September 2007

Yoga Manila comes to LopezGroup! Grab your mats and join the free demo class this September! Participation is based on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Please call Gani Velasquez (Benpres, 631-6396), Christine de Pasion (First Gen, 449-6265), Mau Silva (Rockwell, 403-0088) or Crisanta Villaluz (ABS-CBN, 415-2222 loc. 4343) to confi rm your attendance. See you there! Saving La Mesa

THE waters of La Mesa Watershed are Metro Manilans for whom La Mesa is This followed some three years af- 1H 2007 fi nancial results: churning once again with the return the main source of water. ter the foundation fi rst offered to help to the spotlight of a 1968 agreement The prime mover of the coalition, in the “forest rehabilitation, develop- FPHC lumalakas pa!...p.2 between Metropolitan Water District ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) ment and the protection of the reser- and its employees that saw 58 hect- through its environmental arm Ban- vation and watershed area, including ares of the watershed being parceled tay Kalikasan (BK), has a lot riding the 33-hectare La Mesa Park located off for a housing project. on the outcome of the tug-of-war for downstream from the reservoir.” On The project will supposedly the piece of La Mesa real estate—and AFI’s behest, Urbis Phils. drew up a benefi t 1,411 union members of the not only because it will pollute Metro framework plan for La Mesa, which former MWD (now the Metropolitan Manila’s water supply and poison was subsequently approved by the Waterworks and Sewerage System or millions of Filipinos. MWSS administrator, executive com- MWSS) and their families. However, In 2001, AFI entered into a 15- mittee and board of trustees. for the Save La Mesa coalition, the year memorandum of understanding Sorry state most vocal opponents of the project, with the MWSS to reforest, develop, La Mesa Eco Park administrator the ones who will actually pay the protect and implement biodiversity David Pardo, in a 2006 interview, price for the undertaking that will programs into the 2,700-hectare wa- benefi t a handful are the 12 million tershed. Turn to page 6 ‘Bandila’ nominado sa International Emmys...p.5

50% off on ABS-CBN Publishing ...p.12 titles! This child is among 12 million Metro Manilans whose water supply is endangered by the housing project upstream of La Mesa Dam. 2 LOPEZLINK September 2007

1H2007 Financial Results (Period January-June) 1H2007 financial performance Total revenues Net income/(loss) 2006 2007 % change 2006 2007 % change ABS-CBN P8.193 B P9.200 B +8 P417 M P739 M +77 FPHC lumalakas pa! Benpres P8.358 B P8.989 B +8 P1.898 B P1.778 -6 NAKAPAGTALA ng kabuuang of stock ng Meralco. Ang unang Tumaas naman ng 11% ang to- First Gen US$478 Mn US$532 Mn +11 US$41 M US$72 M +76 kita na P2.6 bilyon ang First kasunduan ay sa Union Fenosa In- tal revenues sa US$532 milyon da- Philippine Holdings Corporation ternacional S.A (UFI) para sa pag- hil na rin sa pag-akyat ng revenues FPHC P28.6 B P29.5 B +3 P4.1 B* P2.6 -36 (FPHC) sa unang anim na buwan bili ng 9% pagmamay-ari nito na mula sa pagbenta ang kuryente. ng 2007. Ito ay mas mababa ng nakalagak sa joint venture company Maganda ang naging performance Meralco P89.506 B P107.392 B +20 P367 M** P2.341 B +538 36% kumpara sa kinita nito noong na First Philippine Union Fenosa ng First Gen Hydro Power Corpo- *Including P2.7 billion gain on dilution in First Gen unang anim na buwan ng 2006. Inc. Ang pangalawa ay sa Meralco ration, ang project company para sa *After providing for probable losses in the amount of P3.03 billion Ang pagbaba ay dulot lamang Pension Fund kung saan bibilhin Pantabangan-Masiway hydroelec- ng P2.7 bilyong kinita ng FPHC ng FPHC ang common shares para tric power plant na nabili ng First mula sa initial public offering ng sa 6.6% ng outstanding Meralco Gen mula sa Power Sector Assets buwan ng 2007. Mula P89.51 revenues ang Benpres Holdings ng ABS-CBN Broadcasting Cor- First Gen Corporation (First Gen) stock. Sinabi ni FPHC president and Liabilities Management Corpo- bilyon nuong first semester ng Corporation (Benpres) para sa un- poration noong 2006. Elpidio Ibañez na core investment ration, samantalang nanatili bilang 2006 ito ay umakyat sa P107.39 ang semester ng 2007, 8% na mas Tulad ng nai-report noong Kung tatanggalin ang epekto ng FPHC ang Meralco sa energy pinakamalaking revenue contribu- bilyon ngayong taon. Samantala, mataas kaysa P8.358 billion noong nakaraang isyu ng LopezLink ng one-time gains, hamak na mas portfolio nito at naghahanap pa ang tor ang First Gas Power Corpora- tumaas ng 4.2% ang electricity kaparehong panahon ng 2006. Ang (August 2007), tumaas ng 77% mataas ng 48% ang recurring net FPHC ng mga magagandang opor- tion, operator ng 1,000-MW Sta. sales sa mga customers nito na net income attributable to equity ang net income ng ABS-CBN sa incoming FPHC dahil sa patuloy tunidad sa mas malaking industriya Rita gas-fired power plant. pinangungunahan ng commercial holders of the parent ay lumiit ng P739 milyon mula P417 million na paglakas ng mga operating sub- ng infrastructure. Sa pangkalahatan, sumipa ang sector (+5.8%). Sumunod dito 6% sa P1.778 bilyon mula P1.898 noong 1H06. Bumuti ang adver- sidiaries nito. Patunay nito ay ang Kamakailan ay nag-draw First Gen dahil sa mga sumusunod: ang electricity sales sa industrial bilyon. tising business ng ABS-CBN mas mataas na performance ng down ang FPHC ng kabuuang karagdagang US$17.3 milyong segment (+3.6%) at sa residential Bumaba ng 38% ang equity at lumakas din ang subscrip- First Gen dulot ng 112 megawatt US$100,000,000 bridge facility kita mula sa First Gen Hydro; one- segment (+3.0%). in net earnings of investees sa tion-based business nito. Ang (MW) Pantabangan-Masiway hy- mula sa Banco de Oro Universal. time net gain na US$3.1 milyon Ang net income naman para P1.475 bilyon mula P2.395 bi- gross revenues ng ABS-CBN ay droelectric power plant na kailan Ito ay gagamitin sa mga strategic mula sa settlement ng insurance sa nasabing anim na buwan ay lyon. Kasama kasi noong 2006 lumaki ng 12% sa P9.200 bilyon lamang nabili ng First Gen group. investments, kasama na ang pagbili claim ng San Lorenzo; at natipid umabot ng P2.34 bilyon, mula ang one-time gain ng FPHC mula mula P8.193 bilyon. Umangat Ayon kay FPHC chairman Oscar ng karagdagang Meralco shares, at na US$4.0 milyong interest ex- P367 milyon nuong first semester sa initial public offering (IPO) ng ng 20% ang airtime revenues M. Lopez, ito ay patunay ng kabu- para sa mga negosyo nito sa power, pense ng Sta. Rita. ng 2006. Matatandaang mayroong First Gen. dahil sa mas malaking advertis- tihang dulot ng pagsasapribado ng infrastructure at manufacturing. Dahil sa magandang resulta, provision for probable losses na Kung tatanggalin ang one-time ing volume, kasama na ang mga mga power plants na hawak ng First Gen sumipa nag-deklara ng cash dividend P3.03 bilyon noong unang hati gain na ito, ang net income at- political ads noong nakaraang pamahalaan at ng kakayahan ng Naging maganda na naman ang First Gen na P2.50 per share ng 2006 na inihinto na ngayong tributable to equity holders of the halalan. Samantala, lumaki la- First Gen na lalo pang iangat ang financial performance ng First para sa mga stockholders as of 2007 matapos mag-desisyon ang parent ng Benpres noong unang mang ng 5% ang total expenses ang operational efficiencies para Gen Corporation sa unang anim na Setyembre 7. Ito ay babayaran sa husgado nuong Disyembre 2006 anim na buwan ng 2006 ay P478 ng ABS-CBN. Sa pangkalahat- mapaghusay ang produksyon ng buwan ng 2007. Ang consolidated Setyembre 14. pabor sa Meralco ukol sa unbun- milyon, o tumaas pa ng 272% sa an, ang mas mabilis na paglaki mga planta nito. net income attributable to equity Meralco umakyat ang electric- dling issue nito. taong kasalukuyan. Ang magan- ng revenues at mas mabagal na Noong Hulyo, lumagda ng dal- holders of the parent ay lumaki ng ity sales sa 1st semester Benpres paangat pa dang katayuan ng Benpres ay da- paglaki total expense ang naging awang memoranda of agreement 76% mula $41 milyon, ito’y nag- Tumaas ng 20% ang revenues Nag-report ng P8.989 bi- hil sa matibay na performance ng susi sa paglakas ng ABS-CBN. ang FPHC para sa pagbili ng shares ing US$72 milyon. ng Meralco sa unang anim na lyon na unaudited consolidated FPHC at sa patuloy na pag-angat (Carla Paras-Sison)

Study cites economics Meralco acquires STAs in bid to boost service reliability MERALCO recently signed a the assets under the second distribution utility’s acquisi- of travel time on NLEX sub-transmission asset (STA) batch, which are scheduled for tion of the STAs will ensure purchase agreement with the acquisition in 2008 and 2009, its full control on the opera- By Kit Ventura National Transmission Corp. include 13 facilities (six substa- tion, maintenance, upgrading A STUDY conducted by the University of the Philippines- (TransCo) in a bid to boost its tions and seven sub-transmis- and expansion of the facilities. Planning and Development Research Foundation Inc. service efficiency and reliabil- sion lines). Also, Meralco will now serve (UP-Planades) essayed on the economics of travel using ity. Under Section 8 of the Elec- five former TransCo customers the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the MacArthur TransCo agreed to sell to tric Power Industry Reform Act connected to these facilities and National Road (MNR). Meralco its rights, titles, inter- (Epira), STAs shall be operated eliminate further proliferation of The research team, headed by UP Dean Primitivo Cal, ests and benefits in and to the and maintained by TransCo such direct-connect customers. used as benchmarks data culled from a series of test drives assets included in the first of until their disposal to qualified This acquisition by Meralco on both highways. The MNR is commonly considered an two batches of the STA acquisi- distribution utilities, which of key sub-transmission as- alternative to the NLEX. tion. will take over the responsibil- sets is expected to further en- “If motorists…travel on MNR instead of the NLEX, Batch one is composed of ity for operating, maintaining hance the utility firm’s overall they would incur additional expenses in vehicle operating 16 facilities (two substations Meralco president & COO Jesus P. Francisco (left) and expanding the assets. sub-transmission system and cost amounting to P257 per car. In addition, they would and 14 sub-transmission lines); and National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) Meralco and TransCo will translate to a more efficient and incur a penalty of about P800 due to longer travel time,” the based on the contract, Meralco president & CEO Arthur Aguilar seal the purchase file the contract to sell with the reliable service to its customers. research document stated. shall pay the amount of agreement involving P230.8 million worth of Energy Regulatory Commis- (Meralco Corporate Communi- Travel time along MNR 4 times longer P230,800,256.36. Meanwhile, TransCo subtransmission facilities. sion (ERC) for approval. The cations) Since travel time along the MNR is generally four times longer than on the NLEX, it was estimated that passengers of a large bus collectively lose about P3,120 per trip, it added. The study team has also estimated an average increase Lopez Group midyear conference of about 30 kilometers per hour (kph) of vehicular speed along the NLEX compared to data on the North Diversion Road (former name of NLEX). “This…has positive impact on the various road users OML: ‘Maging laging handa’ of NLEX,” the study said. It explained that every car user enjoys savings of about P350 over the 84-kilometer length MAGING laging handa. for anything unexpected that might Kaya isang hamon para sa ikala- (NLEX) papuntang Mindanao Avenue of the NLEX. Iyan ang mensahe ni Lopez adversely affect our businesses. As wang hati ng taon na mapagpatuloy sa Quezon City at ang mga joint venture Savings Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez recent events in the international ang magandang performance at pa- sa electronics at electricals manufactur- On the other hand, large bus operators enjoy much big- (OML) sa Lopez Group executives financial and equity markets have lawigin pa ang negosyo ng grupo. ing sa pagitan ng manufacturing group ger savings of P1,040 per trip. Two-axle truck operators na nagpulong para sa taunang mid- demonstrated, while economic activ- Sinabi ni OML na ang mga sumu- at ng Sunpower Corporation, at ng generate savings of about P70 per trip, mainly due to the year review ng performance ng mga ity continues at a high level across sunod na bagay ang pagtutuunan ng Cooper Industries; at ang pag-deliver ng reduced travel time. kumpanya sa ilalim ng grupo. the world, there is great anxiety that pansin sa hinaharap: ang pagtatapos ng Joya Towers & Lofts sa Rockwell Cen- “The savings enjoyed by truck operators is modest Bagama’t maayos ang pangka- this period of plenty is a bubble about debt restructuring ng Benpres Holdings ter, ang pagtatayo ng One Rockwell at because the NLEX improvement allows trucks to run at lahatang takbo ng grupo sa 2007, to burst. Financial prudence is still Corporation na nagsimula noong 2002 ng business process outsourcong (BPO) speeds above optimum with the consequence of higher di- sinabi ni OML na dapat maging lag- the order of the day,” wika ni OML. at ang privatization ng Calaca coal-fired buildings sa Ortigas ng Rockwell Land rect operating cost, including fuel consumption,” the team ing handa para sa anumang maaar- ‘No big surprises’ plant at Palimpinon geothermal plant Corporation. explained. ing humadlang sa iba’t ibang nego- Ayon pa sa kanya, ang perfor- ng Power Sector Assets and Liabilities “There is much to look forward The UP-Planades study was commissioned by the Ma- syo ng grupo, at maging masinop sa mance ng major investees ng Lopez Management Corporation (Psalm). to,” sabi ni OML, kasabay ng paalala nila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) to determine the impact larangang pinansiyal. Group sa unang anim na buwan ng Joint venture sa electronics na maging handa sa anumang mga of the NLEX improvements on such factors as road user “There is always the challenge taon ay malapit sa inaasahan: “No Kabilang din umano sa kailangang balakid na haharang sa patuloy na cost, road safety and land use and value changes. to avoid complacency and to main- big surprises, no major disappoint- pagtuunan ng pansin ang pagsisimula pag-angat ng Lopez Group. (Carla tain a high degree of preparedness ments.” ng Phase 2 ng North Luzon Expressway Paras-Sison) LOPEZLINK September 2007 3 Wireless Solutions DIFFERENT types of closed cir- SecureMe transmits alerts through replace or reinforce existing alarm cuit TV (CCTV) cameras and mo- the Global System for Mobile systems because it is compatible tion detectors are being developed (GSM) via text messaging to an au- with other wired sensors like mo- because of the need for enforced thorized number or to a base station tion detectors, switches and glass security systems, especially in software, eliminating the possibility tamper sensors. Also, continuous business establishments or finan- of disabling the system by cutting development will enable it to be cial institutions. Wires and optic transmission lines, the technology integrated with its own camera, cables connect these security de- used by conventional alarm systems. which will allow users to take vices together, and if one of these One of the country’s largest snapshots and monitor real-time cables malfunctions, the entire pawnshop chains has SecureMe action. system would go haywire. units installed in its 1,200 branch- Potential buyers from the Webcast Technologies Inc. es; these are configured to report to Lopez Group of companies are (WTI), the makers of TrackMe multiple parties, including a police entitled to a corporate discount Vehicle Tracking System, pro- station and security team, when a when they avail of the SecureMe vides a solution: SecureMe. sensor is triggered. SecureMe can package. For more information, SecureMe is a stand-alone sys- also provide backup power for up visit www.webcast-inc.com.ph. tem that may supplement and even to 12 hours if power lines are cut Interested buyers may contact Block 09: Urban haven eliminate the need for night guards or in cases of power failure. the sales hotline at 411-5698 loc. or CCTV monitoring personnel. The SecureMe system is much 111 and 112 or send an email to with lush greenery When a motion sensor is triggered, easier to install and it can either marketing@findme.com.ph. By Mau Silva by Rockwell together with land- Mixing the plants, and layer- SkyCable spurs cable TV rise in RP scape consultant Jun Obrero, the ing and integrating them for Block ROCKWELL Land Corp. infuses block is reminiscent of a resort 09’s layout was another crucial ANALYSTS predict that Asia will 90% with an estimated 13.8 mil- program lineup to ensure that we a breath of fresh air into the city where one can luxuriate, relax and step. The team veered away from continue to be a major growth area lion households with TV sets. provide the best content for our with its newest destination featur- enjoy. the idea that the landscape should for the entertainment and media While cable penetration in the subscribers,” said Juno Chuid- ing cafés and restaurants nestled in Obrero shares that the main in- look polished. With that guiding industry in the next few years, with Philippines is at only 15%, Sky- ian, SkyCable vice president for lush greenery. spiration for Block 09’s postcard- aesthetic principle, the result was a the continued rise of entertainment Cable sees the substantial local programming, packaging and mer- Rockwell’s Block 09 offers pretty tropical landscape was a carefully balanced tropical garden. consumption predicted to produce market potential. chandising. delicious treats from breakfast nice garden in Bali. The challenge Many opt to dine al fresco, savor- more voracious television viewers The first to offer Filipinos cable Program sales in Asia have and lunch to dinner and after-din- was in achieving the Balinese look ing the scenery as well as the scent in the next five years. TV as well as tiered programming been robust, with the demand for ner chill-out. Take your pick from using only local plants. of flowering plants. The massive demand for TV to fit niche audiences and socioeco- quality content growing at a steady Pancake House, Starbucks Coffee, “Most of those that we chose See for yourself why Rockwell’s entertainment, coupled with the nomic segments, SkyCable contin- pace. “With the large number of UCC Coffee Cafe Terrace, Gram’s for Block 09 are prized by collec- Block 09 has become an urban sanc- technological advancement of the ues to drive industry growth. new and original programming Diner or Cantinetta. tors, so this is not just an ordinary tuary, a place where you can relish Asian region, has led to the prolif- Recently, the company launched offerings of TV content providers, Part of Block 09’s charm is its garden that one sees in parks and the lush landscape as much as your eration of new media platforms. its latest offerings: the SkyCable we are reviewing our programming picturesque landscape. Designed other retail centers,” Obrero notes. mouthwatering meal. Trends show that these new media Digibox, which provides subscrib- mix and will soon announce excit- will supplement existing media such ers with digital TV quality and ing enhancements,” said Chuidian. as free TV, cable TV or satellite TV. expanded control of their viewing SkyCable projects to post a Optimistic experience, and its prepaid services. positive bottom line this year. With SkyCable shares this optimis- Demand for quality content the projected continued profit- Meralco’s TOU program tic outlook for the pay TV industry growing ability, the country’s largest cable in the Philippines. According to “After introducing new digital provider hopes to offer its shares AGB Nielsen NUTAM 07 survey, technology and affordable pack- to the public, with a planned public seen to reduce electric bills TV penetration rate is at almost ages, we are reevaluating our offering in 2009. (Floyd Tena) MERALCO launched its Bright a 12-month average peak demand when the demand for electricity & Right Time-of-Use (TOU) rate of at least 750 kilowatts (KW), is high. Charges during these peak program following the provisional and residential customers with a periods are higher than charges Bayan posts SkyCable Prepaid approval granted by the Energy 12-month average consumption of during off-peak. Regulatory Commission (ERC) in at least 2,000 kWh prior to the date Peak periods are from 8:00:01 P820M net June this year. of their application. a.m. to 9 p.m. (13 hours) on Mon- available na sa mas The TOU rate is an energy This special rate option gives day to Saturday, and from 6:00:01 income pricing scheme which approxi- qualified customers the opportu- p.m. to 8 p.m. (2 hours) on Sun- mates the cost of power at differ- nity to reduce their electric bill, in day. IN the first half of 2007, Bayan maraming lugar! ent times of the day. The rates are particular on the generation charge Off-peak periods are from Telecommunications’ total rev- based on the time of day electric- component, by using more elec- 12:00:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. and enue grew 12% to P2.60 billion PATULOY ang pagbubukas Cable Prepaid, magbayad lamang ity is produced and on the cost of tricity at the time of the day when 9:00:01 p.m. to 12 midnight (11 from P2.32B during the same ng mga bagong lugar sa Metro ng refundable deposit upang ma- supplying electricity during that the rates are low. hours) on Monday to Saturday, period in 2006. Manila kung saan maaari nang install ang prepaid digital box sa time. This rate scheme encourages and from 12:00:01 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voice revenues grew 6% to mag-subscribe sa SkyCable Pre- iyong tahanan. Bumili ng prepaid Qualified customers for Phase customers to shift use of electricity and 8:00:01 p.m. to 12 midnight P1.57B from P1.47B in the first paid service. Kabilang dito ang card at i-load ang mga detalye 1 of the program are industrial from the peak periods to off-peak (22 hours) on Sunday. (Meralco half. This was driven by the in- Amihan, Bagong Buhay, Project 3, gamit ang cell- and nonindustrial customers with periods. Peak periods are hours Corporate Communications) crease in local exchange revenues Project 4, Duyan with additional subscribers from Duyan, Marilag, Bayan’s wireless landline and Claro, Escopa the growth in international long 1,2,4, Milagrosa, Adtel is an IT success story distance revenues. Data revenues Quirino 3A/2C, increased by 23% year-on-year Socorro, Dioquino FOR the past three years, Advanced (FPIDC), Iloilo-Negros Air Ex- provides in the comfort of their of- (YoY) to P992 million compared Zobel, Tagumpay, Telecommunications (Adtel) has press Co. (Inaec), Eugenio Lopez fices or homes. to P804M during the same period Murphy, San provided information technology Foundation, Goldlink Security, In addition, Adtel provides a last year. International leased lines Roque, Villa Ma. support to its affiliates in Benpres Seacrafts, Southbend and Lopez unique technology called Speech revenues increased by 10% to Clara, Masagana at Building, applying the concept of Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI). Recognition. For one to appreciate P119M versus P108M during same Bayanihan sa Que- hosting computer applications. Adtel also provides other this fully, try calling the company period last year. Internet revenues zon City. In the accounting package services, hardware and software, at 910-2727. You will be interacting also grew by 58% to P466M. Sa Manila, maaaring phone. Sa loob ng ilang sandali called Great Plains, 12 companies such as for computer backup and with a computer that will guide you Bayan posted a net income mag-avail ng SkyCable Prepaid sa matapos mag-load ay maaari ka are linked in one server, where disaster recovery, antivirus soft- through the company directory upon of P820M, representing a 169% San Andres Bukid, Fabie Estate nang manood ng mga paboritong individual income statement, bal- ware, and branded laptops and saying the first name, surname or turnaround from the P1.19B at sa Dimasalang, Algeciras, Vi- programa sa cable. ance sheets and other accounting desktops. Another service pro- nickname of the person you are call- loss posted during the same cente G. Cruz/Economia, M. Dela Ang SkyCable prepaid cards ay packages are generated. Great vided to the group is the support ing. Adtel provides the same tech- period last year. Earnings before Fuente/Trabajo, Don Quijote, Dos mabibili sa dalawang klase—Sil- Plains currently serves Benpres for an enterprise to create web- nology to Philippine Long Distance interest, taxes, depreciation and Castillas, Maria Clara, AH Lacson/ ver at Select—depende sa budget Holdings, Lopez Inc., First Philip- sites. First Philec and the Lopez Telephone Co.’s landline service amortization (EBITDA) mean- Gov. Forbes, Piy Margal, Dapitan, o paggamit ng cable TV. pine Holdings, Third Generation Lifelong Wellness program are called PLDT MyMusic 101-123. while dipped by 6% to P823M in Asturias, Laon Laan/Nicanor Rox- Para sa karadagang impor- Holdings, Manila North Tollways using this website development Adtel now has two offices in the first half from P873M during as, Alfonso Mendoza/Andalucia, masyon, tumawag sa SkyCable Corp. (MNTC), First Philippine program; employees can view the Metro Manila and seven provin- the same period last year. España at Antipolo sa Sampaloc. customer service hotline number Infrastructure Development Corp. services that the Wellness program cial offices. (Ricky Linga) Para mag-subscribe sa Sky- 631-0000. (F. Tena) 4 LOPEZLINK September 2007 HR COUNCIL Important HR events in September The Lopez Group IiP journey By Moje Ramos-Aquino, FPM 44th Annual Conference and Exposition of People Manage- ment Association of the Philippines (PMAP), September 26 to One small step for recognition, 28, 2007, Cebu City Ric Abadesco, FPM, PMAP vice president and conference chair, says: “People practices is the main context of this conference. As we explore the one giant leap for business excellence theme ‘People Deliver,’ we look into the various aspects of effective people management approaches that deliver excellent bottom line results.” By Jig Blanco-Yan the effective development of The keynote speaker will be Dr. David Spong, the chair of the board people. of directors for the Baldrige Foundation. IN this day and age of getting The IiP focuses on people The conference will explore tradition-breaking institutional tools things done in the fastest, simplest development and clearly connects such as Investors in People, Balanced Scorecard, perception manage- and most cost-efficient manner, it human capital return on invest- ment and other integrating approaches to business excellence; and is not impossible to get lost in the ment (ROI) with business results. prospects of nation building such as corporate social responsibility race of improving processes and Furthermore, it can be fully inte- (CSR), building ethical companies, business results that impact on lose sight of the end goal—which grated into any business excel- the economy and a roadmap for national competitiveness. is “outcomes.” Introduced in the lence initiative, such as ISO, Six These topics will be discussed by Dr. Art de Guia (EVP and group UK in 1991, Investors in People Sigma or Baldrige, since it adopts head, First Philippine Holdings Corp.), Raffy Alunan (Lopez Group (IiP) puts us back in perspec- the common concept of a “plan- Wellness czar), Bing Portugalisa (HR authority, CP Kelco), Capt. Art tive and tells us that while being do-review” cycle. Gatbonton (chief learning officer, Philippine Airlines) and Dr. Poch Ma- process-oriented is critical, being Challenge caranas (adviser to Philippine presidents, Asian Institute of Management results- or outcome-focused is At the end of the workshop, policymaker), among many notable presenters. the key in ensuring organizational the participants agreed that the For more info, contact Cacay de Leon and Malou Bustos at alignment and capability. framework is a very helpful tool for 726-1532 or email [email protected] and malou. Twenty-five participants from organizational alignment and that [email protected] various Lopez companies recently its use is not limited to HR practi- The 2007 Summit for Globalization of Human Resources Lopez Group chair Oscar M. Lopez (OML) discussed the Lopez attended an IiP Facilitators Work- tioners. In fact, those who came (September 28-29) and the Train-the-Trainer Boot Camp Group’s Investors in People (IiP) journey during the August 22 launch shop at the Astoria Plaza in Pasig from operations attested that the (October 1-2) with Bob Pike of the IiP standard in the Philippines organized by the People Manage- City. Spearheaded by the Lopez IiP is applicable to the line and that The summit will feature a mix of international speakers on the ment Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Photo shows OML with Group Corporate HR and HR part of their back-home plan is to topics of global mobility, leadership, talent management, innovation PMAP VP Ric Abadesco and British Ambassador Peter Beckingham. Council, the workshop was facili- cascade learnings to their respective in HR, workplace and global learning, organizational and personal tated by Gerry Plana, IiP practitio- CEOs/COOs for possible immediate learning, human capital for global competitiveness, trends in global- ner and People Management Asso- Manny Canlas, general manager of Corporation (FPIC) and Meralco implementation in the workplace. ization and many others. ciation of the Philippines (PMAP) First Electro Dynamics Corpora- Management and Leadership De- The participants also recog- Two Filipino speakers will be featured: Roger Collantes, regional executive director. tion (Fedcor), and a sharing/open velopment Center (MMLDC). nized that getting the full support training and development director for Citibank Asia Pacific, Global 5 IiP-certified Lopez Group forum portion with Janet Webster Achieving excellence of senior leaders is critical to IiP’s Consumer Group, and this writer. companies of IiP United Kingdom. There are more companies success and that this is part of the Trainers will have the revered trainer-of-trainers Bob Pike as Through role-playing activi- The Philippines is the only within the group undertaking the challenge. Boot Camp director. In 2007 Pike received the Instructional Systems ties, the participants were able to country in Asia with a full IiP licens- journey toward IiP certification. As more and more Lopez com- Association’s “Thought Leader” award for his outstanding contribu- get a feel of how it is to be an IiP ing agreement. Currently, of the 13 But more than being a badge of panies are being IiP-certified, we tions to the field. I attend Bob’s sessions at the ASTD Conference facilitator and if the tables were IiP-certified companies in the Phil- recognition, being certified means are proud of the recognition, but every year and he has always something exciting and new to share. turned, how it is to be a respon- ippines, five are Lopez companies: that the company has achieved ex- even more proud at the fact that For details, visit http://www.sghr2007.tw/ or email Bronte Hsiao dent for a company undergoing IiP Fedcor, Philippine Electric Corpo- cellence in people management—a once again, we have taken the lead at [email protected] ([email protected]; www.learningandin- certification. The highlights of the ration (Philec), Asian Eye Institute testimonial that the journey toward in recognizing our people—the key novation.com; www.paradigmsandparadoxes.ronjie.com) workshop were a testimonial from (AEI), First Philippine Industrial greatness can only happen through in achieving business excellence! PR CHALLENGE LAA CORNER 14th national PR Systems loss management confab slated avoids P1B potential loss

By Ritzi Villarico Ronquillo, APR LOPEZLINK pays tribute to the The institutionalization of sys- 2006 Lopez Achievement Award tems loss improvements in 2005, THE 14th National Public Relations winners by featuring their story the efforts in finding solutions to Congress of the Public Relations in our LAA Corner. Taking center correct gaps in the electric distribu- Society of the Philippines (PRSP) called “PRrogressive!” will be stage this month is the Meralco tion and customer service processes held at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City, from Sep- Systems Loss Management Team, were the main drivers for the further tember 26 to 28, 2007. which won in the Operations Man- improvement of Meralco’s system The congress brings together hundreds of PR professionals, agement category. loss in 2006. These resulted in the experts and advocates from business and industry, government, Systems loss, which represents reduction of systems loss levels for nonprofit organizations, hospitals, schools, hotels and professional the unrecoverable purchased power the 12 months ending October 2006 services who represent various industries and sectors. cost beyond the allowable system from 10.95% in 2005 to 10.28%. PRSP is also celebrating its 50th year and will honor the founders loss cap of 9.5% imposed on dis- Avoided cost and pillars of the organization and profession, salute the practitioners tribution utilities, has had immense The 0.67 percentage point- of today and look forward to its responsible practice in the future. The impact on Meralco’s financials. improvement was equal to a 190 theme this year is thus called “Heritage. Relationships. Stewardship!” In 2004, the system loss level GWh-reduction in required bulk Explore revolutionary possibilities in the practice of PR to make it reached almost P2 billion; it was The Systems Loss Management Team receives the LAA for lowering energy purchases. The avoided more dynamic and strategic for the businesses and organizations you rep- the seventh consecutive year that Meralco’s systems loss and saving the company an estimated P1 billion. cost is worth P1B, which increased resent. Meet colleagues and enlarge your network and PR contacts. Hear Meralco was penalized for not the firm’s net income by the same firsthand about the latest in our profession and make your presence felt! meeting the mandated systems full backing of the program, regu- Improvements amount for the same period. PRSP is the country’s premier organization for the public relations loss cap. Thus, Meralco chair- larly visiting offices and spurring The program’s success was professionals. The Society’s 50th anniversary celebration is sponsored man and CEO Manuel M. Lopez employees to help in shaving the partly hinged on the display of by Globe Telecom Inc., GMA Network Inc., Landbank, Meralco, Na- (MML) put systems loss on top of system loss level. strong work ethic and teamwork Baldrige calendar tional Power Corporation, Philip Morris, Pagcor, San Miguel Corpo- the company’s priorities in 2005. What made the process of by personnel who apprehended ration, Shell Exploration Philippines B.V., United Laboratories Inc. Task force reducing systems loss more daunt- pilferers amidst great hazards. Category 6 Process Management MML formed a task force ing was that resources then were Mastery of new knowledge and Sept. 5, 2007 The media partners for the event include Business Mirror, Busi- Lowering Meralco’s Systems Loss nessWorld, the Journal Group of Publications, Manila Bulletin, Ma- headed by then senior vice presi- severely limited to meet the targets skills was another important fac- By the Meralco Systems Loss Man- nila Standard Today, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star. dent Ricardo V. Buencamino. The for 2005 and 2006. However, the tor. Chief among these was the agement Team Early bird registrants can avail of the special rate (P7,000 for the task force laid down the basic program exceeded targets at a cost development of a model that could 4/F Boardroom, Benpres Bldg. three-day congress) until Aug. 31. For details and registration, call infrastructure for a Systems Loss of P394 million for the 12-month monitor daily consumption and Management Program and led in period ending October 2006, and billing adjustments and translate Category 5 Human Resource Focus 638-0010 and 638-0012 or email [email protected] or log on to Sept. 19, 2007 www.prsp.ph. its strict implementation. MML P498M for the 12-month period these to expected accounting fig- Special topic: To be announced himself indicated management’s ending October 2005. ures. LOPEZLINK September 2007 5

couch potato ‘Bandila’ pasok sa int’l Emmy Awards KINILALA ng International Emmy TV) base na rin sa opisyal na listahan series category. Awards ang tatlong programa ng inilabas ng International Academy Ayon sa vice president for corpo- ABS-CBN sa news category at drama of Television Arts & Sciences, ang rate communications ng ABS-CBN series category ngayong taon. lupong tagapamahala at tagasuri ng na si Bong Osorio, ang naturang pag- treats Nominado ang programang “Ban- mga mananalo. kilala ay isang patunay na patuloy na dila” sa news category. Ito ang unang Ang “Bandila” ay pinangunguna- naghahatid ang Kapamilya network pagkakataon na nakapasok ang isang han ng mga batikang anchors na sina ng mga de-kalidad na programa para newscast ng Pilipinas sa prestihiyo- Korina Sanchez, Ces Drilon at Henry sa mga manonood. ‘Margarita’: Dramang song parangal. Omaga Diaz na may higit 20 na kara- “Karangalan talaga sa bawat isa papawi sa uhaw ng Ang “Bandila” ay napili sa pagha- nasan sa pamamahayag. sa atin na kilalanin tayo bilang isa sa hatid nito ng ulat tungkol sa promul- Naging semifinalist naman ang pinakamagaling sa mundo,” sabi ni pamilya gation ng Subic rape case. Dumaan “TV Patrol World” nina Ted Failon, Osorio. Ang “Margarita” ay isang ito sa tatlong rounds ng judging at Karen Davila at Julius Babao sa news Malalaman kung papalaring mag- family-oriented drama 500 judges mula sa 35 na bansa. category. wagi ang “Bandila” sa Septyembre na nagsasalaysay ng mga Makakatunggali nito ang mga Ang teleserye na tampok sina 24 sa awards night na magaganap sa pinagdaraanan ng isang entry mula sa UK (Channel 4 News), Judy Ann Santos at Piolo Pascual, “Sa Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers babaeng may wagas na Brazil (Globo TV) at Romania (Pro Pilling Mo,” ay semifinalist sa drama sa New York City. Korina Sanchez pagmamahal sa kanyang pamilya kung kaya napilitan siyang maghanap-buhay para sa mga ito. Tampok DZMM, nanguna sa survey ng AM radio sa “Margarita” sina “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) Season 2 Third Big Placer Wendy stations; Failon at Sanchez, rumaratsada Valdez, Bruce Quebral at Diether Ocampo. Si Val- DZMM Radyo Patrol Sais Trenta pa dez ang gumaganap bilang rin ang nangungunang AM radio sta- Margarita, habang si Que- tion sa Mega Manila base sa pinaka- bral naman ang matalik na huling resulta ng AC Nielsen Media kaibigan nito na may lihim Research Survey. na pagtingin sa kanya. Si Sa ikalawang quarter ng taon, Ocampo ang lalaking bibi- nakapagtala ang DZMM ng 7.1% na hag sa puso ng dalaga. Kasama rin sa proyektong ito audience share sa Mega Manila, na sina Rio Locsin, Dick Israel, Noni Buencamino, Dexter sumasakop sa buong Metro Manila at mga kalapit na probinsya sa Central Isa sa mga konseptong ipinakilala AM radio programming. We use a Doria, John Manalo, Sharlene San Pedro at Keanna Gee-Ann Abrahan Reeves. Abangan si Margarita tuwing gabi bago ang Luzon at Southern Tagalog. nina Ted Failon at Korina Sanchez ang lot of production techniques in our “TV Patrol World”! (Kathy Solis) Sinabi ni ABS-CBN VP for Ma- panggagaya ng mga sikat na personali- talk show, like dramatization, sound nila Radio Division Peter Musngi dad o ang paglikha ng mga makulay na effects and music. Mas maraming ‘PBB 2’ love na naging maganda ang resulta ng karakter. Ilan sa mga kilalang karakter tunog, mas maganda,” paliwanag ni Si Kokey nag-landing na survey dahil patuloy na nangunguna ni Failon ay sina Abraham, Marco, Failon. triangle ang mga Radyo Patrol reporters sa Roger at Don Facundo. Samantala, Bukod sa “Tambalang Failon and sa Primetime Bida! paghahatid ng mahahalagang balita, sina Barbara, Isabel, Corazon, Lola Sanchez,” kabilang sa mga pang- Maagang naulila, lumikha ang batang si Bong sa kan- at dahil sa balanced programming at Ising at Nemfa naman ang ilan sa mga umagang programa ng DZMM ang yang isipan ng mundo kung saan may nagmamahal sa umaariba sa mga makabagong pamamaraang sin- pinasikat ni Sanchez. “Todo Balita” ni Neil Ocampo at ang kanya. Subalit magbabago ang buhay niya sa pagbagsak imulan ng mga programang tulad ng “DZMM is the new AM station “Dos por Dos” nina Anthony Taberna ng isang spaceship malapit sa bahay-ampunan na lulan “Tambalang Failon at Sanchez.” and it is changing the landscape of at Gerry Baja. (K. Choa) ang bibong alien na si Kokey. Makakasama ni Kokey ‘Lovespell’! para magbigay-sigla sa ating mga gabi sina Ruffa Gut- Inaha- tierez, Nova Villa, Boots Anson Roa, Redford White, handog Eugene Domingo, Mylene Dizon, Ryan Eigenmann, ng “Love Zanjoe Marudo at Megan Young. Ipinakikilala rin sina Spell” ang Rhap Salazar, Julia Barretto at ang “Little Big Superstar” tatlo sa Season 2 second placer na si Joshua Cadelina bilang si pinakapa- Bong, ang batang makakasama ni Kokey sa kanyang pa- boritong glalakbay sa ating planeta. Makipagkaibigan kay Kokey housemates tuwing gabi pagkatapos ng “TV Patrol World” sa ABS- ng “Pinoy CBN Primetime Bida. (K. Solis) Big Broth- er” Season 2—sina Gee-ann Abrahan, Mickey Perz Mickey Perz at Bodie Cruz. Gagampanan nina Abrahan at Perz ang papel nina Nina at Carlo, dance partners at magkaibigan mula pagkabata. Pareho nilang inasam na maging magaling na mananayaw sub- alit naaksidente at nalumpo si Carlo samantalang si Nina ay naging backup dancer ng isang sikat na dancing pair. Isa sa kanila ay si Dominic (Cruz) na napipilitan lang mag-artista dahil Incredible Kyle sa kanyang mga magulang. Mag- After coming out of the woods and found walking into babago ang takbo ng buhay ng tatlo traffic, Kyle is sent to a youth detention center. Psy- nang makakita si Nina ng isang bu- chologist Nicole Trager brings him home to her family lalakaw na magbibigay sa kanya ng for a closer watch. But even as he settles in with the kakaibang kapangyarihan. May lihim Tragers, some questions remain: Who is Kyle? Why na pagtingin si Nina kay Carlo kaya doesn’t he have a belly button? Why can’t he remem- gagamitin niya ang kanyang kapang- ber anything from his past? And who is the suspicious yarihan para matulungan ang kaibig- man following him around? From the producers of ang matupad ang kanyang pangarap. “Final Destination 2” and “Butterfly Effect” comes this Ito na kaya ang maging daan para new incredible mystery about the surprising journey ibigin ni Carlo si Nina? of Kyle, a 16-year-old teenage savant who is missing Tunghayan ang unang episode ng instinctive human behavior such as anger, joy and love, “Love Spell: Bumalaka, Bulalakaw and the family who found him. Catch “Kyle XY” on Boom!” sa bago nitong oras, 11 ng Studio 23 every Wednesday, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 umaga pagkatapos ng “Princess p.m. (Kane Choa) Hours.” (K. Solis) 6 LOPEZLINK September 2007

Timeline: The genesis of the La Mesa controversy

1968 1999 Metropolitan Water District (later the National Water- ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI), through its works and Sewerage Authority or NWSA, presently the Bantay Kalikasan program, offers to assist Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System or and contribute in the forest rehabilitation MWSS) enters into a collective bargaining agreement Clockwise from top: La Mesa Dam is the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila; Over 40,000 volunteers have planted trees at La Mesa development and the protection of the La Mesa Watershed in partnership with Bantay Kalikasan; Opened in 2004, at the heart of the watershed is La Mesa Eco Park which offers the public the (CBA) with their labor unions, Kaisahan at Kapatiran ng Reservation/Watershed area, including the mga Manggagawa at Kawani sa NWSA (KKMK-NWSA) engaging outdoors for biking, picnics and boating; AFI’s Gina Lopez with Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte; and Unilever’s Chito Macapagal and Balara Employees and Laborers Association (BELA). 33-hectare La Mesa Park located downstream lends support to the preservation of La Mesa. Under the CBA, the MWSS will provide a 58-hectare from the reservoir. tract of land for housing for 1,411 rank and file workers. to La Mesa Eco Park go back into the Save known as global warming. No country in the NWSA identifies the site for the project at an area Saving La Mesa located downstream from the water reservoir (dam) from page 1 the La Mesa Watershed project.” world, including those located in the tropics 2001 With the help of the Quezon City gov- like ours, is safe from water shortage. and outside the forested portion of the 2,700-hectare La A 15-year memorandum of understanding recalled that La Mesa was in a sorry state ernment and the MWSS, Bantay Kalikasan A United Nations (UN) report released Mesa Reservation/Watershed area. (MOU) is signed between AFI and MWSS grant- when the AFI took in hand its rehabilitation formed a multi-sectoral task force that com- in April this year said that “freshwater avail- ing AFI full project management status over the almost a decade ago. “...The forest surround- pensated or relocated the settlers, of which ability in Central, South, East and Southeast “reforestation, species reintroduction and biodi- ing the dam was already 50% gone because only 40 households are now left. Asia, particularly in large river basins, is pro- versity programs over the entire 2,700-hectare 1971 settlers had not only cut down the trees for Generous souls to the rescue jected to decrease due to climate change.” KKMK files a case in court because of NWSA’s failure to La Mesa Reservation/Watershed area.” The MOU issue a deed of absolute sale over the 58 hectares. lumber but also brought in animals—horses, Through the settlers’ removal, BK has 5 million signatures specifies that the following areas would not be carabaos, cows and goats—that feasted on managed to cover 98% of the area with trees included: the MWSS treatment plant, staff house The report said the resulting conditions the vegetation. And, at 2,000 hectares, au- and save endemic animal and plant species. and the MWSS housing project (KKMK). will cause species to become extinct, seas to thorities had a hard time policing the area,” Pardo said the master plan for the park’s 1975 rise, water shortages to spread and droughts The Supreme Court rules that NWSA must execute the Pardo said. rehabilitation is being carried out on a stag- and floods to recur. required deed of sale in favor of its workers/awardees. Save La Mesa Watershed project man- gered basis since the AFI relies mainly on All regions from Africa to Pacific is- 2003 ager Marlo Mendoza said BK originally corporate and individual donations and In a letter to administrator Orlando Honrade, AFI lands will suffer from the adverse effects of targeted only 25 hectares to plant trees but sponsorships. Thankfully, many generous says it has no objection to the construction of climate change, with more than one billion decided to cover the entire watershed area souls came to the rescue of the park. 1976 the KKMK housing units, as long as environmen- people in Asia expected to feel the effects of Then President Ferdinand Marcos issues Letter of Intent despite “unfriendly” encounters with some These include Pilipinas Shell and its (LOI) 440 mandating the transfer of the land, and builds tal mitigating measures are put in place. less freshwater by the 2050s, according to of the 2,500 informal settlers. Flower Terrace, now one of the eco park’s a filtration plant now known as the Maynilad Filtration MWSS commissions the University of the UN experts. “There was kaingin or uncontrolled burn- most famous attractions; former Senator Plant. Philippines-National Hydraulic Research Center The same report said that man-made ing for farming, erosion, encroachment...We Franklin Drilon who donated his late wife’s (UP-NHRC) to determine mitigation measures to consequences such as land use change, pol- knew that if we leave the seedlings, mama- collection of rare orchids; water utility firms address the impact of the housing project on the lution and over-exploitation of resources matay lang or kakainin ng farm animals. We Maynilad and Manila Water Co. Inc.; Unile- water quantity and quality of La Mesa Watershed could make the situation even worse. 1989 had to buy seedlings pa naman. The founda- ver; San Miguel Corp.; Rotary Clubs; Ifugao NWSA orders the housing site to be relocated and Reservoir. Meanwhile, many farmers in different upstream of the water reservoir to where it is tion bankrolled it, and the people who have artisans who worked on an open-air amphithe- parts of Luzon lost millions worth of crops visited the watershed, having appreciated ater patterned after the Banaue rice terraces; now located—adjacent to Quirino Highway and due to dehydrated land. Metro Manila fared in the boundary of Quezon City and Caloocan. nature, have donated,” Mendoza said. and oil giant Petron, which funded the Petron no better as some cities had to resort to 2004 The situation alarmed AFI managing di- Amphitheater and the fitness trail. Another resolution provides an additional The UP-NHRC’s final recommendation is that “it water rationing, which proves to be a very rector Gina Lopez, “who subsequently start- Other major sponsors include HSBC, hectare for “road widening.” will be in the best interest of MWSS and the gen- troublesome activity, especially for labor- ed the Save the La Mesa Watershed project. Aboitiz, the Lopez Group of companies, sena- eral public who…utilize for drinking the water ers, businessmen, students, or just plain The endeavor’s initial phase involved tors Pia Cayetano, Kiko Pangilinan and Loren in the La Mesa Reservoir that the 58 hectares residents. reforesting and replanting the area through Legarda, TransCo, ABN-AMRO, Universal of the La Mesa Watershed area…shall remain a The Save La Mesa member-groups 1993 ‘Adopt a Hectare’ and ‘Adopt a Tree’ pro- Motors, Department of Tourism Sec. Ace The Department of Environment and Natural protected watershed area and not be converted believe that we already have in our hands grams. Later, it was decided that the park be Durano, the Japan Embassy, AusAid and the Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) to a housing project area.” something that can lessen the effects of warns that the “implementation of the… housing redeveloped and refurbished because it was UNDP-Global Environment Facility (GEF). global warming—though we still need to the ‘money generating unit’ of the project. Preserving La Mesa becomes even more project would have a considerable impact on the understand better how to protect it and show The entrance and rental fees paid by visitors imperative in the face of what has come to be enough will to do so. environment.” 2005 The Department of Justice-Office of the DOJ, in a letter to the MWSS administrator, re- Government Corporate Counsel (DOJ-OGCC) quests the implementation of the SC decision on EXECUTIVE PROFILE states that “should the findings…be adverse to the MWSS housing project “by executing a deed the awardees, then MWSS may have to possibly of absolute sale in favor of the 1,411 awardees...” By Carla-Paras Sison director Gina Lopez shared the results of Manila’s 12 million residents will always relocate its housing project.” MWSS administrator Hondrade writes a University of the Philippines (UP) study have clean drinking water, and respecting then DENR Sec. Michael Defensor echoing the ADVERTISING icon Emily Abrera, who showing that any housing project located the rights of former MWSS employees to concerns and recommendation of the UP-NHRC.” became a member of the ABS-CBN Broad- upstream, or above the main body of wa- housing. Clearly, these two issues need not 1998 casting Corporation board of directors in ter, would endanger the safety of the wa- be mutually exclusive,” says Abrera. DENR-NCR, in a letter to Genaro Bautista, While she believes that the good of 12 representative of the awardees of the MWSS 2005, has recently gotten involved in a ter in the dam. The study was presented in housing project, states that the awardees or 2006 most controversial issue: the move to stop a a meeting among environmentalists and million residents of Metro Manila justly takes The deed of absolute sale is executed in favor of housing project on Court-awarded property precedence over a subdivision that will benefit their recognized association should obtain an the claimants/awardees, which states that they concerned citizens. Abrera was hooked. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from need to secure an ECC...and that an alternative upstream of the La Mesa Watershed. “Anyone who sits through that pre- a few, she also knows there is a solution. the DENR. site for the housing project will be provided She says she joined what is now sentation can see that it’s a valid and “We need to look for an alterna- …should they be denied the ECC. known as the La Mesa Coalition in her urgent concern. We can’t plead igno- tive site for the housing project, that Rep. Edcel Lagman remits, in behalf of the claim- private capacity. rance because the study was made and it is all. The issues are pretty simple, if ants/awardees, P3.091 million to MWSS as payment “I joined it because I personally agree clearly says that if a housing project goes you get right down to it. Things may for the land. Previous down payments amounting with the issue. It is not because I am on up in that area, there are no mitigating get muddled along the way due to to P98,600 are deducted from the original purchase the board of ABS-CBN. The protection measures that can be taken for ground other interested parties, but if we stick price of P3.190M (or P5.50 per square meter). of the environment should be something contamination—so, knowing what we to the basic issue, then it follows that The AFI managing director writes a formal that concerns us all. The protection the housing project must be relocated.” letter to then DENR Sec. Angelo Reyes asserting know, how can we just stand by and let their opposition to the issuance of an ECC over the and development of our watershed ar- it happen? It’s unthinkable,” she says. With the coalition, Abrera works to establishment of the proposed KKMK housing units. eas, in particular, is an urgent measure But the challenge is daunting. MWSS protect La Mesa Watershed from any that we must address. Clean drinking (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage potentially polluting activities or infra- water is the sort of thing we take for System) employees have legal right over structure. She is motivated by a genuine 2007 granted until it is endangered, and usu- the land appropriated for their housing, as desire to safeguard the future that the next President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announces ally by then, it’s too late to do anything.” recognized by the Supreme Court. generation will inherit. the proclamation of La Mesa Water Reservoir as a Abrera joined the Coalition after ABS- “We are talking about two very sensitive “We must increase awareness among protected watershed subject to private rights. CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) managing issues here: the need to ensure that Metro the public about the importance of safe- LOPEZLINK September 2007 7 Save the La Mesa Coalition members Regina Paz Lopez AFI managing director Emily Abrera Coalition chairperson Company/Organization Name AMDG Motorcycle Group Nilo Vergara, president Architecture Network Chrioni Gonzalez Artist for Nature Sake Melvin Calderon Assumption College Jon Lingatong San Lorenzo Bansang Marangal Edgar Maranan, chair BMW Owners Society Joseph Tan, president of Safe Riders Clockwise from top: La Mesa Dam is the primary source of potable water for Metro Manila; Over 40,000 volunteers have planted trees at La Mesa Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri Watershed in partnership with Bantay Kalikasan; Opened in 2004, at the heart of the watershed is La Mesa Eco Park which offers the public the Caritas Manila Inc. Choy Gagalac, Technical engaging outdoors for biking, picnics and boating; AFI’s Gina Lopez with Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte; and Unilever’s Chito Macapagal lends support to the preservation of La Mesa. Services-Devcom/Advocacy Catholic Women’s League- Gladys Garcia known as global warming. No country in the In late 2006, the group led efforts to Citing a study by the University of the ing the water in La Mesa Reservoir that the Obando, Bulacan world, including those located in the tropics collect fi ve million signatures for a petition Philippines-National Hydraulic Research 58 hectares being proposed for the housing Center for Social Involvement- Karen Baldemoro like ours, is safe from water shortage. aimed at leaving the watershed untouched. Center (UP-NHRC) on the seepage of liq- project shall remain protected.” Assumption A United Nations (UN) report released ‘Protected area’ uids from trash, they countered that “there Impetus should be on preservation Concerned Citizens Against Bebet Gozun, chair in April this year said that “freshwater avail- “At least fi ve million people have de- is no mitigating measure for ground water The Save La Mesa project is currently in Pollution ability in Central, South, East and Southeast contamination, no engineering measure that manded that the area be protected. That has negotiations with Rep. Lagman, and MWSS Conservation International Romeo Trono, country director Asia, particularly in large river basins, is pro- to mean something—and it is that people can be implemented that will prevent seep- is helping to nudge talks forward by offering Couples for Christ-Oikos Society Roland Nillas jected to decrease due to climate change.” actually want a clean environment,” BK’s age into ground levels.” a better site for the people in Antipolo. But 5 million signatures Mendoza said. “What will they do, put guards to make if the talks do not work, its member-groups DES Makati Danilo Villas The report said the resulting conditions But even with the signature drive a sure they don’t throw garbage? Even if they plan to fi le a class suit against MWSS and Earth Saver’s Movement Roger will cause species to become extinct, seas to success, the campaign to minimize human put a fence, the houses will be 24 meters Rep. Lagman. Fatima University Remigia Nathanielsz rise, water shortages to spread and droughts activities in the area other than nature ap- higher than the lake,” Mendoza said. Another course of action is to fi le a Federation of FilChinese Chambers John K. Tan, preside nt and fl oods to recur. preciation still has a long way to go. In addition, putting in place measures and criminal case against Rep. Lagman for rep- of Commerce and Industry All regions from Africa to Pacifi c is- infrastructures for fl oodwater and wastage Recently, President Gloria Macapagal- resenting the people and getting a contract Far Eastern University Dr. Marcon Espino lands will suffer from the adverse effects of Arroyo declared the watershed a “protected treatment will cost about P100 million, plus for them, printed in his letterhead. Firefl y Brigade Jack Yabut, president climate change, with more than one billion area subject to private rights,” elating the an additional P8 million annually to maintain An administrative case versus Rep. Lag- people in Asia expected to feel the effects of Save La Mesa Project groups. and operate such. It remains unclear just who man to the House Ethics Committee and a First Philippines Conservation Atty. Jun Quicho less freshwater by the 2050s, according to However, when Gina Lopez asked Pres. will shoulder these fi nancial burdens. petition for the DENR not to grant an ECC Greenpeace International Von Hernandez, director UN experts. Arroyo what she meant, the president re- ‘If we cannot win this war...’ for the housing project are also in the cards. Haribon Anabelle Plantilla The same report said that man-made ferred to the MWSS housing project. “Sana hindi na lang niya (Arroyo) dine- “This is not just for us but for the future Kabalikat Civicom Makati Agustin Gregorio consequences such as land use change, pol- The Department of Environment and clare na protected area...It sends a bad signal. generation as well. If La Mesa cannot be Kabalikat Civicom Makati Raynante Besmonte lution and over-exploitation of resources Natural Resources (DENR) had told the She shows that government doesn’t put much protected from human settlements, how can WWF-Philippines Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan, could make the situation even worse. MWSS in a letter that the housing project’s effort sa environment,” Mendoza lamented. we ensure that the other protected areas in president Meanwhile, many farmers in different implementation would have a “considerable He said that problems in other “pro- our country will really be protected? Even parts of Luzon lost millions worth of crops impact” on the environment.” It also required tected areas” in the country stem from such the people trying to get control of the land Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster Butch Canoy, president due to dehydrated land. Metro Manila fared awardees of the project to obtain an Environ- moves. “Nagpaalis na kami ng 2,500 infor- will be affected when our drinking water is ng Pilipinas (KBP) no better as some cities had to resort to mental Compliance Certifi cate (ECC). mal settlers and now 1,114 will be coming contaminated. The good of the many should Life Long Initiatives for the Arnel Caranto water rationing, which proves to be a very Dismayed in (through the housing project). How will prevail here,” Mendoza said. Formation of the Ecosystems troublesome activity, especially for labor- In 2001, MWSS issued a board resolution that look like? Inconsistent iyon.” “The point is that in terms of the wa- (LIFE Inc.) ers, businessmen, students, or just plain on the execution of conditional deeds of sale “This should have been a model. If we tershed use, the impetus should be on Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim residents. in favor of the qualifi ed claimants/awardees. cannot win this war, how can we replicate preservation, leaving it untouched. What The Save La Mesa member-groups Pres. Arroyo promised to have Albay it? Laging may exception,” Mendoza said. we can use is the water, we can appreciate Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando believe that we already have in our hands Rep. Edcel Lagman, who represents the Professor Leonardo Liongson, director nature, with no waste seepage, no cutting, Miriam Public Education Dir. Donna Paz Reyes, something that can lessen the effects of claimants, place measures to mitigate the of UP-NHRC, told MWSS administrator no hunting, no plant gathering. If we can- Awareness Campaign for the executive director global warming—though we still need to housing project’s effect on the La Mesa en- Orlando Hondrade in a letter that “it will be not do that, it defeats all our efforts and de- Environment (PEACE) understand better how to protect it and show vironment, but the preservation groups were in the best interest of MWSS and the gen- feats the purpose of declaring it a protected Mother Earth Philippines Odette B. Alcantara, convenor enough will to do so. already dismayed. eral public who eventually utilize for drink- area.” (RTO) National Youth Commission Angelie Costelo, representative Nestor S. Mangio Architects Bryan John Mangio People’s Journal Dulce Reyes By Carla-Paras Sison director Gina Lopez shared the results of Manila’s 12 million residents will always guarding our forests and watersheds so that Phil. Hotel Federation Inc. Nicole Morris, president a University of the Philippines (UP) study have clean drinking water, and respecting our children and their offspring will have Save La Mesa Coalition’s Philippine Nurses Association Dr. Leah Primitiva Samaco- ADVERTISING icon Emily Abrera, who showing that any housing project located the rights of former MWSS employees to safe drinking water in the years to come! Emily Abrera is “Nonna” Paquiz, president to granddaughters Poblador Law Offi ce Atty. Luis Martin Clemente became a member of the ABS-CBN Broad- upstream, or above the main body of wa- housing. Clearly, these two issues need not I have seven grandchildren—I want them Sophie, Sabine and QC Environmental Protection Frederika Rentoy, chief casting Corporation board of directors in ter, would endanger the safety of the wa- be mutually exclusive,” says Abrera. and their families to live healthy lives.” Antonella 2005, has recently gotten involved in a ter in the dam. The study was presented in While she believes that the good of 12 As a passionate advocate of healthy and Waste Management Dept. most controversial issue: the move to stop a a meeting among environmentalists and million residents of Metro Manila justly takes environments and of social responsibil- Senate Sen. Jamby Madrigal housing project on Court-awarded property concerned citizens. Abrera was hooked. precedence over a subdivision that will benefi t ity, among many other causes, Abrera Sen. Pia Cayetano upstream of the La Mesa Watershed. “Anyone who sits through that pre- a few, she also knows there is a solution. believes in doing her part, no matter how Sen. Serge Osmeña She says she joined what is now sentation can see that it’s a valid and “We need to look for an alterna- small it seems. She cites the fi ve million SMC-Polo Brewery Jose Manuel Alba known as the La Mesa Coalition in her urgent concern. We can’t plead igno- tive site for the housing project, that people who signed the coalition’s petition Tanggol Kalikasan Atty. Asis Perez, executive dir. private capacity. rance because the study was made and it is all. The issues are pretty simple, if in support of healthy drinking water. United Architecs of the Marcos de Guzman Jr. “I joined it because I personally agree clearly says that if a housing project goes you get right down to it. Things may “There is so much we can do to show Philippines with the issue. It is not because I am on up in that area, there are no mitigating get muddled along the way due to our love and respect for nature, every UP Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity Jo Tugas the board of ABS-CBN. The protection measures that can be taken for ground other interested parties, but if we stick little bit counts.” UP College of Engineering Prof. Leony Liongson of the environment should be something contamination—so, knowing what we to the basic issue, then it follows that UP Law Center Atty. Harry Roque that concerns us all. The protection know, how can we just stand by and let the housing project must be relocated.” World Vision Development Dominique Tabora and development of our watershed ar- it happen? It’s unthinkable,” she says. With the coalition, Abrera works to Foundation eas, in particular, is an urgent measure But the challenge is daunting. MWSS protect La Mesa Watershed from any Emily Abrera: that we must address. Clean drinking (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage potentially polluting activities or infra- ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Bantay Kalikasan water is the sort of thing we take for System) employees have legal right over structure. She is motivated by a genuine Marlo Mendoza, acting program director granted until it is endangered, and usu- the land appropriated for their housing, as desire to safeguard the future that the next Gerry Ortega, deputy program director ally by then, it’s too late to do anything.” recognized by the Supreme Court. generation will inherit. ‘Clean water Tel. no.: 924-4101 local 4551 Abrera joined the Coalition after ABS- “We are talking about two very sensitive “We must increase awareness among Telefax: 410-9670 CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) managing issues here: the need to ensure that Metro the public about the importance of safe- for our grandchildren’ Email: [email protected] 8 LOPEZLINK September 2007 CSR ACTIVITIES updates Training on disaster relief operations held HEAVY rains and waist-high fl oods did not prevent participants from attending the Corpo- rate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR) disaster management training held at the Bank of the Philippines (BPI) head offi ce and the Meralco Lighthouse, respectively, on August 8 and 15, 2007. Chris Yap of Meralco Millennium Founda- tion Inc. (MMFI) welcomed participants to the event. The two-day disaster relief training tackled the human rights aspect of disaster vic- tims, the importance of getting their consensus on their needs, the proper way of handling donations for relief purposes, the processes necessary in handling relief operations, as well as the kind of relief goods to be distributed. The training also discussed The Sphere Tie-up with Philip Morris Project on disaster management, which in- Disaster management training participants Dulce Festin-Baybay of LGFI, representatives Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc.’s Rina Lopez Bautista and volves 800 people, 225 organizations and 60 from Petron Foundation, Shell Foundation, BPI Foundation, Chevron, PBSP, AFI and trainors Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) managing countries. from CNDR with Chris Yap of MMFI, who delivered the welcome remarks. (Photo by Dianah director Christopher Nelson recently signed a memorandum of The participants included CNDR members Barbo/Meralco) agreement for the educational project “Profi cient Measures for from the Lopez Group Foundation Inc. (LGFI) Quality Education.” The project provides 62 schools nationwide represented by Dulce Festin-Baybay, Petron Progress (PBSP), Mabuhay Vinyl, ABS-CBN LGFI later distributed CDs of the two-day with access to the Knowledge Channel and Department of Educa- Foundation, Shell Foundation, BPI Founda- Foundation Inc. (AFI) and trainors from training to member companies involved in di- tion-required textbooks in math and science for all elementary tion, Chevron, Philippine Business for Social CNDR, among others. saster relief operations. (Dulce Festin-Baybay) grade levels. Philip Morris International is providing funding of $ 497,482 for the project. Also in photo are PMPMI community relations and local regulatory affairs manager Atty. Amy Eisma and KCFI donor manager Risa Muñoz, who worked together to implement the project. Help clean up Bay Walk/Mall Rina is Outstanding DLSU leader KCFI president Rina Lopez-Bautista was the keynote speaker during the Gawad Mag-aaral 2007 at De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila. The event aims to recognize all outstanding of Asia seawall on Sept. 15 student leaders, brothers and alumni who have made an impact EACH year, some 350,000 people worldwide use of living aquatic resources for the benefi t of in the world (Figure 2). For the fi rst time, the on the history of De La Salle University. Now on its 24th year, invest a precious day of their time to clean the the local communities. coastal cleanup had expanded to 14 out of 15 the Gawad Mag-aaral 2007 had the theme “Communion in coasts, rivers and lakes in their local communities. The fi rst coastal cleanup in 1994 was held regions, with the exception of the Autonomous Mission and Mission in Communion.” In her speech, La Salle Today, the Ocean Conservancy’s International in Puerto Princesa City, El Nido and Coron in Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). IMA alumni Lopez-Bautista shared her inspiration and experiences Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is the single largest one- Palawan, Tacloban City in Leyte, Bacolod City mobilized a record-setting participation of in her mission in making education a means of building com- day cleanup event in the nation, if not the world. in Negros Oriental and Anilao Bay in Mabini, 296,437 volunteers who covered 3,366 km (2, munities and the nation through Knowledge Channel. The KFCI The ICC engages people to remove trash Batangas. With only 3,080 volunteers, they 091.5 mi) of coastal areas and collected about founder and president challenged her fellow Lasallians: “Open and debris from the world’s beaches and wa- were able to cover 76 kilometers of coastlines 900,000 kg. of marine debris. your hearts and eyes to what we can do to alleviate the plight of terways, to identify the sources of debris and to and underwater areas and collected 8,459 kilos The goal of ICC is not merely to increase the majority of our people.” change the behaviors that cause pollution. of marine debris. participation or to remove trash from the shore. In 2006, 358,617 volunteers pitched in to In 1995, the number of volunteers increased The ultimate goal is to trace this marine pol- help clean 34,560 miles of shoreline of some to 7,928 with 52.8 miles (85 km.) cleaned and lution problem to its source, and work for a seven million pounds of trash. That’s an aver- in 1996, volunteers totaled 50,000 and cleaned solution to stop it from occurring. age of over 19 pounds per person. 308.2 miles (496 km.) of coastline. In 1997, the Sign up and participate in this year’s clean- Mission to conserve biodiversity Philippines ranked second to the US by mobi- up at the Bay Walk or Mall of Asia seawall on The Philippine participation in the ICC lizing 75,000 people over 1,000 km. ( 621.37 Sept. 15. In Batangas, Governor Vilma Santos- began in 1994 through the initiative of the mi) of coastline. Approximately, 500,000 kg. of Recto will lead the ICC. International Marinelife Alliance (IMA), a marine garbage were collected. For more information, contact Gerry Reyes of nonprofi t, nongovernment organization whose 14 out of 15 regions First Philippine Conservation Inc. (FPCI) at tel. mission is to conserve marine biodiversity, pro- The rise in 1998 in terms of volunteers has nos. 638-7670 or 449-6087; fax no. 631-4086; or tect marine habitats and to promote responsible gained distinction for the Philippines as No. 1 mobile no. (0917) 641-1746. Join now!

MMLDC is ‘great @8’ Meralco Management and Leadership function room with Am-Phil support Development Center (MMLDC) marks its PC and LCD—a Am-Phil Food Concepts Inc., owners of Chilli’s Bar & Restau- eighth year of being “great” through its budget-friendly rant, donated a check amounting to P50,000 to KCFI at Chilli’s “Great@8” promo for groups, families and package that is best Greenhills branch. The board of trustees, Rob Epes, Luigi Vera, companies. for sales meetings, Ricky Young and director for operations Art Latinazo extended “’Great@8’ is our way of saying ‘thank planning sessions or their fi nancial support to Knowledge Channel and its mission you’ to everyone who supported MMLDC conferences. to bring quality education to poor students in public schools and enjoyed the facilities in the center,” said Groups can en- nationwide. managing director Agnes Fidelino. joy videoke fun with As part of the promo, MMLDC is offer- the “Beer Bucket” ing a 40% discount on function room rental promo at the Areva and room accommodation from Sunday to Pavilion from Mon- United Pulp and Paper donation Wednesday. This is especially geared for day to Wednesday United Pulp and Paper Co. (UPPC) Inc. gave to KCFI a check big groups out for a teambuilding or semi- with no minimum donation which was raised through the joint efforts of UPPC, its in bonding with friends, family or offi ce- nar. consumable charge on drinks and cock- customers and suppliers during their “Bowling for a Cause” event mates and coworkers,” Fidelino said. For those who avail of the “Power tails. The promo allows guests to avail of in July. UPPC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goal is to The “Great @ 8” promo is ongoing until Meeting” packages from Monday to Sun- eight bottles of beer (7+1) for P288 plus support quality education and impart essential knowledge to the Sept. 30. For more information, please call day, MMLDC is offering plated meals at free pulutan. children in need. The benefi ciary is a public school in Calumpit, 632-8111 or visit www.mmldc.org. MMLDC P788/pax inclusive of function room use. It “This is the best season to visit MMLDC, Bulacan. is located at Km. 27, Sumulong Highway, includes two snacks, one lunch, and use of a enjoy its facilities, savor the food and indulge Antipolo City. LOPEZLINK September 2007 9

‘Hybridity’: Mark Lewis Higgins Ongoing@Lopez Museum Ground Floor Gallery September 18, 2007-October 21, 2007 Artists Tad ‘Obra Maestra Mamera: Ermitaño (far AYALA Museum offers for left) and Dr. Til- Gloryhole/Blackhole’ Zero In 6 “Hybridity: Mark man Baumgäertel with Yason Banal Lewis Higgins,” works that and will lead the September 15, 2007 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) juxtapose painted and col- exciting discus- St. Scholastica’s College laged images from history, sion on media art Malate, Manila religion, geography and ar- organized by the Reservation a must (slots limited) chaeology. Showing for the Lopez Museum The Lopez Memorial Museum, in coop- fi rst time in the Philippines, eration with the University of the Philip- Ayala Museum has invited perimental fi lms that led the artist to using pines’ College of Mass Communications, Higgins to premiere his lat- sensors and computers in installations presents the “Obra Maestra Mamera” se- est series entitled “Diaspora” such as /mutation, (pronounced as “per- ries, which tackles issues concerning the before proceeding to New mutation”), the self-editing video, and reproducibility, development and fl ow of York. The exhibition will ‘Palmyra’ by Mark Lewis Higgins, mixed media with Shift Register, which melts the image of the arts across demographics. run at the Ayala Museum semi-precious stones, 38”x26” (mounted) the viewer’s face. The third in the series features from September 18 to Octo- Ermitaño is a sound designer who trained Yason Banal and will be held on Sep- ber 21, 2007. closed to the public every Monday. For in fi lm and video at the Mowelfund Film In- tember 15, Saturday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at The focus of Higgins’ compositions more information, please call 757-7117 stitute and produces video for projection in a the St. Scholastica’s College in Malate, remains highly adorned iconic portraits to 21 or visit www.ayalamuseum.org. variety of stage/concert contexts. He was the Manila. Subtitled “An Experimental that have earned the artist rave reviews sole Filipino artist selected to exhibit at the Lecture Probing Ronald McDonald, in Hong Kong and New York for two Ogaki Biennale 2006 New Media Festival Metrosexuality and the Museum,” the previous exhibitions, “Tribes” and “In- The complete and has screened his short fi lms at interna- talk will feature a performance by Ba- visible Cities.” Zero-In schedule tional fi lm fests, in-cluding the Hong Kong nal. His works have explored the idea of Born in Manila to an Irish-American International Film Festival and the Yamagata icons—how they are created, how they father and a Chinese-Filipino mother, Lopez Museum International Documentary Film Festival. aspire and survive. Higgins presents Ayala’s perfect choice ‘Blur’ Dr. Baumgäertel teaches at the College “Ceasing to be themselves, people for the theme “Hybridity” as he con- Oct. 25, 2007-April 5, 2008 ‘In Conversation: of Mass Communications at the University who have become icons eventually be- tinues to explore the history of art and Bahay Tsinoy of the Philippines. He was a founding mem- come concepts, the ideas fueled by a life archaeology in the face of dissolving ‘Comida China’ Tad Ermitaño and ber of mikro e.V, an organization for media of its own, particularly visual culture,” and overlapping borders. Nov. 10-Dec. 15, 2007 Dr. Tilman Baumgäertel’ culture in Berlin, and cofounder of rohrpost, Banal observes. Now on its sixth year, Zero In 6 is September 1, 2007 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) a German-language mailing list for digital What these concepts are and the vi- the collaborative project of fi ve private Museo Pambata Fee: P120 culture. He has curated a number of exhibi- sual culture these create are some of the museums: the Ayala Museum, Ateneo ‘Child’s A.R.T’ IS crossing over among media platforms tions focusing on media art. things tackled in Banal’s talk cum perfor- Art Gallery, Bahay Tsinoy, Lopez Me- Nov. 17, 2007-Jan. 17, 2008 possible? How exactly does the crossing The talk complements the exhibition mance. morial Museum and Museo Pambata. Ateneo Art Gallery over occur? “In Conversation: Tad Ermi- “Dime a Dozen” ongoing until September Banal has a BA in Film and Audiovi- Their aim is to expand Manila’s mu- ‘Passion & Compassion: A taño and Dr. Tilman Baumgärtel” on Sep- 22 at the museum. sual Communications from UP; an MFA seum-going audience. Collector’s View’ tember 1, 2007, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Lopez The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the from Goldsmiths College, University of Ayala Museum is located on De Artist: Lao Lianben Museum will discuss these. ground fl oor, Benpres Building, Exchange London, United Kingdom; and a Certifi - la Rosa Street corner Makati Avenue, Nov. 21, 2007-Feb. 21, 2008 Taking off from Ermitaño’s “Eisen- Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. cate in Experimental Fashion from Cen- Greenbelt Park, Makati City. It is open ‘Interactive: 12 Human Senses’ stein’s Monster,” the discussion will Museum days and hours are Monday-Satur- tral Saint Martin’s, also in the UK. from Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Artist: Impy Pilapil go into media art, works relevant to the day, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call As slots are limited, reservations are Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. It is Nov. 26, 2007-Mar. 31, 2008 aforementioned work, single channel ex- 631-2417 or email [email protected]. required.

SPECIAL FEATURE Kapamilya g i ft s keep giving YOU don’t have to look far for gift ideas this Christmas. Various Lopez Group foundations are offering proudly Pinoy and attractive items that your clients, colleagues, friends or family members will surely appreciate. What’s more, by purchasing these alternative gift items, donations will be made on your behalf to the seller- Left: H2Hope all-occasion gift cards (l-r, organizations, specifi cally Bantay Bata, Knowledge Channel and H2Hope. top: Set A, Set B, Set C). Matte fi nish with The Lopez Memorial Museum’s Ricky Francisco glossy eff ect, 3.5”x3.5” folded. P10,000 for notes that the museum’s offerings are all derived from 50 packs, P15,000 for 100 packs. Packages their collection and are available in only a very limited include a certifi cate of donation. Above: quantity. Orders for new products such as commemora- Be Knowledge Channel’s walking adver- tive art plates, reproduction prints of particular artists, printed t-shirts, mugs and other products can also be ac- tisement with the KCh umbrella, P100; commodated as long as clients orders in sets of at least cap, P175; and keychain, P40. Far right: I 500. Love BB 163 T-shirt. Available in medium and large sizes. Ladies, P190. Men’s, P200.

Right: Tipos del Pais notecards in fi ve designs. 6”x 4” folded. Not yet printed (printing dependent on number of orders taken). Right (left to right): Memo pads (P50 each) and notebook (P195) by the late artist Pacita Abad. 10 LOPEZLINKSeptember 2007 SPORTS Meralco tops badminton tilt anew THE champion of a badminton each time against First Philippine gaining the championship anew at tournament among Lopez Group Holdings, Benpres/Lopez Inc. and 9-2. companies in 2005, Meralco suc- BayanTel. The powerhouse then The fight for third place or cessfully defended its top position blasted ABS-CBN Broadcasting second runner-up was also fraught at the 2007 Inter-Lopez Lifelong 8-3 in the semifinals. with excitement as ABS-CBN Wellness Badminton Tournament First runner-up BayanTel gave fought back against SkyCable, held August 25 and 26 at Club 650. Meralco a valiant fight in the final which crushed ABS-CBN 7-4 Meralco swept all 33 of its round, copping two of 11 games, during the elimination round. elimination games, winning 11-0 but Meralco proved too strong, ABS-CBN led SkyCable 8-3 in the final round to become second runner-up. SkyCable settled for fourth place of third runner-up. Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez, who opened the two- day contest with a ceremonial toss of a shuttlecock, reaffirmed his commitment to Lifelong Wellness as his legacy for the long-term im- provement of the health and well being of Lopez Group employees and their families. Lopez Lifelong Wellness czar Rafael M. Alunan III congratulated all the teams for participating and demonstrating true sportsmanship Team wins 6th straight basketball in the friendly games. Other teams championship.Customer Process/Relations Management Sports & who joined the tournament were won the 2007 Meralco championship, Class A division, against Manila wellness First Gen Corporation and Manila Sector in the best of three finals. The team is powered by Meralco North Tollways Corporation/Toll- Lopez Cup 2006 champion Mon Fabros, John Adug and Doy Quimson calendar ways Management Corporation. with Cezar Dawana as team manager and Roland Sayson as coach. This was the first badminton This is the team’s sixth consecutive championship. Other players 3S Course: Security, Safety tournament conducted under the include Tonichi Agoncillo, Aron Rivera, Rico Evaristo, Dan Calangi, and Self-Defense Wellness czar Raffy Alunan congratulates core account manager and auspices of the Lifelong Wellness Aldrin de Guia, Rolly Sol Cruz, Leo Rafael, Joel Bauto and Darryl August 31: Security at EL Meralco badminton team coordinator Romy Justiniano. program. Francisco. Center, Antipolo September 7: Safety at EL Center, Antipolo September 14: Self-Defense at Hail the 2007 PICPA tourney champs Asuncion Gym, San Juan Each module will be a full-day affair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historic triumph for MNTC-TMC bowlers Registration starts at 8 a.m. 5th Stress Management By Kurt Mendoza Metro Manila chapter, ended up besting more Program than 20 teams from different companies. September 3: Yoga Manila free A TEAM from Manila North Tollways Corp.- In the first of its three games, the team demo class, Benpres Gym Tollways Management Corp. (MNTC-TMC) was somewhat jittery, registering only 668 pulled off one of the biggest surprises in the pinfalls; this was not good enough to land Walk the Talk 2007 Philippine Institute of Certified Public them in the top 6. September 8: Accountants (PICPA) sports fest by topping However, the members rediscovered their UP Academic the bowling tournament. touch and form in the second game. Kurt Men- Oval, Diliman, It was the first time that MNTC-TMC doza and Ellen Ramos burned the lanes with QC joined the PICPA-sponsored tournament 211 and 174 pinfalls, respectively, while the rest held at the SM Megamall Bowling Lanes, of the team were as solid in their performance. 2nd Basketball Tourney and the first bowling tournament for two This carried them to the top spot after the sec- Mid September to November of the five members of the team. What’s ond game with a 20-pinfall advantage over the Venue to be announced even more astonishing is that the lineup of second placer, the defending champion from the MNTC and TMC was formed only on the Western Metro Manila chapter. Mt. Apo Mountain Trek day of the competition itself; they were not In the last and deciding game, MNTC- September 27 to 29: Davao able to practice together as a team. In fact, TMC opened a commanding lead coming one of the team members, TMC’s Bernard to the last two frames. The team was able to For more info, contact Gani Sanchez, was a late replacement and was keep its hold on the top spot and was declared Velasquez or Darlene Lamis at still suffering from jetlag during the compe- the tournament champion. 634-3715 or 631-6465 or email tition, having arrived from France the night The key team members received indi- [email protected] or before. Victoria Martinez (leftmost) and Nick Cruz (rightmost) of First Philippine Holdings vidual accolades: Mendoza received the [email protected] The MNTC-TMC team, one of the repre- Corp. cheered for the MNTC-TMC bowling team: Huger Labang (2nd from left), Kurt Male High Single and Average awards while or visit www.lopezwellness. sentatives of the Lopez Group for the Eastern Mendoza, Ellen Ramos, Bernard Sanchez and Bong Bejec. All are PICPA members. Ramos got the Female High Average Award. com.

DETERMINE the distance between Spread out. If the group is in an off the ground the current could tion of the current and the current’s may stop beating. Be prepared to where the lightning strike hit and area of high lightning danger, split go up one leg and down the other path through the body. administer CPR. Lightning is one your position by counting the num- up but still be within sight of each without passing directly through With a direct strike or side flash, of the few CPR situations where ber of seconds between the lightning other—20 feet (six meters) apart or the heart. the current is usually so large that the you may be able to revive some- flash and the thunder, and dividing more—unless this puts some people If person is lying down or has results are fatal. Ground currents can one without advanced life support, by five. (For kilometers, divide by in a site with a higher strike poten- a hand on the ground, the current be significantly less powerful, and so continue to do CPR as long as three.) Lightning safety experts con- tial. can enter through an arm and exit the current path makes a major dif- possible. Also, there may be elec- sider this the strike danger zone and Assume the lightning position. through a leg traversing all the major ference. trical burns that can cause volume advise people to follow the 30/30 Crouch with your feet close together organs and causing significant dam- Other injuries from lightning shock. rule. Take immediate precautions and your butt off the ground. Your age and frequently stop the heart. include ruptured eardrums, burns Anyone who has been struck by when thunder is heard within 30 sec- hands should be on your knees. Don’t Lightning injuries and even traumatic injuries since lighting or ground current must be When onds of the lightning flash and wait lie down on the ground. Don’t put Electrical currents can cause the a direct strike can literally hurl a evacuated for advanced medical care. for 30 minutes after the last thunder your hands on the ground. If possible, heart to stop, respiration to cease, person many feet/meters through (Sources: www.nws.noaa.gov, www. lightning is heard to resume your activity. crouch on top of a dry, insulating ma- thermal burns, muscle spasms, brain the air. weather.com, www.crh.noaa.gov/ Here is what you should do if terial like a foam pad or your pack. and nerve damage and initial blind- Treatment pub/ltg.shtml, www.lightningsafety. you are in immediate danger from If the person is crouching in ness. The extent of injury depends The most dangerous situation com, www.usatoday.com/weather/ strikes… lightning: the lightning position with hands on the amount of current, the dura- in a lightning strike is that the heart resources/basics/wlightning.htm) LOPEZLINK September 2007 11

Sudoku THE countdown to the world’s longest Christ- Maglaro tayo ng Sudoku, ang bagong libangan ng bayan! mas celebration starts as soon as the “brrrrs” Ayusin lamang ang mga numero simula 1 hanggang 9 make themselves felt. Make Christmas 2007 para ang bawat numero ay minsan lang magagamit sa more meaningful by patronizing the products bawat row, column at kahon. of the different Lopez Group foundations. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items will go toward furthering the worthy Dear Rosie advocacies of Bantay Bata, Bantay Kalikasan that, they will submit a proposal which includes the pricing. Interested and Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. parties may contact Chua at 0917-8248327. Here’s another good deed idea: pitch in ooOoo when the country observes International Coast- I was given a Bayad Center voucher for a certain amount that I used al Cleanup (ICC) Day at the Bay Walk/Mall of to pay my electric bill. However, the branch I went to said they did not Asia seawall and in Batangas on September honor such vouchers. Kindly clarify. Thank you.—JJ 15 (Saturday). The Philippine cleanup effort is CIS Bayad Center Inc. (CBCI) president Manny Tuason personally spearheaded by First Philippine Conservation replies to JJ’s concern: “Bayad Center vouchers are the means of redemp- Inc.’s Gerry Reyes, so Lopez Group support tion by our 500 Bayad Center raffl e winners. These BC vouchers have for the endeavor becomes all the more signifi cant. Read all about the ICC Day corresponding peso values as approved by the Department of Trade and and how we’re breaking records in the cleanup effort. Industry (DTI). We also gave out some vouchers during the franchising Speaking of reading, ABS-CBN Publishing has an irresistible offer for exhibit for the press and as raffl e prizes during event. As stated on the all Kapamilya: a whopping 50% on any of its glossy titles! Have your fi ll of BC vouchers, these may be used “at any Bayad Center except SM Pay- showbiz tidbits from StarStudio, helpful info for corporate and fashionable ment Centers.” These are not honored at the business centers of our billers types from Metro, kikay fun from Pink, recipes and kitchen tips from FOOD, (i.e., Meralco branches). They are considered cash payment only in our and a lot more. centers. Upon redemption, all Bayad Centers are instructed to retrieve the On the business and corporate fronts, the Group is doing extremely fully utilized vouchers and forward these to us. well as a whole, with First Gen, Benpres, First Philippine Holdings Corp., “Thank you very much for allowing us to clarify the matter. Should Bayan Telecommunications, Meralco and ABS-CBN among the most there be any problems with the vouchers in our Bayad Centers, please exceptional performers. Meanwhile, a merger in the offi ng involving refer them to my offi ce.” ABS-CBN and SkyCable promises some communication breakthroughs ooOoo to watch for in the next few months. Who are the “special members” of Mesala referred to in the article c Very Easy LopezLink, as you know, is the group-wide newsletter with the task “FAQs about Mesala” that came out in the August issue of LopezLink? c Easy of uniting all Lopez Group employees and fostering the Kapamilya spirit. Can someone who is not an employee or a relative of an employee join c Medium We continuously strive to make the news and features printed in these 12 Mesala? Thanks!—Loy pages relevant to your daily lives, and so we come to you with a request According to Mesala’s Ferdie Pabalan, special members are the g Hard for help: Please take the time to fi ll up the survey form that comes with relatives of the regular members up to second degree of consanguin- your copy of LopezLink this month. We would like to know which sections ity or affi nity. They are the spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, hit the spot and why, what works for you and what doesn’t. We value your parents-in-law, siblings and grandparents. They are allowed to open thoughts and ideas and we promise that they will be refl ected in future savings and time deposit accounts with the association, but not capital editions of LopezLink. Thank you in advance. contribution. ooOoo ooOoo How can we avail of the Track Me device? Is it sold on a “retail” basis? If you have questions, comments, opinions, suggestions and reactions Answer to August puzzle Thanks!—Sim about anything and everything about the Lopez Group, please send Solution, tips and computer program available According to Katrina Chua of Webcast Technologies, the company them to Dear Rosie through fax no. 633-3520 or to DearRosie@benpres- usually starts by discussing the product with the interested party. After at www.sudoku.com holdings.com. Maraming salamat! GLOBAL WARMING TIPS Get serious about saving energy WHEREVER you may be, there’s with a toaster oven, 0.9 pounds for away for a while, switch off the softener that the TV ads urge you to take fi ve-minute showers. Lower always something you can do to less- seven hours with a slow cooker monitor. squeeze or pour out, and see how the temperature on your water en the strain on the Earth’s resources and 0.5 pounds for 15 minutes in a Turn off car engine in heavy it still does the job. By consuming heater so that you do not have to and save a little bit of energy: microwave oven. traffi c. If your car will idle for more less, fewer chemicals go into the air add cold water to shower. Be picky with your appli- Reconsider your screen than 45 seconds, it’s more fuel-effi - and water supply, and less product Go CFL. Replace your fi ve ances. Cooking a dish for an hour saver. It takes more energy for cient to turn off the engine and restart packaging ends up in landfi lls. most used light bulbs with com- in an electric oven generates 2.7 your monitor to display a brighter the car when you’re ready to go. Take fi ve-minute showers, pact fl uorescent (CFL) bulbs. pounds of carbon dioxide. The color, so go with darker images, Halve consumption. Use half or even three. About 15% of an These light bulbs use two-thirds same dish creates only 1.3 pounds such as sepia portraits, outer space the toothpaste, shampoo, condition- average home energy bill goes to less energy and last up to 10 times of carbon dioxide for 50 minutes photos or nightscapes. If you’ll be er, lotion, detergent, bleach or fabric heating water. To save hot water, longer. (Source: Live Green)

LET’s take a road trip up North and experi- he can also cook! His wife Mary Ann manages ence the gastronomical delights of Pampanga the place and is in charge of setting up lunches REDISCOVER THE NORTH province. and retailing “Claude 9” food products. First stop is Abe’s Farm in Pampanga. It is Lunch costs P1,800 per head and is served located at the foot of Mt. Arayat, a 3,000-foot buffet style (minimum of 12 persons). The inactive volcano. menu is more nouvelle cuisine. Road tripto Pampanga’s best Like Provence Signature dish The farm is the private rest house of Larry For appetizers, a platter of Kapampangan J. Cruz, famously known as “LJC” of the LJC sushi, taba ng talangka, fried catfi sh with restaurant chain. This is the fi rst time LJC fermented rice and shrimps and pindang opened his farm to “non-friends.” He named balaw-balaw (carabeef meat). The main the farm for his bon vivant and gastronome course is quite a spread: sari-saring prutas father, the late Emilio Aguilar “Abe” Cruz. (seasonal fruits in a light Thai dressing), sor- The dinner was set up in the lower garden. bet sa dayap and champagne (sherbet), pako The blue and green colors reminded me of salad, lumpiang ubod, seafood kare-kare, food! Provence in France. Must be from LJC’s father’s “four-way” lechon (i.e., crispy skin, fried infl uence since he was acknowledged as the fi rst lechon with soft tortilla, inihaw, sinigang), Pinoy Francophile, being the UNESCO ambas- everybody’s favorite, seafood kare-kare and chicken wrapped in banana leaf and inasal, sador based in Paris in the 1970s. a stewed vegetable dish. For dessert, we had itlog ng pugo (quail egg) with mushrooms. Birthplace of ‘sisig’ maja blanca, suman in sweet condensed milk Dessert was Tayag’s signature dish of “para- I was expecting more exotic and exciting and fresh fruits. The cost is P1,750 per person diso” (macapuno, ube and kamote balls with dishes like betute (frog), kamaru (mole crick- for the meal (plus tip). cream of carabao’s milk). Free fl owing soft ets) or burong talangka (crablets). We were Renaissance man drinks, buko juice, beer and wine. served instead starters of sisig, crispy shrimps Another must-eat “reco” is Claude Tayag’s Both places need prior reservations. Book and buro (fermented shrimp) wrapped in mus- Bale Dutung in Angeles City. Tayag is truly in advance! Contact Merle (LJC) at 0917- tard leaves; then pako (fi ddlehead fern) salad, a renaissance man—he is an artist/sculptor, 8997731 and Mary Ann (Claude) at (045) at crispy pata, a yummy chicken dish that was writer and, with his resto, he has proven that 888-5163. Happy road trip! (RKC) 12 LOPEZLINKSeptember 2007

What’sfrom ABS-CBN Publishing new this September By Joseph Uy

‘Metro’ presents newest features a mom’s fi ght for her special child; dealing with in- ‘kapamilya’ Angel Locsin heritance rights; easy solutions to Showbiz’s most controversial actress is a fashionista toy clutter, kitchen dirt and faster too, and Angel Locsin bares plans for her latest ven- dinners; tiangge ideas starting at ture, a self-named women’s sportswear line. Of course, P5,000; and no more overtime with talk about her shift from one TV station to another can- one simple rule. not be avoided, and Locsin addresses the issue, as well as her immediate projects with the Kapamilya network. Also in this issue, Metro reveals the products that made Young entrepreneurs, new this year’s Beauty Awards, fashion from the recent Me- ‘FOOD’ unveils sweet-tooth trowear, trends in cleansing diets and what the men of love, new lives in ‘Chalk’ Maxim defi ne as “beautiful.” Finally, Toni Gonzaga is in—love with hunky direc- specials tor Paul Soriano. We got their love story exclusive FOOD Magazine presents dazzling desserts to end a in Chalk. Plus a double cover bonus—“Pinoy Big perfect meal or make a special occasion extra special. Ai-Ai talks about being a Brother” Big Winner Bea Saw shares her life after the From the Choco Mocha Delight, the Fruit and Coconut reality show. Maximize your style power with the hot- Cream Cake in the cover story to the Chocolate Truffl es single mom in ‘WM’ test accessories and fi nd out new ways to wear black. and Lamington Cake featured in the menu guide—these Ai-Ai delas Alas graces the cover with her three kids Learn from young entrepreneurs. Bianca Gonzalez gets desserts will leave you craving for more. Also in this in the family’s fi ve-bedroom house, and talks about the close and personal with a drug user that became a youth issue, throw a Sunday Indian lunch, get an awesome diffi culties of raising them alone and the reason she’s leader. Do you have the EQ to keep a guy? Find out in view of an organic orchard in Aurora, fi nd out what happier now without a man in her life. Plus, “MWM” Chalk’s September issue! happened at the Kiddie Cuisine Cookbook launch, and the ultimate trade show featuring the merging of Creative Programs Inc. and POWER PLANT FINDS ABS-CBN Publishing Inc.

Get the newest issues of your favor- Auspicious ite magazines at leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. For subscriptions, contact ABS-CBN Publishing Inc. at 924-4101 or 415-

additions 2272 locals 4658 or Joena Cabrera at

415-2852 or 415-2671. ✂ ✂

By Luis Reyes Coupled with its dazzling collection of light-clothed fabrics and summer-themed wear, this quaint store resonates a vibe EXPLORING new possibilities can yield surprising results. that is strong enough to make you get those beach balls out of Such is the case in Power Plant mall’s newest ventures in the the storage and into your car for a spontaneous beach trip! opening of its hottest stores and the renovation of its already Moana is conveniently located at the R1 level, below the sizzling line-up of shops and establishments. Archaeology wing. For inquiries, call 756-0055. Moana Vertex Not only does Moana offer fl ip-fl ops and beach apparel, The future is within reach with the introduction of Power but it also tenders a feeling of warmness to its visitors that can Plant mall’s newest tech-savvy store, Vertex. It boasts of gad- only be replicated by a trip to the Florida Keys. Those sad, gets like the latest mobile phones from Samsung, Nokia, Sony sullen stormy weather blues will be cast aside, once Moana’s Ericsson, and Motorola. Its assortment of accessories makes light, sandy, and coconut-fi lled atmosphere hits your senses. dressing up one’s ever-reliable handy companion a treat. Vertex is located at the R3 level. For inquiries, call 728-9540. Editorial Advisory Board Boo Chanco / Danny Gozo Levi’s Premium Store There is only one difference between a museum and the Executive Editor Rosan Cruz Levi’s Premium Store: your ability to buy the items displayed Contributing Editors in the store’s walls and its center aisles. This recent addition Carla Paras-Sison (Benpres) Marlene Ochoa (MNTC) to the mall is such eye candy that people can’t help but step Maite Bueno (Meralco) John Rojo (BayanTel) inside its glass-encased spot. And with the introduction of Estela de la Paz (First Gen) Juno Chuidian (SkyCable) Levi’s line of Copper denim bottoms, a trip inside this impres- Amy Mosura (ABS-CBN) Joseph Uy (ABS-CBN Publishing) sive depot of denims is sure to make your day! Nicole Carlos (FPHC) Vienn Tionglico (Rockwell) The Levi’s Premium Store is located at the R2 level of the Rafael Alunan III (Wellness) mall. For inquiries, call 898-1087. Circulation Lucy Torres (Tel. 449-2468) Sabater Optical Editorial and Layout HIP Custom Publications Department Sabater Optical does not seem to stop amazing its avid customers. With the reopening of its newly renovated and relocated store, Sabater now shines in the R3 level, where its Lopezlink is published by Benpres PR Group minimalist mix of glass and wood illuminate its collections of 4/F Benpres Bldg., Ortigas, Pasig City sunglasses and prescription lenses from brands like Lacoste, Telefax: 633-3520 Guess, Nike, and Rudy Project. For feedback, please email You may contact Sabater Optical at 898-0924 for further [email protected] inquiries.