July 2007

‘Salam’ peace ed launch ...p.8 The HR Council: CEOs’ partner in nurturing people, growing the business Continuing education in the form of A few years ago, First Philippine seum, meanwhile, was installed as seminars and learning sessions. Le- Holdings Corp. (FPHC) executives chair of the HR Council, the bigger veraging employee numbers to achieve Beth Canlas and Reynaldo Sarmen- group that counts almost 200 indi- cost effi ciencies like consolidating ta and Lopez Inc.’s Mabelle Ramos viduals from about 40 Lopez Group benefi ts to realize savings for different started meeting regularly to update companies as members. companies. Mobilizing employees for one another on HR matters that af- Group identity A Manileño activities like a group-wide sports fest fected the Lopez Group. As the “The programs of the HR Coun- to foster Group unity. Lopez Group grew, other senior HR cil are conceptualized by the HR comes home ...p.3 Whether it’s fun or formal, pro- practitioners and the representatives Core Group. What gets carried out by fessional or play, it can only be the of the larger companies soon joined the HR Council is planned by the HR brainchild of the group of Human them, prompting the executives to Core Group. The Core Group meets Resources (HR) executives from dif- formalize their ties by forming the once a month to discuss plans as far ferent Lopez Group companies work- 12-person HR Core Group. as the HR Council is concerned,” Benpres restructuring ing together to foster esprit de corps Mercedes “Cedie” Vargas, the Vargas says. among their employees. director of the Lopez Memorial Mu- Turn to page 6 uusad na ...p.2

Meralco new ‘Palaro’ champs ...p.10

HR Council core members: (seated) Cielito R.A. Diokno of Benpres Holdings Corp., chairperson Mercedes Vargas, Arthur Luis Florentin of Meralco; (standing) Maria Belen Ramos of Lopez Inc., Lea Wong of Tollways Management Corp., Elizabeth Canlas of First Philippine Holdings Corp., Bar- bara Reyes of SkyCable, and Maria Luz Blanco-Yan of First Philec. 2 LOPEZLINK July 2007 Restructuring ng Benpres, uusad na By Carla Paras-Sison Panghuli, mas mababa na ang interest umangat ng 20% ang gross airtime rev- Mayroong 23 na kasong kriminal rates ngayon para sa mga pautang, mapa- enues ng ABS-CBN samantalang tumaas ang isinampa ng SkyCable laban sa mga MNTC starts MATAPOS ang limang taong pakikipag- piso man o mapa-dolyar. ng 26% ang sale of services. may illegal connection sa limang lungsod usap sa mga creditors nito, inaasahang Hindi nabayaran ng Benpres ang mga Bumuti na rin ang Mega Manila kasama na ang Quezon City, Makati at uusad na rin ang debt restructuring pro- utang nito matapos mahirapan ang ilang ratings ng ABS-CBN habang lalo pang Maynila. Karamihan ay dahil sa ordinansa NLEX rehab posal ng Benpres Holdings Corporation. mga investee-companies nito na makaa- pinalalakas ang nationwide advantage laban sa pagnanakaw ng cable service at MANILA North Tollways Corp. Sa taunang pulong ng mga stockhold- hon mula sa 1997 Asian fi nancial con- nito. Mayroong estimated na 13.5 mi- meron din namang para sa pagnanakaw, (MNTC) has embarked on a pavement ers, sinabi ni Benpres president Angel S. tagion at ang sumunod na napakahinang lyong TV households sa buong bansa, pagkukunwari (falsifi cation) at panloloko maintenance program covering portions Ong na ang mga kasalukuyang pangyayari ekonomiya ng bansa. Hindi dumating magkasama ang urban at rural house- (estafa). of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) ay pumapabor sa pagsasara ng usapan sa ang mga inaasahang dibidendo nito kaya holds. Ang mga kaso ay inihain sa pagpu- designed to further enhance safe and fast isang term sheet para sa US$400 milyong nauwi sa proseso ng debt restructuring. Ang national TV ratings ng AGB- punyagi ng Anti-Illegal Connection Task travel along the 84-kilometer toll road. pagkakautang ng kumpanya. Gayunpaman, dahil sa pagsigla muli ng Nielsen Media Research ay bumibilang Force ng SkyCable na sumuyod sa mga MNTC senior vice president Luigi Una, makakapili ang mga creditors ekonomiya at pagbuti ng business outlook, lamang sa urban areas o 8.1 milyong TV pamayanan sa Metro Manila na kilalang Bautista said that the pavement op- kung ibig nilang i-restructure ang princi- maaaring nalalapit na rin ang pagresolba households. Ang Mega Manila ay may- pinamumugaran ng mga illegal cable erations would be completed quickly. pal loan ng Benpres sa loob ng mga 12 ng mga problema sa holding company. roong 3.54 milyong households o halos connections. Ang mga fi eld operation ay Any inconvenience to motorists and taon, o tumanggap ng may diskwentong Magiging direct seller na ang ABS- 44% ng urban households. ginawa sa pakikipagtulungan ng pulisya travelers would be temporary, Bautista immediate cash payment. CBN Kasama ang Mega Manila, “we have at opisyales ng barangay, at ng mabubut- added. Pangalawa, ang mas magandang busi- Dahil sa patuloy na malamyang pag- during the period of May 1 to 31, an 11 ing mamamayan na nagreklamo dahil sa Maintenance work at the south- ness operations at cash fl ows ng major gastos para sa advertising gayong lumal- share point-advantage over GMA in terms pagkasira ng cable signal na dumarating bound outer lane portion between San units sa ilalim ng Benpres, tulad ng ABS- akas naman ang ekonomiya, pinatitibay of national urban,” sabi ni Vivian Tin, sa mga legal subscribers. Simon Interchange and Candaba viaduct CBN Broadcasting Corporation at ng ng ABS-CBN ang tinatawag nitong “di- head ng ABS-CBN Research. Itinutulak din ng SkyCable ang paggamit was completed in May. The northbound First Philippine Holdings, ay nagbabadya rect sales” o ang pagbenta ng produkto o IPO ng SkyCable binabalak ng digital encryption at set-top boxes upang stretch from Bocaue, Bulacan to San na may pampondo ito sa pagbabayad ng serbisyo diretso sa consumer. Balak ng SkyCable magkaroon ng matigil ang pagnanakaw ng cable signal. Gi- Fernando, Pampanga is scheduled for utang. Kabilang sa direct sales ang business initial public offering (IPO) sa susunod na nagamit na ngayon ang bagong teknolohiya maintenance work from June to August, “Our capacity to pay them improves ng ABS-CBN Global na nagbebenta ng dalawang taon. Sa IPO, makakalap ng kai- ng ilang subscribers sa test areas na Pasig, while work on the bridge approaches in with better business outlook for our units. programming content on subscription langan nitong kapital ang SkyCable mula Quezon City at Maynila. both directions of the same stretch was For example, ABS-CBN and Meralco basis sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo; ang sa publiko at mali-list ang shares nito sa Kailangan ng SkyCable ng P100 mily- completed in June. Work on the north- have resumed cash dividend payments ABS-CBN Now na nagbebenta ng video- Philippine Stock Exchange. on para sa karagdagang mga set-top boxes bound pavement portions under the Bu- again this year,” sabi ni Ong. on-demand services sa Internet; ang ABS- Inaasahang makakabawi na sa taong para sa taong ito, at P500 milyon para sa rol, Tabe II, Duhat and Marilao bridges Pangatlo, maaaring maibenta na ng CBN Films na nagpo-produce ng mga ito ang SkyCable mula sa mahabang pa- maintenance at repair ng tumatanda nitong meanwhile will begin next month. Benpres ang mga holdings nito sa First pelikula para sa masang Pilipino; ang Star nahon ng pagkalugi, matapos tumaas ng cable network sa Metro Manila. Also scheduled for maintenance Philippine Infrastructure Development Records para sa audio at video products; husto ang programming costs nito sanhi Bago makapag-IPO ang SkyCable, are parts of the northbound segment Corporation (FPIDC), Digitel, Rockwell at ang Star Magic para sa ABS-CBN mer- ng Asian fi nancial crisis at bumaba ang kailangan munang puma-yag ang mga from Valenzuela to Burol. at SkyCable upang mapaikli ang tenor ng chandise. revenues dahil sa paglaganap ng illegal creditors nito na i-restructure ang mga Maintenance work is generally restructured debt. Noong unang tatlong buwan ng taon, connections. pagkakautang ng kumpanya. carried out from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A minimum of two lanes remain open to traffi c at all times for the duration of the maintenance program from Balint- awak to Bocaue, and a minimum of one Proclamation affi rms ABS-CBN media count lane from Bocaue to San Fernando. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation son, Manuel Villar Jr., Benigno Aquino the only media count recognized offi cially MNTC offi cials noted that despite and STI said the proclamation of the 10 III, Francis Pangilinan, Edgardo Angara, by the Comelec, ran for 24 hours after the the maintenance and enhancement work winning senators by the Commission on Alan Peter Cayetano, Gregorio Honasan elections closed on May 14 to give the on the tollway, traffi c slowdown has been Elections (Comelec) on June 6, 2007 and Joker Arroyo. public on-air fi gures immediately. This minimized with counter-fl ow arrange- vindicates the results of their media “The results show that the media count year, the two organizations had expanded ments in certain areas. (Kit Ventura) count in the 2007 senatorial elections, is accurate and reliable. Future political their area of coverage and strengthened which critics assailed as a trending candidates and the public can expect the the statistical base for the media count. mechanism to infl uence public opinion same kind of service, commitment, and The other candidate who made it to Warning out Free on the poll results. transparency from ABS-CBN and STI in the “Magic 12,” Antonio Trillanes IV, was The 10 senators proclaimed by the giving a quick and reliable media count of proclaimed on June 16. As of press time, on fake bills cable TV Comelec were in the winning circle of the election results,” said ABS-CBN corpo- the No. 12 spot is still being contested by ABS-CBN and STI Media Count: Loren rate communications head Bong Osorio. Miguel Zubiri and Aquilino Pimentel III. Legarda, Francis Escudero, Panfi lo Lac- The ABS-CBN and STI Media Count, (Kane Choa) along NLEX SkyCable Beware of using fake peso bills along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). promo Manila North Tollways Corpora- tion (MNTC) issued this warning in SKYCABLE is bringing back the “Load the wake of the increasing incidence 30+3” promo on its Silver prepaid card. of counterfeit bills being used for toll “We are bringing it back so our sub- payments over the past months. scribers can again enjoy the other perks Some of the suspected counterfeit that our prepaid service can offer, aside bills taken from motorists have been from freeing them up from monthly cable forwarded to the Bangko Sentral ng TV bills,” said Ray Montinola, head of Pilipinas (BSP) for examination fol- SkyCable’s prepaid business unit. lowing standard procedures, said Mar- From July 22 to August 31, 2007, lene Ochoa, MNTC vice president for subscribers who load a 30-day card corporate communications. worth P636 will receive an additional Cases of bogus bills in various three days, free! This means that sub- denominations being paid “wittingly scribers can enjoy more movies, sports or unwittingly” to the NLEX toll tell- events, cartoons and other general en- ers have soared to 81% from January tertainment on over 60 channels. to March this year compared with the SkyCable Silver Prepaid is also combined fi gures for 2005 and 2006. available for P380 (15 days) and P90 MNTC offi cials advised NLEX for (three days). SkyCable Select Pre- motorists to be on the alert for coun- paid, which comes with a mix of chan- terfeit bills to avoid inconvenience and nels that suits the taste of each family delay at the tollgates. member, is available in the following MNTC records show that fake bills denominations: P750 for 90 days, P500 totaling P35,700 were received from for 60 days, P300 for 30 days, P180 for motorists during the fi rst three months 15 days and P40 for three days. of 2007, compared to the 2005-2006 SkyCable prepaid service is initial- BAYAN MEETS WITH AT&T EXEC Bayan Telecommunications Inc. (Bayan) offi cials led by chief executive consultant Tunde total of P44,000. The April 2007 fi g- ly available in selected areas of Pasig, Fafunwa met recently with Adrienne Scott, vice president of AT&T’s Wholesale Global Services Provider Management. The ure registered at P12,300, bringing Manila and Quezon City. For more in- executives said they expect tremendous growth in voice, data and Internet business due to the favorable economic condition of the this year’s fi gure to P48,040, for a formation, see fl yers or call 631-0000. country. Photo shows Fafunwa and Scott (4th and 5th from left) with Kuang Chow, AT&T VP-Asia Pacifi c; Bogs Abogado, Bayan 109.18% increase over the 2005-2006 (Floyd Tena) Wholesale Voice Business; Bong Molina, Bayan VP for International Business and Carrier Markets; Virgil Pedro, AT&T managing record. (K. Ventura) director; Tintin Victoriano, AT&T sales director; and Gene Lim, Bayan Wholesale Voice and Data Services head. (John Rojo) LOPEZLINK July 2007 3 2007 Outstanding Manilan Awardee OML: A true-blue ‘Tubong Maynila’

JUNE 23, 2007 marked a return to his Despite the Lopezes’ having originated OML lauded Mayor Atienza for back- roots for Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. from Iloilo, OML described his generation ing the Lopez Group’s efforts to serve the Lopez (OML), who was born in the city of as being “as much from Manila as Iloilo.” citizens of Manila through the years, not Manila 76 years ago. He proudly referred to himself as “Tubong just with Maynilad but also with Meralco, On that day, as part of the 436th Araw Maynila,” having been born in Manila BayanTel, SkyCable and ABS-CBN. ng Maynila celebrations, outgoing Mayor “when life in the city of our dreams was “This is the kind of partnership be- Lito Atienza conferred on OML the 2007 less complicated and the city itself was less tween city government and private sec- Outanding Manilan Award. The Lopez crowded than it is today.” Also, the Lopez tor that works for the benefit of the city Group chair was cited for his achieve- matriarch, the late Pacita Moreno Lopez, residents. It is a partnership, I am sure, my ments in the field of corporate leader- comes from an old Tagalog family that had fellow awardees have also experienced ship and social responsibility, which has long been based in Tondo, the country’s old and we are celebrating today.” brought honors and prestige to the City of commercial and trading center. The Outstanding Manilan Award is given Manila as well as to the nation. “As a true blue ‘Tubong Maynila’ I annually to individuals who were born, lived In his response on behalf of the hon- never forgot my obligation to contribute or studied in Manila, and have “contributed orees, OML saluted his nine co-awardees, to the upliftment of living conditions in extraordinarily and invaluably to the benefit who included National Bookstore founder the city,” OML said. “...When the Lopez and development of the City of Manila and Socorro Ramos, National Artist Napoleon Group was still in control of Maynilad its people, and whose achievements in their Abueva and journalist Augusto Villan- Water, I insisted that we spend time and profession or vocation have substantially ueva. money making sure that the city’s impov- contributed to the honor and prestige to the “I am very honored to be in the com- erished areas are continually given access city as well as to the nation.” Meralco chair- pany of all these distinguished awardees... to clean drinking water. Mayor Atienza man Manuel M. Lopez and the late Eugenio and I am also humbled to speak on their knows how we worked with his City Hall Lopez Jr., OML’s brothers, were conferred behalf in expressing our gratitude for administration in modernizing the water the same award in 1996 for Entrepreneurial this recognition being given to us,” OML pipes serving the residents of Tondo and Leadership and in 1995 for Broadcast Media said. other areas. Management, respectively. (RKC)

On its 11th anniversary Gawad Galing: Four FSCI has a FSCI receives years of recognizing lot to be honorary mention the best in Bayan grateful for in Six Sigma summit By Aleth Pablo individual Gawad Galing recognition, was OVER a thousand Bayan Telecommuni- FIRST Sumiden Circuits Inc. (FSCI) Practitioners for Retention” during the cations Inc. (Bayan) employees trooped also the first employee to receive the same FIRST Sumiden Circuits Inc. (FSCI) received an Honorary Mention for Best summit. He shared FSCI’s experience in to the University of the Philippines Ang distinction in 2004. recently celebrated its 11th anniver- Defect Elimination in Manufacturing in developing a quality organization based on Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman to cheer This year, the Quality Breakthrough sary at the Colegio San Agustin Gym the Six Sigma Excellence Awards during Six Sigma principles, selecting employees for their colleagues and teammates who Achievement Award was introduced in Biñan, Laguna. 2007 Asian Six Sigma Summit held in to be trained as Six Sigma practitioners, received Bayan’s most major recognition to recognize individuals’ or teams’ Six During the celebration, FSCI Singapore last month. and aligning reward and professional recently. Sigma quality improvement efforts. president Dan Lachica, QA/Engi- growth with Six Since the start of the program in 2004, As the centerpiece of Bayan’s re- neering SVP Ryusuke Nakai and Sigma training. more than 400 people have won the Ga- wards and recognition initiatives for general manager Tim Batac urged The team behind the wad Galing, including solo winners and its employees, Gawad Galing supports the employees to prove their re- winning Six Sigma team members. There are now also repeat the overall business objectives of the silience and commitment to the project was led by winners who have received awards more company as it drives and strengthens goals of the company in the face of Ritchie Magno, a Six than once. Lauro Gregorio Sindac, who the “kakaiba” culture of performance challenges brought about by global Sigma Black Belt and went home with the 2007 Gawad Galing and excellence within the organization. competition. senior supervisor. The Top Seller of the Year Award, the highest (Dimpy Jazmines) Despite diminishing margins team members are in the flexible printed circuit (FPC) Cormel Adrias, Pau- business, and pressure to lower cost, lita Alfaro, JodieMae increase quality and improve de- Brin, Joyce Foronda, livery, FSCI has a lot to be grateful Florante Paala and for. It doubled its manpower in six Henry Victoria. months—therefore providing more The project also jobs to Filipinos—to support the steep garnered second ramp of its customers. place among 40 en- In its 11 years of operation, FSCI tries for Best Defect was continually commended by cus- Elimination in Man- tomers, the industry and local and in- ufacturing in the Six ternational organizations. One example Sigma Excellence is the Philippine Quality Award’s Awards during the Recognition for Mastery in Quality 2006 European Six Management in the ninth cycle of the FSCI president Dan Lachica (center) represented the company Sigma Summit held PQA in 2006. The company was cited at the 7th Six Sigma Summit held in London, UK, where their in London earlier for successfully implementing world- winning project was also cited. this year. class business practices consistent with A recognized leader the US Malcolm Baldrige National FSCI’s entry, entitled “Reduction of among Philippine practitioners, FSCI Quality Award criteria. Coverlay Misregistration Defective Rate implemented Six Sigma in 2001 as its key Today, FSCI faces the tremen- in a Flexible PCB Assembly,” ranked platform for systematic process manage- dous challenges of price erosion, second among 20 entries from multina- ment. Six Sigma is a statistics-based, prob- yield improvement, efficiency tional companies worldwide. The proj- lem-solving methodology using the De- increase and faster delivery. Cor- ect generated $25,000 in savings for the fine-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control Top Seller Don Sindac (3rd from left) accepts his trophy from Bayan chief ex- responding improvement plans have company. (DMAIC) approach. Through Six Sigma, ecutive consultant Tunde Fafunwa, chief finance officer Al Roy and HROD head been developed and are now being The award was received by FSCI FSCI improved its sigma level from 2.70 president Dan Lachica, who also spoke in 2001 to 3.64 in 2006, generating sav- Philip Ruiz III. implemented. on “Selecting and Training of Six Sigma ings of $3.2 million. (A. Pablo) 4 LOPEZLINK July 2007 HR COUNCIL Loyal employees feted Twenty-two service awardees were of service and Erwin Sta. Maria for 10 training, teamwork and financing over honored at the annual Gabi ng Paran- years of service. Meanwhile, Edgardo time. A lot of operational tasks had to be gal jointly held for officers and staff Montalban was recognized for 10 years pursued, particularly before and during members of Lopez Inc., Eugenio Lopez of service to Eugenio Lopez Foundation. the climb,” said OML. Foundation Inc., Benpres Holdings Cor- In his remarks, Lopez Group chair- The chairman gave credit to Trans- poration and First Philippine Holdings man Oscar M. Lopez (OML) stressed portation and Communications Under- Corporation (FPHC). the importance of working together and secretary Art Valdez who “humbly took Leading FPHC honorees were Rey- working with excellence to sustain and the overall management function and Photos: BONG NABONG & ROSAN CRUZ naldo R. Sarmenta and Lolita T. de Castro continually improve the group’s perfor- undertook” what would be considered a for 25 years of service. Also recognized mance. He related this to the Mt. Everest “mission impossible.” OML was earlier were Rodolfo Waga, Jr., Ardel Fadri, climbs by mountaineers Leo Oracion presented with crampons by the Filipina Rizalito Garcia, Rogelio Puno, Ilene and Pastor Emata last year and by Janet Everest team and with a pickax by the Estrada, Christine Arizabal, Amelita Aga- Belarmino, Noelle Wenceslao and Karina Filipino Everest team. Crampons are ton, and Celeste Consibido for 15 years of Dayondon this year. Both projects were outdoor footwear made from spikes and service; Arthur de Guia, Oscar Lopez Jr., supported by the different companies of are worn on boots to provide traction on Francis Giles Puno, Esmeraldo Amistad, the Lopez Group, especially ABS-CBN snow and ice. The crampons and pickax and Victor Alvior for 10 years of service; in 2006 and FPHC in 2007. were used by the climbers when they and Jacqueline Sarte for five years of ser- “They (mountaineers) set an example summited Mt. Everest. vice. to the rest of the nation. Their sheer deter- Providing live entertainment were Benpres had two honorees: Cielito mination and perseverance are an inspi- violinist John Lesaca, and actor Jericho Clockwise from top: The Mt. Pulag Team of the Lopez Group with the Mt. Everest Diokno for 10 years of service and Pedro ration to all of us. (But) the Mt. Everest Rosales and his band, The Jeans. Special climbers; Benpres service awardees Boo Chanco (16 years) and Pinky Diokno (10 Antonio Chanco for 16 years of service. climbs are not just a matter of sheer guts guest performers were Heart Evangelista years) with OML and Angel S. Ong; Environment Sec. Angelo Reyes (center) hands a Lopez Inc. honored Mary Jane Pagkali- and heroism. They are basically an exer- and First Gen president Federico R. Lo- Certificate of Distinction to OML for being the oldest person to summit Mt. Pulag. nawan and Edsel Sanchez for 15 years cise in management that require a lot of pez. (CPS) PR CHALLENGE LAA CORNER Necessary exposure: The Power restoration market role of CEO reputation after Typhoon Milenyo

Corporate Express CEO Ted is also this issue of the public what you say you are going to LopezLink pays tribute to the was employed where loads were ethic was also evident as hundreds Nark and Burson-Marsteller profile the CEO has. do. If you have credibility, that 2006 Lopez Achievement Award shifted to other sources while of personnel worked almost non- CEO Varina Nissen talk about What about other stakehold- will take you a long way with all winners by featuring their story in maintaining the integrity of the en- stop for several days. why CEO reputation is becom- ers, such as employees? Do these groups. If the employees our new LAA Corner starting this tire electric distribution network. Restoration of power after ing important, how it interacts they respond positively to a trust you, and the investment month. We kick off this series with The work teams also had to Milenyo was the fastest at only with corporate reputation, and high profile CEO? community sees a track record Meralco, which received an LAA work under time pressure, as in the nine days, a big leap from the al- what CEOs can do to build and Nark: I think there are potential of delivering, generally you will in Customer Focus. case when President Gloria Maca- most two-month restoration after sustain their reputation, and thus benefits here. At the end of the find you have support. pagal Arroyo requested Meralco Yoling in 1970, a month’s restora- ultimately that of their own cor- day, people everywhere want Balancing the different PACKING winds of 190 kilome- on Day 2 of the restoration work to tion after Rosing in 1995, and the poration. to work for an organization that interests is more an art than a ters per hour, typhoon Milenyo restore power to Metro Manila as over two-week job after Katring in How do you see the interaction they feel proud of. To the extent science, so it’s hard to have a was one of the four strongest ty- soon as possible. Malacañang itself, 1994. Meralco lost an estimated between the CEO reputation that the company’s reputation formula. How you communi- phoons to hit Metro Manila and most police and security facilities P1.6B in revenues and P700M in and the company reputation? is reinforced in the media, or cate is important, and I believe the Meralco franchise since 1970. and other sensitive areas still had no equipment repairs. Had the pace of Nark: I think it’s important, anywhere else, that is a positive that trust is probably the single Milenyo’s strong winds caused power at the time. By midnight of restoration been the same as that in particularly for companies that thing. People do feel good about most important thing with all successive power interruptions and Sept. 29, restoration in the metropo- the time of Katring, Meralco would don’t have a long track record the company being viewed well groups. eventually, a total system blackout lis was 62%, and on the third day, have lost P2.4 B in revenues. in the public mind. These com- externally. Riddiford’s comment: A at noon on September 28, 2006. Sept. 30, it was 80% completed. For Meralco employees, the panies may be relatively new, or Nissen: …People inevitably strong CEO reputation can Milenyo downed or affected A workforce pooling system restoration experience was a dem- they may have grown rapidly, or ask ‘Who do you work for?’, so have real advantages in attract- 2,080 poles and 1,473 primary displayed the high level of coop- onstration of dedication, persever- the company may be relatively company name recognition cer- ing and retaining staff, opening wires. It required 2,302 person- eration among the crews. Crews ance, malasakit and creativity in small. tainly helps. People may then be up market opportunities and nel or 845 crews to work virtually from the provincial offices were providing solutions to bring power … You want to institutional- asked about the company, what generally improving morale around the clock to bring the sys- called in to restore power in Metro back to millions. The power res- ize a good reputation, and not it stands for, and so on. Another across the length and breadth of tem back to normal. Manila. When the work was near- toration was not a task for a few, have it dependent on any one factor is that currently there is far the organization. The link with With the commitment of pro- ly done, city crews motored to the select organizations, but for the individual. To that extent the greater employee share owner- long-term shareholder value is viding reliable electric service in provinces to help in the rehabilita- entire Meralco. It was team effort CEO reputation is a necessary ship, which has meant more more problematic: as the Bur- mind, an out-of-the-box solution tion work there. A strong work at its best. (Bheng Relatado) first step to creating an overall scrutiny and a greater demand son-Marsteller and LEK Group reputation, but it’s certainly not for accountability of the CEO. study shows, while a “brand the end game. The greater the de- Nark: …Name recognition name” CEO can spike up share gree of momentum, consistency certainly helps you recruit. prices in the short term, in the and longevity in the marketplace, Good coverage can help create long term a brand-name CEO is the less any single person needs goodwill toward the company, no guarantee of value creation, to be linked with the corporate employees pick up on that, and it with “unknown insiders” often reputation. helps attract other good people to doing better. Is CEO reputation based on the organization. The issue of em- What the research does anything more than deliver- ployee shareholders underlines highlight unambiguously is ing results? Can you sustain a the greater focus on shareholders the need…to be aware of the CEO reputation in the face of as the dominant constituency of a expectations of two very power- indifferent corporate perfor- company. In previous times, this ful constituencies: the business mance? was not as dominant. media and financial analysts. Nark: Ultimately reputation is How do you go about building The demands of these groups linked to results, but there are a CEO reputation? Clearly on a CEO’s time and attention probably other factors that come there are different constituen- need, of course, to be balanced into play. These include how cies—employees, shareholders against those of other corporate articulate the CEO is, how ac- etc.—…who often have con- stakeholders, such as sharehold- cessible they are, and so on. So flicting expectations. ers and employees.—Mike Rid- while some CEO reputations are Nark: A lot of it comes down diford, Web Editor (Excerpted based very much on results, there to communication, and doing from www.ceoforum.com.au) Meralco’s Milenyo Team LOPEZLINK July 2007 5 couch potato ‘Umagang Kay Ganda’ dumating na! treats ISA na namang pintuan ang bi- mainit na kape sa inyong nuksan ng ABS-CBN para sa pandesal.” mga Kapamilya sa pamamagitan Ang “Umagang Kay Mt. Everest TV spot wins silver in ng programang “Umagang Kay Ganda” ang tugon ng ABS- global tilt Ganda.” CBN sa nagbabagong mga ABS-CBN Broadcasting Pinapangunahan nina Edu pangangailangan at panlasa Corporation won a Silver Manzano, Pinky Webb, Kim ng mga manonood, dagdag pa ni magbigay-aliw at magbigay-tu- Award for its Mt. Everest TV spot titled “Mountaintop” in Atienza, Donita Rose at An- Osorio. long tungo sa mas magandang PROMAX, the global com- thony Taberna ang bagong pro- Ang bagong morning show kinabukasan. petition of media promo- grama. Kasama rin sina Ber- ng ABS-CBN ay may live audi- “We have three goals: to tions. nadette Sembrano, Ogie Diaz, ence sa labas at loob ng studio. inform, to entertain and to in- The 15-seconder plug Winnie Cordero, Atom Araullo Sa ganitong paraan, malaking was created by Robert La- spire,” sabi ni Ressa. “Our song bayen, head of the creative at Rica Peralejo sa paghatid ng bahagi ang mga Kapamilya sa says it all: ‘the morning sun will communications manage- samu’t saring impormasyon at programa. At bukod sa mga dat- shine light on our collective ment division; Ira Zabat, creative director; Howard Palomares, writer; and Dennis mga nakaaaliw na kuwento ng ing paboritong segment, may dreams, and we’ll make these Amarille, editor. buhay. mga bagong pakulo, sorpresa at dreams come true and change The TV spot showed the actual footage of Leo Oracion, the first Filipino to reach the world’s highest peak, taking the last few steps before planting the Philippine flag on top of “Ito ang kukumpleto sa kapaki-pakinabang na mga ku- our society by facing adversity Mt. Everest. The message of the spot ad went: “One step for people losing courage. One step umaga ninyo,” sabi ni ABS- wento at balitaktakang maasa- and challenges together.’” for a people underestimating themselves. One step for a people in search of respect. May 17, CBN corporate communications han. Panoorin ang “Umagang 2006, on top of Mt. Everest. The Filipino planted the symbol of his unsinkable spirit.” head Bong Osorio. “Ang ‘Uma- Ayon kay ABS-CBN news Kay Ganda” mula 5:30 a.m. The Mt. Everest climb was supported by ABS-CBN, First Philippine Holdings gang Kay Ganda’ ang magiging and current affairs head Maria Corp., and other sponsors. (Kane Choa) hanggang 8:30 a.m., Lunes palaman sa inyong tinapay o ang Ressa, layunin ng programa ang hanggang Biyernes! (K. Choa) Edu game na game na! Si Edu Manzano na ang opisyal na host ng “Pilipinas Game KNB?.” Napaka-natural ng pagiging komedyante ni Manzano at malakas ang karisma niya sa masa kaya hindi siya nahirapang panatilihin ang mataas na ratings ng show. Season 2 update Ilang taon na ring umeere ang “PGKNB?” at natalo pa nito ang mga sikat na foreign game shows noon. Ito na lang ang game show na nanatiling namamayagpag sa ere hang- gang ngayon. Ang “PGKNB?” rin ang natatanging game show na tunay na may tatak Pinoy dahil ang ABS-CBN mismo ang bumuo ang konsepto nito. (K. Choa) Big Winner: It’s a girl—again! ‘Wowowee’ mamimigay ng Urvan sa July 21 Dalawang beses lang nag-text at nag-down- load sa “Pera O Bayong” Pindot Partner text raffle promo si Jessebeth Ricarte ng Cagayan de Oro. Pagsapit ng ika-2 ng Hunyo, may bago na siyang kotse mula sa ABS-CBN In- teractive! Baka ikaw naman ang susunod na mag-uuwi ng brand-new Nissan Urvan. Puwede ring mag-uwi ng P20,000, P50,000, P100,000 o P200,000! Ang announcement ng grand winner ng bagong Nissan Urvan ay gaganapin sa Sabado, July 21, 2007 sa “Wowowee.” Sali na sa “Pera O Bayong” Pindot Partner text Bea Mickey Wendy Gee-Ann raffle promo! Para sumali, mag-download ng featured ring tone at i-text ang POB sa 2366. (Lorelie Dionisio) BEATRIZ “Bea” Saw bucked Valais from Globe Asiatique housemates but also emerged as three nominations, two of which and a 2007 Honda CRV. an underdog versus the feisty Val- ‘Magpabahay ng Kapamilya’ promo she received early in the game, The game was pretty close dez. She received 1,119,714 votes on ‘Nagmamahal Kapamilya’ to become the newest “Pinoy for the rest of the Big Four, with ( 21.58%) to finish as the evening’s “Nagmamahal Kapamilya” and Globe Asiatique fulfill another Filipino dream with the Big Brother” Big Winner during the well-loved Mickey Perz gar- 4th Big Placer. Magpabahay ng Kapamilya promo, open to all Kapamilya worldwide. Just send the the show’s finale dubbed “Big nering 1,286,166 votes (24.79%) Fueled in no small part by compelling story of your family or friends to “Nagmamahal Kapamilya.” Night at the Big Dome” on June to finish as the 2nd Big Placer. the public’s love-hate relation- The stories of the top three finalists, chosen by “Nagmamahal Kapamilya” produc- ers and Globe Asiatique executives, will be aired on August 2007. The viewers will then 30, 2007. Despite her extreme bitchi- ship with Valdez, the Season 2 text who among the three finalists deserves the grand prize. Saw, 20, is also the fourth ness toward Saw and Gee-Ann voter turnout “surpassed even Send your stories to Magpabahay ng Kapamilya, “Nagmamahal, Kapamilya,” TV female to win the controversial Abrahan near the end of their the previous season’s and edi- Productions, ABS-CBN, Sgt. Esguerra Ave., QC or email to nagmamahal@abs-cbn. show’s top prize, after Nene 126-day stint in the Big Brother tions’ total number of votes,” com. (L. Dionisio) Tamayo (Season 1), Keanna House, Wendy Valdez received noted the “Pinoy Big Brother” Reeves (Celebrity Edition) and 1,209,978 ( 23.32%) votes to be- website. Buong bansa, makikiindak na sa ‘U Kim Chiu (Teen Edition). come the 3rd Big Placer. Valdez With her win, Saw may Can Dance Version 2’! The “Sassy Girl” received a was able to return to the house yet see her dream of seeing Makiindak kasama sina Iya Villania at Derek Ramsey sa mas malaki at mas bonggang record-breaking 1,571,556 votes through the “Balik Bahay” gim- her family—overseas Filipino “U Can Dance Version 2” tuwing Sabado, magsisimula na sa July 7 sa ABS-CBN. (30.29%) to romp away with P1 mick after she was first evicted on worker dad, social worker mom Muling makakasama ang celebrity jurors mula sa unang season, ang Dance Idol ng million in cash from My Mar- Day 70, prompting accusations of assigned in various places in the Barangay na si Jhong Hilario, at ang Kapitana ng Dance Floor na si Maribeth Bichara vel Taheebo, a Polo Air Travel favoritism against ABS-CBN. Philippines, and some younger para magbigay ng kanilang mga komento sa mga magtutunggali. Valdez scored an upset against siblings farmed out to relatives Kilalanin kung sinu-sino ang papalaring makapareha ng mga paborito niyong artista tour for two to nine European sa Celebrity Showdown, at alamin kung aling barangay ang makakasali sa Sayaw Ba- countries, a kitchen showcase, Gee-Ann Abrahan, who was ac- in their native Bicol—reunited rangay competition! (Katherine Solis) a house and lot in St. Monique knowledged as one of the richest in a home of their own. (JGJ) 6 LOPEZLINK July 2007

The HR Council... The Summit is much like the national Bonding at the from page 1 conference of the People Manage- ment Association of the Philippines In addition to Canlas, Sarmenta and (PMAP), the leading organization of Q2 General Ramos, the Core group is composed of HR practitioners and people managers Shirley Hombrebueno of First Gen, Jig in the country. Yan of First Philec, Loida Martinez of While the HR Council can tout Membership Bayan, Lea Wong of Tollways Man- many achievements during its existence, agement Corp. (TMC), Barbara Reyes there are those that stand out for being and Caloy Salonga of SkyCable, Art particularly pioneering and innovative. Meeting Florentin of Meralco and Pinky Diokno Together with the PMAP, it imple- of Benpres Holdings Corp., which acts mented the Investors in People (IiP) By Yiessa H. Borbon as the Council secretariat. Standard, an international benchmark According to Vargas, the group of excellence in people practices that EVERY quarter, the HR Council plans for its Gen- initially aimed to focus on professional originated in the United Kingdom in eral Membership Meeting (GMM) where business development of Lopez Group HR prac- 1991. Diokno likens it to an ISO, albeit updates, product presentations and learning ses- titioners through learning sessions that in the fi eld of people management and would help hone their HR technical development, and HR practices. sions are shared with all the members. The graduates of the skills. Eventually this mission was ex- Among the fi rst in RP In the second-quarter GMM held on June 20, Certifi cate Course on panded to include undertaking projects In 2006, the UK’s Investors in 2007, Beth Canlas gave an update on the train- Organization Develop- that all the companies could be involved People, through the PMAP, extended a ings/workshops that will be conducted this year. ment conducted by the in, thereby advancing group identity. grant to fi ve Lopez Group companies to In addition to the retirement planning workshop Ateneo-CORD (top In addition to the regular monthly undertake the IiP journey and go for IiP held on June 28 to 29, 2007, there will be a Lan- photo); Lopez Group meetings of the Core Group, there are recognition. First Philippine Industrial guage of Business workshop slated for July 11 to chairman Oscar M. quarterly General Membership Meet- Corp. (FPIC), Philippine Electric Corp. 13, 2007; and a certifi cate course in performance Lopez delivers the ings (GMMs) that typically consist of (Philec), First Electro Dynamics Corp. and rewards management on July 24, 25, 31 and keynote address during business updates and situationers, and a (Fedcor), Asian Eye Institute (AEI), and August 1, 2007. the Annual HR Summit learning session for the HR representa- MMLDC took up the challenge, passed Companies that would like to send their em- held at the ELC Train- tives of the member companies. the assessment process and subsequent- ployees to these trainings/workshops may get in ing Center (right). Canlas, a representative of FPHC to ly achieved IiP status. touch with Canlas for details. the HR Council, explains: “ If it’s train- The Group rollout of the standard is Sanofi -Pasteur (formerly Aventis) sponsored ing needs analysis, we invite a resource considered something of a benchmark, a lecture on infl uenza and what can be done to speaker to talk about that, or about as Lopez companies are among the fi rst fi ght it. The Council arranged for Sanofi -Pasteur compensation and benefi ts. Ultimately, in the Philippines to be IiP certifi ed. to make the fl u vaccine available to Lopez Group it’s really to help HR practitioners in the The PMAP is now actively promoting employees at a signifi cantly reduced cost. Lopez Group get away from the trans- IiP in the Philippines and in the next actional role of HR and to move them few years, it expects that more and Bayan Telecommunications (Bayan) through more towards the transformational role more Philippine companies will go for its marketing team also presented its new product, of HR, meaning being strategic partners IiP certifi cation, this being the seal of SPAN, “ ang landline na mobile.” to the business.” excellence that will bring prestige to The highlight of the GMM was the learning Summit organizations. session. Patricia Berba gave the group an overview In early 2006, the fi rst batch of 10 “I’ve been an HR practitioner for of project management for HR professionals and Lopez Group HR practitioners received many years and I see that it’s really a the pitfalls that should be avoided to ensure that their diplomas in HR Development very good framework,” Diokno says of projects assigned to HR professionals are success- from the Ateneo’s Center for Research IiP. “Even just adopting the framework ful. Berba, an HR consultant based in Singapore, and Development (Cord). The course, will help the organization a lot because has 12 years of industry experience working with which is made up of three certifi cate it addresses various areas—business global, regional and local business processes and HR practitioners courses, aims to build the competencies planning, performance management, IT projects for multinational companies and small of the Lopez Group of HR professionals through continuous communication, employee morale, and medium enterprises (SMEs). who participated training and education; practitioners employee development. It integrates This quarter’s GMM was a venue for partici- in the IiP Internal who complete all six courses included all these processes into one common pants to meet and bond with other HR professionals Advisers Workshop in the program are conferred a diploma framework. It’s really going to help conducted by Janet from the other Lopez Group Companies through in Strategic Human Resource Develop- the organization; in fact, research has Webster of IiP UK the human bingo icebreaker, courtesy of Jig Yan ment. Professional development initia- shown that IiP-certifi ed companies and Gerry Plana, and Barb Reyes. tives such as the HR Diploma Course outperform those that are not in terms PMAP executive are driven by the Council’s Professional of profi tability and productivity. It has Free fl u vaccines and umbrellas were also given director (top); The Development committee led by Canlas. been proven to help in terms of achiev- away to the participants to beat the rainy days. HR Council mem- The Council’s showpiece activity ing the business objectives.” For those who missed this event, watch for the bers in a plenary is the HR Summit, which gathers all Benefi ts of the IiP tool include in- third-quarter GMM, which will be more exciting session during the the members for, among other activi- creased productivity, reduced costs, a as we approach the HR Summit in November. HR Summit (left). ties, talks by HR experts and CEOs more motivated workforce, more effec- from companies outside of the group. tive training and an enhanced corporate

(CSR). Happily married with two up an impressive list of accom- lutions for both individuals and orga- meet the daughters, Canlas and her husband, plishments that includes guiding nizations directed at attaining higher Fedcor general manager and EVP the MML Development Center levels of pro ductivity and sustainable Manolito Canlas, are active mem- through its IiP certifi cation growth. Salonga, who holds an M.A. HR Council Core bers of Couples of Christ. process in 2006, and managing in Industrial/Organizational Psychol- its spin off into a foundation ogy from Ateneo, is a labor relations, Reynaldo R. Sarmenta with its own legal personality leadership and management devel- VP for HR, First Philippine in 2002. He was also the driv- opment, and total HR solutions and Holdings Corporation ing force behind the creation of organizational excellence expert. He As head of the HRM group of the MMLDC in 1999. Florentin is married to Carina Salonga, with FPHC, Sarmenta supervises all holds a BS Statistics degree and whom he has three kids. its functions such as HR develop- a master’s degree in Industrial ment, organization development, Relations from UP; he is also a Shirley C. Hombrebueno performance management, com- Ph.D. candidate in Educational AVP and HR head, First Gas group pensation and benefi ts. He has Psychology in the same institu- Group of Companies and First Mercedes L. Vargas fi eld and undertake more ambi- of organizational development of actively held leadership roles in tion. He is married to Rose Ann Gen Corp. HR Council chairperson tious projects. She says her ties the HR Core Group and head of the professional, business, socio-civic Florentin and has one son. Hombrebueno has had extensive Vargas is the vice president for lo- with the museum began at birth. HR Council’s HR Professional De- and nongovernment organizations. training in various aspects of HR gistics division of ABS-CBN and She is a graduate of Bachelor of velopment Committee. As such she Sarmenta is happily married, with Carlos Pedro C. Salonga management and is currently part concurrently, the Lopez Memorial Arts in Communication from As- manages all learning sessions, the four children and one grandson. VP for HROD and Admin of the compensation and benefi ts Museum director. Her past work sumption College. annual HR Summits and the special Services, Central CATV Inc. committee of the HR Council Core experience has been in invest- courses for HRs. She is also actively Arthur Luis P. Florentin, FPM Since embarking on a career as a Group. Before joining First Gas, she ment banking, logistics and HR. Elizabeth M. Canlas involved in corporate initiatives Sr. AVP and head of HR practitioner in HR management and worked at FPHC where she started The HR Council Core Group after one of their regualr meetings (L-R): Mabelle Ramos, She is currently consolidating the AVP-HR, FPHC of the Lopez Group, such as the Development, Meralco organizational development 25 years her career as research assistant un- Barbara Reyes, Cedie Vargas, Art Florentin, Beth Canlas, Jig Yan, Pinky Diokno and museum to enable it to become a Canlas heads the HR development Lopez Lifelong Wellness Program In his almost 30 years with ago, Salonga’s special focus has der the business development group. Lea Wong. Not in photo: Rey Sarmenta, Caloy Salonga, Shirley Hombrebueno and Loida dynamic participant in the cultural department of FPHC and is in charge and corporate social responsibility Meralco, Florentin has racked always been providing integrated so- Hombrebueno has a BS Economics Martinez. 7 LOPEZLINK JulyJuly 20072007 77

image. Fedcor, for example, reported its HR diploma course and other learn- its highest production and sales—more ing activities, Canlas says the Council than double its previous seven-month also intends to promote more actively average, in fact—in its 15 years of op- “best practices, not just in external best EXECUTIVE PROFILE eration. practice but also in internal best prac- Consolidated benefi ts tice.” The Council is spearheading the “One of the things we’d also like movement to get more Lopez Group to do this year is to collaborate more companies to go for IiP certification closely with the other councils in the Felipe B. Alfonso: or at least adopt the IiP framework. Lopez Group, like the PR Council In July, an IiP orientation workshop and the Comptrollers Circle. For in- will be conducted to allow HR practi- stance, we’re looking at working with tioners and line managers to see how the PR Council in terms of getting the standard can help their compa- the HR people more conscious about nies. how they should be creating the Lo- ‘We are part of a Also through the Council, several pez Group employment brand,” says companies were able to consolidate Vargas. many of their benefi ts requirements “Merong value ‘yun—perception and achieve cost effi ciencies. “Like management, especially public percep- for instance the rice benefi ts. What tion . ‘Gusto ko diyan sa Lopez Group bigger family’ we did was to invite bids from differ- kasi ganito ang Lopez Group.’ And it’s ent suppliers,” Vargas says. “Before true, they are good employers—they’re the consolidation, some companies fair, they’re caring. So we need to so- By Carla Paras-Sison with social issues, as well as do its share “Different companies have different got their rice at P1,400 to P1,500 per lidify exactly what that brand is and in the development of the country as a needs. Certain companies have a phi- sack. Because we consolidated our what we need to do to make sure that WHEN former Asian Institute of whole. losophy of developing talent internally. requirements, the supplier agreed to in everything that we do, we’re always Management (AIM) president Felipe “That is the true message of being a Others want to bring in talent from the bring down the price—to a little over consistent with the brand,” Diokno B. Alfonso joined Benpres Holdings kapamilya. The country needs to move outside to get new ideas and benefi t from P900 per sack—resulting in big sav- adds. Corporation as executive vice president and to the extent that we can assist in different sets of experiences. Either is Partner with CEOs ings for the companies.” for human resource (HR) development developing our motherland, we must.” possible. There are costs and benefi ts. This strategy was also carried over According to Vargas, the Council to the Group’s life insurance, hospi- ultimately wants to put its members in in 2001, the Lopez Group was in crisis Alfonso, who is concurrently vice The important thing is to continually talization and HMO benefi ts. Vargas a better position to partner with their mode. Companies that greatly suffered chairman of Meralco and a member of think about succession, especially be- admits that it wasn’t an easy feat to respective CEOs and line managers so from the effects of the Asian fi nancial Benpres’ board of directors, observes cause the Lopez family itself will have pull off because the companies already that they will be able to help grow and contagion were defaulting on loans and that the group is still a growing organi- to face the succession issue,” Alfonso had a relationship with their respective support the business. trying to convince creditors to enter zation and “probably needs to formalize explains. suppliers, but the Council was able to “The role of HR is really to trans- consensual negotiations. development processes” that are internal At 70, he is offi cially retired from demonstrate the value that consolida- form the organization so it is better able Today, times are different. Recov- to companies. By identifying best prac- teaching and is enjoying his work, espe- tion would bring. to achieve whatever business objectives ery is in the air as the economy surges tices, corporate HR considers the pos- cially civic work. An active professional “We really are able to achieve a lot have been set. Their partnering role and capital markets open up. Troubled sibility of replicating such practices for and civic leader, Alfonso is a member of cost effi ciencies by pooling our num- is what we really want to make them bers together,” notes Vargas. aware of,” she stresses. “The HR people companies are being rehabilitated while the benefi t of the bigger Lopez Group. of Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference, This strength in numbers strategy dream of having their CEOs become others that successfully weathered the “This should be an ongoing process. It Makati Business Club, Management was again put to use in the Council’s more conscious or aware of what HR downturn are poised for further growth. should never cease.” Association of the Philippines and the fundraising efforts in late 2006. Thank- can do for them, that there’s a bigger, “Complacency is going to be an As a professor in AIM, he special- Integrated Bar of the Philippines. He ful employees still remember that it strategic role that HR can play in grow- area we should be careful about. We ized in human behavior in organizations works closely with a number of socio- was Vargas and the Council that took ing and strengthening the business and are moving on (from the crisis) and for managers, general management, civic organizations assisting poor and the lead in raising funds for them when achieving organizational excellence. companies are beginning to yield good organizational development and cor- disadvantaged communities. Typhoon Reming practically fl attened The CEOs just have to give them a results. We must realize that there are porate social responsibility (CSR). His He is a trustee of the Coca-Cola Bicol province in November. The Coun- chance.” ups and downs in any business. The im- research focus was on the management Foundation of the Philippines, East cil sent out letters to the HR heads of At the same time, HR has to make the different companies to ask for help, sure that employees understand what portant thing is to ensure sustainability. patterns of family-owned corporations, Asian Pastoral Institute, Knowledge reasoning that “charity begins at home.” their role is in the company, and know Remember that the Lopez Group has corporate governance and CSR. Channel Foundation Inc., Philippine More than a dozen companies respond- exactly how they’re able to contribute been in existence for a long, long time Coming from this background, he Foundation for Global Concerns Inc., ed, allowing the group to raise funds of and how to do their jobs well. but there is generally more competition is keenly looking into the succession and STI Foundation. He is also presi- almost P1 million, which amount was “We talk about people being the than we have seen in the past, even in processes within the group, which are dent of the Lopez Group Foundation distributed exclusively to the Lopez best assets of the organization, and yet power. So we must become much more bound to become explicit as many key Inc. Group employees based in Bicol. we do not know how to tap their full effi cient, or do more with less. We must executives are seen to be retiring in a His CSR efforts are certainly witness Employment brand potential. If we can really motivate continue to innovate,” Alfonso says. couple of years. While there are already to his active participation in building In addition to championing corpo- them and equip them so that they’re He adds that because the Lopez succession processes within the cor- the nation, which he considers the im- rate social responsibility (CSR), push- able to carry out their jobs well, then ing IiP and the continuous development that defi nitely will impact the busi- Group is part of a bigger family—the porations, these need to be continually mediate bigger family to which we all of the Group HR practitioners through ness,” Vargas says. nation—it will need to assist in dealing improved. belong.

degree from the UP Diliman where ployee and labor relations and HR from the University of Sto. Tomas is also worked as a public seminar she graduated cum laude. manager of Summit Media Group, married and has two daughters. resource speaker and consultant among others. She holds degrees with the UP School of Labor and Barbara B. Reyes in Psychology and Education from Loida G. Martinez Industrial Relations, and Asian Director, HROD and Admin UP and the University of Perpetual AVP, Bayan Telecommunica- Business Consultants. Ramos Services, Central CATV Inc. Help, and is pursuing her MBA at tions Inc. holds a BS Industrial Engineering Reyes is a Communication Arts the Ateneo Graduate School of Martinez has carved out a success- and Operations Research degree graduate from Maryknoll (now Business. ful career in HR despite being a from UP, and an MBA from the Miriam College). She spent 14 The mother of three “moon- Business Administration graduate. Ateneo Graduate School of Busi- years at the Mandarin Hotel, a year lights” as a balloon artist, papier- She started out as a personnel as- ness. She is married and has three in mainland China where Manila mâché mask-maker, poet and sistant in Levi Strauss, moved up sons and two daughters. Hotel opened a hotel, and two storyteller. She also shares her HR the ranks to become Employee years at Manila Diamond Hotel. expertise by contributing to MOD Relations manager in Motorola, Cielito R. A. Diokno She is now on her 13th year with Magazine’s HR Helpdesk. and joined BayanTel as HROD se- VP for HR, Benpres Holdings SkyCable. Reyes enjoys garden- nior manager before assuming her Diokno started her career in HR, ing, and experimenting with new Lea M. Wong current position. She is an active fi rst in psychometrics, before going dishes as seen over the Lifestyle VP for HR and Administration, member of the Couples for Christ into headhunting. The BS Psychol- Channel and making family and Tollways Management Corp. Family Ministries. ogy graduate of the University of friends try them out at home. Wong is TMC’s employee number the Philippines counts among her 8, having been recruited to handle Maria Belen B. Ramos career highlights her HR roles in Maria Luz Blanco-Yan the company’s staffi ng requirements AVP for HR and Admin, Lopez such companies as the First Pa- AVP for Corporate HR, First in 2003. It was her third move with- Inc. cifi c Group and Standard Chartered The HR Council Core Group after one of their regualr meetings (L-R): Mabelle Ramos, Philec in the Lopez Group, having started Ramos’ tour of duty included Bank. She joined Benpres in 1997. Barbara Reyes, Cedie Vargas, Art Florentin, Beth Canlas, Jig Yan, Pinky Diokno and Yan’s outgoing personality has in Bayan in 1995, before moving to stints with Jollibee, Purefoods, the She is a member of PMAP’s Soci- Lea Wong. Not in photo: Rey Sarmenta, Caloy Salonga, Shirley Hombrebueno and Loida served her well in her previous Benpres in 2001 and fi nally to TMC. Tourist Duty Free Shops and the ety of Fellows and is a PMAP-cer- Martinez. jobs as ABS-CBN head of em- The Behavioral Science graduate National Computer Center. She tifi ed IiP Adviser and Assessor. 8 LOPEZLINK July 2007 CSR ACTIVITIES CEOs walk the talk in CSR expo CHIEF executives of the country’s top the Test: Cultivating Shared Val- corporations kicked off the League of ues for Business and Society.” Corporate Foundations’ (LCF) 2007 The kickoff theme was chosen CSR Expo with a march in the Makati to show that giant steps are being Central Business District. taken by the country’s leading cor- Headlining their commitment porations in the cause for sustaining to address climate change and the environment. LCF is devoting other environmental and social the last day of the expo to rally the issues, the country’s business private sector to appreciate the mag- leaders dramatized the 2007 CSR nitude of the problems and embrace Expo theme of “Putting CSR to environmental stewardship. Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez (right) and Ambassador Kristie This is in addition to the continu- Kenney turn over the ‘Salam’ modules to DepEd Sec. Jesli Lapus. ing commitment of LCF and its mem- Photos: Mandy Navasero CSR Expo 2007 bers to education, health and poverty alleviation, as well as arts and culture. July 16 to 18, 2007 All these societal concerns will be ad- Knowledge Channel Sofi tel Philippine Plaza dressed during the expo to be held at L-R: LCF volunteer, Benpres’ Rosan Cruz, ABS-CBN’s Charo Logarta, CCP Complex, Pasay City the Sofi tel Hotel in Pasay City on July Lopez Group Foundation Inc.’s Dulce Festin Baybay, Julie Cuevas, Contact Vanessa Suquila of 16 to 18, 2007. For more details, visit Vanessa Suquila and Dario Pagcaliwagan, and another LCF volunteer wages peace through TV LGFI at 490-0779 www.csrexpo2007.net. (RKC) at the Expo kickoff. THE Knowledge Channel Founda- tion Inc. (KCFI) recently launched its peace education video modules for the intermediate level in for- mal rites at the Department of First Philec goes to Verde Island! Education (DepEd) headquarters in Pasig City. By Jig Blanco-Yan “Salam” (Arabic for “peace”) De Guia who kept wondering why is a 10-episode educational dra- JUST how did the First Philec family the employees brought a bulky scan- ma series produced with fund- go green in spite of the red-hot sum- ner to the company outing. With the ing assistance from the United mer sun? By holding its fi rst com- mystery fi nally solved and with all States Agency for International pany outing in Verde Island—the the candy-fi lled loot bags distributed Development (USAID) as part world center of marine biodiversity among the well-wishers, it was time of a project called “Television and the site of the marine conserva- to head back home. Education for the Advancement tion program of First Philippine Tired but still left with enough of Muslim Mindanao” (TEAM- ‘Salam’ teacher’s guide Conservation Inc. (FPCI). energy to talk about their Verde Mindanao). Located in Sitio Subukin, experience during the bus ride back DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus, peace on the personal, interper- San Antonio, Batangas City, the to Benpres, the First Philec team US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, sonal and national levels,” OML soothing seascape made up for members felt a great sense of fulfi ll- Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. said. the three-hour travel time from ment. Holding the company outing Lopez (OML), KCFI president KCFI is actively seeking addi- Ortigas, not to mention the 4 a.m. on Verde Island not only showed Rina Lopez-Bautista, Offi ce of the tional funds to produce more edu- assembly time. After braving two support for the Lopez Group con- Presidential Adviser on the Peace cation modules that can deliver the boat rides (the fi rst one lasted all servation effort in the area, but also Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus message of peace through visuals of two minutes due to a propeller Gerry Reyes (right, in trunks) of FPCI demonstrates the basics of scuba strengthened ties among First Philec Dureza and senior offi cials from and drama. “Salam” will be aired problem) and the task of fulfi lling diving to members of the First Philec team. employees. And yes, the cake was the USAID, KCFI and DepEd were over KCh, the only all-educational a secret mission (surprise First perfect too! present at the turnover ceremony. television channel on cable, in its Philec president Dr. Art de Guia they were not disappointed—the was sumptuous and fi lling, while (First Philec extends special thanks OML said that Knowledge Makabayan subject slot for Grades with a mini-birthday party), the lucky divers were overwhelmed the chips and dip kept on pouring! to Gerry Reyes and his team from Channel (KCh) produced the 5 and 6. First Philec employees could not by the fantastic sight of a school of The highlight of the day, of FPCI who organized the introduc- series “in response to an urgent TEAM-Mindanao, now on be happier as they laid down their hundreds of jacks (talakitok) hov- course, was the birthday treat for Dr. tory dive for the group.) need to wage peace, not just in the its third year of implementation, bags (and the birthday cake dis- ering over the reef a few meters off confl ict-ridden areas of the coun- has so far provided 146 schools guised as a scanner), changed into the shore. try, but more so in the minds of our in Muslim Mindanao with KCh, their swim gear and ventured into Some employees opted to stay youth who have been overexposed accessed through satellite dishes the inviting waters! in the air-conditioned game room to violence in all its forms.” and digital receivers. Some 87,000 The braver ones tried out the where they played billiards until “We are hoping that these pro- students in ARMM and Regions intro scuba dive while the others they dropped and sang all the songs grams will help students develop 9 and 12 watch the channel’s cur- were contented to snorkel or take in the karaoke playlist until they skills and attitudes conducive to riculum-based programs. (RKC) the glass-bottom boat ride. And were thrown out. The buffet lunch AFI research papers pass international standards 3rd MNTC-sponsored GK Research papers from the research Study Association for Teachers and Earlier, the ETV impact mid- The report, which was selected village rises in Bulacan and teacher training department of Training (Isatt) conference to be evaluation report entitled “The from among 700 applications from P5M for the fi rst and second hous- the E-Media program of ABS-CBN held in Canada’s Brock University Effects of Video Episodes on educators and researchers all over Manila North Tollways Corp. ing projects in Marilao, Bulacan and Foundation Inc. (AFI) were accept- on July 5 to 9, 2007. School Children’s Knowledge of the world, is now a published re- (MNTC), in collaboration with in Valenzuela City, which had 50 ed by international organizations The Isatt conference, which Mathematics, Science and Values,” search in the conference journal. Gawad Kalinga (GK) Foundation, family-benefi ciaries each. for presentation and publication. has the theme “Totems and was accepted for presentation and The AFI reports focused on is building another housing village MNTC president Jose de Jesus Marina Kathlyne Perez de Vera Taboos: Risk and Relevance in publication by the Asia Pacifi c the benefi ts of the ETV project for indigent families living near the led the groundbreaking rites for and Paul Christian Santiago au- Research and Teacher Training,” Educational Research Association in selected benefi ciary schools. North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). the new community. In attendance thored the terminal report “Effects urges social researchers to “think (Apera). The paper was authored The study was conducted in Au- MNTC donated P2.5 million were GK’s Jose Ma. Montelibano, of E-Media on Science, Mathemat- and write about uncommon topics by De Vera with Darlene Dolly rora province and covered three for the construction of 40 houses MNTC vice president for cor- ics and Values Learned by Children of signifi cant concern and interest Alegado Cruz and Dr. Milagros Ibe experimental schools, while two in the 3rd Lopez-MNTC-GK Vil- porate communications Marlene in a Geographically Cut-Off Prov- that will have bearing on how ed- as coauthors, and presented by Dr. schools in Nueva Ecija were lage in Pandi, Bulacan, bringing Ochoa and senior consultant Rene ince in the Philippines.” The report ucational practices have evolved Ibe during the Apera conference in selected as control schools. (She to P7.5M the company’s fi nancial Bañares, and offi cers of the home- will be presented at the International or are likely to evolve.” Hong Kong in November 2006. Capili) assistance to the housing pro- gram. Earlier, the company donated owners’ association. (Kit Ventura) LOPEZLINK July 2007 9 Ongoings @Lopez Museum

Alwin Reamillo’s interpreta- Photos: BONG NABONG tion of ‘España y Filipina’ Tales of two exhibits esizes on how rarities propped general. To describe his installation, (2002), directed by Nick de Ocam- up as fi ne and precious easily the Australia-based artist wrote: po, is surrounded by conservative Nick de Ocampo’s ‘Edades’ slip into the domain of pop and “Gaya gaya puto maya/La Luna la art (Fernando Amorsolo school) and the banal—rarely able to regain luna/Maya maya puro gaya/Ang bu- modernist works (Nena Saguil, Vi- pristine cult status in their wan ang buan/Puto puto gaya maya/ cente Manansala, Victorio Edades, Cut and Paste: fi lm and radio), literature, history original form. Go bubble forth and multiply.” Jose Joya and Cesar Legaspi) to Appropriation in and different cultures (American, Gerardo Tan subjected Award-winning independent show the use of kitsch language and Chinese, Japanese), among others. Luna’s “Nubes, Mar y Tierra” fi lm director Tad Ermitaño’s me- form to revisit the debate on art in Popular Media, The exhibition plays upon the to a process of layering, scan- dia art called “Eisenstein’s Mon- postwar Philippines. 1800-Present cultural dynamics of appropriation ning, printing and painting ster” uses a Hidalgo drawing of a Mike de Leon’s 2000 fi lm on the At the Lopez Memorial Museum or borrowings that goes on among and came up with “The Moon dying man. Playing around with other hand is surrounded by com- Library creative fi elds, taking note that such (Luna) in Prison (John Cage) Hidalgo’s name, Ermitaño created puters dedicated to the Friendster Until September 22, 2007 borrowings have in the past helped Trance.” His installation a video animation where a person account of Jose Rizal and Rizaliana Wonder what makes ads ap- create a public image of “nation,” el- consists of 12 photographic in supine position gets up like objects to depict the incarnations of pealing? One reason is the images evated the consumption of products, and painted reproductions Frankenstein’s monster. To create Rizal, the hero in pop conscious- used and how they were used. In and provided an aura of mystique to of Luna’s work which points to the the media art, Ermitaño used 20 ness. the corollary exhibit “Cut and entice buyers for specifi c goods. ‘Dime A Dozen’ idea of fetish and obsession. Tan, a monitors, one projec- Paste” ongoing at the library sec- “Dime A Dozen” and “Cut and At the Lopez Memorial Museum 13 Artist Awardee, has an MFA from tor and fi ve channels tion of the Lopez Memorial Mu- Paste” will run until September Until September 22, 2007 the State University of New York in of videos in a roomful seum, advertisements taken from 22, 2007 at the Lopez Memorial Three contemporary object- Buffalo, New York, USA. of 12 Hidalgo draw- magazines such as the “Sunday Museum, G/F Benpres Building, Ex- maker artists—Gerardo Tan, Alwin Alwin Reamillo’s “GX2 Put- ings. Times Magazine,” “Excelsior,” change Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig Reamillo and Tad Ermitaño— omaya” is composed of 12 assem- The exhibit also “Graphic” and “Fotonews” are City. Museum days and hours are worked in a variety of media to blages installed alongside 12 works incorporates the Muse- featured. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., ex- virtually take iconic Lopez Museum by Juan Luna. In these assemblages um’s trove of Rizaliana Here, visitors will be encour- cept Sundays and holidays. Entrance pieces, particularly those by 19th appear one of Reamillo’s icons, the and modern art pieces. aged to look closely at how ads of fee is P60 for elementary students, Filipino masters Juan Luna and crab, whose movements, being mi- In two separate galleries yore wove together text, images and P80 for high school and college Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. gratory as well as having the ability are the fi lms “Edades” visual elements from the art world students, and P100 for adults. For Curated by Eileen Legaspi- to camoufl age themselves, the artist and “Bayaning Third (painting, sculpture, architecture, ar- more information, call 631-2417 or Ramirez, “Dime A Dozen” hypoth- likens to that of society or people in World.” “Edades” Tad Ermitaño with his video animation tistic style), popular culture (comics, email [email protected]. SPECIAL FEATURE PAKWELA Mga dapat tandaan LGFI takes action ngayong tag-ulan By Norman Sison vs global warming TAG-ULAN na naman at para sa gabi, mapeperhuwisyo naman ELEMENTARY students from the cause it keeps our planet habitable. sponding to global warming, mga nakakaranas na ng memory ang tulog ng pamilya. National Capital Region (NCR) However, by burning fossil fuels moving closer to the poles. gap, simpleng mga paalaala la- • Matulog ng maaga. Iwasan na learned about the grim realities such as coal, gas and oil and clear- If the warming continues, we can mang ang mga sumusunod. muna ang mga late night TV of climate change and how they ing forests we have dramatically expect catastrophic consequences: Sa bahay shows dahil kailangan mo ng can help raise awareness through increased the amount of carbon • Deaths from global warming • Siguraduhing merong pan- pahinga. Siguradong maaga art in a workshop called “Beat the dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere will double in just 25 years to tapal ng mga tulo ng bubong. ka pa gigising sa umaga niyan. Heat: Let’s Work Toward a Safer and temperatures are rising. 300,000 people a year. Silipin pag masikat ang araw Morning TV or radio show na Climate.” The vast majority of scientists • Global sea levels could rise by at tapalan ang mga butas bago lang ang habulin mo. ulan. O kaya naman ay baka The workshop held at the agree that global warming is real, more than 20 feet with the loss pa umulan. Kung nakaligtaan Sa opisina at eskwela ma-stranded kaya dahil walang Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife it’s already happening and that it is of shelf ice in Greenland and ninyo itong gawin noong sum- • Hindi na kailangang sabihin masakyan o madaanan na hindi Center in Quezon City on June 21, the result of our activities and not a Antarctica, devastating coastal mer, maghanda na ng pangsalo na dapat umalis ng mas maaga baha. Maigi na ang handa. 2007 was organized by the Lopez natural occurrence. We’re already areas worldwide. sa tubig at basahang pamunas kesa regular para hindi ma-late • Siyempre, dapat laging naka- Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI), the seeing changes. Glaciers are • Heat waves will be more fre- ng sahig. sa pagpasok. At least 30 min- charge ang cellphone in case Department of Natural Resources melting, plants and animals are quent and more intense. • Kung pinapasok ng tubig ang utes na mas maaga, hindi lang mag-brownout. (DENR)-NCR, Conservation In- being forced from their habitat, • Droughts and wildfi res will oc- bahay ninyo sa malaking baha, 10 minutes. Matrapik ng higit Sa paglilibang ternational Philippines (CI), and and the number of severe storms cur more often. i-rolyo na ang carpet at itago dahil bukod sa mga dadaanang • Iwasan muna ang malalayong Critical Ecosystem Partnership and droughts is increasing: • The Arctic Ocean could be ice- sa second fl oor. I-angat na rin baha, mas mabagal ang takbo biyahe. Delikadong lumabas Fund (CEPF). • Malaria has spread to higher free in summer by 2050. ang mga appliances gaya ng ng mga sasakyan pag basa ang pag malakas ang hangin. Ka- Addressing the participants, altitudes in places like the • More than a million species refrigerator at freezer, tukuran kalye. Siyempre, kailangan mutin mo na lang ang makati LGFI executive director Dario Colombian Andes, 7,000 feet worldwide could be driven to para hindi maabot ng baha. mag-ingat ang lahat. mong paa. Mag-DVD date na Pagcaliwagan noted: “It is oc- above sea level. extinction by 2050. • Pahiran ng insect repellant ang • Kung may kotse, i-check ang lang ang buong pamilya sa casions like these that raise the • The fl ow of ice from glaciers Small changes to your daily rou- binti at braso, lalo na ng mga wipers at brake ng inyong bahay kapag weekend kaysa awareness of the children about in Greenland has more than tine can add up to big differences in bata, bago pumasok. Dahil sasakyan. Kung namamasahe mag-out-of-town. Makakatipid reducing the pressures we put on doubled over the past decade. helping to stop global warming. The sa pagdami ng populasyon naman, tulad ng nasabi na, ka na, ligtas ka pa. the environment which is now fur- • At least 279 species of plants time to come together to solve this ng lamok sa saganang tubig, umalis ng mas maaga ng hindi • Kung brownout, pumili ka na ther stressed by climate change... and animals are already re- problem is now. Take action against mataas ang insidente ng den- mahirapang pumila o makipag- ng board game na i-e-enjoy education and protecting global warming by logging gue at malaria na mga sakit na agawan para sa FX o jeep. ng buong mag-anak. Ang the environment are val- on to www.climatecrisis. dala ng lamok. • Magbaon ng payong. Isubi ang Scrabble, Monopoly, Piction- ues that are close to the net/takeaction. (With a re- • Linisin ang mga kanal para folding umbrella sa bag o sa ary o kahit ordinaryong baraha Lopez Group’s mission of port by Vanessa Suquila) hindi umaapaw pag umuulan. bulsa ng jacket. Mas maigi pa ay mainam na pampalipas oras bridging gaps that divide Sources: Intergovern- Kung nalimutan ninyo, mag- rin na may pandong ang ulunan at may matututunan pa. us from doing positive mental Panel on Climate bota sa paglusong sa baha dahil upang makaiwas sa trangkaso. Tandaan, kahit anong tindi ng actions.” Change (IPCC); Eman- nakapagdadala rin ng sakit ang • Magbaon ng extra medyas, bagyo, the sun will come out Global warming is real uel, K.;World Health tubig-baha kung may sugat T-shirt o polo at pantalon. tomorrow. Garantisado iyan. Carbon dioxide and Organization; Greenland kayo sa paa. Iwanan na ang mga ito sa desk Kaya pag meron kang rainy other gases warm the Ice Sheet: Increased • I-charge na ang rechargeable drawer o locker. Asahan mong day blues, ipaubaya mo na sa surface of the planet natu- coastal thinning; Nature; fan, fl ashlight at mosquito re- mababasa at mababasa ka langit ang iyong mga daing. rally by trapping solar Washington Post; Arctic peller. Baka mag-brownout ng isang beses na malakas ang Makakaraos ka rin. heat in the atmosphere. Climate Impact Assess- This is a good thing be- ment; Time Magazine. 10 LOPEZLINKJuly 2007

LIFELONG WELLNESS ‘Walk the Talk’ in San Roque, Paradise 3

Laughyo u r way to A 6-kilometer walk to remember By The Wellness Team and Paradise 3, which are under the weight loss custodianship of FPIDC and con- IN the early morning of June 9, nected by the two-kilometer Igay 2007, 51 Lopez Group employees provincial road. THE more you laugh, the more shuttled to San Jose Del Monte City The San Roque perimeter trail you burn, say ex- in Bulacan to join the monthly “Walk was a flat and rolling terrain with perts from the Talk” at the San Roque and Para- steps cut out of steep slopes to gradu- Vanderbilt dise 3 trails. The participants came ally ease the grade. The walk was University’s from Manila North Tollways Corp. generally trouble-free and refresh- Department of (MNTC), First Philippine Hold- ing, with much of the path covered Medicine (Ten- nessee, USA). ings Corp. (FPHC), First Philippine by tree canopies. Ernie Mendoza, an Their study shows that Infrastructure Development Corp. acknowledged expert on trees and genuine laughter causes an increase in (FPIDC), Philippine Electric Corp. plants, was helpful in identifying the energy expenditure. The study’s methodology and re- (Philec), SkyCable and FPRC (for- surrounding flora. sults were recently printed in the International Journal merly INAEC). After rounding the San Roque of Obesity (2007) 31, 131-137. Note the use of the Upon arriving at the site, boiled trail, the group walked along Igay term genuine. bananas and bottled water were made and ended on the Paradise 3 property During genuine laughter, as compared to a available to the participants; this was where a healthy breakfast of fruits resting state, we expend between 10% and 20% followed by a 30-minute warm-up and pandesal con sardines were flushed down with hot coffee, buko more energy, and our heart rate is increased by the stretching/workout led by Mon Ma- catangay, the regular fitness expert juice and mineral water. veggies. Benches, tool sheds, a well The participants really sweated same amount. The good news is that 15 minutes of for the walks. The Paradise 3 farm has an and a small office/bodega in the area a lot during the two-hour walk and laughter can burn between 10–40 calories. The bad The six-kilometer trail is inside organic experimental farm for Jat- support the experimental farm set- look forward to the next walk at the news is that it’s just not enough to replace even the the LUZCO properties of San Roque ropha curcas, yacon and “sinigang” ting. SM Mall of Asia on July 7. lightest daily form of exercise or intense physical activity. But, at the end of the study’s results, the research- SPO RT S ers note, “this amount [15 minutes per day] of energy expenditure during one year with no changes in other components of energy balance, may translate into an A ne w cha m p rises annual weight loss [of approximately 1–4 pounds of body weight]….” There are few things better for eliciting hale and hearty belly laughs than time spent with friends. Nu- Meralco grabs ‘Palaro 2007’ crown merous studies show that people who lack in friend- THE Orange Team of Meralco ended the Yellow ships and are isolated from others die earlier than those Team’s hold on the ‘Palaro’ trophy after collecting who have close friends. Yet despite all their value, we 129 points in the 4th Lopez Group ‘Palaro’ at the have fewer friends than ever before. In June 2006, Marikina Sports Complex on June 30, 2007. USA Today noted that 25% of all Americans have no In her welcome speech, HR Council chair Cedie close confidants. Apparently, in the face of demanding Vargas said: “The significance of the annual Palaro schedules and overloaded daily activities, we often has evolved. No longer is it just a once-a-year em- place non-relative relationships at the end of our “to ployee fun day. It has come to be one of the signposts do” list. of the Lopez Group employees’ continuous commit- Where would you be without friends? They ment to health and wholistic wellness.” soothe your spirit. They feed your soul. They lift you Finishing in second place was the Tollways Group, up as only another person in your life can. They help followed by Bayan in third. The other participating you through significant life passages. They are there teams included Rockwell Land, ABS-CBN, First Gen to dry your eyes when you are defeated and applaud Group, First Holdings Group, Lopez Inc., Benpres you when you succeed. They understand you bet- and subsidiaries, Eugenio Lopez Foundation, Fedcor, ter than you understand yourself. And, maybe best and the Cable and Channel Group. of all, they’re the ones that always give you plenty Unlike the sports fests of previous years, ‘Palaro of reasons to break into a healthy, calorie-burning, 2007’ was blessed with a wonderful, sunny day. Ka- genuine laugh! (Excerpted from www.bunco.msn. pamilya “Mareng Winnie” Cordero returned for another com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3362665) stint as the event’s host, her funny antics helping keep the participants’ mood light despite the scorching heat.

Sports & wellness calendar ‘Walk the Talk’ July 7, 2007, 6 a.m.-9 a.m. “Walk the Talk” goes to SM Mall of Asia! The walk is open to all Lopez Group employees and their families. Participants must register with their respective HR depart- ments. For more information, call Gani Velasquez at 631-6396. Wellness Forum: 3S (Safety, Security and Survival) July 27, 2007, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Meralco Little Theater In t’l mast er grac es Meralc o Chess International Master (IM) Wesley Wellness Course for Executives: 3S Club e ven t So (right) conducted an 18-board simultaneous July 30-31 and August 1, 2007 play in Meralco against 11 kids and seven Meralco EL Center, Antipolo City employees on June 2, 2007. IM So solved all the Inter-Lopez Lifelong Wellness Badminton From top to bottom row, L-R: SkyCable’s Barbara Reyes and HR Council chair Cedie Vargas; FPHC’s tactics prepared for him to register an 18-0 win- Tournament Rey Sarmenta and Beth Canlas; and First Philec’s Art de Guia, FSCI’s Dan Lachica and FPIDC’s loss record. The event was organized by Meralco Aug. 25-26, 2007 Raffy Alunan. Team Meralco; Team Tollways Group; and Team ABS-CBN. Team Sumiden; Team Chess Club officers Romeo Aguilar and Lilet Ber- To join, contact Mace Dugenia at 634-0698. Bayan; and Team Knowledge Channel and SkyCable. Team First Gen; Team Philec; and Team Ben- samina. (Raul Sol Cruz) pres. Photos: Bong Nabong, Rosan Cruz LOPEZLINK July 2007 11

Sudoku IT’S raining blessings on the Lopez Group as triumph upon triumph comes our way Maglaro tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan through the different companies: ABS-CBN ng bayan! Ayusin lamang ang mga numero is single-mindedly pushing to end the chan- simula 1 hanggang 9 para ang bawat numero nel wars, once and for all, through a host of new programs unveiled in June alone. ay minsan lang magagamit sa bawat row, “Palaro 2007,” once more held in Marikina column at kahon. under the auspices of the HR Council, was Dear Rosie mobbed by our Kapamilya despite the ever- present threat of downpours. Speaking of the lang ang Meralco, ang incentives ba na maaaringiibigay ng PEZA ay Council, we cheer the hardworking mem- mag-aaply din sa kumpanya?—Ching bers for fi nding a happy balance between the Meralco and Rockwell have agreed to embark on the development of the needs of Lopez Group employees and those BPO offi ce buildings in the Ortigas property wherein Meralco is the landlord of management. The Council and the Core and Rockwell is the developer shouldering all development costs. The PEZA Group have had several notable projects in incentives for BPO developments are geared more toward the PEZA-regis- place for the past few years, which you’ll tered locators of the BPO offi ces rather than the landowner and developer. read about in this issue. A homecoming of sorts took place in June as our chair, Oscar M. Lopez (OML), was honored with the Outstanding Ma- Has the Lopez Museum considered taking some of its less delicate nileño award by the city of his birth; the same award was earlier conferred exhibits on a “road show”? The “Cut and Paste” one would be a good on Meralco chairman Manuel M. Lopez and the late Eugenio Lopez Jr. for start. As they say, if you can’t bring the employee to the museum, then exceptional achievements in their respective fi elds. bring the museum to the employee!—Baby Stop and think about the strain some 6.6 billion people all over the Response from Cedie Vargas, director of the Lopez Museum and con- world subject the Earth’s resources to, on July 11, also known as World current ABS-CBN vice president: “Thank you for your feedback, Baby. Population Day. This annual event, which aims to “raise awareness of We at the Museum are always very appreciative of comments from our global population issues,” takes its inspiration from the date 20 years ago viewers. Traveling the ‘Cut and Paste’ exhibit seems like an excellent idea. when the world’s population was estimated to have hit fi ve billion. Please get in touch with us directly. We would love to discuss with you ooOoo your ideas for traveling shows.” The museum director may be reached at What will happen to First Philippine Infrastructure Development [email protected]. Corp. now that it is owned by the new company?—Berlin ooOoo From Cybele Regalado: City Resources Corp. issued new shares in Lubos po ang aming pasasalamat sa patuloy ninyong pagsuporta sa exchange for 100% of the shares of FPIDC, which is jointly owned by mga proyekto ng 71 Dreams Foundation. Ngayong nasa ikalawang c Very Easy Benpres and First Philippine Holdings Corp. (First Holdings). taon ng pag-aaral ang 93 batang tinutulungan ng foundation ay muli After the share swap, FPIDC will be 100% owned by City Resources. po kaming humihiling ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi ng c Easy Benpres and First Holdings will own 99% of City Resources. Thus, the mga gamit pang-eskwela, mga damit pamasok, bags, sapatos at pan- g Medium current owners of FPIDC, Benpres and First Holdings, are still the effec- talon na nagamit na ng inyong mga anak o pamangkin. c Hard tive of owners of FPIDC under the new structure. According to caseworker Elmer Chavez who sent the letter above, The plan is to list the newly issued shares of City Resources with the those wishing to help out may get in touch with the Lopez Group Founda- Philippine Stock Exchange, effectively making FPIDC a listed company. tion Inc.’s Dulce Festin-Baybay at 4/F Benpres Building, or directly with FPIDC will continue to operate as the holding company of Manila North the foundation at Room 1324, 13/F ELJ Bldg., ABS-CBN. You may also Tollways Corporation (MNTC). The only change brought about by the call 415-2272 locals 7120 and 7121 and look for Chavez. Thank you in backdoor listing is that FPIDC’s stockholders will change from Benpres advance for your help! and First Holdings to City Resources. ooOoo Answer to May puzzle ooOoo If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions Ano po ang ibig sabihin ng pagpasok ng Meralco sa tinatawag na BPO about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send business kung saan ang Rockwell naman ang sasagot ng pagpapatayo them to Dear Rosie through fax no. 633-3520 or to DearRosie@benpres- Solution, tips and computer program available ng bagong center sa Ortigas? Kung ang ibig sabihin nito ay “landlord” holdings.com. Maraming salamat! at www.sudoku.com Workshops@ABS-CBN! Summer success AFTER 65 days of countless hours, sweat and hard work of the REDISCOVER THE NORTH WORKSHOPS@ABS-CBN team, without a doubt the word “suc- Baby, you can cess” best describes this year’s April-May summer workshops. With close to a thousand students, 46 classes in acting, voice, hip-hop dance, jazz musical theater, speech, image enhancement and TV, print and ramp modeling and 13 grand culminating shows, the network’s premier training arm, led by director Beverly Vergel, has again paved the way for the dreams of potential future stars. True to WORKSHOPS@ABS-CBN’s mission of providing quality and fun-fi lled training in the performing arts, the graduates’ culminating performances showcased song renditions, touching acting scenes, colorful costumes and engaging production numbers drive highlighting their best talents and creativity. to CAR! To continue the pursuit of performing arts discipline and excel- lence the whole year ‘round, WORKSHOPS@ABS-CBN is offering dies, his body is pushed into the demic orchid species. for July basic and intermediate courses in acting, voice, musical the- coffi n, which is then brought up Kalinga: Whitewater rafting in ater, street dance and jazz funk, as well as a six-month performing to caves in the cliffs to join that of Chico River arts workshop (integrated acting, voice, dance and speech) for kids, their ancestors. Aside from being one of the longest teens and adults. Benguet: Mt. Pulag Nat’l. Park rivers in the Philippines, Chico also In August, WORKSHOPS@ABS-CBN will introduce the ce- Lopez Group employees aren’t offers tourists amazing views of the lebrity imaging workshop, where students will undergo a total visual strangers to Mt. Pulag, which Lopez rice terraces as they paddle for dear and character makeover to look, feel and dress like a star. Modeling, WE end our post-summer North- To get to the church, one has Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez life. Whitewater rafting in Chico can projection, confi dence building and speech are included in this pio- ern sojourn in the Cordillera to climb more than a thousand and company summited earlier this be traced back to a company called neering course. Also available for adults are TV production, digital Administrative Region, otherwise steps up a concrete stairway; for year. The country’s second highest Chico River Quest, which made the photography, scriptwriting, newscasting and news reporting. known as “CAR”: those who are unwilling or unable peak is also known as “Mt. Pulog,” descent down the river from Bontoc, For details and inquiries, call 415-3828 or 416-9366 (Mon.- to walk, an access road behind the which non-Filipinos pronounced Mt. Province in 1997; the fi rst com- Sat, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.), email [email protected] or visit Baguio City: Baguio Cathedral post offi ce building can accommo- as “Pulag,” thus the more common mercial trip was made in 2000. WORKSHOPS@ABS-CBN at the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center, 6/F Baguio Catholic Cathedral may be date vehicles. moniker. However, “Pulag” is said Baguio: Asin Hot Springs DTC Building, Eugenio Lopez Avenue, Quezon City. (RJ Geotina) said to watch over Baguio from its Sagada: Hanging coffi ns to be an Ibaloi word that means “to Bet you didn’t know that Baguio ain’t perch on top of a hill in the middle Here and there in the caves of fall and roll down.” For them and all cool. When your bones start to of the city; the hill, called “Kam- Sagada, one can see piles of cof- other native groups in the area, the creak from too much summer capital po” by Ibaloi natives, was known fi ns placed there by natives years mountain is a sacred place whose weather, warm up with a visit to Asin to the Belgian Catholic Mission as and years ago, adding to the mysti- trees and lakes are inhabited by an- Hot Spring 16 kilometers northwest Mount Mary. The pink-hued land- cal feel of the place. cestral spirits. of the city. A 45-minute jeepney ride mark was consecrated in 1936 and It is said that an elderly mem- Mt. Pulag National Park’s from Session Road will see you in dedicated to the Lady of Atone- ber of the tribe prepares for death 11,500 hectares is home to en- Asin. Relax in the resort’s swimming ment. During World War II, the by carving a coffi n out of a log; if demic plant and animal species, pool surrounded by hot springs, lush church served as a shelter for some he is too sick or old to fi nish the such as the Philippine brown deer, greenery and hanging bridges; if your 5,000 locals fl eeing the bombing structure, his son or close relative Northern Luzon giant cloud rat, tummy starts growling, why not dip of the city by the Japanese. does it for him. When the person the pitcher plant and possibly en- an egg or two in one of the pools! 12 LOPEZLINKJuly 2007

What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this July By Joseph Uy All about health in ‘Metro’ Learn all about spinning in the July Metro; it’s not a new exercise program but is gaining a loyal crowd of fi tness buffs. Also, learn how to carry big bags without hurting your back. And to top off our health features, master the art of do-it-yourself home detox rivalry! The San Beda Red Lions talk about program that could help you get rid of toxins, shed why they’ll do everything to keep the pounds and acquire a healthier body. On the cover is NCAA championship. Plus, back-to-school preciate Gutsy Tuason’s photos and article on the denizens of the deep. Isabel Oli, who talks to Metro about her relationship fashion as modeled by campus heartthrobs Runners, read up on our exclusive interview with Ultramarathon man and how it has helped her become a stronger woman. and how to look pretty courtside for the Dean Karnazes. Get inspired by top industrialist Oscar M. Lopez’s Mt. Lastly, learn from the specialists as the country’s top games! Pulag triumph. And fi nally, fi nd out why surfi ng in the Philippines is fashion designers pick the latest bags, shoes, tops, bot- fast becoming one of the most popular sports around. toms and accessories to update your wardrobe. ‘Metro Home’ Get your kid in showbiz Designers’ Homes special Charity begins in this month’s Does your little girl have what it takes to be show business’ next big Metro Home & Entertaining showcases the residences of Lor Calma, thing? In Working Mom’s July issue, an entertainment insider tells you Budji Layug, Jorge Yulo, J. Antonio Mendoza, Teng Bustos, Alfredo ‘Metro Society’ how to get your son or daughter in the world of local showbiz. Insiders Wieneke III and Joey Yupangco. See how these personalities live “Paying it forward” is the focus of the June-August issue of Metro So- also reveal the reality of phony casting scouts. Discover the way a fake themselves, in designs that express their individual visions. Also in this ciety. The cover is graced by breast cancer education advocate Bettina talent agent operates. Also in this Special Health Issue: Treat your baby issue is a feature on Bobby Mañosa, a champion of native forms and Osmeña; host and TV executive Charo Santos-Concio; and matinee to a soothing session of infant massage, know which sports are safe for materials, and international designer Milo Naval. Learn more about idol John Lloyd Cruz, who all reveal the most important turning points your “tween,” and fi nd out which medical exams are essential to take collectibles you may already have at home, like bauls and vintage toy in their lives, and share their thoughts about the art of giving back. before you turn 30. robots, and take note of six steps to improve your garden. This issue also profi les seven of the top charity organizations that have become close to the hearts of society donors and philanthropists. These and the best society gatherings of the season, including a special party ‘Chalk’ scores with UAAP/NCAA Adventure stories, extreme we put together in Boracay for 10 of Manila’s beloved women, make up the feast that is Metro Society. double cover issue experiences in ‘MetroActive’ Get the inside scoop on all the University Athletic Association of the This month’s MetroActive is packed with adventure stories, extreme Get the newest issues of your favorite magazines at leading book- Philippines (UAAP)/National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) experiences and active gear for the weekend warrior. Read up on the stores and magazine stands nationwide. For subscriptions, contact action this season! Simon Atkins of De La Salle University and Kirk newest Boracay resort and yoga’s most-asked questions, and gear up ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at 924-4101 or 415-2272 locals 4658 or Long of Ateneo square off—it’s the return of the UAAP’s most heated with fashionable yet functional yoga wear. Dive enthusiasts will ap- Joena Cabrera at 415-2852 or 415-2671. POWER PLANT FINDS

RainyBy Luis Reyes day specials POWER Plant Mall offers a great selection of Go for a SPIN products that’s sure to wipe away your rainy season SPIN offers cute and sporty ensembles that are sure blues! to make your kids enjoy the rainy season. These cold- Comfort food weather covers (P765), together with nifty baseball caps Gram’s Diner dishes out hearty meals that’s sure (P355), protect your kids from the damp weather while to lighten up your mood! Try their Philly Cheese they’re playing in the park or enjoying a stroll around Steak Sandwich (P195)—choice sliced beef the street. belly strips smothered in cheese sauce, topped with SPIN is located at R2 level, caramelized onions and packed into a Philly roll. Power Plant Mall. Call 728-3768 for It comes with a salad, a choice of fries or potato details. chips, and iced tea. Another sure cheer-upper is their Silver Dollar Pancakes (P55). Served hot from the griddle, these golden wonders topped with confectioner’s sugar, whipped butter and gooey syrup will defi nitely give you a run for your money. Gram’s Diner is located at Block 9, Rockwell Center. Call 898-2890 for reservations and inqui- Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo ries. Executive Editor Rosan Cruz Boredom meets brilliance Explore your hidden gifts in manipulation and wittiness with Contributing Editors board games and toys from Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene Ochoa (MNTC) Hobbes and Landes. Funny, Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (BayanTel) intelligent and entertain- Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (SkyCable) ing, these cool tools will Amy Mosura (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) surely get you past that Cesar Gomez (FPHC) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) stormy night. (From top: Rafael Alunan III (Wellness) Cranium, P3,950; Scat- Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) tergories, P1,200; Battle Editorial and Layout HIP Custom Publications Department of the Sexes, P1,799.95; and Clue, P2,299.75) LopezLink is published by Benpres PR Group Just-right-jackets Items avail- 4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City Levi’s has the perfect jacket for both teens and adults—woven to withstand heavy rains, yet able at Hobbes Telefax: 633-3520 light enough to let the cool draft of the season breeze its way through the fabric. Available in and Landes, R2 For feedback, please email denim (P4,999.50) and cotton (P2,999.50), Levi’s newest offerings lets you choose between Archaeology, [email protected] staying indoors or braving the rainy streets of the metro. Power Plant Mall. Levi’s is located at R1 level, Power Plant Mall. Call 898-1087 for details.