Meralco Millennium Foundation Inc

September 2006

Meralco Millennium Foundation Inc.: Sharing the light MAYBE it has something to do with the high standards for phi- We are at Lopez’s 11th floor office at the Meralco building in lanthropy set by no less than the founder of the Lopez Group, Ortigas. The executive director of the Meralco Millennium but in Meralco, people take CSR, or corporate social respon- Foundation Inc. (MMFI), together with Corporate Social Re- sibility, very seriously. sponsibility Office (CSRO) head Christopher Yap, is explaining “In Meralco, sanay na yung mga tao sa mga medical mis- why Meralco employees are particularly keen about pitching in, sion, mga pagtulong. Like we’d learn that a particular office whether it is their time, money or other extras. spent a day at a certain depressed area, they brought along sup- Lopez, a grandson of Lopez Group founder Don Eugenio plies, donated old computers. So it’s really a way of life na rin,” Lopez Sr., grew up in a family where philanthropy is a tradition. Miguel “Mike” Lopez says. “We’ve witnessed the older generations engaging in philan- Turn to page 6

German Month festivities …p.12

Sagip

Meralco Sibol School pupils render a song number Guimaras…p.9 during the MNTC-GK Village turnover in Bulacan 2 LOPEZLINK September 2006 1H 2006 financial performance FPHC wagi sa IPO ng power affiliate KUMITA ng P4.0 bilyon ang First Philip- Lumaki ng 18% ang consolidated rev- 1H 2006 Financial Results pine Holdings Corporation (FPHC) noong enues sa US$467.4 milyon mula unang anim na buwan ng 2006, mula P1.7 US$397.3 milyon dahil sa mas mataas na Period Total Revenues Net Income/(loss) bilyon noong unang hati ng nakaraang presyo ng natural gas noong unang anim January-June taon. Tumaas naman ng 15% ang consol- na buwan ng taon. 2005 2006 % change 2005 2006 % change idated revenues ng kumpanya sa P28.6 bi- Sa kabilang banda, sinabi rin ng First lyon mula P24.8 bilyon. Gen na wala itong intensiyon, ngayon man ABS-CBN P7.816 B P8.359 B +7 P211 M P516 M +144 Kasama sa kinita ng FPHC ang P2.7 bi- o sa hinaharap, na sumali sa privatization lyong gain on dilution mula sa IPO (initial ng 600-MW Masinloc coal-fired power fa- Benpres P7.843 B P8.358 B +7 P297 M P1.898 B +539 public offering) ng First Gen Corp. (First cility sa Zambales matapos sabihin ng gob- First Gen US$397 M US$467 M +18 US$44 M US$41 M -7 Gen) noong Pebrero. Kung hindi isasama yerno na muli itong ipapa-auction dahil ang gain on dilution sa pagkwenta, bababa hindi nabayaran ng nanalong bidder ang FPHC P24.8 B P28.6 B +15 P1.7 B P4.0 B* +135 ang net income ng FPHC sa P1.36 bilyon down payment para sa planta. Ang First dahil sa pagbaba ng parte nito sa net earn- Gen ang tanging katunggali ng YNN Pacif- Meralco P83.064 B P89.506 B +8 (P583 M)** P367 M*** +159 ing ng subsidiaries at affiliates, sa pagtaas ic Consortium sa bidding para sa Masinloc ng utang, at sa pagtaas din ng pension fund noong 2004. *Including P2.7 billion gain on dilution in First Gen contribution at foreign exchange losses. Meralco nakabawi na **After providing for probable losses in the amount of P3.06 billion Ang peso-dollar booking rate noong Hun- Kumita ng P367 milyon ang Meralco ***After providing for probable losses in the amount of P3.03 billion yo 30, 2006 ay P53.11 kumpara sa P52.86 noong unang anim na buwan ng 2006, noong Mayo 2006. isang pagbawi mula sa pagkalugi ng P583 Bumaba ang bahagi ng FPHC sa kita ng milyon noong unang hati ng 2005. Patuloy ABS-CBN dumoble ang kita cial Separation Package na inialok sa 20% exchange expense na P30 milyon kum- First Gen dahil sa ownership dilution mula ang paglalaan ng kumpanya para sa prob- Higit doble ang kita ng ABS-CBN ng mga empleyado at mas maingat na pag- para sa tubo na P22 milyon dahil sa pag- 88.44% noong nakaraang taon sa 66.83% sa able losses kung sakaling matalo ito sa un- Broadcasting Corp. noong 1H2006 sa P516 gasta para sa production. Tumaas ng 7% baba ng halaga ng piso sa dolyar. kasalukuyan. Galing sa power generation bundling rate case nito sa Korte Suprema. milyon, mula P211 milyon noong 1H2005. ang total revenues ng ABS-CBN sa P8.359 Malaking bahagi ng net income ng Ben- affiliates ang 73% ng earnings ng FPHC, Kung hindi isasama ang paglalaan na Bagama’t 1% lamang ang itinaas ng airtime bilyon mula sa P7.816 bilyon, samantalang pres ay nagmula sa equity share sa net earn- 13% mula sa FPIDC (First Philippine In- ito, aabot ng P2.34 bilyon ang kita ng revenues sa P5.144 bilyon mula P5.103 bi- halos hindi gumalaw ang total expenses sa ings ng investees (+102.3%), matapos mag- frastructure Development Corp.) na may Meralco sa unang hati ng taon. Nagtabi lyon at lumiit ng 1% ang sale of services sa P7.519 bilyon kumpara sa P7.506 bilyon. record ng P2.7 bilyon na one-time gain ang hawak ng Manila North Tollways Corp., at ang kumpanya ng P3.0 bilyon bilang pro- P2.286 bilyon mula P2.302 bilyon, Kung tatanggalin ang gastusing hindi na First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPHC) halos 5% naman mula sa Meralco. vision for probable losses. nakabawi ang ABS-CBN sa malakas na mauulit katulad ng marketing expenses mula sa IPO ng First Gen. Nakatulong din sa First Gen kumita ng US$41 milyon Lumaki naman ng 8% ang revenues ng paglipat ng dating DTH (direct-to-home) para sa DirecTV migration, bababa pa ng Benpres na nag-report ng higit dobleng pag- Kumita ang First Gen ng US$41 milyon Meralco parent sa P89.506 bilyon mula subscribers ng The Filipino Channel (TFC) 4% ang expenses sa P7.212 bilyon. taas ng net income ang ABS-CBN. sa unang anim na buwan ng kasalukuyang P83.064 bilyon. Tumaas lamang ng 1.71% sa DirecTV platform sa Estados Unidos. Benpres patuloy ang paglakas Ang subscriber base ng SkyCable ay luma- taon kumpara sa US$44.0 milyon noong ang sales volume sa pangunguna ng com- Nakalikom ng P567 milyong license fees Nag-report ng unaudited consolidated ki lamang ng 3% subali’t bumuti ang EBITDA nakaraang taon. Sinabi ng kumpanya na mercial segment (+3.94%) matapos mag- ang ABS-CBN mula sa paglipat sa DirecTV revenues na P8.358 bilyon ang Benpres (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation ang pagtatapos ng income tax holiday ng bukas ang SM Mall of Asia noong Mayo, at gayundin ang pagkakaroon ng bagong Holdings Corp. noong unang anim na buwan and amortization) margins nito sa 25% mula First Gas Power Corp. noong Mayo ay ang energization ng SM SuperCenter noong subscribers ng TFC. Lumaki ng 21% ang ng 2006, mas mataas ng 6.6% higher kaysa 15% dahil sa matagumpay na negosasyon sa nakapagdulot ng pagbaba ng earnings. Ang Hunyo, at ang full operations ng SM Sta. TFC subscriber base at napapanood na ito P7.843 bilyon (as restated) noong 1H2005. mga programmers. Nagsimula ang pilot testing First Gas Power ang may-ari ng 1,000- Rosa. Umabot ng 5,824 gigawatt-hours ang ng 2.2 milyong tao sa buong mundo. Nagkaroon ng re-statement ang ng digital set top boxes ng kumpanya sa pa- megawatt na Sta. Rita power plant. energy sales noong first quarter at ang sales Maganda rin ang naging performance 1H2005 unaudited financial statements ng mamagitan ng SkyCable Platinum sa Metro Gayunpaman, tumaas ng 12% ang in- noong Marso ang pinakamataas sa isang ng Star Cinema matapos tangkilikin ng Benpres para ipakita ang deconsolidation Manila at SkyCable Prepaid sa Pasig. come before tax ng First Gen sa US$76 buwan sa loob ng nakaraang limang taon. madla ang mga pelikula nitong “Don’t of Maynilad Water Services Inc., na gi- Bumaba naman ng 20% ang total rev- milyon mula US$68 milyon pagkatapos Malakas din ang industrial group Give Up on Us,” “Close to You,” nawa alinsunod sa Debt Capital and Re- enues ng BayanTel sa P2.3 bilyon dahil sa ng mga kaso nito laban sa Siemens at sa (+3.21%) dahil sa paglaki ng demand para “D’Lucky Ones” at “All About Love.” structuring Agreement na inaprubahan ng pagliit ng local exchange subscribers. gas suppliers. Dahil pabor sa First Gen sa kuryente ng mga factory ng semento, Parehong mahigit P100 milyong piso ang korte para sa Maynilad. Gayunpaman, patuloy na nagagampanan ang mga desisyon, nakatipid ito ng US$6 plastic products at electrical machinery. tinabo sa takilya ng “Don’t Give Up on Ang net income attributable to share- ng BayanTel ang mga obligasyon nito sa milyon mula sa professional fees at mga Mahina naman ang residential sales ng Us” at “Close to You.” Dahil dito, guman- holders ay P1.898 bilyon kumpara sa ilalim ng rehabilitation plan na inapruba- buwis. Meralco (-1.74%) dahil sa mga brownout da rin ang benta ng Star Records ng video P297 milyon. Gayunpaman, sinabi ng han ng korte noong 2004. Nagsimula na Sinabi ni First Gen CEO Peter Garru- na dulot ng masamang panahon, at dahil products ng mga nag-hit na pelikula. Benpres na maaaring mas maliit dito ang noong Abril ang Wireless Local Loop ser- cho Jr. na maayos ang operational perfor- na rin sa pagtitipid ng mga kabahayan sa Nagsisimula nang maramdaman ang maging full year ending December 2006 vice ng BayanTel, ang SPAN, sa mga mance ng Sta. Rita at ng 500-MW San harap ng pagtaas ng presyo ng kuryente at kabutihang dulot ng pagbabawas ng gas- net income kung babagsak pa ang halaga lungsod ng Marikina, Manila, Tacloban, Lorenzo power plant at patuloy na mga pangunahing bilihin. tusin noong nakaraang taon katulad ng Spe- ng piso sa dolyar. Nagkaroon ng foreign Davao at General Santos. (C.P. Sison) nakakamit ang mga operational target ng Samantala, tumaas lamang ng 6.5% ang kumpanya. Bagama’t bumaba ang average total expenses ng parent company kasama dispatch ng Sta. Rita sa 75% mula 80%, tu- na ang purchased power (+6.5%), operations maas naman ang average dispatch ng San and maintenance (+20.7%), taxes (+56.4%) Lorenzo sa 76% mula 74%. at depreciation and amortization (+8.3%). ABS-CBN appoints new CFO, director Freddie Garcia has come out of re- ident and chief financial officer of the Our very tirement to rejoin ABS-CBN Broad- company effective August 24. own Carla casting Corp., this time as a member ABS-CBN finance officer-in- Paras-Sison of the board of directors. charge Geronimo Estacio said Navar- (seated, cen- The former ABS-CBN president rete has extensive experience in fi- ter), senior replaces Manuel “Beaver” Lopez Jr., nancial management after holding manager at who tendered his resignation early key corporate positions in various Benpres in August. Lopez had been a director companies. Group Pub- of ABS-CBN since 2000 and was as- Among others, Navarrete lic Rela- sistant vice-president for Affiliate served as business group direc- tions, was guest speak- Marketing of ABS-CBN Interna- tor of Manila Water Company, er at the Au- tional North America from 1993 to vice-president and CFO of Jol- gust 2006 1996. libee Foods Corp., manager meeting of Garcia began his broadcasting ca- for business planning and the Public reer as an account executive of the analysis of Pepsi-Cola Inter- Relations Officers of the Senators of the Philippines (PROS). Seated from left are station in 1966. He is generally ac- national and strategic plan- PROS secretary Cheenee de Leon (Sen. Edgardo Angara), PROS president Pam- knowledged as the architect of ABS- ning analyst for San Miguel sy Tioseco (Sen. Rodolfo Biazon), Paras-Sison, Lyn Eyana (Sen. Franklin Drilon) CBN’s ascendancy in the 1990s, hav- Corp. and Yvonne Caunan (Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile). Standing from left are PROS mem- ing returned to serve as the station’s Navarrete obtained an MS in bers Katrina Marie Santillan (Sen. Francis Pangilinan), Jenny Bugarin (Sen. Mar Roxas), Bernadette de la Pena and Cherrie Dacanay (Senate President EVP and general manager in 1987. Operations Research from De La Manuel Villar), PROS auditor Judee Aguilar (Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr.), Mike Ac- He was appointed president and chief Salle University. He attended short Ac (Sen. Pia Cayetano), Amy Manzo (Revilla Jr.), Teddy Francisco (Pangilinan) operating officer in 1997. courses at the Harvard Business and Des Guasch(Sen. RalphRecto). Meanwhile, Miguel Jose Navar- School and the University of rete has been appointed as vice-pres- Michigan Business School. LOPEZLINK September 2006 3 Freebies galore from Lopez Group backs German Month ‘06 anew SkyCable, BayanTel WHAT do Pinoys think The Lopez Group and ABS-CBN Enjoy free ZPDee from SkyCable of when they hear the Broadcasting Corp. recently word “Germany”? Okto- renewed their support as sponsor Platinum! berfest, beer, Heidelberg, and official media partner, respectively, of the 2006 German Do you want additional 24 cable channels and ultra fast Boris Becker, and the Month Festivities. Lopez Group and unlimited Internet access? World Cup, for starters. chairman and Philippine-German Subscribe to any two packs of SkyCable Platinum to The third annual Ger- Economic Council chair Oscar M. get the ZPDee 64 kbps service absolutely free. Or, you man Month celebration Lopez (3rd from left) and may opt for the higher ZPDee plans of 128 kbps to 1 will offer Filipinos new ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Mbps at 20% to 30% discount! answers to the question Eugenio Lopez III (extreme left) There are three SkyCable Platinum Packs to choose about Germany and what are shown during the contract from: Metro Pack, HBO Pack and MBC Pack. it has to offer: Films! signing held at the Benpres Enjoy the ultimate cable TV entertainment package and Music! Cars! Trade! Development aid! Car shows by BMW, Mercedes- with the German Embassy, the Goethe Building in Ortigas. Also in photo the fastest way to surf the net. Subscribe to two packs of Culture! Fun, fun, fun! Benz, Audi and Porsche will be staged Institut, the European International are (l-r) Philippine Star EVP SkyCable Platinum now! Call 631-0000. (Arlene Torres) The Lopez Group is a leading sup- on four consecutive weekends at the School, the German Club and the porter of the event, chairman Oscar Power Plant Mall in Makati. BMW Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It is being Grace Glory Go; German M. Lopez being the cochair the Philip- further adds spice to the festivities funded with the help of the German Ambassador Axel Weishaupt; Test drive Bl@st Internet Siemens and European Chamber BL@ST Internet is pine-German Economic Council. with a version of the “Amazing Race” business community in the Philip- The highlights of the celebration are in its 1 Series. pines. ABS-CBN Broadcasting and of Commerce of the Philippines offering users in president Tertius Vermeulen; and Metro Manila the the three-day expo of German products A film festival featuring some The Philippine Star are part of the and services at the Rockwell Tent fea- commercially successful films from winning team for the third year as me- ECCP EVP Henry Schumacher. chance to test-drive Spearheaded by the German its Internet service turing leading German companies in Germany will be shown in Makati, dia partners. the Philippines, and the Mandarin Ori- while Goethe Institut Manila will host For more information, log on to Embassy and the ECCP, German for free. The free Month 2006 kicks off Sept. 22 with use of the BL@ST ental Hotel’s “Oktoberfest” with the fa- an animated-film festival. www.germany-philippines.com or mous Bavarian Sound Express at the Le German Month 2006 is organized call Tina Schumacher or Zai Tan at the BMW car expo at the Power Internet service is Plant Mall in Makati. good for two hours Pavilion in Pasay City. by Fairs & More Inc. in cooperation 845-1324. (E. Gatchalian-Garcia) and is limited to one test drive per telephone line accessing the Internet. Internet users have lots to look forward to when they go to the BL@ST website, such as being able to down- Midyear performance review load XLR8 technology for free, and having the chance to Manila win a free one-year unlimited use of BL@ST when they register. Two winners will be drawn every month! For inquiries, call 411-1300 or check out Inner selves examined joins fight www.blast6xfaster.com. (Dimpy Jazmines) By Carla Paras-Sison Speaking before top Lopez OML said the Baldrige exercise at Discover the wonders of Group executives at the review, De- FPHC shows his commitment to im- vs cable Psychologist Bernie Nepomuceno fensor cited the experience of former prove and change as needed, to Playhouse Disney led Lopez Group senior executives President Ramos, voted into office achieve the goal of excellence and Playhouse Disney Channel will be available for free to in an examination of their “inner as a plurality president like the in- corporate longevity: “The assessment piracy SkyCable subscribers through a Free Preview weekend selves” at the annual midyear perfor- cumbent, who immediately reached will allow us to identify deficiencies MANILA has joined the ranks of lo- on September 1-3, 2006. mance review in the Eugenio Lopez out to the political opposition and and weaknesses in the organization.” cal government units cracking down Catch the preview on Channel 33 and discover the Center last month. consolidated forces to attain the eco- FPHC has completed two of sev- of the rampant piracy of cable televi- wonders of Playhouse Disney! Chairman Oscar M. Lopez nomic targets relevant to Ramos’s en assessment criteria: leadership sion signals and Internet telecommu- To continue enjoying Play- (OML) calendared the Nepomuceno battle cry for Philippines 2000. and strategic planning. It is poised to nications services. house Disney Channel after presentation to help participants Presidential Management Staff complete its assessment of customer “We are determined to help protect the Free Preview, SkyCable “better align personal aspirations (PMS) Secretary Arthur Yap un- and market focus; measurement, the rights of legitimate subscribers of subscribers can upgrade to the with that of organizational goals.” veiled the government’s Urban Belt- analysis and knowledge manage- CATV and Internet services,” said May- SkyCable Platinum-Metro Citing findings of the Hemi- way initiative, infrastructure projects ment; human resource focus; pro- or Lito Atienza as he signed into law Pack. New subscribers to spheric Asymmetry Reduction in contained in the Medium-Term Pub- cess management; and results, in the City Ordinance 8123, “An Ordinance SkyCable Platinum-Metro Older Adults, a study by Duke Uni- lic Investment Program (MTPIP). next couple of months. Prohibiting Unauthorized Tapping, Pack from Sept. 1-30 get a President Arroyo’s vision is to create Shifting to corporate social re- versity’s Robert Cabeza, Nepomu- Connection, Use, and Reception of Ca- chance to win one of 20 Winnie the Pooh Interactive com- an “urban beltway” for Metro Manila, sponsibility or CSR, OML said that ceno told executives that unlike ble Television Signals and Internet Ser- puters! If you subscribe during the Free Preview, you will young adults who handle most tasks Mindoro, Marinduque and other CSR activities are integral to busi- vice Providers, and Providing Penalties receive a free Playhouse Disney stationery set too! on one side of the brain or the other, provinces in Regions III and IV-A. ness operations and not divorced for Violation Thereof” in July. Subscribe to Playhouse Disney Channel on SkyCable active older ones tend to use both The Metro Luzon super-region is to from the total business picture. City Ordinance 8123 levies a fine Platinum-Metro Pack now. Call 631-0000. (A. Torres) hemispheres because healthy brains be transformed into a globally compet- “CSR is not a PR (public rela- of up to P5,000 on those found guilty compensate for the “depredations of itive urban and industrial service center. tions) gimmick. My brother Geny of stealing cable TV or Internet ser- age by expanding the neural net- The National Capital Region (NCR) (the late Eugenio Lopez, Jr.) gave his works across the bilateral divide.” will aspire to be the major business and personal time and money to serve the vices, and imprisonment, or both. Biz Calendar Cable TV operators have been wag- IABC General Meeting of Friends and This makes the brain of a mentally transaction center in the Asia-Pacific poorest of the poor. (CSR) is inherent active 50-year-old look like a dense region, while Mindoro and Marinduque in our (business) philosophy.” ing an all-out campaign over the past Members forest of interlocking branches, re- may serve as gateway to Southern Meanwhile, Lopez Group vice chair- year and a half to protect legitimate September 5, 2006, 10 a.m. flecting deeper knowledge and better Philippines and food basket of Metro man Manuel M. Lopez (MML), in clos- subscribers whose services become de- 25/F Ayala Tower One, Makati City judgment. According to Nepomu- Manila and Calabarzon (Cavite, Lagu- ing the two-day review, noted a marked graded because of illegal connections. Fee: P450 (members)/P500 (nonmembers) ceno, this neural integration makes it na, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon). difference in the 2006 edition of the an- Cases versus illegal cable subscribers Customer Experience easier for active, mature adults to rec- Under the MTPIP for Metro Lu- nual group activity: “Most companies and unscrupulous colorum linemen are oncile thoughts with feelings. zon, NCR will receive a budget of reported higher or better earnings.” now being prosecuted in various courts Management in Makati, Quezon City and Manila. Sept. 18-22, 2006 She recommended physical exer- P151.451 billion, followed by Cal- MML commended the executives The Philippine Cable TV Associ- Asian Institute of Management, Makati City cise, mental exercise, engagement in abarzon (P141.616 billion), Central in attendance for their hard work and ation (PCTA) has also been conduct- Contact Apple/Yola/Raul at 892-4011 challenging leisure activities, the Luzon (P97.527 billion) and Min- commitment to do better for the ben- Fee: P40,000 (Filipino participants)/US$1,300 (overseas achievement of mastery, and strong doro-Marinduque (P8.935 billion). efit of the group’s various stakehold- ing an information and education participants) social networks for aging individu- OML, MML look forward to bet- ers. Citing Meralco as an example, campaign, “Wag Maging Kabit,” to als to “harness the enormous poten- ter years for the group MML said the company is forecast to inform would-be-violators and the 5th Asian Forum on CSR tial that each has for growth, love OML, in opening the sessions for attain a yearend system loss of 9.8% or general public about the need to elim- Sept. 24, 2006 and happiness.” the midyear performance review, 9.9%, “the lowest in 25 years.” He said inate cable TV piracy. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Ave., Quezon City Government execs favor reconcil- stressed the need to continually strive the breakthrough came when Meralco The passage of the ordinance in Contact Armine Francisco, 812-6289 iation, push infra development for excellence in business operations. reorganized its system loss program in Manila comes on the heels of the inten- Registration fee: P14,245/P9,750 (Groups of 4 or more Meanwhile, Presidential Chief of First Philippine Holdings Corpo- April 2005, disbanding a 40-year-old sifying cooperation among cable TV op- participants) Staff Michael Defensor said Presi- ration (FPHC) is now undergoing an Inspection Division and adopting a erators, barangay officials and ordinary dent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s internal assessment applying the strict Code of Discipline on the field. citizens to put a stop to the proliferation 13th PSRP National PR Congress reaching out to the political main- framework used for the Malcolm Meralco’s financial performance is ex- of cable TV piracy in the metro. Sept. 27-29, 2006 stream at this time may be coming a Baldrige National Quality Award pected to recover in 2006. Makati and Quezon cities have also Hotel Intercontinental Manila, Makati few years late, but was necessary to (MBNQA). The US Congress creat- MML believes the group can still im- passed an ordinance banning cable TV Contact PRSP, 638-0010 or [email protected] move the country forward and ac- ed the MBNQA to encourage and prove on current performance and hopes piracy and setting penalties against Fees: P8,000 (3 days)/P7,000 (2 days)/P4,000 (students) complish the tough targets she her- improve quality and competitiveness all the companies will attain their targets such practices. (Arlene Torres) self set for her administration. among American companies. for the year, if not do even better. 4 LOPEZLINK September 2006

HR COUNCIL Lopez Group companies FPIC is an Investor in People FOR FPIC, passing the Investors in People (IiP) ning process.Also, the company had implemented Standard assessment meant the recognition of its the Competency Development framework, which is awarded IiP status ability to develop strategies and take effective now a basis for formulating the training, learning action to improve its performance and to demon- and development programs of individuals. award.Meralco Management and Leadership Develop- By Pinky Diokno strate the impact of its investment in people on The company’s experience from yearly au- ment Center, another grantee, has also been notified. the performance of the organization. dits for its ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS In separate letters addressed to the individual com- THE Personnel Management Association of the Philip- It also affirms the Human Resource initia- 18001, SA 8000 and BS 7799 international cer- pany CEOs, the PMAP and the International Quality pines (PMAP) and the International Quality Center Ltd. tives and direction that FPIC is taking in its ef- tifications has primed people to be audit-ready. Center congratulated the companies for passing the IiP have confirmed that the Investors in People (IiP) Inter- fort to achieve the excellence requirements of There are more factors but one critical ele- assessment and for being among the pioneers in the national Recognition Panel has awarded IiP status to the the Oscar M.Lopez Award for Performance Ex- ment is the team approach adopted by FPIC that Philippines to meet the Investors in People Standard. Lopez Group companies that were provided grants by cellence (Oscars) program. starts with leadership commitment, the partici- The five are among 10 local small and medium enter- the PMAP/EuropeAid's Asia-Invest Programme. The FPIC felt that the certification was not a far- pation and determination of the employees, the prises that were covered by the grant. The IiP Standard is an international quality bench- fetched possibility as key corporate and HR sys- assistance extended by Beth Canlas of First The PMAP will honor the grantees in its general mark that helps organizations meet their objectives tems were already in place.The Balanced Score- Philippine Holdings Corp.and Shirley Hombre- membership meeting scheduled in October.In addition, through effective training and people management. card (BSC) was introduced in 2004 and implement- bueno of First Gen, and the guidance of PMAP’s the FPIC has been invited to share its learnings from the First Philippine Industrial Corp., Philippine Electric ed in 2005 as part of FPIC’s larger strategic plan- Gerry Plana. (I. A. Raule Jr.) Corp., First Electro Dynamics Corp. and Asian Eye In- IiP journey in the PMAP annual national conference to stitute have already been officially notified about the be held this September. LAA Q&A with Dr. Spong: ‘Baldrige is a physical exam for the organization’ DR.David Spong was in Manila from August 1-3, did. But...leaders are our purveyors of hope…. I was 2006 to share his experience in using the Baldrige discouraged but you think I was allowed to show it? framework in leading turnaround and sustaining im- No, I had to say “Okay, we can do this!” But I didn’t provements in a complex organization. have any idea how to do it.People would come into The exclusive “Learning Sessions with Dr. my office, then I’d ask, would you know how to fix Spong” were attended by Lopez Group chairman Os- this? Would you have a try? And I know when they car M.Lopez and members of the Mancom; the PR, leave the office thinking, “I’m glad he thinks I can do HR, Comptrollers, Legal and CSR councils; Oscar it because I can.” And then they will come back with examiners; and First Gen, ABS-CBN, Meralco and 50% improvement, and it’s already a lot of work! I First Philippine Holdings Corp.executives. think that’s also the essence of leadership…. A highlight of the sessions was the Q and A with What was the biggest challenge in organizing for the Baldrige expert.Excerpts: Baldrige? Why Baldrige? In all honesty, the people, the workers—the ones I’ll use the analogy of a total physical-medical ex- that are in the bottom of the leadership pyramid—are am.Medical exam allows you to know…the things easy to convert into “zealots"… It’s the management that are not obvious to the eye.It will let you know if in between that took me a lot of time.When I say, “I you have cancer….If you didn’t take your overall want you to empower your workers to own their physical exam, you will just base your judgment on jobs,” what do you think will that make them feel? what you see in your body.Probably I’ll say, “Oh I There was a natural resistance because they were have to be on diet since my tummy is already afraid they might lose their job to someone else, later bulging.” Baldrige is like the overall physical-medi- Dr. Spong (front, center) with the Tollways Management Corporation delegates to the learning sessions on.So I had to develop them so that they can still cal exam... It lets you see specific spots where you have their career…. need to improve or work on, while providing you an Would there be any particular initiative that you overall picture of your progress. works better when you are in crisis because Baldrige crisis when we started.…But I believed Baldrige will would recommend in starting off Baldrige? When you are a struggling corporation, how can is a unifying thing.But the leaders have to say, “I be- work for me and I involved the whole organization to ISO, Lean, Six Sigma and CMMI are tools… How- you keep quality and excellence? lieve it’s going to work for me, because it does not use it for the turnaround... I must have done some- ever, if the only tool you have is a hammer, everything It’s like, “I’m too busy to use the improvement happen overnight.” The other organization which I thing in those six years to get the award.And that was looks like a nail.Baldrige on the other hand is a bunch of methodology when my very survival in question.” It led and won the Baldrige Award was in deep, deep by using the Baldrige principles. questions that tells you where you have gaps, where you Would you recommend that a start-up company have opportunities for improvements.Then you will pull get into the Baldrige framework early? out the tools…to address those gaps.So if you need to be I absolutely recommend.If you can only start it ISO-certified, then get yourself ISO-certified.If your out using the Baldrige principles to guide as you set production is not efficient, then use Lean.Baldrige helps up, I think it will be much easier to keep going.Will you decide whether it is a nail or a screw that you will you get it right the first time? No, you will not.But it need.Baldrige allows you to look at your organization will definitely help you go forward. holistically. Will the gaps be overwhelming? If you are to pick among the benefits of winning …Overwhelming in the sense that, gosh, there is the Baldrige Award, what will it be? no way we could get there... But when you started The Baldrige recognition makes my employees with a 100 or 200 score, who cares? All you want to “taller.” They take pride in what they do, they owned their do is go up! …I’m not pretending that I didn’t feel job, worked harder, became motivated and interested to discouraged when I got the feedback report, because I contribute to the business results. (Bheng Relatado) Bouillabaisse soup for a winning company DR. David Spong used the analogy of “bouillabaisse soup being cooked over fire” to represent leadership in a Baldrige-like organization. According to him, the Baldrige framework is the pot which encapsulates all the necessary ingredients of a high- performing organization. The fire provides the heat to cook the ingredients, which produces a harmonious concoction of flavors. Leadership is like fire such that it steers the integration of the various systems and processes, through the people, to produce the “best-tasting business results.” And as the smell of the best-tasting soup escapes into the air, motivated employees can be easily felt. They com- municate what type of organization they are in to the customers and to the community they belong to. (B. Relatado) LOPEZLINK September 2006 5 Couch Potato ABS-CBN’s Adrian Ayalin wins Treats Lasallian Scholarum Award ‘PBB’ Teen Matt Evans bagong ADRIAN Ayalin, one of ABS- side an open mind that is contin- partment of Ateneo de Manila Uni- sia Inc.; Ramon Osorio of Cam- CBN’s young journalists on board ually enriched and broadened. versity; Isagani R. Cruz, Carlos paigns Advocacy and PR Inc.; and Pedro Penduko “The Correspondents,” recently While the image that Ayalin Palanca Hall of Fame awardee; former Senator Vicente Paterno of bagged the 2006 Lasallian Schol- presents is an empowering one, Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga Philippine Seven Corporation. arum Award for “Tugdaan,” a fea- he also presented a challenge to City; Jose Mari Magpayo of Crea- (Leah Salterio) ture story on youth and education. the government—how it can let Another ABS-CBN corre- education seep into the lives of spondent, Gigi Grande, also Filipinos in far-flung areas. emerged as a finalist for her The 2006 Lasallian Scholarum “Kayod Eskwela” and “Text on Award is an annual journalism Air” documentaries. competition that honors media for Ayalin’s winning documentary their outstanding coverage of youth centers on Tugdaan, a high school and the education sectors. The run by the Mangyan community award aims to generate awareness of Paitan in Oriental Mindoro with among different sectors, including the assistance of the Assisi Foun- government and private organiza- dation. Through this school, 200 tions, to be involved in addressing Viva Entertainment head Vic del Rosario, “Pedro Penduko” young Mangyans have been issues confronting the youth. star Matt Evans, ABS-CBN SVPfor Entertainment pulled away from toiling under the This year’s board of judges in- Production Cory Vidanes and “Komiks” business unit head sun in order to have an in-depth cluded National Artist for Litera- and ABS-CBN VPDeo Endrinal grasp of the importance of their ture Bienvenido Lumbera; Chichi Adrian Ayalin (2nd from right) of ‘The Correspondents’ with some of environment and culture, along- Fajardo of the Communication De- the 2006 Lasallian Scholarum judges Ipoprodyus ng ABS-CBN ang “Pedro Penduko” bilang miniseries para sa drama anthology nitong “Komiks.” Si PBB Teen Matt Evans ang gaganap bilang Pedro sa miniseries na ito, na tatawaging “Komiks Presents: Da Adven- Ultra tragedy tures of Pedro Penduko.” Nagpirmahan kamakailan ng kontrata ang ABS-CBN update executives na sina Cory Vidanes at Deo Endrinal at ang Vi- TFC brings Pinoys in va Entertainment head na si Vic del Rosario para sa rights sa nasabing istorya. Ang Viva Entertainment ang nag- Victims prodyus ng huling dalawang movie versions ng “Pedro Penduko” noong 1994 at 2000 kasama si Janno Gibbs. Beirut closer to home Unang naisapelikula ang kuwento noong 1973 kung receive aid saan si Ramon Zamora ang gumanap bilang Pedro Pen- duko. Base ang kuwento ni Pedro Penduko sa isang kuwentong pang-komiks ni Francisco V. Coching, ang tin- from 71 uturing na dean ng Philippine illustrators, na unang lum- abas noong 1954. Dreams “Naging very successful sa pelikula si Pedro Penduko, kaya natutuwa ako na magiging TV series na ito,” sabi ni Del Rosario. “Isa siyang karakter na hinahangaan ng Foundation buong pamilya, and I’m very sure na magiging very suc- 71 Dreams, a foundation that rose cessful si Pedro ngayong nasa ABS-CBN na siya.” (Amy to give assistance to the families af- Mosura) fected by the Ultra tragedy in February, has already progressed in helping the chosen families. Fr. ‘Super Inggo’: Makisig na, super THROUGH the efforts of ABS- evening, “TV Patrol” updates around the world. Tito Caluag, a member of the ABS- pa! CBN Global’s The Filipino Filipinos in Beirut on the situa- This is part of TFC’s commit- CBN board, gave updates as to how Channel (TFC) in the Middle tion of their coworkers in Syria ment to be a genuine kapamilya the families have been doing. “Super Inggo” is the first fantaserye to bring together East, Filipinos stranded at an and in the Philippines. to Filipinos wherever they may According to Fr. Caluag, after popular Pinoy superheroes in a tale about a little superhero evacuation center in Beirut are The stranded Filipinos also be, connecting him to his loved just six months, 30 of the 71 families in training. Its central character is Budong, a 10-year-old given a piece of home amidst the tune in to ANC, the 24-hour ca- ones through news and relevant are mostly near finalization of their kid (“Little Big Star” runner-up Makisig Morales) who chaos. ble news channel of ABS-CBN, information and proving that long-term plans, while the rest are dreams of becoming a superhero. Unknown to him, he pos- Coordinated by Fr. Gestie which provides breaking news to home is never far away with starting their discussion this week. sesses superhuman strengths and abilities—traits he inher- Avincula, the only Filipino priest Filipinos in the Middle East and ABS-CBN TFC. (L. Salterio) The foundation staff has already ited from his superhero father. in the war-torn city, the Our Lady identified the exact needs of these In his search of his parents’ true identity, Budong will of Miraculous Medal has not only families as to educational needs, em- learn that he is indeed destined for something great. Un- seen Filipinos flock for safety ployment, food allowance, housing, fortunately, this is only one side of his clouded past. He and comfort, but also rejoice. On TJ Manotoc anchors News medical assistance and livelihood. will soon discover that along with his father’s extraordi- August 3, a fellow overseas Fil- Updates on Studio 23 TJ The first batch of the 30 families nary gifts, he also inherited his mother’s evil powers. As he ipino worker (OFW) bagged Manotoc now delivers the news that need livelihood assistance had discovers his true self, he will meet colorful characters that more than P1 million in the their first session of training in ear- will make his journey more interesting. “Pera o Bayong” portion of that matters on Studio 23 News Updates, which airs nightly at ly August with Bayan Microfi- The exciting cast of “Super Inggo” includes Sam Concepcion “Wowowee”; the prize money nance, 71 Dreams’ partner in giv- 7:55 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. (as Boi Bawang), twins Felix and Dominic Roco (as JP and PJ), was divided equally among the ing livelihood assistance, while the Manotoc, who has carved Meryll Sori- OFWs who arrived from second batch began their training a ano (Super Lebanon and were participants in a niche as one of the couple of weeks later. Inday), Zan- the show. country's most sought-af- The foundation staff has also joe Marudo “Wowowee” is just one of the ter news, sports, and en- started discussions with Habitat (Super Islaw), shows in TFC’s programming tertainment personali- for Humanity for the housing Derek Ram- that has provided entertainment ties, gives viewers a run- needs of the 16 families. sey (Ma- and relief at the evacuation cen- down of the day's hottest In other developments, actor chete) and ter. Also included in the lineup is stories, including the lat- Aga Muhlach has been elected as Herbert the live broadcast of “TV Patrol,” est in sports, health and the sixth member of the board. The Bautista (Ku- ABS-CBN’s flagship news pro- technology, among seventh and last member will be mander gram. Seen at 1:30 p.m. in others. elected in October. (L. Salterio) Bawang). Lebanon and replayed in the 6 LOPEZLINK September 2006

Meralco Millennium... Community development through from page 1 electrification Through the Gawad Kalinga-Meralco thropy and at a young age we were exposed Public safety in the use of electricity Electrification Project and the Strategic to helping out. Parang it was inculcated early Meralco is also at the forefront of the Private Sector Partnerships for Urban on that part of your responsibility is also giv- drive to make the public aware of the haz- Poverty Reduction (STEP-UP) of the ing back to the community,” he points out. ards of electricity, especially with regard to Philippine Business for Social Progress, So serious is the fast-talking Lopez its primary lines and distribution facilities, Meralco’s competence in providing elec- about CSR that he has become identified aside from offering solutions to address tricity to depressed communities has con- with Meralco’s CSR arm as much as with these concerns. tributed to improving lives and restoring the parent company. To this end, the company conducts safe- dignity among the poor in slum areas. The Meralco Millennium Foundation ty education seminars for electric coopera- In the ‘90s Meralco customers have ben- Inc. or MMFI serves as the social develop- tives and at the barangay level on public efited from the company’s Depressed Area ment arm of Meralco. It was established in safety, anti-pilferage and energy conserva- Electrification Program (DAEP) and the 2002 to provide a legal vehicle for sustain- tion. Starting in 2004, it partnered with the Rural Electrification Program (REP). ing all of the company's corporate social Department of Education for the Electricity Environmental protection responsibility efforts. Guided by Meralco's in Public Schools Program where Meralco In the area of environmental protection, CSR principles of volunteerism, timeliness has developed standards for electrical as- Meralco in 2005 started working with and sustainability, the MMFI develops pro- sessments in public schools. Aside from Haribon for several projects: it hosts the grams and implements projects which fo- participating in the Brigada Eskwela where latter’s monthly forum on biodiversity con- cus on addressing the pressing needs of the the program sees its practical application servation at the Meralco Theater. In addi- community and preserving the environ- through assessments and rewiring of tion, Meralco allowed the use of its facil- ment under the four CSR commitments, schools' electrical facilities in preparation ities and offices for Haribon’s billboard namely, social investment, community for the opening of schools, Meralco also campaign and the “Boto Para sa Inang sponsorship, environment management turned over to DepEd copies of the Electri- Bayan” signature drive against illegal log- and workplace stewardship. cal Assessment Guide for use by public ging and mining. More than a public utility fulfilling its schools and LGUs. This manual was sim- With the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. and mandate to distribute electricity to its cus- ilarly used during the Schools Water and the Environmental Management Bureau of 122 trees on 434 hectares of the 927 Meralco pa tomers, the MMFI seeks, as its CSR mis- Electrical Facilities Assessment Program the Department of Environment and Natu- hectares it has committed to replant. Ramon Magsa sion states, “to render a holistic response to (SWEFAP) road shows of DepEd for ral Resources (DENR), Meralco promotes Health and employee wellness ty Developmen society’s needs by relying on the sense of schools under Region IV-A. environmental protection through a junk- Meralco employees themselves, not to ters within GK dedication of the Meralco volunteers.” Meralco also gives students a head start battery recovery drive in Metro Manila and mention their dependents, are served by the ues-based educ Together with these volunteers, the MM- in safety through its Kiddie Fire Marshal nearby provinces; the drive netted 2,552 Corporate Wellness Center (formerly the pressed areas FI addresses the needs of the communities instructional video project on fire safety, pieces of junk lead-acid batteries worth John F. Cotton Hospital), which offers ba- School, which within Meralco’s business environment 2,000 copies of which have distributed to P507,676 in 2005. sic corporate health, corporate wellness Lopez-MNTC through a host of programs in five areas. elementary and high school students. But the company’s major thrust in this and CSR services. Subdivision, M area is arguably the tree plantation project in Meanwhile, 4,718 patients have benefit- nally meant t Montalban, Rizal. In the past 15 years since ed from the Ophthalmological Foundation Meralco chair entering into a memorandum of agreement of the Philippines’ Mobile Eye Clinic, pany. It took 1 with the DENR, Meralco has planted130, which has been headquartered rent-free in hours to finish Meralco’s Ortigas compound; the company With the yo has also provided additional space for the the Meralco S OFPHIL’s Mobile Eye Clinic Van. continued and Last year, according to the MMFI’s lat- co’s flagship p est annual report, the volunteers were able to the Bulaca to complete 36 projects that benefited schools will be 70,225 individual beneficiaries in Meral- this year. co’s franchise area—Metro Manila, Bula- Complete pa The board of trustees and can, Rizal, Cavite and parts of Laguna, Yap notes officers of the Meralco Quezon, Batangas and Pampanga. structure, Mer Millennium Foundation This year, the MMFI looks to do even package of l Inc., led by its chairman, Manuel M. Lopez (front, more for its partners, specifically in the training, and 3rd from left). Front row: area of education, by teaming up chiefly school. After t Melinda Derpo, Miguel with Gawad Kalinga. isu-sustain na Lopez; MML; Leonisa De Values-based education ciation, which la Llana, vice president; “We can do a lot of things on our own the GK site, t Liza Rose Diangson; Jesus but really what we’d like to do is work with community,” t P. Francisco, president; and Rafael Andrada, partners, partners that can provide a lot of Lopez obse treasurer. (Back row): inputs, insights and help point us in the way out of a j Ruben Sapitula; Leonardo right direction. And Meralco having the re- leave that area, Mabale; Edmund Silverio; sources also to assist, we’d like to channel have their own Leo Ballesteros, secretary; those resources in the right direction,” own economic Christopher Yap, program Lopez says. na umalis, di administrator. What is Meralco Foundation … And why is it using the name of our co THEN President Ferdinand Marcos and Kokoy Ro- taking over the crown jewel of the Lopez empire would seemingly dispersing Meralco ownership to ordinary Filipinos. Now, 33 years later, the MFI mualdez created Meralco Foundation Inc. on Novem- require more “finesse,” such as it was. It was announced that the MFI would eventually transfer something more benign, a scien ber 6, 1973 to provide the legal cover for their seizure Raul Rodrigo, in his book “Phoenix: The Saga of the Lopez ownership of Meralco to the consumers themselves.” fering technical training, educati of Meralco. By then, a little over a year after declaring Family,” noted: “The MFI, as [the foundation] came to be Marcos, was in fact, “building his own covert busi- vices to the underprivileged. The martial law, the dictator had already divested Don Eu- known, would achieve the twin objectives of appearing to ness empire,” and had no intention of carrying out his of trustees currently includes J genio Lopez of the Manila Chronicle and ABS-CBN. But transfer the ownership of Meralco to a nonprofit entity and planned “democratization” of the utility. chair; Florangel Rosario Braid, vi LOPEZLINK September 2006 7

EXECUTIVE FEATURE

By Carla Paras-Sison The electric utility industry is high- tion, MMFI also receives donations ly regulated by the government from business organizations and ‘MALASAKIT’ or caring is highly through the ERC (Energy Regulato- other charitable organizations. valued in Meralco. The company ry Commission), wherein only 13% Lopez relishes his work an MM- wants it known that while it serves of the total bill paid by a customer FI as complementary to his duties its customers faithfully, it also goes to Meralco. Eighty-seven per- as marketing head. In addition, he genuinely cares for the communi- cent of the customer’s total bill goes says, “there is a sense of fulfillment ties in its franchise and surround- to the power generator (NPC and when you know that you were in- ing areas. IPPs) and to the government in the strumental in making a difference Hence, the transformation of its form of taxes,” rues Yap. in the lives of the less fortunate.” CSRO (Corporate Social Respon- In its bid to become known as a Synergy sibility Office) into the Meralco utility that truly cares, MMFI banks Yap encourages comembers of Millennium Foundation Inc. on the sensible combination of Yap, the Lopez Group of companies to Clockwise from left: Employees engage (MMFI) in 2002 was a step toward an engineer who rose from the engage in CSR. “I hope we can all Penafrancia Elementary School students in sustaining Meralco’s social devel- ranks to become account officer and help one another in our effort to educational games during a “Libro Ko, Alay opment efforts. now head of the CSRO, and Lopez, build a positive image for our Ko” turnover; beneficiaries of the Kiddie Fire Marshal Project with a Meralco lineman; MMFI chairman Manuel M. Lopez joins preschoolers during Meralco’s Christmas MMFI’s Miguel Lopez and Chris Yap: outreach activity; MML, Mike Lopez and other family members join “Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko”; MML during the ground breaking for the foundation’s San Mateo project artnered with GK, the 2006 community can stand on its own two feet, aysay Awardee for Communi- then the intervention was successful also.” CSR efforts nt, in putting up daycare cen- By any yardstick, Meralco itself is a show Meralco cares K communities that offer “val- CSR success, reaping awards and citations cation for preschoolers in de- from the Employers Confederation of the Miguel L. Lopez, head of Mer- s.” The first Meralco Sibol Philippines, the Department of Education alco Marketing and since 2004 h opened in late 2005 in the and the Philippine Business for Social concurrent MMFI executive direc- C-GK Village in Mary Grace Progress, the Philippine National Volunteer tor, leads the external relations ac- Marilao, Bulacan, was origi- Service and Coordinating Agency among tivities of MMFI allowing for syn- o be a birthday gift for the others. This success is due in good part to ergies, especially in networking. from the officers of the com- the 2,431 Meralco volunteers, who, ac- He has a clear vision of MMFI 159 volunteers a total of 544 cording to the MMFI annual report, put in a projecting Meralco as a good cor- h the maiden Sibol School. total of 12,746 man-hours into the compa- porate citizen by fulfilling “all our ounger Lopez at the forefront, ny’s projects in the past year. plans and programs for the com- Sibol School Project is being Trademark in CSR d has been adopted as Meral- “Our volunteers, our employees are re- munities that we serve.” project for 2006. In addition ally blessed to be working in this company. Lopez says: “CSR has been an an Sibol, eight more Sibol As the Lopezes have started, we should al- inherent part of (the lives of) Mer- e put up in as many GK sites so share our blessings, especially with our alco employees for as long as I can less fortunate, less privileged countrymen. remember. What MMFI does is ba- ackage I’d like to thank the Meralco employees for sically to coordinate all company that, apart from the school having an open heart, an open mind in do- efforts since there are different or- ralco turns over a complete ing CSR activities of Meralco,” Yap says. ganizations doing CSR such as Cor- MMFI executive director Mike Lopez MMFI program administrator Chris Yap earning including teacher Lopez notes that Meralco, too, is very porate Safety, the Wellness Center d maintenance plan for the fortunate to have employees who volunteer and MEFCI (Meralco Fund for replete with marketing savvy from a companies. I hope our sister com- the first year, supposed to be their resources “at any given time.” Charity Inc.), to name a few. MMFI string of companies that spans Ben- panies, especially those in the me- siya ng neighborhood asso- “I think that is our trademark in CSR, has developed a framework which pres Insurance Agency, NYNEX dia business, can help us in our h is actually the objective of our volunteerism. Most of our CSR activ- serves as a template to avoid dupli- Network Systems, BayanTel, goal of explaining the truth about to keep up a self-sustaining ities, people do these during off-hours, not cation and confusion which ulti- Maynilad Water Services, and final- Meralco’s position in the electric the program director says. during office hours. There’s no overtime mately leads to cost effectiveness.” ly in Meralco since 2002. utility industry. In synergy, erves: “It’s like working your pay whatsoever, nothing. That in itself, to Christopher Yap, MMFI pro- True image of Meralco strength is multiplied.” job. Eventually, we’d like to me, speaks highly of the Meralco employee gram administrator since February “When MMFI is doing CSR ac- Lopez believes the tradition of , self-sustaining na siya. They and how he views social responsibility and 2006, finds it as a major challenge tivities in the communities that giving in the Lopez Group and im- n commerce, they have their being a good citizen. I think that’s great. I for MMFI to come up with sustain- Meralco serves (normally within bibed by employees who do their c activity there na, puwede ka think you should keep it up, I think you able projects that will directly help Meralco franchise areas), we are part in the area of CSR speaks very ba? If you can see that the should do even more,” Lopez says. (JGJ) Meralco build a positive image. able to project the true image of highly of the person and the culture Sensible combination Meralco that we are really a caring of the organization. He stresses that “Meralco’s (default) image to company, that Meralco employees such giving should be something most of our residential customers are men and women with charita- that comes from the heart and not is that of someone who just col- ble and caring hearts. We also want forced upon (the employees) nor lects expensive bills and makes to share our blessings with our less merely used for publicity. putol if you don’t pay. In short, an privileged countrymen. And the “My grandfather (the late Euge- uncaring utility company. bonus part is that we are given the nio H. Lopez Sr.) planted the ompany “What Meralco’s customers opportunity to explain our plight to seeds. My generation, as co-bear- has evolved into jandro Escaño, president; and Corazon dela Paz, don’t usually understand is that, our customers,” says Yap. ers of the baton together with the ce foundation of- treasurer. Meralco is just a distributor buying Funding for MMFI projects pri- second generation, have to contin- on and other ser- While the similar names (and addresses) cause confusion, 11-member board Meralco is working to generate more exposure for its Mer- electricity from National Power marily comes from Meralco and ue and make sure that it is passed Jose Sandejas Jr., alco Millennium Foundation Inc. or MMFI as “the real and Corporation (NPC) and from inde- Meralco employees’ voluntary on to the succeeding generations,” ce chair; Col. Ale- official vehicle”? for Meralco corporate social responsibility. pendent power producers (IPPs). contributions. As a donee institu- concludes Lopez. 8 LOPEZLINK September 2006

LITTLE LIVES, BIG DEEDS Meet the Lopez Memorial Museum staff COLLECTIVELY, the Lopez Memorial Museum pines Manila she takes her place in front of the staff has put in more than a hundred years into mak- classroom, this time as a professor. ing sure that everyone who goes to the Lopez IdayMarpa is the administrative support assis- Memorial Museum enjoys their visit or finds the in- tant taking care of ESH and ISO matters as secretary formation theycame for. Professionals all, the staff of the Environment, Safetyand Health Committee deal with the most demanding researcher with the and as documentation control custodian. Incidental- same easysolicitousness that theygive museum ly, Marpa first came to the library six years ago to do “newbies.” some research but ended up joining the staff. There’s administrative officer FannySan Pedro, The newest addition to the team is libraryassis- who is usuallythe first person to greet anyvisitor tant Mark Cel Manalili, a 2005 graduate of library from her desk off the reception area. The friendly science from the Polytechnic University of the and unfailinglyspiffySan Pedro is a treasure trove Philippines. Manalili started out as an “OJT,” but of museum trivia, having been a museum employee liked the stint so much that he decided to make a ca- for the past 36 years. reer of it. Now, Manalili serves as an able and jovial MercyServida, the soft-spoken head librarian, is museum guide, together with Marpa and facilities San Pedro’s match in the popularitydepartment. and maintenance assistant Talvie Darnayla. Official- The Lopez Memorial Museum and Library staff with director Cedie Vargas (6th from left), from left: Servida, who has worked in the museum for 26 ly, Darnayla takes charge of documenting lectures Fanny San Pedro, Mercy Servida, Joy Victoria, Mary Ann Pernia, Iday Marpa, Vargas, Talvie Darnayla, years, oversees the digitization project with photo and workshops in the museum but also doubles as the Mark Manalili, Rod Enano and Gerry Marquez archives consultant Cris Reyes and helps conceptu- go-to guyfor nonpractical but juicytrivia on who got alize exhibitions for the library. married when in postwar Manila or how much a bot- that it is maintained at such a level to keep the mu- work, whether manual or with the use of the state-of-the- MaryAnn Josette Pernia wears manyhats. In the tle of Coke cost in the 1960s. seum’s priceless trove in mint condition. art equipment in the Roberto M. Lopez Conservation museum, she is the consultant on research/education Another museum veteran is GerryMarquez, Conservation technician Edgar Montalban has been Laboratory; he also conducts lectures on book repair. and takes care of scheduling and facilitating the lec- Darnayla’s fellow facilities and maintenance assis- working in the museum for the past nine years, assisting Librarian Elvie Iremedio retired after 43 years of tures and workshops. Outside of the museum, Per- tant. Among other responsibilities, Marquez over- in the preservation and conservation of the museum's art service but occasionallyhelps out her former col- nia is a graduate student at the De La Salle Univer- sees the maintenance of museum equipment and collection. Conservation assistant Rod Enano, who has leagues when necessary. She now maintains the library sityManila, while at the Universityof the Philip- monitors the facility’s environment to make sure put in 18 years at the museum, is adept at conservation of Lopez Group chair Oscar M. Lopez. (J. Javier)

CSR ACTIVITIES OML to speak at Asia’s biggest CSR confab LOPEZ Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez (OML) will be one of the plenary speakers during the largest conference on corporate social responsibility(CSR) in Asia, the Asian Forum on CSR. The event, which is organized bythe Channel Foundation, will share her in- the Lopez group in povertyalleviation, Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. AIM Center sights on CSR in the FamilyBusiness, education, environment, and health. for Corporate Social Responsibility, while Gina Lopez, managing director of Delegates from Benpres Holdings, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel ABS-CBN Foundation, will speak on First Philippine Holdings Corp., First For FPIC volunteers, building houses for the less fortunate was tiring but worth it in Ortigas on September 25 to 26, 2006. pooling leadership to make an impact Gen Corp., Meralco, First Philippine Around 400 delegates, mostlyCEOs, during the special interest sessions on Conservation Inc., Eugenio Lopez CSR managers and philanthropists from the first dayof the forum. Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation Asia and the Pacific, are attending the The Lopez Group Foundation Inc. have confirmed their attendance to the forum. (LGFI) is a platinum sponsor of the event. For more details, visit FPIC marks foundation Rina Lopez Bautista, president and event. It will have an exhibit booth to www.lopezgroup.org or www.asianfo- executive director of the Knowledge showcase the various CSR programs of rumcsr.com. (Vanessa Suquila) day with GK build TO celebrate its foundation day, First where the winner of the slogan writing Philippine Industrial Corp. (FPIC), in contest was awarded—Rosing Merca- partnership with Gawad Kalinga, built do, who came up with “FPIC at Gawad Mangrove planting, planting hope two houses in the GK Kalayaan site in Kalinga, Magkakapit-Bisig sa Pagha- FIRST Generation Corp. employee vol- The employees from the head office In three hours, volunteers from First BarangayBalagtasin, San Jose, Batan- handog ng Maayos na Pabahay sa unteers joined the first dayof mangrove in Manila met their counterparts from Gen, First Philippine Conservation Inc., gas on June 30, 2006. Pamilyang Pinoy.” planting in Isla Verde, Batangas City, the Batangas Plant Office at the city’s the Office of Veterinaryand Agricultural The members of the two beneficiary The companyalso handed out ser- under the Isla Verde Mangrove Refor- Lea Beach for the boat ride to Isla Verde Services, the CityEnvironment and Nat- families were veryhands-on in helping vice awards to four employees: Ana estation Project of the Verde Passage In- on July29, 2006. In BarangaySan ural Resources Office and the local com- build the houses, with their neighbors Ma. del Rosario and Christopher Cruz tegrated Conservation and Develop- Agapito, theywere welcomed bymem- munitywere able to plant more than 200 in the communityalso pitching in. GK were given five-year service awards, ment Program-Phase 2 (ICDP-2), a pro- bers of the Verde Passage ICDP-2 Pro- propagules of two species of mangroves Kalayaan now has 18 houses and a mini Robert Philip Betts the 10-year service ject funded byFirst Gen. gram project team headed byEric Par- in Sitio Siirin in Brgy. San Agapito and store, with a daycare center soon to rise award and Gilbert Tanyag the 30-year fan, and some community Sitio Pajo in Brgy. San Antonio. for the young members of the commu- service award. leaders and members. First Gas engineer Emar Biscoho, nity. Last year, to celebrate its foundation The employees were briefed one of the volunteers, said: “It is a very It was a worthyendeavor as the pro- day, FPIC repainted a school in Sto. about Verde Passage ICDP-2; good wayto help in preserving Mother gram not onlyprovides housing for the Toribio, Lipa City; two years ago, it on the importance of mangroves Nature. …The mangroves will serve as families. FPIC provided shelter, which seeded tilapia fingerlings in the as part of the marine ecosystem; a communityprotection against erosion Gawad Kalinga will supplement with and about the preparation and and flash floods.” Calumpang River in Batangas City. In planting of the propagules With the mangroves theyplanted, the programs in health, child and youth de- between, the companyundertakes safe- (mangrove seedlings). They volunteers left their gratitude to the people velopment, productivity, community tyseminars, medical and dental mis- were also taught how to get the of the island. But theybrought with them empowerment and values formation. sions and educational support activities basic data about the mangrove, the hope that their activitywould bring After the build, the FPIC volunteers for its communities, with the participa- First Gas engineers Iris Alfante and Emar which will be used for monitor- good tidings to the people of Isla Verde for proceeded to have lunch at Casa Rap, tion of its employees. (Tintin Lavega) Biscocho in Isla Verde ing purposes. now and for the future. (Rey Laguda) LOPEZLINK September 2006 9

Take a crash course in Philippine history (Cabin) Pressure na ito! The Museum Volunteers of about the Philippines and gain YOU might want to think twice before getting gels; gel deodorants (solid stick is per- the Philippines (MVP) offers a deeper understanding of the on that plane. mitted); gel caps; hair styling gels (up to “Philippines: Past and Pre- country through participatory Dati, akala mo a two-hour check-in time 4 oz. of nonessential); hair sprays, includ- sent,” a 24-week hands-on presentations, field trips, was unreasonably long. Ngayon, dapat four ing aerosols; hair straightener or detan- seminar covering historical guest speakers and special hours bago ng flight, dapat nakababad ka na sa gler; lip gels; lip glosses / liquids (solid lip events in the Philippines and events. airport, lalo na kung international ang flight glosses and blushes are permitted); liquid divided into the following The course begins on mo. Banned pa ang kahit anong liquid, gel, lo- foundations; liquid medications (up to 4 oz. modules: September 18, 2006. Ses- tion at iba pa sa hand-carried luggage. of nonessential); liquid sanitizers; liquid 50,000 B.C.–1521 A.D. sions are held on Mondays at Kaya if you have plans to travel, interna- soaps (bar soap is permitted); makeup re- Ancient Artifacts and Living the Filipinas Heritage Li- tional man o domestic yan, make sure wala movers/facial cleansers; mascara; mouth- Traditions: The Early Period brary, Nielson Tower, Makati kang dalang banned substance. Sayang naman wash; nail polish at nail polish removers; per- kasama 1521–1898 Colonization Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 12 ang mamahaling makeup o perfume mo kung fumes at colognes; saline solutions; at tooth- sa iyong check-in baggage and Conversion: The Span- noon. iko-confiscate lang ng airport security, di ba? paste. para maiwasan ang delay. ish Period Enrollment and informa- Here’s what we need to know about the new Pagkain at inumin: Alamin din ang threat level 1898–1946 Occupation tion will be available at the airport security measures, ayon sa mga kaibi- Lahat ng beverages (maliban sa formu- change dahil malamang ay mag-ii- and War: The Ameri- Annual MVP Afternoon Tea gan natin sa Griffin Sierra Travel Inc. la/breast milk); CamelBaks, similar backpacks ba pati ang mga security procedures. can/Japanese Period at the Dasmariñas Village Bawal magdala ng liquids, gels, lotions at and water bottles must be empty; gel-based Kung kailangan mo ng kahit anong liquids, 1946–1986 Sovereignty Clubhouse, Campanilla St., iba pang bagay na may parehong consistency sports supplements; at Jellos, puddings yogurts these may be bought beyond the checkpoint pero and Martial Law: The Inde- Dasmariñas Village on bilang carry-on baggage sa eroplano. Sa halip, (o gel-like substances). Baby food is permitted. kailangang ubusin o itapon bago mag-board. pendent Period September 6, 2006, 2 p.m. ang mga ito ay dapat i-check in. Heto ang Others: Puwedeng magdala ng formula o breast milk 1986–Present Post-ED- For further information kumpletong listahan ng prohibited items: Baby teethers (with gel or liquid inside); (kung may kasama kang baby), prescription SA: An Overview of the please contact Angela Miller, Makeup at personal items: children’s toys na may lamang gel; gel can- medicine na nakapangalan sa taong may-ari ng Modern Period Education Committee direc- Lahat ng creams and lotions (i.e., ointments, dles; at gel shoe inserts. plane ticket, liquid o gel na low blood sugar treat- The course is ideal for tor, at 524-9390, 0920-830- suntan lotion, topical creams); bug sprays; bub- If you have doubts about certain items’ be- ment (hanggang eight ounces) at nonprescription those who wish to learn more 3818 or [email protected]. ble bath at bubble bath balls (gel); eye drops/ ing allowed onboard, i-pack na lang ito liquid medications (hanggang four ounces).

CSR ACTIVITIES

‘Bago ’Yan Ah!’ educates Filipinos on the airwaves Take part in FOR10 years now, Bago ’Yan Ah! technology nang sa gayon ay makatu- (FSA), Teacher’s School-on-the-Air ence and mathematics interest and lit- (BYA) has become an effective medi- long ito sa pagsulong ng Pilipinas,” (TSA) and Nutrition School-on-the-Air eracy, while the NSA features proper cleaning up the um in developing a science and tech- DZMM station manager Angelo Pal- (NSA), distance learning projects aired nutrition guidelines from the National nology culture among Filipinos. The mones said in an interview. Thus, the alternately within the program in part- Nutrition Council. world’s oceans program, which airs every Sunday program empowers the masses, includ- nership with public and private agen- “Sana huwag kayong magsasawa from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. over DZMM, ing professionals, the grassroots sector cies. sa paniniwala na ang Pilipinas ay may ON September 16, hundreds of thou- features topics that increase Fil- and the youth, by improving their skills The FSA aims to promote aquacul- pag-asa kapag tinangkilik natin ang sands of people all over the world ipinos’ awareness of science and and knowledge in such fields as fish- ture technologies and to uplift the well agham at teknolohiya,” Palmones said. will go to beaches, lakes and streams, technology. eries, agriculture, business, education being of fisher folks by providing “BYA” will stay proactive to address not to picnic, but to clean trash and “Kailangang malaman ng ating and others. livelihood opportunities; the TSA the needs of various sectors of society debris—on land and under the water. mga kababayan ang kahalagahan ng Since 2001, “BYA” has been imple- trains teachers in using the radio as a and it will persist in promoting science Volunteers of all ages and from every entrepreneurship at ng research and menting Fisheries School-on-the-Air mode of instruction and promotes sci- and technology on the airwaves. continent will participate in the world’s oldest and largest annual volunteer effort to clean up the oceans and waterways—the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) day. ‘Sagip Kapamilya’: Guimaras The Philippines has been actively THE story, when it was first reported, was in- Aside from the damage to the livelihood participating in this annual event. nocuous enough: a tanker, M/T Solar 1, sank of the inhabitants, the spilled oil has de- First Gen Corp., First Philippine Con- about 24 kilometers off the coast of Guimaras stroyed 454 hectares (1,120 acres) of man- servation Inc. (FPCI) and Conserva- in the Visayas. groves and 58 hectares of seaweed farms. tion International-Philippines will be The tanker was carrying two million liters ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapam- taking the lead in mobilizing volun- of bunker fuel, a couple hundred liters of ilya is appealing for donations of cash and teers for a cleanup activity in Isla which has already leaked into the waters of food items for the families affected by the oil Verde, Batangas City. Western Visayas and caused, to date, “dam- spill, considered the worst environmental dis- Isla Verde is situated in what is age to six coastal towns, 28 coastal barangays aster in Philippine history. considered as the “center of the cen- and affected 3,700 families,” according to the Cash donations may be deposited in Equi- ter of global marine biodiversity,” ac- Philippine Coast Guard. table PCIBank Peso account no. 1491-04069- cording to a 2004 independent study. 2 (Account In the ocean, we all First Gen subsidiaries Bauang Private name: ABS- Power Corp. and First Gas Power CBN Founda- help each other out... tion Inc.). Corp. will continue to do cleanup ac- JUST as sharks need nemoras to clean the fungus off their skin, For more in- tivities with their host communities fledgling scientific NGOs need help from like-minded sea formation, as part of the ICC celebration. lovers to stay afloat. So if you care about our oceans, please please call 0063- FPCI and First Gen are calling on support Reef Check Philippines. Your money will go towards 2-4114995 or volunteers from the Lopez Group to monitoring the health of Philippine reefs, as well as coastal 0063-2- join the ICC in Isla Verde. Together management programs in the communities near the reefs. 4160387. with the Isla Verde community, One way to support Reef Check is by buying tickets to “Vi- Lopez Group volunteers will join An area affected sions of the Reef,” a photo and video exhibit featuring the work of Gutsy Tuason, Carina Escudero and Marissa Floirendo on hundreds of thousands others world- by the oil spill. wide in cleaning up our marine envi- Guimaras September 15 at Rockwell Loft. You will also get a chance to win ronment. declared a ‘state exciting dive prizes, as well as enjoy performances by Ballet of calamity’ after Philippines, Cynthia Alexander and Pinikpikan. Guest speaker is To learn how to volunteer for the M/T Solar I sank First Gen president Federico Lopez. Isla Verde ICC, please call Atty. in rough seas on For tickets, please contact First Gen’s Shirley Hombrebueno Rodolfo Quicho of FPCI at 449-6085 Aug.11.(AP or Rey Laguda at 449-6262. Ticket is P1,500 per person. to 87. (R.Laguda) photo) 10 LOPEZLINK September 2006

FROM THE CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAM Lopez Lifelong Wellness System 101

By Rafael M. Alunan III by PJ del Rosario, courtesy of ABS-CBN Pub- lishing, depicts three persons shoulder-to- Health is wealth shoulder that can be interpreted in various With good health, life is beautiful and chal- ways. lenges to self and wealth can be dealt with grace, It can mean the physical, emotional and spir- equanimity and confidence. This is what the new itual dimensions—or the holistic nature—of corporate initiative on wellness is all about and wellness. It could represent the bond between aims to achieve for all employees of the Lopez the owners, the executives and the employees. Group. It could symbolize the first, second and third On January 10 of this year, Lopez Group generation of Lopezes in the service of the Fil- chairman Oscar M. Lopez (OML) formally ipino. And it could signify unity, solidarity and launched his wellness initiative. Deemed a teamwork in pursuit of general wellness. Home page of www.lopezwellness.com legacy project by the Wellness Team, the initia- To raise awareness and appreciation for this tive was christened the Lopez Lifelong Well- latest corporate initiative, the Wellness Team www.lopezwellness.com in your Internet-con- and Isagani Velasquez of FPIDC. The Wellness ness System, or “Lifelong.” designed a website with Adtel which is now du- nected PC or laptop to enjoy a treasure trove of liaison and coordinator in behalf of the HR The animated logo, which was ably crafted ly registered and online. To access it, just type information on how to be healthy and stay that Council is Rey Sarmenta, FPHC VP for Human way. It is holistic in content drawn from local Resources Management Group. experts, published works and international Wellness is for everyone. After all, what will we links. be without a healthy body, sound mind and inner Wellness 2006 Calendar Among others, all the articles on wellness peace? Be well and stay well. I. WELLNESS EVENT DATE TIME VENUE that appeared in the FPHC 2006 diary are found Wellness Sports + Open Sept. 8 5:00-9:00 p.m. Meralco Basketball Gym in the website. Do take time to read those that Kickoff Ceremonies touch on life-threatening illnesses, and the topics on humor, dance and music for their infor- II. WELLNESS ACTIVITIES mative and entertainment value. Calendar of activities. From August to De- 1. “Walk the Talk” Series Aug. 26 5:30-8:00 a.m. Meralco Compound cember 2006, the Wellness Team will undertake Sept. 9 -do- Mall of Asia Seaside Blvd. Oct. 14 -do- UP Diliman Campus a series of activities to promote wellness. Nov. 11 -do- La Mesa Dam Ecopark Wellness Team. Being a legacy project, Dec. 9 -do- Roxas Blvd. OML is backed by the third generation of Lopezes who will ensure continuity. Conceptu- 2. Basketball Open Sept.-Nov. 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Meralco & Lourdes Gym ally, the wellness initiative’s long-term success [Specific games, dates, time and venues to be announced] depends on the commitment and drive of all 3. Wellness 101 Course CEOs and their respective Wellness circles to a. with basic first aid WIP WIP First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) include their experts in HR, public information b. with Safety/Security TBD TBD TBD and ESH, to instill wellness in their companies [Specific games, dates, time and venues to be announced] as a way of life. 4. Mountain Treks Tasked to design the wellness system and a. Mt. Dagundol WIP WIP Batangas manage the approved programs is FPIDC pres- b. Mt. Pulag TBD TBD Benguet ident Rafael M. Alunan III, supported by Eric [Specific games, dates, time and venues to be announced] WIP: Work in progress; TBD: To be determined Comsti of INAEC, Rico de Manzana of FPHC SPORTS

WALK (briskly) or run to the Meralco Gym getting and staying healthy. Test your well- SkyCable trumps for the wellness kickoff and basketball ness attitude in low-impact exercises led open on September 8, 2006! by your favorite Kapamilya talents from First Gen, 81-51 Lopez Group chair Oscar M. Lopez ABS-CBN. SKYCABLE coasted to an easy 81-51 triumph over (OML) first pinpointed wellness as a major Now you’re ready for some serious display First Gen in the latest installment of the Lopez Group policy in First Holdings almost a decade of athletic talent. Aside from basketball, try pre-tournament scrimmage games on July 28, 2006. ago. Since then, the thrust has been extend- your hand at The catalyst for Sky Cable’s well-oiled Friday at- ed to other companies, with a special team foul shoot- tack was its trio of fast and aggressive lead guards, formed to prepare a comprehensive well- ing, three- ness program for the whole Lopez Group. Edgardo Caindoy, Romy Rea and Rolando Gatchalian. point Once again, OML will start the day by shooting Small forward Jonas Sibug moved well without the ball sharing his vision and suggestions for the and three- and had a deft shooting touch inside and outside, while Group—the nature of wellness and the on-three. the team’s big men, Policarpio Quimbao and Edison benefits of engaging in sports, among oth- The bas- Ranon, did the blue-collar work in rebounding and ers. ketball and fun blocking. Then, ABS-CBN Publishing chief exercises winners Meanwhile, the First Gen team relied on a disci- Ernie L. Lopez, ABS-CBN Foundation will enjoy free use of plined motion offense, which freed up its perimeter managing director Gina Lopez, Sanirose the Benpres gym for one Meralco vs Cogeo chess club. The Meralco Rooks had a shooters Hyatt Basman, Ed Duques and Danny Omam- Orbeta, Monchet Olives and others will be month, plus a free weekend goodwill match with the Cogeo Chess Club of Antipolo po. Basman had four three-pointers from all over the on hand to get you started on the road to package at the Eugenio City in Meralco’s Corporate Wellness Center on July 20. place. Coach Eric Gonzales, who is also the assistant wellness by sharing their experiences on Lopez Center in Antipolo. After the smoke cleared, Meralco’s Magnificent Seven coach of the Philippine Basketball Association’s Coca- tallied three wins in seven boards compliments of Darryl Cola Tigers, instituted a full court pressure defense. Mata of Sta. Rosa Sector, Nick Florez of Plaridel Logis- In addition to SkyCable and First Gen, the Lopez Wellness kickoff and basketball open tics and Abet Casiano (in photo) of Baliwag branch. A Group teams that took part in the series of pre-tourna- former employee, International Master Renato Naranja, ment games at the Lourdes Gym include Meralco, Toll- was later inducted into the Meralco Sports Hall of ways, ABS-CBN, Benpres, First Holdings and Bayan- Let’s get physical! Fame. (Rolly Sol Cruz) Tel. (Macky de Lima) LOPEZLINK September 2006 11

NOT that I’m complaining but we don’t usually see this kind of reaction from LopezLink BINASA mo ba from cover to cover ang huling isyu ng Lopez readers—we have questions, kudos and plain CrosswordLink? Isa ka ba sa mga masugid na tagasubaybay ng mga old comments (which we welcome, too) ga- programa sa ABS-CBN, Studio 23 o ANC? lore, which in turn inspired our respondents to Patunayan na isa kang ganap na kapamilya sa pamamagitan be more “voluble” themselves! That’s all to ng pagkumpleto ng crossword puzzle na ito. the good, isn’t it? Dear Rosie September is shaping up—no pun intend- Dear Rosie ed—to be another busy, busy, busy month for award. Keep up the great work!—Dan us here in the Group, especially on the well- Cita Musni reports that the Knowledge Channel staff is work- ness and CSR fronts. Knowledge Channel ing on the next “Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko,” which is tentatively president Rina Lopez Bautista will soon fly set for March 2007. They plan to make the event even more mean- to the US to speak at the Annual Conference ingful for the participants, thus it will take more preparation time. of NGOs at the United Nations headquarters As for Rina’s award, she shares it with Lopez Group employees, in New York, while the rest of us will be busy who are heroes in their own way. The sight of more than 7,000 with the German Month celebrations and the people who annually join “Lakad” serves as inspiration to her and upcoming Asian Forum on CSR. to the KCh staff to continue their mission of bringing quality ed- Of course, we’re also counting down the ucational TV programs to public schools nationwide. See you at days to the official unveiling of the Lopez next year’s walk! Lifelong Wellness System, our chairman Os- ooOoo car M. Lopez’s latest legacy project. The How exactly will the WESM result in cheaper electricity, as Wellness Team led by Raffy Alunan aims to Pres. GMA said in her State of the Nation Address?Won’t big keep everyone busy and healthy until 2006 and beyond, so do your part and consumers be the only ones who will benefit from this setup?—Edna make it a point to sign up for a couple of activities in the next few months. Meralco marketing head Mike Lopez’s reply: “The Wholesale Electric- Meanwhile, keep those questions and whatnot coming. We’ll try to ity Spot Market or WESM is envisioned to level the playing field, so to have an answer or solution for everyone and anyone. speak. Energy, similar to stocks, will be traded in a market dictated by mar- ooOoo ket prices. Power plants that offer the best prices will naturally have a bet- Paano po maging iskolar ng Bayan Foundation?Saan po maaaring tu- ter chance of being dispatched. For now, the WESM will be made available ACROSS 4. Also NLEx mawag?—Aspiring Scholar to large consumers (i.e., industrial, manufacturing, etc.) or those consum- 1. First---,asix-year-old 5. -----Memorial Muse- ABS-CBN Foundation’s Angelie Agbulos says that the program with ing 1 megawatt and above. project company for the um-institution founded STI is exclusively for family members of Bayan Foundation clients only. “For the residential segment, the availability of the WESM will still be Sta. Rita power plant by Don Eñing to honor This serves as an incentive for good payers. However, the foundation, led in the next few years. But even though residential customers cannot choose 4. The 84-km “motorists’ his parents by Gina Lopez, is looking to expand the project to other schools, such as their suppliers at the moment, Meralco has changed its supply portfolio to heaven” rehabilitated by 6. “---ofVision"-Asian Ateneo and La Salle. We’re still uncertain if it will also be open to non- provide them with the least cost of energy. From purchasing energy via MNTC, for short Eye Institute exhibit at clients of Bayan, but we’ll keep you posted. National Power Corp.’s time-of-use (TOU) rates, we have shifted to 6. Institution that orga- the Power Plant Mall ooOoo WESM purchases based on WESM nodal prices which are cheaper than nized the “Art of Vi- 7. “To receive as return for I hope Studio 23 airs the hit comedy “Entourage,” which stars Adrian NPC’s TOU rates. We will monitor WESM prices to come up with the op- sion” exhibit, for short effort” Grenier, etc. Any chance of this happening soon?—Luke timum mix for its supply portfolio.” 9. Don Eñing’s home 8. International Maritime Leo Katigbak, managing director of Studio 23, replies: “We are not ooOoo province Organization (abbr.) planning to get ‘Entourage.’ It’s actually hard to get the made-for-cable I was one of the many Lopez Group employees who availed of the [one- 10. Generation rate adjust- 12. Bayan Foundation part- series because they tend to be more risqué and will have more cuts. ‘En- day passport processing]…. The ABS-CBN team was very accommo- ment mechanism ner-school tourage’ is very showbiz and will work more as a cable show.” dating and efficient (especially Wens Wenceslao, who was very patient 11. File format for import- 15. Incremental currency ooOoo in answering the concerns of the hundreds of people who went there). ing and exporting exchange rate adjust- I have been to the Lopez Museum to research a few times and the staff Please extend to them my deepest gratitude. It not only saved time, PostScript files ment, for short has always been very friendly and helpful. Nice to know that the nakatipid pa ako. Suggestion lang: I hope that next time, BayanTel em- 13. Temporary restraining 17. A page on the left side Lopezes don’t seem to be scrimping on upgrading the staff’s skills and ployees are informed of these types of services at least one week before order 18. Intraocular lens, for short on acquiring new stuff, unlike other museums na parang napag- the scheduled activity, for us to prepare the needed documents. Super 14. Steven Spielberg movie 20. Either iwanan ng panahon. Anyway, is it true that the museum will be moved thank you talaga.—Rosanna Salcedo starring Jude Law and 21. Rhode Island, for short to the Rockwell Center?—Carl Gabriel What can I say?Kudos to the team of Maloli Espinosa, Ofel Escauriaga Joel Haley Osment 22. Delectable ABS-CBN Thank you for your kind comments. As for moving to Rockwell, mu- and Wens Wenceslao! 16.“With---,learning is Publishing mag seum director Cedie Lopez says: “We dream of that every night!” ooOoo fun and easy” 23.----wires clearing ooOoo If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions 19. More snug or comfortable project, a joint under- Will there be a “Lakad Mo, Pangarap Ko” this year?I joined the last about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send 23. Meralco is the premier taking of Meralco, the one that started in Rizal Park and really enjoyed it. By the way, con- them to Dear Rosie through fax no. 633-3520 or to DearRosie@ben- distributor of this MMDA, telcos and ca- gratulations, Ms Rina Lopez-Bautista for the Lingkod Sambayanan pres-holdings.com. Maraming salamat! 24. Robles or Yan ble TV operators 26. Chemical compound 25. “A cobwebby partial veil Ang San Fernando Church sa Pampanga containing hydroxyl consisting of silky fibrils” 27. Makati Cinema Square, 27. “Sa Piling - -,” top-rat- to habitués ing Juday-Piolo soap on TRAVEL 29. Yes, said Juan dela Cruz ABS-CBN 30. Manuel M. Lopez’s 28. The Lopezes, for one nickname 30. Mental health 32. Registered dietician 31. Dozes 33. First Holdings estab- 34. BayanTel product recently launched in East- ‘Pumuti man ang tugak…’ lished its program in this in 1998 ern Visayas KAKAIBANG kombinasyon ng September 8-15 cert, beauty contest, 35. And, according to Juan 36. “To unite or fasten by singkaban, palaka at anghel ang Singkaban Fiesta sports competitions at iba dela Cruz stitches” matutunghayan natin sa mga karatig Malolos, Bulacan pang patimpalak, street 36. Dr. David------only 37. “Overacting” na probinsiya ngayong buwan. Sa kabisera ipinagdiriwang ang dancing, awarding at 2-time Baldridge winner 38. Grade point average, for Madali lang puntahan ang mga lugar “mother of all fiestas” ng Bulacan, ang commemoration ng kung 39. Also to equal in mean- short kung saan idaraos ang mga kasiya- Linggo ng Bulacan na ngayon ay kilala anu-ano, at marami pang ing or symbolize 40. Provider of powerhouse hang nabanggit kaya tara na, mag- na bilang Singkaban Fiesta. (In case iba. Tingnan ang 41. The table, or watershed programming NLE na! (At kung di mo pa alam, nagtataka kayo, “singkaban” ang tawag http://bulacan.gov.ph/ para sa updated la-bola, adobo, tinola o torta. Maaari where Manila gets its water 41. The (Span.) hindi na puputi ang tugak…) sa bamboo arches na karaniwang gi- schedule ng mga activities. ring sumali sa “Padwasan” (frog 43. “Colorful” ABS-CBN 42. Managing editor nagamit kapag fiesta; Sept. 24 catching contest), frog Olympics, frog Publishing mag for 44. Island, for short cooking contest at pagandahan ng cos- Ang simbahan sa Malolos ito rin ay shortcut para Pyestang Tugak kikay teens Answers to August puzzle sa “Sining at Kalinan- San Fernando, Pampanga tume (para sa tao, hindi sa palaka). 45. Again, or in a different gan ng Bulacan.”) Paano nahahawig sa palaka ang Sept. 29 form Mag-expect ng mga taga-San Fernando?Ewan, pero Angels Festival 46. Original site of the Lopez extended celebration malaki umano ang naitutulong ng mga San Rafael, Bulacan Memorial Museum dahil lahat ng klase amphibians na ito sa environment, Isang linggong street dancing at DOWN ng gimik ay andito ekonomiya at kultura ng lugar kung kasiyahan naman ang naisip na paraan 1. ----Lopez, ABS-CBN upang i-celebrate ang kaya’t bida sila sa selebrasyon ng ng mga taga-San Rafael, Bulacan para Foundation Inc. manag- ingenuity, artistry, Pyestang Tugak. Magsayaw ng “Ma- ipagbunyi ang kanilang patron saint. ing director kakayahan at pati na madwas Tamu” (“Let’s Go and Catch Siyempre, dapat naka-angel costume ka 2. Aluminum or Alabama rin ang produkto ng Frogs”) at namnamin ang guest of para “in” sa festival na ito sa San Rafael, 3. State of the Nation Ad- mga Bulakeño. May honor sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang na kilala sa mga bakeries, kakanin at dress, for short misa, parada, con- luto ng palaka—may prito, adobo, bo- processed meat products nito. 12 LOPEZLINK September 2006

What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this September: Chalk’s ultimate Metro’s annual big breakup manual How to earn big bucks with little GET up close and personal with beauty issue real beauty Angel Locsin as she HERE they are—over 100 of the best overhead in Working Mom spills her secrets to beauty and beauty products you can get on the success. Be celebrity beautiful market today, tested, rated and MARICEL Soriano comes full with over 200 tips and best recommended by the Metro staff for our circle when she takes on the products from the experts in annual beauty issue. Cover girl Dawn role that started it all for her achieving fab hair and makeup. Zulueta talks about how staying beautiful in “John En Shirley,” a spin-off Also, get to meet a Pinay model means living healthy, and living outside of of the successful ‘70s comedy who has made it to the interna- yourself to reach out to others. Manila’s “John ‘n’ Marsha.” This tional scene and other Pinoys most stylish women share their beauty September, Working Mom who have made us proud. And, secrets, and a former beauty editor dishes features the enduring actress feel even more beautiful after a out what she really learned on the job. as she talks candidly about bad breakup and survive the af- Learn how to wear the latest trends, from starring opposite comedy termath with our ultimate leggings to minis, no matter what your king Dolphy anew, and how breakup manual. All these and age and body type. And for a riveting read, she raises her two teenage more in Chalk’s September is- beauty queen and TV host Miriam boys, single-mom style. Also sue! Quiambao opens up about the end of her in this issue, earn big bucks fairytale marriage, and the process of with little overhead in moving on. bazaars, achieve a new you through image engineering, and find out exactly what schools and students are doing about bullies. FOOD’s buffet of treats A BUFFET of delicious treats awaits readers of FOOD Magazine, with hearty meat recipes the family will surely love. There are six recipes for new ways with ground meat, plus a guide to cooking with fresh herbs. Hairdresser Ricky Reyes shares his recipes for lumpiang isda with raisins and pork hamonado during a visit to his resort in Calatagan, Batangas. Lifestyle Network show host Michelle Simons gives tips for organizing your own theme party, and serves up a fabulous recipe for shabu shabu. On the cover is a fruity icebox cake prepared by pastry chef Jackie Ang-Po, an easy dish assembled with buttercream, chocolate-dipped lady fingers and assorted fresh fruits. Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. For subscriptions, contact ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at 924-4101 or 415-2272 loc. 4658 or Joena Cabrera at 415-2852 or 415-2671. (Joseph Uy)

MALL FINDS

D. Indie Dress, Ruth & Esther. P1,250 By Mira Marasigan Earrings and rings, Cru. P450-P750 Pins, Irene’s TheDesigner’s R2 Lifestyles section of the Power Plant Mall is the “se- den Closet. P100 cret garden” of stylists all around the metro. A true haven Lingerie, Hot of local designers with their one-of-a kind, innovative de- Pink. P995/set signs that truly describe and affirm one’s own fashion style. Hat, bangles and necklaces, It is located in a place not many people would go, but for Aranaz. the few who know it, they can’t stray too long from it. P150-P1,500 Just take a look at these photos by photographer Paolo Belt, Cole Pineda and spearheaded by fashion connoisseur Luis Espir- Vintage at itu. Even the Basement 3 car park of the Power Plant Mall Pilar. P390 Shoes, Sapato was transformed into a work of art when used as backdrop C Manila. P1,250 for the fabulous clothing and accessories found in R2 Lifestyles! You can also view all 16 photos around the Pow- er Plant Mall.

Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo Executive Editor Rosan Cruz Contributing Editors Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene Ochoa (MNTC) A B September 22 and 24 Sept. 23 Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (BayanTel) Musik Production Workshop with BMW’s Club 1 Promo with German Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (Beyond Cable) A. Jetsetter DJane Aroma Month Leah Salterio (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) Shoes and trench coat, Solea. P2,899 and P700 Venue: To be announced Sept. 27 Peach blouse, Details. P895, Skinny pants, Ilaya. P1,200 Frances Bumanlag (AEI) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) Jewelry from Cru located at Pilar. P750-950 Sept.22to24 Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) Sunglasses, Evita Peroni. P2,650 Lounge @fter Sunset @ Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club Bag, Aranaz. P3,800 Club nights with DJane Aroma Editorial and Layout IPI Creative Business Unit Sept. 29 to October 1 B. Retro glam Venue: To be announced Expo of German products and ser- Dress, Ruth & Esther. P1,490 Sept. 23 vices LopezLink is published by Benpres Necklaces from Cru located at Pilar. P850-P950 Philippine-German Economic Forum @ Rockwell Tent PR Group, 4/F Benpres Bldg., Shoes, Brian Tenorio for Solea. P5,450 Berlin, Germany Sept.29toOct.1 Ortigas, Pasig City C. Sullen schoolgirl Telefax: 633-3520 Blouse and necktie, Pilar. P1,200 and P600 Sept. 22-24 German Car Show: Mercedes-Benz For feedback, please email: Tube dress, Irene’s Closet. P1,300 German Car Show: BMW @ Rockwell Power Plant Mall [email protected] Brooch from Cru located at Pilar. P1,500 @ Rockwell Power Plant Mall Wedges, Sapato Manila. P1,850