City School Division’s Josefina Gabriel, GI- DSL Internet connectivity to QC public high schools and in 200 LAS’s Luigi Bernas and Credit First Suisse of Boston’s Simon other schools nationwide in support of the GILAS initiative. Paterno look on.

All you want under one Sky Maynilad now a viable business-Estuar THREE cable TV brands come together By Jennifer R. Casipit “Big changes will happen on the ownership side be- under one name: SkyCable. cause next year when the bidding has been concluded, we SkyCable becomes Home Cable and AFTER the introduction of basic management processes will have new majority owners,” Torio revealed. SunCable, which become SkyCable and the successes due to operating efficiencies, Mayni- Improvements in the physical system, Estuar pointed Gold and SkyCable Silver. As these ca- lad’s goal of becoming the best-qualified replacement op- out, are being addressed by the CAPEX program. “In 2006, ble providers transform into one strong erator for the West Zone is finally within reach. our budgeted CAPEX is P2.3 billion compared to P1.2 bil- lion in 2005. Of course, some of that we already advanced and united brand, subscribers can expect This development follows the approval of the new tar- iff rate and the rehabilitation plan. Maynilad president in 2005, so some benefits should be forthcoming.” powerhouse programming with chan- Fiorello Estuar also cited the engineering solutions that The challenge continues nels not available on other providers- ney, Hallmark, Discovery and Animal were put in place, such as in the Tondo F-1 Pilot Project, Torio noted that there are still some issues that need to , , ANC, Solar Planet. which reduced physical Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in be addressed. Collection efficiency, for one, stands at only Sports, Lifestyle Network, Animax and Subscribers who upgrade to SkyCa- problematic areas. 85% when it should at least be 96%. . There are also three new chan- ble Gold from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2006 On the financial side, corporate financial services VP Phil- “We have to catch up on our collection efforts since our nels to watch—Hero, Crime/Suspense will enjoy waived upgrade fee of P350 amer Torio reported that Maynilad met its targets for 2005. funds will mostly be coming from cash flows from oper- and ETC 2nd Avenue. plus the chance to win an appliance “We surpassed our net income target of P1.9 billion. ations.” Nevertheless, Torio said he believes that with re- To celebrate the new SkyCable, all package. We’ve been able to meet all our payment requirements and cent changes in the organization, it is now more prepared Be a part of the bigger and better are ready to move forward,” Torio said. to fulfill its part in the debt agreement signed with the SkyCable Silver subscribers are invited creditor banks, shareholders and MWSS. SkyCable today. For more details, call Prospects for 2006 to upgrade to SkyCable Gold to enjoy These developments notwithstanding, Estuar said that Estuar urged employees to be united in this mission. five additional channels: Cinemax, Dis- 631-0000. (Arlene Torres) there have also been snags along the way. “The rehabilita- “We should continue to do what we’ve been doing right. I tion plan is in an extended transition because the creditor gave a lot of importance to preparing the organization to be sup- banks and MWSS are trying to sort out their differences.” portive of management initiatives, and I’m happy to note that MWSS has decided to sell its rights to subscribe under we are getting a lot of cooperation and support.” (With reports EVAT to affect water rates in ’06 the Debt and Capital Restructuring Agreement. from Rosmon Tuazon & Bong Patinio) MAYNILAD will charge residential When the tax rate is increased to 12% in customers an additional 30 centavos a February, however, water firms will day or P11 a month for an average con- have to factor in the increase in con- sumption of 30 cubic meters when the sumers’ bills. value-added tax is hiked to 12% from Fuel and power prices were already Luzon tourist spots, products the current 10% this year. adjusted due to the EVAT law. Prices of Water rates were initially unaffected gasoline products were immediately ad- by the implementation of the expanded justed in November, while consumers’ featured in ’06 MNTC calendar VAT law last November 2005, as these electricity bills reflected the changes A DOZEN charming lasses took center stage at the launch of were already subject to a 10% VAT. starting December. Manila North Tollways Corp.’s (MNTC) 2006 corporate cal- endar held at the Lakeshore Tent along the North Luzon Ex- pressway (NLE) in Mexico, Pampanga last Dec. 7, 2005. NLE operations lauded by ADB execs The 12 ladies, beauty queens all, represented the provinces of Central and North Luzon, whose social and economic de- ASIAN Development Bank velopment was significantly affected by the NLE. (ADB) officials toured the The MNTC “Luzon’s Finest” calendar showcases the re- North Luzon Expressway gions’ best indigenous agricultural and industrial products, and expressed satisfaction and tourist spots, in keeping with the company’s commitment over how the Manila North to advance the development of Central and Northern Luzon. Tollways Corp. (MNTC) is “We owe it to the people that this expressway must fulfill managing the P18-billion fa- its role well, which is to fuel the growth of industries, to ush- cility. The ADB provided er in new investments, to create thousands of new jobs, and, $45 million in direct financ- yes, to improve the overall quality of life of our people,” said ing for the project, plus an- MNTC chairman Oscar M. Lopez. other $25 million in a cofi- Lopez also underscored the significant role of local gov- nancing agreement. Shown ernment leaders, Sanggunian members, businessmen and in photo are (front row, from civil society leaders. left) Tollways Management Corp. (TMC) SVP for program management Rene Bañares, “I am happy to note that we share the same dream for TMC president Anthony Mabasa, desk officer and secretariat for economic affairs Roy Suter, Amb. Lise Favre, ADB governor for Switzerland Oscar Knapp, ADB International speedy and real development of every province, town and Financial Institutions head Christine Grelder; TMC VP for technical services Pros Tan; city in this great cluster of regions north of Manila,” Lopez (back row, from left) TMC VP for operations Nick Manalo, TMC VP for legal and regu- said. latory affairs Junjie Quimbo, ADB Philippine office country director Tom Crouch, ADB During the launch, which also served as an early Christmas director's advisor Johan Dubois, ADB alternate executive director Niklaus Zingg and ADB party, the MNTC calendar girls, led by Miss International senior project implementation specialist Richard Ondrik. (Kit Ventura) semifinalist Patty Betita, staged a fashion show under the di- rection of designer Renee Salud. (K. Ventura) 4 LOPEZLINK January 2006 Pinoy Media Student Congress: Patok! By Carla Paras-Sison thinking of multi-platforms as are now velopment. Like in ‘,’ available in the digital world. We are viewers decided on who they wanted to PATOK na patok ang two-day Pinoy thinking in terms of how you, our au- win. No doubt, there is a growing shared Media Student Congress 2005, ang dience, were given the opportunity to responsibility between the public and unang pagtitipon ng mga mag-aaral, access ‘Big Brother’ not just on the the mass communications industry.” guro at propesyunal ng mass commu- regular telecast but via Internet, online Sa loob ng dalawang araw, nagka- Mass Communications program director Noel nications sa bansa. video streaming, SMS, recording and roon ng mga panel discussions ukol sa McRae (center) with ABS-CBN top honchos Luis Initiated and organized by ABS- ABS-CBN EVP Charo magazine publishing,” sabi ni EL3. Corporate Social Responsibility, Me- Alejandro and Eugenio Lopez III CBN’s Government, Corporate Affairs Inimbita ni EL3 ang mga estudyante dia as a Public Business with a Re- Santos-Concio and PR Group, ginanap ang Pinoy Me- na gamitin ang mga pagkakataong ib- sponsibility to the Nation, Options in dia Student Congress sa St. Paul Uni- inibigay ng ABS-CBN tulad ng Pinoy Communication, Communication Arts, versity Quezon City at dinaluhan ng Media Student Congress upang yum- Career Opportunities in Media, at Me- mga guro at mag-aaral ng St. Paul Uni- abong ang kaalaman sa komunikasyon. dia and the Youth. versity Manila, Assumption College, “Nurturing and engaging our youth Dumalo rin sa congress ang mga Centro Escolar University, Miriam is one other obligation we have hon- naglalakihang celebrities ng entertain- College, Polytechnic University of the ored at ABS-CBN and it is my privi- ment at gayundin ng news and current , University of Sto. Tomas lege to invite those who are capable of affairs tulad nina Ces Drilon, Edu at University of the Philippines. meeting the challenge to take this first Manzano, Charo Santos-Concio, Maria Sinabi ni ABS-CBN chairman Eu- step in building the ABS-CBN of to- Ressa, Julius Babao, Korina Sanchez, genio Lopez III (EL3) sa kanyang morrow,” pahayag niya. Tintin Bersola at Karen Davila. keynote address na ang mga kabataan Samantala, tinawag ni ABS-CBN Bukod sa congress proper, nagka- ay kailangang makialam at matuto sa president Luis F. Alejandro ang pansin roon ng dalawang magkasabay na mga makabagong teknolohiya na ng mga mag-aaral sa malaking partisi- workshops mula sa Communication nagiging daan upang maabot ang mi- ng Pinoy audiences sa mga pa- Center for Arts ng ABS-CBN. Tu- lyun-milyong manonood. borito nilang programa. manggap din ng applications para sa Sr. Nintha Lucilla Baldado, SPC, Close to 500 MassComm students from “We no longer just think of conven- “Up to a certain extent, the public has trabaho o internship ang iba’t ibang president of SPUQC, checks out one different universities took part in the PHOTOS: MANDY NAVASERO tional television in ABS-CBN. We are a say in programming and content de- subsidiaries at units ng ABS-CBN. of the booths two-day congress 4th HR Council Summit: Getting down to business (Clockwise from By Geraldine Sabayle Corporate HR chairman Dr. Felipe Alfonso right): HR Council facilitated the Leader’s Forumon winning strate- chair Cedie Vargas; THE ABB Hall of the MMLDC in Antipolo was gies for organizational successes with panelists The HR Summit packed to the rafters when over 160 HR practi- Maynilad president Dr. Fiorello Estuar, Kraft organizers; Forum tioners fromabout 38 Lopez Group companies Philippines president Ma. Victoria Tiongson, guests (l-r) MWSI attended the 4th HR Council Summit last Markina mayor Lourdes Fernando and Genash- president Dr. November 8, 2005. timPhilippines’ ThomasNg. Fiorello Estuar, The summit theme, “Eye on HR: Getting Dr. Helen Lange, MBA programdirector of Down to Business,” highlighted the urgency of Kraft Phils. Universitas 21 Global Singapore gave a talk on the challenge as human capital moves to assume “Knowledge Economy and Lifelong Learning.” president Victoria a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s des- Later, discussions on building organizational Tiongson, mayor tiny. excellence, retaining talent and breaking e-learn- Lourdes Fernando Meralco chairman Manuel M. Lopez, in his ing myths were held. The HR heads of Ateneo and Genashtim opening message, talked about the legacy and CORD, Meralco and Smart Communications al- Phils.’ Thomas Ng; Fil leadership qualities of his father, Eugenio H. so talked about their HR programs, capped by in- Alfonso facilitates the Lopez Sr. He said that Don Eñing’s strong lead- spirational talks fromDylan Wilk of Gawad “Leaders’ Forum” ership and good example influenced the execu- Kalinga and Emily Abrera of McCann Erick- tives and employees of Meralco in his time. son. Comptrollers’ Circle’s ‘4-sided’ 6th GA By Jei-Jei Gertes ‘technical side,’ the 6th GA also in- Pangilinan joined Gertes cluded the ‘spiritual’/EQ side, the onstage and brought the THE Lopez Group’s Comptrollers’ ‘showbiz’ side and the fellowship,” house down with her an- Circle got together for a fun-filled, Gertes said. tics. “four-sided” 6th General Assembly Edwin Abella of the Bureau of In- “It was a blast, every- and Christmas Fellowship at the ELJ ternal Revenue (BIR) gave an update one’s adrenaline was Communications Center. on the EVAT law, while Vivian Cruz- flowing fromlaughing so Leading the participants was the Ruiz of Sycip Gorres Velayo and Co. hard and taking part in the Lopez Group’s Comptrollers’ Execu- tackled International Financial Re- games,” said Gertes. tive Committee composed of Atty. porting Standards (IFRS). Sophie The GA, which Lopez Rommel Duran, Pearl Catahan, Lito Bate and Fr. Armand Robleza took Group chairman Oscar M. Banaag Jr., Ernie Esguerra, Mon care of the event’s EQ side, expound- Lopez instituted in 1999, Clockwise from top: The Pagdagdagan, Atty. Leny Oxales, ing on “Relationships: How to Relate aims to foster camaraderie and the “Wowowee” girls with Fr. Marvi Marcelino, Jingle Hernandez Better at Work and at Home” and exchange of ideas and experiences in Armand Robleza and Jei-Jei and Jei-Jei Gertes, who also acted as “Christianity in the Workplace,” re- the fields of accounting, finance and Gertes; Sophie Bate (2nd from the day’s emcee. spectively. taxation among the members of the left) with Executive Committee Also in attendance were the ac- The number crunchers let their hair group. countants, finance officers, CFOs, down in the latter part of the GA when “We in the Comptrollers’ Circle members Marvi Marcelino, accounting and finance managers of “Wowowee” girls Iya Villania, Janelle are looking forward to more semi- Pearl Catahan and Jei-Jei all Lopez Group companies. Jamer and Kat Alano took to the stage nars, trainings and updates related to Gertes; Comptrollers take part “We have a different kind of GA and bantered with the participants. Not our field next year,” Gertes in the traditional exchange gift every year. Now, in addition to the to be outdone, comedian Candy stressed. LOPEZLINK January 2006 5

UPDATE The ‘PBB’ housemates by the numbers Can’t get enough “Pinoy Big Brother” factoids to dazzle your friends with? Here’s something to add to your Another look at the ‘PBB’ phenomenon arsenal: Cassandra Ponti of Davao (214,188 nandez and Rosanna Roces, said to be the AFTER spending 111 days in the spe- Housemate Birthday Birthplace votes/18.9%), and Uma Khouny of San most vocal wannabe. cially designed “Pinoy Big Brother” •RicoBarrera 12/29/81 City Juan (52,833 votes/4.7%)—were air- Explaining the Pinoy fascination house in front of ABS-CBN, the low-key Evicted Day 21 (Sept. 10) lifted to the Clark Expo in Pampanga for ‘PBB’ and straight-talking Jennivev “Nene” • Chx Alcala 6/29/81 Caloocan City for the star-studded Big Night. “PBB” director Lauren Dyogi on Tamayo became the first “PBB” Big Evicted Day 63 (Oct. 22) Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, the other hand, has stated that his Winner, one of only a handful of female • Jayson Gainza 4/27/80 Mark Bautista, Jed Maddela, Salbakuta, dream housemate is Rep. Francis Es- winners in the Dutch franchise thus far. Second Big Placer, with Andrew E, Randy Santiago, Sandara cudero, the charismatic opposition The Big Four—Nene, Jayson Gain- 312,258 Votes Park, Joseph Bitangcol, Jericho Rosales, spokesperson. za of Batangas (312,258 votes/27.5%), • Nene Tamayo 9/27/81 Romblon , Orange ’N’ Lemons, In an article that came out in Star- PBB Big Winner, with Lito Camo and the former housemates week magazine, Alma Anonas-Carpio 554,906 Votes (48.9%) were among those who entertained the asked several diehards to explain their • Bob dela Cruz 8/10/77 Marilao, huge crowd that assembled for one of fascination for “PBB.” Forcedly evicted Day Bulacan local television’s biggest events. Rose, a fishball vendor, said that 50 (Oct. 9) The celebrity edition she pointed out to her kids some exam- • Say Alonzo 8/6/79 Parañaque The 24-year-old had earlier re- ples of good and bad behavior through Evicted Day 105 (Dec. 3) City ceived a windfall from the viewers, the housemates’ actuations inside the • Cass Ponti 3/1/80 who gave her an astounding 48.9 % house. Rommel, a college student, Third Big Placer, with share of the text votes. From “Kuya,” shared that the show allowed him to 214,188 Votes (18.9%) Nene’s reward came in the form of P1 temporarily forget his problems; see- • JB Magsaysay 7/6/80 million in cash, a house and lot, appli- ing the housemates grapple with the Evicted Day 35 (Sept. 24) ances, a brand-new Nissan pickup and weekly tasks and try to get along with • Racquel Reyes 1/20/74 Tanauan City an ink refilling business, all amounting one another helped him deal with his Evicted Day 49 (Oct. 8) to some P6 million. own problems, he added. • Uma Khouny 11/4/81 Israel The other members of the Big Four Ad man Jasper’s observation: “This Fourth Big Placer, with received their share of prizes, and like is a reality show where you do not see 52, 833 Votes (4.7%) all the other housemates, a shot at fame cliques conspiring against other play- • Jenny Suico 2/3/76 Cavite as Star Magic contract artists. ers. That, to me, is amazing and very Evicted Day 84 (Nov. 12) Season 2 of “Pinoy Big Brother,” said Filipino. There is pakikisama (commu- • Franzen Fajardo 4/18/82 Valenzuela to be a “celebrity” edition lasting for 60 nity sharing of burdens), the house- Forcedly evicted Day 91 City days, will start on Feb. 2006 yet, but local mates adjust to each other and sort out (Nov. 19) showbiz stars are already jockeying to be their problems without resorting to • 5/23/84 Ohio, USA included among the housemates; these in- connivance. That is the greatest thing I Evicted Day 77 (Nov. 5) clude Amy Perez, Eula Valdes, Jeni Her- ever saw in PBB.” (Karen LaRosa) ‘PBB The Big Night’ nanguna sa TV ratings! Don’tgiveupon AYON sa December 4-10 TV rat- at 55.4% na audience share ng tugma sa 172,000 individuals. dience share. May 2.7 million ings ng AGB Nielsen Media Re- pumangalawang “Encantadia” ng Ang audience share naman ay households sa Mega Manila at Piolo and Juday search gamit ang Mega Manila GMA Network Inc. nagkukumpara sa mga progra- ang isang rating point ay katugma database nito, nanguna sa ratings Ibinibigay ng ratings ang av- mang magkakasabay ipinapal- ng 37,000 na kabahayan. ang “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) erage number of viewers para sa abas. Samakatuwid, may 3.7 mily- AFTER two The Big Night” ng ABS-CBN bawa’t minuto ng isang progra- Sa total households, umaatik- ong tao sa Mega Manila o 1.5 mi- years of work- Broadcasting Corp. Sa total indi- ma. Ang isang rating point ay 1% abong 40.9% ang rating ng “PBB lyong households ang nanood ng ing on separate viduals, kumopo ng 23.2% na rat- ng populasyon na kasama sa sur- The Big Night” at 60.9% naman “PBB The Big Night.” Ito na ang projects the Pio- ing ang “PBB” at 63.5% na audi- vey. Sa Mega Manila, mayroong ang audience share, kumpara sa pinakamataas na rating na lo Pascual-Judy ence share noong Disyembre 10. 17.2 milyon na individuals kaya “Encantadia” na nakakuha ng nakamit ng “PBB” sa maikling Ann Santos Ito ay kumpara sa 22.2 TV rating ang isang rating point ay tumu- 38.6% na rating at 52.9% na au- kasaysayan nito. team-up is back with Star Cine- ma’s opening salvo for 2006, “Don’t Give Up On Us.” Studio 23 programs reap The film starts with the story of Abby local, int’l accolades (Judy Ann) the control freak STUDIO 23 recently reaped more SEAFCTV’s guar- who likes to be plaudits for its award-winning antee of good qual- on top of every- shows, proving that its program ity family, child- thing she does, lineup is not just for the ka-barka- sensitive content. including the da, but also for the whole fami- In a sense, the preparation for her brother find Sabina, Abby and ly. “Anak TV Seal” is and best friend Sabina’s Vince have come to affect The Southeast Asian Foundation bestowed by wedding. When the bride each other both mentally for Children and Television SEAFCTV stake- (SEAFCTV) selected nine Studio holders—parents, Family Television Awards Hall of disappears on her despedi- and emotionally. 23 programs for its “Anak TV Seal” business and media Fame as well. da de soltera, Abby goes The much-awaited list for 2005. The programs singled people, govern- The Family Television Awards on a wild goose chase that comeback of the favorite out for praise are “Breakfast Super- ment, nongovern- are given out by the Family Friend- takes her to Baguio; there, TV and movie tandem of size,” “Y Speak Live,” “Sports TV,” ment organizations, ly Programming Forum (FFPF) to she meets Vince (Piolo), Piolo Pascual and Judy “7th Heaven,” “Jimmy Neutron,” the religious sector and the Race” and “7th Heaven” were promote the development of fami- who admits his is the voice Ann Santos will surely “Postman Pat,” “Gameplan” and youth—based on their artistic voted most family-friendly at the ly-friendly television between 8 on the tape. make a big bang this com- the ABS-CBN Foundation shows merit, educational content and 7th Annual Family Television and 10 p.m., when adults and chil- Abby and Vince’s hunt ing New Year. Don’t miss “Sineskwela” and “Math-Tinik.” cultural relevance. Awards. “7th Heaven,” now on its dren are most likely to watch TV for Sabina takes them to Star Cinema’s New Year The “Anak TV Seal” is the Meanwhile, “Lost,” “Amazing final year in the US, entered the together. (Amy Mosura) La Trinidad, Banaue and offering, coming to cine- Sagada. By the time they mas on Jan. 8! 6 LOPEZLINK January 2006

The CEO Excel honor roll Lopez execs bag IABC CEO Excel awar FOLLOWING is the complete list of winners in the IABC Communication Excellence in Organizations Awards given out last December 2005: Real Estate Development, Construction, Archi- tectural and Infrastructure Award of Excellence • Jose P. de Jesus, president & CEO, MNTC Award of Merit • Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, president & CEO, Ayala Land Inc. NGOs, Corporate Foundations, Industry Associ- ations and Civil Society 234 Award of Excellence • Rina Lopez-Bautista, president & executive director, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. 1 • Aniceto Sobrepeña, EVP & executive director, Metrobank Foundation Award of Merit • Fr. Francis Lucas, president, Catholic Media Network Utilities, Transportation, Telecommunications Award of Excellence • Menardo G. Jimenez Jr., SVP-Retail Business Group, PLDT Award of Merit • Dr. Fiorello Estuar, president, Maynilad • Allan Ortiz, president & CEO, Transco 6 7 8 Manufacturing, Processing and Extractive In- 5 dustries Award of Excellence • Howard Belton, chairman & CEO, Unilever Philippines • Bienvenido Bautista, EVP & managing director, Universal Robina Corporation Award of Merit • Edgar Chua, chairman & president, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. • Ricardo Santiago, SVP, PASAR Foundation Inc. Banking, Finance and Insurance Award of Merit 9 10 11 12 13 • Warner Manning, president & CEO, HSBC Hotels, Restaurants, Tourism and Hospitality In- 1. Lopez Group chair Oscar M. Lopez with CEO Excel winners dustries 2. PAGCOR’s Efraim Genuino with Danny Gozo Special Award for Exemplary Achievements in 3. Finance Sec. Gary Teves Communication and Culture 4. MNTC president & CEO Jose “Ping” de Jesus with wife Mimi and • Larry J. Cruz, LJC Restaurant Group daughter Chinky Wholesaling, Retailing, Marketing and Distribution 5. MNTC ladies Cherry dela Rea and Marlene Ochoa with TMC Award of Excellence • Grace del Rosario-Castano, president & president Anthony Mabasa managing director, Johnson & Johnson 6. Meralco’s Elpi Cuna Jr. and IABC’s Bong Osorio Award of Merit 7. Philip Morris managing director Chris Nelson • Chris Nelson, managing director, Philip Morris 8. Rudy Bautista, Rina Lopez-Bautista, OML and wife Connie Government Executive Agencies, GOCCs and LGUs 9. KCFI’s Joyce Tee with Emily Abrera 14 15 16 Award of Excellence 10. Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela • Jesse Robredo, city mayor of Naga 11. Maynilad president Dr. Fiorello “Toto” Estuar • Allan Ortiz, president & CEO, Transco THREE Lopez Group executives were The Lopez Group execu 12. Maynilad’s dynamic duo Jess Matubis and Romy Posadas cited for successfully engaging both recognized for having “su • Lito Atienza, city mayor of Manila 13. ABS-CBN’s Maloli Manalastas and Benpres’ Boo Chanco with Award of Merit IABC’s Cosette Romero the media and the public during the In- harnessed communication i • Ma. Lourdes Fernando, city mayor of Marikina ternational Association of Business ing the reputation, enha • Grace Padaca, governor of Isabela 14. Transco president & CEO Allan Ortiz • Efraim C. Genuino, chairman & CEO, PAGCOR 15. HSBC president & CEO Warner Manning Communicators (IABC) Philippines’ profitability or achieving 16. Metrobank’s Aniceto Sy and George Ty 2005 CEO Excel Awards held at the jectives to their organizatio Hotel Intercon last Dec. 6, 2005. The Communication Exc Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Organizations or CEO Exc Lopez congratulated Manila North is an annual competition in given by the Public Relations Society of the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Re- Tollways Corp. (MNTC) president raise public awareness of t KCFI: Paying it the Philippines sponsibility in Jakarta, Indonesia Jose P. de Jesus, Knowledge Channel tance of communication in • Gold Quill Awards-Philippines Award of • Serviam Award, October 2005 Foundation Inc. (KCFI) president Ri- and organizational manag Excellence for “Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko,” For outstanding contribution to the im- forward March 2005 provement of the quality of education na Lopez-Bautista, and Maynilad also aims to recognize the Communication management category, Water Services Inc. (MWSI) presi- executives or managers w IN only six years, Knowledge Channel through the use of audiovisual produc- Division 9 (Employee-Member Commu- Foundation Inc. (KCFI), its flagship program tion and transmission technology, given dent Fiorello Estuar. shown extraordinary skill Knowledge Channel and moving spirit Ri- nication), given by IABC/Philippines by the Catholic Mass Media Awards De Jesus was conferred the Award municators, and to presen na Lopez-Bautista have already harvested • Awards Foundation • CEO Excel Awards Philippines Award of of Excellence in the Real Estate De- complishments as mode a bumper crop of local and international citation, August 2005 Excellence to Rina Lopez-Bautista, De- velopment, Construction, Architec- practices in organizational In recognition of KCFI as its partner awards, proof that paying it forward pays. cember 2005 tural and Infrastructure category; cation. There are 12 catego These accolades include: • Best Education Support Program, • Adopt-A-School Program, December • Lopez Achievement Award, January 2003 September 2005 2005 Lopez-Bautista the Award of Excel- sponding to industry sector Special citation As a CSR program of SkyCable/Central In recognition of KCFI’s support for the lence in Nongovernment Organiza- De Jesus became MNTC • Anvil Award of Merit for “Lakad Mo, Pan- CATV. This award recognizes the contri- Adopt-A-School program towards im- tions, Corporate Foundations, Indus- in 2000, Lopez-Bautista garap Ko,” March 2005 bution of companies towards improving proving the quality of public education try Associations and Civil Society); KCFI in 1999, and Estuar For program/project directed at specific the level of education of their employees, in the country, given by the Department and Estuar the Award of Merit in ident of Lopez Group con stakeholder-employees and families, the community and the country, given by of Education Utilities, Transportation and arm First Balfour Inc. befo Telecommunications. to MWSI in 2004. LOPEZLINK January 2006 7 rds NEW YEAR MESSAGES 2006: Turning the corner 2006. Half a decade of the new millennium has come and gone. For the This brings me to one more reason why 2006 is special for the Lopez Group. country as it was for the Lopez Group, the past five years had been filled by In July this year, we will celebrate the 105th birth anniversary of my father, Don hope and anxiety. But as we approach this New Year, it seems things are falling Eugenio Lopez, the man who started it all. Even now, preparations have started into place, suggesting that we are finally poised to move on. to commemorate the milestone. Nothing brings honor to our Founder's memory Indeed, there is reason to believe that after all the uncertainties in the years that than being the best in everything we do, which essentially involves surpassing followed the Asian financial crisis, we seem to be back on track. Last year, we our business objectives in a socially responsible manner. successfully launched the North Luzon Tollways. We won an important arbitra- In this light, we are expected to not just sustain the positive momentum we tion case related to First Gas. Sky Cable has been able to restructure its finances. now have, but to make sure we reclaim our premier position in our various mar-

PHOTOS: MANDY NAVASERO The Maynilad problem appears to have been finally resolved. Rockwell was able kets and in the hearts and minds of our consumers. to deliver Manansala and sell out Joya, enabling it to keep its premier position in In this regard, I want to once more call attention to the importance of our the luxury condominium market. ABS-CBN seems to be on the road to recovering various corporate initiatives, from those that would improve professionalism market leadership. Even Philec, one of our smaller businesses, has been able to and efficiency, and also those that would ensure the health and well being of successfully expand its business beyond the requirements of Meralco. We are now everyone in our group of companies. Another initiative that should be given top selling transformers throughout the country, and are gearing up for the export mar- priority is communications, to our external publics and customers and internally ket for dry-type transformers through American Power Conversion Co. among ourselves as well. Thus, we enter this New Year with confidence that we are turning the corner, Over the past few years, we have laid the basis for our recovery. Now that our so to speak. The much-awaited IPO of First Gas that should happen during the efforts have started to bear fruit, let us make sure that what we have accom- first quarter should deliver the message that the Lopez Group is back in busi- plished thus far would inspire us to do even more. ness. Hopefully the Benpres restructuring will finally be realized this year. The Ahappy and prosperous New Year to all of us! important thing is, we are in a new chapter of our colorful history. The phoenix Oscar M. Lopez is starting to rise from the ashes again. Chairman, Lopez Group

Looking forward, ‘Obstacles of the past year committing to a made us stronger’ IN 2005 we faced formidable challenges, both as serve our country well is an accomplishment we and members of the Lopez Group of should all be proud of. I am confident that every better year ahead Companies. Our companies strove to meet the obstacle has only made us stronger. evolving needs of Filipinos both here and around Filipinos have always celebrated Christmas the world, even in the face of political instability with great joy, no matter the circumstances. THE coming of a new year generates new hope and and economic losses. That we have been able to Nowhere else in the world is the season celebrat- gives us days of fresh beginnings. Whatever the old ed with a truer understanding of its meaning. As year has brought us serve to better prepare each and we look back on the difficulties of the previous everyone for what lies ahead. The pace, shapes and year, let us also give thanks for our bless- patterns of change bring about challenges of differ- ings—our families and friends, our livelihood, ent forms and circumstances of novel proportions and the fact that we have a new year of oppor- and arrangements, requiring equally creative and tunities to look forward to. even extraordinary efforts. One of the Lopez Group's greatest blessings Our companies underwent continuous trials in is the quality of its people. I am thankful 2005, and so did their employees and management. for—and inspired by—your continued loyalty, Loyalty, integrity and camaraderie characterized hard work and integrity. I join all of you in look- our actions, and farsighted decision-making made other that we have developed and nurtured through ing forward to 2006 as an opportunity to reestab- possible not only the survival but also resulted in the years. lish our eminence in various sectors, and contin- the successes of most of our endeavors in 2005. My family joins me in wishing you and yours a ue our legacy of excellence and public service. Your respective company and the management blessed 2006. May the Almighty continue to look at Let us commit to this endeavor with the best in- utives were look forward and commit to a better year, as well as each of us with compassion and grace. We collec- terests of all Filipinos in mind. uccessfully to our avowed tradition of taking care of our em- tively thank Him for all His blessings and kindness. On behalf of my family, I wish you and your in advanc- ployees. To make these possible depend, to a very Happy 2006! loved ones a year of continued blessings. large extent, on the strength of the working rela- Manuel M. Lopez Eugenio Lopez III ncing the tionship and most especially on the trust in each Chairman, Meralco Chairman, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. major ob- ons.” cellence in cel Awards ntended to the impor- n business gement. It What’s in store for us in 2006? e top-level who have Year of Yang Red Fire Dog: January 29, 2006 to February 17, 2007 lsascom- nt their ac- IN the Chinese Hsia calendar, 2006 is the political atmosphere will mellow down and be- However, the second half of the year could to maintain the last year’s tempo. The electronic 4,703rd year and is called the Bing-Xu, or the come more polite and optimistic. prove to be the undoing of many. Industries and petroleum industries will expand greatly. ls of best Year of the Dog. Moderate to fast economic recovery will be identified with the fire element—airlines, en- The TV and movie industries will see quite communi- The Year of the Dog is symbolized by fire seen and a general improvement in living con- tertainment, electricity, energy, stock market a lot of troubles by way of legal disputes, law- ories corre- and earth, that is, Yang Red Fire Dog riding ditions may be witnessed. Asincere attempt at and financial markets—will see a lot of invest- suits, high interest loans, untimely deaths of rs. over the Earth. In the productive cycle of feng urban renewal will be started. ments and massive expansions. personalities and violent clashes. C president shui, fire gives birth to earth. So the basic el- In general, careers will flourish, commerce All industries related to the wood element, Fields catering to the special needs of wom- organized emental relationship is positive and quite will expand and pay hikes will be satisfactory. like paper, magazines, books, fashion, textiles en, newborn babies, education, religion and es- was pres- strong. There could be a fall in unemployment figures and fancy furniture will thrive. Construction, oterism will do very good business. (Source: In general, 2006 is a supportive year with a in many countries. Stock and financial markets real estate and interior design will flourish. http://ezinearticles.com/?Annual-Forecast-for- nstruction sensible climate of justice, relief, harmony and will skyrocket (and invariably slump) and Industries linked to the water element like 2006-:-Year-of-the-Yang-Red-Fire-Dog---Gen- ore moving peace prevailing. Even the viciousness in the many will make their lifetime fortunes. shipping, drinks and communications will manage eral-Analysis&id=98468) 8 LOPEZLINK July 2006

CSR ACTIVITIES

Scenes from a homecoming from page 7 Ateneo cites Rina for It was a policy that the Lopez cousins alternate in givingspeechesduringthe different programs.Nat- outstanding public service urally, they had to learn some Ilonggo. From “good KNOWLEDGE Channel Foundation Inc. Past recipients of the Public Service morning” to “good afternoon” to “thank you, we are (KCFI) executive director Rina Lopez- Award include Dr. , the Jesuit glad to be back,” Cary, Mike, Jay, Rogy, Gina, Rina Bautista will receive Ateneo de Manila Uni- Volunteers Philippines Foundation Inc., Be- and Cedie had mastered the phrases by the time they versity’s Parangal Lingkod Sambayanan nigno Aquino Jr. (posthumous), Philippine went back to Manila. (Public Service Award) on July 25, 2006. Business for Social Progress, Teresita Ang Easily the shortest speech of the visit was given by The board of trustees of the Ateneo voted to See and Rosa Rosal, and Namfrel. Rogy. Duringthe feedingprogram,when he saw the confer the award in recognition of Lopez-Bautista’s Meanwhile, Lopez-Bautista has been invit- cable-and-satellite education television (ETV) ed to address the 59th Annual Conference of many children waiting, he discarded his prepared initiatives through the Knowledge Channel. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) as- speech and said, “Are you hungry na? Let’s eat!” Ateneo president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres sociated with the United Nations Department A highlight of the cousins’ homecoming was the wrote, “You have provided programs nation- of Public Information (DPI). The conference, motorcade around to raise the awareness of wide, includingand especially in far-flungareas entitled “Unfinished Business: Effective Part- the local residents on family planningand reproductive of Mindanao, by way of media and technology. nerships for Human Security and Sustainable health. More than 150 tricycle drivers joined the mo- …You have managed to move resources to- Development,” will be held from September 6 torcade, which was aired live nationwide by DZMM. wards the attainment of your goal to provide ed- to 8 at the UN headquarters in New York. ucation to children who have no access to Lopez-Bautista will also address the schools in their areas. Your strategy of installing roundtable session “Science and Technology television sets at barangay centers for cable and for Education” to discuss specific examples satellite ETV has reached 2.67 million students of how technology can be used for educa- in 1,528 public schools in 40 provinces including tion, distance learningand the implementa- Tawi Tawi and is exemplary and admirable…” tion and monitoringof development. MNTC, TMC join tree First batch planting in Candaba reserve of Bayan RESPONDING to a call to protect the country’s wet- land areas, Manila North Tollways Corporation Cary Lopez, Cedie Lopez Vargas (4th and 5th from left) and (MNTC), Tollways Management Corporation scholars Cedie’s kids Mariana and Marco during the Family (TMC) and Leighton Contractors Asia Ltd. (LCAL) Planning Organization ofthe Philippines (FPOP) launch employees and officials, alongwith staff from the Candaba municipal office and four barangay offices, known The rains did not dampen the welcome for Rina, planted 3,200 mahogany trees at the Candaba Angela, Rogy and Geni at the Luis Mirasol Elemen- Wildlife Reserve in Barangay Visal, San Pablo. By KC Villanueva tary School duringthe turnover of KnowledgeChan- On June 15, 2006, the first batch nel ETV packages. One teacher said: “We are very of “Edukasyon Para sa Bayan” lucky to have this donation for our pupils.” In Iloilo, scholars was introduced through out of 100 children that enter grade school, 60 go on a simple ceremony at Dish to high school but only 14 eventually graduate from The Candaba Swamp is an important win- college. teringarea for migratorybirds. It is one of the Restaurant at the ABS-CBN three most important wetlands in the country, Compound. The event was at- accordingto the Department of Environment tended by Gina Lopez and Reno and Natural Resources (DENR), serves as a ma- Rayel, vice chairperson and exec- jor source of domestic and irrigation water and utive director of ABS-CBN is a potential site for ecotourism in Region 3. Birds from China, Korea, Japan, Australia Bayan Foundation, respectively; and New Zealand use the Candaba Swamp as a Irma Cosico, head of the En- winteringrefugeand as a feedingand breeding ablingNetwork for the Uplift- area. It is home to more than 90 species of res- ment of Filipino Families (En- The Candaba Wildlife Reserve is a 70-hectare ident, endemic and migratory birds, including area in the middle of Candaba Swamp. Set aside by blue-tailed bee-anters, Siberian ruby throats, pheas- uff); Augusto Lagman, president Mayor Jerry Pelayo to serve as a sanctuary for mi- ant-tailed jacanas, black-winged stilts, grebes, and CEO of STI College Global gratory birds, it has a rest house, a watchtower and herons, egrets, rails, kingfishers and wood sand- City; Connie Balajadia, COO of an observatory post for birdwatchers. pipers. (Kit Ventura) STI, and Bayan and STI staff. The scholarship program of ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation Inc. and STI College was devel- oped to provide better access to ‘Bibo Bohol’: Youth education to underprivileged but deservingdependents of micro fi- nance clients. entrep thru ecotourism The scholars shall enjoy the Meralco Sibol School’s new logo By KC Villanueva sible for the project are the Metropolitan Museum of grant from academic years 2006 An electric post, a transformer, electric meter and a Manila, the local governments of Bohol, Bohol Arts sun taking the form of the company logo are distinct- To the 210 youth who attended the first “Bibo Bo- and Cultural Heritage Council, DepEd, Globe Tele- to 2010. They can take any course of their choice, whether ly Meralco’s. Two smiling kids, arms outstretched in hol” Heritage Camp at the Rajah Sikatuna Protected coms and ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation Inc. seeming excitement, emerge from the orange-painted Landscape, Bohol is no longer just another tourist The adventure challenge/reality race inculcated four-year, two-year or short-term school building. This is the Meralco-GK Sibol destination they see on only postcards. It is now their culture and heritage appreciation as the kids visited course, in STI-Cubao or STI- School, a partnership between Meralco and Gawad potential haven, their source of livelihood, their ancestral houses, Spanish churches and watchtow- Global Taguig. Only the registra- Kalinga which promotes value-based education for means and way of life. ers, indigenous crafts, music and dances, cuisine, underprivileged preschoolers. The logo was designed The heritage camp is the grand launch of “Bibo history and folklore. The heritage camp hopes to tion fee, books and uniform ex- penses will be shouldered by the by the company’s Facilities and standardized by Mer- Bohol,” a private-government sector partnership that give a new lease on life to local traditions and crafts, alco Corporate Communication’s Aireen Villaruel. focuses on the development of creative industries us- and restore ancestral houses and establishments as scholar. (Maite Bueno) ingheritageand culture. Amongthe groupsrespon- heritage sites for cultural and ecological education. LOPEZLINK January 2006 9

Art lecture @ Lopez Memorial Museum ‘There Where Nothing Happens: The Poetry of Space in Juan Arellano’ January 21, 2006 (Saturday), 2-4 p.m. Fee: P100 IN comparison to the images that lano’s works—buildings, land- professor of philosophy at the works of Juan Arellano and is on- contemporary viewers see today, scapes, portraits, etc.—create a Ateneo de Manila University. going until April 2006. architect-painter Juan Arellano’s space where everything that mat- He took his doctorate in philos- The Lopez Memorial Muse- works are quiet; in them, nothing ters happens, and in which every- ophy at the Hochschule für um is at the ground floor, Ben- seems to be happening. But there thing that happens is that which Philosophie in Munich, Ger- pres Building, Exchange Road is another way of viewing the matter. By drawing our attention many, and has written “Heideg- corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig. works. to the essence of things, Arellano ger and a New Possibility of Museum days and hours are In “There Where Nothing allows them to show their signif- Dwelling” (Frankfurt: Peter Mondays-Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 Happens: The Poetry of Space in icance and helps us appreciate Lang 2003). p.m. except Sundays and holi- Juan Arellano,” Dr. Remmon E. our humanity in all its beauty, The lecture complements the days. For information, call 631- Barbaza, using the philosophy of mystery and fullness. exhibition “Juan Arellano: 2417 or email pezse- Heidegger, shows how Arel- Dr. Barbaza is an assistant Drawing Space,” which features [email protected]. FROM THE CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAM Savings tips para sa Committing to wellness THE onset of a new year is always a good Making a choice to change your time to go on a wellness kick, not only be- lifestyle is half the battle. The other half is cause making resolutions is the “in” thing the effort itself—the effort needed to cre- Bagong Taon to do, but also because people eat so much ate and sustain new and healthier habits. nang equivalent ng isang buwang take more during the Christmas season than at To make your health goals more attain- By Norman Sison any other time of the year. able, instead of overhauling your lifestyle home pay sa bangko. Not convinced? Consider this: Re- in one sweep, choose one new behavior to IKAW ba ay empleyado na walang naiipon sa Kung magipit ka, i-withdraw ang ba- search has shown that many common life- develop per month and practice it three to bangko? Tamang-tama lang ba ang kinikita hagi ng 10% at ipampuno sa panan- threatening illnesses have risk factors that five times a week. mo sa pambayad-utang? daliang kagipitan. Ang prinsipyo can be minimized by a healthy lifestyle. When this behavior has become in- Hindi ka nag-iisa, kapamilya! Sa ng “pay yourself first” ay The way you live determines your health. grained, give yourself a reward. Buy that taas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, nakasalalay sa paniniwalang Wellness is a gradual process. It starts new iPod nano or something (not a big din- maraming Pilipino ang tala- ang iniimpok mo ay sa iyo rin with that one step in the right direction, ner!) before undertaking another change. gang walang maipon para sa mapupunta. Maipambibili mo then following through. Increase physical activity by gradually kanilang kinabukasan o ng big appliance sa susunod na adding more movement maitabi para sa emergency. Pasko o mai-pangpapasyal mo sa in your daily routine. Kaya panahon na para gu- Hong Kong Disneyland balang Walk instead of using the mawa ng paraan upang maka- araw. car or park in the farthest corner of the parking lot. pag-impok ng kaunting halaga. Live below your means. Kung For those working in Ang lagay, hindi ka na uutang sa nag-uuwi ka ng P15,000 kada Benpres building, the kapitbahay o kapatid mo pag may nag- buwan, huwag ito gastusin lahat. wellness stairs is a good landing na eroplano sa kusina mo at Mag-impok ng P1,500 ("pay your- way to start. Ten minutes kailangan mong ipagawa ito. self first,” di ba?) at pagkasyahin ang of stair climbing burns Pay yourself first. Ugaliing magsubi ng natira sa regular na gastusin. Huwag about 100 calories. hanggang 10% ng iyong take home pay. Ten percent?! munang mag-Starbucks at sayang din ang Another important as- Huwag mabahala. Ito ay target lamang. Rekomendado P105 mo para sa frappuccino. Mag-instant coffee na lang, pect of committing to ang 10% para pagkatapos ng sampung buwan, meron ka P7 lang ang 3-in-1. Sa madaling salita, magtipid ka. Iyan wellness is connecting ang pinakamaiging New Year’s resolution na magagawa lifestyle changes with mo. meaningful aspects of Mag-impok sa bangko. Mas magandang mag-pass- your life. Remind your- self that being healthier book account dahil mas mahirap i-withdraw ang pera Nabasa n’yo na ba? means more energy to en- kaysa kung may ATM card. Madidisiplina rin kayo ni mi- joy the time you spend “The Richest Man in sis na huwag galawin ang iniipon ninyo. Sa halagang P500 with your family. Babylon” or P1,000, makakapag-open ka na ng passbook account sa By George S. Clason mga savings at thrift banks. Pag-umabot na ang ipon mo sa ANG “Richest Man in Baby- minimum para sa time deposit, i-time deposit ang pera mo. Kung nag-indulge ka noong Pasko… lon” na unang na-publish Sa P5,000 o P10,000, magkaka-certificate of time deposit HINDI natin maiwasang makalimot at din na makatulong sa pagtanggal ng iy- noong 1926 ay isa sa mga ka na. pambihirang libro na binabasa mag-indulge tuwing Pasko at New Year. ong excess poundage galing sa Noche at napapakinabangan ng ilang Huwag pumunta sa mga malalaking bangko. Bukod Sa dami ba naman ng masasarap na Buena at mga salu-salo noong nakara- henerasyon. sa 2% per year lang ang maximum interest na binibigay pagkain sa harap natin, di ba? Kaya eto na ang Pasko. Lagi nating naririnig na nila, mataas pa ang maintaining balance. Baka maubos ang moment of truth: Dahil “tumikim” ng • Pagkatapos ng Pasko, siguraduhing kailangang magtabi ng baha- lang ang ipon mo sa bank charges. Pumili ng savings or bawal, kailangang pagbayaran sa pamam- walang leftover holiday food sa inyong gi ng ating suweldo upang thrift bank affiliate ng mga established banks. Para talaga agitan ng pagda-diet at pag-ehersisyo. bahay. Maaring maghanda lamang ng ito ay i-invest. Maraming sila sa mga small depositors o young savers. Narito ang ilang helpful tips na maaaring sapat para konti lang ang tira, o di kaya’y paraan ng paglikom ng ya- Diversify. Pag-umabot na sa tatlong buwang suweldo makatulong sa inyong pagpapapayat: ipamigay agad ang sobrang pagkain. man, pero may simple at siguradong paraan na ang naka-time deposit, puwede ka nang mag-diversify ng • Mag-general cleaning pagkatapos ng • Kumain ng high protein, low carbo laging nagwo-work. Ito ay ang pagtabi ng bahagi ng iy- portfolio. Ang perang inipon mo, hindi mo na idadagdag inyong Christmas at New Year parties: meal sa umaga para ma-stabilize ang iy- ong suweldo habang ikaw ay bata pa, kahit 10% lang. sa bank account mo kundi maaari ka nang tumingin sa Itapon ang lahat ng basura at iba pang ong blood sugar. Makakatulong ito up- bagay na hindi nyo na ginagamit; yung ang hindi ka magkaroon ng craving Ang pagtabi ng halagang ito sa iyong investment ac- ibang investments tulad ng stocks at mutual funds. Pero medyo serviceable pa, ibigay sa charity. para sa mga nakakatabang pagkain. count ay dapat tratuhin tulad ng pagbayad ng upa sa ba- hindi na ito savings kundi investment, kaya next time na hay o cellphone bill. At ang pag-impok ay kailangang Linising mabuti ang sahig at mga bin- • Mag-brisk walking araw-araw; umaabot gawing habit, tulad na lamang ng paghugas ng kamay natin pag-uusapan iyan. tana, lahat ng kuwarto at pati na rin ang umano sa 200 calories ang nagagamit sa bago kumain. Simple lang ang paraang ito, pero hindi Ilang taon mong iipunin ang tatlong buwang suweldo? bakuran. Gawin ito sa loob ng dalawang kalahating oras na paglalakad. Ipagpatu- ganun kadali. Isa ito sa mga lesson na tinuturo sa atin ni Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Ipakita sa asawa at mga anak araw kung kinakailangan. Hindi lang ito loy ang workout routine na binaon mo sa Clason sa kanyang libro. Mainam itong graduation gift kung ano ang kaya mo. Magsimula ka sa buwang ito. Tan- mainam na paraan ng pagsalubong sa limot noong Pasko; kung maaari, gawin para sa iyong anak o apo. daan: Makakarating din tayo sa Hong Kong Disneyland. New Year, kundi magandang exercise itong mas matagal at mas matindi. Good luck! 10 LOPEZLINK January 2006

SPORTS TRAVEL Flames ‘burn’ execs in exhibition games January jaunts up North By RJ Sol Cruz THIS January, follow the Sanduk, which many day. Still, the “major The city’s homage North Luzon Express- consider as a protest dancing” doesn’t start to the Infant Jesus is THE Meralco Chess Club recently arranged an ex- way (NLE), the gateway against gender discrim- until five days later, in said to be the biggest in hibition match between chess players from Flames, to Central Luzon and ination and repression. front of the chapel of Luzon, featuring an ex- Meralco’s supervisory union, and its executive rank. Northern Luzon, to a fun January 6 Sta. Lucia. A mass is hibit of different im- The Flames Team, led by union officer Bobby time in Pampanga and Kuraldal in Sasmuan held before the dancing ages that goes on for a Masiglat, burned the Executive Team with a score Bulacan by way of these Not many people begins, with music pro- week, and culminates of 5 to 3 on wins by Joseph Miguel (Pasig), Norlito celebrations: know about Sasmuan’s vided by a brass band. in a procession of Bersamina (Malate), Raymund Domingo (Man- January 1 wilder version of the The devotees dance and scores of carriages daluyong) and Rolly Malilin (España), and draws Minalin’s “secret” festi- Obando religious festi- jump and yell “Viva Sta. bearing opulently by Rolly Sapalasan (Las Piñas) and Voltaire Vin- val: Aguman Sanduk val, where the dancing Lucia, puera sakit!” garbed Sto. Niños. (J. luan (Power Accounts). Every New Year’s starts at 8 p.m. on Jan- Last Sunday of Jan- Javier) The Executive Team scored through wins by Day since 1934, the uary 6 (the date of the uary Teddy Santiago (Power Accounts) and Rolly Sol men folk of Minalin, town fiesta) and ends at Malolos City’s Sto. Niño Cruz (Customer Process Management) and draws by Ricky Tan (Manila Sector) and Boy delos Reyes Pampanga—including 2 a.m. the following Festival (). town officials—take to Check your car Interested to play goodwill matches with the the streets wearing club? Email the author at rjsolcruz@meral- dresses, lipstick and co.com.ph. wigs in a festival called in 10 minutes Aguman Sanduk ("the fellowship of the la- dle”). These Kapam- pangan cross-dressers are not gay, but straight men who are cheered on by their wives, girl- friends and sisters. The rich and the famous take part in Aguman Sta. Lucia Church in Sasmuan, Pampanga

BEFORE you starting off on your latest adventure, take Tips on driving in the NLE 10 minutes to make sure that your car is up to the trip: Check your tires. Are they properly inflated? Over-or Challenges, camaraderie WHEN you see well ahead and the • Observe speed limits: under-inflated tires are common causes of road acci- at the 2nd Club BayanTel road conditions are good, you dents, sometimes fatal ones. Check the tread for uneven should: Maximum: 100 KPH wear, which means you need to get the wheels invitational golf tourney aligned. • Drive at cruising speed which you Check all fluids.Engine oil, power steering, brake and By John Rojo and your vehicle can handle safely transmission fluids, and coolant. and is within the speed limit. Average: 80 KPH Check hoses and belts. A malfunctioning fan belt af- THE 2nd Club BayanTel Invitational Golf Cup held fects the electrical system, air conditioning, power • Keep a safe distance from the ve- steering and cooling system. Your cooling system hoses at the Ayala Greenfields Golf Estates in Calamba, hicle in front and increase the gap could already be rotting inside, so if you see that they're Laguna reaffirmed that golf challenges players men- when the road is wet or at night. worn out, get ready to shell out for new ones. tally and physically, and strengthens friendships. Minimum: 60 KPH After BayanTel president & CEO Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III teed off to start play under the Systems 36 format, more than 80 players em- barked on 18 holes of strategic golf that would test Advisory the most seasoned of handicaps. Chief executive consultant Tunde Fafunwa and other key BayanTel officers were on hand to en- Beware of fake Meralco linemen sure that the guests, executives from the industries being served by the company, enjoyed the after- MERALCO advises its cus- and verify its consumption so patterns are used only as a guide noon. tomers to beware of persons they will be able to get inside the in case of billing complaints. Sherry Ann Supelana, VP for corporate and posing as Meralco employ- household. They were apparent- However, even this will not ne- business markets said: “We believe that the Club ees. Meralco issued this state- ly using the impending rise in cessitate our employees to go in- BayanTel Invitational Golf Cup is an effective ment after receiving reports electric bills due to the VAT im- side the customers’ house to way to show our appreciation to clients while that there are some unscrupu- plementation as the reason be- check their individual appli- deepening our relationships outside of the meet- lous persons identifying them- hind the check on the customers ances. Our responsibility is only ing rooms.” selves and posing as consumption,” said Elpi Cuna up to the metering point,” he After a hearty lunch, the guests received acces- Meralco employees. sories from Nike, iPods and other exciting items. Jr., Meralco VP for corporate said. Each guest went home with a prize or a trophy to “We received infor- communication and public af- Cuna advised Meralco cus- ensure that his participation in the tournament was mation that several men fairs. tomers to call its call center at worth remembering. posing as Meralco em- Cuna clarified that Meralco telephone number 16211 in case But make no mistake about it, the 2nd Club ployees were inquiring about the has not authorized nor deployed they spot these individuals. Cu- BayanTel Invitational Golf Cup was still a com- billing of some residents in its field representatives just to na said the report states that petition where a winner for each class and fun the Metro area. It seems their randomly check on the consump- these persons are reportedly hole was still named! modus operandi is to suppos- tion of individual households. usually in blue shirtjack uniform edly check the appliances “Customers consumption complete with fake ID cards. LOPEZLINK January 2006 11

Happy New Year, Kapamilya, Kabarkada and to the rest of the CrosswordBINASA mo ba from cover to cover ang huling isyu ng Lopez Link? Isa ka ba sa mga masugid na tagasubaybay Lopez Group! It’s that time of the ng mga programa sa ABS-CBN, Studio 23 o ANC? year again when everyone dusts off the old resolutions that somehow, Patunayan na isa kang ganap na kapamilya sa pa- mamagitan ng pagkumpleto ng crossword puzzle na ito. became less urgent as the months DDeeaarr RRoossiiee went by. It could be anything-to lose weight, be more even-tempered, to in these areas would surely appreciate it.—Ice spend less, smile more, help more, Here is the response of AFI managing director Gina give more. Lopez: “Yes, definitely. We are thinking of December It’s the thought that counts, as or a time of the year when the weather is more pre- they say, but it would also make the dictable.” So, watch for that, everyone! world a better place (and you happi- ooOoo er) if resolutions were actually car- I’m interested in joining the AFV, but I’d like to ried out, don’t you think?As always, know if the volunteersreceive an allowance or have in- many opportunities will come up in surance? Thanks!—Albert the Lopez Group for you to extend a helping hand to the According to ABS-CBN Foundation project officer less fortunate-something that, assuredly, won’t cure the Alvin Nuñez, the AFV does not directly give money/al- world’s ills but will do wonders for the morale of giver and lowances to the members of the AFV. Instead, the organi- receiver. We hope you will join us again this year! zation provides meals and transportation, and makes sure ooOoo that the volunteers are insured during operations. Will the EVAT affect our water bill? Magkano ang ooOoo magiging increase dito, if ever? Thank you.—Jerry Hi, I would just like to congratulate you guys in Lopez Yes, tataas ang singil sa tubig dahil sa EVAT. Heto ang Link for a job well done. I help out at our company ACROSS 4. Information Technology tugon ni Jess Matubis ng Maynilad: “Maynilad will be newsletter so I know how difficult it is to put together 1. LaMesa---Park 5. - - Mesa Watershed charging an additional 30 centavos a day, or P11 a month, 3. ABS-CBN Foundation 6. “Pinoy - - -,” “Pinoy Big the issue every month. A lot of people think it’s easy but Inc., for short Brother” theme song for residential customers consuming an average of 30 cubic it’snot. Galing n’yo! Keep up the good work!—M.S. 5. The, Sp. (fem.) 7. To trim meters. Thanks.” See also our story on the effects of the ooOoo 7. Corporate social respon- 8. Income tax return EVAT on page 3. If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions sibility 10.The, Sp. (masc.) ooOoo and reactionsabout anything and everything about the 8. Identification 12.- - - Games, sports event 9. Newly reopened backed by Meralco Doesthe ABS-CBN Foundation have plansof taking Lopez Group, please send them to Dear Rosie through bistro/bar at Rockwell 13.-----Sanchez, Benpres the Wellness Festival to other parts of the country, in fax no. 633-3520 or to DearRosie@benpres-hold- 11. Rhodium Insurance general man- particular to those cities where ABS-CBN also oper- ings.com. Happy New Year sa inyong lahat at sala- 12.----Cinema, outfit that ager ates? Environmentalists and advocates of healthy living mat! transferred “Maximo 14.A network of conductors Oliveros” to 35mm for- for distributing electric mat power 14.-----Month, cultural 15.“Ikaw ang Lahat - - event celebrated in Akin,” a recently con- September cluded ABS-CBN tele- 16.“----oBayong,” popu- serye lar game in “Wowowee” 17.Executive producer 18.Samarium 19.Apartment, Brit. FOOD Magazine 19.The fourth tone of the 21.Only housemate to auto- diatonic scale matically make it to the 20.“The Life of--,”novel Big Four by Yann Martel 23.Highest level of recogni- feeds the soul, too 22.Lopez Group chair, for tion handed out to Lopez ABS-CBN Publishing’s FOOD, a two- • Master good eating habits. short Group companies time “Best Culinary Magazine” in the Don’t skip meals. Snack lightly. 25.Pampanga rice festival 24.A long detailed narrative celebrated on Dec. 3 26.Progress, Tag. Consumer’s Choice Awards, has been the Start your day with breakfast. 28.Abdominal muscles, for 27.TEAM-Mindanao strate- Filipina homemaker’s indispensable • Perfect your water habit. short gic partner kitchen companion for the past 10 years. Consistently drink eight to 10 29.Audiovisual 30.In-----,“inglass” For its 10th anniversary, FOOD Magazine glasses throughout the day. Wa- 31.Former PBB housemate 32.Earlier than the present has compiled over 160 kitchen-tested ter is the ultimate cleansing and now in ASAP ’05 time 32.And (Tag.) 35.Knowledge Channel recipes such as tapa, longganisa, pochero detoxifying agent. 33.AFI managing director, president and executive and special regional recipes such as Ilo- • Indulge in happy breaks. Lis- first name director, first name cano bagnet and lumpiang ubod. ten to your body; it might need a 34.Organization, for short 36.Television Education for “The cookbook comes with the assur- much needed rest or longer sleep- 36.Platinum substitute the Advancement of ance that the ingredients are available, the ing time. named for the Greek Muslim Mindanao king Tantalus, for short 39.----CBN recipes doable, and the results delicious,” • Be physically active. Amini- 37.And (Tag.) 42.Element named for a said editor Norma Olizon-Chikiamco. mum of 30 minutes of moderate in- 38.LGFI executive director village in Sweden, for From FOOD Magazine’s December is- tensity most days of the week is Pagcaliwagan short sue, on the other hand, come nutritionist enough for health. Sixty to 90 min- 40.Emergency room 44.Housemate, for short Sanirose Orbeta’s recommendations for a utes of moderate to vigorous activity 41.Again, pref. healthful life in 2006 and beyond, which five to six times a week is recom- 43.Benjamin’s nickname Answers to Dec. puzzle 44.Present third singular of include: mended for weight maintenance. have • Eat smart daily. Adequate nutrition • Be mentally alive. Challenge your 45.TEAM-Mindanao pro- means variety, proportionality and moder- memory to remember names, to ject director Nuval ation in all food groups. The food pyramid memorize a poem, to recharge your 46.Autonomous Region in is still one of the easiest tools to follow. FOOD’s 10th anniversarycookbook Muslim Mindanao mind with lovely best selling books. • Watch your weight. If overweight, try to Don’t let your mind go idle. DOWN lose five to 10 per cent of your baseline • Be involved. Give someone the gift of • Learn to cope with stress. Have a pos- 1. Environment, Safety and weight in five to six months. If under- attention. Be involved in any outreach pro- itive, happy attitude all the time. There are Health 2. Chromium weight, a gradual weight gain program of gram. Extend a helping hand to others. Be no bad days, no bad events and no bad per- 3. Fil-British jazz singer one to one-and-a-half pounds per week is passionate in what you do. It will make sons—they were just sent to make you a Mishka excellent. you see how lucky you are. better person. 12 LOPEZLINK January 2006

DidPower you Plant know Mall Fashionista advisory: has over 260 stores! Run, don’t walk, to the Power Plant Mall FASHIONISTA Manila has Rockwell Power bras, and advanced technical fabrics that Chocolate Clothing Company. Any fash- • Are you a fashionista? There are 44? stores to Plant Mall to thank for bringing in the most breathe, resist fading and are antimicrobial. ionista will swear that the pride of the land Down suit your fashion needs! fashion-forward stores and brands to our Independent Lifestyles. They’re charming Under is tops! Grab your Grab jeans, Endless • Looking for new shoes? How about a sassy shores. Now you can say goodbye to the hassles little shops that carry a variety of items, most of Spirit and Earth Angel finds here, depending on new tote? There are 20 leather goods and ac- cessories stores. of traveling abroad in order to get a leg up on them top of the line, unique fashion finds. And the image you want to project at the moment. • Want some grub? If you’re hungry and want it the fashion competition! they used to be tucked away in locations known Dressing Room. If your greatest fear is run- quick, there are 18 fast food chains to choose Who can resist maxing out their platinum only to the fashion forward. Now they can be ning into someone wearing the exact same outfit, from. credit cards at: found at the 2nd Level of the Power Plant Mall. then run to Dressing Room’s flagship store at the • Got a date? There are 30 restaurants available Aura Athletica. Yoginis and athletes flock The shops include Color Stone, Details Trading Power Plant Mall now! It’s a haven for off-the- for you! From Japanese to Chinese to Filipino here for the latest “haute” item. So far, Aura is and Porcupine, Hot Pink, Lily, Mario Godart, rack finds that don’t look off-the-rack. to Mediterranean. the only place to find the latest Lululemon and Michelis, Mico, Mimi, Nothing but Water, • Need that caffeine fix? Choose from six cafés: Karma—stylish activewear designed to move Sole & Co., Tu, Vero Cuio and Whimsy. Starbucks, Sugarhouse, Figaro, Seattle’s Best with the body and wick away sweat. These Zara. Power Plant Mall is home to Coffee, Press Café and Hot Café Press Café is clothes, albeit pricey, are designed with metic- Zara’s flagship store in the Philippines, a located beside Fully Booked bookstore. Have ulous attention to detail: flat seams to avoid ir- 1,500- square meter haven for the Spanish a psychic tell you your fortune for P200. ritation, panels in the shorts to increase lateral brand’s in-demand and chic designs. Now • For the adrenaline junkie in you. Ten sporty stores to keep you going wherever, whenever. movement and avoid chaffing, crotch gussets to serious fashionistas won’t have to fly • Do you have narcissistic tendencies? Then ad- avoid being cut in half, thumb holes on long abroad in order to stay on top of the fashin mire yourself silly after having services done at sleeve tech tops for cooler weather, credit card game! our salons in the mall (Basement Salon, Fabio and cellphone pockets, lock zippers, built-in Evita Peroni. Celebrate your feminin- Salsa and Beauty Power) plus one more (Em- ity with this Copenhagen phasis Salon) near the information center. brand’s accessories, bags, • For all your kikay needs, Beauty Bar (R1 eyewear and fashion jew- Lifestyles area) is every girl’s makeup and toi- els. letry haven. For metrosexuals, Men’s Inc. (R1) Topshop. Brit fave is the newest skin care store specialist. makes waves in Manila. • Let your queer eye do the shopping. There Funky, attention-grabbing are furniture and home specialty stores—Di- jeans, tops, dresses, jack- mensione (R3), Make Room (R2 Lifestyles area), Home & Beyond (R2 Lifestyles area) and ets, bags, accessories and True Value—for everything under your roof. lingerie that even J. Lo • Are you cultured enough? Discover contem- and Beyonce go for. And porary art at Art Elements (R3). you thought the British were uptight?

Paola Zobel in Metro Society THE face of the New Generation, Paola Zo- bel, epitomizes society today: accomplished, secure, independent and attuned to global is- sues. Metro Society is also a travel special fea- turing places near and far: from the tropical idyll that is Aman Pulo in Palawan to the mag- ical kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas. The travel special also includes Spain, Moscow, Ky- oto, Cambodia and Paris. The issue covers the magazine’s first an- niversary and other exclusive events like the re- opening of the Mandarin’s Tivoli Grill, the Fer- ragamo anniversary bash in Beijing and an inti- mate but fabulous dinner hosted by Nedy Tantoco for Metro Society. Also, read about the Year of the Fire Dog in the regular feng shui column; the photographs at the Geronimo de los Reyes museum, and art and culture in the 19th century by Jaime Laya. Beautiful bodies in the

Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo December-January Metro Executive Editor Rosan Cruz NINETEEN hot young celebrities show skin in the gorgeous edition Contributing Editors of Metro magazine’s much-awaited annual Body Calendar. Judy Ann Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene N. Ochoa (MNTC) Santos, Rafael Rosell, , Jay-R, Aubrey Miles and other Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (BayanTel) sexy things pose for photographer Ronnie Salvacion in our biggest Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (Beyond Cable) body calendar ever. Leah Salterio (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) Also in this issue, choose an unusual destination for a holiday get- Jess Matubis (Maynilad) Malou Pineda (Rockwell) away, from Badian Island to the Great Barrier Reef. In a Metro ex- Frances Bumanlag (AEI) clusive, dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad talks about treating cellulite through proper nutrition. Also, feast your eyes on our luxurious fash- Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) ion spreads on sensuous velvet. Former model Joyce Oreña talks can- Editorial and Layout IPI Creative Business Unit didly about new life and new love after personal upheaval, and Metro LopezLink is published by Benpres gets a front-row seat at the historic fashion show of Ferragamo in the PR Group, 4/F Benpres Bldg., Forbidden City. All these and more in the loaded double December- Ortigas, Pasig City January issue of Metro. Telefax: 633-3520 Get the newest issues of your favorite ABS-CBN Publishing mag- For feedback, please email: azines at leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. For [email protected] subscriptions, contact Joena Cabrera at 415-2852 or 415-2671. (Joseph Uy)