OML's 75Th a Real Blast "IF We Close Shop Tomorrow, All of You Can Years, and She Replied Simply: We Pray the with First Holdings President Elpidio L

May 2005

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"Sabay Tayo" finale at OML's birthday program highlights the sense of unity and solidarity within the Lopez Group: "Magkaramay sa lumbay, magkasama sa lahat ng tagumpay." OML's 75th a real blast "IF we close shop tomorrow, all of you can years, and she replied simply: we pray the with First Holdings President Elpidio L. find work in the entertainment field," so went rosary every night," the bishop said. Ibañez, fulfilling a promise made at OML's the opening statement of Lopez Group chair- Former President Corazon C. Aquino, a 70th birthday five years ago, to the chairman Oscar M. Lopez (OML), in his message friend of the Lopez family, attended the mass man's delight. following an hour-long entertainment extrav- with a host of other friends of the Lopez fam- The 1940s Elvis Presley medley featuring aganza prepared and most professionally par- ily from business and civil society. Nestor Ignacio and Nestor Padilla of Rock- ticipated in by Lopez Group corporate tal- Opening the program-which was alternately well Land, Johnny Sy of ABS-CBN and ents, from rank and file staff to middle man- hosted by OML's eight children and featured a Rafael M. Alunan III of First Philippine In- agers and senior executives. musical revue of the decades from OML's birth frastructure Development Corporation The afternoon event at the Meralco The- in 1930 to the present- was a rendition of "The (FPIDC) rocked the house, while the live ater began with a concelebrated mass offici- Prayer" by the Meralco Chorale with OML's 1970s OPM medley by eight ABS-CBN ex- ated by Bishop Federico Escaler with Fr. granddaughter Erica L. Abello as soloist. ecutives led by Finance chief Randy Estrel- Catalino Arevalo, Fr. Jaime Bulatao, Fr. Cedie L. Vargas, OML's eldest daughter lado brought the house down. Ernesto Javier and Fr. Carmelo Caluag-all and head of Logistics at ABS-CBN, led the The black theater production of "What a close friends of the Lopez family. performance of the 1930s "All that Jazz," Wonderful World" to represent the 1980s was In his homily, Bishop Escaler paid tribute with dancers composed of a mix of staff and participated in by 15 of OML's grandchildren to OML as a good family man, calling his officers from 10 Lopez Group member firms. and 11 children of Lopez Group officers. devotion to his family the greater achieve- Three VIP Dancers and wives of three Lopez ABS-CBN stars pitted vocal talents with ment of 75 years, over and above what OML Group officers completed 11 pairs of dancers Meralco's Chris Agas, Bert Fangon, Gilbert Whale sharks has achieved as a manager and business for the 1940s "Boogie Medley." Brigino and Jopet Petalver in a medley of hit leader. For the 1950s segment, Federico R. songs from the musical "Les Miserables" for and fireflies p12 "I asked Connie (Lopez, wife of OML) Lopez, OML's second son and president of the 1990s segment. once what has kept them together all these First Gen Corporation, sang "Night and Day" Turn to page 7 2 LOPEZLINK May 2005

Lopez Group companies' 2004 financial performance FPHC umarangkada 2004 Financial Results Ang unbundling ng electricity rates Bumaba ng 25% ang net income ng Umarangkadang muli ang First Philip- ay isang requirement ng Electric Power ABS-CBN sa P758 milyon mula sa pine Holdings Corporation (FPHC) (in pesos) Total Revenues Net income/(loss) Industry Reform Act (Epira) upang P1.008 bilyon noong 2003. noong 2004 at nagtala ng net income na 2003 2004 %change 2003 2004 %change magkaroon ng higit na transparency sa P3.3 bilyon at total revenues na P39.89 pagsingil sa customers. Isa ito sa mga Benpres lumiit ang pagkalugi bilyon. Nanggaling sa First Gen Corpo- paunang kundisyon para sa open access Nakalikom ang Benpres Holdings Cor- ration, dating First Generation Holdings ABS-CBN 12.64 B 13.57 B +7 1.008 B 758 M -25 system kung saan makapipili ang mga poration ng consolidated revenues na nag- Corporation, ang 93% ng revenues ng consumer ng kanilang gustong electric kakahalaga ng P3.905 bilyon noong 2004, FPHC. Umabot din ng P37.04 bilyon ang Benpres 5.006 B 3.905 B -22 (1.905 B) (1.364 B) +28 utility. mas mababa ng 22% kaysa sa P5.006 bi- consolidated revenues ng First Gen. lyong revenues nito noong 2003. Nabawas naman sa resulta ng FPHC FPHC 38.42 B 38.89 B +4 3.84 B 3.31 B -14 ABS-CBN humahabol Mayroong pagbaba na 46% sa For- ang parte nito sa provision for probable Nagtala ng P13.57 bilyong total con- eign Currency Differential Adjustment losses na ginawa ng Meralco kung Meralco 131.9 B 147.6 B +12 1.27 B (2.61 B)* -205 solidated revenues ang ABS-CBN (FCDA) dahil sa reclassification ng sakaling matalo ito sa kaso ng rate un- Broadcasting Corporation noong 2004, Maynilad charges. Ang Maynilad ay na- bundling na nakahain ngayon sa Supreme *After providing for probable losses in the amount of P9.82 B mas mataas ng 7% kumpara sa P12.64 ka-consolidate sa libro ng Benpres. Court. Ang parte ng FPHC sa provision bilyong naitala noong 2003. Tumaas naman ng 63% ang interest at for probable losses ay tinatayang umabot Meralco naipit ng unbundling so ng rate unbundling sa Supreme Court. Ang consolidated cost and operating financing charges dahil sa penalties at mga sa halagang P1.2 bilyon. Kung hindi ito issue Sinabi ng Meralco na kung kakatigan expenses ay umakyat ng 16% sa P12.05 utang na hindi nababayaran sa oras. Ang kasama, maaring umabot ng P4.5 bilyon Bagama't tumaas ang benta ng elek- ng Supreme Court ang desisyon ng Court bilyon, mula P10.39 bilyon. Umakyat ng pagbagsak ng halaga ng piso laban sa dol- ang net income ng FPHC, mas mataas ng trisidad, nagtala ng net loss na P2.61 bi- of Appeals na bawiin ang rate un- 19% ang total cashoperating expenses, yar mula P55.438 noong December 2003 18% kaysa sa 2003 performance nito. lyon ang Meralco noong 2004. bundling na ipinatupad ng Energy Reg- 19% ang production cost at 22% ang cost sa P56.28 noong December 2004 ay naging Ang First Gen at Meralco ang pinaka- Tumaas ng 3.5% ang sales ng Meralco ulatory Commission (ERC) noong 2003, of sales and services. dahilan din ng paglaki ng peso value ng malalaking operating companies sa ilal- at umabot ng 24,660 gigawatt-hours. masama ang magiging epekto nito hindi Samantala, umangat din ng 16% ang pagkakautang ng Benpres at ng Maynilad. im ng FPHC. Mayroon din itong pag-aari Gayunpaman, ipinasya ng Meralco na lamang sa kumpanya kundi pati na rin sa general and administrative costs dahil sa Gayunman, lumiit ng 28% ang net sa Manila NorthTollways Corporation magbawas sa kita nito ng provision for 1.2 milyong lifeline customers nito. mga bagong tauhang kailangan ng ABS- loss ng Benpres sa halagang P1.364 bi- (MNTC) na nagsimula ng commercial probable losses para mapunan ang anu- Mayroong 4.2 milyong customer ang CBN Global sa pag-expand nito sa lyon, kumpara sa P1.905 bilyon noong operations nitong Pebrero 2005 lamang. mang pagkalugi sakaling matalo ito sa ka- Meralco ng matapos ang 2004. bagong territories. 2003. (Carla Paras-Sison)

Tunnel rehab improves water supply; First Sumiden bags 2004 ‘Conserve,’ West Zone residents asked By Jess Matubis But if rains don't come by June, the decreasing level of raw water in Angat Dam Philippine Quality Award WATER supply to Metro Manila has in- may exceed the 167.94-meter elevation creased following the rehabilitation of the reached during the 1998 El Niño. FIRST Sumiden Circuits Inc. (FSCI), a joint venture com- Umiray Tunnel, but Maynilad Water Ser- "Withthecontinued absence of rainfall, pany of Sumitomo Electric Industries (SEI), Sumitomo vices Inc. (MWSI) is cautioning residents we project a decrease of 18 meters per day Corporation (SC) and First Philippine Holdings Corp. under its West Zone concession to conserve to the water level in Angat," said Edgardo (FPHC), was conferred the 2004 Philippine Quality Award water as El Niño continues to deplete the Esteban, Maynilad's Water Production (PQA) for Proficiency in Quality Management, a tribute to raw water reserve in Angat Dam. head. "So by the end of April, we might the company's continuing quest for manufacturing excel- As of April 18, 2005, the Angat Dam's have only a 177-meter elevation. If this re- lence. water level has gone down to 178 meters, duction persists, we may reach171.42 me- Vice President Noli de Castro presented the award to below the critical mark of 180 meters. The ters by end of May, which is very near the FSCI officials during the 7th PQA ceremony held in Mala- National Water Resource Board (NWRB) 167.94-meter level that was reached in El cañang's Heroes Hall. said at the current rate that Angat is receiv- Niño of 1998, which is the worst El Niño Before taking part in the PQA, which uses the same cri- ing water from the Umiray Tunnel, raw wa- the country ever experienced." ter level may plunge to 160 meters by June teria as the United States' Malcolm Baldridge National Maynilad is currently intensifying its unless rains come by next month. leak repairs and replacement of old pipes Quality Award (MBNQA), FSCI joined two cycles of the The NWRB had reduced water supply to and facilities to maximize the remaining Oscar M. Lopez Award for Performance Excellence (OS- Metro Manila after debris from floods and water supply. Esteban added that Metro CAR), the Lopez Group's version of the Baldridge Award. landslides caused by typhoons in late 2004 Manila residents can help alleviate the ef- FSCI received one of the highest ratings in the 2003 cycle, blocked the Umiray Tunnel. After the clear- fects of the shortage by conserving water. resulting in its top management being awarded a trip to the ing operations done by the Metropolitan Wa- "Malaking tulong yon if our customers 2004 MBNQA Conference. terworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), would be reeducated about the importance of FSCI president Dan C. Lachica told the Philippine Star (From left) First Sumiden Circuits Inc. (FSCI) president Manila Water and Maynilad, the tunnel was water conservation. They can help to prevent that the Oscar experience within the Lopez Group gave the immediately rehabilitated, and the dry run of the situation from worsening," he said. company a good roadmap to follow in pursuing its quality Dan C. Lachica, senior vice president Hisahiro Miyake water flow from Umiray to objectives that also allowed it to clinch the PQA. and vice president for finance and administration Ida the Angat reservoir began Lachica said that the competitive edge of FSCI is its Binua receive the Philippine Quality Awards (PQA) on March17. strong focus on quality, innovation, productivity, and God- Recognition for Proficiency in Quality Management As a result, water flow to liness. The company has been certified to the Integrated from Vice President Noli de Castro (middle) and DTI Metro Manila was raised to 41 Management System (IMS), a trio of internationally recog- Secretary Juan B. Santos (rightmost). cubic meters per second (cms). nized standards: ISO 9001:2000 for Quality, ISO Normal flow is 46 cms. 14001:1996 for Environment and OHSAS 18001:1999 for Asked how the company is preparing to compete with According to Rodrigo Health and Safety. FSCI has also adopted the Six Sigma ap- other electronic firms in the quality arena, Roy N. Baldo, Yabut, head of Maynilad's proach, which enables companies to eliminate defects in its FSCI vice president for the manufacturing division, said: Water Network, they are processes using statistical methods. "We are focusing on the opportunities for improvements monitoring the water flow The FSCI president disclosed that even while FSCI pre- (OFI) in our manufacturing and business processes." through the 13-kilometer pares for the 2006 PQA, management is already planning to This is not only meant to clinch another award in the Umiray Tunnel to ensure introduce another continuous improvement initiative-Lean 2006 PQA, but more importantly, to support FSCI's vi- that all the debris is flushed out. An estimated nine cms Manufacturing, a data-driven method of eliminating waste sion. of water is supplied by the in all aspects of operations. FSCI exports flexible printed circuits to Japan, China, Umiray Tunnel, represent- Thailand, Singapore and the USA. Flexible printed circuits "Coupled withSix Sigma, it will bring us closer to our ing 20 percent of domestic The Umiray inlet structure undergoing flushing opera- vision of becoming the world's leading manufacturer of are used in cellular phones, video cameras, hard disk drives water supply. tions to remove debris flexible printed circuits," Lachica said. (HDDs) and printers. (Aleth Pablo)

Congratulations to Benpres Holdings Corporation for passing the ESH Final MARS 2004-2005 assessment and receiving the President’s Award! LOPEZLINK May 2005 3 Meralco ‘Family Day 2005’ Tanda ng pagkakaisa sa pagsalubong sa pagbabago

Ni Mikoy Garcia competition, corporate rites, testimo- President and COO Jesus Francisco nial dinner with outstanding employ- ay nanalo sa LAA noong Pebrero: IPINAGDIWANG kamakailan ng ees, lineman's rodeo, kiddie contests ang "Employee Volunteerism Pro- Meralco ang kanyang ika-102 taong and magic show, exhibition games ng gram" ng Meralco Millennium Foun- anibersaryo na may temang "Cele- badminton, billiard at chess, solo dation, Inc. (MMFI) at Meralco Em- brating Change with Synergy." Ang singing contest, thanksgiving mass, ployees Fund for Charity, Inc. (MEF- naturang tema ay napapanahon dahil street party at marami pang iba. CI); ang "Improvement in Electric papasok na ang Meralco sa isang Isa rin sa mga highlights noong System Reliability" na pinangunahan deregulated environment kung saan "Family Day" ay ang Meralco mascot ng Networks; at ang "Culture ay magkakaroon na ng kumpetisyon. relaunching kung saan ipinakilala si Change-Key Success Factor to Im- Malaking hamon ito para sa Meralco Kiko Meralco at ang mga kasama plement Corporate Transformation" at upang ito ay higit na matugunan, niya sa Liwanag Patrol. Ang pagbibi- na proyekto naman ng HR sa kinakailangang mapag-isa ang gay pangalan at personalidad sa Mer- pakikipagtulungan ng mga unyon. kakayanan at lakas ng mga empleya- alco mascot ay isang hakbang upang Tunay na naging makabuluhan do ng kumpanya. madama ng mga customer na ang ang ika-102 taong anibersaryo ng Ilan sa mga pagbabago ay ang Meralco ay isang mapagmalasakit at Meralco lalo na at napakaraming em- pagtawag sa anniversary celebration malalapitang kumpanya. pleyado at kapamilya ang dumalo at ng Meralco bilang "Family Day" Nakatugon rin sa tema ng pag- bawat empleyado-ay papalitan na ng tungkulin nito bilang tagapagdala ng masigabong nakilahok sa mga ka- kaysa sa nakagawiang "Employees babago ang pagpapalit ng corporate community service at customer fo- liwanag. ganapan. Day" o "E-Day." Tunay na nakatug- values ng kumpanya. Sa mga nag- cus. Sa pamamagitan ng bagong cor- Ang mga award na tinanggap ng Inaasahan na mas magiging ma ang katagang "Family Day" dahil daang taon, tinangkilik ng mga emp- porate values na ito, ang Meralco ay Meralco ng nakaraang Lopez matagumpay ang taong ito para sa kasama ng mga empleyado ang kani- leyado ang values na quality, produc- mananatili pa rin bilang isang Achievement Awards (LAA) ay pato- Meralco kung ang kumpanya ay kanilang mga pamilya upang makiba- tivity, integrity, teamwork at kumpanyang may puso at may mag- too sa corporate values at sa hangad makakasabay sa mga hamon ng pag- hagi sa mga programa at paligsahan. malasakit. Simula ngayong taon, ang andang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga nito na mapabuti ang serbisyo sa mga babago sa pamamagitan ng pinag- Ilan sa events na ginanap sa isang corporate values na quality at produc- taong pinaglilingkuran nito. Higit sa customer. isang puwersa ng mga empleyado linggong pagdiriwang ay ang cheering tivity-na inaasahang naisapuso na ng lahat, gagampanan ng Meralco ang Ang mga ninomina ni Meralco nito. BayanTel in ECOP nat'l confab First Balfour awarded BAYANTEL backs efforts to make the country globally competitive in the information and communica- ADB security project tion technology (ICT) arena by being one of the major sponsors in the Employer's Confederation of the In February 2005, First Balfour, Inc. was Philippines (ECOP) 26th National Conference for Em- awarded the P100-million Asian Develop- ployers on May 17-18, 2005. ment Bank (ADB) contract for the En- The theme of this year's conference is "The Filipino hanced Security Access Control (ESAC) Entrepreneur: Local Roots, Global Reach." project, which aims to improve security BayanTel chief consultant Tunde Fafunwa said: "We at controls and access to the bank's headquar- BayanTel are committed partners in the efforts to make ters in Mandaluyong City. the country more globally competitive. The ECOP Na- The project involves the construction of tional Conference allows us play a more active role in ad- new security buildings, the enhancement of vocating the competitiveness of Philippine industries, not existing entrance lobbies, the supply and in- Photo shows ECOP Chairman Atty. Miguel Varela and just the ICT sector, in the global market." stallation of new security systems and com- BayanTel chief consultant Tunde Fafunwa (center) ECOP Chairman Atty. Miguel Varela congratulated ponents. The First Balfour project team formalizing BayanTel's sponsorship in the 26th National BayanTel for its efforts. "We are pleased with the in- headed by Danny B. Escarlan faces the Conference of Employers. Also in photo are Alegria volvement of BayanTel in the 26th National Confer- challenge to complete the project by "Bing" Limjoco, overall chair of the "NCE 26" or- ence of Employers and we look forward to its contin- November 2005. ganizing committee and Atty. Ranulfo Payos, co-chair. ued support to our programs," Varela said. BayanTel backs FPHC Get your fill of unlimited Internet secures HOOKED on the Internet? Do you find 499 for a minimum 3-month period un- the growing mass of Internet users the ICT efforts of DTI your prepaid card just doesn't give you til June 15, your monthly fee on the best value for their Internet needs while BAYANTEL re- enough time to stay on-line? 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And if you subscribe to Sky Internet nection at a fixed rate, we are providing more details. 4 LOPEZLINK May 2005 Partnerships, alliances mean green light for Verde Island project By Joyce Javillonar Corporation, and with the technical supervision of Conserva- tion International-Philippines, will oversee the first six THE coasts, islands and waters of five Southern Luzon months of the program. provinces-Batangas, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, The project will develop a coastal resource management Marinduque and Romblon-make up what is known as the (CRM) plan for the entire island, particularly in its two ma- Verde Passage Marine Corridor. rine sanctuaries. Major activities include biological and so- The Verde Passage is an area of high biodiversity, with cioeconomic assessment, capacity building of the Isla Verde possibly the richest concentration of marine life on the planet, Sanctuary Management Board, fishery councils and local according to a 2004 study by Carpenter and Springer. government units; and planning for an ecosystem-based man- It is also prized for its high socioeconomic value, harboring agement approach for the broader marine corridor of Verde as it does some of the country's richest fishing grounds, such as Island Passage. A feasibility study on dive user fees, design the Batangas coast, Balayan Bay and Tayabas Bay; its energy and enforcement of policies will also be undertaken. industries, particularly oil, gas, and geothermal; outstanding An orientation on CRM held at the First Gas Power Plant dive destinations, such as Anilao, Verde Island and Puerto Conference Roomin Sta. Rita, Batangas on Feb. 3-4, 2005 Galera; and its major port and transportation facilities. served as the project's launching pad. However, these activities threaten the area's marine re- Participants included the Sangguniang Panlungsod of sources, which stakeholders agree must be conserved to en- Batangas City, the Office of the City Veterinarian and Agricul- sure that they may be enjoyed by future generations. tural Services (OCVAS), the City Environment and Natural In November 2004, the Verde Island Ecosystem-Based Resources Office (CENRO), the City Planning and Develop- Management Program-which has the twin goals of maintain- ment Office (CPDO), barangay LGUs, barangay fishery coun- ing and protecting the ecosystemsuch that species and eco- cils, the Isla Verde Sanctuary Management Board, the Philip- logical processes are sustained, and improving the well-being pine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard and of the people in terms of livelihood, income, participation and staff of First Gas Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries. basic services-was launched. Then, a participatory coastal resource assessment (PCRA) First Philippine Conservation, Inc., backed by First Gen was conducted on the island on Feb. 21-24. Approximately 75 people fromthe local and city governmentand the six barangays of Verde Island helped assess the coral and fish resources, mangrove habitats and the socioeconomic status of the communities. Representatives fromOCVAS, CENRO, CPDO and First Gas taught community members how to gather data using various methods, such as manta tows and point intercept transect for fish and corals, transect plots for mangroves, and focus group discussions and household surveys for the socioeconomic data gathering. The results of the PCRA will be used to determine the best way to maintain Verde Passage's resources. What makes this activity doubly significant is the involvement of the stakeholders, especially the residents, in addressing problems and opportunities for managing the resources. The stakeholders will continue to play an important role in the development of the CRM plan, including in the validation of the initial assessments and in future workshops. Building on these initial activities, the participation of the different agencies A resident with a sample of Verde’s marine resources, and sectors shall be further strengthened for the long-termin- which First Gen and partners are trying to preserve tegrated management of Verde Island's resources.

Lopez Museum Lopez Museum exhibit SUMMER ART WORKSHOPS ‘Grave Findings: A Reclamation Project’ For 13 and above: (24 May to 11 August 2005) Basic Printmaking Facilitated by PAP (Ambie Abano) May 2-6, 1-5 p.m. EVER heard the expression "You can't Fee P3,000 take it with you"? The truth of this expres- Photography Workshop sion is proven by various archaeological Facilitated by RJ Fernandez digs that show materials such as jewelry, May 9-13, 1-5 p.m. weapons, potteries and others alongside Fee P5,000 bodies of dead people. These materials Contemporary Bookbinding provide information about the civiliza- Workshop tion/culture that flourished then. Project" takes another look at this site, the Facilitated by Loreto Apilado Saturdays (May 7,14,21,28 and items found there and the implications on June 4,11) 9 a.m.-12 nn the community of activities such as ar- Lopez Museum's April batch of graduates Fee: P4,500 chaeological digs. Book Art Workshop Taking off fromthe pieces in the mu- LAUREN Laudico, 14, one of the creative Facilitated by Loreto Apilado seumcollection and the work of archae- writing workshop participants, described the Saturdays (May 7,14,21,28 and ologists, artist Maria Taniguchi creates Creative Writing workshop facilitated by Palanca June 4,11) 1-4 p.m. sculptural pieces and a video based on her Award winner Carla Pacis (left) as "incredibly Fee: P4,500 research. The exhibition brings together challenging and different." Also held in April several disciplines-archaeology, sculp- Workshop is five days, slots were the Basic Drawing Workshop under artist tural and contemporary expression-within limited. Fee of each workshop Freddie Aquilizan (below, left) and the Comic a museum setting. Book Writing Workshop under Emil Flores. rangesfrom P2,500 to P5,000 Exhibition is on until August 11, and includesmaterials.The 2005. Lopez Memorial Museum is locat- The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ed at the ground floor of the Ben- ground floor, Benpres Building, Ex- presBuilding, Exchange Road, change Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. In the Philippines, one of the more im- Pasig City. For more information, contact portant archaeological sites is Calatagan, Museumdays and hours are Monday to Fanny at 631-2417 or e-mail pez- Batangas, where diggings were done by Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. except holidays. [email protected]. Robert Fox and National Museumper- For more information, call 631 2417 or e- sonnel. "Grave Findings: A Reclamation mail [email protected] LOPEZLINK May 2005 5

ONCE in a whilethis summer, it's wiseto avoid the weekend crush in the metro's Thursday primetime hotspots and just relax with the gang at beginning May 26: home. And you could do just that, thanks 7:00 p.m. Wazzup, Wazzup to the great movies showing on Studio 23, 7:30 p.m. Birds of Prey your kabarkada, this May: Summer flicks on [returning show] In this coming-of-agecomedy, a group May 14 ister's sex scandal-only to learn that 8:20 p.m. Alias BARKADA NIGHTS of friends at the end of their senior year 28 Days [Post-Mother's Day Spe- "Ellie" is not exactly the name of a hot 9:10 p.m. Desperate Housewives (Fridays) makea pact to losetheirvirginity by prom cial] lady, but more of a pretty hot event. [premiere] May 6 night. In their outrageous attempts to ful- Cast: Sandra Bullock, Viggo Mortensen, Soon, the comet's existence is an- 10:00 p.m. News Central Bean fill this mission, theycometo somesur- Dominic West, Elizabeth Perkins, Diane nounced officially. Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Peter MacNichol, prising, hilarious and often touching real- Ladd Theonly chanceof saving earthliesin Pamela Reed, Burt Reynolds, JohnMills izations about themselves, their friend- A jaded city girl to the core, Gwen is blasting it off its course. Bean the movie features Mr. Bean in ships, their notions of love, romance and determined not to conform. Then she Meanwhile, here's the lineup of The new adventures. The painting "Whistler's their relations with the opposite sex. meets Counselor Cornell (Steve Busce- Oprah Winfrey Show at 10:30 p.m. this Mother" has been acquired from the May 27 mi), who begins to break through her care- May: Museed'Orsayin Paris by theGrierson Forces ofNature fully constructed defenses and forces her 3 Tues TheMillionaireWoman Gallery in California. As an attempt to get Cast: Ben Affleck, Sandra Bullock, Mau- to takea closerlook at who shereallyis. Next Door him out of the country, Mr. Bean is sent to ra Tierney, Steve Zahn, Blythe Danner, Ultimately, through the companionship of 4Wed Wynona Judd: Fighting For Los Angeles to unveil the painting and Ronny Cox her group as well as a devastating loss, Her Life present it to everyone, even though he Ben Holmes, a professional book-jack- Gwen gradually loses her cynicism and 5 Thurs Julia Roberts is Having knows nothing about thepainting. et "blurbologist," is trying to get to Savan- beginsthelong struggleto takeback her Twins May 13 nah for his wedding. He just barely catch- life. Maybe, she discovers, your insides 6Fri Moms Who Drink Too Save the Last Dance (Post-Mother's es the last plane, but a seagull flies into the can match your outsides. Much Day Special) engineastheplaneis taking off. All later May 21 10 Tues What Not to Wear This flights are cancelled because of an ap- The General's Daughter [Special] Summer proaching hurricane, so he is forced to Cast: John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe, 11 Wed A SingleMotherOf Quads hitch a ride in a Geo Metro with an attrac- James Cromwell, Timothy Hutton, James 12 Thurs This Show Could SaveYour tive but eccentric woman named Sara. Woods Life DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES When a general's daughter (Leslie Ste- 13 Fri Can This Stubborn Mom Every Thursday at 9:10 p.m. STUDIO 23 PRESENTS fanson), an army captain in psychological Stop Drinking? operations, is found murdered, two warrant 17 Tues Miracle Babies With Celine Genre: Drama/Comedy/Mystery (Saturdays) Everyonehasa littledirty laundry. May 7 officers (John Travolta, Madeleine Stowe) Dion Secrets and truths unfold through In The Bedroom [Mother's Day Spe- are brought in to investigate. The young 18 Wed Living A Secret Life the lives of female friends in one sub- cial] woman was staked down with tent poles, 19 Thurs Oprah's Voting Party / strangled, and presumably raped. But what Cameron Diaz, P. Diddy urban neighborhood, after the mysteri- the investigators find is even more bizarre, 20 Fri Moms Addicted to Drugs ous suicide of a neighbor. A contempo- relating back to her days at West Point and ComeClean rary take on "happily ever after." Cast: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick involving the general (James Cromwell) 24 Tues Lori Hacking's Mom Comes Creator Marc Cherry ("The Golden Thomas, Kerry Washington, Fredro Starr himselfand his aide(ClarenceWilliams Forward Girls") said hegot theideato writethe With her dreams of becoming a profes- III). Thedaughter'soneconfidant (James 25 Wed Wynona, Ashley and Naomi pilot after a conversation with his sional ballerina decimated by the accidental Woods) also ends up as an apparent suicide Judd: Follow Up mother. She told him that raising Cher- death of her mother, Sara Johnson (Stiles) and is assumedto betheculprit. 26Thurs Exclusive: Tatum O'Neal's ry and his siblings with their father is forced to move from her quiet Vermont Cover-ups and sexual scandals ram- Hollywood Nightmare away most of thetimemadeherfeel town to her father's ghetto apartment on the pagethroughout thefilm. Timothy Hutton 27 Fri Oprah's "Chutzpah" Awards "desperate" sometimes. south sideof Chicago. Thestark urban en- appears as an on-base officer. 31 Tues Ask TheExperts Teri Hatcher was voted Best Ac- vironment's contrast of race and class com- Cast: Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, Nick May 28 tress at the recent Golden Globes for pound Sara's loss and her misplaced guilt, Stahl, Marissa Tomei, William Mapother Deep Impact her portrayal of Susan Mayer. which are both exacerbated by the fact that TheFowlersarea normal family in Cast: Robert Duvall, Tea Leoni, Elijah her mother had been en route to her dance Maine. Matt (Tom Wilkinson) is the town Wood, Vanessa Redgrave, Morgan Free- performanceatthetimeof herdeath. doctor and loves to fish; his wife, Ruth man, Maximilian Schell, Dougray Scott, But when she meets Derek (Sean (Sissy Spacek), is the school's choir lead- Leelee Sobieski Patrick Thomas), a popular black student er, and their son, Frank (Nick Stahl), is Young Leo Biederman joined his high with a passion for hip hop and a future home from his first year of college. Frank school's astronomy club moreto bewith- brighter than his troubled past, her re- is in lovewith Natalie(Marisa Tomei),a Sarah Hotchner than to look into the skies. pressed ambition and sorrow are released young mother who isn't quite divorced yet Onenight, a fieldstudy takesplaceand through a revitalized interest in the cathar- from her ex-husband, Richard Strout Leo accidentally stumbles into one spot tic and expressive power of dance. (William Mapother), whose family runs too many in a known group of stars. The May 20 the local cannery. It makes Richard's new comet is soon named Wolf-Bieder- American Pie [Special] blood run cold to seehiswiferunning man. Unfortunately, it races towards earth Cast: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas around with another man. on a direct collision course. Ian Nicholas, Seann William Scott, Mena And soon, an unthinkabletragedyhap- In the meantime Jenny Learner, an Suvari pens that will tear the Fowlers apart. NBC reporter, traces the story of a min- ‘Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin’ ng ABS-CBN, parating na! MALAPIT nang mapanood ang pinakabagong iyo. Siyempre, dala nito ang matinding drama- obra ng ABS-CBN, ang "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa gaya ng mga teleseryeng minahal natin mula sa Akin." Sa unang pagkakataon ay pinagsasama- ating mga kapamilya sa ABS-CBN. sama ng ABS-CBN sa napaka-espesyal na teleser- Sa ilalim ng direksyon nina Eric Reyes yeng ito ang teleserye princess na si Claudine Bar- ("Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas") at Jerome Pobocan retto at ang box-office tandem nina John Lloyd ("Hiram"), mapapanood rin sa "Ikaw Ang Lahat Cruz at Bea Alonzo. Kaisa rin sa bukod-tanging Sa Akin" sina Hilda Koronel, Tirso Cruz III, Ja- cast ng "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin" sina Angelika clyn Jose, Noni Buencamino at Carmi Martin. de la Cruz, Shaina Magdayao at Diether Ocampo. Kasama nila sina Kathleen Hermosa, Vanna Gar- At ano nga ba ang maaasahan nating mga ka- cia, Marla Boyd at Glaiza deCastro. Ang mga pamilya sa pinakabagong offering na ito ng ABS- baguhang artistang sina Raphael Martinez, Kiko Shaina Magdayao, Claudine Barretto, Angelika dela Cruz, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea CBN? Ang "Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin" ay kuwen- Matos at DM Sevilla ay gaganap bilang mga Alonzo at Diether Ocampo to ng pag-ibig at buhay na maaaring mangyari sa manliligaw ni Shaina. 6 LOPEZLINK May 2005 Saving La Mesa Dam watershed By Rose de la Cruz

THE 2,700-hectare La Mesa Dam watershed was a lush old-growth forest whose trees effectively caught and stored rainwater brought by the 33 or more monsoons that hit Metro Manila each year. But years of neglect and abandon have decimated the forest substan- tially, affecting the capacity of the watershed to catch and store rainwater and spill the water to the dam.The encroachment of squatter families in surrounding areas and the accompa- nying pollution from the unregulated use of the ecopark for outings and picnics also took its toll on the watershed, which continues to be under the supervision of the Metropolitan Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Senate President Franklin Waterworks and Sewerage System Belmonte Drilon (MWSS). In recent months, the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI), through its 1 managing director Gina Lopez, along with partners Petron, HSBC, 1. Check from HSBC amounting to the Quezon City government, P800,000, half of which will go to the Maynilad Water Services Inc. Children’s Hour and the other half to the (MWSI) and the MWSS, carried out La Mesa Watershed Reforestation a major rehabilitation program for project. The amount was pledged by the watershed, which was launched individual donors to HSBC CEO Warner on April 10, 2005. Manning if he finishes the duathlon. The AFI had adopted the water- 2. Duathlon runners former President shed as one of its major environment Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) and first placer projects, it being the "last forest cov- George Vilug. er in Metro Manila," Lopez said. Other corporate sponsors present 3. Entrance signage at the La Mesa during the launching were Aboitiz, Ecopark. which took care of redesigning and 4. FVR and Gina Lopez go with guests renovating the boating area; Ayala around the fishing lagoon. 2 Museum, which was in charge of the 5. Kids participating in the tug-of-war MWSS Administrator Orland Former President Fidel V. arts and craft activities during the organized by the Boy Scouts of Hondrade Ramos launch; HSBC and its "treeathlon" America. and Petron for the family fun run. (Photos: Joy Hermogenes) Dubbed the "Treeathlon: A Fam- ily Fun Day at La Mesa Ecopark," Petron President Al-Faddagh the activity raised funds, and gath- turned over a P2-million check rep- ered hundreds of nature lovers in the resenting the balance of the compa- rehabilitated watershed for a whole ny's previous commitment to the day of fun, sports and art activities ecopark, which he said would not be that would forever be etched in the the first and last investment to nature memories of the children who were that his company is going to give. present. The grand launch was actu- "We have a lot of ongoing projects ally for the benefit of these kids and for the environment," he said. of future generations. Al-Faddagh noted that the launch "By doing this activity, we would of the rehabilitated ecopark was 3 like to teach our children to visit timely since it coincided with the more natural parks instead of going celebration of Earth Month 2005. to the malls most of the time. There "Our environment is the answer is much to learn from nature," Lopez to our survival as a people. There- pointed out. fore, we must protect and care for it Among those present at the well," former President Ramos said. launch were former President Fidel Sen. Drilon urged groups like AFI managing director Gina Petron President &CEO Khalid Ramos; Senate President Franklin AFI, Petron and HSBC to help cre- Lopez Al-Faddagh Drilon; Senator Pia Cayetano; May- ate interest among others in the pri- or Feliciano Belmonte; MWSS Ad- vate sector to participate in projects ministrator Orland Hondrade; Petron like these so that "our children will President & CEO Khalid D. Al- learn more about caring for the en- Faddagh; HSBC President & CEO vironment than just going to the 4 Warner Manning and British Ambas- malls." He said companies must or- sador to the Philippines Peter Beck- ganize outings to La Mesa so funds ingham. generated will in turn be poured into The Quezon City government the park's conservation and up- built a new road and bridge so that keep. those going to the ecopark need not People can now go to the La go through the entire watershed area, Mesa Ecopark for swimming, bik- said Mayor Belmonte. ing, hiking, boating and picnics. Sen. Cayetano vowed to channel a Fees are very affordable: entrance portion of her countrywide develop- fee is P40; swimming at the newly ment fund (CDF) to the upkeep of La renovated saltwater pool costs P60 Mesa Dam. Sen. Drilon's wife, Violy, per head; and boating at the lagoon is meanwhile, is supplying the 33-sq. m. P25 per person, or P100 per boat. HSBC President &CEO Warner orchidarium within the ecopark with (This story was also submitted to the 5 Senator Pia Cayetano Manning orchids she personally grew. Philippine Star) OML’s Birthday Week LOPEZLINK May 2005 7 OML s 75th... "I am overwhelmed by the show that you major Lopez Group companies to adopt the from page 1 have put on in celebration of my 75th birthday. global standards of business excellence, effi- I must, however, also admit that I am enjoying ciency and productivity, namely the integrat- 2nd Day, April 19: Lopez Museum’s For the current decade, a medley of Fil- every moment of it. After all, not everybody ed management system ISO 9000, ISO 1400 ipino rock songs, labeled "Pinoy Rock" or has the good fortune to reach the age of 75 in and OHSAS 18000; Six Sigma; and the Mal- special exhibit: ‘A Day in History’ "Noypi," popularized by young rock bands, good health, and very few have the privilege of colm Baldridge system. was performed by 12 executives including reaching that age at the helm of such a promi- "Hopefully all these conditions can be met Tollways Management Corporation (TMC) nent business group as ours," he said. in the next three years, but certainly by my President Anthony Mabasa, Maynilad Water OML gave five conditions, something 80th birthday in 2010," OML said. Services Inc. (MWSI) President Fiorello Estu- more of goals, before considering his retire- He thanked everyone who came to cele- ar, ABS-CBN SVP Monchet Olives, BayanTel ment as head of the Lopez Group. brate the milestone with him, especially his chief consultant Tunde Fafunwa, Philippine First, he wants to see closure to the immediate family: wife Connie, eight chil- Electric Corporation (Philec) general manager Maynilad story. Second, he wants Benpres to dren and 26 grandchildren who were all pre- Manny Canlas and Radio Communications of be successfully rehabilitated. Third, he'd like sent except for the newborn twins of son Jay the Philippines (RCPI) head Gabby Paredes. the Supreme Court to render a favorable de- and daughter-in-law Georgina. After an audiovisual presentation on his cision on the Meralco case, and for Meralco The program ended with a "Sabay Tayo" life and times, OML responded with a speech to be on the road to full growth once more. music video to which the audience, including giving his own perspective on his corporate Fourth, he wants to see ABS-CBN regain its guests from outside the Lopez Group, sang battles, victories and continuing challenges. number one position. And last, he wants all along.

1. Birthday celebrant Oscar M. Lopez and his wife Connie 2. Presy Psinakis, president THE Lopez Memorial Museum put up an exhibition called "A Day in of Griffin Sierra Travel Inc., History" at the Gallery to commemorate the Chairman's 75th birthday. with former president Cora- The exhibition features reproductions of the issue of Tribune that zon C. Aquino came out on April 19, 1930. As conceptualized by Cris Reyes, consultant for the Lopez Library's digitization project, representative items from this 3. ABS-CBN EVP Charo issue were chosen to give viewers an idea of what was happening in the Santos-Concio world on that day and their relation to the birthday celebrator. 4. Concelebrated mass offici- Among these is a picture of the Bureau of Post with Meralco street- ated by Fr. Jaime Bulatao, 1 2 3 cars in the foreground, Meralco being one of the Lopez family's busi- SJ; Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ; nesses today; and a picture of sugar production, a reference to the origin Bishop Federico Escaler; Fr. of the family's business in sugar in Iloilo. Ernesto Javier, SJ; and Fr. The exhibition was installed by Eileen Legaspi-Ramirez and Ricky Carmelo Caluag, SJ Francisco, curatorial consultant and consultant for collections manage- 5. Meralco chairman Manuel ment respectively, and the art handlers of the museum. M. Lopez and wife Maritess 6. FPHC vice president Pearl Catahan and First 3rd Day, April 20: Alabang special Sumiden president Dan school receives Knowledge Channel Lachica dancing the boogie 4 5 6 7. OML sons Jay and Carey Lopez as emcees 8. OML’s eldest daughter Cedie Vargas (center) dancing "Chicago’s All that Jazz" with TMC’s Nina Lacsamana and Lopez Inc.’s Jane Pagkalinawan 9. FPHC SVP Dr. Art de Guia and wife Vicky, and FPIDC president Galo Garde with 7 8 VIP dancer Cindy Santos 10-11. OML’s son, First Gen president and COO Piki Lopez and FPHC president Elpidio Ibañez singing Frank Sinatra’s "Night and Day" FIFTY special students from the Alabang Elementary School serenaded 12. Rockwell Land president Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez, who donated a Knowledge Tong Padilla Channel package to the school's special education unit on his 75th birthday on April 19. 13-14. BayanTel chief consul- The package consisted of a 21-inch TV set with cable connection. tant Tunde Fafunwa and ABS- 9 10 11 12 The students, a mix of 1st to 5th graders, suffer from Down's syn- CBN VP Monchet Olives in drome and hearing or mental impairment. They greeted OML with a the 2000s Pinoy Rock number kiss and presented him with a white rose, after regaling him with a song- 15. Elvis Presley imperson- and-dance number. ators: Rockwell’s Nestor Ig- Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Fe Hidalgo nacio, FPIDC’s Raffy Alunan thanked OML for his contribution to the improvement of the state of and ABS-CBN’s Johnny Sy public school education in the Philippines. 16-17. ABS-CBN’s Lawrence After Hidalgo's speech, KCFI President Rina Lopez-Bautista gave Tan with CFO Randy Estrel- OML a special Knowledge Channel baseball cap with "The Chairman" lado sing live the 1970s embroidered on the back. OPM medley OML then blew out the candles on his birthday cake and games were conducted for the children. (Photos: Joel Sol Cruz) 13 14 15 16 17 1st Day, April 15: OML revisits 1945 'freedom trek' 4th Day, April 21: Oscar M. Lopez AS a way of celebrating his 75th birthday early, OML, together with his eight children and their spouses and 10 grandchildren, at- Learning Center in Cavite inaugurated tempted to reenact the trek that he took with his brothers to flee from the Japanese in 1945. OML was then 15 years old. OSCAR M. Lopez graced the inauguration and turnover ceremony of a The reenactment was a combination of trek and road trip. The trek was a strenuous 5 ½-hour, 10-kilometer hike that started from library named after him in Dasmarinas, Cavite. Irisan on the outskirts of Baguio City at 5:45 a.m., descending approximately 4,000 ft. over very steep mountain trails that required The Oscar M. Lopez Learning Center will serve as the library and the use of ropes to hold on to at all times, then crossing a suspension footbridge and two old tunnels before finally reaching the town research haven for approximately 4,000 students of the Dasmarinas Na- of Asin. tional High School-Paliparan Annex in Paliparan III. All along the trail, the Ibaloi girl guide would point to some nearby mountain peaks and announce, "That was where you passed on A book collection drive will be launched to fill the OML Learning your way to Tubao." After lunch and some rest, the party continued in several SUVs through an unfinished road for another 20 kilo- Center with books and other publications that high school students may meters and then crossed a shallow river called Anduyan to Tubao, La Union, which was the terminal point of the Lopez brothers' 1945 use in their academic journey. trek to freedom. 8 LOPEZLINK May 2005

EXECUTIVE PROFILE JJ Fernandez: New program head aims for sustainability, self-reliance By Carla Paras-Sison cluding his commitment to the project, time with mental protection, aside from reforestation, his family, and naturally, the compensation. such as marine conservation in the next few JJ FERNANDEZ, newly appointed program di- "It was a very difficult process of deciding years. rector of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.'s (AFI's) which road to take but eventually I decided that Meanwhile, Fernandez is reevaluating and Bantay Kalikasan (BK), is not really new to the I wanted to ensure the continuity of the La reorganizing the BK team to focus on both fi- Lopez Group. Mesa Ecopark and the reforestation project and nancial and program objectives, and hopes to Although appointed only on February 16 of so I returned to BK. I would like to thank Tong put things in order in the next two months. this year, Fernandez was consultant to AFI in for giving me a chance to work with him at "I also plan to develop the BK brand so that it 2003, laying the groundwork for the La Mesa Rockwell, and for understanding why I had to becomes a household word similar to Bantay Bata. Ecological Park project. leave. Had I stayed on at Rockwell, I am sure Currently, there is not much recall and familiarity "I started out doing a project study for Rock- the job would have been as fulfilling as what I with our name. By developing the brand, I think it well Land in 2003. At that time Gina (Lopez, am doing now. It was a very difficult decision," will be easier to raise funds and create awareness AFI managing director) asked Tong (Nestor Fernandez said. among the local and international market." Padilla, Rockwell Land president) if he could BK had actually exceeded its original target, He added: "I think I have a good team and so refer anyone to undertake the La Mesa Ecopark set in 1998, of 1,200 hectares for replanting last far I have been encouraged by how they have re- redevelopment project. Tong referred me to Gi- year. But Fernandez has set out new, concrete sponded to my style. I always tell them it's for na and that's how I joined Bantay Kalikasan as a goals for the BK team, foremost of which is to their own professional growth and self-respect." consultant for the project," Fernandez recalled. get the ecopark fully developed and self-sus- Fernandez believes that AFI's various pro- In December 2004, after much of the taining in the next year or two. At the same grams such as Bantay Bata, E-Media, Microfi- groundwork had been laid for the La Mesa pro- time, the BK team intends to find sponsors for nance (through ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation) ject, Fernandez moved back to Rockwell Land the remaining 300 hectares in the watershed. and BK respond creatively to the clamor of Fil- to handle business development. But in January "I envision BK to be a practical environmen- ipinos for a better life. 2005, the program director of Bantay Kalikasan talist organization, promoting conservation and "What's the use of accumulating all that wealth left and AFI had no one to continue the devel- protection awareness and practices among ordi- when you can't even breathe the air outside nor opment of the project. nary citizens. One need not chain himself to trees have enough water to drink and clean up? But on "After much thought and deliberation, I de- nor eat all-veggie food to save the environment. the practical side, we need to be able to sustain cided to move back to the foundation to contin- We will promote practices that anyone can start ourselves. Our aim for BK and for the foundation ue the work," said Fernandez. doing at home, for example, waste segregation, is to become self-sustaining. I think with a proper It was not an easy choice to make, admitted recycling, water conservation," said Fernandez. business plan and strict financial discipline, we Fernandez, due to the many things to consider, in- BK may also enter other areas of environ- will be able to achieve this goal soon."

LITTLE LIVES, BIG DEEDS Jerry Alfonso: Simpleng pamumuhay, alas sa kinabukasan By Carla Paras-Sison roon pa rin ang pagkakarpintero. Kung anumang "Wala akong gaanong oras na maigugol sa pag- trabaho ang kailangang gawin, ginagawa niya. tatanim dahil nga sa namamasukan ako sa Ben- PARA kay Braulio Alfonso, na ki- Dahil sa ipinamalas na tiyaga, inirekomenda si pres. Pero tuwing tag-ulan, iyon na ang lala ng kanyang mga kasamahan sa Mang Jerry ng kanyang payroll master para mag- pagkakataon ko dahil hindi na kailangang diligan Benpres Holdings Corporation bi- ing regular employee ng Benpres Holdings noong ang mga halaman," paliwanag ni Mang Jerry. lang Mang Jerry, ang simpleng pa- 1994. Kasisimula pa lamang noon ng Benpres at Ang mga naaani niyang pipino, sitaw, ube at mumuhay ang puno't dulo ng wala pang sampu ang bilang ng mga empleyado, kangkong ay naititinda ni Marcela sa sari-sari kanyang mga munting kasama na si Mang Jerry at ang mga executive. store. Minsa'y nagdadala rin siya sa opisina kung tagumpay bilang padre Janitor/messenger ang kanyang naging papel, merong sadyang o-order. de pamilya. pero tulad ng dati, all around ang paglilingkod na Sa edad na 54, iniisip na ni Mang Jerry ang Mahigit sampung ginawa niya-nagtitimpla ng kape para sa mga kanyang pagre-retiro. "Siyempre hindi naman taon din naging sastre bisita, nagsi-xerox ng mga dokumento, at siyem- tayo habang panahon ma-e-empleyo. Kaya dapat si Mang Jerry noong pre pa, naglilinis ng opisina at nagde-deliver ng planuhin na ang kinabukasan. Ayoko namang dekada 70 at 80. mga papeles. umasa sa mga anak ko," sabi niya. Subali't nang nauso "Kung walang tiyaga, walang nilaga," Bukod sa inaasahang pension mula sa SSS (So- ang mga ready-to- katwiran ni Mang Jerry. cial Security System) na makakamit mula edad 60, wear na kasuotan, Labing-isang taon na rin siyang naglilingkod binakuran na ni Mang Jerry ang loteng pinagtatam- naging madalang sa Benpres. At sa sariling sikap at simpleng pa- nan na nakaharap sa dinadaanan ng Labangan ang pagdating ng tra- mumuhay, napagtapos na rin niya ang panganay Channel. Balak niya itong gawing fishpond. Ngay- baho, sanhi ng pagsara ng niyang anak ng civil engineering nitong on pa lamang ay nakakahuli na siya ng sugpo na kanyang patahian. nakaraang Marso 2005. Nagre-review na para sa dala ng tubig na umaagos sa Labangan. Nagtanim Noong 1988, sa tulong board exam si Michael at ang pangalawang anak na rin siya ng mga puno ng mangga na maaring ng kaibigang nagtratraba- na si Mary Joy ay second year na rin sa industrial mamunga sa loob ng ilang taon. ho sa Lopez Group, naka- engineering ngayong pasukan. Samantala, ang Umaasa si Mang Jerry na sa panahong iyo'y pasok siya bilang karpin- bunsong si Ma. Concepcion ay nasa fourth year nakatapos na rin ng pag-aaral ang bunsong anak. tero sa Lopez Inc. At nang high school. At sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagsasaka, ng tumagal, naging janitor na Ang asawang si Marcela ay tumutulong kay sari-sari store at ng maliit na SSS pension, mati- rin siya, tumutulong sa Mang Jerry sa pamamagitan ng pamamahala sa wasay na nilang mairaraos na mag-asawa ang paglinis at pag-ayos ng kanilang tindahan sa bahay. Alas dos ng umaga'y kanilang pagtanda. gusali. Sa loob ng limang nasa Malolos na si Marcela upang mamili ng "Pag tumanda ka, hindi naman laging nasa taon, naging abala si Mang sariwang isda na binebenta niya maghapon sa kundisyon ang pangangatawan mo. Mahal ang Jerry sa pagiging utility sari-sari store nila sa Hagonoy. gamot ngayon. Doon ka dapat mag-budget ng helper. Naranasan niyang Nag-aalaga naman ng mga native na manok si mga P300 to P400 a day. Pero sa pagkain, hindi maging electrician helper, Mang Jerry sa kanilang bakuran, at meron siyang na kami magugutom. Tama na sa amin iyong air-con repair helper at na- loteng tinatamnan tuwing tag-ulan. aanihin namin," nakangiting sabi ni Mang Jerry. North-Bound Destination LOPEZLINK May 2005 9 Pista t pagsasaya sa Hilaga

The month of May is one of the' gayest and most col- the church. The girls sprinkle petals on the floor of Pista ng Produktong Pilipino (May 1) orful in this part of the world because flowers are in full the church on their way to the altar, where they offer Boardwalk Beach Resort, Subic, bloom and there is always a fiesta or festival around the their bouquets to Mama Mary. Olongapo City corner. Ang highlight naman ng Flores de Mayo ay ang Said to be the biggest event in Olongapo City this Kaya let's get on the new North Luzon Express- Santacruzan, the reenactment of Queen Helena and summer, Pista ng Produktong Pilipino is a joint event way to join our northern neighbors in their celebra- her son Constantine's search for the Holy Cross in of the Pista ng Produktong Pilipino Manufacturers & tions (don't forget your EC tags!). Here are some of Jerusalem. Dito makikita ang mga naggagandahang Exporters Association, Inc. (PPPMEAI) and the the events you and your family could take part in. sagala (at mga matipunong consort) na gumaganap Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). However, remember that when it comes to fiestas, ac- bilang iba't ibang Marian virtue (faith, hope, etc.) o If you're the nationalistic type, you can have your tual dates may vary. Biblical character. fill of proudly Philippine-made goodies here. At Flores de Mayo (May 1-31) siyempre, pagkatapos ng shopping spree, pwedeng Sayaw sa Obando (May 17-19) Ang Flores de Mayo ang matuturing na reyna ng mag-relaxsa beach party kinagabihan-complete with Obando, Bulacan mga selebrasyon kapag Mayo, not the least because it live music at showbiz celebrities! Dinadayo ng mga mag-asawang walang anak ang is held in honor of the Virgin Mary; kahit saang siyu- Jose Abad Santos Day (May 7) Sayaw sa Obando, ngunit ang totoo niyan, tatlong dad o barangay sa Pilipinas ay may sariling bersiyon San Fernando, Pampanga santo ang pwedeng lapitan para sa iba't ibang kahilin- ng Flores de Mayo. Sino ang hindi nakakakilala kay Jose Abad San- gan sa festival na ito. Kung ikaw ay lalaking nagha- Every afternoon, little girls wearing white gowns tos, ang wartime chief justice na pinatay ng mga hanap ng asawa, si San Pascual Baylon ang sagot sa and carrying bunches of flowers lead a procession to Hapon sa pamamagitan ng firing squad sa Lanao problema mo; kung ikaw ay babae, kay Sta. Clara noong 1942? Ginugunita ng mga kababayan ni Abad nakasalalay ang pagsungkit ng nobyo. Syempre pa, Santos sa San Fernando City ang buhay at pagka- para sa mga walang anak, nandiyan ang walang kupas matay ng martir na ito tuwing May 7. na Virgen de Salambao. Carabao Festival (May 14-15) Pero di bale na, ke old maid ka o may asawa, may Pulilan, Bulacan anak o wala, pwede pa ring mag-join sa sayawan-all Nakakita na ba ng tunay kalabaw in the spirit of fun! ang mga tsikiting mo? Sa Carabao Fes- That's it for now. Pista'y Dayat [Feast of the Sea] (May 1) tival na idinaraos tuwing feast day ni Watch this corner for more Lingayen, Pangasinan San Isidro Labrador sa Pulilan, di lang fun and exciting destina- Bangus Festival basta-basta kalabaw ang makikita tions you can bring your Dagupan City, Pangasinan ninyo, kundi kalabaw na mistulang Ms. family to. With the new Tinapang bangus, daing na bangus, pritong ban- Universe-naka-"pedicure," naka-"coif- North Luzon Expressway gus, paksiw na bangus, pati na rin siguro sardinas na fure" at may korona pang gawa sa bu- now fully operational, bangus ang iyong makikita sa Bangus Festival na ba- laklak at buntings. Ngunit imbes na best tiyak na hassle-free at ma- hagi ng Pista'y Dayat ng Lingayen, Pangasinan. Ang in swimsuit o best in interview, pa- bilis ang biyahe n'yo kahit Pista'y Dayat ay isang pasasalamat ng mga habaan naman ng sungay ang drama ri- saan man sa North Luzon kababayan natin sa Pangasinan sa mga biyaya na dala to; meron ding contest para sa healthiest at sa mga karatig na lugar! ng dagat. at best-trained carabao, among others. (J. Javier) Mga maling palagay ukol sa pagkain MASIKMURA mo kaya ang mga kuru-kurong ito tungkol Tsikiting travel tips sa pagkain? 1. Ang patatas ay nakakataba. Tapos na ang pasok ng mga bata sa kani-kani- 5. Kung kayo ay magdadala ng sariling Mas madali umano magbawas ng timbang o magpa- lang mga eskwelahan at panahon na upang mag- sasakyan, siguraduhing naka-lock ang inyong payat kapag umiwas sa mga pagkaing mataas ang carbo pahinga at magbakasyon sila. Tiyak, magyayaya mga pinto habang bumibiyahe. Ito'y hindi content tulad ng pasta, kanin at patatas. Ang totoo niyan, ang mga iyan sa iba't-ibang lugar lalo na kung lamang para makaiwas sa mga mapagsaman- ang ating lakas o energy ay nanggagaling sa glucose, na uri hindi pa nila ito napupuntahan. Kaya't heto ang tala kundi upang makasiguro na rin na ligtas ng carbohydrates. Ang sobrang glucose ay tinatabi sa ating ilang tips upang maging masaya ang biyahe ang inyong mga anak lalo na kung sila ay sa liver at muscle tissue bilang glycogen; ginagamit naman ninyo kasama ang mga tsikiting. bandang likuran ng sasakyan nakaupo. Mas ito ang ating katawan kapag bumaba ang sugar levels 1. Siguraduhin na baon ninyo ang mga kontra- mabuti rin kung may alalay na titingin sa natin. Ang sobrang glycogen ay nagiging body fat, na mas "biyahilo" at kontra-LBM na gamot para hindi kanila habang abala kayo sa pagmamaneho. pangmatagalan o permanent na uri ng energy storage. masira ang inyong mood sa inyong pag-alis. Hindi 6. Huwag pabayaan ang inyong mga anak na Ang pagkain ng patatas o kahit anong pagkaing mataas naman siguro magiging pabigat sa inyong bagahe makisalamuha sa mga taong hindi ninyo kilala. sa carbohydrates ay hindi nangangahulugang lolobo ka. ang ilang pirasong gamot para na rin handa kayo Kahit na mas maganda kung may mga bagong Kaya lang, mag-ingat sa pagpili ng toppings-kadalasan, sa mga maaaring mangyari sa inyong pagbiyahe. makikilala ang inyong mga anak sa inyong pag- mataas ang fat content ng mga ito. 2. Kung hindi pa rin umepekto ang mga gamot babakasyon, huwag din kalimutan na delikado Para magdagdag ng timbang, dapat mas mataas ang at- na kontra-biyahilo, huwag kaligtaang magdala ng na ang panahon ngayon kaya't kailangan ng ing energy intake kesa sa kinakailangan ang ating katawan. apos ng isang gabing pag-ayuno o fasting. Para high en- mga plastic na kung saan ay maaari nilang suka- kaunting ingat at alaga sa inyong mga anak. Mas madali ito kung kakain ng high-fat food imbes na ergy ka sa umaga, dapat kumain ng cereal foods tulad ng han lalo na kung wala kayong sariling sasakyan; 7. Samahan ang mga bata saan man sila yung mayaman sa carbohydrates. tinapay, muffins at cornflakes. maari rin itong lagyan ng mga maruming bagay magpunta lalo na kung sa tabing-dagat ang 2. Iwasan ang paghalo ng iba't ibang klase ng pagkain. 4. May mga pagkain na nakakatulong magpapayat. kagaya ng inyong mga damit na nagamit na. tungo ninyo. Kahit naman siguro sino ay Karamihan sa mga crash diet ay naka-base sa panini- Sinusunog umano ng mga pagkain tulad ng grapefruit 3. Kung matatagalan ang inyong gagawing alam na ito ang tamang gawin kapag may walang di kayang i-process ng ating digestive system ang at kelp ang body fat ng isang tao. Hindi totoo ito. Ang paga-out of town, dalhin ang mga paboritong mga kasamang bulilit. Higit kaninuman, kayo pinaghalong pagkain o nutrients. Halimbawa, ang carbo sikreto ay nasa tinatawag na dietary fiber. Ang pagkain ng laruan ng inyong mga anak upang hindi sila ang mas nakakaalam na dapat ay bantayan at daw at protina ay "magkalaban," kung kaya't nagkakaroon prutas, gulay, wholegrain breads at cereals at legumes ay ma-homesick at magyaya na umuwi agad. alalayan ang inyong mga kasamang bata. ng tayo ng digestive problems at pagtaas ng timbang. nakakapagbigay ng feeling na ikaw ay busog na dahil sa 4. Magbaon ng maraming damit ng mga 8. Turuan ang mga bata ng mga bago ni- Ang kabaligtaran ng paniniwalang ito ang totoo-ang high fiber content ng mga ito. Mababa din ang fat content bata. Mabilis sila pagpawisan lalo na kung lang mapaglilibangan habang nasa bakasyon. pagkain ng iba't ibang klase ng pagkain ay nakakatulong sa ng mga ganitong uri ng pagkain. nag-e-enjoy sila sa vacation nila. Kailangan Makakatulong ito upang mas maging masaya ating digestive system. Kapag uminom ka ng orange juice, 5. Nakakataba ang pag-inom habang kumakain. ring mag-ingat sa mga sakit na maaaring at makabuluhan ang inyong pagba-bonding. ang vitamin C na taglay nito ay makakatulong na ma-ab- Ito ay dahil ang digestive juices at enzymes sa ating dumapo sa mga tsikiting ngayong bakasyon. Maaari rin silang makatuklas ng mga bagong sorb ang iron galing sa mga pagkain tulad ng manok at kar- katawan ay maghahalo sa tubig, na dahilan naman ng pag- Huwag hayaang matuyuan sila ng pawis at mapaglilibangan at baka dito pa ma-enhance neng-baka. Tutal, karamihan naman ng pagkain ay may- bagal ng digestion. Walang scientific evidence na nagpap- ilayo sila sa mga maruming lugar at bagay. ang kanilang mga itinatagong talento. roong kumbinasyon ng carbo at protein; madalang lang atunay sa paniniwalang ito. Sa halip, ang pag-inom ng tubig Ilan lamang ito sa mga dapat tandaan kapag yung puro carbohydrates o protina lang. kasabay ng pagkain ay nakakapagpabilis ng digestion. kayo ay bumibiyahe na may kasamang mga Isa pa, kaya naman ang ating digestive system na i-break Samantala, ang mga inuming mataas sa kilojoules-tu- bata. Walang masama kung lagi kayong nasa down ang mga kinakain natin. Kung puro prutas lang ang lad ng alcoholic beverages-ay nakakataba kung talagang tabi nila sa inyong mga lakad ngunit lagi rin kainin natin, magiging abala ang ating carbohydrate en- malakas ka uminom, pero wala itong kaugnayan sa sabay isipin na kailangang mag-enjoy sila sa zymes at carriers for digestion at absorption samantalang na pagkain at pag-inom. Alalahanin lang na ang pag-inom kanilang bakasyon. Kaya sa inyong pa- yung para sa fat at protein ay mistulang walang silbi. ng alcohol kasabay sa pagkain ng high fat-content food ay mamasyal ngayong sum- 3. Ang mainam na almusal ay yung puro prutas lang. talagang makakadagdag sa iyong body fat. mer, ibayong ingat Walang patunay na ang pagkain ng prutas lamang sa al- Dahil sa kagustuhang pumayat agad, marami sa atin ang kailangan. musal ay makakatulong sa pagpapapayat. Karamihan sa ang sumusunod sa kung anu-anong crash diet. Pero wag Ika nga ng mga prutas ay hindi naman ganun kataas ang complexcar- kalimutan na ang pinakamainam na paraan ng pagpapa- isang patalastas bohydrates content, na kailangan ng ating katawan pagkat- payat ay ang pagkain ng wasto at pag-ehersisyo. ni Mega, happy trip! (A. Guevarra) 10 LOPEZLINK May 2005 Gift ideas for Mom and Dad By Norman Sison their album "1". May kasamang booklet iyon na ipinapakita ang covers ng Beatles albums Mother's Day and Father's Day are only days na nag-number one. Ang maganda rito, away. Traditionally, Mother's Day is cele- maaalala nila ang kanilang kabataan at iba brated on the second Sunday of May, and Fa- pang mga magagandang nakaraan-lalo na ther's Day on the third Sunday of June. Kaya noong sila ay nagliligawan pa lang at wala ka panahon na para mag-isip kung ano ang ma- pa sa mundo. Kung hindi rocker ang mga gandang iregalo para ipakita sa kanila kung magulang mo, bumili ka ng classical music gaano natin sila kamahal. CD. Yonex There are countless things that we can give A word of caution when giving a Beatles badminton on Mother's Day and Father's Day. Below is a or classical music CD: Your parents might rackets, short list of suggested gifts that range from thinkthat you're telling them they're old and P980 the inexpensive to the not-so-inexpensive (in take it out on you. Planet Sports case you can spare a few extra bucks): Badminton racket—Badminton is good Beatles CDs, P580 each, O-Music Pen—Maraming brands at klase ng pen. for the health and almost anybody can play. You can choose to get the relatively decent Ikuha mo na rin sila ng indoor shoes. Baka Jordi make or the high-end brand. Magandang re- mali ang type ng sapatos na makuha nila at Labanda galo ang pen dahil practical at parati ka ni- mapilayan sila sa court, ikaw pa ang may IWC watches, pens: lang maaalala tuwing gumagawa ang mga kasalanan. Siguraduhin mo rin na kaya ng men's P760,000; magulang mo ng grocery list o sumusulat ng kalusugan nila ang maglaro, kaya isama mo fountain pen, card para sa iyo o sumusulat ng checko sim- na ang physical exam sa gift package mo. women's, P190,000. P434.00; pleng "I love you" notes sa isa't isa. Treat them to a spa—Speaking of health, From Chronos ball pen, Watch—Again, there are many brands of why not bring them to a spa? I'm sure they P229.00, watches so you have prices ranging from the in- will enjoy a nice, warm dip in a Jacuzzi or a Fully Booked expensive to the ridiculously overpriced. And few minutes in a steam room. And, of course, your parents will always remember you when- a refreshing massage. ever they checkthe time-for bed, for an appoint- Treat them to dinner in a nice restau- ment or for their medication. How timely! rant—Or take them to a little pricey place if A humor book—Instead of buying a nov- your pocket or credit card can take it. Either el that can ruin your parents' eyesight, why way, what is important is the time you spend not a humor book? Maalala ka nila tuwing with them. Huwag mong kalimutan ang iy- natatawa sila at matatawa sila tuwing ong camera. You'll want to keep good mem- makikita ka nila. Besides, laughter is the best ories. And that is what Mother's Day and Fa- medicine. It will keep your parents healthy. ther's Day is about: saying thankyou for all Beatles or classical music CD—For the the time and effort they gave to raise you-as Humor books, prices range from P479 - P748, rocker, why not get them a Beatles CD? Get well as for the good memories. Fully Booked

Vintage bazaar highlights Mother's Day Family fun at celebration at the Power Plant Mall Play Underground CLASSIC and chic go hand in hand at the Power Plant Mall's A FUN and healthful activity that the the wall (you can't climb beyond a Vintage Yard Sale on Mother's whole family can indulge in this sum- painted red horizontal line), and then Day weekend. Everyone's most mer-yan ang rockclimbing sa Play Un- doing some stretching. important lady will be the main derground RockClimbing Gym sa May mga umaakyat na naka- Level P3 ng Power Plant Mall. maong, sweatpants o shorts. The im- focus in this event running from Ayon kay Buddy Advincula, oper- portant thing is that your getup is com- May 7 to 8 at The Rockwell ations manager ng Play Underground, fy and allows you to move freely, lalo Tent at The Plaza. pwedeng gawing "diet exercise" ang na't kailangan mong mag-reach, The Vintage Yard Sale will rockclimbing. In fact, the gym offers crouch, twist, maglambitin at kung feature a unique and homey at- specific programs for those who want anu-ano pa. mosphere with many products to lose weight or join competitions or Beginners are advised to choose offered by Rockwell residents, even just to have fun. shoes that are one size smaller and fit The Rockwell Club members as Kung talagang di ka pa nakapag- like a second layer of skin in order to well as residents of neighboring climb and you want to start off on the avoid slipping, especially if you have right foot, so to speak, you could sign to force your foot onto a particularly villages. up for a basic class (four two-hour ses- small piece of rock. Mas mainam kung Power Plant Mall has also ar- sions) or a personal training class slip-on type yung gagamiting sapatos ranged a special treat for Mom at (eight sessions); meron ding "just for ng baguhang climber. This is so the the South Court-free makeovers kids class" (four sessions) for the shoes could easily be removed when at the Beauty Fair! And for a young ones. the newbie's feet start to hurt, Advin- families usually come to the gym on minimal fee, guests-mom, kids Want to just give it a try? Sa hala- cula said. Saturday and Sunday. Expat families and kids-at-heart alike-can have gang P200 for the first hour, meron ka For those who plan to climb regu- from the nearby villages even bring their portraits done by artists picnic baskets so that they don't have nang shoes, chalk, chalk bag at instruc- larly, Play Underground has some ba- from the Guevarra Group of tor. Kung wala kang kasama, you sic gear for sale. Harnesses range from to leave the gym for meals. could shell out P300 per hour for a be- P3,800 to P4,500; chalkbags from Play Underground is open from 1 Artists, including Gig de Pio, lay guy or they will match you up with P300 to P1,000; while shoes go from a p.m.-10 p.m. Mondays to Fridays; Andi Cubi and Bayani Acla at another "singleton" customer. low of P2,900 to a high of P4,000+. from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Saturdays; and the Mother and Child area. Before starting on a climb, one More experienced climbers could opt from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays. In- Interested parties who want must warm up by jogging or climbing for either Velcro or lace-up shoes. quire about group or party rates at tel. to participate in the Vintage sideways within a prescribed height on According to Advincula, whole nos. (02) 898 0273 or 0920 9079116. Yard Sale may call Power Plant Mall at (02) 898 1702. LOPEZLINK May 2005 11 ABS-CBN welcomes back Martin Nievera ASAP has one of its original hosts back as Martin Nievera she's not there, I'm there. So there's always one of us, comes home to ABS-CBN to host the show alongside what's the proper word for us without saying pillar or icon? Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma and Zsa Zsa Padilla! The word that represents what we are, I was one of the pi- Martin is still very much the charming, witty and intel- oneers and so was Pops of ASAP, although there's a lot of ligent artist we know and love. He faced the press para Mania and Fanatics involved in this show. sabihin ang ilang magandang balita tungkol sa buhay How would you like it if Pops rejoined ASAP? niya. I would love it. At least I could see her. I built a house "The big news is that I'm semi-back on ASAP. I don't right down the street from her just so I could see her but I know if there's any artist in ABS-CBN who's been here as never see her. I welcome it. We're friends, we're very good long as I have without a contract, something that's kind of friends. unheard of. I'm one of the true believers of this station, How have you changed as a singer? through good times and through bad. My offer has always Sad to say, I'm still into the sad-love-sappy-oh my God- been, every time I'm in town, I can be one of their male come back to me-I'm sorry I hurt you songs, very me. But hosts if need be. If they don't need me, it's cool. It's not change as a singer, I tend to find myself listening a lot about money, it's not about price or my fee but I'm a true more. I think that the problem with some of yesterday's believer that ASAP has started many shows and me being singers is that we're afraid to listen to the today singers. one of the pioneers or one of the letters in the acronym We're afraid na magaling sila sa amin or I can't do that, ASAP-I thought of the title-it's nice that they still consider adlibs. But I do listen and learn from other artists and try me as one of the family, kapamilya talaga." and improve my craft. I think I'm more of the relaxed, What do you think of the new crop of singers in AS- nothing to prove type of singer, not all tense on stage and AP who were all recruited fromvarious talent trying to find the right formula. I don't try and do the same shows? show over and over again, I try to mix and try to do dif- "The new singers of ASAP, I think, are the best singers ferent things with my songs. I'm hoping that my singing, that the country is gonna see. We have great singers and 'cause I don't think that singers can change, they can im- we're all in one show now! We have such great singers, prove their craft and they can reinvent themselves but if whether they're screaming loud or singing soft, we have they change their style too much, I think it confuses the them both on ASAP. market. How does it feel working in ASAP again and not What's your favorite song to sing? Weekend Getaway Package having Pops Fernandez there? I love to sing "Say that You Love Me." I miss her. And I think ASAP misses her also. We should Nakita talaga namin the secret of what makes Martin Check in at the Eugenio Lopez Center from consider getting her back. That's just my personal opinion, last in this business. Aside from his charm, wit and humor, May 1-June 30,2005 and get these special rates whether I am on this show or not. Because that really added he is consistent and knows his business. And his parting for you and your family! a lot, other shows don't have that. We talk about being ka- words for everyone: "In closing, Martin Nievera is back P 3,300 net per room (minimum of two persons) pamilya, what could be more family than the mother of my on ABS-CBN!" P 3,990 net per room (minimum of three persons) children? And when I'm not there, she's there and when Welcome back, Martin! 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With Travelfast's ognized as a premier Philippine Internet enjoy the best airfares around! 12 LOPEZLINK May 2005 Travel Whale sharks and fireflies By Lolita Delgado-Fansler Cristina had seen the inside ofthe mouth ofthe butanding once, so I was determined to see it, too. With Nog Quint gushed over the phone one night in January: "Ma- holding my hand, we got to the giant faster. Two white ma, you have to come to Donsol. The butanding are awe- bottom front "teeth" first caught my eye. Then I noticed some! Come tomorrow, ifyou and Dad can!" that these were barnacles nestled in the midst oftheir I immediately called a few friends and made ar- 3,000 very tiny teeth. Thank God, whale sharks are filter rangements to go to Donsol, a seaside town in Sorsogon, feeders that open their mouths to suck in water filled with the following weekend. It seemed like I had waited a minute prey, not humans like me! After closing its mouth, lifetime to meet the butanding, as these majestic whale the butanding's gill rakers trap the small organisms in their When in Donsol… sharks are called locally. thousands of10-cm. bristles. The shark then swallows the For two couples like ourselves who live in condos in food and expels the water through five pairs of gill slits. THE butanding are likely to make an appear- Makati's concrete jungle, the early one-hour drive from When one whale shark leaned over to one side, show- ance from January to May, with March as the Albay's Legazpi airport to Donsol was a visual feast of ni- ing me a bit ofhis white sensitive underside, I was thrilled! best month for sightings because the dry pa huts, carabaos, scarecrows, rice fields and all the colors I had seen every important part ofthe butanding...and felt season offers better visibility underwater. An found in a salad bowl. At the end of a winding paved road a profound sense of satisfaction. encounter with the animals can last for several minutes or up to an hour, depending on (plus a short bumpy stretch), the van stopped. In addition, Carina was there, and we learned a lot their "mood." We had arrived at the Amor Resort, with its small about her giant passion; for example, that their mouths can • Accommodation and visiting programs can be bedrooms with thin sawali walls (through which we Within 15 minutes Jun sighted a butanding! Jun held be almost two meters wide, skin up to 10 centimeters thick, booked either in Legazpi City or Donsol. Call could chat with our friends next door even in whispers), Cristina's hand to make swimming easier for her; Francis and weight up to 15 tons. English majors Francis, Cristina the Donsol Tourism Office at (56) 421-3180. weary electric fans and tiny private bathrooms with con- had Nog. Bob and I just jumped in and followed the group. and I were also happy to meet Will, author ofthe trav- • Recommended lodgings include Visitor's crete floors and bare pipes. Common shower stalls out- We saw the tail ofour firstwhale shark only as it descended el/natural history /autobiographical bestseller, The Snow Inn and Amor Farm Beach Resort. There is side beckoned more invitingly since coconut trees and into the deep. Back into the banca we went, energized. Geese, and cousin to actors Joseph and Ralph Fiennes. also Santiago's Homestay and the Wood- the open sky served as cupola. Five minutes later, another scramble to sit on the edge After a nap to recoup from our interaction with the bu- land beach resort outside of Donsol. • Book at Amor Resort (+63918-4592646). Re- Eager to get started, we changed into swimsuits, got ofthe boat, jump in, and swim even faster. High-pitched tanding that first morning, we were eager for the evening serve Cottages 1 or 2, with their adjoining our gear, and took the van to the tourism office. There, we excitement! The butanding was busy eating closer to the "fireflies tour" in a banca with outriggers. This river trip toilet. found out that at three to 10 meters, butanding are called surface. We caught up with the young whale shark, presented to us snippets of provincial life at night-fish- • Equipment needed: mask, snorkel, fins and whales only because oftheir size; they're not mammals bluish-gray with creamy white spots and stripes on its ermen spotting shrimps and crabs with lights tied to their wetsuits (for January/February). but the biggest sharks and largest fish in the world. They back, and swam above it for several minutes. I wanted to hats, casting out nets that looked like giant spider webs in • If you choose to sleep in Legazpi City on your are almost a meter long when born, and become sexually swim deeper for a closer look, but I was panting. In an- the sky, walking in the shallow water to glide their banca last night to catch the early morning flight mature only after 30 years. Found in warm oceans around other instant, the shark descended to the deep. in the glassy sea. We were treated to several perfor- the next day, the Pepperland Hotel is good the world, they may live from 100 to 150 years. The third time we jumped in, we saw a 10-meter-long mances by minute creatures shimmering around trees like and near the airport (+63920-9605750, pep- [email protected]). A notice at the registration desk ofthe tourism office butanding. The whale shark's huge gills widened and nar- fairy lights and the quiet music of the night. Here's how much you'll spend for a told us how to behave with them: one banca (canoe) per rowed at steady intervals. The spots were not as clearly We couldn't have felt more entranced and blessed. couple of days with the butanding: butanding, with only six people interacting with one defined, so this had to be an older whale shark. I thought We had swum with a dozen whale sharks by day and • PAL flight: Manila-Legazpi-Manila P5,891/ whale shark-and, "no touching." ofthe 6,000 liters ofwater this colossus could process seen millions of fireflies at night. Gentle giants in the pax Francis, Cristina, Bob and I boarded a banca with boat each hour. Feelings ofawe, respect, excitement and grat- sea, then nocturnal beetles in the sky, decorating trees • Van hire: Legazpi-Donsol-Legazpi P1,200/ boys and Caloy, a "BIO" ("Butanding Information Offi- itude swept over me. I was swimming in their kingdom. for a Christmas in February. Hazy water caused by the trip cer"). We also invited the two BIOs that Quint had rec- We jumped into the water six times that morning be- plankton these behemoths eat, indigo blue skies as back- • Amor Resort, Donsol: 1 double room with ommended-Nog, who got his nickname from "sunog," fore quitting at past 1 p.m. At eight the next morning we drop for the powdery, twinkling lights of multitudinous toilet P600/night • Tourism Office, Donsol: Registration fee P100/ and Jun, who stood on an elevated horizontal bamboo sailed out and swam with seven other whale sharks. Ca- fireflies. Tender titans in the silence of the deep at day- Filipino ; P150/foreigners pole in the banca to look for the telltale shadows of the rina Escudero, who has been researching and taking care light, then sparklers on treetops lighting up the evening • Banca rental P2,500 (5hrs./trip), includes one behemoths swimming in the sea. We put on our wetsuits ofthe whale sharks and fishingcommunities since 1998, sky, as ifthe Milky Way had settled like gossamer BIO ; Rate for extra BIOs P500/BIO/day (February water is too cold for tropical folks) and fins so joined us. She brought her cameraman/BIO Omar, and around coconut, bamboo and mangrove trees. • Not included are tips for porters, drivers, banca we could jump into the water quickly. William Fiennes, a visiting English writer. What a gift of a weekend! boys and BIOs.

Steps to a Cooler Home in Metro Home &Entertaining BRING the temperature down this summer as Metro Home & Entertaining gives you 17 concrete steps to beat the heat in your home. Plus, build the swimming pool of your KATATAPOS pa lamang ng Benpres ings, napagkasunduan nila na mag- dreams; learn how to keep a garden lush without full sun- Intercolor Basketball Tournament buo ng apat na grupo. light; find the best sources of vintage lumber; and get nuong Miyerkules, April 6, 2005. Ang mga ito ay ang White Team some tips on what to give your weekend host when Napanalunan ng Red Team ang kam- na pinangungunahan ni Atty. Rom- you're invited over to visit. peonato. mel Duran (Lopez Inc.), ang Red Find out how to make the bed of your dreams and learn Very successful at masaya ang Team ni Ernie Albano (Philec), ang about stylish, casual loft living. To give more love to readers, championship dahil nagkaroon ng Green Team ni Rafael Alunan (First every issue includes a helpful directory of more than 200 maliit na salu-salo pagkatapos ng laro Philippine Infrastructure Develop- choice home services. na dinaluhan ng mga officer ng Lopez ment Corporation) at ang Blue Team Also, find out how to get a chance to win P 15,000 Group ofcompanies. Kabilang dito ni Rico de Manzana (FPHC). worth of gift certificates from Regalong Pambahay-only sina Ernest Rufino, Cary Lopez at Nagsimula silang magmiting from Metro Home & Entertaining's "Cool Now" issue! Beth Canlas ng First Philippine Hold- nuong Enero. Pinag-usapan nila ang The Red Team, the Benpres Inter-Color Basketball Tournament champion, receives a ings Corporation (FPHC), Giles Puno, lahat ng gagawin at mga kailangan prize from STSI president Ernest Rufino (rightmost). Clockwise from left to right: Hyatt Ricky Tantoco at Lito Santos ng First para mapatakbo ang liga; syempre, Basman, Marlon Fajardo, Art Atienza, Zaldy Apostol, Jon Tan, Atty. Ernie Albano, Iking Gas, Ernie Albano ng Philec, Ross ang unang problema ay pondo. Bismanos and Ogie Agaton. Hamo ng Adtel at marami pang iba. Tinanong nila ang bawat player kung Nandun din ang iba't ibang empleyado willing silang magbayad para sa ng mga kumpanya sa Benpres Bldg. kanya-kanyang uniporme at pumayag Nabuo ang ligang ito mula sa naman sila. At nagsimula na nga ideya ng ilang manlalaro. Meron na silang humingi ng tulong pinansiyal kasing regular basketball game sa mga officer at kapwa empleyado sa tuwing Lunes bilang physical fitness iba't ibang kumpanya sa Benpres. activity ng mga empleyado sa Ben- Ang layunin ng magkakaibigang pres na pinangungunahan ni Atty. Bi- ito ay mapanatili at maipagpatuloy ang bo Waga. Sa pamamagitan ng kwen- physical fitness o ehersisyo, pagkaka- LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group tuhan ng ilang manlalarong sina Far- ibigan at sportsmanship ng bawat man- 4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City ley Cuizon at Aaron Tirona ng lalaro ng basketball dito sa Benpres. Telefax: 633-3520 FPHC, Hyatt Basman ng First Gas, Dahil sa success ng liga, balak ng Bong Arcangel ng Manila North First Gas at FPHC na mag i-sponsor For feedback, please email: Tollways Corporation (MNTC) at sa susunod. Abangan! (Hermes Mi- [email protected] Hermes Miranda ng Benpres Hold- randa)